The National tribune., 1905-12-14

Brigades were charged with the duty
Of covering the rear of the army.
On the 4th the lower bridge on Bayou
Minette was re-eStablished, opening a
direct communication between the two
wings, and by the afternoon of the 5th
Spanish Fort and Blakely were both
included in the same general line of in
VeStment. In the meantime the works
against Spanish Fort had been diligent-
ly pushed forward, although sharply
the trenches and parallels widened and
emplacements ordered on the Sd, pre-
pared for the troops in preparation for
an assault; siege guns and material were
brought up from the rear, and bat
teries established in every effective po-
sition. On the 4th of April there were
in position against Spanish Fort 38
siege guns, and against Batteries Huger
and Tracy eight 30-pounder Parrot and
two Whitworth guns. The fire was
opened from all these at and con-
tinued until z p. m. AS the enfilading
batteries were not yet ready, and the
difficulties of the roads were such that
the supply of ammunition could not
be kept up, the fire of the batteries was
reduced on the 5th, 9Th and 18th, but
the other work was steadily carried on.
Gen. Candy had anticipated that the
investment of Spanish Fort by water
would have been effected by the navy,
but the shoal water and distractions
on Blakely Bar prevented this. Every
eAertion was therefore made to secure
the control of Blakely River by the
army and complete the isolation of the
fort. For this purpose batteries for
heavy guns were prepared on the east
side OF Bay Minette north of the bayou,
and preparations made for a boat ex-
petition to cut the treadway between
Spanish Fort and Fort Tracy, the final
bombardment and assault TO be pre-
way to cut off the escape of the garri-
son. The assistance required from the
navy was promptly rendered by the
Admiral, but the launches were at Ship
Island and Pensacola, and. although
sent for, could not be got up in season.
Disappointed in this expectation, and
at the suggestion of A. j. Smith, and
on account of the progress made on
his right, the time for the bonn bardment
was anticipated and ordered for $50
p. m. of the Sth. AT this time there
were in position against Spanish Fort
IS siege guns Including 10 20-pounder
rifles and 16 mOrtars) and 81 field
pieces. OF these 10 siege rifles and five
siege howitZers on our left center en-
fiIaded the enemy's left and center and
five siege howitZers close in on our
extreme right enfladed his center The
Bay Minette battery against Huger and
Tracy consisted Of two 100-pounder and
four 30-pounder rifles. One of the bat
teries against Spanish Fort was armed
With navy guns and manned by officers
and sailors of the squadron, volunteers
for the service. The fire of these guns
was opened at the appointed time and
continued until dark, the troops being
in the trenches and prepared to improve
any advantage that might be gained
Under cover of the commandment two
companies of the 8th Iowa, supported
by the remainder of the regiment and
fa1l sr1l6
of Goddess Brigade of Carrs Division,
effected a Judgment on the left OF the
enemy's line and gained position from
which about 200 yards of his intrench-
Elents could be eniiladed with a mus
kerry fire. This was soon taken. and
with IL about 200 prisoners, and the
captured guns turned upon the enemy.
Night had now fully set in, but Smith
was instructed To- put his whole force
TO work and press IL on to completion
A brigade Of Veatch's Division. then in
reserve near Blakeiy, was ordered by
telegraph to report to him, and Granger
was advised by telegraph of Smith IS
progress and instructed to direct the
fire and operations on his part so as
not to come in conflict with the force
at work within the enemy's lines. This
work, led by Col. Geddes and superin-
tended by Gems Carr and Smith was
pushed on diligently and persistently,
and soon after midnight all of the works
were in our possession.
The brigade from Veatch's Division
was not needed. and was sent back to
Smith. The Immediate fruits of this
Success we're the capture of these strong
forts, two miles OF Entertainments with
Gil the armament material and sup
lilies. four flags end more than COO pris-
c.c-s The major part Of the garrison
escaped by the treGd1ay to Fort Tracy.
ana thence to B!akciy and Mobile. In
this they were materially aided by the
carkncss and our imperfect knowledge
ci the interior OF their works. In these
last operations the force engaged con-
sisted or one brigade (Rertram's) and
one division (Benton's} of the Thir-