[42]
the citadel was again set on fire in several places by shells, and burned until it was consumed.
The report made to me now was that the casemates which had been rendered as safe as possible for the men, some had been breached, others partially (Captains Johnston, Fisher and Hughes informed me that another shot on them would bring down the walls of their company quarters), so that a resumption of the severe fire from the enemy would in all likelihood inflict great loss of life, there being no bombproof in the fort.
The enemy's approach was very near the glacis.
My guns and powder had all been destroyed; my “means of defence gone;” the citadel, nearly the entire quartermaster store and a portion of the commissariat burnt by the enemy's shells.
It was evident the fort could hold out but a few hours longer under a renewed bombardment.
The only question was, hold it for this time, gain the eclat and sustain the loss of life from the falling of the walls, or save life and capitulate?
I capitulated to the enemy at 2 o'clock P. M., and though they refused to insert it in the terms there was a full understanding, and I was assured that my sick and wounded should be sent at once to Mobile by a flag of truce.
This was not done.
Considering the great exposure to which the men were subjected, and the fact that shells frequently burst among them when in the casemates, the casualties were unusually small.
I enclose a list.
The garrison in this severe test behaved well, and I would make little distinction.
Captain J. Gallimard, engineer in charge, performed his duties to my satisfaction.
To the officers of the First Alabama battalion artillery, Major J. T. Gee commanding, and of Captain Cothran's company, Twenty-first Alabama, I give my thanks for their promptness and alacrity in every duty; and to Colonel A. J. Jackson, commanding First Tennessee, and Captains Johnston and Fisher and their brave companies of that regiment, for very efficient service.
To Captain C. H. Smith, A. A. G., and Captain R. T. Thom, A. I. G., for prompt performance of all their duties, I am under obligations; and to my aide-de-camp, Lieutenant J. C. Taylor, I owe much for his promptness and energy, and for his active and gallant assistance throughout the operations.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. L. Page, Brigadier-General.
