Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 08.djvu/343

Rh General Breckinridge rode along the line and was greeted with enthusiasm. The men felt that the decisive moment had arrived, that victory was theirs. As the order "forward" was given, above the roar of the enemy's guns could be heard that clear, shrill, not-to-be-described cheer, called by the Federals the "Rebel yell." On moved the line unchecked by the heavy fire it met, closer and closer it came, until it seemed that there would be work for the bayonet, when suddenly the Federal line broke, panic-stricken, and, in a confused mass, fled to the river, to the shelter and protection of the gunboats. General Breckinridge had been anxiously listening for the sound of the Arkansas' guns. It was now 10 o'clock. Had she done her part the enemy was ours. But the heavy fire from the gunboats on our position was evidence that she had not arrived. Orders were therefore given to burn the camps, and the command retired a short distance out of reach of the gunboat fire and remained waiting, anxiously waiting, for the Arkansas. Late in the afternoon news of her fate reached General Breckinridge, and the little army moved back to its camp on Comite river. Just before daylight, when the Arkansas had reached a point some four miles above Baton Rouge, a serious break occurred in her machinery and her engine refused to work. Finding her drifting helplessly, her commander, Lieutenant Stevens, moved her to the shore and every effort was made to repair the damage, but without success. In the meanwhile negroes had conveyed word to the enemy her whereabouts and her condition. An easy capture was anticipated, and two gunboats were sent to bring her in. But the Arkansas was not destined to become a trophy of her foes. General Van Dorn, in his report to the Secretary of War, described her destruction in language so graphic that I quote it here: "On the cautious approach of the enemy, who kept at a respectful distance, Lieutenant Stevens landed the crew, cut her from her moorings, fired her with his own hands, and turned her adrift down the river. With every gun shotted, our flag floating from her bow, and not a man on board, the Arkansas bore down upon the enemy and gave him battle. Her guns were discharged as the flames reached them, and when her last shot was fired the explosion of the magazine ended the brief but glorious career of the Arkansas. It was beautiful, said Lieutenant Stevens, while tears stood in his eyes, to see her when abandoned by commander and crew and dedicated to sacrifice, fighting the battle on her own hook."

About a week after the battle, Baton Rouge was evacuated and the forces there returned to New Orleans. The Mississippi river