Then the Coshorn mortars of the brave Major Haskell and other commanders of batteries turned loose their shells on the “Crater.”  The firing was rapid and accurate.  Some of these mortars were brought up as near as fifty yards to the “Crater.”  Such a scene has never before nor never will be witnessed again.  The Yankees at the same time were using one hundred and forty pieces of cannon against our works occupied by Confederate troops.

Elliott’s Brigade in the day’s fight lost two hundred and seventy-eight officers and men.  Major General B.R.  Johnson’s Division, Elliott’s Brigade included, lost in the day, nine hundred and thirty-two officers and men.  This was the most of the Confederate loss.

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FEDERAL TOTAL LOSS OVER FIVE THOUSAND.

While the enemy acknowledged a loss of from five to six thousand men—­and that I am sure is far below their real loss—­I make another quotation from Major General B.R.  Johnson’s official report: 

“It is believed that for each buried companion they have taken a tenfold vengeance on the enemy, and have taught them a lesson that will be remembered as long as the history of our wrongs and this great revolution endures.”

Virginians, Georgians, North Carolinians, South Carolinians and others who may have fought at the “Crater,” none of you have the right to claim deeds of more conspicuous daring over your Confederate brethren engaged that day.  Every man acted well his part.

What about the four cannons blown up? you ask.  One piece fell about half way between the opposing armies, another fell in front of our lines, not so near, however, to the enemy, a third was thrown from the carriage and was standing on end, half buried in the ground inside the “Crater,” the fourth was still attached to the carriage, but turned bottom side up, the wheels in the air, and turned against our own men when the enemy captured it.  That day, however, they all fell into the hands of the Confederates, except the one thrown so near the enemy’s works, and in time we regained that also.

* * * * *

CAPTAIN LAKE A PRISONER.

Before the fighting was over the Yankee officer who could curse a prisoner so gallantly ordered two soldiers to take charge and carry me to their lines, no doubt believing that the Confederates would succeed in recapturing the “Crater.”  We had to cross a plain five hundred and ten feet wide that was being raked by rifle balls, cannon shot and shell, grape and canister.  It was not a very inviting place to go, but still not a great deal worse than Haskell’s mortar shells that were raining in the center.  I had the pleasure of seeing one of my guards die.  The other conducted me safely to General Patrick’s headquarters.  Patrick was the Yankee provost marshall.