The National tribune., 1900-11-01

sons Ferry, on the Big Black River.
Early in the day the enemy appeared in
our front and tried to check our onward
course, but we continued to press them
back until about moor, when we found the
main body advantageously posted on
high, commanding ridge.
The second brigade was ordered to move
west on the Grand Gulf road, while the
rest of our division was engaged in de
veloping the enemy's position. We moved
a short distance on the Grand Gulf road,
and then made an abrupt turn to the
north. Our march was noiseless, and all
orders were given in q low tone. Oh to
our right the sound of heavy skirmishing
was heard, which became more distinct
as we hastened along through swamp and
thicket, when suddenly, late in the after
noon, we fell upon the enemy's right
| flank, crushing it with a single blow,
which caused the rebels to rush pell-mell
| toward Hankinson's Ferry, four miles
away.
The face of the country was broken and
! hilly, and was partly covered with dense
underground of timber, which afforded the
enemy chance to cover his retreat. We,
however, quickly took up the pursuit and
| followed close upon the heels of the panic
stricken foe. capturing about 200 prison
ers, who had hidden in the canebrake and
swamps along the line of march; also
| lot of wagons. We reached the ferry just
as the enemy's rear guard was crossing
over, capturing lot of pioneer tools and
preventing the destruction of the bridge.
1t now being night the chase was discon-
| tinued, and we went into camp, where
we remained the three succeeding days.
A heavy guard was put out in the best
| defensive position, and those off duty
hoped to be able to get good nights rest;
| but about 1O o'clock we were called to
repel n supposed attack. A bright moon
was shining, making the night nearly as
| light as day, yOlleys of muSketry mean
while breaking the stiffness of a Sabbath
evening on the Big Black. AT last bat
terry of artillery responded, and awoke the
| echoes across the Black by hurling n
storm of shot and shell into the enemy s
| lines, which caused n general stampede.
We were then permitted to rest in peace
until morning.
BATHING UNDER FIRE.
The following morning everything ap-
peared quiet on the opposite side of the
Black, so we went to the river and pro-
cured water to make our coffee. Mean
time a number of officers and men repaired
to the river to take q quiet bath. We
| closely examined the opposite shore, but
could see no signs of an enemy; yet our
picket guards were confident that the
bushes over there were full of Johnnies
| Lieut.. Richardson and several others
thought differently. We had removed our
clothes, ana were tHSdStu Ill GelUoNlllS
accumulation of Southern mud, when sud
denly from the opposite side of the river
| came a terrific crash of musketry, fol
lowed by the believing of artillery. Quick
ly the bathers came out of the water, and
hurriedly they dressed, in all fantastic
ways. Some, with shirts on inside ont
with bOsOms behind, and grabbing coats
and vests, made a hasty retreat.
While Lieut.. Richardson was hastily
engaged in executing a series of hops,
skips and jumps, 12-pound shot from
| rebel gun struck tree about 10 feet
away. The tree came down, and for
moment the Lieutenant's form was hid
soon after appeared, minus his hat, and as
he joined us remarked: How varied are
the charms of military glory"
Meantime the regiment was moving into
position on the top of an elevation about
60 rods away. Two batteries now moved
into position, and opened with solid shot
and canister, which soon caused the en-
emy to retire from our front
May we remained in camp in the
timber, half a mile from the river. Late
in the day the pickets on either side of
the Black had a lively engagement. Then
all would become quiet, only to be broken
few moments later by the bang. bang!
of the muskets of the blue and the gray.
Thus the three days rolled around.
Cur division train was ordered to return
to Grand Gulf-recently evacuated by the
enemy-after supplies, and May we
marched up the south side. of the Big
Black to Rocky Springs, where We re-
mained until the morning of May 3.
Meantime the utmost vigilance was main
tained to guard against an attack by the
enemy; and for this purpose heavy detach-
ments were sent far out on the flank to
ascertain, if possible, the presence of any
hostile force.
Sherman's men, dirty and way-worn,
but with a wild fire of delight and pride
in their eyes, were now swiftly approach
ing US from Grand Gulf. The early
morning of May 8 found us once more in
motion. After a march of about 10 miles
we went into camp near the little village
of Utica.
Early the following morning, Sunday,
our brigade was ordered out to lead the
advance. However, the order was re-
| voked, and we remained in camp until late
| in the afternoon, when we formed into
| line as Third Division train guard,
marched 10 miles, and toward the hour
of midnight went into bivOuac.
May IL we took up our line of march
in the direction of Raymond. We moved
rapidly over the ground, now in the bright
sunshine and now in n torrent of rain, un-
til late in the day, when we came to Il halt
and stacked arms on Reaches plantation,
where we remained until the next morn
ing.
CTo be continued)