The railroad from Jackson to Vicksburg runs east to west. This was generally the path of the Union's pursuit. The Big Black River at the at the railroad crossing forms a horse-shoe bend. Across this peninsula the Confederates formed their works. They were facing to the East toward the open end of the horseshoe, with the Big Black River to their left, behind them, and to their right. The railroad bridge was behind them.
The rebels had constructed a line of rifle pits, which made a good cover for their infantry. These had been fashioned with cotton bales from the neighboring plantations. They had artillery planted at different points along the line, which extended about a mile north and south across the open end of the horseshoe. They also had artillery batteries planted on the hills on the other side of the river.
While the battle was raging furiously in front, General Lawler took his brigade around to the right and found a narrow opening through the brush. His men threw away their blankets and haversacks, and rushed through the bayou. They suddenly found themselves behind the Confederate lines.
The rebels were surprised, and in a panic started for the bridge across the river. Many tore out little bunches of cotton from the bales and hoisted them upon the points of their bayonets in surrender. The panic spread and the enemy on the bluffs across the river retreated from their line of works. They burned the bridge behind them, preventing the escape of many of their own men, who were taken prisoners.
The spoils of the victory included eighteen artillery guns and 1,700 prisoners. Many of these guns were beautifully finished. Several had painted on them in gilt letters the names of popular Confederate officers, but qualified with the word lady. So there was the "Lady Davis," "Lady Price," "Lady Beauregard," etc.
The Confederates retreated rapidly to Vicksburg. The Union had to construct a bridge to cross the river, and this would be accomplished early tomorrow morning.
The rebels had constructed a line of rifle pits, which made a good cover for their infantry. These had been fashioned with cotton bales from the neighboring plantations. They had artillery planted at different points along the line, which extended about a mile north and south across the open end of the horseshoe. They also had artillery batteries planted on the hills on the other side of the river.
While the battle was raging furiously in front, General Lawler took his brigade around to the right and found a narrow opening through the brush. His men threw away their blankets and haversacks, and rushed through the bayou. They suddenly found themselves behind the Confederate lines.
The rebels were surprised, and in a panic started for the bridge across the river. Many tore out little bunches of cotton from the bales and hoisted them upon the points of their bayonets in surrender. The panic spread and the enemy on the bluffs across the river retreated from their line of works. They burned the bridge behind them, preventing the escape of many of their own men, who were taken prisoners.
The spoils of the victory included eighteen artillery guns and 1,700 prisoners. Many of these guns were beautifully finished. Several had painted on them in gilt letters the names of popular Confederate officers, but qualified with the word lady. So there was the "Lady Davis," "Lady Price," "Lady Beauregard," etc.
The Confederates retreated rapidly to Vicksburg. The Union had to construct a bridge to cross the river, and this would be accomplished early tomorrow morning.
