( 9 ) regiment were thrown forward as part of a continuous line around the works, for the purpose of compelling the enemy to disclose the position of his artillery, and with the further design of scaling and occupying the works, if possible. As they advanced, they received a volley from the enemy, but pressed on without flinching to the base of the parapet. Unfortunately the regiment on their right and left failed to support them, so that the enemy concentrated their fire on these four brave companies with terrible effect. Another company was ordered forward to cover their withdrawal. But the casualties of that dreadful night were greater in proportion to the number engaged, than in any other single action during the entire siege. The gallantry of the officers and men received high praise from the division commander. On the 14th of June a general attack was ordered. At one o’clock in the morning the Twelfth commenced its march; a guide having been sent from headquarters to conduct them to theii- position in the line, lost his way, the night being intensely dark. A staff officer, who came to his assistance, led them still farther astray through the woods, until the regiment became separated by flanks, and no small anxiety was felt for its safety. A third guide, however, corrected the mistake, and brought them to the position assigned them before the day began to break. Col. Peck immediately led his men to the front, availing themselves of the irregularities of the ground for cover, until his right rested upon the line of the brow of a ridge not more than fifty yards from “Priest Gap.” A severe fire was kept up on both sides until noon, during which the Twelfth lost about twenty-five men. The attempt to carry the place at that time being abandoned, our men concealed themselves in the ravines and behind stumps and logs, under a scorching sun, without food or drink, until night, when they returned in good order, but somewhat depressed, to their old watch and work in the trenches. Here they remained through all those dark and trying days, until the capture of Vicksburg, and the lack of
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