Great columns of smoke floated over them and hid them at times from the watchers, but when the smoke lifted a little or was split apart by the shattering fire of the guns the black hulls of the gunboats always reappeared, and now they were not more than three or four hundred yards from Donelson.
"I take it that this is a coverin' fire," said Sergeant Whitley, who stood by.

"Four little vessels could not expect to reduce such a powerful fortress as Donelson.

It's not Fort Henry that they're fightin' now." "The chances are at least ninety-five per cent in favor of your supposition," said Warner.
The sergeant's theory, in fact, was absolutely correct.

Further down the river the transports were unloading regiment after regiment of fresh troops, and vast supplies of ammunition and provisions.

Soon five thousand men were formed in line and marched to Grant's relief, while long lines of wagons brought up the stores so badly needed.