. The naval history of the Civil War . a rapid firewas opened on them, but they did not retireuntil it was supposed that the torpedoeswere removed and the way was clear. Thenthe Benton advanced to the point wherethe boats had ceased work, some twelve OF THE CIVIL WAR. 287 hundred yards from the fort, or as nearas the boats could operate against sucha fire. At this point the Yazoo River was verynarrow and only one iron-clad could pass upat a time. There was no room for two ves-sels to fight abreast, consequently the Ben-ton had to bear the brunt of the battle,which lasted two hours. During this
. The naval history of the Civil War . a rapid firewas opened on them, but they did not retireuntil it was supposed that the torpedoeswere removed and the way was clear. Thenthe Benton advanced to the point wherethe boats had ceased work, some twelve OF THE CIVIL WAR. 287 hundred yards from the fort, or as nearas the boats could operate against sucha fire. At this point the Yazoo River was verynarrow and only one iron-clad could pass upat a time. There was no room for two ves-sels to fight abreast, consequently the Ben-ton had to bear the brunt of the battle,which lasted two hours. During this timethe Benton received many heavy blowsfrom the enemys shot and shells, while herconsorts had to lie idle, for if they threwshells over the Benton they might en-danger those on board. Although the Ben-ton was much cut up her efficiency wasnot impaired. She was hit on her bow case-mates, which were ■shot-proof, thirtytimes without damage, but plunging shotspassed through her decks. Gwinn. stood on the upper deck. WILLIAM GWINN, U. S. NAVY. during the whole action, as he was of opin-ion that a pilot-house or casemate was noplace for the commander of a ship of warin battle. This idea cost him his life, forhe was struck with a fifty-pound rifle shellwhich tore away the muscles of his rightarm and breast. His executive officer, Act-ing Lieutenant George P. Lord, was severelywounded, and ten of the crew were killedand wounded. It was impossible for gun-boats alone tocapture the works at Haines Bluff, as butone vessel at a time could operate againstthem. Their reduction required a combinedArmy and Navy attack. The Confederatesproved themselves good artillerists but hadtwo of their guns dismounted by the Ben-tons fire. The gallant commander of theBenton notwithstanding his dreadfulwounds, lingered two days and died in theadmirals cabin deeply regretted by every officer and man in the squadron. The gun-boats withdrew from before Haines Blufffor i
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