The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-11-12

was resumed. later the cutters drop.
| ped from the sides o fthirty-five of the
ships. loaded to the gunwales with
marines and sailors. simultaneously,
nifty steamwhistles shrIllcd above the
uproai--thc signal to fire at full capa-
city. Voices could not be heard, the
thunder was so terrific. When the
sailors had landed. the army on the
land face suddenly dashed forward, and
the marines charged the sea-face The
garrison fought desperately, throughout
the day and night until $40 p. NJ. the
next evening. The combined attack,
and the rain OF iron was Irresistible,
and Fort Fisher at last succumbed af-
ter an heroic defense.
| Anniversary Next February of Famous
Western Fort.
On tho 4th Of next February the
semi centennial celebrations will CEN
tire around strange little fort on tho
east bank OF the Tennessee River and
lconiIlanded 5onitlttee sides by high hills.
This old landmarls, d'ort Henry, was the
opening ;@edGe 1T the conquest OF it'd
Mississlppf valley 1t was on that
February day that the Confederate gar
rison, looking down the river. saw
gunboats and transports steamng to-
ward the fort. The course OF the riv-
er %as marked by dense columns of
smoke biilowinS over the trerz on the
banks Rain was falling In torrents.
The river was running swiftly, and the
Federal steamers had great difficulty In
making Roadway. Six miles below the
, fort the anchors wore let go and the
fleet came to mooring.
shortly after, shells and cannon balls
fell In and around the fort announcing
the arrival of the fleet. But the fort re-
manned silent. The next day the crews
were inspected, and the officers offered
prayer. as was the Gus tom with Admiral
Foote. The surface OF the river was
covered with heavy driftwoud, lumber.
fences and huge trees that crashed
against the sides of the vessels and
caromed off to continue their voyage
down the Tennessee. Curiously shaped
| objects in the river attracted attention.
They drew one abroad for inspection.
1t proved 10 be torpedo, which had
been wrested from it's fastening in front
of Fort Henry by the swift current
The escape of the gunboats from these
perils was miraculous; for IL they had
broken loose at night. while the men
were thruSttng away the drift wood
| from the bows OF the ships. one or more
torpedoes would have exploded and sent
the vessels TO the bottom with all on
board.
The following morning dawned warm
49," NiN"'' WIN uTteZc 10 dow
| away the battle smoke. During the
forenoon seven of the vessels weighed
| anchor and steamed up the river. The
gun crews stood silent at their posts,
! impressed by the task that lay before
them Not sound could be heard nor
an object seen moving on the river
banks. About noon the lookout on the
! fagships sighted the fort and the Con-
iederate flag. two miles away. a sin
] ,.ic
flagship. and was instantly followed by
| the entire fleet.
behind the Walls of Old Fort Henry.
The Confederate commander, General
Tilghman. realized that, though he had
about 1000 soldiers. he could not hope
to defeat the naval fleet and Grants
troops. when the latter. delayed by al.
most impossible roads. arrived. Turn.
ing to Captain Jesse TAYLOR, he said:
Can YOU hold out for one hour
| gainst determined attack"
Yes" replied Taylor.
We'll, then. gentlemen, rejoin your
| command and hold them in readiness