Page:Journal history of the Twenty-ninth Ohio veteran volunteers, 1861-1865.djvu/145



guns had already taken position in a work thrown up to the right of Fort 3, and in the open field.

"December 20th. The usual artillery firing and sharp shooting to-day. By this evening we had constructed and in readiness for use in the contemplated assault, two hundred large straw fascines, to fill up ditches in front of the enemy's works; also a large number of fascines made of bamboo-cane. The latter were to be used for bridging the canal by laying them across baulks, which were furnished from the pontoon train for that purpose. The work on Forts 2 and 3 was well advanced to-day, and would probably be completed to-night. Three siege-guns (thirty-pounder Parrotts) were brought down this evening and mounted in Fort No. 2. I ascertained this morning that the enemy had completed a pontoon bridge from Savannah across to the South Carolina shore, and notified the general commanding corps of the discovery. This bridge was about two and a half miles from my left. The usual artillery firing was kept up by the enemy during the day and night. During the night I heard the movement of troops and wagons across the poontoon bridge before mentioned, and sent a report of the fact to the general commanding corps. Leaving one of my staff to watch the sounds in that direction, I notified my officer of the day and brigade commanders to keep a vigilant watch upon the enemy, as they were probably evacuating. The details on Forts 2 and 3 continued working through the night, the enemy shelling them heavily.

"December 21st. After 3 o'clock this morning the firing ceased, and my pickets advancing to the enemy's line, found them hastily retreating. Having possession of their line of works with all their cannon in front of my own and the other division of the corps, I immedi