oaded muskets and fixed bayonets, under the command of
Lieutenant-Colonel Fleury; these were preceded by twenty picked
men, and a vigilant and brave officer, to remove the abatis and
other obstructions. The van of the left consisted of one hundred
volunteers, under the command of Major Stewart, with unloaded
muskets and fixed bayonets, also preceded by a brave and
determined officer with twenty men, for the same purpose as the
other.

At twelve o'clock, the assault was to begin on the right and left
flanks of the enemy's works, while Major Murfey amused them in
front; but a deep morass covering their whole front, and at this
time overflowed by the tide, together with other obstructions,
rendered the approaches more difficult than was at first
apprehended, so that it was about twenty minutes after twelve
before the assault began. Previously to which I placed myself at
the head of Febiger's regiment, or the right column, and gave the
troops the most pointed orders not to fire on any account, but
place their whole dependence on the bayonet, which order was
literally and faithfully obeyed. Neither the deep morass, the
formidable and double rows of abatis, nor the strong works in
front and flank, could damp the ardour of the troops, who, in the
face of a most tremendous and incessant fire of musketry, and
from cannon loaded with grape-shot, forced their way at the point
of the bayonet through every obstacle, both columns meeting in
the centre of the enemy's works nearly at the same instant. Too
much praise cannot be given to Lieutenant-Colonel Fleury (who
struck the enemy's standard with his own hand) and to Major
Stewart, who commanded the advanced parties, for their brave and
prudent conduct.

Colonels Butler, Meigs, and Febiger conducted themselves with
that coolness, bravery, and perseverance that will ever insure
success.

Lieutenant-Colonel Hay was wounded in the thigh, bravely fighting
at the head of his battalion. I should take up too much of Your
Excellency's time were I to particularize every individual who
deserves it, for his bravery on this occasion. I cannot, (p. 021)
however, omit Major Lee, to whom I am indebted for frequent and
very useful intelligence, which contributed much to the success
of the enterprize, and