The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1898-08-18
CHAPTER XIV.

4 FIERCE CONFLICT-THE FORMIDABLE
WATER BATTERY ARRIVAL OF THE
FLEET-BEATEN BACK.
Thursday morning broke calm and clear.
The air was chill, yet pleasant. The File
were awakened early from their slumber on
beds of dead leaves by the sound of rife
shots As if there were hu5bandry in
war;" some jealous spirits had begun long
range firing at the rebel tents as soon as it
was light enough to see to aim.
II don't see any special reason for disturb
ing ones slumbers to get shot at the reb-
els" said Bronson snappishly. They amt
like wild ducks or deep deer, that must be
hunted before sunrise. They'll stay with
Ms Well all have chance for a shot at
tbem.''
They stirred their fire. cooked the remain
der of the two days rations they brought
from Fort Henry, and made their breakfast.
O'Neil saw Capt Moore beckon to him,
snd he remembered then that that disagree
able foraging account had TO be settled. He
went up to the Captain, who said:
Sergeant, have been thinking over the
matter of that punishment great deal, and
Pye concluded % take the risk of disobeying
The Generals orders and drop the thing.
We're likely to have enough on our hands
to-day without that. But / give you en-
phatic warning that you mustn't let me
latch you IN such scTape again"
1t warD't the intintion this tonne, SUIT"
Eid O'Neil, saluting gravely, and, turning
On his heels, he marched back to his place.
The Captains eyes followed him with an
amused look
Now all was excitement and activity along
the line. Drums were beating, bands play
ing, and rifles cracking with increasing fire.
guency. A report floated down to the left
that the enemy had made sortie on the
right just about daybreak, and there had
been some pretty sharp fighting before they
were driven back. At s O'Clock the batteries
began firing slowly and jerkily, as if each
gunner were waiting until the spirit moved
him, or he saw something worth shooting at
before he fired.
Co. A was ordered TO deploy along the
bank Of Hickman Creek, the creek that ran
70 the left and north of the fort watch the
enemy. prevent any Of his men from crossing
the creek, and do him all the damage posi-
bic. The File was placed on the left of the
company, with permission TO act independ-
emily, as circumstances might suggest.
They got themselves in good position near
the edge Of the water, where they had a good
view Of the northern angle of the fort, of the
water-battery, and Of the river. The water
battery attracted their attention particularly,
as il was what would make the fight with the
gunboats and determine the issue Of the
struggle. 1t was formidable affair, and
its obvious strength rather discouraged our
friends 1t was built in three tiers, or was,
rather. three distinct batteries. The first
was near the waters edge, and mounted six
huge guns; the second was 60 feet farther up
the bank, and had five large guns, 81 and GA
Founders; the third was on top of the bank,
and mounted four 126-pounders.
The File had scarcely gotten into position
and fired few Intellectual shots at the rebels
on the opposite bank when gunboat came
In sight, and steaming slowly up TO within
mile of the fort opened all her bow gun:
upon the water-batteries. The heavy balll
skimmed along the water and fell short. She
moved a little closer, elevated her guns, and
her shots could be seen striking the breast
works and knocking the dust up on the banks
The File aided her efforts by firing at long
range at the artillerymen at the guns.
Suddenly all the guns in the water-battery
replied with q roar that shook the earth. II
seemed as if the rash gunboat must be swept
06 the bosom of the river. Great sheets o.