TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 15 AUTHOR: United States. War Dept., John Sheldon Moody, Calvin Duvall Cowles, Frederick Caryton Ainsworth, Robert N. Scott, Henry Martyn Lazelle, George Breckenridge Davis, Leslie J. Perry, Joseph William Kirkley PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 1886 Page A Production Note Cornell University Library produced this volume to preserve the informational content of the deteriorated original. The best available copy of the original has been used to create this digital copy. It was scanned bitonally at 600 dots per inch resolution and compressed prior to storage using ITU Group 4 compression. Conversion of this material to digital files was supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Digital file copyright by Cornell University Library 1995. This volume has been scanned as part of The Making of America Project, a cooperative endeavor undertaken to preserve and enhance access to historical material from the nineteenth century. Page B Title Page Page R001 0 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. PREPARED, UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR, BY Liout. Col. ROBERT N. SCOTT, Third U. S. Artillery, AND PUBLISHED PURSUANT TO ACT OF CONGRESS APPROVED JUNE 16, 1880. SERIES I-.-VOLUXE XV. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1886. Page R002 / ~h ~ K Page R003 PREFACE. By an act approved June 23, 1874, Congress made an appropriation to enable the Secretary of War to begin the publication of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion, both of the Union and Confed- erate Armies, and directed him to have copied for the Public Printer all reports, letters, telegrams, and general orders not heretofore copied or printed, and properly arranged in chronological order. Appropriations for continuing such preparation have been made from time to time, and the ac~ approved June 16, 1880, has provided tizr the printing and binding, under direction of the Secretary of War, of ten thousand copies of a compilation of the Official Records (Union and Confederate) of the War of the Rebellion, so far as the same may be ready for publication, ~~uring the fiscal year~~ and that of said num- ber, seven thousand copies shall be for the use of the House of Repre- sentatives, two thousand copies for the use of the Senate, and one thousand copies for the use of the Executive Departments. * This compilation will be the first general publication of the military records of the war, and will embrace all official documents that can be obtained by the compiler, and that appear to be of any historical value. Volumes IV distributed under act approved June 16, 1880. The act approved August 7, 1882, provides that The volumes of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion shall be distributed as follows: One thousand copies to the Executive Departments, as now provided by law. One thousand copies for distribution by the Secretary of War among officers of the Army and contributors to the work. Eight thousand three hundred copies shall be sent by the Secretary of War to such libraries, organizations, and individuals as may be desiguated by the Senators, Representatives, and Delegates of the Forty- seventh Congress. Each Senator shall designate not exceeding twenty-six, and each Representative and Delegate not exceeding twenty-one of such addresses, and the volumes shall be sent thereto from time to time as they are published, until the pub- lication is completed. Senators, Representatives, and Delegates shall inform the Secretary of War iu each case how many volumes of those heretofore published they have forwarded to such addresses. The remaining copies of the eleven thousand to be published, and all sets that may not be ordered to be distributed as provided herein, shdll be sold by the Secretary of War for cost of publication, with ten per cent. added thereto, and the proceeds of such sale shall be covered into the Treasury. If two or more sets of said voinmes are ordered to the same address, the Secretary of War shall inform the Senators, Representatives, or Delegates, who have designated the same, who thereupon may desiguate other libraries, organizations, or individuals. The Secretary of War shall report to the first session of the Forty-eighth Congress what volumes of the series heretofore published have not been furnished to such libraries, organizations, and individuals. He shall also inform distributees at whose instance the volumes are sent. (III Page R004 I-v. PREFACE. The publication will present the records in the following order of arrangement: The First Series will embrace the formal reports, both Union and Con- federate, of the first se~nres of United States property in the Southern States, and of all military operations in the field, with the correspond. once, orders, and returns relating specially thereto, and, as proposed, is to be accompanied by an Atlas. In this series the reports will be ari-anged according to the campaigns and several theaters of operations (in the chronological order of the events), and the Union reports of any event will, as a rule, be imme diately followed by the Confederate accounts. The correspondence, & c., not embraced in the reports~~ proper will follow (first Union and next Confederate) in chronological order. The Second Series will contain the correspondence, ordera, reports, and returns, Union and Confederate, relating to prisoners of war, and (so far as the military authorities were concerned) to State or political prisoners. The Third Series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns of the Union anthorities (embracing their correspondence with the Confederate officials) not relating specially to the subjects of the first and second series. It will set forth the annual and special reports of the Secretary of War, of the General-in-Chief and of the chiefs of the several staff corps and departments; the calls for troops, and the correspondence between the National and the several State authorities. The Fourth Series will exhibit the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns of the Confederate authorities, similar to that indicated for the Union officials, as of the third series, but exoluding the correspondence between the Union and Confederate authorities given in that series. ROBERT N. SCOTT, Major Third Art., and Bvt. Lieut. Gol. WAR DEPARTMENT, August 23, 1880. Approved: ALEX. RAMSEY, & cretary of War Table of Contents Page R005 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXVII. P~g& Operation8 in We8t Florida, Southern Alabama, Southern Misai8sippi (embrac- ing all operation8 against Vicksbnrg, May 18July 27,1862), and Loaisiana. 1313~i. (v Page R006 Additions and Corrections Page A001 N / .~. T ii E ( ~-. WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL ~RECO7RDS OF TIlE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. ADD IITIONS AND (~OI{1{ECT IONS TO SERIES IVOLUME XV (T he inserted in the voirirne. IFor explanation see G-enieral Index vUmne, Serial INc. 120, page XXVIII.) UtIBLISHEI) UNDER TIlE T)IRECTION OF The Hon. ELIHU ROOT, Secretary of War, BY BRIG. GEN. FRED C. AINSWORTH, CHIEF OF THE RECORD AND PENSION OFFICE, WAR DEPARTMENT, AND MR. JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY. Mr. JOHN S. MOODEY, itidexer. WA SHIN G TON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OF~ICE. 1902 Page A002 2 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. TEXT. Page 208. Erase foot-note and insert Omitted. Page 240. Erase foot-note and insert See Plate 23, Map S, of the Atlas. Page 285. Erase *, fourth line, top; also erase foot-note. Page 712. Strike out Capt. F. Williamson, in organization table, following 2d Massachusetts Cavalry Battalion, Company B, and insert Lieut. Solon A. Perkins. Page 744. Foot-note, erase Of 20th not found and insert For 20th, see Series I, Vol. 52, Part 2, ~. 357. Page 773. Erase foot-note and insert See Series I, Vol. 53, ~. Sq. Page 820. For Special Orders, No. 73, read General Orders, No. 73. [Special] Orders, No. 20, erase [Special] and for October 2, 5862, read October 2, s86z. NOTECorrect copy of Orders, No. 20, is printed in Series I, Vol. 4, p. 113. Pagc 834. Third line, top, for Luttrel read Tattnall. Pagt 847. Erase foot-note and insert See Series I, Vol. 52, Part 2, ~. 379. Page 903. Fill blank space in ~ foot-note with figures 895. Page 946. Erase foot-note and insert Seep. 939. Page 1041. Smith to Holmes, tenth line, insert after delay the words my return. Page 1132. Seventh line, top, for s868 read 5863. Page 1135. Add foot-note, *See p. io~o. Page 1138. First line under Alabama Troops, for Artillery, Heavy, read Artillery, Light. Page 1167. Under Courts of Inquiry, for Seventh New Hampshire read Seventh Vermont. Page 1247. Insert * after Tennessee Troops, Artille~y, HeavyBattalions.~ ist, and add foot-note, * The Maury, Nelson, and Rock City Artillery (Taylors-Stankiewiczs battery). INDEX. Insert all words nod figures in italics and strike out all in [brackets]. An asterisk (*) following a correctiou indicates that Additions and corrections tu the text should be consulted. A. W. Baker, S/earner. rapture, Fet.3, 1863,3. Adjutant and Inspector Generals Office, C. S. A. Orders, General, series 1862: No. 73, 82o.* Orders, Special, series 1862: [No. 73, 820] .* Alabama Troops. CavalryCompanies: [Amos, io68.] InfantryBattalions: [i6th, 1033.] CliftonsSnodgrass [4th], 78, 86. Norwoods [6th]. InfantryRegiments: [4th, 78, 86.] Arkansas Troops. Cavalry[Battalions: ist (choctaw), 286]. InfantryBattalions: Jones, B., ist. Baker, A. W., Steamer. Baker, D. W. [captain]. Barnett, James [T.] R. Barnewall [Barnwell], William [W.], jr. Bassett, William Henry [Mr.]. Baxter, Eli [Judge]. Bell,J. H., C. S. S. Beuachi, Nicholas M. [N.]. Beuew or Bruen, A. Berwick, Oscar D. Blodgett [Blodget], George. [Boissat, Armand, 757.] Bonaparte, Charles L. N. See Napoleon, Louis. Bosworth, A: W., Mr. Bosworth, A. W., Colonel. Boyces Bridge, cotile Bayou, I~a. Skirmish at [Expedition to]. Brashear, Dennis 7. Brewer, R. H. [1,ieutenant-Colonelj. Brewin, W. H. [Captain]. Brooks, James [C.]. Bruen or Benew, A., 545. Bryan, E. H. [Surgeon] Burbridge, J. W. [N.] & Co. Bureau of Conscription [Conscript Bureau], C. S. A. Burton, W, Steamer. Butler, Benjamin F. Correspondence with Benachi, N. M. Callejon, Juan [Imanilel] Page A003 3 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. Callejon, Juan [Imanuel]. Carey, Asa B. [Casey, Captain]. Ceres, Steamer [U.S. S.]. Childress, H. M. [Lieutenant]. Chuhb, Thomas H. [Captain]. Churches. Orders of Beaks, 621. Confederate Troops. Cavalry~7ompanies: Bradleys, 19 [Regiments: ist (Co. A), f9]. Corinth, Miss. Advance, etc., April s9.-June io, i86s [Re-en- forcements for]. Cotton, C.S.S., 297, 313, g88, 1095, 1096; J. A. Cot- ton, C. S. S., Mentioned, [297, 313, 3S8, 1095, 1096]. Cross, A braham [lieutenant]. Dwight, Charles T. Edey, Percy F. [E.]. Everett, Charles [(Lieutenant - Colonel)], 64 EEverett, Charles (Captain), 64]. Florida, C. S.S., 66i. Florida Troops. CavalryCompanies: Amos, io68. Forney, John H. Correspondence with Tattnall,J. B. F [Luttrel, Ned]. Foster, George [Mr.]. Fusilier, CL. [Leclerc]. General Earl Van Dora, C.S.S., 515, 752, 763. Gentry, A. M. [Colonel]. Gulf, Department of the (U.). Orders, Special, series 1862: [No. 3, 634]. Orders, Special, series 1863: No. 3, 6~ . Halsted [Haistead], G. B. Hart % Wiatz [Hartry & Wintry]. Hays, J. L. [Lieutenant]. Heidsieck [Heidsick], Charles. I. C. Landis, Steamer, 464, ~s8, 529, 1102. Ilsley, Edwin [Edward]. I. H. Bell, C. S. S., 238, 974. Jenny Lind, Steamer [Ship]. Kentucky Troops (C.). InfantryRegunents: 5th (Hunt). Kittridge [Kittredge], W. A. Lafon [Laford], T. Lanata, Duque [Dque]. Landis, I. C., Steamer. Latham, Francis W. [Mr.]. Levois [Lewis], J., & Co. Locke [Looke], Samuel. Louisiana Troops (C.). Artillery, HeavyBattalions: 8th, 19. CavalryBattalions: 9th, 120123, 790. InfantryBattalions: [8th, 19.] 9th, 90, 105107, 120122, 971 [120123, 790]. Luhhock, H. S. Mentioned, 930 [Luhhock, Captain, 930]. Lam [Luna], J. A., & Co. [Luttrel, Ned. Correspondence with John H. Forney, 833.] McCawley [McCauley], G. W. Macha, Sackfield, 476 [MackIln, 5., 476]. McRae, ColiaJ. [General]. Magee, Harton [Horten] & George. Mangus Colorado, ss8, 670. Marmion, James R. [Captain]. Mary T., C.S.S. (See [J A.] Cotton, C.S.S.). Mire, F. Camille. Mississippi, U. S. S., i~7; Mississippi, Steamer, [i~j. Mississippi, District of the (C.). Ruggles, George D., assigned to command of, 804 [Soo]. Mississippi Troops. InfantryBattalions: 1st (Choctaw), s86. Mobile, Ala. Affairs at. Communications from Tattuall, J. R. F. [Luttrel, Ned]. Munitions of War. Supplies of. Communications from Quartermaster-Generals Office, C. S. A., 872. Quartermaster-Generals Office, U. S. A., [872]. New Mexico, Department of (U.). Orders, General, series 1864 [1863]. New Orleans Bulletin [Bulletin, The]. New Orleans Daily Advocate [Daily Advocate, The]. New Orleans Delta [Delta, The]. New Orleans Picayune [Picayune, The]. Olivier, L. Correspondence with Quinterro [Quinton], 3. A. Oreto, C.S.S. [Oreta, Steamer, 66i]. See C.S.S. Florida. Perkins, S. A., 712.* Pesqueira [Pesquira], Ignaclo. Pinola [Panola], U. S. S. Quinterro [Quinton], J. A. Rickerson [Rickson], John. Romeo, U. 5.5., 193, 776 [No. 3,U. S. Gunhoat, 193, 776]. Ruggles, Daniel. Assignments to command, 804. Rundlett, James [Isaac] H. Samory [Samorny], H. Stith, Gerard [Mr.]. Sulivane [Sulhivane], F. Clement. Taihot, M. [Judge]. Tarleton, Whiting [Tariton, Whitney] & Co. Tattanli, 3. R. F. Correspondence with John H. Forney, 833. Tennessee Troops. Artillery, HeavyBattalions: ist, 1247* Terrazas, Luis, 686 [Terrazas, , 686]. Texas, District of (C.). Orders, General, series i86x: No. 20, 82o.* Orders, Special, series 1862: [No. 20, 82o].* Texas Troops (C.). CavalryCompanies: [Penalozas, 8~i.] CavalryRegiments: 2d Partisan [6th]. InfantryCompanies: Penalozas, 8gi. Thiesman [Thresman], 0. F Page A004 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. Tucker, Phiii~i5 C. [Major]. U//mann [Uliman], Daniel. Union Troops. CavalryRegiments: [7th, 574, 577, 725.] [ioth, 574.] Infan/iyRegimens.. 7//i, 57/, 577, 723. Is/h, .571. Urangajosi il/aria [Mr.]. Van iienthuysen, (Va/son [Major]. Virginia, C. S. S., ]2. Wadsworth, Thomas M. Ward, 0. W [M.]. War Department, C. S. Correspondence with Bureau of (onscr~p/ion [Conscript Bureau], C. S. A. Ware, J. A., 101 [Hare, Captain, 404]. Winchester, J. R., 398 [Winchester, Richard, 398]. Woodward, T. D., 847 [Woodward, , 2~j. Wro/nor ski [Wrotnoski], T,. A. Znbiran,J an N. [Zuhrian, Mr.]. Special Index Page R007 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME I. CHAPTER L Page. Operations In Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. December 20, 1860April 14, 1861 1317 CHAPTER IL The secession of Georgia. January 326, 1861 318325 CHAPTER III. The secession of Alabama and Mississippi. January 420, 1861. 326330 CHAPTER IV. Operations in Florida. January 6-August 31, 1861 331473 CHAPTER V Page. The secession of North Carolina. Janu ary 9May 20,1861 474488 CHAPTER VI. The secession of Louisiana. January 10 February 19, 1861 489-501 CHAPTER VII. Operations in Texas and New Mexico. February 1June 11, 1861 502636 CHAPTER FIlL Operations in Arkansas, the Indian Tern. tory, and Missouri. February 7-May 9, 1861 637691 VOLUME II. CHAPTER lX. Page. Operations in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. April 16-July 31, 1861. 11012 VOLUME III. CHAPTER X. Page. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Indian Territory. May 10-November 19, 1861. 1749 VOLUME IV. CHAPTER XI. Page. CHAPTER XIIL Page. Operations In Texas, New Mexico, and Operations in North Carolina and South. Arizona. June11, 1861February 1,1862. 1174 eastern Virginia. August 1, 1861Jann. CHAPTER XII. ary 11, 1862 586-721 Operations in Kentucky and Tennessee. July 1-November 19,1861 175565 VOLUME V. CHAPTER XIV. Page. Operations in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and West Virginia. August 1, 1861March 17, 1862. 11106 VOLUME VI. CHAPTER XV. Operations on the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Middle and East Florida. August 21, 1861April 11, 1862..... Page. CHAPTER XVL Page. Operations in West Florida, Southern Al. abama, Southern Mississippi, and Lou. 1435 isiana. September 1, 1861May 12, 1862. 436-894 VOLUME VII. CHAPTER XVII. Page. Operations in Kentucky. Tennessee, N. Alabama, and S. W. Virginia. Nov. 19, 1861Mar. 4,1862. 1946 (VII Page R008 VIII CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME Viii. CHAPTER XVIII. Page Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Indian Territory. Nov. 19,1861-April 10, 1862. l-534 VOLUME IX. CHAPTER XIX Page. CHAPTER XXI. Page. Operations in Southeastern Virginia. Jan. Operations in Texas, New Mexico, and uary 11March 17, 1862 171 Arizona. February 1September 20, 1862 481736. CHAPTER XX. Operations in North Carolina. January 11August 20, 1862 72480 VOLUME XIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXIL Operations in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Mississippi, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia~ March 4June 10, 1862. Page. Part IReports 1-92T Part itCorrespondence, etc 1-64 VOLUME XIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXIII. The Peninsular Campaign, Virginia. March 17-September 2, 1862. Page. Part IReports, March 17-June 24 1107 Part lIReports, June 25-September 2 1-994 Part 111Correspondence, etc 1-691 VOLUME XHIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXIV. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. Page. Part IReports, March 17-June 25 1-818 Part lIReports, June 26-September 2 1-820 Part IllCorrespondence, etc 1966 VOLUME XIII. CHAPTER XXV. Page. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, the Indian Territory, and the Department of the Northwest. April 10-November 20, 1862 1-981 VOLUME XIV. CHAPTER XXVI. Page. Operations on the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Middle and East Florida. April 12, 1862June 11, 1863 1102 Page 1 CHAPTER XXVII. OPERATIONS IN WEST FLORIDA, SOUTHERN ALA BAMA, SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI,* AND LOUISIANA. May 12, 1862M:ay 14, 1863. AND IN TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA. September 20, 1862May 14, 1863. STTMMARY OF TIlE PRINCIPAL EVENTS.t May 1213,1862.Surrender of Natchez, Miss., demanded, and occupation of:, by U. S. naval forces. 18Aug. 6, 1862.Operations about Vicksburg, Miss., and Baton Rouge, La. 26, 1862.Department No. 2 (Confederate) extended to embrace Mississippi south of 33(1 paralleL and west of the Pascagoula and Chicka- sawha Rivers, and Louisiana east of the Mississippi. Trans-Mississippi Department (Confederate) constituted, embrac- ing, with other territory, Louisiana west of the Mississippi and Texas. 28, 1862.District of West Louisiana and Texas (Confederate) constituted, under command of Brig. Gen. Paul 0. H6bert. June 3, 1862.Col. George F. Shepley, Twelfth Maine Infautry, appointed Mili- tary Governor of Louisiana. 1415, 1862.Expedition from Pensacola to Milton, Fla. 17, 186~2.Skirmish at Pass Manchac, La. 18, 1862.Brig. Gen. Paul 0. H6bert, C. S. Army, assumes command of the District of West Louisiana and Texas. 20, 1862.Maj. Gen. Earl Van Dorn, C. 8. Army, assumes command of the Department of Southern Mississippi and East Louisiana. Skirmish at Bayou des Allemands, La. 22, 1862.Expedition from Ship Island to Pass Christian, Miss. Skirmish at Bayou des Allemands, La. 25, 1862.Department No. 1 merged into Department No.2, under command of General Braxton Bragg, C. S. Army. Skirmish near Pensacola, Fla. 29, 1862.The Department of Alabama and West Florida (Confederate) discontinued. * Embracing all operations against Yicksburg, May 18July 27, 1862. t Of some of the minor conflicts noted in this Summary no circumstantial reports are on file. 1 R RVOL XV Page 2 2 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. June 29,1862.Capture of the steamer Ann under the guns of Fort Morgan, Ala. July 2, 1862.District of Mississippi (Van Dora) and District of the Gulf (For- ney) constituted. 5 8, 1862.Expedition from Ponchatoula, La. 18, 1862.Department No. 2 extended to embrace all of Mississippi, East Louisiana, and West Florida. 24,1862.Skirmish on the Amite River, La. 25-Aug. 2, 1862.Expedition to Lake Poritchartrain, Pass Manchac, and up the Tchefuncta and. Pearl Rivers, La., with skirmishes. 27,1862.Skirmish at Madisonville, La.. Skirmish near Covington, La. Aug. 710, 1862.Reconnaissances from Pensacola to Bagdad and Milton, Fla. 8, 1862.West Florida transferred from Department of the South to the Department of the Gulf. 9, 1862.Bombardment of Donaldsonvifle, La 10, 1862.Affair at Bayou Sara, La. 18, 1862.Affair at Millikens Bend, La., and capture of steamer Fair Play.* 20, 1862.Maj. Gen. Richard Taylor, C. S. Army, assigned to the command of the District of West Louisiana. Skirmisli at Baton Rouge, La. 21, 1862.Baton Rouge, La., evacuated by lJnion forces. 23,1862.Affair at Bayou Sara, La. 29, 1862.Skirmish near Saint Charles Court-House, La. Engagement between U. S. S. Anglo-American and Port Hudson batteries.t Sept. 4 5, 1862.Affairs at Boutte Station and Bayou des Allemands, La. 7, 1862.Engagement between U. S. S. Essex and Port Hudson batteries.t 7 8, 1862.Expedition from Carroilton to vicinity of Saint Charles Court- House, La., and skirmish. 1315,1862.Expedition to Pass Manchac and Ponchatoula, La., and skirmish. 2125, 1862-Expedition from Carrollton to Donaldsonville, La., and skirmish. 2425,1862.Engagement at Sabine Pass, Tex. 27, 1862.Affair on Taylors Bayou, Tex. Oct. 1, 1862.The Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana constituted, under command of Maj. Gen. John C. Pemberton, C. S. Army. 2, 1862.Destruction of railroad depot near Beaumont, Tex. 4, 1862.Engagement near Donaldsonville, La. 5,1862.Galveston, Tex., captured by Union fleet. 9Nov.25, 1862.Expedition from Fort Union to the Canadian River and Utah Creek, N. Mex. 10, 1862.Maj. Gen. John B. Magruder, C. S. Army, assigned to command of the District of Texas. 14, 1862.Lient. Gen. John C. Pemberton, C. S. Army, assumes command of the Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana. 19, 1862.Skirmish at Bonnet Carr6, Saint John Baptist Parish, La. 24Nov. 6,1862.Operations in the La Fourche District, La. 25, 1862.Capture of Donaldsonville, La. 27, 1862.Action at Georgia Landing, near Labadieville, La. 29,1862.Affair at Sahine Pass, Tex. 31Nov. 1, 1862.Bombardment of Lavaca, Tex. For reports, see Series I, Vol. XIII, pp. 240247. t For reports, see Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy, December 1, 1862 Page 3 CHAP. IXYIL] SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL EVENTS. 3 Nov. 1 6,1862.Naval operations on Berwick Bay, La. 8, 1862.Maj. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks, U. S. Army, assigned to the com- mand of the Department of the Gulf. 14,1862.Brig. Gen. Andrew J. Hamilton, U. S. Army, appointed military governor of Texas. 20,1862.Affair near Matagorda, Tex. 21, 1862.Skirmish at Bayou Bohfouca, La. 2122, 1862.Affairs at Petite Anse Island, La. 27, 1862.Capture of steamboat Lone Star. 29, 1862.Maj. Gen. John B. Magruder, C. S. Army, assumes comn~and of the District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Dec. 7,1862.Affair at Padre Island, Tex. 10,1862.Skirmish at Desert Station, La. 14, 1862.Brig. Gen. William W. Mackall, C. S. Army, supersedes Maj. Gen. John H. Forney in command of tb District of the Gulf. Maj. Gen. Simon B. Buckner, C. S. Ar my, assigned to the command of the District of the Gulf. - 16, 1862.Maj. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Nineteenth Army Corps. 17,1862.Baton Rouge, La., reoccupied by Union forces. Major-General Banks supersedes Major-General Butler in command of the Department of the Gulf. 23,1862.Major-General Buckner assumes command of the District of the Gulf. 24,1862.Galveston, Tex., occupied by Union forces. 2526,1862.Expedition from Millikens Bend to Dallas Station and Delhi, La.* 28, 1862.Maj. Gen. Franklin Gardner, C. S. Arruy, assumes command at Port Hudson, La. 29, 1862.Affair near Plaquemine, La. 31Jan. 3, 1863.Affairs at Plaquemine, La. Jan. 1, 1863.Recapture of Galveston, Tex., by Confederate forces. 4May 8, 1863.Operations against Indians in New Mexico. 9,1863.Loss of U. S. transport Sparkling Sea. 10, 1863..Brig. Geu. Thomas W. Sherman assumes command of Defenses of New Orleans, La. 11, 1863.Capture of U. S. S. Hatteras off Galveston, Tex. 14,1863.Engagement on Bayou Teche, La., and destruction of the Confed- erate gunboat Cotton. Lieut. Gen. E. Kirby Smith, C. S. Army, assigned to the command of the Southwestern Army. 21,1863.Attack on blockading squadron at Sabine Pass, Tex. 28,1863.Skirmish at Indian Village, La. 29,1863.Skirmish near Richmond, La.t Feb. 3,1863.Capture of steamers Baker, Berwick Bay, and Moro by the Queen of the West.t 10,1863.Skirmish at Old River, La.t 1228,1863.Operations on Bayou Plaquemine and Atchafalaya River, La. 14,1863.Capture of the Queen of the West.t 19,1863.Expedition from Indian Village to Rosedale, La. 24,1863.Capture of the Indianola.t Mar. 230,1863.Expedition from New Orleans to the mouth of the Rio Grande. 727,1863.Operations against and about Port Hudson, La. 2129,1863.Expedition from Bonnet Caird to the Jackson Railroad and Amite River. ~In connection with operations against Vicksburg. See Series I, Vol. XVII. tIn connection with operations against Vicksburg. See Series I, Vol. XXIV Page 4 4 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. EOHAP. XXVTh Mar. 2130, 1863.Expedition from New Orleans to Ponchatoula, La., and skirmishes. 28, 1863. Capture of U. S. S. Diana near Pattersonville, La. April 7, 1863.Attack on the steamer Barataria, Amite River, La. 9May 14, 1863.Operations in West Louisiana. 12, 1863.Affair on the Amite River, La. 17, 1863.Skirmish on the Amite River, La. 18, 1863.Affair at Sabine Pass, Tex. 27, 1863.Maj. Gen. Dabney H. Maury, C. S. Army. ordered, npon being re~ lieved by Major-General Bnckner in East Tennessee, to assume command of the District of the Gulf. May 1, 1863.Skirmishes near Greensburg and at Williams Bridge, La. ~ 2, 1863.Skirmish at Roberts Ford, Comite River, La.* 3, 1863.Affair at Saint Josephs Island, Tex. 4, 1863.Engagement at Fort Dc Russy, Red River, La.* 918, 1863.Operations on the Amite River and Jackson Railroad, and skir- mislies at Pouchatoula, Independence Station, and Tickfaw Bridge, La. 10, 1863.Attack on Fort Beauregard, La.* Skirmishes at Caledonia and Pin Hook, or Bayou Macon, La.* 14, 1863.Banks forces commence moving from Alexandria for attack upon Port Hudson, La. MAY 18AUGUST 6, 1862.Operations about Vicksburg, Miss., and Baton Rouge, La. SUM {ARY OF TI-YE PRINCTPAL EVJ~JNTS. May 18, 1862.Surrender of Vicksburg demanded by Major-General Butler and Flag-Officer Farragut and refused by Brig. Gen. M. L. Smith. 26, 1862.Affair at Grand Gulf, Miss. June 7 9, 1862.Expedition from Baton Rouge, La. 9, 1862.Engagement at Grand Gulf, Miss. 20July 24, 1862.Expedition from Baton Rouge, La., to Vieksburg, Miss 24, 1862.Skirmish at Hamiltons Plantation, near Grand Gulf; Miss. 2729, 1862.Reconnaissauce to the Amite River, La., and skirmish. 28, 1862.Naval bomhardment of Vicksburg and passage of the batteries by the Union fleet. July 15, 1862.Engagement between the Union fleet and the Arkansas. 22, 1862.Engngemen~ with the Arkansas. Aug. 5, 1862.Enoaoement at Baton Rouge, La. 6, 1862.Destruction of the Arkansas. REPORTS, ETO.t No. 1.Brig. Gen. M. L. Smith, C. S. Army, commanding defenses of Vicksburg, of operations at Vicksbnrg, May 18July 27. No. 2.Maj. Gen. Earl Van Dorn, C. S. Army, conimandiug District of Mississippi, of operations at Vicksburg and Baton Rouge, June 27August 6 (ir eluding destruction of the Arkansas), with congratulatory order. * In connection with operations against Vicksburg. See Series I, Vol. XXIV. t The following reports arc of the engagement at Baton Rouge wheunot otherwise indicated. For United States naval reports of engagements June 28, July 15 and 22, and de- struction of the Arkansas, August 6, see Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy~ December 1, 1862 Page 5 CHAP. XXVII.] VICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 5 No. 3.Col. Nathan A. M. Dudley, Thirtieth Massachusetts Infantry, of expedition from Baton Rouge, La., June 79. No. 4.Maj. Gen. Mansfield Lovell, C. S. Army, of engagement at Grand Gulf, Miss., June 9. No. 5.Brig. Gen. Thomas Williams, U. S. Army, commanding Expeditionary Corps, of operations May 26August 2, with instructions from Major-General Butler. No. 6.Col. Halbert B. Paine, Fourth Wisconsin Infantry, of skirmish at Hamiltons Plantation, near Grand Gulf, Miss., June 24. No. 7.Lient. Col.. John A. Keith, Twenty-first Indiana Infantry, of reconnaissance to the Amite River, La., and skirmish, June 2729. No. 8.Lieut. Col. Alfred W. Ellet, U. S. Army, commanding Ram Fleet, of engage- ment with the Arkansas, July 22. No. 9.Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, U. S. Army, commanding the Department of the Gulf, with orders and resulting correspondence. No. 10.Return of Casualties in the Union forces. No. 11.Lieut. Godfrey Weitzel, U. S. Corps of Engineers, Chief Engineer Depart- ment of the Gulf. No. 12.Col. Thomas W. Cuhill, Ninth Connecticut Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, and resulting correspondence. No. 13.Col. Nathan A. M. Dudley, Thirtieth Massachusetts Infantry, commanding right wing Second Brigade. No. 14.Lient. George G. Trull, Second Battery Massachusetts Light Artillery. No. 15.Capt. Charles H. Manning, Fourth Battery Massachusetts Light Artil- lery. No. 16.Licut. William W. Carruth, Sixth Battery Massachusetts Light Artil- lery. No. 17.Maj. Horace 0. Whittemore. Thirtieth Massachusetts Infantry. No. 18.Capt. Charles E. Clarke, Sixth Michigan Infantry. No. 19.Lient. Col. Volney S. Fullam, Seventh Vermont Infantry. No. 20.Col. Frank S. Nickerson, Fourteenth Maine Infantry, commanding left wing Second Brigade. No. 21.Lient. Col. Richard Fitz Gibbons, Ninth Connecticut Infantry. No. 22.Capt. James Grimsl~y, Twenty-first Indiana Infantry. No. 23.Lient. Col. Sidney A. Bean, Fourth Wisconsin Infantry. No. 24.Maj. Gen. John C. Breckinridge, C. S. Army, commanding expedition, of engagement at Baton Rouge and occupation of Port Hudson. No. 23.Return of Casualties in the First Division, Confederate forces. No. 26.Capt. John A. Buckner, Assistant Adjutant-General, C. S. Army, command- ing First Brigade, First Division. No. 27.Col. Jeptha Edwards, Thirty-first Alabama Infantry. No. 28.Lieut. Col. John Snodgrass, Fourth Alabama Battalion. No. 29.Capt. John H. Millett, Fourth Kentucky Infantry. No. 30.Maj. J. C. Wickliffe, Fifth Kentucky Infantry. No. 31.Maj. H. E. Topp, Thirty-first Mississippi Infantry. No. 32.Col. T. B. Smith, Twentieth Tennessee Infantry, commanding Fourth Bri- gade. No. 33.Brig. Geu. Daniel Ruggles. C. S. Army, commanding Second Division, with Return of Casualties. No. ~4.Col. J. W. Robertson, Thirty-fifth Alabama Infantry, commanding First Brigade. No. 35.Col. J. W. Robertson, Thirty-fifth Alabama Infantry. No. 36.Limit. Col. Edward Goodwin, Thirty-fifth Alabama Infantry. No. 37.Capt. J. H. Bowman, Third Kentucky Infantry Page 6 6 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. (ChAP. IXYIt No. 38.Lient. Col. M. H. Cofor, Sixth Kentucky Infantry. No. 39.Col. Edward Crossland, Seventh Kentucky Infantry. No. 40.Col. H. W. Allen, Fourth Louisiana Infantry, commanding Second Bri- gade. No. 41.Col. Gustavus A. Breaux, Thirtieth Louisiana Infantry, commanding Second Brigade. No. 42.Lieut. Col. S. E. Hunter, Fourth Louisiana Infantry. No. 43.Col. Gustavus A. Breaux, Thirtieth Louisiana Infantry. No. 44.Lieut. Col. T. Shields, Thirtieth Louisiana Infantry. No. 45.Capt. Thomas Bynum, Boyds Battalion, Stewarts Legion. No. 46.Capt. 0. J. Semmes, commanding Battery. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gon. M. L Smith, C. S. Army, commanding defenses of Vicksburg, of operations at Vicksburg, May 18July 27. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DISTRICT, Vicksburg, Miss., August , 1862. MAJOR: The following report of the attack and defense of Vicks. burg is respectfully submitted to the major-general commanding the District of Mississippi: I assumed command of Yicksbnrg and its defenses on May 12, iu obedience to orders from Major-General Lovell, and proceeded at once to prepare for the approach of the enemy, then known to have passed Baton Rouge with a formidable fleet, having in view to open the river to Memphis and Fort Pillow, then in our possession. At the time of arriving the state of preparation for defense was as follows: Of the ten batteries that have been in use three were mostly completed and a fourth began; the armed troops present consisted of the remnant of the Eighth Louisiana Battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel Pinkney, and the Twenty-seventh Louisiana Yolunte~rs, Colonel Marks, both of my bri. gade, which had preceded me some six or ten days. Col. J. L. Autry, ordered here by General Bragg, was found in command, pushing the works forward vigorously through his chief engineer, Capt. D. B. Har- ris, who afterward remained with me in the same capacity until most of the works were completed.* From the 12th until the 18th the works were pushed forward night and day with all possible vigor, at the end of which the first division of the Federal fleet, together with transports carrying some 3,000 men, made their appearance, and found -us in a condition to dispute with a fair prospect of success a farther advance; that is to say, six batteries were complete, the cannoneers at their posts and fairly drilled. The arrival of this advanced division was immediately followed by a de- mand for the surrender of Vicksburg and its defenses, couched in the following terms: UNITED STATES STEAMER ONEIDA, Near Vicksburg, May 18, 1862. To the AUTHORITIES AT VIcKsBURG: The undersigned, with orders from Flag-Officer Farragut and Major-General Butler, respectfully demand, in advance of the approaching fieet;the surrender of Yicksburg * See Beauregard to Cooper, September 24, 1862, in Correspondence, etc., Test Page 7 7 CHAP. XXVII.] VICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. and its defenses to the lawful authority of the United States, under which private property and personal rights will be respected. Very respectfully yours, ~. PHILLIPS LEE, U. S. N., Commanding Advance of Naval Division. T. WILLIAMS, Brigadier-General. The subjoined reply was returned: HEADQUARTERS, Vickeburg, May 15,1862. PHILLIPS LEE, U. S. N., Commanding Advance of Natal Division: SIR: Your communication of this date, addressed to th8 authorities of Vicksburg, demanding the surrender of the city and its defenses, has been received. In regard to the surrender of the defenses, I have to reply that, having been ordered here to hold these defenses, my intention is to do so as long as it is in my power. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. L. SMITH, Brigadier- General, Commanding. I remark here that the citizens of the town had with great unanimity made np their minds that its possession ought to be maintained at all hazards, even though total demolition should be the result. This de- termination was enthusiastically concurred in by persons of all ages and both sexes and borne to my ears from every quarter. Thus cheered on and upheld the defense became an affair of more than public interest, and the approving sentiments of those so deeply interested unquestion- ably had its influence on the ultimate result as affairs stand to-day. Our cause probably needed an example of this kind, and assuredly a bright one has been given. The inhabitants had been advised to leave the city when the smoke of the ascending gunboats was first seen, under the impression that the enemy would open fire immediately on arrival; hence the above demand found the city sparsely populated and somewhat prepared for an attack, although when it really commenced there were numbers still to depart, besides many who had determined to remain and take the chances of escaping unharmed, a few of whom absolutely endured to the end. As bearing immediately upon the defense of this place, meas- ures had also been taken to push the Arkansas to completion. It was reported that the contractor had virtually suspended work; that me- chanics and workmen were leaving; that supplies were wanting; finally, that a very considerable quantity of iron prepared for covering her had been sunk in the Yazoo River. Steps were taken to promptly furnish mechanics and supplies, and a bell-boat being obtained and sent up to the spot, the prepared iron was soon recovered. It was considered fortunate that soon after this Captain Brown was assigned to the duty of completing the boat, as after his assignment this important work gave me no further concern. The enemy remained apparently inactive until the 26th, during which time the advance division of the fleet was joined by other gunboats, making ten in all. My force had in the mean time been increased by the Twentieth and Twenty-eighth Louisiana NTolnnteers, numberin gfor duty some 500 each, by five companies of Starkes cavalry, one battery Withers artillery, Captain IRidley, and four companies Sixth Missis- sippi Battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel Balfour; but all new troops, just mustered into service, and indifferently armed. These were thrown for- ward toward Warreuton, and disposed for disputing inch by inch the approach by land. This force was subsequently increased by the IEourth and Fifth Louisiana Page 8 8 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. The ensuing ten days I consider the most critical period of the de~ fenses of Yicksburg: batteries incomplete; guns not mounted; tvoops few, and both officers and men entirely new to service, and not a single regular officer to assist in organizing and commanding. Had a prompt and vigorous attack been made by the enemy, while I think the dispo. sitions made would have insured their repulse, still the issue would have been less certain than at any time afterwards. The enemy opened fire on the afternoon of the 26th for the first time, and continued about two hours~ apparently with a view of getting our range. The orders given to the batteries were not to return their fire at extreme range, and at ordinary range only at considerable intervals. This policy was adhered to throughout; at first because little ammuni- tion had then arrived; afterward for the reason that our works could not be injured by direct firing, and by saving the men they were fresh night and day to meet close and serious attacks, such as occurred before the termination of the bombardment; besides, the enemy were thus kept ignorant of our real strength as well as the effect of their own shot. It was not long before they apparently came to the conclusion that no im- pression could be made on our works by their gunboats, nor the erection of new batteries prevented whenever attempted, and the remaining six batteries of the ten first-mentioned were constructed under their eyes. From May 20 to the middle of June the firing was kept up at inter- vals and more or less heavy, the latter part of the time directed mainly at the town and at localities where they apparently thought troops were encamped. From June 14 to 18 there was an entire cessation of the attack, the mortar fleet that had bombarded Forts Jackson and Saint Philip being on the way here to join in the attack. They began to arrive on the 18th, and to the number of eighteen or nineteen were in position on the 20th, on the afternoon of which day the bombardment again opened. Prior to this a new source of anxiety arose. Fort Pillow and Memphis had fallen, and, in addition to the attack we were enduring, Yieksburg was threat. cued by a combined land and naval force from above. From the 20th to the 27th the bombardment was pretty constant during the day-time, at times very heavy, but generally ceasing at 10 or 11 oclock at night. On the evening of the 27th the firing began to increase in fury, and for some hours a shower of bomb-shells was rained upon our batteries that severely tried the nerve and courage of both officers and men. Still the damage was quickly repaired, and the men held their places at the guns. At daylight on the 28th the enemy recommenced with the same fury, and it was soon perceived that the entire gunboat fleet was in motion, moving rapidly up in front of the batteries and city, and it became apparent that the decisive struggle was at hand. Some thirty-five vessels were soon firing as rapidly as was possible, the mortars filling the air with shells, and the sloops of war and gunboats delivering broadside after broadside of shot, shell, and grape, according to their distance. Our batteries opened as soon as the vessels were within range and for the first time in lull force. The roar of cannon was now continuous and deafening; loud explosions shook the city to its founda- tions; shot and shell went hissing and tearing through trees and walls, scattering fragment~s far and wide in their terrific flight; men, wonien, and children rashed into the streets, and, amid the crash of hilling houses, commenced their hasty flight to the country for safety. This continued for about an hour and a half; when the enemy left, the yes Page 9 CHAP. XXVTL] YICICSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 9 sels that had passed the lower batteries continuing on up tLxe river, apparently as the quickest means of getting out of range, these that had not passed rapidly dropping down. The result of this effort on the part of the enemy was most satisfac- tory; not a single gun was silenced, none disabled, and, to their sur- prise, the serious bombardment of the preceding seven days had thrown nothing out of fighting trim. It also demonstrated to our satisfaction that how large soever the number of guns and mortar-boats, our bat- teries could probably be successfully held; consequently that the ulti- mate success of our resistance hinged upon a movement by land. The enemy evidently came to the same conclusion, as, after one weeks bombardment with their mortars and the final attempt on the morning of June 28 to silence and take our guns, the attack sensibly decreased in vigor and persistency. Up to the 28th there had been a great pressure on my command, owing to the limited number of men. The situation of the enemys fleet and the peculiar shape of the river in this vicinity, combined with the proximity of the Yazoo and the expected descent of a large force from above (as reported), had necessitated a rather heavy line of pick- ets, extending along a distance of 20 miles. To keep up this line an~ sustain a heavy attack at the same time taxed the energies of my mew to a great extent. The arrival of the advance brigade of Major-Gen- eral Breckinridges reserve corps was a great respite, and as the force was gradually increased, thus bringing us to an equality iu numbers with that which accompanied the fleet, it was almost felt that Vicks- burg was no longer besieged. The general command of these defenses was assumed by Maj. Gen. Earl Yan Dorn on June 28, Major-General Lovell having been relieved by him from the command of the depart- ment. Being authorized to make requisitions on the reserve corps for what- ever force was deemed necessary to carry out the plan of defense, the picket front was after the 28th divided into five divisions, the two extreme ones guarded by detachments from my brigade (Third Louis- iana), the remaining three by detachments from Brigadier-General Prestons, Helms, and Colonel Stathams brigades, re-enforced by light batteries from Colonel Withers artillery. The fleet from Memphis began to make its appearance above on Jane 20, and continued to receive accessions until it numbered in all forty-odd gunboats, mortar boats, rams, and transports. Firing commenced from this fleet on July 12, and, although at no time as heavy as from the lower fleet, continued with but little interruption until the final bombardment of the attack. On the morning of [July] 15 the daring passage of the ram Arkansas out of the Yazoo through the enemys fleet seemed to necessitate a prompt descent of those vessels that had passed up on the 28th, and everything was accordingly placed in readiness for them. A new bat- tery of 24-pounders, just erected, was manned by a light artillery de- tachment from Prestons brigade, under Lieutenant Gracey, and sharp- shooters from the same brigade placed along the bank wherever the ground was favorable. As conjectured, the enemy were in motion at sundown, and at dusk descended amid the roar of cannon, the flashing of musketry, the glare of lightning, and scenes in every respect such as had distinguished their passage up, except that the action was of shorter duration and the Arkams~ was on the river returning their broadside. The firin Page 10 10 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXvIL was mainly over in the course of an hour, and at the batteries not a single casualty from the enemys shot occurred. From the 15th to the 18th the enemy were mainly occupied in endeav- oring to sink the Arkansas with their mortars, and on the morning of the 18th a daring attempt was made to cut her out from nuder one of our batteries. It resulted, however, in no injury to the Arkansas, but in the destruction of one of their boats. This was really the termina- tion of the attack, although the bombardment was kept up until the 27th, when both fleets disappeared. It will thus be seen that the enemy were in front of Yicksburg sixty- seven days, (luring which the combined efforts of two powerful fleets have been foiled, and the accompanying land force, from 4,000 to 5,000, held at bay. The number of shot and shell thrown by the fleet is unknown; it had been estimated as high as 25,000 and put as low as 20,000. The number, however, is unimportant, and mentioned only to illustrate the fact that the loss to a land battery when. attacked by one afloat is comparatively small. The casualties from the enemys firing were 7 killed and 15 wounded; in the town 2 only are reported. The enemy fired at least ten shots to our one, and their number of killed and wounded can, from information, be safely put down at five times as great. It is a matter of surprise that not a single gun was dismounted during the whole time, and only two temporarily disabled, both being repaired in one night. The number of guns brought against us, including mor- tars, could not have been much less than 300; the number on our side was, as you are aware, considerably less. After this general description given, it would be great injustice not to mention the commands and their officers that have been instrumental in so signal a success. The batteries were manned by three companies First IRegimerit Louisiana Artillery, txvo companies of the Twenty-second two companies Twenty-third Louisiana Volunteers, Major Clinch; four companies heavy artillery from Fort Pillow, Major iloadley; three com- panies Eighth Louisiana Battalion, Major Ogden. Col. A. Jackson, jr., and Lieutenant-Colonel Sterling, both of the heavy artillery, were re- spectively in immediate command of the upper and lower batteries, and Colonel Fuller chief of heavy artillery. Lieutenant-Colonel Pinkney, Eighth Louisiana Battalion, in command of two of the lower batteries for a portion of the time, was temporarily relieved under a special or- ganization, which reduced the battalion to a majors command. The officers commanding these companies were as follows: Captains Capers, Grayson, Butler, Tissot, Purves, ilarrod, Todd, Dismukes, Parks, Xor- man, Postlethwaite. Durrive, K err, and Lieutenants Eustis, Butler, and McCrory. The names of the above-mentioned officers are given for the reason that, in connection with their lieutenants and men, they have passed through an ordeal that troops are but seldom called upon to undergo. For more than seventy-five (lays and nights have these bat- teries been continuously manned and rea notice; during much of this time the dy for action at a moments roar of cannon has been unceas- ing, and there have been portions of it during which the noise of falling shot and the explosions of shells have been such as might make the stoutest heart quail, yet none faltered; the blazing sun, the fatiguing night-watch, the storm of battle, all were alike cheerfully endured, and whenever called upon heavy and telling blows were dealt upon our foes in return. I feel a pride in having such officers and such men unde Page 11 Cusp. XXvII.J YICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 11 my command, for they have nobly sustained our cause in time of need, have added to the conntrys glory, and deserve well of her gratitnde. Some officers possibly attracted my attention more than others by their chivalric courage and inspiriting manner, yet the condnct of all was so noble and unexceptionable that I do not venture to particularize. The distant picketing was most efficiently and faithfully performed by the cavalry, commanded at different times by Colonel Starke, Lieu- tenant-Colonel Ferguson, and Major Jones, according as they were present. The nearer picket duty, together with that of being at all times guarded against surprise and ready to meet an attack, was so pa- tiently and carefully performed by the Twenty-sixth, Twenty-seventh, and Twenty-eighth Louisiana Volunteers, under Colonels IDe Clouet, Marks, and Allen Thomas; the Fourth anti Seventeenth Louisiana Volunteers, Colonel Allen and Colonel Richardson; also by the Third Regiment and Sixth Battalion Mississippi Volunteers, Colonel Mellon and Lieutenant-Colonel Balfonr, together with Withers light artillery, under Lieutenant-Colonel Parker, that 1 felt secure in giving most of my attention to the bombardment going on. Whenever events demanded a united movement of all I found a most reliable and efficient officer to represent me and carry out my instruc- tions in the person of my present assistant adjutant-general, Colonel Girault, whose judgment and zeal were never at fault. Of Captain Lockett, the accomplished engineer officer of my staff, I have to speak in terms of unqualified praise, both as regards skill in his profession and qualities as a soldier. The services of such an officer are so important and indispensable as to have all the effect of a positive increase of force in determining the issue of a contest. I most cordially recommend him to notice. Captain McDonald, brigade ordnance officer, and Captains Frost and ilarrod, aides, have in turn performed almost every duty during the siege known to the service; always prompt, they are distinguished for intelligence and perseverance in the performance of duty that merits constant praise. To the brigade quartermaster, Maj. J. W. Patton, and brigade com- missary, Major Reed, are due such mention as devoted attention to their duties and the interests of the service merit; both have performed all the duties pertaining to a department, and both have been compelled almost to create what they have had. The part borne during the latter days of the bombardment by a de- tachment from Major-General Breckinridges dtvision requires speefal mention. Captain Cobbs company of light artillery, under Lieutenant Gracey, manned a battery which was so spiritedly served as to attract attention on both occasions in which it was engaged and was even noticed by the enemy. The sharpshooters detailed from the same command kept up a galling fire on the enemy during the passage of the vessels on the .evening of the 15th, and drove them from the tops. The lamented Colonel Stathams brigade, under his own lead, showed a bravery in guarding the front of attack assigned him that could not be surpassed. On one occasion, having forced his way through a swamp deemed impassable, he made a rush upon the mortar-boats moored to shore, driving the force guarding on board, and had the positions of the ioats been accurately known would have taken possession of and destroyed several. The engineer company, under Captain Wiutter, was steadily occupied in the repairs of batteries and did valuable service. The report of the struggle at Vicksburg would be incomplete with- out the following merited tribute: During the engagement of the 28t Page 12 12 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVIL a most estimable lady, Mrs. Gamble, lost her life by the fragment of a shell striking her while leaving the city. This lady deserves more than a passing notice. Burning with patriotism, she inspired all around her with the noble spirit of resistance to oppression and confidence in the success of our cause. Ever present in the hospitals, ministering to the sick and wounded soldiers, she was among the last of her sex to leave the devoted city, where she yielded up her life in attestation of her faith and devotion. Though but the type of a class of which our Southern land can boast, she is a martyr to the cause she loved, and without her name the history which Vicksburg has made for herself would be in- complete. To the citizens of Yicksburg a nations thanks are due for their noble example in surrendering their property and homes to almost certain destruction, and that so little damage was done does not detract from the merit of their act, but rather serves to call for gratitude to the Su- preme Being, who has not only preserved from destruction the homes of a patriotic people, but in mercy granted a victory over their enemies. In conclusion, I deem it proper to remark upon the manner in which the bombardment was conducted. In locating the batteries pains had been taken to place them without the limits of the town, advantageous positions even having been rejected with that view, so that in the ap- proaching struggle the fight might, if the enemy so chose, be confined to the armed points, and the city itself, which could have no bearing upon the ultimate issue, be made to suffer as little as an enlightened and humane method of conducting war would lead us to expect, and which under the same circumstances I think most enemies would have pursued. Events did not justify our expectations. The bombardment opened upon both batteries and town. This was expected and could not be objected to, and no fault is ft. at its continuing so as long as the enemy had hopes of accompli. their object; but when the attack on the batteries ceased, when the bombarding force began even to gradually leave, when it was notorious that they deemed their attack a failure, then to continue to throw shells into a beautiful town, as was done day after day, with the sole purpose of injuring it, of def~cing it, of destroying private property, indicated a spirit of wanton destruction scarcely pardonable in the uncivilized Indian. This seemed to be the special mission of the upper fleet. Shame to the man who commanded it! I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, M. L. SMITH, Brigadier- General, Commanding Defenses of Vicksburg. Maj. M. M. KJMMI~L, Assistant Adjutant- General, District of 111 ississ~ppi. [Addenda.