The National tribune., 1898-08-04
CHAPTER XXIII.
ON sHARPsHOOTER DUTY-PREPARING
FOR ACTION-THE ASSAULT ON FORT
HENRY AND VICTORY.


ON SHARPSHOOTER DUTY-PREPARING
FOR ACTION-THE ASSAULT ON FORT
HENRY AND VICTORY.
That evening the File were the heroes of
the campfire, and their adventures during the
day were discussed everywhere.
1t was a delightful evening. The air was
soft and invigorating as the advancing season
could make it. The place where the regi-
ment was camped was high and dry. Wood
was plenty. the fires bright and comfortable,
the rations good, and the fortune that had so
far attended the advance into the enemv's
country inspired everybody with the highs st
authorizations Of success in the assault that
was to take place. The full moon came up,
broad and resplendent, shedding such oceans
of light that 1t suggested to Rev. Mr.. Mar
brett. who was holding a prayer-neeting
under the spreading branches of large oak,
the pillar Of fire that led the Israelites on the
path chosen for them by God. and he made
effective Use of the comparison to encourage
his hearers.
The Surgeons who had examined O'Neil's
wound decided that ii was not seriOus if every
thing went right, but he had better not take
the chances by remaining in camp, but i'm
mediately 90 on board the hospital-boat.
That II keep me from goin' wild the byes
into the fight to-morrer. want it ," said he,
when the Surgeon announced his decision.
Certainly" said the gentleman Of the
green sash.
Thin, I want 90" said O'Neil sturdily.
"Oi'm livery bit as able to 90 as any ither
man in the regiment Sind some divil in me
place what don't care about sayin' the fun OF
takin' their ould fort -
There are plenty who would like to take
your place." said the Surgeon, with sigh,
remembering the brazen impostors who had
tried TO get placed on the sick-list "Theres
Peoria and his crowd. Of your company, they
came 10 me TO get excused. Some of them
had the rheumatism and some Of them some
thing else. but ! couldn't find enough the
matter with them 10 excuse them, and told
them 50. Then they went to the Quarter
master and 90; a detail Oh beard the boats,
and hear they've gone TO Paducah. But as
for you, if vouII Just glance at my shoulder
straps You'll see I'm YOUR superior officer,
and when ! order you TO 90 TO the hospital
boat as do now, you've nothing else TO do
but 90, and 60 you must"
O'Ncil growlcd: there was nothing to do
but obey and march of to the hOspital-boat,
his comrades attending him and helping to
5rry his things.
Later in the evening. as the rest of the File
sere sleeping soHndly 10y the fire, they were
awakened by Capt. Moore, who said there
was a call for a few men to 90 on the gun
boats as shaTp~hOoters. and asking them if
they would like the duty.
They accepted the opportunity with
avidity, and were told they would be called
for when wanted in the morning.
The bright full moon was obscured behind
.1a do l. Gbp fha
earth and air, vivid lightning cleaned in
cessantly, and then dashing, drenching
rainfall set in that speedily ended the band
playing and the singing, and drowned out
the beautiful campfiTes.
- How lucky it is that O'Neil has gone
aboard the boat said Walter, as they
croucLed under their blankets. and sub
mitted as patiently As possible to the dIench-
ing Of the binding storm. This might
have affected the poor fellows wound so
badly a TO have killed him"
Morning broke gloomy and lowering, with
the rain sullenly pelting down The regi-
ments were mustered in readiness for the
work Of the day, which was TO make a cir
cuitous march 10 gain the rear of the fort,
and 20 make az assault from that direction
Bronson, Karl, Walter and Stock went down
TO the landing. where they were Joined by
other soldiers on board the tug Spiteful, -
and were carried by it up the river where the
four ironclads were lying. The putting
little tug drew up alongside one Of these
the Cincinnati, " the flagship Of the squad
ron. and transferred them to it. When they
arrived on board. pleasant-faced full
WhiskeTcd. slender, medum-sized man in
full Uniform was standing IN front Of the
assembled officers and crew, addressing them
IN tones and words that strangely blended
the characteristics Of the commander and
preacher He exhorted them TO do their
duty as they loved their country and feared
their God, adjuring them to act as American
sailors always had IN the hour Of battle, and
make the name Of the Cincinnati as
honored as those Of the Constitution, the
Essex, and other great ships names in our
naval history. lie said that he was going to
win the victory or sink the irOnclads ia tie
Tennessee, but he had no doubt they would
win a complete victory. Reminding them that
every shot from their guns cost the Govern
ment eight dollars, lie begged them TO be
careful that not one was wasted, but sent TO
the spot where it would DO the most effective
work, and concluded with what assembled
the benedictiOn at the close OF church ser
vices.
Then the Bos'n whistled shrilly and the
groups dissolved, the men moving away 10
their work Of getting the boats in readiness
for action. The speaker shook hands with
several officers around him, the commanders
OF The other boats gave them some final
advice concerning the approaching contest,
and bade them adieu with the solemn in
vocation to Almighty God TO protect and
shield them they stepped into boats tina;
were awaiting them and were rowed away.
THAT can't be your Chaplain?" said