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made to storm their works, but it was unsuccess-ful, though it secured more advanced Tw0and sheltered positions for the Federal eessful as-troops. The failure was disappoint- saults-ing, for time was precious. Reinforcements wereon the way to Johnston, and it was feared that hemight approach in sufficient strength to relieve thecity. Accordingly on the 22d another and desper-ate assault was made. The Federals pressed upclose to the works under a murderous fire. Inseveral places brave men succeeded in climbingthe parapets and planting their flags, where theywaved several hours, while the rebels were shotdown as fast as they stepped up to remove them;but the works were not carried. Two of thesecases occurred in McClernand ’s corps, just as Grantwas about to give orders to stop the assault. Inan altogether too sanguine and heated mood Mc-Clernand sent word that he was “ partly in posses-sion of two forts ” and with a vigorous push hopedto carry everything in front of him. This natu-rally led Grant to renew the fruitless assault.Similar incidents occurred in Sherman’s and Mc-Pherson’s commands, but their military eyes readthe situation more correctly. If McClernand hadsent word that his men had reached the ditch butcould not get into the forts, he would have describedjust what he saw before him, and much useless