Before Vicksburg, Friday, July 3. 9 A. M. A flag of truce appeared opposite Smith’s Division, accompanied by General Bowen and Colonel Montgomery, who were taken to Grant’s headquarters, blindfolded. 12 M. General Pemberton met U. S. Grant under a large tree on the road to Vicksburg, to our right, with their staff on the outside of their respective works. The parley was continued until dark, when they withdrew. Orders issued not to fire until further orders. A strange day to us, so quiet and calm.
But a gloom was cast on the 6th Battery notwithstanding the hopeful indications of the truce. After the flag had appeared on the left and firing had ceased on both sides, and the men carelessly exposed themselves to view, a miscreant, yes, a brute in human form, took advantage of the opportunity to deprive one at least of his life, now, when unguarded, when under other circumstances he would have failed. Alvah B. Page, gunner of the second piece, was shot in the left ear, while sitting on the piece, instantly killing a noble life and good soldier, much loved and respected by all, and one of the best shots in the Battery. Many a time had he planted his missiles where they carried terror to the enemy’s heart. His last words were the hopeful ones “I guess they are gone up”. He lived to sight the last gun fired at the enemy’s stronghold. A siege gun was to be given him the very morning he was buried in a soldier’s grave, 2 P. M.
