the pits where we had been for several
days, to join the column of attack coming up at daylight, having to
defile through the woods several miles. General Grover's Division
supported the advance. The 159th advanced under a severe fire through
a ravine and over obstructed ground to a commanding position, a knoll
overlooking the enemy's works; here we lay in position until between
three and four o'clock, P.M., the enemy firing a continuous volley
over our heads. No thanks to them that our craniums escaped. It was
contemplated to make a second assault, and we were ordered to the
left, some distance over clear and exposed ground to join the forces
in waiting for this purpose. We remained here until after dark, and
the firing having ceased, further attempts were deferred, and we moved
back to the position we gained in the morning, and were set to work
fortifying, but were soon relieved by colored entrenchers, and
returned to our quarters in the woods, which we reached in the small
hours of the morning, greatly fatigued. Our loss on this occasion was
not severe; 12 men wounded.

To reduce the place was the work assigned, and it must be
accomplished. General Banks issued an order on the 15th of June,
congratulating the troops for their behavior and close investment of
the stronghold, and calling for 1,000 Volunteers from the forces to
form a storming column or "a forlorn hope." Soon more than the
required number were on hand, and formed into two Battalions, to be
commanded by General Birge. It did not become necessary to make this
assault. General Gardner hearing of the fall of Vicksburg, capitulated
on the 8th of July.

Every thing being satisfactorily arranged, our forces, preceded by the
storming party, entered the fortification and filed past 6,000 brave
but discomfited "Gray Backs;" freedom's emblem, the Stars and Stripes,
was soon hoisted, saluted by a discharge from the guns which had so
recently belched forth death against our lines.

On the 11th of July we proceeded down the river to Donaldsonville on
board the steamer Iberville. The enemy a few nights prior to the
surrender, made a desperate attack on a small garrison in the fort at
this place, but were repulsed with severe loss. The garrison numbered
not more than four hundred; more than three hundred of the enemy were
seriously wounded. The enemy was posted just behind the town;
batteries were placed along the levee at numerous places; several
boats had been d