e lost position.

267

The shells began to startle the exultant soldiers, and Grant took
advantage of this to employ them in setting fire to the tents and other
camp equipage. Presently the sky of victory was overcast by the sudden
announcement that the rebels were in line of battle between them and the
transports, and that they were cut off and surrounded. The exultation of
victory was followed by almost a panic, but Grant steadied them with
the quiet assurance "We have cut our way in here, and we can cut it out
again." This was taken up by the officers as they reformed their men for
the battle.

Again the skirmish line was pushed forward in search of the enemy, but
he offered only a moderate resistance, and the troops made their way
back to the transports with little difficulty, though the excitement was
tremendous.

The commanders of the gunboats had kept alert, and came promptly forward
to engage the guns on the Columbus bluffs and later to discourage the
pursuing rebels with liberal volleys of grape and canister, which, as
the bend of the river gave them an enfilade on the river line, were
delivered with great effect and considerable slaughter.

The troops were gotten again on board the transports without any
particular trouble, though about 25 wounded were left in the hands of
the enemy. The Union troops had brought off about 175 prisoners and two
guns, besides spiking four other cannon.

While the wounded were being gathered up and brought aboard, Gen. Grant
rode out some distance to reconnoiter, and almost rode into a body of
the enemy. He turned and made his way back to the transports, which
were just starting; the Captain recognized him, and held his boat for
a moment while Gen. Grant's horse slipped down the steep bank and then
trotted on board over the single gangway. The expedition returned to
Cairo immediately.

268

Gen. Grant officially reported his losses as 485 in killed, wounded
and missing. Gen. Polk officially reported his losses as killed, 105;
wounded, 419; missing, 117; total, 641. He estimated the Union losses
at 1,500; "fourteen-fifteenths of that number must have been killed,
wounded or drowned." He also said that he had a stand of colors,
something over 1,000 stand of arms, with knapsacks, ammunition, and
other military stores.

Medical Director J. H. Brinton gives the following list of losses by
regiments:

Command. Killed.