. Young folk's history of the war for the union . FORT SUMTER Charleston and its Harbob in 1861. 58 SUMTER. [1861. passing into the harbor from the ocean, and was not calculated toresist batteries from the land firing at short range. But nowmore than fifty of the heaviest siege-guns then known wereraining shot and shell upon it. The crash against the wallswas terrific, and many shells burst over and some in the fort,tearing up the parade-ground with the noise and force of anearthquake. Major Anderson had made ready for the expected bombard-ment, but being out of oil and candles cou
. Young folk's history of the war for the union . FORT SUMTER Charleston and its Harbob in 1861. 58 SUMTER. [1861. passing into the harbor from the ocean, and was not calculated toresist batteries from the land firing at short range. But nowmore than fifty of the heaviest siege-guns then known wereraining shot and shell upon it. The crash against the wallswas terrific, and many shells burst over and some in the fort,tearing up the parade-ground with the noise and force of anearthquake. Major Anderson had made ready for the expected bombard-ment, but being out of oil and candles could not see to sight theguns until daybreak. He therefore ordered the men not toleave the bomb-proofs until the drum beat the call. Afterbreakfast, the officers and men were divided into three partiesto take turns in working the guns, for there were so few of themthat they had to husband their strength. Fire was opened on. Floating Battery. Cummings Point and Moultrie about seven oclock, when theConfederate batteries had been at work more than two four hours a heavy fire was kept up, for the men were soenthusiastic that they could not be kept from the guns, butafter they had become tired by the hard labor, not more thanhalf as many guns could be kept at work. The Confederatefire, too, was so incessant that the shot and shells came nearlyevery instant, and it was almost certain death to any one toleave the lower casemates, which were bomb-proof. Severalvessels of the fleet sent to relieve the fort were seen about noonthrough the port-holes, but the batteries below the fort were toostrong for them to pass. They dipped their flags, that is, low-ered them a little, as a signal to Major Anderson, and he orderedthe flag of Sumter to be dipped in answer. This was a danger- 1861.] SUMTER UNDER FIRE. 59 ous duty, for the shells were frequently bursting in the parade,in the centre of which the flag-staf
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