A Short Lived Confederate Victory

A Short Lived Confederate Victory. . , The Confederates Take Battery C , "Both brigades moved forward on the instant, rapidly, steadily unflinchingly, and in perfect order under a storm of Minie balls, grape, and canister, which poured upon them not only from the Graveyard Hill in their front but from the fortified hills upon the right and left, both of which were in easy range. The enemy gave way before the impetuous assault of the attacking columns, which entering the works almost simultaneously, planted the Confederate flag upon the summit of Graveyard Hill." , Thus did Confederate General Sterling Price, left, describe the assault on Battery C. , The Federals Retaliate , Captain Thomas Stevens, 28th Wisconsin, watched from Battery B as the Confederates "... hauled down our flag..." As 3,000 Confederate troops rejoiced, at least four generals stood atop Battery C eyeing the prize, Helena. Victory seemed within their grasp. Suddenly, the guns at Fort Curtis, the U.S.S. Tyler and Batteries B and D unleashed a hail of shot and shell. The din roared in the ears of the Confederates caught in a deadly crossfire., A Union Victory on the 4th of July. , The Confederate commander, General Theophilus Holmes, arrived amid the confusion. Bypassing the chain of command, he ordered an attack on Battery D. Chaos reigned as some men marched toward Battery D while most carried out orders to attack Fort Curtis. The Confederates displayed a great deal of courage but their effort was futile. Many Confederates lost their lives; more were captured. Holmes ordered a general retreat and soon, the stars and stripes flew again over Battery C. , [Inset quote] , "We would not wish the scene to be repeated; but now it has passed, there is no 'celebration of the 4th' to which we look back on with so much pride as our 4th of July at Helena." , Sgt. Andrew F. Sperry, 33rd Missouri (U.S.)