Doc. 21.-taking of pass Christian, Miss.
A rebel account.
Pass Christian, Miss., April 6, 1862.
The inhabitants of the Pass were aroused from their slumbers on Friday morning, April fourth, at an early hour, by the report of cannon in the direction of Ship.
Island. As soon as daylight appeared it was discovered that the confederate gunboats Pamlico, Oregon and Carondelet were hotly engaged with four of the Federal fleet, and were slowly retiring towards the Pass, under a heavy fire of the enemy.
On the arrival here of our gallant little fleet it was ascertained that the Oregon had been struck by a shell in the pilot-house, and that the Carondelet had been hit in the wheelhouse.
Neither boat, however, being seriously damaged, they proceeded at once on their way to New-Orleans, the enemy at the same time advancing slowly with the iron gunboats New-London, Jackson and Hatteras, and the steamer Lewis, the latter having on board large numbers of Lincolnite troops.
When within a short distance of the wharf the boats took their positions, the Lewis in front, followed by the Hatteras, Jackson and New-London, all being within a short distance of each other, and directly opposite the town.
The Jackson opened fire in the direction of the wharf, at which time a considerable volume of smoke was seen to arise from some bales of hay which were piled up beside the warehouse, and which, it appears, had been set on fire by order of some of the officers of the confederate troops.
After discharging several shots in the direction of the wharf, the enemy commenced shelling the town, producing the most intense excitement amongst the defenceless inhabitants, who, when the shells came whizzing over and about their dwellings, fled in the greatest consternation towards the pine forests.
Mothers, with infants in their arms; little children, in terrified groups, clinging to each other; slaves, with bundles upon their heads, hurrying onward in perfect amazement; and infirm and aged women, leaning upon broken staffs, were wandering about, they scarcely knew whither.
Many females were seen upon their knees, and with uplifted hands were most earnestly supplicating God to protect them in their fearful hour of danger and distress.
It was a sight to move the stoutest heart.
The enemy disclaimed the intention of doing harm to any one but the confederate soldiery, if they could find them, or of desiring to shell the town.
When remonstrated with not having sent a flag of truce ashore, said they had done so at Biloxi, and it was treated with contempt, and that they were informed it would be disregarded by the citizens of the Pass, and that they would not have fired upon the town if the attempt to burn the wharf had not been made.
But when I tell you that several dwellings were struck, that a cottage belonging to Mr. Heirn, situated four doors from the hotel, was completely riddled, and a shell passing through an oyster-shop adjoining the market-house, crossed the street, and entering the upper story of Judge Brill's dwelling, (formerly Masonic Hall, situated over the store of Mr. Brocas, at the corner of Market street,) burst in the entry-way, shattering the rooms in a fearful manner, and forcing its way through the floor, entered the store below, you will believe their declarations.
Most probably Judge Brill's family had but just left their dwelling when it was hit, or in all human probability some of them would have fallen victims to the inhuman and merciless fire of the enemy.
The firing having ceased, the enemy commenced landing their troops in small boats, but the steamer Lewis soon coming alongside the wharf, they were then put on shore by hundreds, and proceeded company by company up the wharf, forming at once into line along the street in the direction of the market-house, all the while the officers disclaiming any intention of harming the citizens, and commanding their men not to enter the dwellings or molest any person.
These orders, was far as we can learn, were generally observed.
The Post-Office was entered, but nothing was found therein that could afford aid or comfort to the enemy, the worthy Deputy Postmaster, Mr. Sutler, having removed everything therefrom as soon as the intentions of the Lincolnites were discovered.
Search was made for army stores, but of them none were found, all having been previously secured by the citizens.
The warehouse at the foot of the wharf was robbed by the enemy of a considerable quantity of corn and other articles belonging to private individuals.
The hay upon the wharf belonged to the Confederacy, and was flung overboard and now lies floating about in the water.
Pickets were stationed by the enemy in all directions, extending up and down the Pass the distance of three or four miles, and also on the back streets.
At three o'clock the orders were given to march, and the long line of soldiery, numbering, I am informed by a lady who counted them as
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they passed by her dwelling, not less than fourtween hundred strong, proceeded silently through the streets, with the Stars and Stripes floating high in the air, in the direction of (as I was told by one of the officers) Tugville.
The enemy appeared to be fully informed in regard to the number and location of our troops and the affairs of Pass Christian generally.
Prominent individuals were inquired after, and in one instance a young lady's name was familiarly mentioned.
The little remnant of “our boys” --about two hundred and fifty in all, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Mellon, who had just returned to camp, in an almost exhausted condition, from Handsboroa, where they had been to join the balance of the Third regiment on their way to meet the Lincolnites at Biloxi — were taken quite by surprise; but, notwithstanding their jaded condition, they opened fire on the enemy and stood their ground manfully under a galling fire, until informed of the vastly superior force they had to contend with, and of the enemy's intention to flank and surround them, when the order was given to retreat, which they did in extra double-quick time, carrying with them such articles as they could conveniently, the provisions and ammunition all having been removed early in the day. Had the whole regiment been together, we should have had a different story to relate.
Many a Connecticut Irishman would have been made to bite the dust.
The enemy of course burnt all the tents, the officers' quarters, and all articles left by our soldiers in their hasty retreat.
Not one of our men was wounded and but one taken prisoner, and he not until he had fired at and wounded a Lincolnite severely in the arm. Not a musket or cannon was lost by our men. The enemy returned to the Pass at early candle-light, immediately embarked on board the steamer Lewis, and left the Pass, to the infinite relief of the inhabitants.
The force of the enemy, as admitted by themselves, was one thousand four hundred, and was composed in part of the Ninth regiment of Connecticut volunteers, belonging to the Irish brigade.
The officers generally were spirited and fine-looking men, and the soldiers well armed and equipped, and appeared in excellent condition.
We were informed by one of the men that the forces under command of Gen. Butler, now upon Ship Island, amount to fourteen thousand, and that fifteen thousand more were expected daily to arrive; that they occasionally get the New-Orleans papers and receive a mail twice a month from New-York.
That they are fully posted as regards the affairs of the coast we believe, and that we have had and now have traitors in our midst no one can for a moment doubt.
The officers with whom we conversed express the belief, in all apparent sincerity, that the rebellion will be put down and the Southern Confederacy completely wiped out within the next two months. Here ye, hear ye!
all you that haven't paid your fare, will, in accordance with the above prediction, please step up to the captain's office and settle.
“The weary sun hath made a golden set, and, by the bright track of his fiery car, gives token of a goodly day tomorrow.”
We still live.