THE CIVIL WAR DIARY OF JOHN G. MORRISON 1861-1865

captains were in confab with the admiral.
board at 9 1/2 P.M.
Returned on
April 22, Wednesday. The whole fleet got under weigh at 9
A.M. and started down the river, the "Benton" having the
lead, the "Price" and us bringing up the rear. Plantations
became thicker as the river is descended. About noon came
in sight of "Grand Gulf." Then we wore round and stood up
river again for about five miles where they all made fast
to the bank except us, who remained out in the stream.
About 1 1/2 P.M. the admiral, accompanied by all the
captains in the fleet came on board. We then dropped
slowly down, stern first. We went to quarters and opened
fire on them with our stern guns. They replied twice but
their shots fell short. We fired seven shots and then
hauled off more shell which passed over us, so we moved a
little higher up. The works look a good deal like Fort
Pillow but all the guns that could be seen were two pieces
- thirty-two's, I
[51] judged. We also saw a small steamer plying between the
mouth of "Big Black River" and the works. Tried to hit her
but failed but tomorrow will tell the tale as we are to
attack it. Night calm and clear. We are to stand watch
and watch tonight.
April 23, Thursday. "All hands" were called about 6 1/2
A.M. A terrible heavy cannonade was heard about midnigt in
the direction of Vicksburg, several hundred having been
heard. Went on deck about 6.45 to see how we lay. The
"Benton" and "Tuscumbia" were not to be seen, having went
up the river again during the night. Between 7 and 8 the
"Carondelet" and "Mound City" dropped down and came to
anchor astern of us. In the afternoon the "Price" came
down with Gen'l McClernand, another office, and our special
artist on board. After firing a few shots and making a few
sketches, she left as she came. Weather pretty warm.
April 24, Friday. Working like beavers on the
fortifications in front of us. About noon I reported my
time out to the now "Commodore Walke," as I have served the
two years for which I enlisted. He said that he would
speak to the admiral about me when he seen him. In the
afternoon the "Price" came down with the admiral on board.
The commodore went on board. Us and the "Mound City"
opened fire on the works with our stern guns. After firing
a few
[52] rounds, the admiral signalled to us to cease firing, which
we did, and he immediately went up river again.
April 25, Saturday. A couple of men in a skiff was brought
109