Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 14.djvu/350

 344 Southern Historical Society Papers.

Shortly after dark a train of wagons brought in a liberal supply of provisions for the garrison from the enemy's commissariat. They were isued to the troops during the night-time, and early the next morning our men enjoyed the first good meal they had partaken of for a long time.

At seven o'clock on the morning of the gth, our line was formed in the field back of the railroad depot, near the landing, every man not too sick to be confined in the hospital being in the ranks. As General Gardner rude along the line, with his staff, he was enthusias- tically cheered by the men who had served so faithfully under him, and whose affection and confidence he had permanently gained during days and weeks of trial.

The enemy's column, marching down the road to the landing, ap- proached the right of our line, preceded by General Andrews and staff.

When Brigadier-General Andrews approached. General Gardner advanced with his sword drawn and presented the hilt to General Andrews with the following words ;

" Having thoroughly defended this position as long as I deemed it necessary, I now surrender to you my sword, and with it this post and its garrison."

To which General Andrews replied :

" I return your sword as a proper compliment to the gallant com- mander of such gallant troops — conduct that would be heroic in another cause."

To which General Gardner replied as he returned his sword, with emphasis, into the scabbard :

" This is neither the time nor place to discuss the cause."

The order was given along our line to ground arms, which was obeyed, and our men stood in line while the enemy had marched from right to left until they had formed in line betore us, when they hoisted their flag upon the bluff, fired a salute, and the ceremony was over.

It was now announced to our men that they would be paroled — news that was received by them with great satisfaction, particularly as they had made up their minds already to a term of imprison- ment.