*J MAYORS OFFICE, S. P. LEE, ~. ~. ~., T7icksburg, Miss., lJiay 18, 1862. Commanding Advance of Naval Division: Your communication of this date, addressed To the authorities of Yicksburg, I has been delivered to me. In reply I will state to you that, as far as the municipal authorities are concerned, we have erected no defenses, and none are within the corporative limits of the city. Emhracini~ the correspondence in reference to surrender of Vicksbur~ brace(1 in General Smiths report. not em t See Smiths report, p. 6 Page 13 CHAP. XXVII.] VICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 13 But, sir, in further reply I will state that neither the municipal author~ ities nor the citizens will ever consent to the surrender of the city. Respectfully, yours, L. LINDSAY, Mayor of the City. HEADQUARTERS, Vieksburg, Miss., May 18, 1862. S. P. LEE, Comdg. Advance of Naval Division, U. S. S. Oneida: SIR: As your communication of this date is addressed To the au- thorities of Vicksburg, and that you may have a full reply to the said communication, I have to state that Mississippians dont know and refuse to learn how to surrender to an enemy. If Commodore Farragut or Brigadier-General Butler can teach them, let them come and try. As to the defenses of Vicksburg, I respectfully refer you to Brigadier- General Smith, commanding forces at or near Ficksburg, whose reply is herewith inclosed.* Respectfully, JAMES L. AUTRY, Military Governor and Colonel Commanding Post. U. S. STEAMER ONEIDA, Below Vicksburg, Miss., May 21, 1862. L. LINDSAY, Esq., Mayor of the City of TTiclcsburg: SIR: It becomes my duty to give you notice to remove the women and children beyond the range of our guns within twenty-four hours, as it will be impossible to attack the defenses without injuring or de- stroying the town, a proceeding which all the authorities of Vicksburg seem determined to require. I had hoped that the same spirit which induced the military authorities to retire from the city of New Orleans rather than wantonly sacrifice the lives and property of its inhabitants would have been followed here. Respectfully, yours, ~. PHILLIPS LEE, Commanding Advance of Naval Division. MAYORS OFFICE, TTieks burg, Miss., May 21, 1862. S. P. LEE, U. S. Navy, Comdg. Advance of Naval Division, U. S. S. Oneida: SIR: Your communication of this date was handed to me at a late hour this evening; too late to give public notice to the women and children. In consequence thereof I shall date your twenty-four hours time from to-morrow morning, the 22d instant, at 8 a. m. Respectfully, L. LINDSAY, Mayor. See Smiths report, p. 7 Page 14 14 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. U. S. STEAMER ONEIDA, Below Vicksburg, Miss., May 22, 1862. L. LINDSAY, Esq., Afayor of the City of Vicksburg: SIR: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of yesterday evening, and in reply have to state that my communication of yesterday in relation to the removal of the women and children was for the purpose of placing it at my option to fire or not, as I might think proper, at the earliest moment upon the defenses of the town without producing a loss of innocent life and to that determination I shall adhere. Respectfully, yours, S. PHILLIPS LEE, Commanding Advance of Naval Dimston. No. 2. Reports of Maj. Gen. Earl Van Dorn, C. ~. Army, commanding District of Mississippi, of operations at Vicksburg and Baton Rouge, June 27August 0 (including destruction of the Arkansas), with congratulatory orders. VICKSEURG, MISS., June 28, 1862. Bombardment heavy yesterday and this morning. No ffinching. Houses perforated; none burnt yet. Contest will commence when en- emy attempt to land; he will probably try it. Crippled several boats. They only amuse our men by firing on them occasionally. There are about forty vessels of war and mortar-boats, all sound and fury and to brave men contemptible. Will keep you advised. EARL VAN DORK, Major- General. The PRESIDENT. JACKSON, MISS., August 7, 1862. Arkansas ordered to co operate with General Breckinridge. Broke machinery 5 miles above Baton Rouge. On way down was attacked by enemy. In this condition fought well infli boats, and was then blown up by eting great damage to gun- crew, all of whom escaped; so re- ported. Breckinridge drove the enemy from town to cover of boats. Burnt camp and large amount of stores. Captured some prisoners and several colors. Was reduced one-half by sickness since left Ficks- burg. General Clark mortally wounded. General Thomas Williams, commanding enemys troops, and several other prominent officers, killed. Sending re-enforcements to break up garrison entirely. Breckinridge in camp 10 miles from Baton Rouge. EARL VAN BORN, SECRETARY OF WAR. Major-General. [Thdorsement.] Read with deep regret for loss of Arkansas, but joy at the success of our troops, and hope that it will be made complete. J. D Page 15 CHiP. XXVII.] YICKSBUflG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 15 HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF Mississippi, Jacksou, Jtiiss., September 9, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit for the information of the War Department the following report of the defense of Yicksburg and of operations in this district np to the present time: Pursuant to orders, I assumed command of this district and the de- fenses of Yicksburg on Jnne 27. Prior to my arrival Major-General ~ovell, having resolved to defend the city, had ordered a detail of his force, nuder the comma~td of Brig. Gen. M. L. Smith, to garrison the place and construct works for its defense. I found the city besieged by a powerful fleet of war vessels and an army. The inhabitants, inspired by a noble patriotism, had determined to devote the city to destruction rather than see it fall into the hands of an enemy who bad abandoned many of the rules of civilized warfare. This voluntary sacrifice on the altar of liberty inspired me with the determination to defend to the last extremity. Orders .to this effect were at once issued, to which my army responded with the liveliest enthusiasm. The citizens retired to the interior while the troops marched in and pitched their tents in the valleys and on the hills adjacent in convenient position to snpport batteries and strike assailants. The batteries of heavy guns already established by the skill and energy of General Smith on the crest of the hills overlooking the river were placed in complete readiness for action. Other guns were brought np from Mobile, from Richmond, from Columbus, and elsewhere, and put in battery. Breckinridges division occupied the city. Smiths brigade, which previous to my arrival had furnished the garrison of the place, manned the batteries, and with details from Breckinridges division guarded the approaches in front and on the flanks. Withers? light artillery was placed in such positions as to sweep all near ap- proaches, while Starkes cavalry watched at a distance on our flanks on the Yazoo and below Warrenton on the Mississippi. Prior to my assuming command the attacking force of the enemy was confined to Porters mortar fleet and Farraguts gunboats (with their attendant army in transports), which had ascended the river from New Orleans. For the operations of this force in attack and for the successful and heroic resistance made by General Smith and the troops under his command I refer the Department to the satisfactory and gra~)hic report of that officer, herewith communicated. The evacuation of Fort Pillow and the fall of Memphis. opened the new danger of a combination between the upper and lower fleets of the enemy. This junction was effected early in July, and thus an added force of more than forty gunboats, mortar-boats, rams, and transports lay in menace before the city. On July 12 it opened fire and kept up a continuous attack until the bombardment of the city ceased. Having received authority from the President to use the ram Arkansas as part of my force, some days prior to July 15 I issued an order to Capt. [I. N.] Brown to assume command of her and prepare her for immediate and active service. From all reliable sources I learned that she was a vessel capable of great resistance and armed with large offensive power. Making the order imperative, I commanded Captain Brown to take her through the raft of the Yazoo, an(l after sinking the Star of the West in the passage to go out and attack the upper fleet of the enemy, to the cover of my batteries. I left it to his judgment to determine whether on reaching the city his vessel was in a conditiomi to proceed down the river and destroy the lower mortar fleet. Captain Brown properly substituted a vessel of inferior quality in place of the Star o Page 16 16 W. FLA., S~ ALA, S. MISS., LA., 1~EX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII the West, entered the Mississippi, and on the memorable morning of July 15 immortalized his single vessel, himself, and the heroes under his command by an achievement the most brilliant ever recorded in naval annals. I deeply regret that I am unable to enrich my report by an authentic account of the heroic action of the officers and men of the Arkansas. Commodore [Win. F.] Lynch declines to furnish me with a report of the action, on the ground that he was an officer out of the scope of my command. The glory of this deed of the Arkansas stung the pride of the Federal Navy, and led to the most speedy but unsuccessful effort of the combined fleets to destroy her. I refer the Department to the accompanying report of General Smith for an accurate detail of those efforts, as also for a connected and faithful relation of the important events which make the history of the siege and defense of Vicksburg. With the failure to destroy or take the Arkansas the siege of Vicksbnrg practically ended. The attack on the batteries soon ceased, and the enemy, baffled and enraged by an unexpected, determined, and persist- ent defense, vented his wrath in impotent and barbarian efforts to de. stroy the city. On July 27 both fleets disappearedfoiled in a more than two months struggle to reduce the place. The casualties on our side during the entire siege were 22 killed and wounded. Not a gun was dismounted and but two were temporarily disabled. The successful defense of Vicksburg is due to the unflinching valor of the cannoneers, who, unwearied by watchfulness, night and day stood by their guns, unawed by the terrors of a fierce and continuous bombardment; to the sleepless vigilance and undaunted courage of the troops, WhO lay at all hours in close supporting distance of every bat. tery, ready to beat back the invader so soon as his footsteps should touch the shore; to the skillful location of scattered batteries, and last, but not least, to that great moral powera high and patriotic resolve, pervading and swelling the breasts of officers, soldiers, and citizens that at every cost the enemy should be repelled. I refer the Depart. ment to the s~pecific enumeration of the names of officers and men who won distinction by meritorious service during the siege, as reported by General Smith, and I heartily indorse his commendations. Satisfied that the enemy disappeared from Vicksburg under the mor- tifying conviction that it was impregnable to his attack, I rosolved to strike a blow before he had time to organize and mature a new scheme of assault. The enemy held Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana, 40 miles below the mouth of Red River, with a land force of about 3,500 m en,in conjunction with four or five gunboats and some transports. It was a matter of great necessity to us that the navigation of Red River should be opened as high as Yicksburg. Supplies much needed existed there, hard to be obtained from any other quarter, and strong military reasons demanded that we should hold the Mississippi at two points, to facilitate communications and co-operation between my district and the Trans-Mississippi Department. The capture of Baton Rouge and the forces of the enemy at that point would open the Mississippi, secure the navigation of Red River, then in a state of blockade, and also render easier the recapture of New Orleans. To this end I gave orders to General Breckinridge to move upon Baton Rouge with a force of 5,000 men picked from the troops at Yicksbnrg, and added to his command the whole effective force of General Ruggles, then at Camp Moore, ma king a total force of 6,000 men. To insure the success of the plan 1 ordered the Arkansas to co-operate with the land force Page 17 CkA?. kXVIZ.J VtC1~St3tJRG, ~1I8S., AND BATON ROUGE, LK by a simultaneous attack from the river. AII damages sustained by the Arkansas from the fleets of the enemy had been repaired, and when she left the wharf at Vicksburg for Baton Rogue she was deemed to be as formidable in attack or defense as when she defied a fleet of forty vessels of war, many of them iron-dads. With such effective means I deemed the taking of Baton Rouge and the destruction or capture of the enemy on land and water the reasonable result of the expedition. By epidemic disease the land force under Major-General Breckin- ridge was reduced to less than 3,000 effective men within the period of teu days after he reached Camp Moore. The.Arkansas, after arriving within a short distance of Baton Rouge in ample time for joint action at the appointed hour of attack, suddenly became unmanageable from a failure in her machinei~y and engine, which all the efforts of her en- gineers could not repair. The gallant Breckinridge, advised by tele- gram every hour of her progress toward Baton Rouge and counting on her co-operation, attacked the enemy with his whole effective force (then reduced to about 2,500 men), drove him from all his positions, and forced him to seek protection under the cover of his gnnboats. I regret to state that the labors of General Breckiuridge in a distant field of operations have thus far prevented him from making to me a report of his action, but enough has transpired to enable me to assure the Department that the battle of Baton Rouge illustrated the valor of our troops and the skill and intrepidity of their commander. His re- port will be forwarded so ~soon as it is received. It will be thus manitest to the Department that an enterprise so hopeful in its promise met with partial failure only from causes which were not only beyond my control, but ont of the reach of ordinary fore. sight. I could not anticipate the sudden illness of 3,000 picked men, and the failure of the Arkansas at the critical hour appointed to her for added honors was a joyful surprise to the startled fleet of the enemy and a wonder to all who had witnessed her glory at Yicksburg. Advised of the result of the expedition, I immediately ordered the occupation of Port Hudson, a point selected for its eligibility for de- fense and for its capacity for offensive annoyance of the enemy-estab- lished batteriesmanned them with experienced gunners and guarded them by an adequate supporting force, holding Baton Rouge in the mean while in menace. The effect of these operati6ns was the evacua- tion of Baton Rouge by the enemy and his disappearance from the Mis- sissippi between the capital of Louisiana and Vicksburg. The results sought by the movement against Baton Rouge have been to a great extent attained. We hold two points on the Mississippi, more than 200 miles, unmolested by the enemy and closed to him. The navigation of the Mississippi River from the mouth of Red River to Vicksburg was at once opened and still remains open to our commerce, giving us also the important advantage of water connection by Red River of the East with the West. Indispensable supplies have been and continue to be drawn from this source. The desired facilities for communica- tion and co-operation between this district a.nd the Trans-Mississippi Department have been established. The recapture of New Orleans has been made easier to our army. I think it due to the truth of history to correct the error industri- ously spread by the official reports of the enemy touching the destruc- tion of the Arkansas. She was no trophy won by the Essex nor did she receive injury at Baton Rouge from the hands of any of her adver- 2 B BVOL X Page 18 18 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. saries. Lieutenant Stevens, her gallant commander, finding her un- manageable, moored her to the shore. On the cautious approach of the enemy, who kept at a respectful distance, he landed his crew, cut her from her moorings, fired her with his own hands, and turned her adrift down the river. With every gun shotted, our flag floating from her bow, and not a man on board, the Arkansas bore down upon the enemy and gave him battle. The guns were discharged as the flames reached them, and when her last shot was fired the explosion of her magazine ended the brief but glorious career of the Arkansas. It was beautiful, said Lieutenant Stevens, while the tears stood in his eyes, to see her, when abandoned by commander and crew and dedi- cated to sacrifice, fighting the battle on her own hook. I trust that the official report of Commodore Lynch will do justice to the courage, constancy, and resolution of the officers and men who were the last crew of the Arkansas. I deem it eminently proper to say to the Department that neither the spirit which resolved to dispute at Yicksbnrg the jurisdiction of the Mississippi River nor the energy which successfully executed that resolution was local in its character. Nor was it a spirit bounded by State lines or circumscribed by State pride. It was a broad, catholic spirit, wide as our country, and unlimited as the independence which we struggle to establish. The power which baffled the enemy resided in the breasts of the soldiers of seven States, marshaled behind the ramparts of Vicksburg. Mississippians were there, but there, too, also were the men of Kentucky, of Tennessee, of Alabama, of Arkansas, of Louisiana, and of Missouri, as ready to defend the emporium of Missis- sippi as to strike down the foe at their own hearth-stones. I incorporate with my report a schedule of the forces under my com- mand at Vicksburg as. a proper contribution to the archives of the Confederacy. General Helm: Fourth Kentucky Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Hynes; Fifth Kentucky Volunteers, Colonel Hunt; Thirty-first Ala- bama Volunteers, Colonel Edwards; Fourth Alabama Battalion, Lieu- tenant-Colonel Snodgrass; Thirty-first Mississippi Volunteers, Colonel Orr; Hudsons battery, First Lieutenant Sweaney. General J. S. Bowen: First Missouri Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Riley; Tenth Arkansas Volunteers, Col. A. R. Witt; Ninth Arkansas Volunteers, Colonel Dunlop; Sixth Mississippi Volunteers, Colonel Lowry; Second Confederate Battalion, [James C. Malone]; Watson Battery, Captain Bursley. General Preston: Third Kentucky Volunteers, Colonel Thompson; Six~th Kentucky Volunteers, Colonel Lewis; Seventh Kentucky Volun- teers, Colonel Crossland; Thirty-fifth Alabama Volunteers, Colonel Robertson; Cobbs battery, Lieutenant Gracey. Col. W. S. Statham: Fifteenth Mississippi Volunteers, Lieutenant- Colonel Farrell; Twenty-second Mississippi Volunteers, Captain Hughes; Nineteenth Tennessee Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Moore; Twentieth Tennessee Volunteers, Colonel Smith; Twenty-eighth Tennessee Volun- teers, Colonel Brown; Forty-fifth Tennessee Volunteers, Colonel Searcy; McClungs battery, Captain McClung. General M. L. Smith: Company of sappers and miners, Captain Wint- ter; Twenty-sixth Louisiana Volunteers, Colonel De Clonet; Twenty- eighth Louisiana Volunteers, Colonel Thomas; Sixth Mississippi Bat- talion, Lieutenant-Colonel Balfour; Twenty-seventh Louisiana Volun- teers, Colonel Marks; Third Mississippi Volunteers, Colonel Mellon; Seventeenth Louisiana Volunteers, Colonel Richardsou; Fourth Loui- siana Volunteers, Colonel Allen; Company I, Thirty-ninth Mississipp Page 19 C1I~& p. XXVII.] VICKSI3URG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 19 Volunteers, Captain Handel; First Mississippi Light Artillery, Colonel Withers; regiment heavy artillery, Colonel Jackson; Elghth Louisiana Battalion, W. E. Pinkney; First Louisiana Battalion, Major Clinch; Twenty-eighth Mississippi Cavalry, Colonel Starke; Battalion Zonaves, Major Dupeire; cavalry escort, Lieutenant Bradley. To the members of my staff, Majors Kimmel and Stith, assistant adjutant-generals; to Majrs. Joseph D. Balfour and A. M. ilaskell, in- spectors; to Surgeon Choppin, medical director; Surgeon Bryan, medi- cal inspector; to Lieutenants Sulivane and Shoemaker, my aides; to Lieutenant-Colonel Lomax, assistant adjutant and inspector general; Lieut. Col. J. P. Major, acting engineer; Capts. A. H. Cross and Thys- sens, engineers; to Col. Fred. Tate, and to Majors Uriel Wright and Wecliler, volunteer aides, I return my thanks for the ready and efficient services rendered by them in their respective deparnnents. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EARL VAN DORN, Major- General. P. S.Since this report was written I have received the report of Major-General Breckinridge of his operations at Baton Rouge aiid Port Hudson, herewith forwarded.* It gives me pleasure to commend to the special notice of the Department the names of all who won distinction in this service. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ WAR DEPT., ADJT. AND INSP. GEN.S OFFICE, No. 51. Richmond, Va., July 22, 1862. The successful defense of Vicksbnrg against the mortar fleet of the enemy by Major-General Van Dorn and the officers and men under his command entitles them to the gratitude of the country, the thanks of the Government, and the admiration of the Army. By their gallantry and good conduct they have not only saved the city intrusted to tijem, but they have shown that bombardments of cities, if bravely resisted, achieve nothing for the enemy, and only serve to unveil his malice and the hypocrisy of his pretended wish to restore the Union. The world now sees that his mission is one of destruction, not restoration. Lieutenant Brown and the officers and crew of the Confederate steamer Arkansas, by their heroic attack upon the Federal fleet before Vicksbnrg, equaled the highest recorded examples of courage and skill. They prove that the Navy, when it regains its proper element, will be one of the chief bulwarks of national defense, and that it is entitled to a high place in the confidence and affection of the country. By command of the Secretary of War: S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. No.3. Report of Col. Nathan A. M. Dudley, Thirtieth Massachu~fetts Infantry, of expedition from Baton Rouge, La., June 79. HDQRS. THIRTIETH REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS VOLS., Baton Rouge, La., June 9, 1862. I have the honor to report for the information of the general com * See Report No. 24 Page 20 W. liLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., mx., N. MEX. tCHAP. XXVII. 20 manding, that, pursuant to his instructions, I proceeded at 6 p. m. on the evening of the 7th, with eight companies of the Thirtieth Reghnent Massachusetts Volunteers and one section of Kims battery (joined af- terward near Laycocks plantation by two companies of the Fourth Wisconsin Regiment, under Captain Bailey), to George Kellers plan- tation, located on the Benton Ferry road. On arriving at the forks of the road (one leading to Castles house) I detached three companies, under Maj. II. 0. Whittemore, with instructions to surround the house and secure the person of Castle, or any other party that might be found of a suspicious character, but with positive instructions not to burn or destroy the premises, as it would create an alarm in the front, which I had previously guarded against by throwing out a small scout, under Lieutenant Norcross, Thirtieth Massachusetts Volunteers, who per- formed this duty in a most creditable manner. I reached Pennys plan- tation about 11 p. m. This place is located about 7~ miles from the city, on the north side. Captain Kelty, Thirtieth Massachusetts Vol- unteers, deployed his company as skirmishers and closed a line of men entirely around the house before the inmates were aware of his ap- proach. The overseer of Pennys plantation, who was found on the premises, was made a prisoner, and is now in charge of the guard. I am informed that he has been out once or twice with Hunters company. I left Captain Bailey and two companies of the Fourth Wisconsin lieg- imeut as a guard to what stock and property were found here, with orders to detach one company and proceed himself in command to Johnstons estate, about 1 mile to the rear of Pennys, where both Penny and Castle were seen some eight hours previous, while I proceeded with the bal- ance of the command to Kellers plantation, about 4 miles farther. So quietly did the troops move out that the arrival of the advance guard was entirely unexpected by the inmates of the house. Not finding the party I was ordered to arrest, after making a thorough search of all the out-buildings and grounds, I placed a close line of sentinels around the house and negro huts, and ordered the command to bivouac outside of the house grounds in a cotton field until daylight. I found the wife of Keller, her father and mother, daughter, and two young ladies at the residence. I commenced collecting all the live stock I could find on the premises. I found about 10 head of horses, a few mules, about 60 head of beeves, carriage, & c., all of which I brought to town. Out of consideration for the presence of ladies I did not destroy the dwelling, kitchen, or pantry building; all others I either burnt or tore down, except the cotton-gin, which contained 30 bales of cotton. The fences I burnt; the ornamental trees I either cut down or destroyed. This, the most painful duty of my military life, I executed in the most delicate manner I possibly could, first tendering the ladies an escort and transportation to the next plantation before I commenced the destruction of anything belonging to the estate, which was declined in anything but a kindly style. I did not allow any of the enlisted men to enter the dwelling. I permitted Mrs. Keller and each of the family to select as many servants as they desired left them, three horses, and seven cows, which they expressed a desire for. I am positive that not the first article of the personal property of either of the ladies was touched or brought away. The father-in-law of Keller admitted that allltookawayordestroyedwasthesolepropertyofKeller, and added that he had predicted such a result by the recent conduct of Keller. At 6.30 a. m. I took up line of march; was joined by Major Whitte- mores detachment about 2 miles from Pennys estate; proceeded to the latters plantation, when Captain Bailey reported his failure to arres Page 21 CHAP. XXVII.] VIOKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 21 either of the parties we were in pursuit of. I here dispatched a note to the general commanding. On the messengers return I commenced the destruction of this once beautiful plantation. I burnt every build- ing on the estate except such as were required to cover the negroes left behind, including an extensive and valuable sugar-mill, and also de- stroyed the fencesin fact, left nothing but the blackened chimneys as m9nnments to the folly and villainy of its guerrilla owner. The amount of live stock brought in by the expedition, which I have directed to be turned over to the brigade quartermaster, consists of about 90 head of beef cattle, 45 head of mules, 10 four-mule wagons, 10 head of horses, 1 carriage, 1 light wagon, together with 3 barrels of molasses and 30 hogsheads of sugar. I was compelled to leave at Cas- tles estate, for the want of. proper transportation, some 50,000 pounds of sngar; at Pennys, 16 hogsheads of sugar; at Kellers, 35 bales of cotton and a considerable amount of sugar, all of which can be got if sent for soon. I found a very united feeling among the several residents with whom I conversed as to the guilt of each of the three partiesKeller, Penny, and Castlethat I visited, and they expressed gratification that a speedy punishment had fallen npon them. The negro prisoners I brought in have all been turned over to the quartermasters department. They number over 100. I have made this report somewhat longer than may seem necessary to the general commanding, but I have thought it proper to give him a full detail of all that occurred. It affords me great gratification to say that the men of each corps and regiment represented in the command behaved in the most soldierly manner, all paying the most sacred regard to the property of all per- sons on the route, except when ordered to destroy the property referred to in this report; in fact, I saw no man leave the column without per- mission. I was especially indebted to the energy and efficiency ~f Captain Kelty and his company, who acted as skirmishers The entire route out, for some 2 miles at one time working their way through a most dense foliage. I inclose Major Whittemores report, which refers only to the Castle plantation detachment. I have the honor, sir, to be, your obedient servant, N. A. M. DUDLEY, Colonel Thirtieth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Captain HOFFMAN, A. A. G., Second Brigade, Dept. of the Gulf. No. 4. Report of May. Gen. Mansfield Lovell, C. S. Army, of engagement at Grand Gulf, Miss., June 9. JACKSON, MISS., June 18, 1862. Enemys fleet attacked our batteries at Grand Gulf and were repulsed with loss. Casualties on our side none.* M. LOVELL. General COOPER. This probaNy refers to engagement June 9, 1862, between the Grand Gulf batteries and U. S. steamers Wissahiekon and Itasca. See reports of Commanders James S. Palmer and John De Camp in Annunl Report of Secretary of Navy, Dee. 1, 1865~ Page 22 22 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAr. XXVH. No. 5. Reports of Brig. Gen. Thomas Williams, U. ~. Army, commanding Expe- ditionary Corps, of operations May 26August 2, with instructions from Major- General Butler. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, Baton Rouge Arsenal, May 29, 1862. MAJOR: My last report,* from just below Vicksburg, is supposed to have reached headquarters by the hands of Lieutenant McCoy, acting brigade commissary, sent with steamer Benton for subsistence stores and clothing; ammunition also much needed for our small-arms, should have been required at the same time. The latter is now nearly ex- hausted. Arriving here this morning at 6.30 a. m.,-nnder escort of the war sloop Brooklyn and gunboat Kineo, I found the flag-officer off the town with the Hartford and Kennebec. Having called upon the flag-officer, he represented to me that the inhabitants, in momentary expectation of sack, burning, and pillage at the hands of the rebels, entreated our protection, and that he himself had opened the batteries of his own vessel on a party of irregular cavalry who rode down to the waters edge yesterday and fired into one of his boats, wounding an officer and 2 men. With the view of saving the public buildings and affording protection to the lives and property of loyal citizens the flag-officer suggested the expediency of landing the troops, in which I the more readily concurred, the troops requiring rest, the means of cooking, and cleaning themselves. To enable me to effect this, my subsistence being exhausted, the flag-officer has kindly supplied me with subsistence, chiefly bread and meat, for three days. Meanwhile I must rely on the return of the Benton, with Lieutenant McCoy, and such supplies of fresh me~ as it may be in my power to procure from the surrounding country invested ~with guerrilla bands. Union men, in great alarm, represent a large force at Camp Moore, some say 6,000 men, some less, who threaten to march on the town and burn it. My whole effective infantry force of 1,400, and 75 artillery and four pieces, may suffice to prevent such a disaster, but for perfect security I would suggest respectfully that the remaining three regi.- ments of my brigade and Nims battery be sent me, and perhaps it would be well to send the additional regiments designed to take part in the Mobile expedition, in order, first, that they may be put in shape for service and that troops and commander may have some knowledge of each other. Another reason may be stated that the position here is high and probably far more healthy than New Orleans and the ground for encamping and exercising troops such as cannot be found about New Orleans. The steamer Star, with subsistence stores, Lieutenant McCoy in charge, has as I write arrived from New Orleans, and brings Major- General Butlers dispatch of May 27. I regret to say I believe there is just ground against the, Wisconsin and Michigan regiments for the charge of pillaging and marauding preferred against them by the inhabitants of Kenner Station. Orders have been issued, conversations held with the officers remonstrating and denouncing, and the fidelity of guards and sentinels insisted on, thus far, I belie~~e, in vain. These regiments, officers and men, with rare * This is the first of the reports found Page 23 Cu~. XXVII.] YICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 23 exceptions, appear to be wholly destitute of the moral sense, and I believe that they believe, in the face of all remonstrances, exhorta- tions, and dis gust, expressed iu no measured terms, that they regard pillaging not only right in itself but a soldierly accomplishmenL The major-general commanding will perceive that where nearly all are in league how difficult detection is, how far more difficult conviction. He may rest assured that I will prevent pillaging when I can, and, not preventing, will detect and punish when I can detect and convict. The major-general commanding, in his dispatch of 27th of May, as- sumed my transportation to have been excessive. On this subject I beg to differ from him wholly, and to say, on the contrary, that the men have suffered from insufficiency of transportation, cramped and crowded more like live stock than men, without the means of exercise on board or room to form for inspection. Filth and dirt, with all the authority and supervision 1 could exert, abounded oii vessels and men to a disgusting and of course most unwholesome degree. Indeed it may be said, You were not. expected to be gone long, and you were expected to land whenever you could to relieve your men and cleanse your vessels; but I answer, In the quarter where I have been longest the fiQoded country afforded no dry ground to land on. I followed the fleet, and as the crews of the fleet could find no landing place and re- mained on board my men remained on board, with this difference, that while the former were in comfort with their tons measurement per man, we were in as much and more discomfort with our fraction of a ton than men should ever be subjected to, especially if expected to be vig- orous, disciplined, and effective military. I shall refer to the flag-officer, requesting the assistance of oue or two gunboats, what the major-general commanding says about the probable attempt of the rebels to bring troops and beef cattle down the Red River and thence by the way of the Black River to rear of Yicksburg, but in my position here and objects here shall await his further orders before taking part with the troops in intercepting, & c. Black River tmters the Mississippi at Grand Gulf, some 40 miles below Yicksburg, and inter- sects the Jackson Railroad some 12 miles behind Yicksbnrg. I sug- gested to the flag-officer a movement by that river on the rear of Vicks- burg to destroy the railroad bridge at the railroad crossing of the Black River, understood to be about 1 mile long, but on consulting the pilots they said the river was not navigable for our gunboats; that the trade by that river was inconsiderable, and carried on by boats of the lightest draught. When off Yicksburg we learned from negro runaways that the rebels had a battery of four guns at the railroad bridge for its protection and to defend the approach up the Black River, and while at the town of Grand Gulf (mouth of the Black River) the 2~th were informed by like authority that a battery of eleveu guns had been placed 12 miles above the mouth as a further defense against our advance. It is proper for me to report that having on the 2Gth been fired on by a field battery of four guns when off the town of Grand Gulf and descending the river (with the loss of 1 man killed and 1 officer slightly wounded), the gun- boat Kinco, at the instance of Captain Craven, fired several shot and shell into the town, and the battery, with its camp, about 1~ miles in rear of the town, was thereby persuaded to leave. Learning, however, to- ward evening that they had left their camp an& one gun behind in their hasty flight, I dispatched four Wisconsin companies, nude rMajor Board- man, to capture the gun and remove and destroy the camp. These troops caine up as the last of the rebels were leaving, gnus and tents having l)rece(led them. A few shots only were exchanged betwee Page 24 24 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVI1 pursuers and pursued, and the pursuit discontinued as the night came on. One of our men was slightly wounded in the left arm and several of the rebels were seen to fall. It would have been well had matters ended thus and we should still have been gainers, but I regret to say that my aide-de-camp, Lieutenant George De Kay, who volunteered to accompany Major Boardman, having most inconsiderately placed himself in advance of the advance guard, was severely and it is feared fatally wounded, receiving seven buck-shot in the left arm and five in the left side and back. He bears his misfortune manfully and cheerfully and looks better far than he could be expected to look, but he complains of paralysis of his lower limbs. The surgeon confirms this, but hopes the paralysis may not be permanent. None of the shots in his body have yet been extracted. His surgeon thinks it best and he himself desires to be sent North, but without the knowledge of any immediate opportunity from New Orleans of going North it is perhaps best he should remain here until advised of such opportunity that his delay in the hotter and less healthy air of New Orleans may be as short as possible. I regret to say that the flag-officer left for New Orleans before I could communicate with him respecting the probable transmission of men and supplies by the rebels via the Red River and the Black River to Wicks- burg, but would respectfully here suggest that a gunboat at the month of eitherriver would effectually stop any such proceeding. The gunboats Kineo and Kennebec left here by the order of the flag-officer for the pro- tection of Baton RougeI should suppose not available for that service at this time, if I had the authority to order them. If in the uncertainties which surround me, chiefly regarding the inten- tions of the enemy, it be possible to take steps to secure the cotton (340 bales) at Turubulls Island I shall gladly and promptly do so. While writing, Captain Bailey, the officer of the day, is announced, and reports he has reliable authority, or at least the authority of loyal men, for saying that Colonel Wingfield, of the rebels, with 2,500 men, is at this writing (4 p. in.) within 3 miles of the town, and is supported 5 miles in rear by a force of 7,000, with sixteen guns, supposed to be siege guns. He is informed by the same source that the rebel chief has notified all the families to leave the town with their effects, and says the families are leaving in great consternation. I have made up my mind how to defend the town, and am about to confer on the subject with our friends of the Navy, Captains Ransom and Russell, of the gunboats Kineo and Kennebec respectively. I learn that there are on the Laurel Hill, now here, 50,000 rounds of ammunition for the Michigan regiment. The Wisconsin are those who need, having only about 25 rounds per man, and this .54 caliber will not help the Wisconsin .69 caliber at all. Respectfully, your obedient servant, T. WILLIAMS, Brigadier- General, Volunteers. Maj. GEORGE C. STRONG, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Hdqrs., New Orleans. