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The Boys of '61, Or, Four Years of Fighting
The Boys of '61 Or Four Years of Fighting Author:Charles Carleton Coffin Title: The Boys of '61, Or, Four Years of Fighting : Personal Observation With the Army and Navy, From the First Battle of Bull Run to the Fall of Richmond General Books publication date: 2009 Original publication date: 1881 Original Publisher: Estes and Lauriat Subjects: United States History / Military / General History / Military / ... more »United States History / United States / Civil War Period (1850-1877) Notes: This is a black and white OCR reprint of the original. It has no illustrations and there may be typos or missing text. When you buy the General Books edition of this book you get free trial access to Million-Books.com where you can select from more than a million books for free. Excerpt: Louis was on his right band and tho Carondolct and Essex were on his left, with the Tyler, Conncstoga, and Lexington in rear. There is an island a mile and a quarter below tho fort. When tho head of the island was reached the boats came into line and were within easy range. " Do just as I do," was his last order to the commanders. The Cincinnati opened, and the other vessels were quick to follow the Commodore's example. " I had a definite purpose in view," said he, " to take tho fort at all hazards. It was necessary for tho success of tho cause. We have had disaster upon disaster, and I intended, God helping me, to win a victory. It made mo feel bad when I saw the Essex drop out of tho line, but I knew that the fort could n't stand it much longer. I should have opened my broadsides in a minute or two, if Tilghman had not surrendered, and that I knew would settle the question. We wcro not more than four hundred yards distant." He said that when tho Essex dropped behind tho Rebels set up a tremendous cheer, and redoubled their firo; but being excited their aim was bad. "There is nothing like keeping perfectly cool in battle," said ho. " When Tilghman camo into my cabin," said tho Commodore, " he asked for terms, but I informed him that his surrender must be final." ...« less