The National tribune., 1893-02-09
AT VICKS BURG.
The Charge of the 45th Ill. on Fort Hill,
June 26, 1863.


June 26, 1863
a FTER the failure and disastrous re-
~ suits attending the charge Oh the 22d
AA of May, 1863, it was decided to siege
the enemy and starve him out which
was a very wise and humane plan, if carried out
according to arrangements for it would lave
the effect to stop an unnecessary shedding of
human blood, and eventually result in the
capitulaton Of the enemy, who was nearly
starved ont, and the Union Generals knew it.
But, unfortunately for many a brave man who
fell on the 26th of June. there were officers Of
high rank who thirsted for additional glory,
for greater fame. and for more eagles" or
"stars" on their epaulets. Accordingly.
war conference was held by the leading Union
officers on or about the 18th day of June, and
it was decided to undermine Fort Hill, turn it
into powder magazine. and then blow it up.
The work of excavating commenced immedi-
ately thereafter, and the 45th III. LEAD Mine
Regment) was detailed for the work, as most
all of them, particularly Cos. G, d. and b. were
experienced miners, having been recruited in
the lead mine regions of northwestern Illinois
The work was started by digging an open ditch
eight feet wide and six feet deep, commencing
near the White House and leading in zig gag
direction toward Fort HILL The workers in the
ditch, in order to protect themselves from the
fire of the enemy's sharpshooters. constructed
out Of hazel brush or willows kind of circular
basketwork about three feet in diameter and
open at both ends, the interior Of which was
stuffed with cotton. This was rolled along on
the unfinished end of the ditch. and held all Of
the enemy's lead as fast as it came.
The work progressed favorably and rapidly,
and in due time the workers were up to the
outer edge of the fort. The work of excayating
then commenced and continued without inter-
val until completed. Ten thousand pounds Of
powder. If my recollection serves me right, were
then placed in the excavation and made air.
| tight, and everything was in readiness for the
explosion about o'clock q. M on the Goth of
| June
All of our heavy guns were In position on
elevated points to the rear, ready to opeu q
| ombardmeut when the explosion occurred.
| Our regiment (the 45th ILL., was ordered into
| the ditch about 10 o'clock a. N. We marched
in reversed position, Co. b in the lead, and
rested on our arms about 300 feet from the fort.
From some cause or another the explosion
was delayed until O'Clock p. N. Five min
utes before Col. Smith passed down the line of
| our regiment and cautioned us about leaning
! over on our guns as the shock of the explosion
might cause numerous accidents He also in
| spred us by patriotic words to do our duty that
| day. As near as l can recolect his words they
| were as follows:
Soldiers of the Lead Mine Regiment, whose
| bravery is part of the Nations history, you
have been selected to-day by the Commanding
| General to charge one of the principal fortiiica-
/ tions of the enemy's works; out of an army of
| $4,000 brave men you have been chosen for
this valorous duty, this high honor. Need |
say that every soldier will do his duty. No!
Your Colonel will lead you, and know you
| will follow to victory-or to DEATH"
| Ere the echoes of bis words died away the
explosion WAS heard, and the shock, as if of An