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, June 1, 1862. Brig. Gen. THOMAS WILLIAMS, Commanding Expeditionary Corps, & c.: GENERAL: I have sent you three regiments, the Thirtieth Mass Page 25 Citip. XXVII.] VICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 25 chusetts, Ninth Connecticut, Twenty-first Indiana, and Kims battery, which, with the forces under your command, will make ten guns and 4,500 effective men. With these, unless yon see cause to the contrary, you may make demonstration on Camp Moore, provided it can be done, and return by the 8th, so as to assist in ulterior movement. My advices from Camp Moore are that there are from 4,000 to 5,000 men there, poorly armed and worse organized. The only possible danger there can be is in the fact that by the Jackson road large re-enforce- ments can be sent to Lovell, but a reasonably rapid movement will guard against that. Of this, however, you will judge. Punish with the last severity every guerrilla attack and burn the property of every guerrilla found murdering your soldiers. My object in making this demonstration is that if we leave Baton Rouge to go either up or down it may be held with a small force, for after we once occupy a place it is worse than death to our Union friends there to leave it unguarded. Were it not for this consideration I would let Lovell and his men stay unmolested at Camp Moore, where they are melting away faster than we could kill them if we were before it. I am, most respectfully, yours, BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. IIEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans La June 6 1862. Brig. Gen. THOMAs WILLIAMS, Commanding Forces, Baton Rouge, La.: GENERAL: I am directed by the major-general commanding to say that he will send you the remainder of Everetts battery, with its horses and harness, the Thirty-first Massachusetts and the Seventh Vermont Regiment, and Magees cavalry, with transportation, ammunition, and forage for all. With this force the general will expect you to proceed to Vicksburg with the flag-officer, and then take the town or have it burned at all hazards. You will leave such force as you may judge necessary to hold Baton Rouge. Camp Moore is believed to be broken up substantially, and perhaps you will think a regiment sufficient; Colonel McMillans is recommended, as he has two pieces of cannon. The flag-officer has dis- tinct instructions to open the river, and will do it, I doubt not. A large force is sent to you with what you have, and sufficient, as it would seem, to take any batteries and the supporting force they may have at Vicks- burg. You will be often amused by reports of the enemys strength. Wit- ness your report of the numbers approaching Baton Rouge. These stories are exaggerated always. You will send up a regiment or two at once and cut off the neck of land beyond Vicksburg by means of a trench across, thn Page 26 26 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. making the cut about 4 feet deep and 5 feet wide. The river itself will do the rest for us. A large supply of spades and shovels have been sent for this purpose. Report frequently. J have the honor to be, your obedient servant, F. BUTLER, Major. General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, Baton Rouge, La., June 12, 1862. Capt3. R. S. DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant- General, & c., New Orleans. SIR: Lieutenant Caidwell, of one of our gunboats. is just from above, on his way to New Orleans, reporting batteries at various points, he thinks chiefly movable batteries of field artillery, which will make our passage up to Yicksburg something to be won. The flag-officer and myself concur in that gunboats alone will not suffice, and that the land forces, where a landing is practicable, will have to carry the batteries by an attack in rear. We are to go up to. gether as soon as I can get ready. The only transport now with me is the Laurel Hill, which is being loaded with thirty days subsistence for 1,000 men. The other transports no doubt will arrive in rapid succession, and no time will be lost in embarking stores and troops. The flag-officer does not concur iu the advantage which possibly at- taches to the project of sending troops in advance to make the cut opposite Vicksburg, saying that his gunboats will have to pass Vicks- burg and take port on the upper side of the proposed cut before a land. iug of troops can be made there; otherwise the enemys gunboats would sweep them off. In any event we have evidently work to do before we get there, and that we will first try to do. Respectfully, your obedient servant, T. WILLIAMS, Brigadier- General Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, Below T~icksburg, July 4, 1862. CAPTAIN: Leaving the Twenty-first Indiana, Sixth Michigan, a sec- tion of Everetts battery, and Magees cavalry, and taking with me the Thirtieth Massachusetts, Ninth Connecticut, Seventh Vermont, Fourth Wisconsin Regiments, Nims battery, and two sections of Everetts, I left Baton Rouge in the morning of the 20th June, arrived off Ellis Cliffs in the afternoon of the 22d, where 1 found three gunboats await- ing my approach to cover the transports in passing- the cliffs, and lauded, so as to occupy all the roads leading from the cliffs to the interior and cut off two field guns reported to be in position on the cliffs. The Thir- tieth Massachusetts and two guns of Nims made a turning march of 8 miles, while the Fourth Wisconsin, with skirmishers in advance, fol- lowed by the Ninth Connecticut, four guns of Nims and two of Everetts, marched directly forward by the cliff road, leading to the battery and to Natchez. Soon the skirmishers of the Fourth Wisconsin came npou the abandoned battery, abandoned save by a gun-limber left behind i Page 27 CHAP. XXVII.] VICKSBUIRG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 27 the abandonment. Limber, benches, tables, a broken whiffietree, some ears of newly gathered green corn from a neighboring field, and the well- trodden earth marked the place of the camp near the battery, which was spacious, shaded, afforded a clear view of the river up and down, and perfectly protected by its height above the river from the fire of the gunboats. The rebel method of using their guns from the cliffs is to run the gun forward till it projects beyond the cliff, depress it, fire, and run the gun back out of sight, load and repeat. Negroes afterward told us that the battery, consisting of two guns and 90 mounted men, left some five hours before our landing, but the fellows had greatly loitered on the way, for Colonel Dudley reported he was within an hour of intercepting them. The 23d of June Rodney was passed without molestation, but, having learned from various sources that resistance to the farther advance of the transports would certainly be made by guns in position on the heights of Grand Gulf, we entered Bayou Pierre about 3 oclock in the morning of the 24th, and attempted to reach its point of intersection with the Port Gibson and Grand Gulf Railroad, in order to move from thence on the rear of the town and heights of Grand Gulf. After passing up the bayou some 9 miles, and still 8 miles from Port Gibson, a raft across the bayou stopped us. We then backed down (for the bayou was too narrow to turn in) to one Colonel Barrys planta- tion, 4 miles only from Grand Gulf, and by a good wagon road. Here, at about 11 oclock in the morning, the troops were landed,, the Fourth Wisconsin, Ninth Connecticut, and four guns, after marching 2 miles, taking a branch road by Hamiltons plantation, which led to the rear of the reported rebel camp, some said 500, some 900 strong, pitched between the Port Gibson Railroad and t.he road from Grand Gulf to Willow Spring, and which branch road produced, as shown by dotted line on the sketch, * cut the only two roads, viz, the railroad and Willow Spring road, lead- ing from Grand Gulf to the interior, and two regiments with six gnus taking the direct road, which cuts the railroad about 1 mile in rear of Grand Gulf, one of the regimentsthe Seventh Vermontto co-operate with the Fourth Wisconsin or Ninth Connecticut in the contemliplated attack on the camp, and the other (Colonel Dudleys) to be held in re- serve at the fork of the two roads. As in our first landing (Ellis Cliffs) so in this, the rebels, apprised of our coming, had decamped, leaving some three sick, a few old tents, numerous booths of bushes, some articles of household furniture, and a secession flag. (See herewith Colonel Paines report.) The town of Grand Gulf, which our troops before leaving burned to the ground, was abandoned of all save a single sentinel on picket, who, left behind, was captured by Colonel Dudleys flankers. The 25th we arrived here off Vicksbnrg, and commenced ruuning and leveling the line of the cut-off canal, and on the morning of the 27th broke ground. Between 1,100 and 1,200 negroes, gathered from the neighboring plantations by armed parties, are now engaged in the work of excavating, cuttingdown trees, and grubbing up the roots. Two sketches (Nos. I and 2) herewith represent the I~resent state of the work. The labor of making this cut is far greater than estimated by anybody. The soil is hard clay as far as yet excavated (6~~ to 7 feet), and must be gone through with, say, some 4 feet or more before the water can be let in; for all concur in this, that we must come to sand before the cut can be pro- nounced a success. The current of the river, however great, will not wash the clay. Yesterday the river fall was only 2 inches. Drift-wood was 4 * The sketch found does not answer the description and is omitted Page 28 28 W. FLA, S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. (CH~. XXVIL seen coming down this morning, and the Missouri iRepublican of the 28th June announces the flooding of the Missouri River and rise of the Up- per Mississippi nnder the heading of The June Rise. With the hard- working 1,200 negro force engaged and this prospect of a rise we are in good heart. The project is a great one and worthy of success. In the next three days we expect to be ready for the water of the Mississippi. The fleets of Flag-Officers Farragut and Davis are awaiting the result with great interest. Seven of Flag-Officer Farraguts vessels, having passed Yicksburg at 4 in the morning of the 28th without silencing the batteries of the town, are anchored with Flag-Officer Davis fleet of six mortar boats and four gunboats on the west side of Barneys Point. The mortar vessels of Commodore Porter and the remainder of Flag- Officer Farraguts fleet remain below Vicksbiirg. Captain Davis arrived from Memphis the 1st of July. To protect Commodore Porters mortar fleet, lying close along the east bank of the river within range of the batteries of Yicksburg, but con- cealed from their view by a dense forest from the enemys skirmishers, I have dispatched some 300 men, under Major Whittemore, Thirtieth Massachusetts, for picket and reconnoitering service on that side of the town. In the next five or six days I hope to be in possession of much infor- mation regarding the batteries, their approaches, and the forces in support. Respectfully, your obedient servant, T. WILLIAMS, Brigadier- General Volunteers, Commanding. Capt. R. S. DAVIs. P. S.Lieutenant 11.11. Elliott, brigade quartermaster, goes down for supplies and can furnish details not given here Page 29 N N C12 ~cj2 ~ z z P ~ -~ H z 0 ~9S~[ 2 ~vf fiqnmna r~~ .~~nq~~yd~j Jo 11d?~) ~i~/7~-r~ p I/if g 3 - Page 30 D 1 I I I 0 1.!KA~ 33 241J 2027 1810 ZO 21 22 2324 2J2627 26 2~) 20 ~U ~ 2324 33 36 J7 ~3 _______________________ H 022 4 6 6 7 5 SW O1Z.~JE7622U 24 25 A!/~66. orizo,~1aZ~ *%~z~o~ 7~rticaI & al& Profile of Canal across Bitreys Poimt, opposite T~~icksbux~. C Page 31 CHAP. XXVII.] VICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 31 HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, Below Vicksburg, July 6, 1862. CAPTAIN: The Ten~essee left here last evening with the mail, but, hearing the beating of drums at Grand Gulf proceeded no farther and returned this evening for an additional gunboat to protect her in pass- ing that point. Her return enables me to supply an omission in my report of the 4th insfant. It is that the eight long-range rifled guns of Nims and Everetts batteries, from their position behind the levee at Barneys Point, distaut seven-eighths of a mile from the enemys heaviest batteries on the upper side of Yicksburg, co-operated gallantly and effectively with the fleet in their cannonade and bombardment of the 28th ultimo. Everetts battery lost 1 man and 1 horse killed. The fall of the water in the river is nearly at a stand-point, and the drift of logs and brush foreshadows what the newspapers promise, viz, a June rise. To-days work of the negro force on the cut-off duly organized into squads of 20, with an intelligent non-commissioned officer or private to each, superintended by officers, is highly satisfactory. The flag-officer with his fleet is most sanguine and even enthusiastic. I regard the cut-off to be my best bower. Should it fail me I shall re- sort to the next best, to seize and hold the enemys batteries; or at least spike their guns. Respectfully, your obedient servant, T. WILLIAMS, Brigadier- General, Volunteers. Capt. H. S. DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant- General. P. S.The reconnaissance of to-day has shown how we ought not to approach the batteries; that of to-morrow will probably give the affirmative side. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, July 16, 1862. Brig. Gen. THOMAS WILLIAMS, Vieksburg: GENERAL: From all I can learn of operations at Yicksburg your force is at present not so much needed there as it is elsewhere. The enemy are concentrating some forces in the neighborhood of Baton Rouge, and it is necessary that something be done on the Red River line. Besides, you are in the geographical department of General ilalleck. Therefore, if the state of affairs will permit without~ serious detriment to the public service, you will withdraw your force and return as soon as possible to Baton Rouge. I remain, & c., BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, Below Viclcsburg, Miss., July 17, 1862. On July 11 the general grade of the bottom of the proposed cut-off had been carried about 1~ feet below the then level of the Mississippi, and in some twelve hours would have been ready to let in the water Page 32 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. NEX. [CHAP. XXVII. when sudden caving began at several points, and thereby so arrested the excavation remaining to be made that the rapidly falling river had in the next left the bottom of the cut-off some ~et above the rivers level. Thus I am chagrined to report that, after the great labor of an average excavation of 18 feet in width and 13 feet deep, we have en- countered at least a temporary failure. My purpose now is (if not in. terrupted by the enemy) to collect an additional force of blacks, shovels, axes, carts, wheelbarrows, scrapers, & c., to my present force of 1,500 blacks, with nearly as many shovels and axes, few wheelbarrows, no scrapers, and no carts, and make a real canal, carrying it, if necessary, to the depth of the greatest fall of the river at this point, say some 35 to 40 feet; a labor which, with sufficient forcethat is, with as much force as can be profitably workedwill take three months. A sketch and estimate is inclosed, showing the work contemplated; but the present cat-off (if reports be true of the landing of rebel forces below us, opposite Grand Gulf) may not be without its uses as a tem- porary line of defense, and it is therefore now being made available for that purpose. I would remark that as the water of the river falls below its banks the gunboats become less and less (daily) of a protec tion practically; therefore my own field guns must ere long fnrnish my only direct or flank artillery defense. Morally, however, in any case the Navy are a great support. The health of the troops has been much impaired by the absence of proper shelter. The qnarters on board the transports are hot and crowded and those on shore are no protection against rain. Tents or boards are indispensable for shelter for the well and the sicka rap- idly increasing list. The large force of negroes also require shelter. Store-tents are required. My brigade quartermaster incloses an esti- mate to-day for lumber, store-tents, and tents for men. These subjects, all of urgent interest, are enhanced, if it were pos- sible, by the presence, under the guns of Vicksburg and in view of our two fleets, of the rebel ram (ironclad) Arkansas. I inclose a sketch* of her. Hearing she was near completion up the Yazoo, Commodores Farragut and Davis sent two gunboats (one an iron-clad) and one of Colonel Ellets rams, in the morning of July 14, at 5 oclock, to recon- noiter and ascertain what other naval and co-operating land force would suffice for her capture or destruction and the destruction or capture of the land batteries and the land force protecting her. To accompany the reconnaissance as sharpshooters Jfurnishedtwoparties,ofanoffi- cer and 20 men eachCaptain J. W. Lynn and 20 Wisconsin men and Lieutenant E. A. Fiske and 20 Massachusetts men. In the encounter about to be reported I regret to announce the death of Captain Lynn and 5 of his men and the wounding of 5 other men all by the exploding of one of the enemys shells. The reconnaissance had proceeded on its way to within about a mile of the mouth of the Yazoo (see sketch*) when it encountered, at 6 oclock in the morning, the rebel ram steaming down, and at once en- gaged her, our gunboat (Tyler) in the lead firing first, followed by the ram Queen of the West and the iron-clad gunboat Carondelet. The Tyler, Queeu of the West, and Carondelet all engaged, joining the rebel ram as she passed and coming down with her; but the Queen of the West, they say, fired but failed to ram, though signaled to ram, while our iron-clad (Carondelet) lay side by side with the rebel ram some 5 miles, exchanging broadsides, when some sudden break in steer- Not found Page 33 CHAP. XXVII.J VICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 33 ing apparatus or engine enabled the rebel to get clear of her and leave her behind, and, to the surprise of the two fleets (who to economize fuel had not steam enough to pursue), passed along down and through them, firing as she came on alid in return receiving the fire of several vessels of the two fleets; but she passed on, getting some heavy blows indeed, but making her way to Yicksburg, where she now lies under the guns of the town. In the night of the 16th Flag-Officer Farragut, with the steam-sloops Hartford, Richmond, Oneida, Iroquois, and other principal vessels of his fleet, steamed from their station above the bend opposite Vicksburg for the purpose of destroyiug the rebel ram by shot and shell and run- ning down. It was the purpose of the flag-officer to grapple her him- self, but it had become so dark she could not be seen and so could not be destroyed. Another attempt, it is understood, is contemplated to- day, the iron-dads of Commodore Davis to co-operate, and oar ram, the Sumter, said to be most formidable. The expectation is that if not destroyed where she lies she will be driven down into Commodore Farraguts fleet and there finished. Respectfully, your obedient servant, T. WILLIAMS, Brigadier- General of Volunteers~ Capt. B. S. DAVIS. P. S.We learned of the death of De Kay with great sorrow. Poor De Kay; that so much worth should be lost to his country and his friends! Pray send lumber, tents for men, tents for supplies; the requisition is herewith, and dispatch Elliott with the supplies he went for. HDQR~. SECOND BRIGADE, DEPT. OF THE tIULF, Baton Rouge, La., July 26, 1862. CAPTAIN: Conveyed by Commodore Farraguts fleet, the troops which left here with me for Vicksburg June 20 arrived here this morning and afternoon, numerically little reduced by disease, effectively greatly so. A return will be transmitted as early as practicable. Without attaching undue importance to rumors of attack upon this position, I shall take such measures of military security as may suggest themselves to be necessary, avoiding unnecessary exposure or fatigue to the troops. The serious illness of my adjutant-general, Captain Hoffman, from malarious fever, and some probable disaster to my aide-de-camp, Lieut. [James C.] Biddle, some 60 miles above Yicksburg, while on his way home sick with feverfor the steamer is reported to have been burned by the rebelsis equally a subject of regret and embarrassment. Respectfully, & c., T. WILLIAMS, Brigadier- General, Volunteers. Capt. R. S. DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant-General. 3 R RVOL X Page 34 34 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. TXVfl HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, Baton Rouge, La., August 2, 1862. John Mahan [Mann 7], with a pass from General Butler, dated July 22, for Yicksburg, and who left New Orleans July 25 and arrived at Ponchatoula and Camp Moore Monday, July 28, having proceeded up the Jackson Railroad as far as Jackson, arrived here by the way of Summit, Liberty, and Bayou Sara this morning at 10 oclock. He says - he saw Breckinridges force of six full regiments and fourteen guns at Camp Moore and Ponchatoula Monday, July 28, and that their pur- pose is to attack this place; says they may be expected on the rear of Baton Rouge at this time, or at any time in the next day or two. Mahan also reports that the rebels have field guns and beef cattle at the mouth of Red River. They intend crossing to the east bank of the Mississippi to-night or to-morrow morning, and I have sent him with a note to Captain Porter, U. S. Navy, commanding the flotilla here, at the same time advising Porter of Mahans statement regarding Breckin- ridges movement on this place, to put the gunboats designed to flank us on their guard. If Mahan be a true man and a true observer there is to be an attack here or at New Orleans; if at New Orleans, a demonstration here. Respectfully, your obedient servant, T. WILLIAMS, Brigadier- General, Volunteers. Capt. R. S. DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant- General. P. 5.i shall send Mahan down by the first opportunity to head- quarters. I hope the rebels have as many sick as I have. Perhaps (let us hope at least) that a battle may to our sick exert all the effects of the best tonic of the pharmacoposia. T. W., Brigadier-General. P. S.Two additional gunboats are desirable. The Arkansas may come to co-operate with the rebel land force, and also the Music and the - Webb; the latter is said to be rather formidable, carrying eight guns. Why not send up the sloop Oneida~ Preble is here. Who is to command herthe Oneida and a gunboat ~ HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, August 3, 1862. Brigadier-General WILLIAMS, Commanding at Baton I?ouge: GENERAL: I received your note by the hand of 4ohn Mann [Mahan?], who was in my confidential service. While his information may be relied upon as correct, yet all the inferences may not be which he draws. The truth is this, as I gather it from various sources: On the 25th of July I sent 500 men on an expedition around the lake at Mandeville and Madisonville. The movement was delayed forty-eight hours, and in that time word was sent to the enemy that it was to go out. There- upon Breckinridge was telegraphed, down to Camp Moore, with four regiments to proceed to Madisonville, but it so happened that Colonel McMillan on the same day sent out to the Amite River a reconnoiter Page 35 CHAP. XXVH.] VICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 35 ing party of two companies, and they made an attack on the guerrilla camp there. News of this caine to Camp Moore, and they, concluding that the expedition to Madisouville was but a feint, while the real at- tack was to be upon Camp Moore, immediately counter-marched to get back to repel the expected assauk upon the camp. This is the cause of the assembly of troops at Camp Moore. While I would not have you relax your vigilance, I think you need fear no assault at present. When it does come I know you will be ready. I should much like to see you, if possible to be absent from your com- mand. There are many things upon which I wish to consult. The matter of the charges against several officers will be submitted to a court.martial. I am, very truly, yours, BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. P. 5.I have communicated with the flag-officer concerning the boat at Red River. No. 6. Report of Col. ilialbert Fl. Paine, Fourth Wisconsin Infantry, of skirmish at ~ Plantation, near Grand Gulf, Miss., June 24. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH WISCONSIN REGIMENT, Steamer Laurel Hill, June 24, 1862. CAPTAIN: I respectfully report that the troops under my command (Fourth Wisconsin Regiment, Ninth Connecticut Regiment, one-half of Nims battery, and one section of Everetts battery) to-day discovered a few rebel horsemen near Charles Hamiltons, and fired on them with shells and rifled muskets. They fled. We have no reliable inforina- tion respecting the loss infltcted, but it is rumored that 3 rebels were killed or wounded. Subsequently we approached a camp of rebel infantry near the Grand Gulf and Port Gibson Railroad. While we were reconnoitering it a locomotive and freight car from Port Gibson stopped in the vicinity, having apparently some connection with the camp and carrying one gun. We fired at it and also at the camp. We are not informed whether any loss was inflicted. The rebels on the car replied with their field piece. We captured in the camp 3 rebel soldiers (2 armed with muskets), but were unable to capture the car. Near the Willow Spring road we reached a rebel camp which had been hastily abandoned. The tents were still standing. We burned the camp, saving 6 of the best tent-flies, 1 piano, 1 rebel flag. 1 camp cot marked Captain Mackey, Butlers Revengers, Camp Benjamin, and also many articles of slight intrinsic value, which are properly re- tained as mementos by those who found them. I hold, subject to the orders of Brigadier-General Williams, 1 piano, 16 flies, 1 camp cot, 2 muskets, and 5 prisoners. Your obedient servant, HALBERT E. PAINE, Colonel Fourth Wisconsin Regiment. Capt. WICKHAM HOFFMAN, Assistant Adjutant. General Page 36 36 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. No. 7. Report of Li eut. Col. John A. Keith, Twenty-ft rst Indiana Infantry, of recon naissance to the Amite River, La., and skirmish, June 2729. CAMP TWE]NTY-FIRST INDIANA VOLUNTEERS, Baton Rouge, July , 1862. SIR: In obedience to order of Lieutenant-Colonel Clarke, Sixth Michi- gan Volunteers, then commanding post, I, with 40 of Magees cavalry, under Capt. James M. Magee, started from the camp of Twenty-first Indiana Volunteers at 7 p. m. of the 27th of June, to make such recon- naissance as in my opinion deemed best. Following the Greensburg road 19 miles we crossed to the Camp Moore road by an nnfrequented path; distance 6 miles. Nine miles from where this path intersected the last-named road we breakfasted and fed our horses. At 8 oclock a. m. we resumed our march 12 miles farther in the direction of Camp Moore, then recrossed to the Greens. burg road, capturing on the way a guerrilla. On arriving at the road we captured 3 prisoners and the horse of a fourth, who escaped under fire, by taking to the woods. Two of the prisoners were members of Cap- tain Terrells Mississippi Cavalry and were well armed. I learned that he, with his company of 110 men, were encamped at Williams Bridge, across the Amite River, on the Greensburg road, 8 miles distant. I determined to surprise him and destroy his camp. The camp is only a mile from the Clinton road. There are three bridges to cross on the Port Hudson road before reaching the camp, the farthest one not more than half a mile removed. On reaching the first bridge I left Captain Magee in rear with instructions, and with 20 men pushed rap- idly forward. We saw no pickets until we reached the Amite Bridge (the last one). These were hailed by my advance. They fled without giving any alarm. One shot was fired after them, when one of them was seen to fall. Twenty rods from the bridge we were brought in front of the encampment. Here we delivered a volley and charged in upon them. The volley seemed to be the first notice to the inmates of our approach. The effect may well be imagined. A general stampede ensued, in which everything not in actual possession at the time was abandoned. Accompanied by 5 of the men I crossed a small branch in the direc- tion taken by the enemy in their flight, when oii ascending the bank a volley of 20 rounds was poured into us from a thicket immediately in front and at a distance of not more than 30 paces. We returned the fire with our revolvers. I then ordered the rear, who were across the branch, to move forward to Qur support. This they refused to do, but remained in the hollow, seemingly paralyzed at this sudden show of re- sistance. We continued firing with our revolvers, and received a sec- ond volley, at which time Captain Magee was heard dashing across the bridge with the reserve. Seeing this, the enemy fled precipitately under our fire. The captains arrival was well timed, for every man with me had discharged his shots. Six of ns fired over 30 shots. Our loss was Sergeant Marshall,~wounded in the thigh badly, and one horse killed. The enemy~s loss is not certainly known, butwasat least 4 killed, 7 prisoners, 20 horses, 3 mules, and a wagon laden with provisions and forage; besides a quanfity of arms, accouterments, sad. dles, horses, equipage, and ammunition was captured. The most valu- able of the articles, or so much as we could transport, was brough Page 37 CHAP. XXVII.] VICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 37 away. The residue, with all the commissary and quartermaster stores, forage, blankets, and camp equipage, was burned or otherwise de- stroyed. I brought with me all the company books and papers. It was between 12 and 1 oclock when we charged upon the camp. Dinner was just prepared. Not having a force that would justify me in pursuing the enemy in his flight, we immediately took up our march homeward. We had ar- rived within 18 miles of this place, when about 9 oclock p. m. two en- filading volleys were fired into our rear from a point of woods at the turn of the road. At the point whence the fire proceeded the road turns to the right, and the left-hand side is skirted by woods with a thick undergrowth. When the firing opened the rear guard had passed. The fire was returned by them. We had 14 prisoners, 20 horses, and a mule team laden with the fruits of our capture to encumber us. For a short time the greatest confusion prevailed. The horses that had been ridden by the prisoners, with those being led and others that had lost their riders, came dashing down the road furiously. For a while the men seemed panic-stricken, but in five minutes time we were in a condition to receive an attack if any was contemplated, which we fully expected. In the mean time we ascertained that the enemy fled upon delivering the second volley, which was done within fifteen seconds after the first volley. We gathered up our killed and wounded, and camped in the field opposite the woods. Our loss was 2 killed, Ham- mond Wagner and Joseph Shoener. The wounded, Oliver S. Locke, George Haynes, John Buckner, and Paul Borne, together with a negro whom we captured in camp and who has since died from effect of his wounds. Seven of the prisoners escaped; 2 of the guard over them were killed, 2had their horses shot under them,and 2otherswere wounded; 4of our horses were killed, among them my own. We were not further molested, and at sunrise resumed our march, reaching camp at 11.30 oclock a. m. on the 29th instant with 8 prisoners and all the horses and other property, together with our dead and wounded. The property has been properly disposed of by Captain Magee. We had on reaching camp marched 90 miles, neither man nor horse having had a morsel of food for thirty-two hours of the time, and the men, with the exception of three hours of that time, constantly in the saddle. Captain Magee deserves the greatest praise for the timely aid ren- dered when we were attacked first by the enemy, and also for his cool- ness during the time we were under fire at night and for his efforts in allaying the panic which for a moment prevailed among some of his men at that time. Too much credit cannot be given Sergeants Mar- shall, Parsons, and Brown, and Private Miller for their courage and brave conduct in receiving the two volleys in the camp of the enemy and their subsequent conduct that night. Trusting that my action in the premises may meet your approbation, I am, with respect~ your obedient servant, JOHN A. KEITH, Lieutenant- Colonel Twenty-first Indiana Volunteers. JAMES W. MOMILLAN, Colonel Twenty-First Indiana Vols., Comdg. Post Page 38 38 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXYlI. No.8. Reports of Lient. (Jot. Alfred W. fillet, U. S. Army, commanding Ram Fleet, of engagement with the Arkansas, July 22. UNITED STATES RAM SWITZERLAND, Off Vicksburg, July 23, 18628 a. m. I have the honor to inform you that, in accordance with preconcerted arrangements made with Flag-Officers Farragut and Davis, I, in the Queen of the West, made an attack upon the rebel ram and gunboat Arkansas, lying under the batteries at Yicksburg. I regret to say that, owing to failure upon the part of the parties who were to co-operate with me in the attack from some cause that is yet unexplained to me, I did not succeed as I expected in destroying the Arkansas. I did succeed, however, in striking a severe blow, and no doubt inflicted severe injury upon her; but being unsupported by the Essex and Sum- ter, as I had been led to expect, and exposed alone to the united fire of all the upper batteries, I was obliged to draw off without accomplishing the full result auticipated. The position that the Arkansas occnpies was a very unfavorable one for my attack. I could not reach her vul. nerable side without rounding about, and thus lost much headway. The consequence was that she failed to receive the effects of a full blow. In making my retreat, most unfortunately for me our gunboats had retired, and I had the undivided attention of all the enemys batteries and sharpshooters that lined the river bank. The consequence was the Queen was completely riddled with balls and very much damaged. Most fortunately no one was seriously hurt, although several were se- verely wounded. 1 had taken the precaution to reduce my crew npoii the boat to the smallest possible number of men by which the boat could be handled, and to this cause I attribute the fact there was no loss of life. I cannot close this communication without bearing testimony to the cool, heroic bravery of all the officers and men on the boat during this hour of severe trial. To Lieut. J. M. Hunter, of the Sixty.third Illinois Volunteers, I attribute in an eminent degree the final escape of the boat and all on board. His dauntless behavior is worthy of all praise. The engineers and pilots all cannot be too highly praised. When the boat was full of steam, and of course so hot as barely to be endurable, with shells bursting, one in the pilot-house and another in the engine-room, with shot tearirfg the boat on every side of you, unflinchingly every man stood to his post. It is with the greatest pleasure that I bear this testi. mony to the heroic daring of these officers. I am compelled to send the Queen North to be repaired. She is so much damaged she cannot be put in order here. My force is greatly reduced by sickness, so that I find it exceedingly difficult to keep my boats at aL times ready for that service. I have in a previous dispatch requested authority to make a detail of a large military force, so as to man my howitzers and increase my guard. It will be necessary to keep part of my boats constantly traversiug this river to disperse the guerrilla bands that are beginning to infest its banks. I shall be glad to receive some instructions upon the subject from you. Very respectfully, ALFRED ~. ELLET, Lieutenant~ Colonel, Commanding Ram Fleet. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War Page 39 CHAP. XXVILJ VICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 39 WAR DEPARTMENT, July 31, 1862. Limit. CoL ALFRED W. ELLET, Steam Ram Switzerland, off Vicksburg: Your dispatch of 23d instant, relating to the engagement with the~ Arkansas, has just been received, and I have referred it to General Hal- leek, commander-in-chief, to give you instructions on the points desired. For your great gallantry I shall recommend you for nomination by the President as brigadier-general. You will return to Lieutenant Hunter and the gallant officers and soldiers and boatmen of your command the thanks of this Department. You will please make known to me any- thing (hat may be required by your fleet, in order that it may be promptly supplied. The lamented death of your brother deprives the country of the full report expected from him, and I wish you would supply it. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. No. 9. Report of Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, U. S. Army, commanding the Department of the Gulf, of engagement at Baton Rouge, La., with orders and resulting correspondence. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, La., August 10, 1862. SIR: Owing to the withdrawal of the fleet from before Yicksburg it became necessary to return Williams brigade to Baton Rouge. The services before Vicksburg had weakened very much that force by sick- ness. The overflow of the river and the number of dead animals in the swamps made a fearful malaria~ but while it caused illness in almost the entire command it did not produce a large mortality. The healthy air and water of Baton Rouge rapidly recruit the troops. The cessation of operations at Yicksburg allowed the enemy to con- centrate a very large part of his available force at Camp Moore, about 60 miles from Baton Rouge. From thence he marched to attack that post, and on the morning of the 5th instant appeared before our lines. His force consisted of two Louisiana regiments; two Mississippi regi- ments- two Tennessee regiments; the Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Kentucky regiments; an Alabama regiment; a Texas and a Georgia regiment; fourteen pieces of artillery, and a large force of guerrilla cavalry. These were under the command of Maj. Gen. John C. Breckinridge, Brigadier-Generals Ruggles, Benjamin H. Helm, Allen, and Clark. They were supported by the ram Arkansas, whici inspired them with the greatest hopes and the utmost confidence in their attack. To oppose this formidable force Brigadier-General Williams had the Fourteenth Maine, Seventh Vermont, nine companies of the Ninth Con- necticut, the Twenty-first Indiana, Fourth Wisconsin, and Sixth Michi- gan regiments; Nims, Everetts, and Mannings Massachusetts bat- teries. and Magees company of Massachusetts cavalry. Nearly one- half of all this force were on the sick list. Leaving two regiments in the village for a reserve, with high chivalry General Williams formed his lines at daybreak, nearly a mile beyond the town, in an admirably chosen position Page 40 40 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. (CHAL. XXVII. The enemy made their attack in two divisions, on the right and left, and, massing their forces, endeavored to force our inferior numbers back, so that, by extending his lines to flank us, his first attack was par- tially successful by the failure of one regiment to do its duty. The enemy were repulsed, however, and thrice over returned to the charge. Upon the final repulse, after six hours of continuous fighting, he retired from the field and sent a flag of truce for leave to bury his dead. A copy of the correspondence is annexed. The boat which brought down the dispatches to me from Colonel Cahill, upon whom the command devolved after the death of General Williams, collided with the gunboat Oneida and sank, so that I am not able by this mail to give the details, as I hope to do by the next dis- patch. Our loss was very heavy, say 90 killed and 250 wonnded.* Of general aud field officers we mourn the loss of Brigadier-General Williams and Colonel Roberts, Seventh Vermont, killed; and Lieutenant-Colonel Keith, of the Twenty-first Indiana, severely wounded. A number of the line officers were killed and wounded, whose names I am unable to give for the reason before stated, and upon such matters a mistake should not be made. The casualties of the enemy were very much larger. They have lost Brigadier-General Clark, wounded, probably mortally, and a prisoner, with his aide; Brigadier-GeneralAllen, killed; Brigadier-General Helm, disabled by a fall from his horse. Brigadier-General Ruggles is re- ported dead, and a very large number of field and line officers killed and wounded. We have buried already more than 300 of their dead, and they have left their wounded in every cabin on their line of retreat. Their killed and wounded are more than equal to one-half of our men actually engaged against them. The enemys forces were at least 6,000 effective men, while we had not over 2,000 in this action. The necessities of the ground caused General Williams to form his line of battle in rear of the camps of the Fourteenth Maine and Twenty- first Indiana Regiments, so that the enemy, for the hour, were permitted to occupy these camps and destroy much camp equipage. Upon the first report of the engagement reaching me I sent up Lieu- tenant Weitzel, of my staff, to report the condition of affairs, and to see what further dispositions were necessary to meet a renewed attack, if any could be feared. The Arkansas, although supported by the rebel steamers Webb and Music, did not choose to come down and attack our gunboats, the Essex, Sumter, and Kineo, and so did not co-operate with the land forces. Flag-Officer Farragut immediately went up the river to attack the Ar- kansas, but upon the 6th the Essex steamed up to the rebel fleet. The Webb and Music fled, and the Arkansas, after firing a few shots, was set on fire and blew up. Appended please find the reports t of Colonel Cahill and Lieutenant Weitzel, as well as the general orders issued from this department upon the sad event of General Williams death and the victory at Baton Rouge. I trust the actions of my brave men will receive your appro- bation. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major. General, Commanding. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. See revised statement, p. 51. t See Reports Nos. 11 and 12 Page 41 CHAP. XXVII.] YICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 41 GENERAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, No. 56. New Orleans, August 7, 1862. The commanding general announces to the Army of the Gulf the sad event of the death of Brig. Gen. Thomas Williams, commanding Second. Brigade, in camp at Baton Rouge. The victorious achievementthe repulse of the division of Major- General Breckinridge by the troops led by General Williams and the destruction of the mail-clad Arkansas by Captain Porter, of the Navy is made sorrowful by the fall of our brave, gallant, and successful fel- low-soldier. General Williams graduated at West Point in 1837; at once joined the Fourth Artillery in Florida, where he served with distinction; was thrice breveted for gallant and meritorious services in Mexico as a member of General Scotts staff. His life was that of a soldier, devoted to his countrys service. His country mourns in sympathy with his wife and children, now that countrys care and precious charge. We, his companions in arms, who had learned to love him, weep the true friend, the gallant gentleman, the brave soldier, the accomplished officer, the pure patriot and victorious hejo, and the devoted Christian. All and more went out when Williams died. By a singular felicity the manner of his death illustrated each of these generous qualities. The chivalric American gentleman, he gave up the vantage of the cover of the houses of the cityforming his lines in the open field lest the women and children of his enemies should be hurt in the fight. A good general, he had made his dispositions and prepared for bat- tle at the break of day, when he met his foe. A brave soldier, he received the death-shot leading his men. A patriot hero, he was fighting the battle of his country and died as went up the cheer of victory. A Christian, he sleeps in the hope of the blessed Redeemer. flis virtues we cannot exceedhis example we may emulateand mourning his death, we pray may our last end be like his. The customary tribute of mourning will be worn by the officers in the department. By command of Major-General Butler, commanding: R. S. DAVIS, Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, No. 57. f New Orleans, La., August 9, 1862. ~Soldiers of the Army of the Gulf: Your successes have heretofore been substantially bloodless. Tak- ing and holding the most important strategic and commercial positions. with the aid of die gallant Navy, by the wisdom of your combinations and the moral power of your arms, it has been left for the last few days to baptize you in blood. The Spanish conqueror of Mexico wonimperishable renown by landing in that country and burning his transport ships, to cut off all hope of retreat. You, more wise and economical, but with equal providence against retreat, sent yours home. Organized to operate on the sea-coast, you advanced your outposts to Baton Rouge, the capital Qf the State of Louisiana, more than 250 miles into the interior Page 42 42 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. ICHAL. XXVII. Attacked there by a division of our rebel enemies, under command of a major-general recreant to loyal Kentucky (whom some of us would have honored before his apostacy), of doubly superior numbers, you have repulsed in the open field his myrmidons, who took advantage of your sickness from the malaria of the marshes of Vicksburg to make a cowardly attack. The brigade at Baton Rouge has routed the enemy. He has lost three brigadier-generals, killed, wounded, and prisoners; many colonels and field officers. He has more than a thousand killed and wounded. You have captured three pieces of artillery, six caissons, two stand of colors, and a large number of prisoners. You have buried his dead on the field of battle and are caring for his wounded. You have con- vinced him that you are never so sick as not to fight your enemy if he desires the contest. You have shown him that if he cannot take an outpost after weeks of preparation what would be his fate with the main body. If your general should say he was proud of you it would only be to praise himself; but he will say he is prond to be one of you. In this battle the Northeast and orth west mingled their blood on the field, as they had long ago joined their hearts in the support of the Union. Michigan stood by Maine; Massachusetts supported Indiana; Wisconsin aided Vermont; while Connecticut, represented by the sons of the ever-green shamrock, fought as our fathers did at Boyne Waters. While we all mourn the loss of many brave comrades, we who were absent envy them the privilege of dying upon the battle-field for our country under the starry folds of her victorious flag. The colors and guidons of the several corps engaged in this contest will have inscribed upon them Baton Rouge. To complete the victory, the iron-clad steamer Arkansas, the last naval hope of the rebellion, hardly awaited the gallant attack of the Essex, but followed the example of her sisters, the Merriniac, Manassas, Mississippi, and Louisiana, by her own destruction. By command of Major-General Butler: R. S. DAVIS, Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. 1)EPARTMENT OF THE GULF, No. 624. New Orleans, August 25, 1862. The commanding general has carefully revised the official reports of the action of August 5 at Baton Rouge, to collect the evidence of the gallant deeds and meritorious services of those engaged in that brilliant victory. The name of the lamented and gallant General Williams has already passed into history. Colonel Roberts, of the Seventh Vermont Volunteer~, fell mortally wounded while rallying his men. He was worthy of a better disci- l)lined regiment and a better fate. Glorious as it is to die for ones country, yet his regiment gave hiin the inexpressible pain of seeing it break in confusion when not pressed by the enemy and refuse to march to the aid of the outnumbered and almost overwhelmed Indianians. The Seventh Vermont Regiment, by a fatal mistake, had already fired into the same regiment they had refused to support, killing and wounding several Page 43 CnAP. XXVII.] VICKSBURG, MISS., AN!) BATON ROUGE, LA. 43 The commanding general therefore excepts the Seventh Vermont from General Orders, No. 57, and will not permit their colors to be inscribed with a name which could bring tc its officers and men no proud thought. It is further ordered that the colors of that regiment be not borne by them until such time as they shall have earned the right to them, and the earliest opportunity will be given this regiment to show whether they are worthy descendants of those who fought beside Allen and with Starke at Bennington. The men of the Ninth Connecticut, who were detailed to man Kims battery, deserve special commendation. The Fourteenth Maine Volunteers have credit for their gallant con- duct throughout the day. Colonel Nickerson deserves well of his country, not more for his dar- ing and cool courage displayed on the field when his horse was killed from under him, but for his skill, energy, and perseverance in bringing his men in such a state of discipline as to enable them to execute most difficult maneuvers under fire with steadiness and efficiency. His regi- ment behaved admirably. Nims battery, Second Massachusetts, under command of Lieutenant Trull, its captain being confined by sickness; Everetts battery, Sixth Massachusetts, under command of Lieutenant Carruth, who fought his battery admirably; Mannings battery, Fourth Massachusetts, and a section of a battery taken by the Twenty-first Indiana from the enemy and attached to that regiment, under command of Lient. J. H. Brown, are honorably mentioned for the efficiency and skill with which they were served. The heaps of dead and dying within their range attested the fatal accuracy of their fire. The Sixth Michigan fought rather by detachments than as a regi- ment, but deserves the fullest commendation for the gallant behavior of its officers and men. Companies A, B, and F, under command of Captain Corden, receive especial mention for the coolness and courage with which they suppOrte(l and retook Browns battery, routing the Fourth Louisiana and capturing their colors, which the regiment has leave to send to its native State. Colonel Dudley, Thirtieth Massachusetts Volunteers, has credit for the conduct of the right wing under his command~ The Thirtieth Mas. sachusetts was promptly brought into action by Major Whittemore, and held its position with steadiness and success. To the Twenty-first Indiana a high meed of praise is awarded. Honor to whom honor is due. Deprived of the services of their brave colonel, suffering under wounds previously received, who essayed twice to join his regiment in the fight, but fril from his horse from weakness; with every field officer wounded and borne from the field; its adjutant, the gallant Latham, killed; seeing their general fall while uttering his last known words on earth, Indianians, your field officers are all killed; 1 will lead you, still this brave corps fought on without a thought of defeat. Lieutenant-Colonel Keith was everywhere cheering on his men and directing their movements, and even after his very severe wound gave them advice and assistance. Major Hays, while sustain- ing the very charge of the enemy, wounded early in the action, showed himself worthy of his regiment. The Ninth Connecticut and Fourth Wisconsin Regiments, being posted in reserve, were not brought into action, but held their position. Col. T. W. Cahill, Ninth Connecticut, on whom the command devolved by the death of the lamented Williams, prosecuted the engagement t Page 44 44 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. its ultimate glorious success and made all proper disposition for a fur- ther attack. Magees cavalry (Massachusetts), by their unwearied exertions on picket and outpost duty, contributed largely to our success and deserve favorable mention. The patriotic courage of the following officers and privates, who left the hospitals to fight, is specially commended: Capt. II. C. Welles, Com- pany A, Thirtieth Massachusetts; Capt. Eugene Kelty, Company I, Thirtieth Massachusetts; First Lient. C. A. R. Dimon, adjutant Thir- tieth Massachusetts; Second Lieut. Frederick M. Xorcross, Company G, Thirtieth Massachusetts; Third Lieut. William B. Allyn, Sixth Mas- sachusetts Battery; Second Lieutenant Taylor, Fourth Massachusetts Battery; Sergeant Cheever, Ninth Connecticut; Private Tyler, Ninth Connecticut.