CHAPTER XIV.
Running the Batteries.
"In obedience to orders from the admiral," began the ensign, "theConcord, with the iron-clads, commenced making preparations to run thebatteries, by greasing the casemates to glance shot, and by protectingthe machinery with heavy timbers and bales of hay. When every thing wasready, the long-looked-for signal was made. The vessels took theirstations in accordance with a general order that had been issued a fewdays previous--the Concord, with a coal-barge in tow, being the fourthin advance.
"As soon as the anchors were weighed, all hands were called to quarters,the ports closed, and every light on board the ship, except those in themagazine and shell-rooms, was extinguished. I took my station beside mymen, who stood at their guns as motionless as so many statues, and inthat darkness awaited the issue of events, with feelings that can not bedescribed. The moment I had so long been dreading was fast approaching.Would I survive the experiment?
"As soon as the vessels were fairly under way, the engines were stopped,and we drifted along with the current. Not a sound was heard, except thecreaking of the wheel as the pilot guided the vessel down stream. Ibecame more and more excited each moment, until finally my suspenseseemed greater than I could bear. That awful silence was worse than thefight itself. I became impatient, and strode up and down the deck,anxiously waiting for the first roar of a gun that should announce thatour approach had been discovered. How I longed to look out and see whatprogress we were making! But the ports had been closed, with imperativeorders that they must not be opened without the captain's command, and Iwas obliged to remain in ignorance of what was going on outside.
"At length, after remaining at our quarters for nearly an hour--to me itseemed an age--the loud roar of a gun burst upon our ears. The pilot atonce rang the bell to 'go ahead strong,' and the puffing of the enginestold us that we were rapidly nearing the city. Soon, from anotherdirection, came a second report, accompanied by a shell from 'WhistlingDick,' which went directly over our heads, and exploded far behind us.This was followed, not by the report of a single cannon, but by a crash,as if all the artillery of heaven had been let loose at once, and shellsand solid shot, with a noise that was almost deafening. It did not seempossible that we could succeed in running by the batteries; besides, Iwas very much averse to being shut up in that manner, without theprivilege of returning shot for shot. The idea of allowing my vessel tobe made a target of, when so many brave hearts were waiting impatientlyto give as good as they received, did not at all suit me.
"Until we reached the city, the Concord escaped unhurt, and I began tothink that our danger was not so great as I had at first supposed, when,just as we arrived opposite the upper batteries, a shot came crashingthrough the sides of the vessel. The deck was lighted up for an instantwith a flash, and the groans and shrieks that followed told that it hadbeen too well directed. Confined as the men were, in total darkness,where it was impossible for a person to distinguish those who stood nextto him, such an occurrence was well calculated to throw them intoconfusion. I believe that every one on deck was frightened, but theorder, 'Stand to your guns, lads!' delivered in a firm voice by theexecutive officer, at once put an end to the confusion.
"'On deck, there!' came thundering through the trumpet. 'Open the ports,and return their fire!'
"How my heart bounded when I heard that order! And the men, too, anxiousto be on more equal terms with the enemy, sprang at the word, theport-shutters flew open with a crash, and the city of Vicksburg burstupon our astonished view.
"The rebels had profited by their experience, and instead of finding thecity shrouded in total darkness, as I had expected, a glare equal to thenoonday sun lighted up both the river and the city, the latter seemingone blaze of fire. The vessels in advance of us were rapidly answeringthe fire of the batteries, and the waters of the river, usually soquiet and smooth, were plowed in every direction by the shrieking,hissing shells. It was a magnificent sight, one upon which I could havegazed with rapture, had I been a disinterested person; but, as it was, Ihad no time to dwell upon it.
"'Out with those guns--lively!' shouted the captain. 'Give the rascalsas good as they send.'
"For half an hour the fight continued, the rebels sending their shellsthick and fast about our devoted vessel, and we directing our fireagainst the water-batteries, which lined the shore as far as the eyecould reach, when suddenly the pilot rung the bell to stop, which wasfollowed by a command shouted down through the trumpet to 'Backher--quick!' I scarcely noticed the circumstance, until one of my menexclaimed, in a frightened voice, 'We are drifting into the bank, sir,right under the batteries!'
"The appalling fact was too evident. We were fast approaching the shore,and the engines appeared to be working in vain against the strongcurrent. A cry of horror burst from the lips of the men, who desertedtheir guns, and made a general rush for the after part of the vessel. Iwas astounded. Had the Concord been disabled, and was the captain aboutto run her ashore and surrender? But I was not allowed much time to askquestions. The conduct of the men recalled me to my senses, and, afterconsiderable difficulty, I succeeded in bringing them all back to theirquarters.
"'The vessel must have been surrendered, sir,' said one of the men.
"'I can't help that. I've received no orders to cease firing. Let themhave it. Powder-boy, bring two eight-inch canister as soon as possible.Run away lively, now.'
"The vessel still continued to approach the bank, and several of thenearest batteries ceased firing, while the rebels, supposing that shewas about to surrender, came running down the bank in crowds, callingout:
"'Have you struck your flag?'
"'No!' came the answer, in a clear, ringing voice, which I knew belongedto the captain. 'That flag floats as long as one plank of this vesselremains above water!'
"This reply was followed by a shell from one of our broadside guns,which burst in the very midst of a crowd that was preparing to boardthe vessel the moment we touched the bank; and by this time the Concordbegan to mind her helm, and commenced moving from the bank. Theastonished rebels hastily retreated to the cover of their breastworks,and I succeeded in getting my guns loaded in time to use the canisterupon them. The vessel soon got headed down the river again, and at twoo'clock in the morning we rounded to, out of reach of the batteries. Thepassage had been effected without material damage to us, and it was witha light heart that I repeated the order, 'Secure your guns, lads!' Thebattle was over, and after the decks had been cleared, and the woundedtaken care of, the dead were laid out in the engine-room, and coveredwith the flag in defense of which they had delivered up their lives. Theweary sailors then gladly answered to the order, 'All hands stand byyour hammocks,' and I retired to my room almost exhausted, but highlyelated at our glorious success."