ndered; and although the great bastions were
pounded out of shape by the heavy guns of the fleet, yet they were
still formidable defences, giving perfect security to the men in the
bomb-proofs. But their case was hopeless: for Farragut was at New
Orleans, and could cut off their supplies; while Porter, with his
mortar-boats, was below them, putting escape out of the question.
Every now and then a big shell would drop on the parade, and its
flying pieces would remind the garrison that their enemies were
getting impatient. After waiting a day or two, Porter sent a
lieutenant with a flag of truce to the fort, calling upon the
Confederate commander to surrender the two forts and the shattered
remnant of the Confederate navy. He complimented the Confederates upon
their gallant defence, but warned them, that, should they refuse to
surrender, he would recommence his bombardment with new vigor. The
Confederates refused to surrender until they heard from New Orleans;
and the next day the monotonous thunder of the heavy mortars began
again, and again the heavy shells began falling thick and fast upon
the forts. Wearily the gray-coated soldiers settled down to continue
what they felt must be a useless defence. The officers did their best
to inspirit the men; but all knew that a surrender must come before
long, and at last the men mutinously left their guns, and said they
would fight no longer. They had borne without flinching a terrible
bombardment, and now they felt that to fight longer would be a foolish
sacrifice of life. Many left the forts, and plunged into the woods to
escape the terrible shells. Gen. Duncan saw that all was lost, and on
the night of the 28th of April sent an officer to the fleet announcing
the surrender. On the following day Porter proceeded up-stream with
his squadron, and anchored off the fort. A boat, manned by six trim
sailors in dress uniforms, put off, and soon returned, bringing the
commander of the defeated forces and two or three officers. They were
received on the "Harriet Lane," and Commodore Porter had made great
preparations for the meeting. The crews of all the vessels were
dressed in snow-white mustering-suits, and the officers in
brass-buttoned blue coats and white trousers. The decks were scrubbed,
and all traces of the fight cleared away. As the Confederate officers
came up to the fleet, one of them, a former lieutenant in the Union
navy, said, "Look at the old navy. I feel proud when I see