* The following have honorable mention: Lieut. H. H. Elliott, acting assistant adjutant-general to General Williams, for his coolness and intrepidity in action and the promptness with which he fulfilled his duties. Lieut. J. F. Tenney, quartermaster of Thirtieth Massachusetts, who fell severely wounded while acting aide to General Williams. Lieut.W. G. Howe, of Company A, Thirtieth Massachusetts, acting aide to Colonel Dudley, dangerously wounded in five places before he quit the field. Lient. C. A. H. Dimon, adjutant Thirtieth Massachusetts, acting aide to Colonel Dudley, behaved most gallantly. ILleut. Frederick M. Koreross, Thirtieth Massachusetts, acting aide to Colonel Dudley, for daring courage in the field. Alfred F. Holt, assistant surgeon, Thirtieth Massachusetts, for hu- inane courage, taking on his back, under a hot fire, the wounded sol- diers as they fell. Lieut. G. F. Whitcomb, Thirtieth Massachusetts, gallantly dashing into the smoke of the enemys musketry, bringing off a caisson left by Mannings battery. The gallant officer and admirable soldier Capt. Eugene Kelty, of Company I, Thirtieth Massachusetts, who was ordered to deploy his brave and active company of Zouaves as skirmishers on the right, and in the performance of this duty fell bravely at their head. Lient. W. H. Gardner, Company K, Thirtieth Massachusetts, who fell wounded severely, but entreated not to be taken from the field until the battle should be ended. Color-Sergeant Brooks, Company C, Thirtieth Massachusetts, and Color-Corporal Rogers, Company K, Thirtieth Massachusetts, who lost his left arm; both behaved admirably during the entire engagement. Private McKenzie, Company B, Thirtieth Massachusetts, who, though wounded, with the bullet still in his body, remained on duty through- out the engagement and is now at his post. First Sergt. Jbhn P. Haley, Company E, Thirtieth Massachusetts, com- manded his company bravely and well in the necessary absence of his line officers. Capt. James Grimsley, Company B, Twenty-first Indiana, who com- manded the regiment after Colonel Keith was wounded, for his gallant behavior in following up the battle to its complete success. Adjt. Matthew A. Latham, Twenty-first Indiana, instantly killed while in the act of waving his sword and urging on the men to deeds of valor. * Cheever and Tyler belonged to the Second Massachusette Battery Page 45 CHAP. XXVII.] VICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 45 Lieut. Charles D. Seely, Orderly Sergt. John A. Bovington, Corpi. Isaac Knight, and Private Henry T. Bachelor, all of Company A, Twenty-first Indiana, who were killed instantly while bravely contest- ing the ground with the enemy. Captain Koblet, Twenty-first Indiana, detailing men from his com- pany to assist in working the guns in the Sixth Massachusetts Battery after the gunners were disabled, for his supporting Lieutenant Car- ruth and his battery. Lieutenant Brown, of the Twenty-first Indiana, commanding a bat- tery improvised from his regiment, for the efficient manner in which he handled the guns; he deserves promotion to a battery. Capt. Charles E. Clarke, acting colonel Sixth Michigan Regiment, prevented the enemy from flanking our right, bringing his command at the critical moment to the support of Kims battery. Lieutenant flowell, Company F, Sixth Michigan, and Lieut. A. J. Ralph, acting adjutant, for intrepidity. Captain Spitzer, Sixth Michigan, in command of the company of pickets who handsomely held in check the enemys advance. The fearless conduct of Lieutenant Howell, Company F, and Ser- geant Thayer, Company A, Sixth Michigan Regiment, after they were wounded, in supporting Lieutenant Browns battery; Lieutenant Rus- sey, Company A, for his coolness and daring. Captain Soul6 and Lieutenant Fassett, Company I, Sixth Michigan, as skirmishers, who were wonnded, deserve special notice for the steadiness of their command, which lost heavily in killed and wounded: First Sergt. B. Stoddard, Company I; Captain Smith, Company A; Lieu- tenant Chapman, Company B; Capt. David Bacon, Company K7 pro- vost judge. Major Bickmore and Adjt. J. H. Metcalf, of the Fourteenth Maine, wounded while nobly discharging their duty. Captain French, Company K, Fourteenth Maine, who was terribly wounded while leading on his men to one of the finest charges of the battle. It is sorrowful indeed to add that by the accident to the steamer Whiteman he was drowned. Second Sergt. J. A. Seavey, Company C; Corporal Edminster, Com- pany D; Second Sergeant Snow, Company D; Private A. Blackman, Company F; Private Preble, Company I, all of the Fourteenth Maine, are commended for rare bravery. Acting Ordnance Sergeant Long, Quartermaster Sergeant Gardiner, and Commissary Sergeant Jackman, all of the Fourteenth Maine, and all of whom borrowed guns and entered the ranks at the commence- ment of the action. Capt-Charles H. Manning, Fourth Massachusetts Battery, who fought his battery admirably and established his reputation as a commander. John Donoghue, Fourth Massachusetts Battery, who brought off from the camp of the Seventh Vermont Regiment their colors at the time of their retreat. Private John R. Duffee, Fourth Massachusetts Battery; Private Ralph A. Rowley~ of Magees cavalry, who together went into the field, hitched horses under a battery wagon of the Sixth Massachusetts Bat- tery, and brought it off under the fire of the enemy. Lient. William B. Allyn, who had two horses shot under him; Lient. Frank Bruce, Ordnance Sergeant Baker, Sergeant Wachter, Corporal Wood, and Private George Andrews, all of the Sixth Massachusetts Battery, for especial bravery, gallantry, and good contluct Page 46 46 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. Sergeant Cheever and Privates Tyler, Shields, and Clogston,* of the Ninth Connecticut, for the skill and bravery with which they worked one of their guns, Capt. S. W. Sawyer, of Company H, Ninth Connecticut, for his daring reconnaissance on the morning of the 9th, during which he found and secured three of the enemys caissons, filled with ammunition. By command of Major-General Butler: WM. H. WIEGEL, First Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant.Generai. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, La., September 14, 1862. Brigadier-General THOMAS, A djutant.General: GENERAL: I inclose the somewhat anomalous application of Major Holbrook, commanding the Seventh Regiment Vermont Volunteers, with a copy of the general order complained of. It will be seen that I only give the result of official reports, so that I do not feel personally touched by the matter or manner of the commu- nication. Of the conduct of Major Holbrook there is no complaint; being field officer of the day of the post, he was not in the action. If consistent with the rules of the service to inquire into the r6sum~ by the commanding general of the events of an action, I should b& glad to have it done. For if the regiment has been unjustly treated it could give no one more pleasure than myself to see it righted. As there has been some rivalry of feeling I do not think it would be best to detail a conrt from the officers of the regiments at Baton Rouge. I may further say that I suggested to Major Holbrook that he might select his court of inquiry from any of the officers here not of that bri- gade. I have the hoiior to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, BENJ. F. BUTLER, Miajor- General, Commanding. [Inclosure.] EXHIBIT 1.1 CAMP WILLIAMS, LA. General LORENZO THOMAS, Adjutant- General, Washington: In justice to the regiment which I have the honor to command, the Seventh Regiment of Vermont Volunteers, I find myself under necessity of calling for an examination into the statements made by the major- general commanding the department in Orders, No. 62 [624j, dated August 15, 1862, which are calculated, in my opinion, to bring unmerited disgrace upon the regiment and the State from which it comes. I respectfully request that a court of inquiry may be assembled as soon as convenient to investigate and report upon the battle of Baton Rouge and the part taken in that engagement by my regiment, with the view that justice may be done to it and the service. Regretting exceedingly to find myself impelled to ask for the scru- tiny of a victory which should fill all generous hearts only with grati * Cheever, Tyler, and Clogston belonged to the Secdnd Massachusetts Battery. t For Exhibit 2, ~ee General Orders, No. 621, p. 42 Page 47 CHAP. XXVII.] YICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 47 tude and pride, I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, -~. ~. HOLBROOK, Major, Commanding Seventh Regiment Vermont Volunteers. [Indorsementa.] IIDQRS. FIFTH BRIGADE, DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Camp Williams, La., September 2, 1862. Received September 1, 1862, and respectfully forwarded to Adjutant- Generals Department, Washington, D. C. N. A. M. DUDLEY, Acting Brigadier- General. CAMP PARAPET, LA., September 2, 1862. It is much to be regretted that a regiment in this quarter should be compelled to defend itself against unmerited dishonor from its com- manding general as well as against the enemy and extraordinary ex- posure and disease; but I concur with Major Holbrook in the necessity of an investigation into the facts connected with the battle of Baton Ronge by a court of inquiry, with the view of doing justice to the Seventh Vermont Volunteers and to the service. J. W. PHELPS, Brigadier-General. WASHINGTON, October 3, 1862. Maj. Gen. BENJAMIN F. BUTLER, New Orleans: GENERAL: Your letter of September 14, inclosing the application of Maj. W. C. Holbrook for a court of inquiry on the conduct of the Seventh Vermont Volunteers at the battle of Baton Rouge, has been received and referred to the Secretary of War. No officer can at this time be sent to New Orleans to constitute such a court. The course suggested by you in regard to the proposed investigation seems unob- jectionable in all respects. You have full anthority to adopt it. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. MONTPELIER, VT., October 13, 1862. Hon. E. M. STANTON: I wrote you a few weeks since of the charges of General Butler in his order No. 62 [624] against the Seventh Vermont Regiment in the battle at Baton Rouge. These charges are believed to be grossly unjust, and have stirred up the people of Vermont. Nothing short of an entirely impartial court of inquiry, to be appointed at and sent on from Wash- ington, will satisty our people. They are brave, loyal, and patriotic to the core, and for that very reason will not quietly sit down under charges which reflect upon the State. May I have assurances that action will be taken at Washington ~l FREDK HOLBROOK, Governor of Vermont Page 48 48 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, November 15, 1862. His Excellency Governor HOLBROoK, Montpelier, Vt.: GOVERNOR: I have the pleasure to inclose you a copy of the pro- ceedings of a court of inquiry in the case of the Seventh Vermont iRegi- inent. When the request for such a board was sent to me I informed Major Holbrook, then commanding, that I would order the court, and he might choose any officers of my command who were not engaged in the battle to compose the board. For reasons which he judged sufficient he declined the offer, and requested that I would forward the papers to Washington, which I did. The major-general commanding was kind enough to approve my ac- tion, but informed me that no officers could be detailed from Washing- ton to compose the court. I then renewed my offer to the commander of the Seventh Vermont, and he selected the officers who composed the board. I added as recorder a gentleman of considerable legal expe- rience, who was not even present in the department at the time of the matter. The result is before you. I trust that when you read the pro- ceedings of the court of inquiry you will see that no injustice has been done to the regiment which has not been repaired [save] in the single particular of its colors. I shall rely upon you to see that justice is done to me in the premises, knowing your high sense of right and honor. I have, dear Governor, the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, City of New Orleans, October 23, 1862. Pursuant to special orders from department headquarters, viz: SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, No. 462. New Orleans, October 21, 1862. A board of inquiry, consisting of the following officers: Col. H. C. Deming, presi- dent; Col. J. W. Turner, Lient. Col. A. B. Farr, Lient. W. L. G. Greene, recorder, is ordered to examine and report upon the facts and circumstances relative to the con- dition as to discipline and efficiency of the Seventh Regiment Vermont Volunteers at the time of the battle of Baton Rouge and the conduct of the officers and men in that action. By order of Major-General Butler: R. S. DAVIS, Captain and Acting A88i8tant Adjntant-General. * * * * I, * * DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, November 3, 1862. The board met pursuant to adjournment. Present, all the members. The board, having fully weighed and considered the evidence, report as follows: It appears from the evidence that when the Seventh~ Regiment Ver- mont Volunteers was called npon to participate in the battle of Baton Rouge it had beeii very much reduced in numbers and doubtless in morale by the seventies of the campaign at Vicksburg and by long coi Page 49 CHAP. XXVII.] VICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 49 fluement on board transports. On the morning of the battle the regi- ment had present for duty about 250 men, about 520 men sick, of whom 200 were in hospital. About 225 men were in line early in the action. The commanding officer of the regiment, Colonel Roberts, fell under the sharpest volley that was fired that day, and shortly after his fall the regiment fled about 100 feet to the rear and to the cover of some gullies in a disorderly manner. About two-fifths of the men present for duty did not return to the position in line of battle during the day. It appears that early in the action Lieutenant-Colonel Fullam had been dispatched by his colonel to see to the firing of a battery which was endangering the regiment; that Major Holbrook was officer of the day. Upon the fall of the colonel, therefore, the command of the regi- ment devolved temporarily upon Captain (now Major) Porter, who seems to have behaved creditably in a trying position. When the lieutenant- colonel returned he assumed command of the regiment. Th~ only tes- timony before the board discreditable to him is the following, from Lieutenant-Colonel Elliotts deposition: I did see something in the conduct of officers which I thought deserving of censure. I saw Colonel Fullam, after they had fallen back, seeking protection, drawing his regiment up in a ravine. I asked him what he was doing there. He said he was getting his men into a sheltered position. I saw no other officers show a disposition to evade duty. I think the regiment was over 200 yards in the rear of their camp. So far as any evidence appears it would seem that the line officers behaved well during the day. It appears that the Seventh Vermont Regiment, or a part of it, did fire into the Twenty-first Indiana, but there is an exculpation to be found in the testimony of the commanding officer of the Indiana regi- ment, Captain Grimsley, to wit: Occupying the positiofi they did the Seventh had no means of knowing where we were. * * * My impression is that when we received the volleys from the Seventh Vermont we ran under a fire which was already going on. It appears also from the testimony of various witnesses that the field was covered by dense fog and smoke, so that it was quite impossible to distinguish a friend from a foe at the distance the two regiments were apart; and, moreover, that the position of the Indiana regiment was very frequently changed. It does not appear that any orders were communicated to the Ver- mont regiment during the day which they disobeyed. It appears that the colors of the regiment were retained by the color guard during the action, and were brought off the field by the guard when the regiment fell back. It appears that the camp colors afteged by Captain Manning, of the Fourth Massachusetts Battery, to have been brought from the camp of the Seventh Vermont by John Donoghue were two markers of the form in common use and one small United States flag, which had been used for no military purpose for a long time previously. HENRY C. DEMING, Golonel Twelfth Regt. Conn. Vols., President of the Court. JNO. W. TURNER, Colonel and C. S. A. B. PARR, Lieutenant- Colonel Tuenty-sixth Regiment Massachusetts Vols. WILLIAM L. C-. GREENE, Lieutenant Second Louisiana Volunteers, Recorder. 4 U UVOL X Page 50 50 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., ~. MEX. (CHAP. XXVfl. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans. November 6, 1862. The comiiianding general has examined with care the findings, pro. ecedings, and testimony of the court of inquiry, whereof Col. Henry C. Deming is president, in the matter of the Seventh Regiment Vermont Volunteers, and approves the proceedings and findings. It is apparent that every conclusioii arrived at by the court is sup- ported by the testimony of the witnesses called on behalf of the regiment. The general is constrained to find that the charge against the regi- ment of breaking in disorder before the enemy is fully proved. Two- fifths of the regiment never returned to the line of battle after they broke and fled; that the regiment did fire upon the Indiana regiment, and that that was the only firing done by the regiment that day, al. though they held the center of the line, which was most hotly pressed. The gej~eral is gla~1 to find that most of the line officers behaved well, and that the official reports which led him to believe that the regimental colors were lost by the regiment were mistakes, and therefore he has pleasure in orde~4ng the colors of the reginient to be restored to the regiment with privilege to carry them, but he cannot order them to be inscribed with the name of the glorious battle of Baton Rouge. The general doubts not that now, having an officer as commander who will not form them out of sight for shelter in a ravine (luring an action as did their late lieutenant-colonel, the regiment will in its next action retrieve its position and earn a proud name for itself and State. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, No. 98. New Orleans, November -20, 1862. The commanding general, i~pon the finding of the board of inquiry upon the conduct of the Seventh Regiment Vermont Volunteers at the battle of Baton Rouge, learns that he was led into a mistake by the of ficial reports of that actiomi as to the loss by that regiment of its colors, it proving to have beeti the camp color left in camp and iiot the regi1 mental color that was brought off the field by the Massachusetts battery. He therefore has l)leasure in ordering the regimental colors to be re- stoi-ed to the regiment, not (loubtilig that it will in its mmext action earn for itself a position and nanw which will be a ci-edit to itself, its State, and country. By conimand of Major-General Butler. GEO. C. STRONG Assistant Adjutant- General and Chief of AS~taff Page 51 CHAP. Xxviii VICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. No. 10. Return of Casualties in the Union forces. [Compiled from nominal lists of casualties, returns, & c.J Killed. Wounded. Captured or I. Command. 0 Remarks. ~ K~r ni ~~ni;~In ~ ~ ~ u I General officers 1 1 Bri adier-General 9th Connecticut I 9 Williams. 4 14 21st Indiana 2 22 7 91 4 126 ILients. Matthew A. Latham and Charles ID. Seely killed. l4thMaine 36 7 64 12 119 30th Massachusetts 1 2 3 12 I:::::: i 18 Capt. Eugene Kelty killed. 6thMichigan 15 I 4 40 1 5 65 7thFermont 1 9 I 5 15 1 MassachusettsCavalry, Second unattached company. I Massachusetts LightArtillery 4 1 5 Second Battery I Massachusetts Light Artillery I 5 6 Fourth Battery. Massachusetts LightArtillery, 1 1 8 1 13 Sixth Battery - Total 4 801 23 2411 ii~ 32 3831 No. 11. Reports qt Lient. Godfrey Weitzel, U. S. Corps ~f Engineers, Chief Engi neer Department of the Gulf HEADQUARTERS. Baton Rouge, La., August 7, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of yesterday. Your troops at this place have won a glorious victory. 1 do not consider that there is the least danger of an attack for the present, because one of the several reconnoitering parties sent out this morning, and which has returned, reports five abandoned caissons on the Greenwell Springs road. We have sent out to bring them in. This indicates a hasty retreat on the part of the enemy. Our forces could not pursue. One-half of the men who left the hospital to fight could not march a mile. The conduct of these men was magnificently glorious. The attack was andoubtedly made upon representations of rebels within our lines that our troops were nearly all sick and demoral- ized, and General Breckinridge undoubtedly expected, in conjunction with the ram Arkansas, to make a successful dash. It was a complete failure. The ram is blown up. Their troops were repulsed. General Williams disposed of his forces as follows, viz: The Fourth Wisconsin on the extreme left, on the right bank of Bayou Gross, with two pieces of Mannings battery on the Arsenal grounds, on the left bank of Bayoa Gross, to sweep the grounds oii the left of the Fourth Wisconsin. The Ninth Connecticut was posted on the light of the Fourth Wisconsin, with two pieces in rear of center and two pieces in rear of the right. All of these })ieees wei~e of Manitings battery, and were posted on either side of the knoll in the Goveiiinient Cemetery. 5 Page 52 52 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. Next came the Fourteenth Maine, posted in rear of the Bayou Sara road and to the left of the Greenwell Springs road. Next came the Twenty-first Indiana, posted in the woods in rear of Magnolia Cemetery, with four pieces of Everetts battery, under the command of Lieuten- ant Carruth, on their left, on the Greenwell Springs road. The Indiana battery, of two pieces, came up to the support of these pieces after the battle commenced. Next came the Sixth Michigan, posted across the country road on the right of Magnolia Cemetery and across the Clay Cut road, their left supporting two pieces of Everetts battery, posted on the road on the right of the Magnolia Cemetery. The Seventh Ver- mont was posted in the rear of the Twenty-first Indiana and Sixth Michi- gan on the right of the Catholic Cemetery. The Thirtieth Massachu- setts came next, forming the right, and posted about one-half a mile in the rear of the State-House, supporting Nirns battery. This disposition of the forces was made with the supposition that the enemy would attack our left flank under the cover of the ram Arkansas. The right flank depended upon gunboat support. The only fault of dis- position, perhaps rendered unavoidable by the formations of the ground, was that the camps of the Fourteenth Maine and Twenty-first Indiana were pitched in front of their position in line of battle, ~nd consequently came into the possession of the enemy for a short time. The enemy formed line of battle on the open grounds bordering on the Greenwell Springs road and attempted to draw our forces out. Failing in this, they advanced rapidly on the ground between the Clinton and Clay Cut roads. The whole brunt of attack consequently fell upon the Fourteenth Maine, Twenty-first Indiana, and Sixth Michigan. As soon as it bec~ime apparent that this was the real point of attack General Williams ordered up the Ninth Connecticut, Fourth Wisconsin, and one section of Man- nings battery to support the left and Thirtieth Massachusetts and two sections of Nims battery to support the right. You will therefore see that the disposition (with the slight exception hinted at) and the maneuvering were faultless. The conduct of our troops was excellent. The Twenty-first Indiana particularly distinguished itself. I saw a number of the dead of the enemy to-day in front of the grounds they occupied; but, not content with the check they gave the enemy, this regiment I)nrsued him quite a distance, strewing the ground with his dead. The brave Genei-al Williams fell in front of the Sixth Michigan to- ward the end of the conflict, while giving his men a noble example of reckless and daring bravery. He was killed by a rifle-ball in the chest. The enemys forces consisted of two Louisiana regiments, the Fourth and Thirtieth; two Mississippi; the Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Sev- enth, and Eighth Kentucky; two Tennessee; one Alabama regiment, thirteen guns, and a large guerrilla force. Their attacking force num- bered fully 6,000 men. Our actual force engaged was not over 2,000. Three companies of the Sixth Michigan covered themselves with glory in recovering from a large force two guns posted on the right of the Magnolia Cemetery, which temporarily were left by our forces. These same three companies captured the colors of the Fourth Louisiana, but only after they had shot down four successive color-bearers. The exact loss on our side is not yet reported, but certain it is that it is much less than that of the enemy. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. WEITZEL, Lieut., U. k. IJngrs. and Chief Engr. Dept. of the Gulf. Maj. Gen. BENJAMIN F. BUTLER, Oomdg. Dept. of the Gulf Page 53 CHAR. XXVII.] XICKSBURG, MIS& , AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 53 BATON ROUGE, LA., August 7, 18~2. GENERAL: As soon as I arrived here this morning 1 examined the position of our troops (which were drawn np in line of battle), although it was at 1 a. in. I was convinced, after hearing everything I could, that the enemy met with a bad repulse, and was certain that he would not again attack soon. I recommended to Colonel Paine to send out recon- noitering parties in every direction, so as to ascertain exactly the posi- tion of the enemy. Up to this moment (3.30 p. in.) but one of the five parties sent out has returned, bringing with it five abandoned caissons of the enemy, partially filled with ammunition. Our forces cannot pursue. Only about 1,200 men of the 2,500 engaged could march 5 miles. I send you a truthful account of the battle. I ascertained all these facts by actually examining the grounds and all truthful men. I send this in such a manner as to be fit for publication in the Delta or in any paper. I did not state what is true, that the Seventh Vermont behaved very badly. The colonel is an exception. He fought bravely and was mortally wounded. I have advised Colonel Paine to send down all the sick and wounded. Be sure, general, to send back all these transports at once. The difficulty about burning this town is there is a large orphan asylum and a tremendous insane asylum, both of which humanity for- bids us to destroy. Colonel Cahill did well, and I have not the least doubt from what I have seen from him that he was equal to the emergency. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. WEITZEL, Lieutenant Engineers. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, Baton Rouge, August 8, 18626.15 p. m. CAPTAIN: I have just heard, as the boat is starting, from two intelli- gent deserters that the following was the plan of the rebels: Breckinridge was to take Baton Rouge; the ram to clear out the gunboats here~ he then would march down to attack Phelps, assisted by a large force which was in waiting on the right bank of the river and some parties from the city. This is from, I consider, very good authority. We have already buried over 250 rebels. Their wounded are contin- ually reported to us by scouting parties as lying around in great num- bers in negro cabins and houses on the outskirts. We are gettingthem in. We have besides a large number in the city in the hands of rebel friends. Our total loss is 95 killed, 265 wounded, and about 40 missing.* I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0-. WEITZEL, Lieutenant, U. ~. Engineers. Capt. R. S. DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant- General. * But see revised statement, p. 51 Page 54 54 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. ICHAP. XXVII. iNo. 12. Reports of Col. Thomas IF. Cahill, Ninth Connecticut infantry, commanding Second Brigade, and resulting correspondence. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, Baton Rouge, La., August 5, 1862. CAPTAIN: We are attacked by a very superior force, probably 1~,000. They are determined to take the city at all hazards. General Williams is killed and a number of field officers are badly wounded. If it is possi- ble to send us re-enforcements let it be done with all dispatch. The ~iavy is threatened by the ram Arkansas, which will divert them from our service; therefore if more gunboats can be sent they wilf be of great use. THOS. W. CAHILL, Colonel Ninth Connecticut Volunteers, Commanding. Attacked this morning at 3.45 oclock. Breckinridge lost his right arm. Lovell killed. Colonel Allen, Captain Chinn, of Baton Rouge, and a lieutenant killed. This is reported by all the prisoners taken. Our loss 250, including General Williams and several officers. Re- ported that we lost two gnus and captured three. Last report is that we have lost no guns and have repulsed the rebels. Expect another attack to-night or to-morrow morning. William Blount, captain of artillery, from Texas, says Lovell is not present. Thinks rebel Joss greatest. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, Baton Rouge, La., August 6, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that an attack was made early yesterday morning by a Confederate force of about ten regiments, under command of Maj. Gen. J. C. Breckinridge, and that after a fight of four hours duration and of great severity the enemy was repulsed. I re- gret to state that Brigadier-General Willftims was killed on the field by a rifle-ball through the chest. During the battle our forces were obliged to retire about a quarter of a mile from our original position, and the enemy were thus able to occupy temporarily the camps of the Twenty- first Indiana, Seventh Vermont, an4 Fourteenth Maine Regiments, and to destroy much of the baggage and camp equipage. They were, how- ever, driven out, but our number being much lessened by sickness, and the men on the field being much exhausted by fatigue and heat, it was deemed inexpedient to pursue. I am unable as yet to give a report of our casualties, which I am sorry to say are considerable. The enemy has retired several miles, and from all I can learn are still retiring. I am expecting it possible they may receive re-enforce- ments, and am disposing my troops in the strongest positions. Our force engaged numbered less than 2,500. The enemy had at least 5,000, with twelve or fourteen field pieces and some cavalry. The ram Arkansas approached with the intention of engaging our gunboats, but grounded above the point at a distance of about 6 miles and to-day was engaged by the iron-clad Essex and destroyed. Inclosed is a copy of a communication received by a flag of truce from Major-General Breckinridge and my reply thereto. You will see by the latter that Brigadier-General Clark and his aide-de-cam Page 55 hAl. XXVII.J V[CT(SBUR(A, MISS., ANI) BATON ROUdE, LA. 55 have delivered themselves up as prisoners of war. I have also fully 70 wounded prisoners, that were left on the field also about 30 cap- tured. I would like instructions as to the disposition you wish made of them. Some of them express a wish to be paroled. Very respectfully, your obedient servant - THOS. W. CAHILL, Colonel, Commanding Post. Capt. R. S. DAVIS, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., fEd qrs. Dept. of the Gu~/. HDQRS. CONFEDERATE FORCES IN THE FIELD, Near Baton Bouqe, La., August 6, 1862. SIR: I have sent Major i)e Baun with a flag of truce, with the re- quest that he will be allowed to attend to the burial of our dead who may have been left within your lines. Major Haynes, accompanying, desires to communicate with Brig. Gen. Charles Clark, that lie may supply him with money and clothing and such articles as may contrib ute to his comfort. Respectfully, sir, your obedient servamit, JOHN C. BRECKINRIDGE, Major- General, Commanding. COMMI& NDLNeT OFFICER OF THE U. S. FO~ROES, Baton kouqe, La. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Baton Rouge, La., August 6, 1862. GENERAL: In reply to your communication of this morning, under a flag of truce, I have the honor to say that we are now engaged in the burial of your dead within our hues and that we shall soon finish the now nearly accomplished work. General Clark and his aide-dc-camp, Lieute~nant Yerger, have sur- rendered themselves as prisoners of war, and are being cared for by our surgeons. A friend of General Clark fron~ this city will attend to his pecuniary wants. Respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. W. CAHILL, Colonel, (Jommanding. Maj. Gen. J. C. BRECKINRIDGE, Commanding Confederate Forces. BATON ROUGE, LA., August 9, 1862. SIR: Being called to the command of the forces at Baton Rouge on the occasion of the action of August 5 by the unfoitnuate death of General Williams, it becomes my duty to report the circumstances of the glorious victory: Rumors of an advance of the enemy in heavy force had prevailed foi some days. On the afternoon of August 4 General Williams called the attention of the commandants of regiments and batteries to the proba- bility of an attack at an early hour in the morning. The Fourteent Page 56 56 W. FLA, S. Aj~A., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. ICRAV. XXVII, Maine, Colonel Nickerson; the Twenty-first Indiana, under Lieutenant- Colonel Keith; the Sixth. Michigan, under acting Lieutenant-Colonel Clarke, and the Seventh Vermont, Colonel Roberts, were encamped the first with its right resting on the intersection of the Greenwell Springs road and fronting on a road running to the intersection of the Bayou Sara and Clinton roads. These encampments were in heavy tim- ber. The Twenty-first Indiana was encamped on about the same line front and on the right of the Greenwell Springs road. On nearly the same line front, but still farther to the right, at the intersection of the Clay Cut and Perkins roads, was the Sixth Michigan. The Seventh Vermont was some distance to the rear and between the positions of the Sixth Michigan and Twenty-first Indiana, with the camp fronting the city. Everetts battery, under Lieutenant Carruth, was in bivouac on the right of the Fourteenth Maine and on the right of the Twenty- first Indiana. Still farther to the right were the guns, in charge of [Lient. Brown], of the Twenty-first Indiana. On the extreme right the guns of Kims battery, under Lieutenant TrLllI, were brought into posi- tion early in the action on the right. The Thirtieth Massachusetts, under Colonel Dudley, was brought up from their quarters in the Capi- tol, on the right of the Fourth, and took position on the left of the Sixth Michigan. On the extreme left, in advance of the left bank of the Bayou Gross, with an oblique front toward the intersection of the Bayou Sara and Clinton roads, with two pieces of Mannings battery, were the Ninth Connecticut and Fourth Wisconsin. The remaining guns of Mannings battery were in position on the right bank of the bed of the Bayou Gross. This was the real line of defense for the left flank, covering the north and east of the Arsenal grounds. General Williams, in his instructions to myself and Lieutenant-Colonel Bean, commanding Fourth Wisconsin Volunteers, was very clear and positive in his orders to hold this position at all hazards, as he antici- pated the enemy would advance (under cover of the fire from the ram Arkansas, with the gunboats from the Red River) through the open grounds of the saw-mill and Dougherty~s plantation and take posses- sion of the Arsenal grounds. The above-mentioned advance on the left bank of the bayou was only ordered by General Williams after a lengthy consideration, on the evejming of the 4th instant, with the intention of checking an advance on the same position by the Bayou Sara and Clin- ton roads, and for that reason we only brought forward the light how- itzers of Mannings battery to the advance position, leaving the heavy guns on the original lines. At early daylight on the morning of August 5 the enemy threw his entire force on the camps of the Fourteenth Maine, Twenty-first Indi- ana, and Sixth Michigan, with the batteries attached to each regiment. These troops stood their ground nobly, meeting the tremendous force thrown upon them with unflinching bravery. On looking over the battle ground since the engagement I cannot con- ceive how it was possible for so many men to have engaged on so small a piece of ground. The attack was nearly simultaneous, but the first fire in line from the enemys right was directed on the Fourteenth Maine, and instantly answered by that regiment by a solid line volley, which must have done terrible execution. The companies of the Twen- ty-first Indiana which were in advance as pickets had falleti back in order. The whole regiment advanced toward the Magnolia Cemetery and east of it. At this time Major Hays was seriously wounded and was taken from the field. The regiment worked, advancing and retir- ing and changing front as the enemy showed himself through the smoke Page 57 CnA1. XXVII.] VLCKSBURG, MiSS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 57 At nearly the close of the action Lieutenant-Colonel Keith, corn mand- ing, had to leave the field, badly wounded, leaving the regiment, with- out a field officer, in command of Captain Grimsley. It was at this stage of the battle that General Williams fell mortally wounded. He had just said to the boys of the Twenty-first: Boys, your field officers are all gone; I will lead you, the men answering with three cheers for the general. The sound had scarce died away when he fell. The general had previously issued an order for the line to fall back, and the artillery having done so, the regiments retired in good order to the position now occupied. For details of movements and conduct of regiments and batteries I would refer you to the accompanying reports. I will not trespass on the patience of the commanding general further than to say what the officers commanding regiments and corps cannot well say for themselves, that more undaunted bravery, coolness, and skill in the handling of their commands has not been displayed on any battle-field than on that of Baton Rouge, and that, too, by officers who never before handled troops in a fight. From the Twenty-first Indiana and Sixth Michigan myself in common with others expected a great deal, and were not disappointed But when I look back a few short months and bring back to my mind the arrival of the Fourteenth Maine at Ship Island and to-day consider the work done by that regiment in the action, the smoothness and steadi- ness of its evolutions in difficult ground and under fire from the vet- erans of the Confederate service, I can only say that for his efforts in building up his regiment, the most serious task of a commander, and his conduct in the field,~ Colonel N ickerson, of the Fourteenth Maine, deserves the highest praise. To .the impetuous Lieutenant-Colonel Keith, of the Twenty-first In- diana, no language of mine can do justice. He was everywhere, in every place, working his men through tents, trees, and underbrush like a vet- eran, and, when seriously wounded and taken from the field, he would not give up, but drove around among his officers and men, counseling them and assisting in everything., to the injury and irritation of his wounds. Colonel Roberts, of the Seventh Vermont, fell mortally wounded and has since died. He was a gentleman of a generous nature and of cul- tivated mind. Colonel Nickerson, of the Fourteenth Maine, had his horse shot under him by a discharge of grape. He sprang from under his dying steed and waving his sword called upon his men for one more charge. The men sprang forward with three rousing cheers and (Irove back the advancing foe. At this time the gallant Captain French, of Company K, Fourteenth Maine, received his terrible wound. This charge was inadein the presence of General Williams, who complimented the men highly. Captain French was placed on board the unfortunate steamer Whiteman, and was lost when she went down. His name de- serves special mention. The conduct of officers and men of the several batteries was every- thing that could be looked for by the commanding general. The vari- ous batteries were very much reduced by sickness and deaths, and even with the assistance of details from infantry were worked short- handed. Lieutenant Hall, in command of the second piece of Nims battery, wishes special mention made of the successful rally by men of the Twenty-first Indiana and 3 meii of time Ninth Connecticut, who, with the assistance of Private Tyler (who left his sick bed and acted as sergeant, gunner, & c.), and Privates Shields and Clogston, as als Page 58 58 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. Sergeant Cheever (who left the hospital sick to do his duty), rallied and brought off the gun, when every man and horse was shot down and the piece in the hands of the enemy. The names of the privates of infantry engaged in this gallant exploit will be forwarded as soon as ascertained. The Ninth Connecticut and Fourth Wisconsin Volun- teers were bronght np from their positions early in the actiGn, and were placed by General Williams order in line across the grounds of the orphan asylum, immediately in rear of the camps of the Twenty-first Indiana and Fourteenth Maine. The regiments moved with alacrity and obeyed all orders promptly. Capt. Silas W. Sawyer, of Conipany H, Ninth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, deserves mention for his bold reconnaissance on the morn- lug of the 6th. Going out on the Bayou Sara road 3 miles and finding no trace of the enemy, he took a cattle path through the woods, coming out on the Clinton road, beyond the original line of our pickets. He scoured the country to Birds plantation, in scouting around which he found one of the enemys caissons and near by another. In a short time he discovered all four. Crossing over to Bernards plantation he found another and a damaged ambulance. Returning to headquarters, he ptoceeded (by order of Colonel Paine, commanding) with a detach- ment of men and horses from Mannings battery and a platoon of his own company and brought them in. In conclusion I would beg to call the attention of the general com- manding to the services of Licut. H. H. Elliott, Ninth New York Vol- unteers, acting assistant adjutant-general on General Williams staff. For his coolness and intrepidity in action every officer in the action can bear witness, as also to the more trying duties of the details of his official business. I am under deep obligations to him for his cheerful and zealous services for the time I remained in command. I inclose copies of correspondence between myself and Lieutenant Elliott.