|
The 48th New York Inf. succeeded in following the 6th Connecticut Inf.
up the slopes of the Southeast Bastion, but only a few of Gen. Strong’s remaining units were able to get that far. Three
Confederate Howitzers had come into action on the flanks of the attacking forces, and the deadly hail of canister brought
the 3rd New Hampshire, 76th Pennsylvania Zouaves and 9th Maine to a bloody standstill atop a ridge of sand just beyond
Wagner’s moat. ‘It was almost impossible to pass over that ridge and live five seconds,’ recalled 76th
Pennsylvania Colorbearer Sgt. S.C. Miller.
Gen. Strong collared Sgt. S. C. Miller and tried to get the charge moving
again. A group of men led by 3rd New Hampshire Col. John Jackson started forward with the General and the flag, but
were mowed down by a salvo of canister shot. Miller survived unscathed, but his flag was riddled. Col. Jackson’s coat
was torn from his body, while another of the iron balls ripped through Gen. Strong’s Thigh, an injury that would ultimately
prove fatal. In shock and pain from his wound, Strong gave the reluctant command, ‘Retreat in the best order you
can!’
SOURCE: America’s Civil War Magazine
|
