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[297] of course, trained upon the approach down the Tallahatchie, which a bend just here rendered as difficult and perilous as could be.

Yazoo region.

The Chilicothe, Lt. Foster, first attempted to pass; when the Rebel battery opened, and a 32-pound shell struck her turret, slackening her speed; and she soon backed around the bend until only her bow protruded; when she renewed the cannonade with her heavy bow-guns, and received one or two more slots, which did her no essential harm. An hour of this satisfied her, and she backed completely out of the fight; when the De Kalb came forward and fired away for two hours: then she, too, gave it up ; leaving the Rebel works essentially intact.

The next day was devoted by Ross to erecting a land battery in front of the Rebel lines, under cover of woods: Loring withholding his fire on it to economize his scanty ammunition. At 10 next morning,1 both gunboats renewed the bombardment, aided by our land battery. During the day, one of the Chilicothe's shells tore through the enemy's parapet, knocking out a cotton-bale, and igniting a tub of cartridges beside the Whitworth gun ; whereby Lt. Waul, serving it, was wounded, and 15 of his men burned some of them badly. Other damage was done; but the Rebels worked throughout the ensuing night, repairing and strengthening their works. Our fire was renewed for a short time next day; and the day after was devoted on both sides to fortifying.

Next morning,2 the attack was renewed with spirit on our side; but the Chilicothe was soon hulled by an 18-pound shot from the enemy's rifled Whitworth gun, which entered one of her port-holes, striking and exploding a shell, whereby 14 mien were killed or severely wounded. The Chilicothe then drew out of the fight; and, though it was kept up till sunset by the De Kalb and our land batteries, it was plainly of no use: so Ross, next morning, concluded to give it up, and return by the way he came; which he did unmolested. Brig.-Gen. J. F. Quinby, of McPherson's corps, joined3 him

1 March 13.

2 March 16.

3 March 21.

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