Benson J. Lossing, Pictorial Field Book of the Civil War. Volume 3.

[245] to Meridian, and these had been sent by General Hurlbut to occupy it, so that the Confederates might not obstruct the navigation of the river. The fort was upon a high bluff, with a deep ravine on each side; and its armament, at the time we are considering, consisted of two 6-pounders, two 12-pounder howitzers, and two 10-pounder Parrott guns.

Forrest approached Fort Pillow on the morning of the 13th of April, and before sunrise he drove in the pickets and began an assault. A sharp battle ensued, and continued until about nine o'clock, when Major Booth was killed. Up to that time some of the garrison had been gallantly defending outworks some distance from the fort. Major Bradford, on whom the command devolved, now called the whole force within the fort, and gallantly maintained the fight until past noon, when the fire of both parties slackened, to allow the guns to cool. Meanwhile, the gun-boat New Era, Captain Marshall, of the Mississippi squadron, lying near, had taken part in the defense, her guns directed by the indications of signals at the fort, by which they were made more effective. But the height of the bank was such that her efficiency was impaired, for the Confederates, when shelled by her up one ravine, would move to the other.

New Era.

Failing to make any impression on the fort, Forrest now resorted to the trick of a flag of truce, to gain some advantage secretly. lie sent one to demand an unconditional surrender of the post within twenty minutes. Bradford asked for an hour, that he might consult with his officers and Captain Marshall, of the New Era. Forrest waited awhile, and then sent word that if the fort was not surrendered within twenty minutes from that time he should order an assault. Bradford refused, and prepared for another struggle. Meanwhile, Forrest had carried out a part of his treacherous and cowardly plan. While the negotiations were going on, he had sent large numbers of the troops down the ravines to sheltered positions behind bushes, fallen timbers, and some buildings, from which they might more safely and effectually fall upon the fort. Captain Marshall saw this movement, but did not fire upon the foe for fear, should they succeed in taking the fort, they would plead his act in seeming violation of the flag, as an excuse for any atrocities they might be pleased to commit.

When Forrest received Bradford's refusal, he gave a signal, and his concealed men sprang from the hiding-places they had so treacherously gained, and, with the cry of “No quarter!” pounced upon the fort at different points, and in a few minutes were in possession of it. The surprised and overwhelmed garrison threw down their arms, and many of them attempted