Page:History of the Forty-eighth Regiment, M.V.M. during the Civil War (IA historyoffortyei00plumm).pdf/59

 great artery of our country, and thus conduce more than in any other way to the perpetuation of the Confederacy and the success of our cause."

Most people probably have a tolerably clear idea of Grant's campaign against Vicksburg. As the history of the 48th Regiment is inseparably connected with the siege and capture of Port Hudson, it is proper that at this point some description of that place and its defences should be given.

Port Hudson is situated on a bend on the eastern side of the Mississippi about twenty-two miles north of Baton Rouge, and 147 miles from New Orleans. It is 300 miles below Vicksburg. The bluff rising abruptly some forty feet above the surface of the river was covered with fortifications for a space of nearly four miles, constructed upon the most scientific principles of military art and armed with the heaviest and most approved guns which England could furnish the Confederates.

The river as it approaches the bend suddenly narrows and the current striking the west bank is thrown across with great velocity and carries the channel almost directly under the precipitous cliffs. Any vessel attempting the passage would be compelled to run the gauntlet of a plunging fire from the batteries which commanded the river for several miles above and below. Thus it will be seen that on the river side the position was so fortified by nature and art that it was practically impregnable.

On the land side it was scarcely less so. There it was protected by a high parapet extending some seven or eight miles in a semi-circle from river to river, in front of which was a ditch from ten to twelve feet wide