The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1905-05-04


moment before, that were useless to
them in the struggle that was going on.
1t seems to me can almost see the
conflict now raging, as it was SO vividly
impressed on my mind at the time if it
has been thirty-six years since that
conflict.
We finally drove them from the fort
into the ditch on the north side but as
they had full range at us, we were COM
PEELED to leave the fort and seek shelter
IN the ditch on the south side of the
fort, where many of our men were. A
great many dead and wounded and
some had not received scratch. About
the time we got into the ditch, Seargent
Griffith came along with few Confed-
crate prisoners following him and then
passed to the rear. But did not come
through the fort.
In the bitches around the fort during
the day hundred or more soldiers
were lying, some dead, some mortally
wounded, others only slightly, and
Others who had not received scratch.
The enemies works were so con-
structed that they could shoot into the
bitches which surrounded the fort, from
either side, and every few moments
some OF our soldiers were either killed
or wounded. 1t was dreadful sight.
The weather was extremely hot. The
wounded and dying were calling for
water, and the pain they suffered must
have beeen intense.
The enemy during the day would oil
shells down the embankment from the
fort into the bitches where our men
were for shelter, with lighted fire so
| they would soon explode, but there
being pool of water there we would
watch for them and toss them into the
water before they had time to explode,
land by that may have saved the lives of
many of our men.
4 1t is claimed by some, the enemy had
hand grenades and destroyed many of the
men in the bitches. Our men had the
| bayonets freely to dig holes in the side
OF the bank, which gave us some protec-
tion. Soldiers placed in position of
danger like we were, soon make out
some scheme for protection.
Several times during the latter part
OF the afternoon, the enemy called on us
to surrender, but we told them never,
then they would go for us harder tina a
ever.
We had some good sharp-shooters,
was not SO bad myself-with us and if
we had an opportunity to pick off some
of their men we would do so, more es-
pecially the artillery men. BY showing
that kind of fight we gave them to
understand we still had our fighting
harness on. But must hasten on and
not accept too much time on this point.
We remained in the ditch protecting
ourselves as best we could, until eve
ming, and noticed the enemy were get
ting ready to- charge on us, and we
knew If they did we were at their
mercy, as the main army had fallen
back all along the line. If we remained
there we would be captured, and it
seemed almost ike.committing suicide
to try to escape over the brow of the
hill, which we would have to pass, for
the enemy had their cannon on either
side Of the fort loaded with grape and
canister to NOW us down if we made
the attempt. A few of us held consul
tation and some said stay and be cap
tured. we could not escape; others said
we would make the attempt to run the
gauntlet, remember spoke to Major
Gearkee and he said he thought he
would try to escape. l told him l in
tended to try and get out, and so
crowd of us started. Some escaped and
some were killed in the attempt.
No one who was not there can form
any idea of the fierce combat that ragged
that day. l consider it one of the most
desperate battles of the war-both
sides fought like tigers.
l could mention many incidents of in
terest and bravery during that day, but
do not wish to particularize on any oc-
casion of this kind, as three regiments
that form this reunion, were there, and
all did their duty and did it bravely.
AS you all know, after the failure of
the charge, Gen. Grant decided to lay
seige to that place and it took forty
seven days to accomplish his object.
History tells you the restSbetter than
can.
1t seems grand, after thirty-six years,
to see some of the participants on both
sides of this great conflict, meet to-
gether here in grand reunion, under our
national emblem, the Stars and Strips.
Long may we be permitted to meet to-
gether in grand reunions, in love and
friendship.