Adam Badeau, Military history of Ulysses S. Grant from April 1861 to April 1865. Volume 1

[345] out, and, while near the shore, and under rebel fire, the Cincinnati filled and sank, her flag still flying from the shattered mast. Fifteen of her crew were drowned, and twenty-five killed or wounded; several others floated down the stream, opposite the city, where they were taken prisoners. For some weeks, the vessel lay near the shore, about a mile from Steele's position; but, during the siege, the river subsided, leaving her nearly out of water. The guns were then taken out, and two of them placed in battery, by Wood, in the latter part of June

The point selected for this battery was near the bank of the Mississippi, and a few yards above the mouth of the creek. A trench leading to it was constructed down the hillside, giving concealment to the working-parties. It was hoped that, by using the heavy guns of the Cincinnati, the town might be reached from this point, and much damage done, while the enemy's heavy batteries could at the same time be effectually annoyed. The rebel fire was several times drawn upon the battery, but no injury received. The completion of the work was, however, delayed by the want of sling-carts, and means of transporting the guns through the bottom to the point where they were to be used, and the siege terminated before the battery was ready to open. The other operations of Steele's division were of no great importance. The approach along the ridge road was not pushed with vigor, and was exposed to a long line of plunging fire.

Tuttle's advance, on the left of Steele, was begun behind a spur, through which a deep cut was made. It led down the slope, in plain view of the rebels, and was directed perpendicularly on their line. The