* Colonel MeMillan, of the Twenty-first Indiana, has been un- well for some time. His counsel and advice have been freely offered on every occasion. All of which is respectfully submitted. THOS. W. CAHILL, Colonel, Commanding at Baton Rouge. Capt. R. S. DAVIS Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Dept. 9/the Gulf. No. 13. Report of Col. Nathan A. Mi. Dudley, Thirtieth Massachusetts 15~fantry, commanding right wing & cond Brigade. HDQRS. RIGHT WING 2D BRIG., DEPT. OF THE GULF, Baton Rouge, La., August 7, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inclose, for the information of the com- mnanding officer, the reports of commanding officers of regiments and batteries who served under iimy command in the right wing of this brigade in the battle before l~aton Rouge, La., on the morning of the 5th instant, as follows: Captain Clarke, acting colonel Sixth Michigan Volunteers; Maj. H. 0. Not found Page 59 CHAr. XXV1I.1 VLCI(SBTJk(T~, MISS., ANI) BATON ROIIOE, LA. 59 Whittemore, commanding Thirtieth Massachusetts Volunteers; First Lieutenant Trull, commanding Nims Massachusetts Battery; Captain Manning, commanding Fourth Massachusetts Battery; First Lieutenant Brown, commanding three pieces Judiana battery; * Lieutenant-Colonel Fullam, commanding Seventh Vermont Volunteers; First Lieut. Will- iam W. Carri~th, commanding Everetts Sixth Massachusetts Battery. I forward the individual reports, so that the commanding officer may know to what extent each command participated in the events of the day. It cannot be exl)ected that I should mention all the brave ex- ploits of persons or even regiments, particularly on an occasion when all did so well. Our lines were very munch extended, and I frequently necessarily found myself separated from each regiment; but on no occa- sion did I see a single regiment misbehave. All seemed to act with a coolness and determination that surprised even ourselves after the ex- citement of the action was over. On the afternoon of the 4th instant Brigadier-General Williams ordered me forward, with my own regiment and three pieces of light artillery, belonging to the Twenty-first Indiana Regiment, under First Lieuten- ant Brown, to a point about 2 miles from the river, for the purpose of supporting the Sixth Michigan Regiment Volunteers. After making a careful reconnaissance of the grounds, accompanied by Captain Clarke, acting lieutenant colonel, in front and on the right flank, I posted one piece on the Greenwell Springs road, the second on the road leading to Torkins plantation, and the third at the head of Boulevard street, the first two supported by the Sixth Michigan, and the latter by the Thir- tieth Massachusetts Volunteers, then umider the command of Maj. II. 0. Whittemore, its left resting on the flank of Nims battery, which was posted in the woods to the left of Boulevard street. Our pickets re- ported nothing during the night to warrant the belief that we should be attacked in the morning. At 3.3() a. m. the enemy sounded the assembly, which we took at first to be the long roll. On finding it to be only the assembly I ordered it repeated, supj~osing it to have been sounded by our regiments on the left, which promptly called all our troops on the right to their feet. Reveille roll call was hardly over when firing commenced simultaneously on the left and center of our front, shortly followed by the discharge of artil- lery on the extreme right. The latter was most promptly responded to by Lieutenant Brown with his two pieces and with great effect, as the scores of dead rebels that laid thickly strewn in his front after the $attle gave evidence. The engagement on the whole line now became general. I imme- diately ordered Nims battery, under the command of its brave and excellent first lieutenant, Trull, to the left and considerably to the front, so as to clear the thick woods in its front, supported by the Thirtieth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. This battery went into action within 250 yards of a Kentucky regiment, sheltered by a fence and corn field, where it remained, doing excellent service, until ordered to change position. Officers and men could not behave better. More coolness could not be expected from old veterans than the officers and men of this battery displayed. They changed position four times undem- my own observation, and on each occasion its gallant commander dis- played his perfect competency for the prominent part he acted in this severest part of this well-contested field. At this period of the action the fire on Mannings battery and the In- Not found Page 60 60 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX, N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. diana regiment, under command of Captain Noblet, was very close and severe; so much so that Mannings battery was compelled to fall back, which it did with considerable confusion, leaving one piece and caisson, the horses having been either killed or disabled. Lieutenant Whit- comb, Thirtieth Massachusetts Volunteers, gallantly (lashed through the smoke of the enemy and succeeded in bringing off the caisson. The fearless Indianians secured the piece, and both were turned over to the battery on the field. Captain Manning quickly rallied his men and went into battery on the right of the Twenty-first Indiana, well supported on the right by the Seventh Vermont, Lieutenant-Colonel Fullam (Colonel Roberts having been mortally wounded), and with this battery did good service. In the mean time the enemy appeared in strong force directly in front of the Twenty-first Indiana, Seventh Ver- mont, and Thirtieth Massachusetts. At one time these three brave regiments stood face to face with the enemy within 40 yards of each other. For full one hour the contest for this piece of wood was terrific. At one moment the rebel Tennessecans would seem to have success on their side. The tide would then turn, and the brave Twenty-first Indi- ana and Thirtieth Massachusetts would exchange a yell with each other, quickly advance, and drive the enemy back to the fence and into the corn field. While this brisk work was going on directly in front the undaunted Trull. with his battery, was hotly engaged on the right with a full bat- tery of the enemy that had cut its way through a belt of thick timber and approached within 15() yards. This is supposed to have beeui Semmes celebrated battery. The Sixth Michigan, under Captain Clarke, acting lieutenant-colonel, moved up to the support of Kims battery in elegant order. Its assistance came most fortunately, for it was clear the enemy intended to outflank us at that point. Nobly did Captain Clarke and his command discharge their duty here, as their list of killed and wounded shows. This regiment did good service on more than one occasion this day. For individual acts of gallantry I refer the commanding officer to Colonel Clarkes report. At this juncture of the contest I ordered Lieutenant Trull to fire his three left pieces obliquely across the front of the Twenty-first Indiana, Thirtieth Massachusetts, and Seventh Vermont. This was the turning point on the right wing. This galling fire of canister, with the terrible discharge of the musketry of three regiments, effectually silenned the enemys fire, and they withdrew again to the fields in the rear. For the valuable aid given by Lieutenant Brown and his pieces of artillery on the right in the early part of the engagement, which pre- vented our being outflanked on the right, I refer to Acting Lieutenant- Colonel Clarkes report. To the report of First Lieut. Win. W. Carruth, commanding Everetts battery, marked G,* I respectfully solicit the attention of the colonel commanding. His battery did not form part of my command in the morning, but from the fact that one section was sent to me it did after- ward and the other fact of its having been supported by troops from the right wing (Twenty-first Indiana) you will account for his sending his report through me. The number of dead in front of his position indi- cate the valuable aid his battery rendered on the left. There were very many acts of bravery which could not come under my own observation; therefore I respectfully solicit a careful perusal * See Report No. 16 Page 61 CHAr. XXVII.] VICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 61 of the several reports made by the several commanders of regiments and batteries. I cannot close this report without noticing the conduct of Captain Kelty, of the Thirtieth Massachusetts Volunteers, who fell at the head of his brave and active company of Zonaves. Once before he had been sent forward to reconnoiter the position of the enemy, drew their fire, and then fell back with the same coolness and precision that he ever ex- hibited at drills. He was killed within 50 yards of the enemys line. His loss I feel especially and personally. Lieutenant Gardner, Com- pany K, Thirtieth Massachusetts Volunteers,~fell severely wounded, yet requested to be left on the field. The command of the Thirtieth Massachusetts fell on Major Whitte- more by its colonel being assigned to the command of the right wing, and most honorably did he acquit himself of his responsible duties. He was probably more frequently under my eye than any other officer in the wing, and circumstances requiring me to move his regiment more often, he displayed coolness, tact, and military knowledge throughout the day which well fit him to command in the field. As for the conduct of the officers and men of his regiment, I refer you to his minute and careful report. I am especially indebted to the following officers, who served on my staff during the day: Lieutenant Tenney, who made a reconnaissance, by my order, at the commencement of the action, was detailed to serve on the commanding generals staff. He fell seriously wounded by the generals side. In ten minutes after Lieutenant Howe, acting assistant adjutant-general, also fell mortally wounded. Both of these officers were shot in the thickest of the engagement. First Lieut. C. A. H. Dimon, who acted during the rest of the day as chief of my staff, and Second Lieutenant Norcross also reiidered me every possible aid in the transmittal of my orders from one section of the field to another. Lieu- tenant Dimon joined me after the action commenced from the hospital, where he had been confined for days. Lieutenant Clarke, Sixth Michi- gan, also acquitted himself handsomely. I should forget one obligation did I fail in my report to mentiou the conduct of Surg. A. F. Holt. He was by my side constantly, when not engaged in his professional duties, ready to transmit any order or transport to the rear, as he did on several occasions under a hot fire on his own back, the wounded, or discharge any duty that would con- tribute toward the success of the day. The enemy having retired, I ordered the troops composing the right wing to take up a more desirable r~osition out of the woods near the penitentiary grounds. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. A. M. DUDLEY, Col. 30th Regt. Mass., Comdg. Right Wing Army, Baton Rouge, La. Lieut. H. H. ELLIOTT, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Brigade. [Indorsements.] BATON ROUGE, LA., A~~gust 8, 1862. The attention of Col. N. A. M. Dudley is called to General Orders, No. 2, which directs that reports of the battle of Baton Rouge, August 5, 1862, shall be made to Colonel Cahill. I would also say that I was not aware that Colonel Dudley was in command of any troops, save the Thirtieth Massachusetts, during th Page 62 W. FLA., 8. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. actual eugagement, after which he was assigned to the command of the right wing, on the second line of defense, by General Orders, No. 253. THOS. W. CAHILL, Colonel, Commandi~q. BATON RouGE, August 10, 1862. hi answer to the ftnegoiiig indorsement Col. N. A. M. Dudley submits statements from several officers that they received orders from him dur- ing the action, Colonel Dudley himself stating that he was placed in command of the Sixth Michigan Volunteers, Nims battery, and the battery attached to the Twenty-first Indiana by general oriers from General Williams. Orders, No. 253, was issued by myself after assuming command on the second line of positions. THOS. W. CAHILL, Colonel, Commanding at Baton Rouge August 5, 6, and 7. No. 14. Report of Lient. (Jeurge (L [Irull, 8eeond Battery Massachusetts Light Artillery. In accordance with your order I submit a report of the part takeii in the late action by the battery under my command. On the morning of the 4th I received an order from General Williams to get the battery under arms and prepare for instant action, as aii attack might be expected at any moment, the enemy being reported in large force on this side of the Amite River. On mustering the men I found only 21 men fit for duty, the others being in the different hos- pitals of the brigade. I applied to Colonel Cahill, of the Ninth Con- necticut, for men, and he at once sent me a detail of 30 men, which enabled me to bring the whole battery through with diminished detach- ments and only four horses on a team. I instantly commenced a vigorous drill on the piece, without changing posts, the new men prov- ing intelligent. Before night I reported a full battery, nf six pieces, fit for duty. I received an order at dark to act in connection with the Sixth Michigan Regiment in case of action on the morrow. At 3.30 oclock the next morning the rattle of musketry announced that an attack had been made on our pickets. I immediately got the battery under arms and sent the orderly to the commander of the Sixth Michigan for orders. The plan of action had been changed during the night and the regiment had changed its position. The Thirtieth Massa- chusetts had bivouacked near the canip of the battery, and were now standing in column, awaiting orders. I soon received an order to take the battery to the left and rear of the camp and to fire as soon as I saw an enemy, being supported by the Thirtieth. The firing now became very heavy on the left and the rifle-balls began to whistle thick around and over us. The smoke was so thick that we could see nothing. Just at this time a caisson, belonging to Mannings battery, came dash- ing down from the front, the drivers having left it. It man against one of my caissons, and crushed one of the hind wheels and the spare wheel, and also bruising ouc man badly. Without waiting for orders II now went in bal;tery, arid commenced firing she] I and canisl;er, which ii about ten minutes appeared to have completeiy silenced the enen~ v. I now received an order from General Williams to retire, he statin Page 63 CHAP. XXVII.] VICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 63 that the enemy was outfianking us on the right. I retired back about 300 yards and again went into battery, supported on the left by the Thirtieth Massachusetts. The infantry were just ordered to lie down, and had but executed the movement when a perfect Volcano of fire opened from a piece of wood on our left and front and at the same time a battery opened on the right and front. I fired on the infantry oii the left with canister and on the battery with shell. The Thirtieth at the same time commenced a sharp fire on the infantry. The enemys bat- tery was soon silenced, but the infantry attempted to charge three times, but were as often driven back, an(i at length retired wholly from the field. We were now ordered to fall back to a new position, which we did in good order. All of the horses on the second piece being killed or wonuded, it was drawn off by hand. The men are in excellent spirits and ready for another brush with the enemy. The enemy fired very badly, nearly all their shots passing over our heads.* Very respectfully, GEORGE G. TRULL, Lieutenant, Comdg. Company B, Mass. Light Arty. Col. N. A. M. DUDLEY, Oomdq. Right Wing & cond Brig., Baton Rouge, La. No. Th. Report of Capt. Charles H. Manning, Fourth Rattery Massachusett Light Artillery. BATON ROUGE, LA., August 6, 1862. Sin: I have the honor to submit the following report of the casual- ties and incidents attending the Fourth Battery Massachusetts Volun- teers, under my command, in the action with the enemy on the ~th in- stant: At the commencement of the engagement we were about 1 mile from the point of attack, and, by order of General Williams, the right see- tiQn, under Lieutenant Reinhard, advanced to the right of the Twenty- first Indiana Regiment, Colonel MeMillan, where it lost 1 man killed and 4 wounded. Three horses were killed and 6 wounded. The Twenty- first Indiana aided in bringing off one of the guns, when they retired, by order of General Williams. The center section, under Lieutenant Davidson, advanced with the Ninth Connecticut Volunteers, Colonel Cahill, and did good service in shelling the enemy. They had one horse wounded. The battery was then united, and took position under Colonel Dudley, Thirtieth Massachusetts Volunteers, where we had one man wounded and one gun disabled by the smashing of a wheel (in crossing ~m ditch), which was replaced by a spare one and the gun brought off. Here we were much exposed to the fire of the enemy, who had. flanked us. We retired in good order under Colonel Dudley. Then, under the order of Colonel Cahill, the battery took position on a hill, shelling the enemy at intervals throughout the remainder of the day, who returned the fire, two of their shells going directly over us. Nominal list of eas~ia1ties omitted; losses embodied ill revised statement, p. 51 Page 64 64 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. (CHAP. XXVII John Donoghue brought off from the camp of the Seventh Vermont Regiment their camp colors at the time of the retreat. John R. Duffee, of the Fourth Battery, accompanied by Ralph A. Rowley, of Magees cavalry (acting orderly for Captain Manning), went onto the field and hitched his horses to the battery wagon of the Sixth Battery Ma~sa- cliusetts Volunteers, and brought it off from under the fire of the enemy. The battery brought off three caissous, a gun-carriage and limber, and a forge wagon belonging to the Sixth Massachusetts Battery. Also, accompanied by Captain Sawyer, of the Ninth Connecticut, they brought off four caissons and two limbers (first discovered by Captain Sawyer) of the enemy~s; also Qne ambulance wagon and one horse with artil- lery harness on. Lieutenant Taylor, of the Fourth Battery, left the hospital and attended to duty until obliged to return to the hospital from sickness. Respectfully submitted. CHARLES H. MANNING, Captain Fourth Battery Massaehu8etts Volunteers. Colonel CAHILL, Commanding & cond Brigade, Department of the Gulf No. 16. Report of Licut. William W. Garruth, Sixth Battery Massachusetts Light Artillery. BATON ROUGE, LA., August 6, 1862. SIR: On Monday afternoon, the 4th instant, being then in command of a section of Indiana Light Artillery, I was ordered by Brigadier- General Williams to go immediately to the Sixth Massachusetts Bat- tery (Everetts) and assume command of that company in anticipation of an attack. In obedience to that order I that afternoon took com- mand of the battery. I found the whole number of men for duty to be 40. Captain Everett was absent in New Orleans on duty connected with the company; First Lieutenant Phelps was sick of fever in the hospital, and Second Lieutenant Allyn was confined to quarters by the same disease. The latter officer expressed himself ready for duty in case of action, and I therefore assigned him to the command of the left section of the battery. The center sectioji was placed in charge of Lieutenant Bruce w bile I took the right section under my immediate command. The small number of men for duty rendered it necessary for me to dis- mount the drivers of the caissons in order to obtain men to work the guns. The same cause made it necessary to have only four horses to a gun instead of six. Brigadier-General Williams had informed me that he had sent an order to the colonel of the Fourteenth Regiment Maine Volunteers to detail 30 men to report to me to work the guns. These men never reported. A little before daylight on the morning of the 5th instant I heai~d firing in the direction of our pickets in our front, and immediately move(l forward in that direction, being on the left of the line. Coming into battery a short distance in front of our camp, the six guns opened fire and covered the retreat of our pickets, who came in closely followed by the enemy, who at once directed volleys of musketry on us with no more damage than to wound a few horses. Being entirely without sup. port, and the enemy in force, in danger of outfianking us, I ordered the battery to fall back slowly up the road onto a line formed by the Four Page 65 Cnn~. XXVII.] YICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 65 teenth Maine and one company of the Twenty-first Indiana, Captain Noblet. At this time I took command of the rear section, and having arrived on this line opened fire with these two guns, the narrow road permitting the use of no more of the battery. Here Lieutenant Allyn, after having two horses shot under him and being twice slightly wounded by my side and suffering from sickness, reluctantly quitted the field. The fight now raged furiously, the enemy pouring on us volleys of musketry, which we returned with shell and canister. Three cannoneers were shot dead and 3 more wounded at these guns, leaving only the two sergeants to work them, and had it not been for the bravery of these two sergeants and the gallant conduct of some of Captain Noblets company, who in answer to my appeal came forward and acted as artillerymen, it is probable that the left flank of our whole line would have been turned. I now dispatched Lieutenant Bruce, with the right and center sections, to a road on our right parallel with the one on which we then were, with instructions to keep the enemy in check on that part of the line. After a rapid consultation with Captain Koblet I limbered to the rear and moved slowly back with our little band of supporting infantry, at the same time sending orders to Lieutenant Bruce to fall back on line with me. This movement was executed with great order by all concerned, though in the course of it three of my men were wounded (two of them fatally) and four out of eight horses were shot, rendering it necessary to rearrange the teams. We now fell back to the first rise of ground, and here maintained our position till our whole line fell back into a much better position than that first occupied. The enemy showed no further inclination to come within range of our canister, and during the remainder of the day our shell alone were used. A ride over the field this morning shows the execution done by the handful of men who composed the Sixth Massachusetts Battery. The rebel dead lie thick in front of every position we took, and our own dead and wounded, our broken and disorganized teams, our shattered limbers and shot-pierced carriages bear witness to the accuracy of the enemys fire. * In the afternoon our whole battery was in line along the front, which threw four pieces into the left wing. The care of these pieces was in- trusted to Lieutenant Bruce, while I retained the section of rifled guns under my command in the right wing. Up to the present time we re- main in that position. I desire to make mention of the following names for especial bravery, gallantry, and good conduct: Second Lieut. Frank Bruce; Orderly Ser- geant Baker; Sergeant Wacliter; Corporal Wood, and Private George Andrews. Corporal and Acting Quarterm~ter-Sergeant Hinneman was faithful in the discharge of the duties of his department, removing the dead and wounded and bringing rations and water to our exhausted men. I desire to express my appreciation of the services rendered by those men of the Twenty-first Indiana who so bravely took the places of my fallen men at our guns. I am, sir, with the greatest respect, your obedient servant, W. W. CARRUTH, First Lieutenant, (Jorndg. Sixth Massachusetts Battery. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General DIMoN Right Wing Second I3rigade. R RVOL XV Nouilual list of casualties omitted; embodied in revised ~tatement, p. 51 Page 66 66 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MiSS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. No. 17. Report of Maj. Horace 0. Whittemore, Thirtieth Massachusetts Infantry. IIDQRs. THIRTIETH REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS VOLS., Baton Rouge, La., August 6, 1862. I have the honor to report, for the information of the colonel com- manding the right wing, that the Thirtieth Massachusetts Volunteers, Colonel Dudley commanding, received orders on the afternoon of August 4, at 3 oclock, or thereabouts, to hold themselves in readiness to march at 6 p. in., as an attack from the enemy was anticipated. Accordingly at the hour designated the regiment took up the line of march, proceeded to a position at the right of Kims battery, about 1 mile from the Capitol, and immediately in rear of the camp of the Sixth Michigan Volunteers; a section of artillery, under command of Lieu- tenant Brown, Twenty-first Indiana, supporting our right flank. Here we bivouacked during the night. About an hour before daylight we were aroused by the drums of the enemy and immediately formed in line of action. At 4 oclock, or thereabouts, the enemy commenced his attack near the camp of the Fourteenth Maine Volunteers, on our ex- treme left, and immediately thereafter the action became general along the whole line, and was particularly vigorous on our right flank, which was bravely ~lefended by the Sixth Michigan. Immediately after the commencement of the battle Colonel Dudley assumed, by orders of the general commanding, the command of the Sixth Michigan, Nims bat- tery, the section of artillery under command of Lieutenant Brown, and the Thirtieth Massachusetts, leaving the command of the latter regi- ment to the undersigned. The regimeut maneuvered constantly under a heavy fire, moving now to this point and now to that, by orders from the general commanding, wherever its services seemed to be most needed, until finally it made a stand in front of the camp of the Seventh Vermont, and directly in rear of the camp of the Twenty-first Indiana, which was then occupied by the enemy. Nims battery was now on our right flank and the Seventh Vermont on our left. Here the contest was very severe. No sooner had we occupied the ground, immediately in front of which were thick woods filled with smoke and the sun di- rectly in our faces, than we received a most galling fire from the enemys infantry, accompanied by messengers from their artillery. The order had been given to lie down, and thus but few casualties occurred on our side, thongh we were not more than 50 yards from the enemys line, and the tents immediate~ in our rear were riddled with bullets. Captain Kelty, of Company I, was ordered to deploy his company as skirmishers on the right, and in the performance of his duty fell bravely at the head of his company. No truer soldier ever drew his sword, and no words of mine in this report can do justice to his memory. In him the regiment lost a model officer, and one whose example and soldierly conduct will never be forgotten. His company immediately retired to its place in line in good order under Lieutenant Dean, and the enemys fire was returned most vigorously by the regiment and Nims battery on the right. This latter was most admirably handled by Lieutenant Trull, who commanded in the absence of the captain, who was prevented by sickness from being on the field. Un- der the management of Lieutenant Truli the battery added lau.rels to its already well-deserved reputation, and its terrible fire of shell and canister, together with the wefl-directed fire of the Thirtieth Massa- chusetts, soon filled the woods with the dead and dying and put th Page 67 CHAP. XXVII.] VICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 67 enemy entirely to rout. They fled in the utmost confusion and did not return. We immediately moved to the rear a few yards in order to reform our line, forthwith faced about, and reoccupied our position in front of the Vermont camp. The enemy not reappearing we withdrew at our leisure, after searching for and bringing off our dead and wounded to the ground in the rear of the penitentiary, where we bivouacked during the remainder of the day and the succeeding night, and in the forenoon to-day I marched the regiment back to the quarters in the capitol, where it remained until 10 p. in., when it was reformed and marched back to the rear of the penitentiary, where it now remains. The conduct of the officers and men is worthy of all praise, coming, as they did, a large number of them, from their sick beds to serve their country and maintain their previously well-earned reputation. It is well known that the severe and protracted tour in the swamps before Vicksburg, from which the regiment had returned only a few days ago, had greatly reduced the strength and spirits of the men, but they did their whole duty without flinching, and with cheerful determination to scatter the enemy along their front. The ground was held, the enemy driven back, and with but trifling loss on our side. During the engagement I was constantly aided and advised by Colonel Dudley, who needs no commendation for his admirable skill and composure, and a great part of our success at the critical moment of the fight is attributable to his previous instructions and strict system of discipline. Lieutenant Whitcomb, with Company C, under a hot fire, brought off one of the pieces- of Mannings battery which was temporarily abandoned, having lost its men and horses, and deserves honorable mention. Early in the action, which lasted from 4 a. m. till 9 a. Lieutenant Howe, acting adjutant, had his horse shot under him, and was himself dangerously wounded. Quartermaster Tenney was severely wounded, as was also Lieutenant Gardner, of Company K; Sergeant Brooks, of Company C, color-bearer, and Color Corporal Rogers, of Company K, who lost his left arm, deserve honorable mention for brav- ery and good conduct during the entire engagement. Private McKenzie, of Company B, though wounded and with the bullet still in his body, remained on duty throughout the entire engagement and is now at his post. First Sergt. John P. Haley, of Company E, had command of a detachment of his company (the captain being on detached duty and - the lieutenant being hick), and carried himself bravely. I append a list of casualties.* Very respectfully, H. 0. WHITTEMOBE, Major, Commanding. Lieutenant DIMON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Generat. No. 18. Report of Capt. Charles F. Clarke, ~S~ixt1& Michigan Infantry. BATON ROUGE, LA., August 7, 1862. I have the honor to make to you the following report in regard to * Embodied in revised statement, p. 51 Page 68 68 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEl., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVIL the participancy of the Sixth Reg~ient Michigan Volunteer Infantry in the action before Baton Ronge on the morning of the 5th instant: The camp of the regiment was at the junction of the Clay Cut and Jenkins roads, on the extreme right of the line. A section of Browns battery was, in position on the former road a little in advance, and supported by Companies A, B, and F, under the command of the veteran Capt. John Corden, of Company F, actinglientenant-colonel. At the com- mencement of the action Companies I, H, G, and K, under my command, assisted by Acting Major Captain Bassett, were ordered by General Will- jams to go to the support of the Twenty-first Indiana, which was then in position in front of the Magnolia Cemetery. Soon after taking this position we were assailed by a furious fire of the enemy, who found cover under a fence a little in advance and to the right of the road leading by the south side of the cemetery. Their fire was briskly re- turned by the men under my command, and, as the boards of the fence offered butt slight resistance to our rifle balls, the attacking party was severely punished and soon retired. I then received an order to sup- port Kims battery, which position I occupied during the remainder of the engagement. The part of the regiment left with Captain Corden repelled an attack of a far superior force, driving the enemy, taking 20 prisoners, 50 stand of arms, and one rebel flag of the Fourth Louisiana, and most nobly discharged the duty to which they had been assigned. I particularly desire to notice the cool intrepidity and daring cour- age of Lieutenant Howell, of Company F, and Acting Adjutant Lieut. A. J. Ralph, who by their gallant conduct aided greatly in infusing an unyielding spirit into the minds of the men. Company C, Captain Spitzer, occupied a picket line in advance of the camp of my regiment, and first engaged the advance of the force sent against it. Owing to the dense fog prevailing at the time Captain Spitzer was unable to distinguish the enemy until they were close upon him. He, however, gave them a warm welcome, and, aided by his very efficient second li.eutenaut (Thompson), his first lieutenant being sick, held them well in check, and, when compelled to retreat, rallied hand- somely on the main body. Company D, under command of Lieutenants Clarke and Ellis, was occupying outposts at the Perkins and Bernard plantations, and did V not arrive in time to participate in the action, though they rallied on the main body by the route prescribed for them in the shortest possible time. Captain Soul6, with his company (I), was greatly exposed while doing duty as a skirmishing party. The wounds of the brave captain aiid his second lieutenant (Fassett) and the list of the killed of his compauy fully attest their indomitable courage. It is difficult to give especial praise where all behaved so well, though justice requires particular mention of the fearless conduct of Lieutenant Howell, of Company F, and Sergeant Thayer, of Company A, in their gallant defense of Browns battery after being themselves wounded. You are referred to abstract marked A for a list of killed, wounded, and missing.* Very respectfully, CHAS. E. CLARKE, Capt. and Actg. Cot. of the Sixth Regt. Mich. Vols. N. A. N. DUDLEY, Gol. 30th Mass. Vols., Gomdg. Right Wing Army, Baton Rouge, La. * Embodied in revised statement, p. 51 Page 69 CIAI~. XXVII.] VICKSBURG MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 69 No. 19. Report of Lieut. (Jot. Volney S. Pu 11am, Seventh Vermont Infantry. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTH VERMONT INFANTRY, Baton Rouge, La., August 8, 1862. Sin: In obedience to Special Orders, No. 2,1 have the honor to sub- mit the following report, viz: On account of the regiment having received no definite orders for its operations, as I understood, and owing to the fact of Colonel Roberts having been mortally wounded in the action, I am not able to give a connected account of the participation of this regiment, having been sent forward to reconnoiter, and for other purposes, and was absent when Colonel Roberts fell, but assumed command immediately after, and can only say that the regiment had not far from 250 officers and men in action; that it was several times under sharp fire.; that several men in camp and some from hospital, who were not fit for duty, were in the ranks, and that both officers and men, so far as I know, behaved with coolness and courage. The following list shows the names and rank of the wounded and missing in action so far as ascertained to this date.* Respectfully submitted. V. S. FULLAM, Lient. Col., Oomdg. Seventh Regiment Vermo~tt Volunteers. No. 20. Report of Cot. Frank S. Nickerson, Fourteenth Maine Infantry, command.. ing left wing Second Brigade. HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH MAINE VOLUNTEERS, Baton Rouge, La., August 8, 1862. In accordance with Orders, No. 2, I herewith submit a report of the part borne by my regiment in the affair of the 5th instant: We were encamped at the forks of the Bayou Sara and Clinton Cross-Roads, in advance and on the left. At 4 oclock on the morning of the 5th our pickets (Companies B and II) were attacked and driven in, reporting four regiments advancing, two in front and two on the left flank. Our line of battle was formed to the front of our encampment. Finding their skirmishers approach. ing through the corn field on our left flank, we changed front to the rear on the right company, and then moved cautiously forward through the timber to meet them. The fog was so dense that it was impossible to bsee twenty-five yards in advance. They were well advised of the exact location of our camps, but, misjudging their distance in the fog, fired over us. We received some five or six rounds from them without replying (still out of sight of them), until they arrived within less than 100 yards of us. We then gave them a volley by battalion. After about five rounds they broke, and their fire entirely ceased at this point. We then rested in place for about ten minutes, being completely concealed from them by a fei~e in front and the morning fog. I sent skirmishers * Embodied in revised statement, p. 51 Page 70 70 W. FLA., S. ALA, S. MISS., LA., TEX.7 N.. MEX. [CHAr. XXVII. in the mean time to the right and left to watch them. It was then re J)orted that a battery and a considerable force of infantry had taken position a short distance in front of our camp, directly on the right of our line. A few discharges from their battery confirmed this. I im- mediately changed front by file to the right and opened fire on them, and, with our battery posted in the road a little to the right and rear of us, held them com~)letely in check. In the mean time a heavy fire was pouring through the cemetery, in the front of the Twenty-first In- diana. We changed front once more, and gave the right the advantage of one well-directed fire. Then came some most terrific yells from the right, which indicated the success of the enemy, and led the general to suppose, as he informed me, that they were attempting to turn our right. We were then ordered to the right, the battery on our right re- tiring about 50 rods. As the enemy had a battery in the road directly in front of us, which would have exposed the men to its fire, we were obliged to demolish a strong board fence and move through a corn field to a lane in the rear of our camp, up which we passed, and formed our line on the opposite side of the road. We were then ordered up with the Twenty-first Indiana, which had fallen back to the position then occupied by us. The attack was then resumed. The Twenty-first In- diana was deployed as skirmishers on our right and left. We formed our line of battle just in rear of their camp, and moved up with hearty cheers. Here we had the most severe fight of the day. At this time my horse was shot under me, and I lost some of my best officers and men. We maintained our position for half an hour or more amidst a perfect shower of bullets, when General Williams rode up, said the enemy were giving away, and asked if we could advance on them on~e more. The men answered with three cheers and moved forward. This was under a most deadly fire. In this connection I must mention Captain French, of Company K, who was the first to follow and place himself by my side. The men, without exception, caine np nobly. The battery in this road had then retired. Just in our rear General Williams fell in sight of our men. This did not dampen their ardor. We then moved a little to the left, discovering the enemys right flank exposed. A few rounds silenced their fire at this point. We then left the field in perfect order, and leaving my men in a ravine on the right of the penitentiary, where I found most of the other regiments l)Osted, under command of Lieut. Col. T. W. Porter, of this regiment; being myself at this time assigned to the command of the left wing, consisting of the Fourth Wisconsin, Seventh Vermont, Fourteenth Maine, and Mannings battery. We un- mediately thereafter reoccupied our ground, buried our own dead and those of the enemy, and cared for their wounded. Our killed are 36; missing, 12; wounded, 71; total, 119. Among the wounded are 7 who have since suffered amputation of a leg. I beg leave to mention especially Lient. Col. T. W. Porter, who dur- ing the whole engagement was brave and cool, and rendered me valu- able aid and assistance. Maj. C. S. Bickmore was severely wounded early in the engagement. His conduct on the field merits special men- tion. My adjutant, J. H. Metcalf (slightly wounded), l)roved himself a most faithful and valuable officer. My chaplain, G. W. Bartlett, was everywhere present, watching our flank and carrying orders, and proved that he was the right man in the right place. My quartermas- ter, J. H. Crowell, rendered similar assistance, ana was ready to per- form whatever was necessary to be done. Surgeon Adams, without a Page 71 CHAP. XXVII.] VICKSBURG, MISS~, AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 71 assistant, did his duty nobly. You will see by the report that he has had his full share of it. It is very difficult to make special mention where all did so well. Considering the suddenness of the attack on raw troops, posted in the front, I trust that they acquitted themselves to your satisfaction. low well, you can perhaps judge better than I. If any mistook the nature of a real conflict they will know it hereafter, I trust. They know, if any such there were, that the country this time cannot afford to keep men in commission or in the ranks who are not at all times reliable. I must make especial mention of Capt. J. P. French, Company K, before spoken of. Capt. ZR. W. Mullen, Company B; First Lient. I. B. Gardner, Company I; First Lient. George Blodget, Company A; First Lieut. J. M. Wiswell, Company G; First Lieut. J. II. Spencer, Corn. pany B; Second Lieut. B. B. Glidden, Company F; Second Lieut. Aaron H. Keene, Company E; Second Sergt. James A. Seavey, Company C; Sergeant Snow, Company ID; Corporal Edminster, Company ID; Pri. vate A. Blackman, Company F, and Private Preble, Company I, ex- hibited rare bravery. Our color-sergeant lost a leg, and every member of the color guard save 2 was either killed or wounded. It is impossible to be entirely accurate at present, and, fearing I may do injustice to some, whenever the facts shall warrant I will make this matter the sub- ject of a further report. I feel that I should do injnstice in this report did I not especially mention. Sergeant-Major Adams, Acting Ordnance-Sergeant Long, Quartermaster-Sergeant Gardiner, and Commissary- Sergeant Jackman, who borrowed guns and entered the ranks at the commencement of the action. We captured 6 prisoners (1 lieutenant of Thirty-first Alabama). We also took 28 stand of arm, which a wait your order in my camp.* I have the honor to be, yours, very respectfully, F. S. NICKERSOX, Colonel, Commanding Pourteenth Maine Volunteers. Licut. II. II. ELLIOTT, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Brigade. No. 21. Report of Lieut. Col. Richard Fitz Gibbons, Ninth Connecticut Infantry. BATON ROUGE, LA., August 8, 1862. In accordance with General Orders, No. 2, I herewith submit my re- port of the engagement of the 5th instant: The Ninth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, Col. Thomas W. Cahill commanding, marched out, according to previous orders, about 3 a. In. on the morning of the 5th instant and took position on the left of the line of defense, having the Fourth Wisconsin Regiment on its left, and a section, consisting of two howitzers of Manning~s Fourth Massa- chusetts Battery, on its right. The position was one admirably calcu- lated for military movements, being situated on a hill overlooking the Bayou Gross and about half way between the river and the Bayou Sara road. At about 4 a. m. picket firing was heard on the right, fol- lowed by heavy volleys of musketry and artillery., The fog at this * Nominal list of casualties omitted; embodied in revised statement, p. 51 Page 72 72 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA, TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. time was very dense, and the maneuvers of the enemy only to be de- termined from the firing, which, being principally upon the center and very severe, it was thought advisable to move the regiment to the sup- port of the center. This was done, reaching the north road, along which it marched until, coming within range of the enemys guns and receiving a shower of grape and canister, the regiment filed off and formed line of battle in a corn field on the right of the road, while the .battery took position on the road and opened fire, when the enemy fell back.- The order then being given to fall back, and it appearing that our left flank was exposed, we marched by, filed to the left, and re- sumed our position .of the morning, and afterward took occupation of a cemetery, ready to support when called upon; while at the same time covering the left flank, ably supported on the left by the Fourth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers, who had been with us in our movements throughout the entire day. At this time Colonel Cahill sent Major Frye, of this regiment, to the right for orders, who shortly returned with the melancholy intelligence of the death of Brigadier-General Williams, and Colonel Cahill, as senior field officer present on duty, by order of. Lieut. and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. II. II. Elliott, took com- mand of the brigade; and, by his after order, the left wing, including this regiment, was under command of Colonel Kickerson, of the Four- teenth Maine Volunteers. At this time, ~he firing having ceased on the right and center, word was sent us that the left wing was about to be attacked, and a section of Everetts battery was sent to its support, to which were detailed from this regiment, as artillerists, 5 men, 30 men having been previousJy detailed to Kims battery. The section of Mannings battery having also come up on our right the attack was not renewed, but the regiment remained in position for the remainder of the day and night. On the morning of the 6th instant Capt. S. W. Sawyer, of Company H, with a detachment, captured and brought in five caissons, loaded with ammunition, belonging to the enemy. Our loss . is comparatively small, owing to the overshooting of the enemy. The officers and men of the regiment deserve great credit for their good conduct and discipline, laboring, as they did, under the dis- a(lvantage of having but 12 line officers in the field, the others being on detached service or previously sick in the hospitals. Adjutant Kat- tenstroth and Sergeant-Major Curtis also rendered efficient service. We captured 24 prisoners (one a commissioned officer), mostly be- longing to the Fourth Louisiana Regiment, 14 of whom were wounded. Our casualties were as follows: Killed 1, wounded 9, missing 4. Respectfully, your obedient servant, RICHARD FITZ GIBBONS, Lieutenant- Colonel Ninth Connecticut Volunteers. Lieut. II. H. ELLIOTT, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 22. Report of Capt. James Grimsley, Twenty-first Indiana Infantry. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIRST INDIANA, Baton Rouge, La., August 7, 1862. SIR: In obedience to your order, with reference to the part in actio Page 73 UHAP. XXVII.] VICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 73 taken by the Twenty-first Indiana Volunteers on August 5,1862, in the battle of Baton Rouge, I have the honor to report: That at about 2 oclock in the morning a party of scouts of the enemy, mounted, supposed to be 20 in number, made their appearance at picket post No.5, held by Company I, Capt. R. Campbell, Twenty-first Indiana Volunteers, on the Greenwell Springs road, about 1 mile in advance of the camp of the Twenty-first Indiana Regiment. Captain Campbell had also as support and to act as messengers two men of Magees cav- alry. By order of Captain Campbell they went forward to ascertain the force present. In a few minutes they returned, reporting that by a sudden dash into their number they had succe~led in scattering all but one, whom they took prisoner. Company F, Capt. F. W. Koblet, was detailed to go to the support of Captain Campbell early in the night. At about 3 oclock in the morning the enemys advance guard reached this station, when the first firing was done, the rebels retreat- ing. Soon after a larger force appeared, when Captain Campbell dis- patched a messenger to the headquarters of the regiment to inform Lieutenant-Colonel Keith of the certainty of an attack. Brisk firing began by the enemy at about 4 oclock, which was returned with spirit by the two companies named, who retired in the order of skirmishers, deployed on both sides of the road. Colonel Keith immediately sent out Company A, Charles 13. Seely, first lieutenant, in comma~d as an advance guard, to feel for the enemy, while our regiment, composed of was forming. As the gray of the morning approached we marched at double-quick out in the direction of the firing. After an advance down the Greenwell Springs road some 600 yards we found an open space to our right, and hearing firing in that direction we moved out under cover of some undergrowth and formed in line of battle. Company C, under command of First Lieut. William Baugh, was sent to the right to ascertain the position of the left wing of the enemy. Just then Company A, Lieutenant Seely, was opened upon by a desper- ate fire fi om a whole regiment in ambush, when he rallied upon the bat- talion. Immediately after the whole left wing of the enemy delivered a most destructive fire upon our right, killing instantly Charles 13. Seely, first lieutenant Company A; Orderly Sergt. J. A. Bovington, Company A; Corpl. Isaac Knight, Company A; H. T. Bachelor, Company A. Also killing 3 of the skirmishers deployed by Company C; wounding Major Hays badly in the foot. We returned their fire with deadly effect, which parted their center and threw large forces upon our flanks. At this time, some distance to our left, a regiment of the enemy had advanced to a point beyond our rear, and fearing a flank movement on their part, and desiring to draw out the forces in our front from cover, we retired back some few hundred yards, where we made a stand to await their approach. We succeeded in our last design, though they did not move upon OUr front, but took a corn field to our left, which is immediately back of the cemetery, east of our camp. We immediately changed our posi- tion to the front of the cemetery, where we took position, and in a few minutes, through the slight picket fence on the front of the cemetery, we saw them coming. At the sight of us they opened a heavy fire, but with little effect, for we laid flat down upon the ground. We returned their compliments with the most terrible slaughter to them, and here the general fight began. The contest at this point was a hot one, and they fought with not only bravery but perfect desperation. Finally, however, they gave way, and reformed off to our left. When their last movement was discovered our regiment was broken into colum Page 74 74 W. PLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. of companies, left in front, and we hurriedly took another position diagonal across the northeast part of our camp. For the moment firing had ceased in every direction. In a short time, however, we discovered a regiment (through the smoke and fog, which was densely black) of Louisiana troops moving by the right flank upon the next street to our front at double-quick. Toward the city and down to our right was a battalion deployed as skirmishers and taking position uncomfortably near to us. We made a dash at the head of the regiment moving into the city. Time would not allow much order in the movement, but we succeeded in giving them a ino~t destructive fire, which we repeated before they could recover from their surprise and ascertain our position; and, finally, after a short stand, they broke in utter confusion and left the ground. During this time, however, the Twenty-first Indiana suffered the most. At the moment we started for the attack last mentioned the battalion of skirmishers upon our right opened upon us a most galling fire with desperate effect. Another or two regiments had formed in our camp and opened upon our rear a hot fire. Our position was an awkward one, to say the least, when we had driven the first regiment back, and consequently our fighting now became upon the principle of every man for himself. Our men took cover behind trees and such things as would shield them. To add to the danger and desperation of our situation, the Seventh Vermont, from their camp back of us, opened a fire in the direction of all engaged, which killed many of our own men outright and.wounded several more. At this we gave back, when we met General Williams and acquainted him with the fact. He gave the Vermonters a severe reprimand, and ordered them forward to our sup- port. We reformed and moved down to our old position. Some regiment (I think the Thirtieth Massachusetts) at this moment came to our assistance with a part of, perhaps, the Fourteenth Maine and from that on our combined forces punished the enemy most terribly. Finally, under the most determined resistance and desperately destruct- ive fire from us, they left the field, only taking a part of their wounded, and leaving our camp and the ground immediately north covered with their dead. At the most critical period of the fight, when the Seventh Vermont Regiment, which was ordered by General Williams to support us, re- frised to do so, waving his sword and cheering us on to deeds of duty and (laring, our accomplished, gallant, brave, and long-to-be-mourned adjutant, Matthew A. Latham, was killed. Lieutenant-Colonel Keith, who had been brave, cool, calm, and most en& rgetic for success, while passing through the hottest of the fire and thickest storm of bullets, dispensing orders and cheering on his men, was badly wounded in the right shoulder. For the brave, gallant officers and men of the Twenty-first Indiana I cannot say too much. Under the first fire and under the intermediate fires to the last they tasted the most desperate circumstances of the battle. They were continually at their post, and ever ready and auibi- tious to do the full measure of their duty. The battle was fought in and around our camp, and we defended itlet the rebel forces them- selves certify how nobly. After Lieutenant-Colonel Keith was wounded your humble servant and subscriber, being th~ senior officer present, took comnnimand of the battalion Page 75 CHAP. XXVII.] VICKSBURG MISS AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 7 .7 75 For particulars of casualties I refer you to paper marked A ;* com- panies engaged, with their commanders, see paper marked B. Most respectfully submitted. JAMES GRIMSLEY, Gajptain Company B, Commanding Regiment. Colonel CAHILL, Comdg. Second Brigade, Dept. of the Gulf. [Inclosure B.] Stahment of Companies of Twenty-first Indiana Volunteers engaged in action at Baton Rouge, La., August 5, 1862. Company A, Lieut. Charles D. Seely commanding. advance gnard. Company B, Capt. J. Grimsley commanding. Company C, Lient. William Baugh commanding. Company I), Lient. William Harper commanding. Company E, Capt. W. M. Skelton commanding. Company F, Capt. Francis W. Noblet commanding. picket night before battle. Company G, Sergt. Johu Adams commanding. Company H, Capt. J. T. Campbell commanding. Company I, Capt. Richard Campbell commanding. picket night before battle. Company K, Lieut. Thomas Grinstead commanding. Sent out as Sent out on Sent out on No. 23. Report of Lieut. Col. Sidney A. Bean, Fourth Wisconsin Infantry. