the fort’s biggest and most effective guns, those on the parapet, were by Anderson’s order not to be used. These stood in the open, protected only by the top of the wall in front of them, which would have provided ample protection if the opposing force were a fleet of ships in the shipping channel. But with Confederate guns firing from all directions, the parapet guns were too exposed and their use would put the men at grave risk. The casemates on the lowest level, however, were virtually bombproof. At six-thirty, Major Anderson at last gave the order to fire. Doubleday pulled the lanyard to
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