Post by Falsegods on Oct 23, 2022 22:02:56 GMT
Snipped article from National Archives Collection:
The Ohio Monitor - March 7, 1862
Columbus Destroyed!
Grip of the secessist snake reduced! Rebels abandon position!
When the ships of Admiral Foote’s fleet moved in position to attack the Rebel fortress at Columbus Kentucky they were prepared for a protracted operation. What they got was barely two days of operation. After moving into position on the third, and trading fire with rebel cannon on the fourth, our boys’ task came to an unexpected and dramatic conclusion. Two hours after nightfall a thunderous explosion rent the peace darkness had imposed. It seems that the rebels despaired over holding their position and fired their magazine after withdrawing their forces.
A Monitor correspondent testified to the spectacular nature event;
“It was about eight o’clock, many men who had a hard day at the guns were only just beginning to take their repose when a loud crack broke the night. Sergeants called men to arms, as more cracks echoed out from the direction of the enemy. But there was no whistle or crash of shells. As the cracks continued, one deductive soul exclaimed: ’They are bursting their pieces!’ and the cry was rapidly taken up. I confess I could not count the total number of retorts as I was caught up in the excitement, but there was not less than two score. Then as if in a climax a great plume of fire reached into the sky, followed immediately by a tremendous thunder clap fit to ring church bells. The intensity of sound, akin to the manyfold roar of an angry steer, complete with malodorous scent, was overpowering. It is my understanding that some marines, picketed across the shore from the rebel works, were knocked from their feet.”
This is an inauspicious start for Johnny Reb and justly an indicative example of the cowardly nature of chattel holding society.
Columbus Destroyed!
Grip of the secessist snake reduced! Rebels abandon position!
When the ships of Admiral Foote’s fleet moved in position to attack the Rebel fortress at Columbus Kentucky they were prepared for a protracted operation. What they got was barely two days of operation. After moving into position on the third, and trading fire with rebel cannon on the fourth, our boys’ task came to an unexpected and dramatic conclusion. Two hours after nightfall a thunderous explosion rent the peace darkness had imposed. It seems that the rebels despaired over holding their position and fired their magazine after withdrawing their forces.
A Monitor correspondent testified to the spectacular nature event;
“It was about eight o’clock, many men who had a hard day at the guns were only just beginning to take their repose when a loud crack broke the night. Sergeants called men to arms, as more cracks echoed out from the direction of the enemy. But there was no whistle or crash of shells. As the cracks continued, one deductive soul exclaimed: ’They are bursting their pieces!’ and the cry was rapidly taken up. I confess I could not count the total number of retorts as I was caught up in the excitement, but there was not less than two score. Then as if in a climax a great plume of fire reached into the sky, followed immediately by a tremendous thunder clap fit to ring church bells. The intensity of sound, akin to the manyfold roar of an angry steer, complete with malodorous scent, was overpowering. It is my understanding that some marines, picketed across the shore from the rebel works, were knocked from their feet.”
This is an inauspicious start for Johnny Reb and justly an indicative example of the cowardly nature of chattel holding society.