ounced the approach of the centre and
left columns of the enemy, under Colonels Drummond and Scott; the
latter was received by the veteran 9th, under the command of
Captain Foster, and Captains Broughton and Harding's companies of
New York and Pennsylvania volunteers, aided by a six-pounder
judiciously posted by Major M'Ree, chief engineer, who was most
active and useful at this point; they were repulsed. That of the
centre, led by Colonel Drummond, was not long kept in check; it
approached at once every assailable point of the fort; and (p. 229)
with scaling ladders ascended the parapet, but was repulsed
with fearful carnage. The assault was twice repeated, and as
often checked, but the enemy having moved round the ditch covered
by darkness, added to the heavy cloud of smoke which had rolled
from our cannon and musketry, enveloping surrounding objects,
repeated the charge, re-ascended the ladders; the pikes, bayonets
and spears fell upon our gallant artillerists. The gallant
spirits of our favourite Captain Williams and Lieutenants
M'Donough and Watmough, with their brave men, were overcome. The
two former, and several of their men, received deadly wounds. Our
bastion was lost; Lieutenant M'Donough, being severely wounded,
demanded quarter; it was refused by Colonel Drummond. The
lieutenant then seized a handspike and nobly defended himself
until he was shot down with a pistol by the monster who had
refused him quarter, who often reiterated the order: "_Give the
damned Yankees no quarter._" This officer, whose bravery, if it
had been seasoned with virtue, would have entitled him to the
admiration of every soldier, the hardened murderer soon met his
fate. He was shot through the breast while repeating the order
"_to give no quarter_."

The battle now raged with increased fury on the right, but on the
left the enemy was repulsed and put to flight. Thence and from
the centre I ordered reinforcements. They were promptly sent by
Brigadier-General Ripley and Brigadier-General Porter. Captain
Fanning, of the corps of artillery, kept up a spirited and
destructive fire with his field pieces, on the enemy attempting
to approach the fort. Major Hindman's gallant efforts, aided by
Major Trimble, having failed to drive the enemy from the bastion,