Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 22.djvu/23

 Tin frill / Arkansas /w. n

were ordered to fall back to the fort, between i and 2 o'clock P. M. On arriving at the fort (agreeable to instructions) the brigade took position to the left of the igth Arkansas Regiment, of Dunnington's brigade. Hart's Battery on the right, the 6th Texas Infantry, 24th and 25th Texas Cavalry (dismounted), in succession, formed the right to the left.

The line was on a prolongation with the north front of the fort, nearly at right angle with the river, extending westward toward the bayou. I directed a company from each regiment to be thrown well to the front, deployed to cover it, and each regiment to proceed im- mediately to throw up such defences in front of its line as the means and circumstances would admit of.

About dusk the enemy's gunboats commenced bombarding the fort and shelling our position generally, continuing it for about three hours, fortunately doing but little damage on our part of the lines, save to artillery horses. The command, although totally unpro- tected, continued to work on the defences during this trying ordeal; and diligently throughout the night and the next day, until we had to resume arms to receive the attack of the enemy's infantry.

Owing to the scarcity of tools and materials, but little progress was made, and the works, thus hastily and imperfectly constructed, afforded but slight protection.

Sunday, the nth, about sunrise, the igth Arkansas Regiment, of Dunnington's Brigade, with four pieces from Hart's Battery, were ordered from my right to the extreme left of our line, to cover the interval thus made. I ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson to take ground to the right with his regiment by extending intervals, which consequently rendered their part of the line rather scattering. About noon the gunboats renewed the attack on the fort on the opposite side of the river, and to the rear of our position opened fire. Lieu- tenant Mclntosh, in charge of a section of Hart's Battery, opened fire as soon as he could do so, with effect, repeatedly driving the enemy's sharpshooters from under cover of some buildings in front of his position, as well as otherwise greatly annoying the enemy, until all of his ammunition was blown up by a shell from one of the enemy's batteries and sharpshooters, who opened on our front. There was heavy and rapid firing on the extreme left, which induced me to believe that the enemy were attempting to turn our left flank. Just at this time I received a message from Colonel Deshler, calling on me for large reinforcements, and having previously re- ceived instructions from the brigadier-general commanding to fur-