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH WISCONSIN BEGDIENT, August 9, 1862. COLONEL: In obedience to General Orders, No. 2, I have the honor to submit the following report of the movement of the regiment under my command in the late action: At 3 oclock on the morning of the 5th instant I marched the regi- ment across the bayou north of the Arsenal grounds, and formed it in line of battle on the ridge beyondq the Ninth Connecticut and a part of Mannings battery being on my right. 1 made this movement under order from General Williams, who instructed me to act in conjunction with yourself, and in every event to protect the left flank of our posi- tion. A few moments after the first musketry was heard the general ordered them forward in the direction of the firing, which order I im- mediately put in execution, marching in line with the Ninth Connecti- cut. The movements, however, had hardly been commenced when I received orders to march by the right flank to the Greenwell Springs road. I here formed a line, my right resting on the road, and waited for orders. The fog was so dense that we could learn nothing of the position of the forces nor discern friend from foe a rod distant. Otii~ own troops falling back over oar lines and filing down the road, I was in momentary expectation that the enemy would attempt to follow and *Nomiual list omitted; embodied in revised statement, p. 51 Page 76 76 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [Caxr. XXVII force their way into the town. If such an attempt had been made, there was no better position from which we could have repulsed them. Great as was the chagrin of our officers and men at being so held in reserve, I did not think it consistent with my duties to abandon the position contrary to the last orders of the general and leave exposed the whole open country on our left. After the troops and artillery had all passed to our rear, and it be- came evident that the enemy was nQt advancing on this point, I marched to the cemetery across the bayou, and opposite to the position I first occupied. At this time the firing had all ceased except on the extreme right, where it continued for a few moments only, and the action was ended. The men oC my command displayed the greatest eagerness to meet the enemy, and our only regret was that the attack had not fallen on our line. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. A. BEAN, Lieut. Cot., Commanding Fourth Wisconsin Regiment. Colonel CAHILL, Commanding Forces in the Action. No. 24. Report of Maj. Gen. John C. Breckinridge, C. ~. Army, commanding e~pe d& tton, of engagement at Baton Rouge and occupation of Port Hudson. HEADQUARTERS BRECKINRIDGES DIVISION, & ptember 30, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the operations of a portion of my division recently ordered from Vicksburg to Camp Moore and Baton Rouge, La., by Major-General Van Dorn. I left Vicksburg on July 27 with somewhat less than 4,000 men, and arrived at Camp Moore the evening of the 28th. The major-general commanding the district having received intelligence that the enemy was threatening Camp Moore in force, the movement was made sud- denly and rapidly by railroad, and having but few cars, nothing could be transported except the troops, with their arms and ammunition. Brig. Gen. Charles Clark, who had reported for duty a few days before our departure from Vicksburg, promptly and kindly consented to accorn- pans the expedition. Brigadier-General iRuggles was already at Camp Moore, in command of a small force, with which he had kept the enemy in check. The troops were immediately organized in two divisions, General Clark taking command of the First and General Ruggles of the Second Division. The rumor of an advance of the enemy in force upon Camp Moore proved to be unfounded. On July 30, in obedience to a dispatch of the 29th from the major-gen- eral corn inauding the district: the troops were put in motion for Baton Rouge. During the march I received information that the effective force of the enemy was not less than 5,000 men, and that the ground was com- inanded by three gunboats lying in the river. My own troops having suffered severely from the effects of exposure at Vicksburg, from heavy rains without shelter, and from the extreme heat, did not now number more than 3,400 men. Under these circumstances I determined not to make the attack unless we could be relieved from the fire of the fleet. Accordingly I telegraphed to the major-general commanding the cond Page 77 CHAP. XXVII.] YICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 77 tion and number of the troops and the reported strength of the enemy, but said I would undertake to capture the garrison if the Arkansas could be sent down to clear the river or divert the fire of the gunboats. He promptly answered that the Arkansas would be ~ready to co-operate at daylight on Tuesday, August 5. On the afternoon of Monday, the 4th, the command having reached the Comite River, 10 miles from Baton Rouge, and learning by an ex- press messenger that the Arkansas had passed Bayou Sara in time to arrive at the proper moment, preparations were made to advance that night. The sickness had been appalling. The morning report of the 4th showing but 3,000 effectives, and deducting those taken sick during the day and the number that fell out from weakness on the night march I did not carry into the action more than 2,600 men. This estimate does not include some 200 Partisan Rangers, who had performed effi- cient service in picketing the different roads, but who, from the nature of the ground, took no part in the action; nor about the same number of militia hastily collected by Col. D. C. ilardee in the neighborhood of Clinton, who, though making every effort, could not arrive in time to participate. The command left the Comite at 11 p. m. and reached the Vicinity of Baton Rouge a little before daybreak on the morning of the 5th. Some hours before the main body moved a small force of infantry, with a sec- tion of Semmes battery, under Lieut. T. K. Fauntleroy, the whole com- manded by Lieutenant-Colonel Shields, of the Thirtieth Louisiana, was sent by a circuitous route to the road leading from Clinton to Baton Rouge, with orders to drive in any pickets of the enemy and attack his left as soon as the, action should begin in front. This service was well performed, but for details reference is made to the report of Brigadier- General Ruggles, from whose command the force was detached. While waiting for daylight to make the attack an accident occurred which deprived us of several excellent officers and enlisted men and two pieces of artillery. The Partisan Rangers were placed in rear of the artillery and infantry, yet during the darkness a few of them leaked through, and riding forward encountered the enemy, causing exchange of shots between the pickets. Galloping back, they produced some confusion, which led to rapid firing for a few moments, during which Brigadier-General Helm was dangerously injured by the fall of his horse; Lieut. A. H. Todd, his aide-de-camp, killed; Captain Roberts, of the Fourth Kentucky, severely wounded; several enlisted men killed and wounded, and two of Captaiu Cobbs three guns rendered for the time wholly useless. After General Helm was disabled Col. Thomas H. Hunt assumed command of his brigade. Order was soon restored, and the force placed in position on the right and left of the Greenwell Springs road. I was obliged to content myself with a single line of battle and a small regiment of iiifantry, with one piece of artillery, to each division as a reserve. The enemy (expecting the attack) was drawn up in two lines, or rather in one line, with strong reserves dis- tributed at intervals. At the moment there was light enough our troops moved rapidly forward. General Ruggles, commanding the left, brought on the engagement with four pieces of Semmes battery, the Fourth and Thirtieth Louisiana, and Boyds Louisiana battalion, under the com- mand of Colonel Allen, of the Fourth Louisiana, and the Third, Sixth, and Seventh Kentucky and the Thirty-fifth Alabama, under the com- mand of Colonel Thompson, of the Third Kentucky. These troops moved forward with great impetuosity, driving the enemy l~efore them, while their ringing cheers inspired all our little command. The Louisian Page 78 78 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVIL troops charged a battery and captured two pieces. At this point Colonel Allen, commanding the brigade, while pressing forward with the colors in his hand, had both legs shattered, and Lieutenant-Colonel Boyd received a severe wound. This produced confusion, and the enemy at the same moment throwing forward a strong re-enforcement the brigade was forced back in some disorder. It was rallied by the efforts of Colonel Breaux, Lieutenant-Colonel Hunter, and other officers, and, although it did not further participate in the assault, it maintained its position under a fire from the gunboats and land batteries of the enemy. During this time Thompsons brigade, which composed the right of iRuggles division, was behaving with great gallantry, often driving back superior forces, and toward the close of the action took part in the final struggle from a position immediately on the left of the First Division. Colonel Thompson being severely wounded in a charge, the command devolved on Colonel Robertson, of the Thirty-fifth Alabama, whose conduct fully justified the confidence of his troops. The Louisiana F?] battery, Captain Semmes, was admirably handled throughout. The First Division, under General Clark, being the Second Brigade, composed of the Fourth and Fifth Kentucky, Thirty-first Mississippi, Thirty.flrst and Fourth Alabama, commanded by Colonel Hunt, of the Fifth Kentucky, and the Fourth Brigade, composed of the Fifteenth and Twenty-second Mississippi, and the Nineteenth, Twentieth, Twenty- eighth, and Forty-fifth Tennessee, consolidated into one battalion, coni- manded by Colonel Smith, of the Twentieth Tennessee, together with -the Hudson Battery and one piece of Cobbs battery, advanced to the right of the Greenwell Springs road. On the right, as on the left, the enemy was constantly pressed back, until, after several hours of fight- ing, he was driven to his last encampment, in a large grove just in rear of the penitentiary. Here the contest was hot and obstinate, and it was here the First Division suffered the greatest loss. Colonel Hunt was shot down, and on the fall of that excellent officer, at the suggestion of General Clark and with the consent of the officers concerned, I placed Capt. John A. Buckner, assistant adjutant-general on my staff, in coni- mand of the Second Brigade. In the management of his command he displayed so high a degree of skill and courage that I commend him especially to the notice of the Government. General Clark pressed the attack at this point witri great vigor until he received a wound which was supposed to be mortal, when, through some misapprehension, the Second Brigade began to fall back down the slope, but without confusion. Captain Buckner, learning upon inquiry from me that I did not desire a retrograde movement, immediately, aided by Major Wickliffe, of the Fifth Kentucky Regiment (Lieutenant- Colonel Caidwell, who was injured by the accident of the preceding night, having been obliged to retire), and other regimental officers, faced the brigade about and renewed the attack. At the same time Colonel Smith, commanding Fourth Brigade, composed of the consoli- dated Tennessee regiments, and the Twenty-second Mississippi, Capt. F. Hughes, was ordered forward and moved against the enemy in fine style. In a few moments Captain Hughes received a mortal wound at the head of his regiment. Observing some troops on the left partially sheltered by a shallow cut in the road (who proved to be the remnant of Thompsons brigade and out of ammunition), I ordered them to advance to the support of the First Division with the bayonet. The order was promptly obeyed and in executing it I happened to observe, as distipguished for alacrity Colonel Crossland, of the Seventh Kentucky; Lieutenant-Colonel Goo Page 79 CHAP. XXVII.] YICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 79 win, of the Thirty-fifth Alabama, and Lieutenant Terry, of the Eighth Kentucky, on duty with sharpshooters. At this critical moment Major Brown, chief commissary, and Captain Richards, one of my aides, were conspicuous in urging on the troops. In this assault we suffered con- siderably from the fire of the fleet, until the opposing lines approached each other so closely that a regard for their own friends obliged them to suspend. The contest at and around this last encampment was bloody, but at the end of it the enemy were completely routed, some of our men pursuing and firing at them for some distance down the street, running in front of the arsenal and barracks. They did not rdappear during the day. It was now 10 oclock. We had listened in vain for the guns of the Arkansas. I saw around me not more than 1,000 exhausted men, who had been unable to procure water since we left the Comite River. The enemy had several batteries commanding the approaches to the arsenal and barracks and the gunboats had already reopened upon us with a direct fire. Under these circumstances, although the troops showed the utmost indifference to danger and death, and were even re- luctant to retire, I did not deem it prudent to pursue the victory further. Having scarcely any transportation, I ordered all the camps and stores of the enemy to be destroyed, and directing Captain Buckner to place one section of Semmes battery, supported by the Seventh Kentucky, in a certain position on thefield,withdrewtherest ofthetroopsaboutl mile, to Wards Creek, with the hope of obtaining water. But finding none there fit for man or beast, I moved the command back to the field of battle, and procured a very imperfect supply from some cisterns in the suburbs of the town. This position we occupied for the rest of the day. The citizens of the surroundiPg and thinly settled country exhitAted the warmest patriotism, and with their assistance conveyances enough were procured to carry off all our wounded who could bear removal. A few, armed with shot-guns and other weapons, had been able to reach the field in time to join in the attack. Having neither picks nor shovels, we were unable to dig graves for the burial of the dead. I still hoped for the cooperation of the Arkansas, and in that event intended to renew the attack. But late in the afternoon I learned by express that before daylight, and within 4 miles of Baton Rouge, her machinery had become disabled, and she lay helpless on the right bank of the river. Upon receiving this intelligence I returned with my command to the Comite River, leaving a force of observation near the suburbs of the town. The Hudson Battery, Lieutenant Sweaney, and Cobbs one piece, in charge of Sergt. Frank Peak, played their parts well. I am unable to give the exact force of the enemy, but by comparing all my information with the numb~r and size of their camps and the extent and weight of their fire I do not think they brought into action less than 4,500 men. We had eleven pieces of field artillery; they brought to bear on us not less than eighteen pieces, exclusive of the guns of the fleet. In one respect the contrast between the opposing forces was very striking. The enemy were well clothed, and their en- campments showed the presence of every comfort and even luxury. Our men had little transportation, indifferent food, and no shelter. Half of them had no coats, and hundreds were without either shoes or socks; yet no troops ever behaved with greater gallantry and even reckless audacity. What can make this difference unless it be the sub- lime courage inspired by a just cause Page 80 80 iv. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA, TEX., N. MEX. [CHAr. XXVII. The wound of Brig. Gen. Charles Clark being thought mortal, and the least motion causing great-agony, he was left on the field at his own request, his aide, Lieutenant Yerger, remaining with him. The next morning they gave themselves up to the enemy. I cannot speak in terms too strong of the skill, coolness, and courage of General Clark. He played the part of a perfect soldier. Brigadier- General Ruggles conducted the attack on the left with uncommon rapid- ity and precision, and exhibited throughout the qualities of a brave and experienced officer. In addition to the officers of my staff already mentioned I desire to express my acknowledgments of the zeal and gallantry of Major WiT son, chief of artillery; Major Hope, inspector-general, whose horse was shot under him; Capt. James Kocquet, chief of engineers; Lieutenant Breckinridge, aide-de-camp, and iDr. Pendleton, medical director, as- sisted by Dr. Weatherly, on temporary service. A number of gentle- men from Louisiana and elsewhere rendered efficient service as volun- teers, among whom were Lieutenant-Colonel Pinkney, Mr. Addison, and Captain Bird, of Lonisiana; Lieutenant-Colonel Brewer, of Ken- tucky, and Mr. William B. Hamilton, of Mississippi. The thanks of the army are due to Hon. Thomas G. Davidson for his attention to the hospitals, and to all the inhabitants of that part of Louisiana for their devotion to our sick and wounded. Colonel Pond and Major De Baun, in command of Partisan Rangers, were efficient before and after the battle in observing and harassing the enemy. The inability of General Clark and the failure of several officers to make reports may prevent full justice to the conduct of the First Divis- ion. Any omission here will, when brought to my notice, be embodied in a supplemental report. The report of General Ruggles is very full as to all that occurred on the left. I send herewith a list of the officers and men specially mentioned in the division, brigade, and regimental reports for gallant conduct, with the request that it be published, and the names brought to the favorable notice of the Government. I transmit also the reports of the subordinate commanders and the returns of the killed and wounded. It will be seen that our casualties amounted to 467.* I have reason to believe that the loss of the enemy was much greater. We captured two flags and a few prisoners. Noth- ing was left by us except one caisson, which was so much injured as to be wholly unserviceable, one of the enemys being brought off in its place. After the battle the enemy, who previously had been plundering, burning houses and other property, stealing negroes, and seizing citi- zens through a large region of the country, never ventured to send out another marauding force. Our pickets continued to extend to the im- mediate vicinity of Baton Rouge, and very soon the enemy abandoned the place and retired to New Orleaims. A few days after the engagement, knowing the desire of the major- general commanding to secure a strong position on the Mississippi below the mouth of Red River, I occupied Port Hudson with a portion of the troops under the command of Brigadier-General Ruggles. The next day I received orders to remove all the troops to that point. Brigadier General Bowen, who had just arrived, was left with his com- mand on the Comite River to observe Baton Rouge from that quarter, to protect our hospitals, and to cover the line of communication between * The tabular statement compiled from the several reports shows only 446 killed, wounded, and missing Page 81 CHAP. XXVII.] YICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 81 Clinton and Camp Moore. I directed General Ruggles to select eligible positions at Port Hudson for heavy batteries, and ordcred Captain Nocqnet, chief engineer, to report to him temporarily for this duty. Upon my arrival there I found that rapid progress had been made, and some of the works under charge of Captaiti Nocquet were ready to receive the guns, which the major-general commanding wrote me were on the way. Port Hudson is one of the strongest points on the Mississippi (which Baton Rouge is not), and batteries there will com- mand the river more completely thau at Vicksburg. On August 19, in obedience to orders from the headquarters of the department, I moved from Port Hudson for Jackson, Miss., with a portion of the force, leaving Brigadier-General Ruggles in command, with troops. Jn concluding this report I have to express my obligations for the prompt and cordial support which I received at all times from the major-general commanding the department. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN C. BRECKINRIDGE, Major- General. Maj. M. M. KIMMEL, Assistant Adjutant-General. P. S.I omitted to mention that the Fifteenth Mississippi, Major Binford, was not brought into action. This admirable regiment, much reduced.by long and gallant service, was held as a reserve. [Inciosure.] Officers mentioned for gallant conduct at the battle of Baton Rouge, La. EXHIBIT A.Report of Fir8t Divi8ion. Captain Hughes, commanding Twenty-second Mississippi Regiment; Brig. Gen. Charles Clark, and his aides, Lieutenants Spooner and Verger; Maj. H. E. Topp, of the Thirty-first Mississippi Regiment;~ Major Brown, chief of subsistence; Capt. J. H. Millett, commanding Fourth Kentucky Regiment; Colonel Crossland, Seventh Kentucky Regiment; Maj. J. C. Wickliffe, of the Fifth Kentucky; Privates John Thompson, Company F, and J. M. Byrd, Company G, Fourth Alabama Battalion; Lieutenant-Colonel Moore, of the Nineteenth Tennessee Reg- ment; Adjutant Fitzpatrick, Twenty-second Mississippi Regiment. Officers and soldiers mentioned in the report of Brigadier- General Ruggles, commanding Second Division. First [Brigade].C ols. A. P. Thompson and H. W. Allen, brigade com- manders, both severely wounded; Third Kentucky Regiment, Captain Bowman- Seventh Kentucky, Colonel Crossland and his color-bearer, Joseph Rollins; Sixth Kentucky Regiment, Capts. Isaac Smith, Utter- back, and Thomas G. Page, and First. Lieut. F. Harned; Thirty-fifth Alabama, Colonel Robertson and Lieutenant-Colonel Goodwin. Of the Second Brigade.The Fourth Louisiana, Lieutenant-Colonel Hunter; Lieutenant Corkern, Company B; Lieutenant Jeter, Company F,and Sergeant-Major Daniels. Battalion of Stewarts Legion, Lient. Col. Sam. Boyd, who was disabled by a flesh wound in the arm; Capt. Chiun also was wounded; (the command devolved upon Capt. T. Bynum, who acted with gallantry.) The battalion Thirtieth Lonisana Volunteer Regiment, commanded by Col. G. A. Breaux, who speaks in high terms of the officers and men of his regiment, especially Capt. K. Trepagnier and Lieutenant IPapremont, both wounded. Lieutenant- 6 U UVOL X Page 82 82 w. FLA., s. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXYIL Colonel Shields, Thirtieth Louisiana, commanding separate detach- ment, who speaks in high terms of the intrepidity of Lieutenant Faunt- leroy, commanding section of guns in his detachment. Captain Semmes, commanding battery, and his officers, Lieutenants Barnes and J. A. A. West, performed gallant service. Captain Blount, brigade inspector of Second Brigade, rendered gallant service in the field. It is believed he has fallen, as nothing has been heard of him since. I also have the gratification to name the members of my staff who served with me on this occasion, viz: Lieut. L. D. Sandidge, corps artillery, C. S. Army, acting assistant adjutant and inspector general; Capt. George Whitfield, chief quartermaster; Maj. E. S. Ruggles, act- ing ordnance officer and acting chief commissary of subsistence; First Lient. M. B. Ruggles, aide-de-camp; Lieut. Col. Charles Jones, who was severely wounded, and Col. J. 0. Fuqua, district judge-advocate and provost-marshal-general, who were all distinguished for efficiency, coolness, and gallantry throughout the conflict. The following officers, attached to the general staff, also rendered gallant service: Capt. Samuel Bard, on special service; Lieut. A. B. de Saulles, engineers, and Lieuts. H. H. Price and H. C. Holt. Other officers on special service, among whom were Capt. Augustus Scott, commanding squadron on temporary service; Captains Cuney and Henderson and Lieutenant Behan as volunteer aides-de.camp for the occasion, and Capt. J. N. Taylor served with zeal and gallantry. No. 25. Return of Casualties in the First Division, Confederate forces. woxaded. Command. Remarks. o ~ SECOND BRIGADE. 5th Kentucky 9 2 9 13 1 4thKentuoky 5 13 1 31st Mississippi 10 6 15 16 81st Alabama* 2 9 1 4th Alabama Battalion 3 3 3 16 Maj. G. L. Alexander killed. Hudsons Battery ~ 3 Total FOURTH BRIGADE. 19th Tennessee 20th Tennessee 28th Tennessee 45th Tennessee 15th Mississippi 22d Mississippi Cobbs battery Total 29 11 30 70 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 13 18 16 1 15 22 19 3 In reserve. 6 Grand total 44 11 52 89 0 Colonel Edwards reports Lient. W. H. Boggess killed and 3 officers and 1 man wounded at Yicksbnrg, July 15. T. B. SMITH, Colonel, Commanding First D~rtsio Page 83 CHAP. XXVII.] VICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 83 No. 26. Report of Capt. John A. Buckner, Assistant Adjutant-General, C. A9. Army, commanding First Brigade,* First Division. HEADQUARTERS IN THE FIELD, Comite River, Ten Miles from Baton Rouge, La., Aug. 9, 1862. GENERAL: In compliance with your request I have the honor to sub- mit the following report of the late engagement at Baton Rouge, so far as the First Brigade of the First Division was concerned, after its com- manders, Brigadier-General Helm and subsequently Col. Thomas H. Hunt, were wouuded, aud I had the honor to receive the command at your hands: The enemy had been repulsed from one of his encampment~, and the different regiments constituting the First Brigade were drawn up in line in one of his camps, not, however, fully deployed. After moving the two regiments on the left of the brigade by the flank to the left the whole were formed in line of battle and were ordered to advance. The movement was spiritedly made up to the second encampment, through a somewhat sharp volley of musketry, in as good style as the broken and confined limits of the ground would admit, and immediately the enemy was hotly and determinedly engaged. After a few volleys I ordered the brigade forward, which order was being obeyed promptly by the Fourth and Fifth Kentucky (the other regiments being just in the act of advancing), when I received from General Clark the order to face about and retreat. This order was then given by myself and Gen- eral Clarks aides. The troops fell back reluctantly and in not very good order, the general himself and a number of others being wounded in the retreat. I immediately reported to you to know whether you had ordered the retreat and was informed that you had not. The Second Brigade of this division was then ordered by yourself to advance. It went up in good style, Captain Hughes, commanding Twenty-second Mississippi Regiment, leading them gallantly. By your presence and assistance the First Brigade was rallied and led by your- self in person to the same position from which it had fallen back, when it joined with the Second Brigade and moved conjointly through the second encampment, driving the enemy before them through the third and last of their camps to the river, under cover of their gunboats. This being accomplished, which was all that was expected of the land force the Arkansas failing to make her appearance, nothing remained but to destroy what had been captured (inasmuch as no arrangement had been made for bearing it off, though the battle-field was in our possession sufficiently long), and retire from the range of the enemys heavy batteries on the river. Accordingly you gave me the order to withdraw the division out of range of the fire of the fleet to await the movements of the gunboat Arkansas. This was done in good order, though with some degree of reluctance, the cause of the movement not being fully understood. Your order to fire the enemy~s tents and stores was well executed. Their loss must have been very heavy in quarter- iiiasters and commissary supplies, and particularly so in ~ stores, considerable quantities of new goods and general equipments being burned. The position in which you left me, near the house where General Clark lay wounded, was held more than two hours after the main body * In returns of casualties this is called the Second Brigade Page 84 84 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAV. XXVII. of the troops were withdrawn, with a section of Semmes battery and the remnant of the Seventh Kentucky Regiment, Colonel Crossland commanding, as support. Learning that Cobbs battery had left its position and been ordered to the rear, the section, with its support, under my command was removed to occupy the better position left by ~Cap- tam Cobb, at which point it remained a half hour, and would have re- mained the whole evening but for erroneous information of the enemys advance in force being given by a surgeon who was moving rapidly to the rear. Leaving pickets at this point, just in the edge of town, I withdrew the artillery and its support slowly back to the point at which you found me. A flag of truce was hoisted early in the evening by the enemy, and on being met by an officer whom I sent to the front, the privilege of bearing off the dead and wounded was requested and granted for four hours by yourself, upon condition that the agreement be reduced to writing. No communication being received in writing for some time twenty minutes longer were given, shortly after the expiration of which time a note was received, signed by the commanding officer at Baton Rouge, disclaiming the flag of truce. I cannot conclude my report without speaking of the cool courage and efficient skill with which Brig. Gen. Charles Clark led his command into the action, and the valuable assistance rendered him by his aides, Lieutenants Spooner and Yerger; of the efficiency of Maj. II. E. Topp, of the Thirty-first Mississippi, in leading his regiment; of Major Brown, chief commissary of the division, whose fearless exposure of himself where the contest was hottest in urging on the troops to a charge; of Capt. J. II. Millett, commanding Fourth Kentucky Regiment, who dis- played conspicuous gallantry in leading his regiment; of Colonel Cross- land, commanding Seventh Kentucky Regiment, whose regiment, after being in the front and assisting in bearing the brunt of the battle re- mained upon the field while the shells from the enemys gunboats were falling thickly around them, and of the valuable service rendered me by Maj. J. C. Wickliffe, of the Fifth Kentucky, toward the close of the engagement, where his constant presence at the head of his regiment inspired confidence and courage, not only among his own men, but all who were near him in the closing- contest, which decided the engage-. ment so favorably and so gloriously for the Confederate arms. For list of casualties I would refer you to papers A* and B ,~ concern- ing late battle. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient serv- ant, JOHN A. BUCKNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 27. Report of Cot. Jeptha Edwards, Thirty-first Alabama Infantry. HEADQUARTERS THIRTY-FIRST ALABAMA REGIMENT, Camp near Comite River, La., August 8, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the Thirty-first Alabama Regiment in the action at Baton Rouge, La., on the 5th instant: *Embodied in No. 25, p. 82 Page 85 CHAP. XXVII.] VICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 85 At early dawn on the morning of the 5th instant the different regi- ments composing the Second Brigade, of which my regiment formed a part, were assigned their positions in line of battle. After having ad- vanced for considerable distance over very difficult ground my regi- ment, with the Thirty-first Mississippi and Fourth Kentucky, was or- dered to commence the attack on the enemys left, which order was executed vigorously but cautiously, skirmishers being thrown out at different times and places, the fog hovering over the field rendering it impossible to discover what was in our front at a distance of but few paces. The enemy retired slowly before the well-directed fire which we constantly poured upon them, falling back from their first encampment. On reaching that encampment my regiment was exposed to a galling fire in front and on the left flank, when we were ordered to fall back. At this point Lieutenant Childress, of Company K, was mortally, and Lieutenant Hays, of Company G, and Sergeant Loughlin, of Company B, were severely wounded, while gallantly fighting, and left on the field. Having fallen back to a small ravine, the line was reformed and ad- vanced to dislodge the enemy from their last encampment to our left, which was gallantly done after a severe contest. The order then being given for us to retire, it was executed in good order. Sickness an(I death had thinned my ranks to such an extent that I only carried into action 97 rank and file, of which number 2 were killed and 9 wounded. I take pleasure in saying that although neither of my field officers was with me both being absent sick, I found but little or no difficulty in rallying my men. I saw not a single instance in my regiment amidst all the galling fires from the enemy, which they withstood, of any officer or soldier being disposed to shrink from his duty, but all seemed to vie with each other in the stern determination to conquer or die. In the last charge made upon the enemy, when. they were driven from their last encampment, I am proud to say my regiment was side by side with the foremost in the charge, and when the work was accomplished of driving the enemy from their position and we were ordered to fall back they did so in perfect order. Very respectfully, J. EDWARDS, Colonel, Commanding Thirty-first Alabama Regiment. Maj. JOHN A. BUCKNER, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 28. Report of Lieut. Col. John Snodgrass, Fourth Alabama Battalion. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ALABAi~LEA BATTALION, August 6, 1862. I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the Fourth Alabama Battalion in the battle of Baton Rouge on the 5th instant: When the positions of the various re~iments, & c., were assigned, the battalion, with the Fifth Kentucky Regiment, was ordered to support the Hudson Battery, which position it occupied until between 7 and 8 a. in., when I was ordered to advance to the support of our forces, then engaging the enemy at their second encampment. The battalion con Page 86 86 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CiL4P. XXVII. tinued in the engagement until the enemys infantry were driven from the field and their batteries were playing heavily upon the position we occupied, when we were ordered to withdraw. I take pleasure in calling your attention to the gallant and enthusi- astic conduct of Privates John Thompson, Company F, and J. M. Byrd, Company G, who boldly moved in advance of the command and dis- charged their arms with due caution and alacrity. They were the first to open fire and last to quit the field, and I am happy, while report- ing the especially worthy conduct of these two privates, to not have a solitary instance of cowardice or wavering to report, the whole com- mand having advanced and stood under the fire from which older troops and greater numbers had retired.* Very respectfully, JOHN SNODGRASS, Lieutenant- Colonel Fourth Alabama Battalion. Col. J. EDWARDS, Commanding Second Brigade. No. 29. Report of Capt. John lii. Millett, Fourth Kentucky Infantry. CAMP NEAR COMITE RIv1~R, Augu8t 7, 1862. SIR: Through an unfortunate circumstance I was placed in command of the Fourth Kentucky Regiment at about 3 a. m. on 5th instant. After being placed in line our brigade moved forward until it reached the outskirts of Baton Rouge, where we moved by the left fi~nk as far as the camp of the Fourteenth Maine Regiment. We then moved for- ward; the smoke being so dense my command was here for a time sepa- rated from the brigade. Having thrown out my right company as skirmishers I continued to move forward, but discovering that the en- emy were on my left, supported by a battery, all concealed by the houses and fences,~and not being able to change direction without plac- ing my regiment immediately under the fire of our own troops, I re- joined the brigade. I had just taken my position on the right when you took command and ordered us forward. 1 moved my regiment obliquely to the left until my right had cleared the fence in front, when I ordered them forward in the direction of the enemys camp, which they did with a cheer. We had advanced probably 200 yards, when an aide, whom I took to be on General Clarks staff (not being person- ally acquainted with any of them), ordered me to fall back. Seeing the balance of the brigade retiring, I gave the command to my regiment, which they were very unwilling to execute, seeing the enemy retiring from their camps. After reforming my regiment I was again ordered by you to advance. In this charge the enemy were driven completely from their camps. It is not necQssary, captain, for me to say how my command acted in this charge; ~roa, being in front of my left, could judge for yourself. I think that ~on will agree that they did not abuse * Nominal list of casualties omitted shows 1 officer and 10 men wounded in the accidental affair on the road before daylight. The losses in the engagement are tabulated on p. 82 Page 87 CHAP. XXVII.] VICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 87 the confidence the commanding general has in his ragged Kentuck- jails. The Fourth Kentucky lost in killed, 5; wounded, 14; missing, 1; total, 20. Respectfully, ~. II. MILLETT, Captain, Comdg. Fourth Kentucky Volunteer Regiment. Capt. JOHN A. BUCKNER. No. 30. Report of Maj. J. C. Wickliffe, Fifth Kentucky Infantry. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH KENTUCKY REGIMENT, Camp near Comite River, La., August 7, 1862. Sta: I have the honor of submitting to you the following report of the part taken by the Fifth Kentucky Regiment in the action of the 5th instant, at Baton Rouge. The Fifth Kentucky, with the remainder of the brigade, was placed in line of battle early on the morning of August 5. The line was advanced toward Baton Rouge steadily. In obedience to an order of my brigade commander my regiment was held as a support to the battery attached to this brigade, where it remained until I re- ceived an order in person from Major-General Breckinridge to post one company as pickets to the right and at some distance from the arsenal. In obedience to this order I placed Captain Gillum, with his company, consisting of 1 lieutenant, 4 sergeants, 1 corporal, and 24 men, upon the ground designated by the general, and in obedience *o another order from him left Captain Gillum there, when my command was ordered to join the brigade and engage the enemy in their camps. Captain Gillum remained at his post until ordered away, when the brigade retired to the point where the line of battle was first formed. Thus this company was prevented from engaging in the battle, and this will account why none were killed or wounded in Company A of this regiment. When ordered by Major-General Breckinridge to join the brigade to which my regiment is attached I was placed on the left of the Fourth Kentucky Regiment, which was the first regiment in the brigade. Immediately after this an order from you was given to advance. My command did so, and until the fire was drawn from the enemy, who were secreted in and about the tents of the third and last encampment. The fire was immediately returned by the men under my comn~iand. It continued warm and heavy for about twenty or twenty-five minutes, our line as far as I could see advancing very little but steadily, and the enemy as slowly retreating. At this time an order was given by Brigadier-Gen- eral Clark, commanding the division, to fall back to a small ravine a short distance in the rear and reform, which was executed in good order. In a few moments we were again ordered to advance and did so, never halting until the enemy had been driven from the last of their encamp- ments. After the brigade line had been formed, in obedience to an order from you we retired slowly and in good order. My command numbered 222, rank and file. From this deduct Com- pany A, numbering 31 officers and men and 7 detailed to carry off the wounded, thus reducing the number of men actually engaged in the fight under my command to 184 men. The following is a list of th Page 88 88 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. casualties which occurred in my regiment: Killed, 9; wonnded, 24; missing, 1; total, 34. I cannot close this report without stating that the officers and men under my command discharged their duties in the action at Baton Rouge in a manner creditable alike to themselves and the cause for which they are battling. Very respectfully, J. 0. WICKLIFFE Major, Commanding Fifth Kentucky Regtment. Maj. JOHN A. BUCKNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 31. Report of Maj. H. B. Topp, Thirty-first Mississippi Infantry. HDQRS. THIRTY-FIRST REGIMENT MISSISSIPPI VOLS., August 7, 1862. DEAR SIR: I have the honor to make the following report: About the time or immediately after the repulse of the Second iDivis~ ion a portion of our brigade, of which the Thirty-first Mississippi Regi-. ment was a part, under the command of Colonel Hunt, of the Fifth Kentucky, was ordered forward through several corn fields. in which the enemy was discovered by my skirmishers, thrown out for that pur- pose, toward the second encampment, to which we approached within 200 yards or less, driving constantly the enemy before us, when a terrific fire from the ene z~y in the direction of the second encampment checked our advance, and? where well-nigh all of my casualties occurred. At this point we were ordered to fall back by Colonel Hunt, and the retreat had hardly begun when Colonel Hunt was wounded and taken off the field. Here I attempted to rally my regiment, but the confusion had become so general that I found it impossible to do so. We then fell back to the ravine in advance of the first encampment and formed under the cover of the ravine. General Clark, commanding division, came up at this juncture. I told him that we were without a brigade commander, Colonel Hunt having been wounded, and requested him to assign some one to the command of the brigade. Colonel Edwards, of the Thirty-first Alabama, having lost his horse and expressing an unwillingness to assume the command, General Clark then left, and very soon Major J3uckner, so I was informed, took the command, and ordered us to march by the left flank in the direction of enemys second encampment, and having fairly gotten us in a position to advance ordered us forward. The command was instantly obeyed, and the brigade, with the exception of the two regiments on the right, was soon engaged with the enemy. My regi- ment was lying down firing, with very little injury to themselves, and gradually approaching the encampment, when to our surprise we ob- served the right of our brigade falling back in disorder. I have no idea who gave the command, as I was on the extreme left. I then ordered my regiment to fall back, which it did in confusion, to the cut in the road. At this time the two regiments held in reserve were carried forward by General Clark, and we rallied again in the road, under the direction of Major Buckner. We were a~ second time ordere Page 89 CHAP. XXVII.] VICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 89 forward, and this time there was no halting or falling back. We ad- vanced at a double-quick to within 75 yards of the encampment, fired, and charged bayonets, when the enemy began to give way and finally ended in a rout. We were entering the encampment, when we were ordered to halt by Major Buckner, and formed upon the color line of the second encampment. We remained in this position some five minutes or more, when the same officer called Attention, gave the command About face, forward march, ~ the whole line marching in admirable order. Respectfully submitted. H. E. TOPP, Major, (Jomdg. Thirty-first Regiment Mississippi Vols. Maj. JOHN A. BUCKNER, Assistant Adjutant- Generc4. No. 32. Report of Col. T. B. Smith, Twentieth Tennessee Infantry, commanding Fourth Brigade. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, Camp on Comite River, Louisiana, August 10, 1862. SIR: The following is a correct report of the part the Fourth Brigade took in the late engagement in front of the city of Baton Rouge on the 5th instant: By order of General Clark I moved the Fourth Brigade across a cane field perpendicular to the road, throwing the Fifteenth Mississippi Regi- ment in the woods, deployed as skirmishers, to protect the right. We then moved forward across several fields to the outskirts of the town, when the division was halted, till I was ordered to move by the left flank to the road, and then by the front till they fired on me, which was returned. At that moment we were not more than 20 yards from their lines. About three rounds from our men put them to flight, the - fog being so thick we could not see more than twenty steps. We were then on a line with their camps on the left of the road and the firing had ceased, when General Clark ordered me to fall back in the ravine some hundred yards to the rear. I about-faced the brigade and marched back in good order, walking my men in a gully. Soon after the Second Brigade moved obliquely to the left and engaged them on the left of.the road. The right of the Second Brigade began to give way, and in twenty or thirty minutes, I suppose, I moved forward to their support and to their right, engaging the enemy, and a general forward movement was made by our division. About the time we had reached the tents and top of the hill orders came to fall back to the bridge, where the stampede had taken place that morning, which we did in as good order as we could after having so severely engaged them. I wonld beg leave to mention the names of Lienteijant-Colonel Moore, of the Nineteenth Tennessee; Captain Hughes, of the Twenty-second Mississippi, and Adjutant Fitzpatrick, of the Twenty-second Mississippi, as acting gallantly all through the engagement. Captain Hughes fell in the last charge at the head of his men. The Fifteenth Mississippi wa Page 90 90 W. FLA,, S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. held in reserve with a battery and was not in the fight. The men be- haved well and obeyed the commands I gave them. Respectfully submitted. T. B. SMITH, Colonel, Commanding Fourth Brigade. Major-General BRECKINRIDGE. No. 33. Report of Brig. Gen. Daniel Ruggles, C. S. Army, commanding Second Division, with Return of Casualties. HDQRS. 