13. The great fleet opened fire upon the land-face, and having dismounted all but one of the twenty-two heavy guns defending that flank, on the evening of the 15th, General Terry by signal, changed the fire of the fleet to the sea-face batteries. The three Federal brigades that had worked their way close up, sprang forward in a charge that resulted in the capture of seven traverses and four hundred prisoners. The assailants lost their three commanders and five hundred men. It was a fatal blow. The Federals could not be dislodged, and, after brave and unavailing combat within the works, Fort Fisher was taken; and its garrison, numbering two thousand men, became prisoners of war. General Whiting and Colonel Lamb were both badly wounded, and the former soon died of his injuries.
QUESTIONS.
1. What is said of the re-election of Governor Vance in 1864?
2. What course had Governor Vance pursued? What is said of the approaching election?
3. Who was Governor Vance's opponent? What measures were being advocated by Mr. Holden and his followers?
4. How did Governor Vance and the people consider these measures?
5. What proposition had certain members of the Confederate Congress communicated to Governor Vance, and how had he received them? What was the result of the election?
6. Where was General Grant placing fresh troops? What was the result?
7. What is said of Wilmington and its defences?
8. What occurred on December 25th, 1864?