The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1899-02-23

There were seven of these, all powerful
vessels. 1t was an impressive spectacle
as they moved slowly and Sternly toward
the towering bluffs crowned with enor-
nous guns. There was an hour OF IN
tense expectation, as they deliberately
took up their positions and awaited the
signal to begin the battle. At o'clock
this came, and they opened terrible
broadSide into the rebel works. The lat
ter replied savageIy, and soon the noises
oil the different guns blended into one in
dIStlnguishable roar. The feet moved
steadily onward until it was within pistol
shot OF the batteries and the cOncuSSlon
was deafcning. But though the rebels
burst several guns, and had many others
slenced, they stuck bravely to their
works, and after five and half hours of
desperate fighting, the eager watchers 90
the transports were mortified to see the
boats Sullenly retiring badly crippled in
men and armament, and the rebels fol-
lowing their retreat with piunging shots
from long range guns, mounted on the
rock that lifted its head 20 feet above
the surface of the water.
This unexpected result compelled a
change of the plans. The transports
moved back TO the landing, the troops
went ashore, and marched around through
the swamp to a point below the rebel fort.
As soon as it became dark the gunboats
moved down the river again, and renew ed
their attack. While they occupied the
attention of the rebels the transports ran
past and gained a position below the bat
terles, receiving but little injury on the
way.
All night long Walter and his com
panions toiled along the swampy
roads, each loaded down with as much
provisions as he could carry. What few
| teams had been brought along were en-
ployed in dragging ambulances loaded
with ammunition, and the rations had to
be carried by the men. They were ready
TO drop with fatigue, when they arrived at
the river bank. but there was no time for
resting. Three days rations were served
out 10 each man, and by this time it was
daylight. The transports and the gun
boats now came up and took on board all
| that they could carry, and crossing the
river, landed them at the little town of
Bruinsb burg
The movement had completely de-
ceivcd PcmbertOn, the rebel commander
pretended and very SNOWY movement
against Haines's Bluff, by Sherman, who
had been left behind at Miiliken's Bend
for that purpose, had decoyed the bulk
of the rebel forces TO that place, instead
OF being where they could resist the pas
sage OF the river. The head of the cross
ing column encountered nothing, but was
allowed TO land without shot being fired
| at ,t.
As the First Regiment filed of the boat
two men in tattered uniforms, who were
standing on little knoll near the land
| ing place watching the progress OF de-
barkation with eager interest gave an ex-
clamatlOn of pleasure, and started down
towards the regiment on a run. When
they came near, some body cried out
why, there's Bronson and Karr' and
the establishment OF the rest found vent
in cheer OF glad greeting. For an in
thar ,l.ar, 81
hands, but the business in hand was too
pressing TO waste time in displays OF
friendship, or answering any of the thou
sand questions that crowded to the lips.
The Colonel rode up and said:
"Serg't Bronson, we are very short Of