2D Div., 1ST DIsT., ARMY EAST OF THE MIss., Camp Breckinridge, August 9, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit for the consideration of the major- general commanding the forces the following report of the part taken by my division in the action of the 5th instant at Baton Rouge: The Second Division was composed of two brigades, the first consist- ing of the Third Kentucky Regiment, Captain Bowman; Sixth Ken- tucky, Lieutenant-Colonel Cofer; Seventh Kentucky, Colonel Crossland, and Thirty-fifth Alabama, Colonel Robertson. The Second Brigade, of the Fourth Louisiana Regiment, Lieutenant.Colonel Hunter; battalion Thirtieth Louisiana Regiment, Col. G. A. Breaux; battalion of Stewarts Legion, Lieutenant-Colonel Boyd, and Confederate Light Battery, Capt. 0. J. Semmes, with two companies mounted men and some 250 Partisan Rangers, detached on scouting and outpost service. On the night of August 4 this division proceeded from Comite Bridge, marching left in front; Semmes light battery in the rear of left bat- talion (Fourth Louisiana Volunteers). A detachment commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Shields, Thirtieth Louisiana Volunteers, consisting of one company from his regiment, commanded by Captain R. T. Boyle; one company Partisan Rangers, commanded by Captain Amacker; one company mounted rangers, and a section of Semmes battery, under Lieutenant Fauntleroy, had preceded the march of the division, having left camp at 4.30 p. in., to operate on the plank road leading from Baton Rouge to Clinton, on our extreme right. The head of the division column, preceded by a company of mounted rangers and advanced guard, reached Wards Creek Bridge, on the Green- well Springs and Baton Rouge roads, about 3 a. in., where a temporary halt was callcd preparatory to the formation of the division line of battle. During this halt, while the advance was driving in the enemys pickets, some stragglers from the column were mistaken for enemys pickets and fired on; the mistake being mutual in the darkness, a few shots were exchanged, unfortunately disabling General Helm and killing Lieuten- ant Todd. This necessarily caused some confusion. Order, however, was soon restored and the column marched to the point whence the de- l)loyment was to commence. The line was formed a little before daylight, Colonel Thompsons brigade (the First) with the right resting near the Greenwell Springs road; Colonel Allens brigade (the Second) on the left, his left extend- ing through a wood and resting on a large field; Semmes battery (four pieces) in the center, occupying the space between the two brigades. A squadron of cavalry, under command of Capt. Augustus Scott, wa Page 91 91 CHAi~. XXVII.] VICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. ordered to proceed to the extreme left of the line to observe and en- deavor to prevent any attempt to outflank us in that direction. At a little after daylight, during the prevalence of a thick fog, the or- der was given to advance. The line proceeded but a few hundred yards before it encountered a brisk fire from the enemys skirmishers, strongly posted on our extreme right, in some houses surrounded by trees and picket fences. Almost simultaneously a battery of the enemy opened on our line from the same direction. Semmes battery was ordered forward to an indicated position to drive off the skirmishers and silence the enemys battery, and the whole line moved rapidly forward, firing and cheering. The effect was instantaneous; the enemys skirmishers fled, and his battery was compelled to change position and seek shelter under the guns of the arsenal to prevent being captured, where it remained, continuing to fire on our advancing line. Semmes battery took posi- tion on the right of the division, to keep up the engagement with the battery of the enemy. Colonel Thompsons brigade continued to ad- vance under an occasional fire across an open field and through some corn fields, just beyond which they encountered a heavy fire from the enemy, strongly posted in a wood. Here the contest was warmly main- tained on both sides for a considerable time, during which the first division succeeded in entering a regimental camp on our right. The enemy was finally driven back into and through another camp imme- diately in our front. The enemy at this period were strongly re-enforced, and a heavy battery a little to the left of the center opened an oblique fire on both brigades. About the same time the enemy attempted to break our center by pushing a column between the two brigades. This movement being discovered, Semmes battery was ordered forward and opened on this column at short range with grape and canister with marked effect, for a few rapid discharges scattered the enemy and drove him back in confusion. A similar attempt was made on the right of the division, which was defeated with equal success by a timely and well- directed fire from the Thirty-fifth Alabama and Sixth Kentucky Regi- ments. The two brigades, which from the nature of the ground had become separated, were ordered in advancing to gain ground to the left and right respectively, in order to subject the enemys position in front to a converging fire. In executing this movement the First Brigade met a portion of the First Division falling back in some disorder. Colonel Thompson halted and was attempting to reform them, when he was in- formed by a mounted officer that the order was for the whole line to fall back. In obedience to this supposed order he fell back a short distance, but soon reformed his line and charged the enemy under a galling fire. Unfortunately, while leading his men in this charge, Colonel Thompson fell severely wounded and was borne from the field; and about the same time Colonel Allen also fell dangerously wounded while leading, with un- surpassed gallantry, his brigade against a battery of the enemy. These circumstances prevented thefurtherprosecutiort of this movement. About this time the major-general commanding, arriving upon this part of the field, directed the final charge upon the enemy, which drove him in con- fusion through his last regimental encampment to the river under the protection of his gunboats. His camps, containing a large quantity of personal property, commissary stores, and clothing, were destroyed. Finding it fruitless to remain longer under the fire of the gunboats, and disappointed in the expected co-operation of the Arkansas, t1~e exhausted troops were withdrawn in good order to the suburbs of the town, the Seventh Kentucky Regiment and a section of Semmes arti Page 92 92 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII lery being left on the field to protect the collection of the stragglers and wounded, which was thoroughly accomplished. Colonel Allens brigade, on the left, moved forward through a wood and into some corn fields. They soon encountered the enemy in supe- rior force, protected by houses and fences. They successively charged these positions, driving the enemy steadily back until within a few hundred yards of the river, where they were subjected to a destructive fire from batteries before mentioned and the enemys gunboats. They charged and took a section from one of the enemys batteries, Colonel Allen leading the advance with the colors of one of his battalions in his hand. It was at this critical juncture that, as before stated, this gal- lant soldier fell from his horse severely wounded, and during the con. fusion which followed this misfortune the enemy succeeded in recap- turing the pieces. The enemy pressed heavily upon this brigade and poured into it such a galling fire from infantry and artillery that it fell back in some disorder. ~?olonel Breaux, who assumed command upon the fall of Colonel Allen, succeeded, with the aid of the officers of the brigade and two officers connected with the staff, who were sent to his assistance, in rallying a sufficient number. to show front to the enemy until Semmes battery was brought np, as already stated, to their snp- port, and succeeded by a well-directed fire in preventing the enemys advance. This position was maintained, despite the heavy firing on the brigade from the enemys gunboats and land batteries, until the troops were withdrawn with the rest of the army to the suburbs of the town. Lieutenant-Colonel Shields had been ordered, as already stated, to take position on the plank road leading from Clinton to Baton IRouge, and as soon as he heard the fire of our main body to attack a battery of the enemy, said to be stationed at the junction of the Clinton and Bayou Sara roads. This service was promptly and gallantly performed. He drove in the enemys pickets, followed them up, and opened fire on a regimental encampment to the right of the Greenwell Springs road, driving the enemy from it. He was here met by two regiments of the enemy, but succeeded in holding them at bay till he was fired upon by our own artillery (fortunately without injury, four of the artillery horses being disabled), and the infantry, unable to withstand the heavy fire of the enemy, he withdrew to his original position, where the wounded horses were replaced by others, when h~ returned to his advanced position, which he held till General Clarks division came up on his left, when the two companies of infantry were, by order of the major-general commanding, attached to the Twenty-second Mississippi Regiment. The section of artillery under his command retained its position until the army retired, when it rejoined the battery in the suburbs of the town. In concluding this report of the battle I have the satisfaction of stating that the conduct of both officers and men was gallant and dar- ing, every movement being performed with characteristic promptitude. I respectfully commend the reports of commanders of brigades, as well as those of regiments, battalions, and independent companies, to the special consideration of the conimanding general, and I also recom- mend the following officers and soldiers specially named in these reports to favorable consideration.* ~he entire division entering the light numbered but about 1,950 infantry and artillery, with a few irregular cavalry and Partisan IRan- * See inolosure (p. 51) to Breckinridges report Page 93 CHAP. XXVII.] YICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 93 gers, numbering in all some 350 or 400, the casualties (killed, wounded, and missing) being 277. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DANIEL RUGGLES, Brigadier- General, Commanding Second Division. JOHN A. BUCKNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Addenda.] Return of Ca~ualtiea in the Second Diviejon. [Compiled from the reports.] Command. ~ .~ Remarks. FIRST BRIGADE. 35th Alabama 4 21 1 26 3d Kentucky 2 15 1 18 6th Kentucky . 5 20 25 7th Kentucky 1 12 1 14 Sharpshooters 2 2 Total 12 70 8 85 SECOND BRIGADE. 4th Louisiana 5 25 12 42 30th Louisiana..... 12 28 18 58 39th Mississippi, Company I . 1 1 2 Attached to Fourth Louisiana. Boyds battalion 5 27 17 49 Lient. Z. R. Causey killed. Semmes battery... 5 10 15 Total 28 91 47 166 Grand total* 40 161 50 251 *A memorandum filed with reports gives the casualties, killed, 44; wounded, 165, and missing, 72; but no details are given. No. 34. Report of Cot. J. W. Robertson, Thirty-fifth Alabama Infantry, command ing First Brigade. HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, SECOND DIvISIoN, Camp on Comite River, La., Au gust 7, 1862. CAPTAIN: On receiving the order to report the part taken in the action of the 5th instant by the First Brigade I referred the order to Col. A. P. Thompson, who commanded the brigade during the action, with the exception of ~he closing half hour that the troops were under fire, when he was borne from the field severely wounded, and submit, by his request, the following report: On reaching the angle of the main road leading into Baton Rouge the brigade was formed in line of battle in a common to the left of the main road, the right of the brigade resting on that road and the left near a dense forest, into which Colonel Allens brigade had passed. The brigade was composed of the following regiments, positioned from right to left in the order named: Third Kentucky, Capt. J. H. Bowman command Page 94 94 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. ing; Seventh Kentucky, Col. Edward Crossland commanding; Thirty- fifth Alabama, Col. J. W. Robertson commanding, and the Sixth Ken- tucky, Lieut. Col. M. H. Cofer commanding. As soon i~s the line was established the command forward was given by General BuggIes in per- son, which was l)romptly obeyed by the brigade moving forward beyobd the dwelling house immediately to the front. The line was at this time found to be somewhat deranged, caused by the numerous fences and out- houses over and around which the troops had to pass. The brigade was consequently halted and the alignment rectified, when the command for- ward was again given. The brigade moved directly to the front parallel to the main road, preceded by a company of sharpshooters, deployed as skirmishers, and commanded by Lieut. G. C. Hubbard. At this point the firing commenced first. The line of the enemy having been unmasked by the skirmishers, the firing was continued but a short time, when an order was received for the brigade to charge, and the troops rushed for- ward with a cheer, the enemy breaking before them. Having reached the middle of the field the brigade was exposed to a fire from the right, which could not be returned without exposing the troops of General Clarks division to the fire of the brigade, and was consequently halted until the firing ceased. An advance was made, skirmishers covering the front. The second line of the enemy was thus unmasked and ex- posed to the fire of the brigade. They gave way precipitately before the steady advance of our troops. On clearing the fields and reaching the enemys encampment the right wing was found to be covered by a portion of General Clarks division. An officer approached from the right and stated that friends were exposed to our fire, when the firing ceased and a charge was immediately ordered by Colonel Thompson, he leading the brigade into the encampment of the enemy to the left, which was nearly cleared by this brigade, when troops were met on the right retiring without any apparent cause, and were ordered by Colonel Thomp- son to halt and advance, when a mounted officer informed Colonel Thomp- son that it was the order forall the troops to fall back. This movement became general in the brigade. In retiring the Thirty-fifth Alabama and Sixth Kentucky, forming the left wing, became separated from the right, and occupied a position in line 100 yards to the left and rear. The enemy reformed in heavy force behind their tents, rapidly advanced, firing and cheering. The Third and Seventh Kentucky Regiments were thrown under cover and met this advance with a steady fire. The Thirty-fifth Alabama and Sixth Kentucky were ordered forward, but advanced before the order reached them, opening a heavy fire on the enemy, whose advance was thus checked. At this point Colonel Thompson was severely wounded and taken to the rear. The command devolving upon Colonel Robertson, who being from complete exhaustion in no condition at that time to assume command, finding the right wing separated from the left, placed Colonel Cross- land in command of the right and Lient. Col. E. Goodwin in command of the left, with orders to maintain the line, which was firmly held for nearly an hour in the face of a terrible fire from musketry and artillery, when the charge which closed the action was made in person by the major-general commanding. It is the request of Colonel Thompson that his entire approbation of the conduct of all the field and acting field officers engaged, and Capt. W. P. Wallace and Lieut. Charles Semple, aides, and Acting Adjt. B. B. L. Sorey, of the Third Kentucky, be especially expressed in this report. To the deportment of the Thirty-fifth Alabama Regiment he desires attention to be called. This regiment, although for the firs Page 95 CHAP. XXVII.] VICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 95 time under fire on the 5th instant, proved itself a worthy comrade for the Third, Sixth, and Seventh Kentucky Regiments, who in this action sustained the enviable reputations won by them on the field of Shuloh. Colonel Robertson would call especial attention to the gallant conduct of Col. E. Crossland and Lient. Col. E. Goodwin, who, the first with his regimental colors in hand and the second with his hat on his sword, led the brigade in the final charge. To the reports of regimental commanders you are referred for notices of gallant conduct in other members of the command. The medical staff deserve the highest praise for their prompt and unceasing attention to the wounded. By order of J. W. ROBERTSON, Colonel, Commanding First Brigade, Second Division. Capt. L. D. SANDIDGE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Division. [Addenda.] HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, August 8, 1862. CAPTAIN: Colonel Robertson desires me to say that he wishes to amend his brigade report by stating that Maj. John R. Throckmorton, assistant quartermaster, rendered very efficient service in taking off the wounded from the field, showing great fearlessness of personal danger in the discharge of his duties. G. C. HUBBARD, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. Capt. L. D. SANDIDGE, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Division. No. 35. Report of Col. J. W. Robertson, Thirty-fifth Alabama Infantry. HDQRs. THIRTY-FIFTH REGT. ALABAMA VOLUNTEERS, Camp on Comite River, La., August 8, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken in the action of the 5th instant by the Thirty-fifth Regiment Ala- bama Volunteers up to the moment I was relieved of the command of the regiment by assuming command of the brigade: Before leaving the Comite River I deemed it advisable to consolidate certain companies, in which there were but few men and in two in- stances no commissioned officer, the regiment having been decimated by sickness, and accordingly divided the regiment, only 185 strong, rank and file, into four companies, placing them in command of the following officers, from right to left, in the order named: Capt. S. S. Ives, Lieut. Theo. E. Ellett, Capt. John S. Dixon, and Lient. S. D. Stewart. The regiment, thus organized, occupied the left center of the brigade and kept this position during the action, passing immediately to the front of the line first formed on the common over and through many obstacles to a position near the river, where the fight ended. The regiment having never been under fire, much anxiety was fel Page 96 96 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. (CHAP. XXVTh by both myself and the brigade commander as to the probable effect upon the men of a close fire of musketry. I am highly gratified to say that never once did the regiment, men or officers, falter; but when ordered to charge did on three occasions bear themselves most gal- lantly, and once obstinately held for an hour a position exposed to a fire from overwhelming numbers. On reaching the first encampment of the enemy in the third charge made by the brigade this regiment passed entirely through the camp, drivingtheenemybeforethem,whenon looking toright-rearlfound my command was not supported, but the right wing was falling back to cover. Receiving no order, and fearing the enemy would attempt to flank the left wing, I immediately ordered the regiment to retire, being followed in the movement by the Sixth Kentucky on the left, and formed line of battle on the right of the cemetery, in which the Sixth Kentucky was formed. The regiments were immediately moved forward and checked the advancing enemy by heavy firing. Being called to command the brigade, I at this time turned over the regiment to Lieutenant-Colonel Goodwin, who reports its further ac- tion. I desire to say that I am greatly indebted to Lient. Col. E. Goodwin my only associate field officer, for the coolness and gallantry displayed by him during the action. The officers commanding the companies were conspicuous for coolness and courage. Dr. I. F. Delony, a private of Company D, was detailed to act as as- sistant surgeon during the action, and deserves particular mention, he being up with the regiment at all times, caring for the wounded and encouraging the men. Irespectfullyask that Dr. Delony be discharged, that I may contract with him as assistant surgeon. Respectfully submitted. J. W. ROBERTSON, Colonel Thirty:fiftl& Regt. Ala. Vols., First Brig., Second Div. Capt. L. D. SANDIDGE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Division. No. 36. Report of Lieut. Col. Edward Goodwin, Thirty-fifth Alabama Infantry. HDQRS. THIRTY-FIFTH ALABAMA VOL. REGT., Oamp on (omite River, La., August 7, 1862. LIEUTENANT: Col. J. W. Robertson, who had so gallantly led on the Thirty-fifth Alabama in two separate charges, having been called to the command of the brigade, Col. A. P. Thompson having been severely wounded while cheering on his men, the command of the Thirty-fifth Alabama was handed over to me. I held the position, which we were ordered to maintain by Col. J. W. Robertson, in front of the enemys encampments for more than an hour, all the while under the most galling fire of the enemy. I learned that the enemy, both infantry and cavalry, were drawn up in line of battle on my left as if preparing to charge our line on the right. . I therefore directed my command to fire upon them, when after three well-directed volleys the enemy fled precipitately. A charge was immediately or- (lered by Major-General Breckinridge. We promptly replied to the command, driving the enemy from their encampments under cover of their gunboats, when the order was given to fall back for ammunition Page 97 CUAP. XXVII.] VICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 97 I desire especially to call attention to the zeal an(l daring of the men, both officers and privates, under my command, the last charge having been made without a round of cartridges on hand. Very respectfully, EDWARD GOODWIN, Lieutenant- Colonel, Comdg. Thirty-fifth Alabama Vol. RegI. Lieut. GEORGE C. HUBBARD, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gem., First Brigade, Second Division. No. 37. Report of Capt. J. if Bowman, Third Kentucky Infantry. HEADQUARTERS THIRD KENTUCKY REGIMENT, August 7, 1862. LIEUTENANT: In obedience to an order from your office I return thQ following statement of the action of the Third Kentucky Regiment in the battle of Baton, Rouge on the 5th: The brigade was formed iii an open field (the Third Kentucky Regi- ment on the right flank) and ordered to march forwai-d. The third crossed a lawn into a field, received a fire from the enemys skirmishers, when we were ordered to charge. The skirmishers were routed and the regiment halted in a pea patch and was ordered to lie down. Here we received a heavy fire, killing 1 man and wounding 5 men. We were again ordered forward and to charge, which order was exe- cuted in gallant style. Passing over the ground occupied by the enemy we saw the bodies of a few dead of our enemies. Another charge brought us into a road near the enemys camp, t hrough which we charged, and halted and remained for some time, and seeing that one line to the left was not up on line with us, I placed Captain Edwards in command temporarily until I went to the rear to see where to form the line, with instructions to remain in position until I could return. After obtaining the necessary information I started on my return and met the regiment falling back in good order. When I demanded to know why the regiment was doing so, II was informed it was by order of Brigadier-General Clark. I then resumed command and formed on line with the brigade. Soon Colonel Thompson ordered me to fall back to a cut in the road, which order was promptly executed. We remained in this position for near one hour, firing ii ear 30 rounds of ammu- nition at the enemy, at times they being iii short range of our rifles. The regiment then was ordered to charge forward by Colonel Cross- land, which order was promptly executed, and again we passed through their encampment, and were ordered to fall back, which order was exe- cuted without any confusion or excitemnemit. Without a single exception the officers of the regiment bore them- selves gallantly, and too much cannot be said in praise of the conduct of the men. Our infirmary corps kept close on our heels and promptly removed and took care of our wounded. J. H. BOWMAN, Coptain, Commanding Third Kentucky Regiment. GEORGE C. HUBBARD, Licutcnant an(i A (tinq Assistant Adjutant- General. 7 R RYOL X Page 98 98 XV. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. No. 38. Report of Lieut. Cot. AL II. Cofer, & xth Kentucky Infantry. IIDQRS. SIXTH KENTUCKY VOLUNTEER REGIMENT, Gomite River, La., August 7,. 1862. Sin: Pursuant to circular order just received I have the honor to submit the tollowilig rej)ort of the part taken by the Sixth Regiment Kentucky Volunteers in the battle of the 5th instant and the orders re- ceived from the commanding general: This regiment occupied the extreme left of the First Brigade, Second Division, Col. A. P. Thompson c~inmanding. At a little before daylight the troops were drawn up in line, this regiment in the open field to the left, resting about 200 yards to the right of a dense forest, in which Colonel Allens brigade was formed. At daylight the command forward was given by General Ruggles, and we moved forward a short distance and halted by the order of the same officer, who was present in person. We were very soon ordered forward again, when we moved, encountering rough ground, hedges, fences, ditches, and a luxuriant growth of weeds and grass, altogether render- ing even tolerable alignment and steady marching impossible. Passing on over this character of ground for near 1 mile the enemys skirmish- ers fired on us, doing no injury, but falling back as we advanced until we arrived immediately in front of the enemys camp. Here he engage(l us warmly from a strong position in a heavy forest, but charging for- ward we drove him from his position, and my regiment passed nearly through the camp, when we observed a battery on our lefPsay 100 yardsand a little in front. This battery was nearly silenced by an oblique tire from my left wing, and would have been easily taken but for the fact that the right of the brigade was retiring. Seeing no cause tor the retreat on account of any movement or fire of the enemy my regiment was ordered back, presuming the brigade was ordered to re- tire, which I since learn to have been the case. This retreat enabled the enemy to regain his battery, which he did promptly, and opened a furi- ous fire with grape, canister, and shrapnel on our flank. From the iearness of the guns he did no serious (lamage. We continue(l to move to the rear some 20t yards, where we reformed an(I returned to a fence in front of a grave-yard, where we halted and ol)ened fire on the enemy, who had reformed and reoccupied his original position, from which we had first driven him. This position both parties held with great stubbornness and an almost incessant fire was kept up for one baum-. At this place I sustained nearly all the loss of the day. My position was very much exposed during this time, having no shelter but a thi n picket fence, and being on ground elevated some eighteen inches above any ground in front between my line and the enemy. This l)ositiou was maintained until an order to charge was given and the en- emy driven under his gunboats, when the regiment returned with the brigade to camp, having sustained a loss of 5 killed and 23 wounded, several mortally. I cannot allow this opportunity to pass without returning my thanks to the officers and ixmen of the regiment for the gallant manner in which they bore themselves during the whole engagement. From a want of commissioned officers I caused the eight companies of the regiment fo be consolidated into four companies, placed respectively under Capts. Isaac Smith, G-raiidisomm Utterback, and Thomas Lient. Frank flamed. G. Page, and Firs Page 99 CHAP. XXVII] VICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 99 It is proper for me to say that I was not in the last charge, having been carried off the field too mnch exhausted and overcome to be able to go forward. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, M. H. COFER, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Sixth Kentucky Regiment. GEORGE C. HUBBARD, First Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant. 6Yncral. No. 39. Report of Col. Edward Crossland, Seventh Kentucky Infantri,. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTH KENTUCKY REGIMENT, August 7, 162. LIEUTENANT: In obedience to an order from yonr office I return the following statement of the action of my regiment in the battle at Batou Rouge on the 5th: The brigade was formed in an open field and ordered to march for- ward. My regiment crossed a lawn into a field and received a fire from the enemys skirmishers, when we were ordered to charge. The skir- mishers were routed, and the regiment halted in a pea patch and ordered to lie down. Here we received a heavy fire, wounding 3 men. We were again ordered forward and to charge, which order was executed in gallant style. Passing over the ground occupied by the enemy we saw the bodies of 2 dead and 3 wounded. Another charge brought us into a road near the enemys camps, throngh which we charged, and were halted and ordered to fall back by Captain Buckner, of Gen- eral Breckinridge~s staff, who received the order from General Clark, which would have been done in order but for a regiment in advance of our right, who broke in wild confusion through my regiment, who caught the panic, and retired disorderly ibr a short distance. Aided however by the coolness of my company officers and adjutant I sue- cee(le(l promptly in rallying and reforming theni in front of the road. Colonel Thompson ordered me to fall back to tIme road, where we opened fire on the enemy, then advancing from their camps, and kept it np briskly for an hour. The enemy advanced cautiously from their canml)s under cover of a grove of tinibei- with the evident intention of turning our left flank. I saw two lines of infantry with cavalry in rea;r. They charged, and the Thirty-fifth Alabama Regiment opened and kept up a hot fire from our left w tiied in confusion. , hich broke the enemys lines, and they re- Gum- ammunition was nearly exhausted, the wagons not having come ul). General Breckinridge came up on our right, aml(l I reported the want of ammunition to him, when he ordered inc to charge the camps with my regiment and the Third Kentucky. We went through the camps, and were halted by Captain Buckner amid ordered to retire, which was done in good order. Captain Buckimer, by order of General Breckinridge. ordered my regiment to remnain and snpnort a section of Scm rues battery, which was posted and remained to l)1otect those en- gaged in recovery of the wounded and the retreat of the stragglers. Capt. C. Wess. Jetton, with 5 men, was sent back to flue time camps. A. doud of smoke soomi told that his mission of (lestrHctiolm hla(1 been faith- thily executed. He reports the burning of ku-ge quantities of commj Page 100 100 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVlL sary and quartermasters stores, together with numerous boxes of guns and valuable camp equipage. With a single exception the officers bore themselves gallantly, and too much cannot be said in praise of the conduct of the men. Our infirmary corps kept close on our heels and promptly removed and took care of the wounded. I beg to mention the gallant conduct of Joseph Rollins, our color- bearer. ED. (YROSSLAND, Colonel, Commanding Seventh Kentucky Regiment. Lient. GEORGE C. HUBBARD, Acting Assistant Adjzttant- General. No. 40. Report of Col. H. W. Allen, Fourth Louisiana Thfantry, commanding Second Brigade. EAST BATON ROUGE, LA., August 18, 1862. SIR: On the morning of the 5th instant, in pursuance to orders of Brigadier-General Ruggles, I formed the Second Brigade, Second Di- vision, in line of battle, the left of the brigade resting on Bernards fence, in the rear of Magruders Institute, and the right resting upoJL the First Brigade. On the right was placed Colonel Breaux, of the Thirtieth Louisiana; on the left Lieutenant-Colonel Hunter, of the Fourth Louisiana, and in the center was the battalion of Lieutenant- Colonel Boyd. At dawn of day I received orders to advance. The brigade was put in motion and advanced steadily through thick woods, underbrush, corn fields, and picket fences. In the midst of the forest we encountered a battery supported by infantry. We halted and de- livered several volleys in quick succession; the enemy fled in every direction, taking off his artillery with him. We started in pursuit, and after considerable desultory firing upon the retreating foe I discovered a battery on the extreme left (said to be Nims), supported by a large amount of infantry. It was evident that this was a flanking move- nient and required my immediate attention. I ordered a movement to be made to the left and advanced in the direction of the battery. At the command charge the whole brigade raised a shout and made as gallant a charge as was ever witnessed. Here I fell, my legs terribly shattered with canister-shot. What transpired after this on the battle- field I do not know; the loss of blood and extreme pain had rendered me almost senseless. To my successor in command I must refer you Ibr further particulars of the fight. The officers and soldiers of this brigade fought with much gallantry, and with few exceptions did their duty nobly. I have been informed that upon my fall the brigade could n~t be rallied. This has often happened with the best of troops and the bravest veterans, and should not attach any disgrace to the soldiers. No one charges that the bri- gade retreated from the enemy or even retired from the place of danger. The enemy had been whipped and had fled in every direction. Captain Semmne8 battery came up, fired a few rounds upon the retreating foe, an(l all was over. To my adjutant, B. W. Clark, and to my voluntary aide, Lieut. U. H Page 101 lot CHAP. XXVII.] VICRSBURG, MISS, AN~D I3APON nouoE, LA. Walsh, I am much iudcbtcd. rfhey performed their duties with great. gallantry, coolness, and bravery. Captain Blonut was assigned to duty as inspector of the brigade. During the journey from Camp Moore he lost his horse and had been relieved from duty as inspector by the com- manding general. He, however, secured a horse, and in the thickest of the fight reported himself for duty to me. I gave him from time to time several orders to execute which he did in a Very prompt and gal- lant manner. I see he is reported a prisoner in New Orleans. This is a. mystery to me. i\lany acts of individual heroism came under my eye, and I shall ever feel l)roud that I had the honor to command the 5cc- ond Brigade in the battle of Baton Rouge. Among all the officers and men who distinguished themselves in that battle I shall mention only one by namethat is Private Seeders, of the West Feliciana Rifles, Fourth Louisiana Regiment. He took the colors from inc as [fell and at the same moment received a terrible wound in the thigh. With respect, I am, truly, your obedient .servant, H. W. ALLEN, Colonel, Commanding Second Brigade, Second Division. Captain BUCKNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 41. Report of Col. Gustavus A. Breaux, Thirtieth Louisiana Infantry, com manding Second Brigade. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, Camp near Comite River, La., August 8, 1862. SIR: Col. H; W. Allen, commander of the Second Brigade, rSecond] Division, having fallen toward the close of the action of August 5, it becomes my duty as next in command to make the report, as far as my knowledge enables me to do so. My attention was exclusively directed to the action of the Thirtieth Louisiana Regiment, which I commanded until the fall of the colonel commanding. At 4.30 a. m. our line was formed on the extreme left of the forces, in a point of woods adjoining open and cultivated fields; the ground was broken. We advanced in conjunction with the entire line. As we were about passing out of a little field we met the enemy, who at once opened a brisk fire on us, which we returned with good effect, since in a few minutes they fled before us. We were ordered forward. As the extreme right of the brigade was advancing on a line parallel to a fence behind which sharpshooters lay in ambush, harassing our flank, the Thirtieth Louisiana was constantly called on to dislodge them, which it did by occasional fires. We SOOIi discovered that the enemy were in considerable force behind a fence awaiting our approach at a l)oint from which they fired on our line at an angle of about 450 We faced the Thirtieth Ifegimnent to them and soon silenced them by a well kept-up and directed fire. Meanwhile the Fourth Regiment and Royds liattalioli advanced, driving also all obstacles before them. It became apl)areillt that the exact location of a battery of the enemy planted in our front was not known; the fog was too thick to enable us to see well. We however, advanced, having changed the direction of the line to the left. The fire of the enemy soon revealed its exact posi Page 102 102 XV. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXV1iIL tion, and to the charge was sounded. The entire brigade advanced at a double-quick and in good order, notwithstanding the galling fire poured into our lines. The gallant Colonel Allen whose bravery can- not be too much extolled, flew at the head of the men, flag in hand, on to the battery, and was soon in l)osSession of its guns, surrounded by his men, while the right drove the infantry away by a destructive fire. Unfortunately Colonel Allen was wounded, and the shock was terrible among the men of the Fourth Regiment, whose confidence seemed to repose mainly on him, an(i they withdrew in disorder, bear- ilig away their wounded chief. At a short distauce I rallied them par. tially on the line for~ned by the regiment on the right of the brigade, but to no good, since enough could not be gathered to push on our ad. vantage. Sonic time previous to this charge, as I infer from not seeing him in it, Col. S. Boyd had been wounded and removed from the field. His battalion, stripped of his influence, did not rally after the first charge en this battery. Previous to this the troops had all behaved with great gallantry. It now became evident that fatigue and thirst were overpowei-ing our men. They could scarcely answer to the appeals made to them by courageous men, to whose names justice will be done by those who witnessed their conduct throughout, and which I cannot give, as I only saw them there for the first time. At this time a second Federal battery entere(l the field and was op- portunely met by a section of Captain Semmues Confederate States battery. It affords me pleasure to bear testimony to the cool and effect- ive response made by Captain Semmes and Lieutenant West, whom the Thirtieth and Fourth Louisiana Regiments fell back to support in this encounter. After a brief and quick fire of the opposing batteries It was found necessary to withdraw it and the infantry left with it. From this time there was no more fighting on the left. *Joming into command of the brigade at the close of the battle and after it became disorganized, I am unable to give any particulars beyond those which refer to my regiment. I cannot close, however, without bearing witness to the bravery aud gallantry of Colonel Allen, so conspicuous to us all. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GUS. A. BItEAUX, Colonel, Commanding Second Brigade. Lieut. L. B. SANDIDGE. Acting Assistant Adjutant and Inspector General. No. 42. Report of Lieut. (lot. ~. B. Hunter, Fourth Louisiana Infantry. CAMP NEAR COMITE, August 7, 1802. ~IR: At 9 l~- m. of the 4th instant, pursuant to orders, I marched the barth Louisiana Regiment, left in front, from this l)lace in the direc- ion of Baton Rouge. Just before (laylight I was ordered to halt in an open field. Only a fe~v minutes elapsed before firing began between our pickets an(l those of the enemy. We were then orderec~ to fall back behind a hedge Page 103 CHAP. XXVThJ VICKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON 1~OUGE, LA. 108 where we remained a very short while, when we irecrossed the hedge and marched k)y the left flank through a narrow strip of woods to a held inclosed by a thick and impassable hedge-fence. Here we formed our line of battle and were joined by the remainder of the brigade. The word forward was given, and all moved oft in gallant style. We had not proceeded far when we received a desultory fire from the enemy, which was promptly and efl~ctually returned, causing the enemy to re- tire. The advance continued with occasional firing until we reached an open field ott our left. Here the enemy was discovered iu considera- ble force in front and to the left. We were marched by the left flank until our brigade had nearly cleared the woods, when we filed to the left. The Fourth Louisiana had thus filed, expecting to meet the enemy at right angles to our original line, when a battery ol)ened on us to our right and iii front of the original line. The order was given to charge this battery, which was done in gallant style, the brigade, being in sort of a wedge shape, gradually assuming a line - s it approached~ the bat- tery. A heavy and galling fire was kept up on us by the enemy, who were coucealcd in the rear of the battery. When within a few paces of the guns of the enemy Colonel Allen, who was in front, bearing the colors of one battalion of the brigade, was severely wounded and fell from his horse. Seeing him fall, the line faltered and finally gave way, the troops on the right and center giving way first. The brigade re- tired in confusion across the field through which it had so gallantly advanced. Here, after some little delay, my regiment was reformed and remained so for some time. No order to advance was given. A section of Semnnies battery came up and prepared for action on our right and the right of the brigade. We were ordered to form in its rear to support. it. After great exertion a line was partially formed, bitt at this point the enemys artillery opened on us at short range. The right again gave way, followed rapidly by the whole line. The troops, exhaustetl by fatigue and crying for water, were thrown in utter conlusion, and all attempts to rally them were fruitless. From this time no more fighting was done by our brigade. I would not close this report without mentioning among the names of those among my officers who were conspicuous for gallan try on the field Lieutenant Corkermi, w~o was in comman(l of Company B, Lieu- tenant Jeter, of Company F, Sergt. Laj. B. S. Daniels, and Adjutant Clark. I hear of others who (listinguished themselves, hi came under my special observation. it only these Respectfully submitted. S. E. HUNTER, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Four/h Loui8ian~. Col. G. A. BREAUX. No. 43. Report of Col. Gustavus A. Breaux, Thirtieth Louisian.a Infaintry. HDQRS. THIRTIETH LOUIsIANA (SUMTER) REGIMENT, In Gamp, near Comite River, La., , 1862. Sm: For the action of my regiment in oeneral during the battle of August 5, at Baton Rouge, I beg to refer you t~ the report circuni- stances have compelled me to make in the stead of Colonel Allen Page 104 104 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. CHAP. xxvii For troops who had never been under fire before the Thirtieth Lou- isiana acted with great bravery and gallantry. Conspicuous among the officers who distinguished themselves I take pl& asnre in mentioning Captain Trepagnier, who lost his life in all probability, and Lieutenant Dapremont, of Picket Cadets, who was also wounded. I have the sat- isfaction of stating that men and officers were zealous in their efforts to beat off a superior force. The regiment throughout rallied and pre- sented a good line whenever called on. After the partial disorganiza- tion of the brigade, which the loss of its commander temporarily pro- duced, and when it became evident that the left must fall back, this regiment did so in an orderly manner and under orders. Very respectfully, GUS. A. BREAUX, Colonel, Commanding Thirtieth Louisiana Regiment. Lient. L. D. SANDIDGE, Acting Assistant Adjutant and Inspector General. No. 44. Report of Lieut. Gol. T. Shields, Thirtieth Louisiana Infantry. IN THE FIELD, August 7, 1862. SIR: For the information of General Ruggles, commanding Second Division, I beg leave to make the following rep6rt of the operations of the detachment under my command in the battle of Baton Rouge: In obedience to orders I proceeded with a section of ~Semmes Con- fedrate States Artillery, under command-of T. K. Fauntleroy; two coin- panics of infantry, Company E, Sumter (Thirtieth Louisiana) Regiment, Capt. Roger T. Boyle; Beaver Creek Rifles, Captain Amacker, and one company mounted Partisan Rangers, Capt. A. C. Bickhamthe whole numbering about 150 rank and fileau about 4.30 p. m. of the 4th in- stant, to take position on the Clinton plank road, there to engage the enemy, supposed to be posted with a battery of artillery at the junction of that arid the Bayou Sara road. After a fatiguing nights march we reached the desired point just at dawn of day of the 5th instant, prepared to execute orders at the given signalthe firing of small-arms by the main body on my left. Exactly at 4.30 a. in., the sound of musketry being distinctly audible, I ordered the advance at (louble-qiuck of the entire command, having previously dismounted the Rangers with a view to greater efficiency. The enemys picket fled precipitately on our approach, leaving accouterments and equipments hanging to the posts and walls of the house where they were stationed and on the trees immediately around it, and sought shelter in the wood to the right of the Bayou Sara road, gaining which they fired one feeble volley, but immediately retreated in confusion in the direction of the Arsenal. The infantry was now posted in a corn field on-the right of a street leading to a Federal camp, with instructions to advance slowly in support of the artillery. which was placed at the same time i-n raking position at the head of the same street. The enemy here ap- l)eared in force, two regiments of infantry disputing our farther advance. The artillery opening obliquely on the camp enabled us, by its well-di- rected fire, to advance within 250 feet of the carimp of the Fourteenth ?vlaine Regiment ~judged to be 80 by l)al)ers, & c., found subsequentl Page 105 CHAP. XXVIi.1 VLCKSBUPG, MISS., ANi) BATON ROUGE, L4. 