132                                HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT O.V.V.I.

replied that they (the citizens) had abused him by circulating lies upon him, and now he intended to hold Vicksburg as long as he had a live man. The city is nearly all torn to pieces by our mortar fleet, and also our artillery in the rear. The women and children are in caves under the ground; it is reported that many of them have been killed. It cannot be otherwise.

           All their mules and horses have been killed, and they are seen throwing them into the river every night. They attempted to drive many of them through our lines, but our artillery opened upon them and killed them around the forts, and they dare not come out to bury them.

           General Grant, last Sabbath week, ordered all the women out of the city; they did not avail themselves of this privilege; they would gladly do it now, but Grant says they must now submit to their fate, and help eat up the stores in the city. This seems hard but it is just. They are reaping the just retribution of their own works. It would not do for me to be General, my feelings would lead me to give them a place of safety.

           One morning last week the rebels asked a cessation of hostilities for two and a half hours. It was granted; our men went up to the fortifications, and the rebels stood on top of the forts, when mutual conversation took place. Some of the rebels came over and drank coffee with our men. Some said they would surrender the fort for a cup of coffee; one took the names of some of the Seventy-Eighth, and said, "When you take us, which will be before long, I want to find you." One private in the Thirtieth Illinois, of our Brigade, met in the fort, his own father and brother. They had a pleasant interview: the father and brother did not wish to return, but asked permission to remain as prisoners. The officers of the Thirtieth sent them back, refusing to take prisoners while a flag of truce was out. They said they would desert the first opportunity.

           Over six thousand prisoners have been sent North; some go every day. A great many are deserting to our gunboats upon the river. It is almost impossible to desert to our side on account of the sharpshooters on both sides. These sharpshooters are picking off a great number of men. We are losing some fine officers in this way. Last week the Captains of both batteries of our Brigade fell before the concealed sharpshooters. Captain Rodgers, of McCalister's Ohio Battery was killed instantly on Friday morning. Captain DeGalyer, on Thursday evening, was mortally wounded. These were the most efficient officers of our Division.

           How long this siege may continue I presume will depend upon the provision stores of Vicksburg. Some deserters report that the soldiers say they will kill Pemberton if he does not surrender in a few days. It is to be hoped they will yield in a few days. We could take the forts by storm, but it would be too great a sacrifice. We have got the animal caged, but dare not enter the cage.

           The health of our army is good. Its energy and life unsurpassed: its courage and determination desperate. The army with its present spirit could successfully meet three times its number.

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