Year: 1864




sbouId. An hour was consumed during this parey,
Immediately after which the enemy advanced


SECOND CHARGE.


The houses near the fort were again occupied by
sharpshooters and the Rebels moved rapidly with in
creased numbers and apparently full determination to
succeed They dashed forward from behind buildings
and such other objects served to cover their advance
while the main column rushed upon the fort despite inc
murderous fire that opposed them. But their ehorls
were futile. The ndomitable " six hundred had no
idea Of being Overpowered, and amid the answering
thunders from fort and gunboais, and the nhoiokeh
rattle of small arms the enemy was again repuseu ana
fed from the Geld dlsordered and whipped Not less
than 500 men dead wounded covered the field within
rifle range of the fort. A moro gallant defense was
never made But the fighting did not cease with this
repulse The Rebels swarmed thicker and thicker IN
the buildings, and uninernitting storm oil lead was
poured from roofs and windows, Notwithstanding the
houses were being perforated by shot and shell from all
our guns.


Every gun in the fort was now turned upon the town.
while the cunboats took an active part in sweeping the
ST. Gets and sheng the houses The enemy finding that
our force was not strong enough to risk leaving tue
works did not reform bis whole line again. but sent ms
men by dotachments several hundred strong into the
city, to burn and piage and others to recniorce
those who yet firing upon the garrison Now WAS
the hardest trial brave fellows had to bear. In
spite of the shells that sent crashing through the
buildings the sharpshooters, who by this time must
have numbered nearly 0O0 held their positions or ose
falling back for few min1tes again came forward and
delivered their fire.


1t was now nearly night The battle had continued
from O'Clock TO after and yet the fate of the day re-
maned undecided. The heroic garrison, headed by
their resoute commander still stood unfalteringly to
their posts while the enemy conscious of the strength
of his overwhelming numbers seemed 10th, although
sgnaly repused yield the fact Of hs undeniable
defeat.


-Four hours hod passed during three Of which there
was an almost unbroken roar Of artillery and small
arms In the mean time the Rebels had occupied every
part Of the town The headquarters and
buildings which were in the most compactly built part
of the city, had been sacked and fired. The marine
ways had also been fired, and the steamer Dacotah
which was on the stocks for repair boarded, the
crew robbed of everything and the boat burned Al
most every store in the place broken open, and lis
contents damaged destroyed. carried off Clothing
and especially boots and Shoes have been chiefly
sought for although exceedingly large quantity Of
all styles and qualities Of dry goods groceries and pro-
visions was carried off. Every horse that could be
found was taken and in fact nothing that could suit
taste or convenience was overlooked.


As the sun began TO sink the sackened fire from The
buildings told that sbelling had not been without
effect and the Rebels could be seen from the foTt as they
left the houses by hundreds and moved back toward the
upper end Of the town bearing their dead and wounded
Many, however, remained behind, and although the
firing was now light il was continuous.


BY this time the ammunition In the fort was weS nigh
exhausted and it is barely possible that If the enemy
had again attempted 10 storm the works the small
garrison might have been overpowered BY sheer stress
Of overwhelming numbers. But his disastrous expert
e,ce Of that day deferred him. and his offensive opera


ops were confined TO sharpshootng from the buildings
This was kept mp until nearly midnight when the firing
ceased entirely and the Rebels left the town. Col
Hckss announcement TO the garrison that their anmu-
,son had almost given out but that they would defend
themselves with the bayonct was received with loud
cheers and showed determination TO fight to the last
That was


To the occupants of the fort The knowledge that their
means Of defense would not If attacked. last much


longer that tie enemy still within gun-shot of them
with force outnumbering them nearly ten TO one' and
that it was very probable that night attack would be
made disncned all to sleep and the pcremptory order
of COL Hicks that every should remain broad awake
and stand 10 his post scarcely necessary SO the
night passed. every man awaiting expectanty the anti
cipated attack and determined TO win OF die
! NEXT MORNING (26TH)


The enemy was found to be still in our front, but
some hundred yards in Of his original line Of the
day before Everything pointed to another attack and
another day Of trial for gallant garrison In view
of this Col Hicks sent out several deachments with
orders TO burn oil the buildings which had been occu-
ped by the enemys shapshOoters on the previous day
or that could afford them similar protection in the
event Of an attack on this day This order promptly
executed and in less than Is minutes that part OF the
town below Broadway and between Market street and
the river together with many other buildings outside Of
those limits was in flames Many Of the finest business
hou.es and dwellings were thus destroyed, and none
who have formerly been acquainted with this once
beautiful city can help regretng the sad but imperative
necessity that called for its partial destruction About
O'clock flag of truce emerged from their lines, and
approached the fort 1t covered proposal for an ex
change Of prisoners Forrest having about 800 OF our
men who were surrendered at Union City and 30 or 90
captured in hospital the day before. Col Hicks having
no power TO exchange prisoners replied In accordance
with that fact and the Confederate officer departed.
Aeain VIC waited in anticipation Of an attack mo-
mentarily when verbal communication was sent Ia by
Forrest asking for private interview in case further
fighting could be obviated by negotiation.


Col Hicks with bis characteristics pluck, replied YER
baIly that hc accompanied by two officers Of desg
mated rank, would meet Gen. Forrest and two officers
Of corresponding rank with or without arms. at any
mutually convenient spot This occurred after noon
No reply was received ard no attack was made and 50
the day wore away-the enemy yet threatening. but