Meanwhile the officers in charge of the large guns had their crews in order, and our shells began to fly over the bluffs, which, as we now saw, should have been shelled in advance, only that we had to economize ammunition.

The other soldiers I drove below, almost by main force, with the aid of their officers, who behaved exceedingly well, giving the men leave to fire from the open port-holes which lined the lower deck, almost at the water's level.

In the very midst of the _melee_ Major Strong came from the upper deck, with a face of horror, and whispered to me, "Captain Clifton was killed at the first shot by my side." If he had said that the vessel was on fire the shock would hardly have been greater.

Of course, the military commander on board a steamer is almost as helpless as an unarmed man, so far as the risks of water go.

A seaman must command there.