From several high elevations overlooking the fort, Confederate sharpshooters were able to fire upon any Union soldiers who showed themselves above the walls. Many Union officers, including the commander, Major Booth, were picked off by the sharpshooters prior to the final assault on the fort. Fired artillery shells and canister shot have been found in some of the sharpshooter positions, showing Union attempts to dislodge the Confederates from those positions.