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immediate preparations were begun for running the batteries with the entire ramfleet.
During this period of preparation, constant watch was kept upon the fort and the enemy's fleet.
On the night of the 4th of June I crossed the timber point in front of the fort, and reported to the colonel commanding my conviction that the fort was being evacuated.
About 2 o'clock in the morning I obtained permission, with many words of caution from
Colonel Ellet, to run down opposite the fort in a yawl and, after lying off in order to become assured that the place was abandoned, to land, with the assurance that the rams would follow in case my yawl did not return before daylight.
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Close of the battle of Memphis, June 6, 1862 (looking North).
Sumter and Bragg (captured). Thompson (blowing up). Memphis.Benton. Cairo.
Burning of unfinished Confederate ram. Louisville. St. Louis. Carondelet.
After a drawing by Rear-Admiral Walke. |
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I landed with my little band, only to find the fort entirely deserted; and after planting the
National colors upon the ruins of one of the magazines, we sat down to wait for the coming of daylight and the rams.
They came, followed by the entire fleet, and after a short stop all proceeded down the river, the rams taking the lead, to
Fort Randolph, where they delayed long enough to plant the
National flag and to examine the abandoned fortifications, the gunboats at this point taking the advance.
1
After leaving
Fort Randolph the ram-fleet proceeded without incident to within about twenty-five miles of
Memphis, where they all rounded to and
