Now the
stern and silent general was able to make the investment complete,
but the fiery little fleet did not cease to push the attack.
There was a time when it seemed that the gunboats would be able to pass
the fortress and rake it from a point up the river. Many of the guns in
the water batteries had been silenced, but the final achievement was too
great for so small a force. The rudder of one of Foote's gunboats was
shot away, the wheel of another soon went the same way, and both drifted
helplessly down the stream. The other two then retreated, and the fire
of both fort and fleet ceased.
But there was joy in the Union camp. The soldiers had an abundance
of food now, and soon the long ring of fires showed that they were
preparing it. Their forces had been increased a third, and there was a
fresh outburst of courage and vigor. But Grant ordered no more attacks
at present. After the men had eaten and rested a little, picks and
spades were swung along a line miles in length. He was fortifying his
own position, and it was evident to his men that he meant to stay there
until he won or was destroyed.
Dick was conscious once more of a sanguine thrill. Like the others,
he felt the strong hand over him, and the certainty that they were
led with judgment and decision made him believe that all things were
possible. Yet the work of fortifying continued but a little while.
The men were exhausted by cold and fatigue, and were compelled to lay
down their tools.
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