Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 22.djvu/24

 12 Sui/f/u r/i Historical ,W/V///

nish reinforcements to Colonels Deshler and Dunnington (comman- ders of brigades) when called upon, and the enemy, up to this time, having made no serious demonstration of an immediate advance on this part of the line, I ordered the alternate companies of the 24th and 25th Texas Cavalry (dismounted), with two companies of the 6th Texas Infantry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Swearengen and Neiland and Major Phillips, respectively, to repair to the left, and report to Colonel Deshler (commanding the 2d Brigade). Whilst this movement was being executed, and the remainder of the brigade was endeavoring to fill up, as far as possible, the intervals made by the detached companies ordered to the left, the enemy ad- vanced, and made a vigorous attack on our entire line, and, not- withstanding our line was very much weakened, they were promptly and handsomely repulsed.

The enemy made three different attempts, in quick succession, to carry our line, but were as often promptly repulsed.

About 4 o'clock P. M., Colonel Dunnington, commanding the fort, called on me for reinforcements, and although half of my com- mand was already detached and I was aware that my line could not be further weakened or extended without great risk; yet, deeming the holding of the fort of vital importance, I directed Lieutenant- Colonel Anderson to throw two companies of his regiment into the fort. Whilst this was being executed, two iron-clad gunboats passed the fort, delivering their fire immediately opposite and very near to the fort, completely silencing it, as well as the two guns on this part of the line.

The enemy's gunboats and batteries had now complete command of our position, taking it on the right flank, front and rear, literally raking the entire position.

It was at this particular crisis, about 4.30 o'clock P. M., that my attention was attracted by the cry of " Raise the white flag ; by order of General Churchill; pass the order up the line'' and on looking to the left, to my great astonishment, I saw a number of small white flags displayed in Wilks' Regiment, 24th Texas Cavalry (dismounted), from the right company so far as I could see toward the left. As I could not believe it possible that a white flag could be thus treacher rously displayed in any part our lines with impunity, I was deceived, and by this sudden and simultaneous display of white flags, as well as by the cessation of all firing on the left, together with the repeated and emphatic manner in which the order came up the line, coupled with the name of the commanding officer, I was convinced, at the