"We are well fortified"

"We are well fortified". . Battery C sat directly above Helena and was the key to the city's defenses. The small earthen battery manned by the 33rd Missouri held two artillery pieces. A series of infantry trenches in front of the battery defended the approach. Union engineers ordered all of the trees cut down to give the artillery and infantry a clear field of fire. They placed the felled trees in front of the trenches to slow attackers., Preparing for a Confederate Attack , As the weather grew hot and humid in April 1863, it became clear that the Confederates meant to attack Helena. Fort Curtis, completed the previous fall, left the high ground west of Helena unprotected and the city vulnerable to attack. Under orders from General Benjamin Prentiss, General Frederick Salomon began work on four batteries on the ridge west of town. Most of the work fell to the newly created United States Colored Troops., Four Strong Batteries Defended Helena , When finished in June, the new Union defenses on Crowley's Ridge covered the approaches to the city from Little Rock to the west, the Confederate base of operations in Arkansas. Each of the four batteries was armed with two or more guns and protected by infantry trenches and felled trees. Their positions allowed each battery to cover the others with artillery fire in case of attack, an advantage that would prove critical., The batteries were completed none too soon. Just days later, on July 4, 1863, the Confederates attacked Helena. , [Inset comment] , If the Rebels should ever come here they would find a warm place for them. We have not many troops but we are well fortified. , Edmund Holt, Co. F, 28th Wisconsin