(in Logan's line). A drift 37 feet deep was run under it with
chambers parallel to the fort. In this was deposited ---- lbs. of powder
(by the trusty negro). Orders were given to the several sergeants to
have the cannoneers at their posts at 2 P. M. at which time the fort was
"to be blown up" and a general cannonading to be immediately opened.

As the hour approached, all hands were anxiously waiting, each desirous
of witnessing the result. It was dull and very oppressive; all nature
seemed drooping, and ominous silence prevailed on both sides; not a
flutter of air, not a word was spoken, and you could hear naught but
your own silent breath. All at once a dead heavy roll, a hundred shouts,
and you could see nothing but a black cloud of dirt and powder smoke,
throwing the earth 30 or 40 feet in the air, and about half of the wall
rolled over the ditch as if turned by a ponderous plow. Instantaneous
with this was the crack of a hundred cannon, as if they were all pulled
off by one lanyard, and a furious cannonading answered, while the
infantry advancing with a yell that none but soldiers can give, rushed
up the breastworks, and a galling fire ensued between the rebs at the
bottom and at the top. Our men tried hard to dislodge them and take
possession of the fort, but it was too much. They lay on the ground
until night, elevating their guns above their heads to shoot, while some
obtained concealed positions, firing while those below were loading for
them. A stand of colors was brought up and planted. Hand grenades were
tossed back and forth with great briskness. Some were digging for a
piece of artillery, an engagement in which valor and courage are
signalized.

Before Vicksburg, Friday, June 26. Our men still claim their side of
the fort, nothing daunted by the stubbornness of yesterday. An active
engagement was continued during the night by grenades, all the surplus
shells of smooth bores taken to be used for such. The 5th Platoon driver
turned in with us this morning to dig a well to water the horses, which
we completed by 4 P. M., 15 feet deep, width 30 inches. At evening I
received my weekly letters.

Before Vicksburg, Saturday, June 27. Rather sore from yesterday's
fatigue. The hot sun pouring his fiery arrows down with such force as
almost to overcome us. Rebs threw many 20-pound shells (Parrott) into
this hole or building, but they were uncharged, which took away much of
their terror. They were aimed at the