The bridge builders never had a chance before the rifles.

But now their supports, which should have been there all the time, are coming up." Heavy columns of Union riflemen moved forward to the edge of the river and replied to the Mississippians.

But the Southerners, in the shelter of the cellars and pits, held their ground.

But few of them were hit and they kept up that deadly hail which swept the uncompleted bridge clear of every workman who attempted to go upon it.
The rapid fire of the rifles crashed up and down both sides of the river, two sheets of flame seeming to reach out as if they would meet each other.

The wind that had driven away the fog also carried off the smoke, and the river still gleamed like steel between.