The National tribune., 1900-02-22

and the boys often made good use of their
time in that way. But everybody admits
that, when all is said and done, it takes u
man TO stand at the breech of a gu.
DESTRUCTION OF FORT HILL.
During this period Fort Hill, on our right,
of which l have just been writing, was
blown up by our forces. A great many
rebels were killed by the explosion. The
tort was torn to pieces. Our men charged
Immediately and We're met by heavy fire
from the enemy, who had fallen back and
occupied their ritie-pits, so yards in the
rear 1t proved 10 be regular slaughter
pen for our men, and they were compelled
to retreat as rapidly as possible.
From June rs 10 July ., inclusive, The
situation remained about as usual, with
little 10 vary the daily proceedings Of the
TWO opposing armies. Occasionally de-
suitory firing occurred with few, if any,
fatalities. On the morning OF July 3 the
rebels opened out very briskly. and we re-
turned the fire with vim, giving them 10
understand that we We're as fresh as when
We began the siege. About 9 O'Clock a. IN.
a big white flag was raised on the rebel
works. HoStililies ceased Immediately on
both sides. In short time Pemberton and
staff came out and went TO Grants Head
quarters, where they remained until II ln
when they returned 10 the city. AT = p. IN.
they again repaired Ia Grants Head
quarters and remained until ) O'Clock, and
then went back to Vicksburg
That evening Grant notified the whole
army that Pemberion had about agreed To
surrender. but wanted until 10 O'Clock Of the
next day 10 decide definitely in regard to the
matter. Every soldier rejoiceh in his heart
over the thought that the siege was so
nearly ended, which had already lasted 46
days.
Orders were given for the distribution of
100 rounds Of ammunition 10 every soldier,
nd IN. A.aNT fkRs.1r
the next day III case hostilIties should be
resumed.
The morning of July i opened clear and
bright, with the army III good shape and
eXultaEt spirits. As the hour Of 10 o'clock
approached We began to wonder as 10 the
moment was noted as 10 O'Clock drew near.
"vICKSBURG Is OURS"
All 10 minutes before 10 the cartridge
boxes were pulled around To the front and
opened ready for action at word of com
mand. just then the big white flag Of sur
render was raised on the rebel works. 1t
wanted five minutes 10 10 o'clock. AT
sight OF the flag the men sprang to their
feet and threw their caps high in the air.
and from thousands Of throats came the
cry;
L am unable through the medium Of the
pen 10 do justice 10 the occasion Let il
suffice TO say that it was one of the graudest
days of my life and never to be forgotten
Pemberton's army had dwindled to ~, Geo.
Where were the $4,000 absent ones; At
Champions Hill, Black River Bridge and
Ficksburg, and many prisoners or deserterS
were with us. Grants army of 1900
when the campaign tegan, had decreased
| TO 81 600 on July 4.
The following day was Sunday, July >.
and our army rested, the first time OH
Sabbath since April 8, 1863.
Gen. Grant began his march 10 jackson,
Miss, 80 miles distant, on July q. The
| first day Of the march our advance-yuards
came III contact with .johnston's s forces, and
! Il lively skirmish followed The rebels
made no long stand. however, and we con
| tinued tlll night, when we encamped with
our forces drawn up IN line Of battle. Aboui
/ noon Of the next day we PASSED over thC
| battlefield Of Champions Hill Here We
stopped three hours took n survey of The
! field where the terrible conflict OF MAY IL
| had occurred, upon which so many thou.
sand OF our brave boys went down 10 death
| The evidences Of the terrific artillery and
muSket fire were thick on every hand Tie
trees were fairly honey-combed with shot
WINDING IT UP.
Our army again pressed on. Some
skirmishing ensued. AT Clinton, "A village
10 miles west OF jackson, We halted for the
night. We resumed our march next morn.
ing, July s.
An amusing scene came under my OBJ
servation At "A large farmhouse. with the
barn close by Oh the opposite side of tn.
road from the house, some of the artillery
boys were catching calves and Sheep in the
harnyard, and tying them on their wagons
Just then an old lady came out of the house