The National tribune., 1903-11-19

AS AON0 AS xH6 bOAIS WEhh IN hANo1
early in the morning, about Z o'clock,
Sept. 27, we reached the high ground in
the rear of Augusta, and which perfectly
wheel boats lay at the wharf to assist in
the defense of the place. A 12-pounder
was mounted on each of them, and their
sides were protected by bales of hay. In
addition to the artillerymen, the boats were
manned by sharpshoOters. These boats
commanded the road on which we were ad-
vancing. About mile from the town
turned the column from the road and
marched through the fields to the hill upon
which took position. The crest of this
hill is perhaps 200 feet above the level
of the river, and about 500 yards from its
bank, the town running back to the base
of the hill. From our position we could
distinctly see the enemy going into the
houses and preparing to fight; but some,
whom We did not see, were already en-
sconced in the houses near the head of the
street by which we entered the town.
These latter kept themselves concealed
while we remained upon the hill, and our
ignorance of their location cost US dearly.
DRIVING OFF THE FLEET"
Seeing that the boats commanded the
street by which l wished to enter the
town, / determined to drive them away
before moving from the hill. Accordingly,
having dismounted and formed FIVE COM
panies, and planted the howitzers on the
highest point l could find, whence they
could probably chuck every shell into the
boats. ordered Co. A and the advance
guard to cross the Germantown pike and
take position near the bank of the river
in the eastern part of the town, where
none of the houses was occupied by the
enemy. From that point they would be
enabled to greatly annoy the troops on the
boats, and could assist in reducing the gar
risoned houses, when the fight in town
commenced. Capt. Cassell was placed in
command of this detachment.
"As soon as Cassell had taken his posi-
tion, the howitzers were opened upon the
boats. Several shells burst near them, and
one penetrated the hull of the Flagship
as l suppose l may term the boat upon
which the Captain commanding both Of
them had his quarters. Cassell's rifemen
also made themselves very disagreeable,
AMI after firing only three shots the fleet
withdrew. As long as the boats were in
range the bull pups kept barking at
them. They steamed up the river, out of
sight.
FIERCE FIGHTING.
Having driven off the gunboats, upon
which l knew the officer commanding in
the town chiefly relied for the defense of
the place, believed that / would have no
more trouble, and that the garrison would
surrender without more fighting. As the
sequel will show, l was much mistaken in
the temper of my enemy.
II Immediately entered by the principal
street with two companies. After we had
gotten well into the town and in front of
the houses into which some of the enemy
had gone unseen by us, sharp fire was
suddenly opened upon US, killing and
wounding several. ! at once ordered the
men to gather on the right hand side of
the street, although the firing came from
both sides, and to take shelter as best they
could. The fight that then began was very
fierce. sent for Cos. e. and l, and
portions Of L and NJ, leaving three Sec
tions Of each to guard the road in our
rear. / made the men force their way into
the houses, whence they were fred upon.
Capt. Cassell came to join me as soon as
he heard the firing, but unfortunately
Lieut.. Roberts forgot, In his ardor, the
order that no man should enter the town
mounted, and he dashed up to the scene
of the fight with his men on horseback,
greatly increasing the confusion. The Ser
geant who had charge of the howitzers
opened upon the town when he heard the
firing, and his shots did US as much harm
as they did the enemy. Lieut.. Roberts
was killed almost instantly, two or three
men and several horses of his guard were
also shot, and the crowding of horses into
the street added to the disorder. In few
minutes, however, some method was re-
stored. Details Of men were posted In the
middle Of the street in front Of every
house, to 6re at the inmates when they
showed themselves, and prevent them from
maintaining ah accurate and effective Are.
Other details were made to break in the
doors Of the houses and enter them. The
howitsss were brought into the town and
turned upon the houses In which the most
stubborn roslstanco Was kent pp. Planted