105 in the tents). Again opening a rapid fire of artillei~y in the direction of this camp we maintained our position until the infantry support before the overwhelming numbers of the enemy were compelled to fall back, and some four horses of the sectPm becoming unmanageable and un- serviceable from wounds received, I consented to the withdrawal of the section to the junction of the roads above-mentioned, there to await re enforcements from the main body, then seeu to be advancin~ in out direction. In this new position we were untoitunatel~ taken for the enemy and fired upon, but luckily without casuah~ of any kind. Dis- engaging the disabled horses and supplying their l)laces with others the section was again placed in position, wheie it was kept until the termination of the engagement. The infanti x tot cc ot my command was attached by order to the Twenty-second Mississippi Regiment on the arrival of that regiment on the field, leaving inc with the artillery, where I remained until retired by one of the staff ot Major-Getieral Breckinridge upon the withdrawal of the army. 1 cannot speak too highly of the conduct oftizie men of the command, artillery and infantry, and beg to commend to favorable notlee the offi- cers of Company B, Sumter Regiment (Thirtieth Louisiana), Captain Boyle, and Licuts. II. C. Wright, D. C. Byerly~ and W. B. Chippendale, for gallant behavior. To Licut. T. K. Fauntleroy, commanding section of artillery, I am indebted for valuable services, his conduct throughout being marked with coolness and decision and worthy the highest praise. His artillery, as efficient as it was, would have been more so but for the interiority of the friction primers, time out of ten of which proving worth- less, rendering the working of the pieces at times difficult and unsat- isfactory. Of the casualties I have to mention the following: In the Beaver Creek Rifles, Lieutenant Amacker, wounded in the shoulder severely; Sergeant Wilson, hand, slightly; Private J. L. Perryman, back, danger- ously. In Fauntleroys section artillery, Sergeant Bellam, severely wounded, and 4 horses killed. In conclusion, I have to state that my object was to obey to the letter the instructions received, and every effort was made on my part to that end, and but for the inadequacy of my force I believe more important results could have been obtained. I hope what we have been able to accomplish may meet the approval of the general commanding. Respectfully submitted. THOS. SHIELDS, Lieut. Cot. Sumter (Thirtieth La.) Reyt., Comdg. Detachment. Lieut. L. D. SANDIDGE ,C.S.A., Acting Assistant Adjutant and Inspector General. No. 45. Report of Capt. Thomas Bynum. Boyds Battalion, Stewarts Legion. HDQRS. BATTALION INFANTRY STEWARTS LEGION, Cornite Bridge, Ia., August 8, 1862. SIR: I herewith submit report of participatioti of this battalion, under command of Lieut. Col. Samuel Boyd, in the action of the 5th instant: Its force consisted of time following: One field, 3 staff, 9 company officers, and 190 enlisted men. They composed the center of Colone Page 106 106 W. FLA., S. ALA., S MISS, LA, ~E K., N. MEN. [CHAr. XXVII. Allens brigade, the Thirtieth Louisiana iRegiment (Colonel Breaux), on the right, and the Fourth Louisiana Regiment (Lieutenant-Colonel Hun- ter) on the left. The line of battle was formed in the woods back and leftward of the residence of Capt. E. W. Robinson, and about three- fourths of a mile to the rear of the central portion of Baton Rouge. As soon as the line was formed it was put in forward motion, feeling its way slowly through tall Woods in the mornings haze for the enemys first line of force. Marching straight to the front through briers, hedges, and over picket fences, the brigade was halted in the face of a line of the foe drawn up to receive us, and after giving them two well-directed volleys charged upon them, when they fled. The brigade, having paused a few moments, resumed its line as well as the nature of the undergrowth would permit, and marched some 200 or 300 yards forward in a left-oblique direction. Receiving reports of a battery of the enemy supported by a regiment right in our frOnt, a bout 150 yards distant, our commander, after calling for three cheers for the Confederacy, ordered us to charge. Alarmed at our shouts and dash the enemy broke, taking off their battery, but leaving heaps of slain and wounded. It was here that Captain Chinn fell from a wound in the leg while gallantly respond- ing at the head of his company to Colonel Allens orders. Resuming our course, we soon found ourselves upon the edge of an old field, on the opposite side of which is the Benton Ferry road and the inclosures of the race-track. Square ii our front was posted along the road-side a number of the enemys skirmishers or sharpshooters, and to their left a battery was. planted at the mouth of a street in front of the outskirts of the corporation of Baton Rouge. A regiment (the Sixth Michigan) supported the battery, and its men were placed behind the fences, outhouses, and houses in the neighborhood of ilockneys. Colonel Allen, taking the colors of this command in this hand, rapidly drew up his command in line, who at his call and example rushed, under a galling fire of grape, canister, and Minie, across the field, There was not a shrub even as a screen on it, and over the 300 yards of that open space the foe sent many a missile of death and shaft of anguish within 100 yards of the cannon. Lieutenant Causey, of Buffingtons company and commanding it, fell, shot through the brain. No victim in this great struggle against fanat- icism and the principles of rapine and spoliation Leaves to his fhmily and friends a brighter memory for chivalrous courage and unsullied patriot- ism. A few yards farther on Lieutenant-Colonel Boyd fell, shot through the arm, and was borne off the field. In a moment or so after the enemy fled, leaving two cannon and a lieutenant and 8 or 10 privates prisoners in our hands. In passing beyond the fence inclosing Turners house and getting partially into the street the gallant leader fell helpless from his horse into the arms of his trusty soldiers and was by them carried from the field. His fall was peculiarly unfortunate. It completely paralyzed his old regiment (the Fourth), at whose head he was, even in that moment of victory. Notwithstanding his repeated shouts togo forward, it became confused and huddled up, lost in a maze of stolidity and dismay~ At this critical moment the undersigned first became apprised by Colonel Breaux, now commanding the brigade, that it was his duty to assume command of this battalion. With serious misgivings in his capacity in this emergency and sorrowful at the necessity he aimed to do his best in seconding the gallant, fearless, and conspicuous example of the commanding officer to save his troops from a panic and to rally them into line. His efforts were surpassed by the daring courage of Lieutenant Barrow, commanding Captain Chinns company; by th Page 107 ChAP. XXVII.] V1CKSBURG, MISS., AND BATON ROUGE, LA. 107 energy of Lieutenant Burnett, of Captain Bynums company, and by the cool and noble example of Lieutenant Brown, of same company. A partial success only rewarded their exertionswe were saved a panic; but the annoying fire from the enemys sharpshooters left them no other alternative but to fall back. across the field to the shelter of the woods. Here another effort was made to rally the brigade into line, now massed confusedly. The commanding officer employed every incentive and expedient that courage coul(l suggest, but with haggard results. The men made no response to his appeals. They were not cowed or panic-stricken. They were simply exhaustedhopelessly ex- haustedand seemed to be staggering under the half of that last ounce which breaks the camels back of endurance. Having been under arms for more than sixteen hours; having neither supper, breakfast, nor sleep; having marched over 12 miles, and hav- ing gone through four hours hard fi~hting, it is not a matter of sur- l)rise or of blame that they paid but little heed to the rallying cries of their leaders. Their conduct was, however, only in accordance with the example of troops who had been under fire and were reputed veterans~ Many vicissitudes of this battle must remain unnoticed. The under. signed was not called to command till a late hour, and many events (loabtless noted by the experienced eye of Colonel Boyd must be un- chronicled because of his absence. While Colonel Boyd was in com- mand his promptitude and courage ably sustained the policy of Colonel Allen. His adjutant, Lieutenant Breeden, was conspicnous for daring devotion to duty throughout the trials of the day. The men generally behaved with coolness and courage. Upon returning to headquarters, near Wards Creek Bridge, the un- dersigned was relieved of his command by Lieutenant Barrow. * I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, TOM. BYNUM, Captain, Comdg~ Battalion Ljantry, Stewarts Legion. Captain MORRISON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Brigade. No. 46. R.~port of Gapt. 0. J. Semmes, commanding Battery. IN CAMP NEAR BATON ROUGE, LA., August 8, 1862. SIR: I was ordered to take part in the action of the 5th instaiit, which I did. My men behaved well. The officersLieuts. J. T. M. Barnes and J. A. A. Westacted with great coolness and bravery, at times firing their pieces personally. Lieut. T. K. Fauntleroy was detached with a section, and I did not see him during the action. The casualties were 5 men killed, 5 severely wounded, 5 slightly, 9 horses killed, 2 badly wounded, 2 miss1ng, 1 caisson exploded by an enemys shell, the rear carriage of another rendered worthless and left on the field, and 4 sets of harness lost. I fired 200 rounds of smooth-bore 6-pounder ammunition and 120 rounds of 6-pounder rifled. NomiDal li8t of cMuaJties omitled is embodied in Report No. 25, p. 82 Page 108 108 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. Dr. Lewis, assistant surgeon, C. S. Army, rendered efficP~nt service to my wounded on the field. I am, sir, respectfully, 0. J. SEMMES, Captain Confederate States Light Battery. P. S.At 4.30 p. m. of the 5th instant I took position between Colonels Allens and Thompsons brigades, filling a vacancy of some 80 yards; moved foi~xvarj with the infantry line half a mile and opened fire on an enemys battery, driving them back; moved to the right of the Second Division, General Ruggles commanding, when I opened on a battery with effect at about 250 yards; then occupied my first position, opening on a column of infantry, doing much execution. Was ordere(l to the support of Colonel Allens brioade. up ~~i~n on its b took i)~~1u~~ right and silenced a battery. This was my last firing; after which re- joined main forces. JUNE 1415, 1862.Expedition from Pensacola to Milton, Fla. T~EPOT~TS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Lewis G. Arnold, U. S. Army, commanding Western District, Department of the South. No. 2.Lient. Col. Michael Cassidy, Sixth New York Infantry. No. :1.Capt. Charles E. Heuberer, Sixth New York Infantry. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Lewis G. Arnold, U. S. Army, commanding Western District, Department of the south. IIDQRS. WESTERN DISTRiCT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Pensacola, Ela., June 16, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit a report of Lient. Col. Michael Cassidy, Sixth Regiment New York Volunteers, relative to an expedi- tion to Milton, Fla., nnder his command, directed by Special Orders, No. 23, of June 14, from these headquarters. It had been reported to me by some secret agents engaged in my service that a cavalry force of 100 men were in the town of Milton, some 30 miles from here, arresting some good Union men and inipressing others into the rebel service. I ordered this command, under Lieuten- ant-Colonel Cassidy, to Milton, for the pnrpose of capturing this rebel force and to release all gL~od Union men impressed on account of their opinions or loyalty to the United States. Unfortunately for Lieutenant- Colonel Ca~sidy, who executed his orders to my satisfaction, and the troops under his command, he found but a small portion of the reported and expected rebel cavalry in Milton, they having been divided into several predatory bands for the purpose of arresting deserters froni the rebel service and loyal Union citizens, and driving off cattle to feed the rebel force at Bluff Springs and Pollard, 38 and 48 miles from here, and, according to the best information I can obtain without having army cavalry under my command, n iimbering from 3 000 to 5 000 men, a l)ortion of them badly armed. Lieutenant-Colonel Cassidy and the officers and soldiers under hi Page 109 CHAP. XXVIII EXPEDITION TO MILTON, FLA. 109 command are deserving of approbation for their good conduct displayed. He doubtless would have much greater and more favorable results to report if he had beeii opposed by the anticipated numbers and had met with the resistance expected when he received his orders. I desire to express my thanks and acknowledgments to Lieutenant- Commander Madigan, U. S. N., commanding sloop-of-war Vincennes, lying off Pensacola, co-operating with me in the defense of the city, for his ready and valuable assistance in furnishing for the expedition 3 launches and 3 guns, 1 officer and 40 sailors, and 1 officer and 17 marines. I will take this occasion to repeat what I have expressed in former communications, that a regiment of cavalry is very necessary here to give protection to loyal citizens, for scouts, and for the purpose of making military reconnaissances, and to rid the surrounding country of the rebel cavalry that aie constantly hovering about. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. 0-. ARNOLD, Brigadier- General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. Brig. 0-en. LRENzO THOMAS, Adjuta at- General U. S. Army, Washington, D. 0. No. 2. Report of Lieut. Col. ]Jiiichael Cassidy, Sixth New York Infantry. CAMP JACKSON, Pensacola, lila., June 16, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with Spe- cial Orders, No. 23, of the 14th instant, from these headquarters, and also special instructions which I received from you verbally, I proceeded with four companies of the Sixth Regiment New York Volunteers, coin- prising a force of 220 officers and men, which had been detailed by Colonel Wilson, down to the wharf, and embarked on board the steamer General Meigs. We left the wharf at 7.30 p. in. on the 14th instant, and arrived at Bagdad on the 15th instant at 1 a. in. or little after. In consequence of the steamer having run aground I directed the troops to go in the scows which we brought with us, and the same to be towed ashore by the boats of the Vincennes, all of which was executed in a quiet and orderly manner. We started on our march from Bagdad in the follow- ing order: Company C, Captain Hazeltine commanding; Company E, Lieutenant Roddy commanding; Company B, Lieutenant Denslow corn- maudin g, and Coin pany H. Captain ileuberer commanding. I detailed Lieutenant Hanhain and 12 men to proceed 200 or 300 yards in advance as skirmishers to guard against surprise, and they performed their duty well. We arrived at Milton about 2 a. m. My plan was, Companies C and E and myself to take a street which would lead us directly in front of the Eagle Hotel, the house where the rebels were; Company B to take a street which would bring them to the right of the hotel, and Company II, a street which would bring them to the left, and all arrived at the proper places in proper time with the exception of Company H. How they made the mistake I cannot tel], nor did I know that a, mistake had been made until after the i-ebels had fled, taking the very road where Company Page 110 110 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. should have been. Just before we reached the hotel I was satisfied that they had become alarmed. I then ordered the two companies with me to take the~ double-quick, and on arriving in front of the hotel I com- manded the rebels to surrender. They immediately fired upon us and we fired two or three rounds in return, when they fled, some going through the house and some running up the street where I supposed Company II was. I directed the firing to cease and immediately after took I prisoner. I then directed squads to go in the hotel and stables to ascer- tain if any rebels had hid themselves, but only two were found by Lieu- tenant ilanham, who delivered them to me; then squads brought out the horses, saddles, & c. I was then told tl~it some Union prisoners were in the jail, and I detailed Lieutenant Denslow, with his company, to go and liberate them. They found the building very strong, and were un- ~ible to gain admittance until Lieutenant Green and a detachment of sailors from the Vincennes went to their assistance with axes and sledge- hammers, who after working at the doors for nearly an hour succeeded in getting in. They found, however, only two negroes, whom we brought with us. Three citizens were brought to me and I deemed it my duty to take them with us. I offered to take their families, but they declined. To Mr. Wolfe, the guide, I attribute a good share of the success of our expedition. To Major Babcock and Captain Dwight, of the Seventy-fifth Regi- ment New York Volunteers, I return my thanks for the advice and as- sistance they rendered. Surgeon Pease, of the Sixth Regiment New York Volunteers, also ren- dered great assistance and was very active. Only one man on our side was wounded~Patrick Doyle, of Company C; his wound is slight. Lieutenant Kaufman, of the Sixth Regiment, acted as adjutant for the battalion and deserves thanks. To the officers and men of the Vincennes I return my thanks, and will say that they did all they could to render the expedition successful. Their not partaking in the attack was owing to our troops being obliged to hurry matters after finding that we were discovered. In relation to the force of the rebels I have no means of knowing cor- rectly, but I think it fell short of what we expected to find. I turned, in pursuance with your orders, in to Capt. [A. N.] Ship- ley, quartermaster, 9 horses, 14 saddles, 7 bridles, and 2 saddles incom- plete; also to Major Babcock, provost-marshal, 3 soldiers of the rebel cavalry, 3 citizens of Milton, and 2 negroes. 11 should state that we left Milton about sunrise arid arrived at Pensa- cola at 11 a. m. on the 15th instant. I have no knowledge of the amount of arms, & c., taken or found by our troops. If they have any they have kept them in their possession. Of the companies that formed my command I will say that they were exceedingly quiet and orderly, and I think that we all did our duty, and hope that our actions will meet your approbation. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, MICHAEL CASSIDY, Lieut. Gel. ASixth Regt. N. If. Vols., Gomdg. Expedition. Brig. Gen. LEWIS 0-. ARNOLD, Gomdg. West. Dist., Departrneut of the AS1outh, Pensacola, Fla Page 111 CHAP. XXVII.] SKIRMISH AT PASS MANCHAC, LA. 111 No. 3. Report of Capt. Charles 123. illeuberer, Sixth New York Infantry. CAMP JACKSON, Pensacola, Phi., June 18, 1862. SiR: I see by your official report that I might be censured for not carrying out your instructions. The cause of my not being in the spot directed for me was on account of the guide becoming very much alarmed and excited, so that he could not inform me definitely where I was to remain. I then heard firing in your direction, and thinking you had been attacked by a large force (as the guide had previously informed me that he thought there was nearly 500 cavalry there) I hastened up to your assistance. In the mean time I was fired upon from a fence, which was immediately returned by me. When I came up to you I was ordered to left wheel into position, which I did, and there remained for further orders. Hoping this explanation may prove perfectly satisfactory, I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES E. HEUBERER, Captain, Sixth New York Vols., 6omdg. 6ompany H. Lient. Col. M. CASSIDY, Sixth N. Y. Vols., Camp Jackson, Phi. JUNE 17, 1862.Skirmish at Pass Manchac, La. Report of ]Iliaj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, U. S. Army, commanding the Department of the Gulf. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, La., June 19, 1862. SIR: Finding that the rebels were making some demonstrations to hold Manchac Pass. I sent Lieutenant-Colonel Kimball, with a portion of the Twelfth Maine Volunteers and a section of Mannings battery, in al(l of the New London gunboat, to take and (lestroy the enemys work there. The affair was very gallantly (lone, the enemy firing a few shots from their upper battery of two guns, 32-pounders; ran from a charge upon their lower battery of four guns, 32-pounders, 1~ miles below, without firing a shot, leaving their guns loaded. The battery was taken by a charge. The enemy escape(l in boats they had prcparcd for that pur- pose on the other side of the dra ~v-bridgc, which they drew up, burn - ing bridge behind them. We took all their camp equipage, garrison stores, and a stand of colors, destroyed the bridge and works, demolish- ing guns and carriages. The party then l)roceeded to Mandeville and Madisonville, dispersed a body of cavalry there, and took prisoner Colonel Putnam, with *5,000 recruiting funds upon his person. Not having any caralry, it was im- possible to pursue the runaways. In consideration of the gallant conduct of the men I have allowed the regiment to retain the stand of colors taken. We had no casualties. 1 have the honor to be, very truly, yours, BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. Hon. E. M. ~.TA1.vrON, Secreiarq of War Page 112 112 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. JUNE 22, 1862.Expedition from Ship Island to Pass Christian, Miss. Report of Brig. Gen. Neal Dow, U. AS. Army. HEADQUARTERS, Ship Island, June 24, 1862. GENERAL: Hearing that threats of hanging or otherwise injuring Union men, or those supposed to be sucli~ were frequent at Pass Chris- tian, I sent an expedition there on the 22d, in the steamer Creole, with instructions to seize the recorder, Mr. Hearn, Mi. Seal, and the Rev. Mr. Sill, if they could be found, and then enter Bay Saint Louis, and capture every rebel vessel that might be found there. Those persons whom I was most desirous of securing were absent, but the son-in-law of the recorder and another were arrested and brought away. They both have been active in the rebellion, one of them an officer in the rebel army. I have sent them to Fort Pike fbr safe-keeping as hostages. No vessels were found except one, that had a pass from headquarters at New Orleans. Several persons, whites, were brought away from the bay, who wished to escape persecution. Under the lead of an Indian guide a party of 20 was sent 10 miles through the woods to the house of a captain of rebel rangers, in the expectation of finding hini at home. In this the party was disappointed, but a considerable quantity of corn, flour, and hospital stores for the rebel, army was found, which was de- stroyed, as the party had no means of bringing it away. The same guide pointed out a herd of cattle, part of which belonged to a captain absent in the rebel army. The guide selected all those with his mark upon them, 20 in number, which,were taken on board the steamer and brought away. While the steamer was in Jordan River, toward even- ing she was fired upon by a party of rebels in the woods. The balls passed through the saloon in many places, even touching the clothes of some of the party, but no one was hurt. The firing was promptly returned, with what effect is not known, except that the only mounted man of the party was seen to hill. I very much wish that a small light-draught steamer may be attached to this post, as we would then be enabled to make frequent excursions up and down the rebel coast, which now we cannot do. Very respectfully, NEAL 1)0W, Brigadier- General, Commanding. M~j. Gen. BENJAMIN F. BUTLER, New Orleans. JUNE 29, 1862.-.-Capture of steamer Ann under the guns of Fort Mor gan, Ala. Report of Lieut. Got. W. L. Powell, C. S. Army, commanding Brigade, and resulting correspondence. BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS, Fort Morgan, Ala., Jury 1, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have respectfully to submit the following report in detail upon the loss of the British steamer Ann, with a portion of her cargo, which had arrived under the guns of this fortific~ftion, in attempting to run the blockade of this harbor Page 113 CHAP. XXVJJ.] CAPTURE OF STEAMER ANN. 113 About 11.30 p. in. on the 29th nltimo I received the report that a vessel was approaching from the eastward, showing a certain signal. I immediately repaired to the lookout station, and upon being assured myself of the signal, directed a given reply. Shortly after a boat approached the beach, and I duly received the report that the British steamer Ann, with a valuable cargo, was lying between the banks and the beach, about three-fourths of a mile from the fort, and desired pro- tection and assistance in getting into the harbor. Sixteen gun detach- ments, which are regularly detailed every night for service in such au emergency, were already.at their guns and were directed to lay at their posts for the night. A reliable pilot was sent off to anchor the vessel in a secure position and to remain on board of her. An armed guard was stationed on the beach abreast of the vessel, and the steamer Crescent, attached to this 1)ost, was ordered to be alongside of the Ann at early daylight to conimence discharging her cargo. ~f0 work at night would only have attracted the attention of the enemy and endangered the vessel by the necessary lights. A working squad was detailed from the garrison to assist the crews of the steamers. The Crescent promptly executed the order given her, and the work of discharging went rapidly and regularly on during the greater part of the day, the heavy vessels of the blockading squadron lying at anchor 6 or 7 miles distant and the gunboat not in sight. Upon the opening of the telegraph offices in the morning the situa- tion of the steamer, the nature of her cargo, the name of the consignee, were, as you are aware, promptly reported to the general commanding, and shortly after, it having become apparent that the Crescent would not be able to assist the Ann over th~ bar before night, a telegram was dispatched to the city desiring a boat of more power to besent down to assist in the work and to tow that vessel over the obstructions. At 4 p. m. the boat from the city was rapidly approaching. The Crescent had just gotten in heavily laden for the second time, having brought iu the working detachment from the garrison, to be relieved by another now in readiness to go out at once upon the boat from the city. The Ann, having had a portion of her heaviest articles of the cargo left in her necessary to maintain her in the position requisite for getting her over the bar, was steaming up to that obstructiofi with the view of being in readiness to be acted upoj~ at once, and the blockading gunboat was now in sight, coming in from seaward. At 5 p~ m. the Ann was lying uvon the bar, with a boat in readiness to take and secure the tow-line. The I)ick Keys, which had reported from the city, taken a detachment of the garrison on board, and received orders to proceed at once to tow the Ann, was about 500 yards from that vessel. The gunboat was steaming slowly in, as if to examine the posi- tion of affairs, but was 3 miles distant and could not approach within 2~ miles from that direction from the nature of the banks, and 1~hree detachments had beeu posted at some of our heavy rifled guns to keep her out of range. I now observed, to my astonishment, that the captain of the Ann, with her crew, ~vas hurriedly abandoning his vessel, and shortly after the captaiu of the Dick Keys turned his boat around and as hurriedly move back toward the wharf~ At this time not a shot had been fired, nor could the gunboat have thrown her shot or shell more than two- thirds of the distance. Major Baruwell was directed to meet the Dick Keys at the wharf and order the captain to return at once to execute time duty assigned him. This order he objected to obeying 8 u m.voL X Page 114 114 XV. PEA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVfl. pleading the danger to his boat and insisting upon seeing me; and upon receiving the order from myself, he first plead the danger to his boat, which was only Chartered by the Government, and upon my as- suming all responsibility upon that point, he changed his plea to not being a pilot for that channel, in which I had seen him perform the same service but a few weeks previously. Much to my regret the only pilot at hand was in one of the boats now pulling off from the Ann and more to my regret there was no captain at hand to replace this apology for a man. In the mean timethe Ann having been abandoned in a hurry and the anchor lot go in such haste as to jam the chainshe worked back off the bar arid drifted with the tide, not out to sea, but through the channel parallel to the beach. I was thus offered the choice of turning the guns of the fort upon her and blowing her up or sinking her and the valuable freight yet on board of her or of making another effort to save her. She was only three-fourths of a mile off, her machinery was in running order, the water was hot in her boilers, fire was in her fur- naces. A few resolute men had only to start her cable and let her anchor catch on the bottom, or supply her furnaces with fuel, start her engine, and steer her back to her former position into security, and the enemy were yet 3 miles off. A number of the garrison volunteered to go. There was but little time to select, but two boats were quickly dispatched in pursuit, carrying the captain, engineer, and one or two of the crew of the Ann, who had apparently become ashamed of their previous conduct and asked to be allowed to return. But time had been lost, and the steamer had gradually gotten nearer the end of the bank, around which the blockading vessels, from which her condition was now seen, could aI)proach to within range of their guns. The steamer frigate got under way to support the gunboat. A few shot and shell fell about the Ann,~ and our boats hesitated and laid between our bat- teries and the (Irifting steamer. so as to prevent us from now resorting to blowing her up or doing anything more with our heavy guns than to fire a few shots to keep the frigate out of range. Lieutenant Bond, of the First Artillery Battalion, now volunteered to take the boats to her, and was directed to run her back if possible, or act as circumnstance~ should require, and Captain Whitings company was ordered to follow and protect the cargo if Lieutenant Bond should find it necessary to put her on the beach or to anchor. Lieutenants Bond and Hammond, of the First Artillery Battalion, and Lieut. L. H. Goodman, of the Light Artillery Battalion, with the two boats crews, got on board and there met Captain Blakeslee, of the Crescent, who, seeing the change affairs had taken, transported one of his boats across from Navy Cove and boarded her. The fires, however, had now become nearly extinct, the enemy was firing rapidly at only three-fourths of a mile distant, and it was determined to sink her and thus keep her out of their hands. The supply-pipe of the engine was accordingly cut and she was abandoned a second time, under the supposition that she would settle on the bottom in n few moments, as the water was gushing in by the ton. Night came on. The enemy got on board. The Ann proved to have several water-tight compartments, only one of which had filled, and we felt the chagrin of seeing her with the enemys squadron on the follow- ing morning. I have gone thus into the details of this case, captain, as I am aware that it is one which, without a full explanation, might be remarked upon and criticised to the injury of the zeal and enterprise of myself an Page 115 CHAP. XXVIII.] CAPTURE OF STEAMER ANN. 115 those that I have the honor to command. But upon the statement of facts which 1 have given I feel convinced that the zeal and enterprise of the garrison itself must be acknowledged, and the success of each step, with the excel)tion where failure was caused by positive disobedience of orders and dastardly neglect of duty on the part of a subordinate agent, np to the choice of hastening the destruction or attempting to recover the abandoned steamer, will prove that each was judiciously taken. I am perfectly aware that I might have made more noise in the world by turning all the guns of the fort upon the vessel and blowing her up, but I should have brought certain destruction upon property very valuable to our Government, of comparative little value to the enemy if it did fall into his hands, and in favor of saving which there were many chances. If I erred it was by sacrificing self to the interests which have been intrusted to my care, and the course taken is justified by the excellent military maxim, When in doubt as to attacking an enemy, lean to the side of rashness; when in doubt as to the destruction of the prop- erty of an ally, lean to the side of caution. This statement of flicts, it is hoped, sir, carries conviction that the loss of the Ann is to be attributed to one of those sudden panics which history shows all collections of men to be subject to, and also that those affected on this occasion were not of the regular gaifrison, but tempo- rarily acting in concert with it. In conclusion, I respectfully call the attention of the general com- manding to that part of this report relating to the conduct of Captain Deering, of the Dick Keys, and respectfully suggest that he be removed and his place supplied by a more reliable man, as to positive disobe- dience of orders on his part the loss of the steamer Ann is attributable more than to any other circumstance, and his conduct on this occasion shows that he cannot be relied upon in any similar cases that may occur hereafter. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. POWELL, Capt. ~. CROOM, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Assistant Adjutant- General. NAVAL COMMANDANTS OFFICE, iJiobile, Ala., July 16, 1862. Hon. GEORGE W. RANDOLPH, & cretary of War, Richmond, Va: Sin: I herewith beg leave to inclose for your examination sundry papers relating to the loss of the British steamer Ann and cargo under the guns of Fort Morgan - First. The report of Colonel Powell, C. S. Army, addressed to Brig.~ Gen. J. II. Forney, giving an account of the arrival of that vessel and her capture while under the guns of the fort by the enemy. (See p. 112.) Second. A copy of my letter to General Forney, containing charges against Colonel Powell. Third. Copy of a letter to me from Gen~ral Forney, stating that he had referred the whole matter to General Bragg; and, fourth, General Braggs (lecision iii~On the subject. My object iii addressing you is that the hasty, inconsequential, and Page 116 116 W. FLA, S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEL, N. MIX. [Oar. flVfl as I think, unjust decision of General Bragg may not be permitted to stand ma precedent in future time for the guidance of the Army, act- ing in concert with the Navy. I will not presume to suggest what should be your action in the premises but I askwhat 1 cannot believe it received at the hands of General bragga careful and dispassionate examination of my report of Colonel Powell. And what are the simple facts of the case? I, an officer of the Navy, of equal rank with General Bragg and co-operating with the Army, have respectfully asked the arrest and trial of a colonel under his com- mand upon certain grave charges, ad he, as I think7 curtly ad dis- courteously replies that I have no right to ask a investigation, or words to that effect. I respectfully submit the matter to your consideration. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, V. EL RANDOLPH, Flag-OJIc~r, Alabama [Iuftouamtj Acknowledge the receipt of the communication, and say that the Sec- retary earnestly desires to maintain the cordiality between the two services so necessary to the public wi.lfare, and feels great respect for the views of so experienced and gallant an officer as Commodore Ran- dolph; but being of opinion that a court of inquiry would acquit Lieu- tenant-Colonel Powell, he does not think it expedient to order such a court Uuoiouur. NIL U Nayn ConanaNTs OnIon, Mobile, Ala, July 5,1862. Sm: I have read the elaborate report addressed to you by Lieuten- ant-Colonel PoWell, detailing the loss of the British steamer Ann on June 29 while under the guns of Fort Morgan, and the conclusion to my mind is irresistible, upon that officers own showing, that the loss of said vessel and cargo never would have occurred had the Sag-officer of this naval station been apprised, as he ought to have been immediately by telegraph, that the Ann was aground. And permit me to ask why was the Navy kept in ignorance of the whole transaction? Let Lieu tenant-Colonel Powell answer, if he can, this simple question. Is it not the duty of the officer commanding at Fort Morgan to apprise the commander of the naval forces at Mobile of the grounding of vessels off the entrance of the harbor; more especially if they have valuable cargoes on board and are liable to fall into the bands of the enemy? Whoever before heard that upon forts and garrisons devolve the duty of succoring stranded vessels, when by a word a fleet of naval steamers might easily have been brought to the rescue? But no, Lieutenant- Colonel Powell, it seems, felt so confident of his on skill and in his own ability to save the Ann and her valuable cargo as toiguore the Navy alto- gether. It seems not to have entered into his calculations that amen afloat might do the work more effectually than boldiers could behind brick walls and in casemates. Perhaps it may be asked, But why was it that the vessels of the Navy were not on the ppot, ready without a telegraph from the Army to render the necessary assistance to the Ann Page 117 ChAr. XXVII.] CAPTITIIE OF STEAMEU ANN. 117 This caii be easily and satisfactorily cx 1)1 a i iied. Admitting, however, fbi a moment that no satisfactory exI)lallation can be given for the tem- porary absence of our vessels from the lower bay, this does not in the least degree relieve Lieutenant-Colonel Powell from the charge of cul- pable neglect ol duty. But it can be satisfactorily explained why the vessels of the Navy were not in the lower bay at the time of the ground- ing of the British steamer. They were undergoing important, nay, in- dispensable, alterations and repairs at the city. The boilers of the steam-ram Baltic were reported by the engineers as unsafe, and were being patched and strengthened for important service. She of course could not be sent below. The steamers Morgan and Gaines were in the hands of numerous mechanics, who were engaged in putting on and bolting iroii plates, in order to give some protection to the machinery and boilers of those vessels; and, lastly, the Florida had only left her station off Fort Morgan the morning of the day that the Ann was wrecked. She came to the city- to land two officers who had been de- tached by order of the Navy J)epartmeut and to receive others in their places. But had Lieutenant-Colonel Po~vell sent a dispatch to rue on Sunday morningwhich lie might easily have domie, and which by fail- ing to do I insist he is amenable to the charge of neglect of dutyall would have been well, as I should immediately have stopped all work on board our steamers, and would have been at Fort Mor~au by V m. on Sunday, June 29, and have had the Ann oft for the city of Mobile that night. I beg leave to say, in addition to this grave charge against Lieuten- ant-Colonel Powell, that in his long report to you of the transactions below he failed even to allude to his suppression of a private telegraph whi(~h was made to the consignee, Mr. Bittuer, by a gentleman at Fort Morgan. flad that private telegraph been allowed to be communi- cated to the consignee of the Ann the Navy would have been informed of the grounding of that vessel, and she, together with her valuable cargo, would have been saved to the country. The suppression of the above telegraphic dispatch to Mr. Bittner is quite significant, and I think you will agree, under the circumstances, was altogether unwat- rant able and indefensible. Again, Lieutenant-Colonel Powell, in his labored report to you, says that the guns of Fort Morgan could easily have reached the Ann when she was abandoned to the enemy. In the name, then, of common sense why was she not sunk by Fort Morgan and thus kept from the hands of the rapacious Yankees? I)o I characterize this act. or rather omis- sion to act, in too strong language when I say that the conimanding officer at Fort Morgan was not only guilty of neglect of duty but also of want of self-possession? - Sir, this is no time for the exhibition of petty jealousy between the two arms of the l)Lmblic service. We are engaged in a glorious strug- gle for independence, and let it not be said that the Navy is jealous of the Army or the Army of the Navy. In conclusion, I respectfully ask that Lientetiant-Colonel Powell shall be arraigned before a military tribunal upon the following charges: 1st. Palpable neglect of duty. 2d. Absence of self-possession at an important crisis. Jam, very respe~tfully, & c., V. M. liANDOLPII, Flag- Officer, Alabama. Brig. Gen. JOHN H. FORNEY, Gomdg. Land Forces, Alabama and Florida, cfx Page 118 118 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII [Inclosiire No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS DTSTRTCT OF THE GULF, July 9, 1862. Commodore V. M. RANDOLPH, Flag- Officer, Alabama: SIR: After a careful consideration of my duty touching the charges preferred by you against Col. W. L. Powell on the 5th instant, I have referred the whole matter to General B. Bragg, commanding Depart- ment No. 2, in a communication of which I have the honor herewith to submit a copy. I agree entirely with you, sir, that this is no tune for the exhibi- tion of petty jealousy l)etween two arms of the public service, and, so far as I am concerned, I assure you none exists to be exhibited. I hope a full examination may show that no one can in such a crisis allow sO miserable a feeling to injure our common cause. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOflN II. FORNEY Briqadier-General, Commanding District of the Gulf. [Sub-inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE GULF, Mobile, Al a., July 9, 1862. Maj. GEORGE G. GARNER, Assistant Adjutant-General, Department No. 2: SIR: For the reasons set forth below I very respectfully submit and refer to your consideration a copy of the statement of Col. NV. L. Powell respecting the loss of the British steamer Ann, with a part of her cargo, in attempting to run the blockade of this harbor and after she had arrived under the guns of Fort Morgan. This paper is marked Exhibit A. * I also submit copies of the telegrams touching the same subject re- ferred to in Colonel Powells statement. They are marked, respect- ively, B, C, and DI With these papers I also refer to you a copy of charges preferred against Colonel Powell by the flag-officer of this naval station. Colonel Powell is there charged with 1st. Palpable neglect of duty. 2d. Absence of self-possession at an important crisis. Colonel Powell was furnished with a copy of these charges on the 7th instant, and requested to make any reply he might desire, as well as to telegraph whether or not he wished to do so. As yet he has not so telegraphed. I make this reference of the whole matter to you because, although feeling myself perfectly free from all cause for blame, still I am not willing to screen my condllct from examination by entertaining a charge against Colonel Powell. The first charge, you will perceive, is based upon the fact that Colonel Powell did not inform the flag-officer by telegraph of the arrival and condition of the Ann. Colonel Powell did, on the 29th ultimo, tele- graph me twice in the language of the copies above referred to, and if those dispatches contained information which it was necessary to com- municate to Flag-Officer Randolph, then I would be the person who *See p.112. tNot found Page 119 CHAP. XXVII.I CAPTURE OF STEAME1~ ANN. 119 committed the fault and Colonel Powell would not be guilty under this charge, unless his position on the spot should have occasioned more anxiety as to the situation of the steamer than his dispatches indicate. No one can feel more than I do the importance of the harmonious co-operation of all arms of the service, but from the nature of the two telegrams, marked B an(l C, * I considered the steamerlying under the guns of the fort and with the Crescent by heras beyond danger of capture by the enemy and as needing no other assistance than the aid of an ordinary steamer to lighten and tow. I therefore saw no necessity of having the tenor of those dispatches communicated to the flag-officer of this station. I hope and believe Colonel Powell felt and thought as I did. I will also add that this seems to me to be one of those unfor- tunate circumstances which is a subject of regret rather than censure upon any arm of the service. I think the crew of the steamer were the first and main cause of the disaster. It was not to be foreseen nor presumed that they would so unnecessarily . and hastily abandon their vessel, and their continued presence and sclfpossession would undoubtedly have saved her. Even after the abandonment I am satisfied the vessel might have been saved had the captain of the Dick Keys not have turned back in so cowardly a manners and I think his conduct in the highest degree censurable. Such an abandonment by the crew and such conduct on the part of the captain of the Dick Keys not being presumable, many omissions are in my opinion excusable which would not be so in a case of antici- l)atcd danger. But as, from a feeling of delicacy, I cannot entertain the first charge against Colonel Powell, I have deemed it best to refer the whole matter to you, and a copy of this paper has been furnished to Flag-Officer Randolph. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN H. FORNEY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Inc1o~nre No. 3.1 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT No. 2, Tupelo, Miss., July 13, lSG!. [JOHN H. FORNEY, Brigadier- General, Commanding:] GENERAL: The general commanding directs me to say that he fully concurs in your views in regard to the conduct of Colonel Powell in the loss of the Ann. His report is full, clear, explicit, and leaves no ground for censure or even doubt. It is to be regretted that the conduct of the captains of the Dick Keys and Ann should have resulted disas- trously, but for them Colonel P. could not be responsible. As Colonel Powell makes no imputation on Commander Randolph or the Navy, it is not seen what the latter has to do with the colon& ?s execution of military duty. The general declines to entertain the charges, and thinks the com- mander will on reflection see he has not done the colonel justice. Respectfully, general, your obedient servant, GEO. G. GARNER, Assistant Adjutant- General. * Not found Page 120 I 2() W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXYII. JULY 68, 1862.Expedition from Ponohatoula, La. Report ~f Licut. Alfred Bradley, Caruthers Sharpshooters. PONCHATOULA, LA., July 8, 1862 SIR: Agreeably to your orders, on receipt of the intelligence of the murder of Corpl. J. N. Smith and Private James Harvey, of your corn- inand, on July 4, instant, near the Springfield Bridge, I proceeded to the I)lace of the murder with 18 men to try and arrest the murderers an(1 assist in the disposing of the murdered. On my arrival in Springfield I found that the bodies had been re- moved by the friends and relations of the deceased, wno were making all necessary arrangements for their burial, & c. I sent 10 men to the houses of the supposed murderers and the pris- oners who had escaped with them, with orders to waylay their houses, and, if possible, arrest them. Learning that Capt. A. C. Roberts was in Springfield with his negro dogs, I went and got him to return with me to the place where the men were ambushed, in the hope that by the time of our arrival the cavalry you had sent for would be on the ground. Here we waited for near two. hours, when, having no horses to follow the dogs, and night ap- proaching, I was forced to abandon further effoits for the day, and re- turned to Ponchatoula for supplies, & c., that I might resume the pur- suit next day. On my way to the depot I met the party of cavalry and directed them how to proceed. Saturday, July 5, the party of cavalry arrived with 2 of the men we wem-e in pursuit of, and, together wi*h 12 men of your company and a detachment of men from Camp Moore, under command of Lieutenant Carpenter, I started, under orders to scour the country around Spring- field in search of the man Kiuchen, who had been arrested on the pre- vious day by Smith and Harvey, amid the man Elijah Ganey, who was supposed to have been engaged imi the murder of our men, and to arrest them, as well as all persons supposed or known to be enemies to the Confederate States. On my arrival at Wadesborough I procured a boat, in which I dis- patched 8 in en, under command of Lieutenant , to proceed to the mouth of the Amite River an(I intercept any boats that might attempt to l)~55 down that stream or the Tickfi.mw. I then proceeded to Spriug- field, where I muet the party of cavalry, under command of Lieutenant Evans, and found the 10 men I had left on duty the previous day. From here I dispatched Sergt. William Duncan, with 4 men on horseback, to go to Rome, on the Tickfaw, and from there to James Davidsons muill, on the Amite, and to make inquiries and search for the criminals, with orders to join me in the morning at a point near the Bayou Barbary. At the same time I directed the part.y under Lieutenant Evans to scour the country betweemi Springfield and Tickfaw and surround and search certain houses on the route during the night, and to meet me at a l)Oiut agreed upon next day, while I, with infantry, proceeded to Halls Ferry, on the Tickfaw, where I arrived at 8 oclock, after a very fatiguing and circuitous march of near 20 miles. Sunday, 6th, resumed our mimarch after a sleepless night and pro- ceeded to time Bayou Barbary, where I halted to await the arrival of the cavalry, finding the road almost imul)r~]cticable for infantry on ac- count of the backwater from tIme Amnite, wlmich filled the road through the Barbary Swamp to a (lepth of imear 3 f~et. Having formed a tmmw- tion with the mnemm sent uudev Sergearmt J)umicau to the Amite I resolve Page 121 cHAP. XXVII.] EXPEDITION FROM PflNCIIATOULA, LA. 121 to proceed without waiting longer for the cavalry, and moved forward with the men of your company in advance and waded through the swamp above referred to, and halted at the residence of William H. Wilder, esq., to get water and information necessary to our further progress. Here I waited for some time, wondering what detained the rear guard, consisting of Lieutenant Carpenters command, when the cavalry came plunging through and informed me that they were not advancing. Having procured niuch informatiou from Mr. Wilder, I resolved, as the infantry were much exhausted, to leave them and pro- ceed with the cavalry. I therefore instructed Sergt. William Duncan to take command and return to a safe camping ground, and procure a small beet; sufficient to do the men and to afford a sufficiency for our return to camp. On my ~eturn from the parish of Ascension I took Sergeant Kinchen and 2 men from your company, and having procured four horses, we mounted and started for the French settlement on the Amite River, where we arrived abont 1 p. in. I called upon Alexander Sevique, who agreed to act as my guide, an(l from whom I procured a mutton for the men and 5~- pounds of corn for the horses. Having sufficiently refreshed 1)0th man and horse I started at sundown with a force of 28 men, in- clu(liug myself and the guides, for the parish of Ascension, to arrest a notorious desperado named Adolph Dies, who had proclaimed himselt a Lincolnite and threatened to burn the property of a number of the citizens of this parish and was understood to have a party of some 15 men under his command. On my way to the residence of this man I learned that he had 12 armed men in his house at sundown, and several admonished me to be watchful of an ambush, as a party of Captain Wil- sons cavalry had been on time Amite that evening and tim ey were prepared for resistance, & c. On my arrival at Port Vincent I detailed a guard for the horses, an(l with Lieutenants Evans and B. B. Stains, of Captain Bre(lows cavalry, and 20 men I crossed the river and proceeded on Ibot to the house of Dies, and after surrounding it summoned him iii the name of the Confederate States to surrender himself and the men under his charge as 1)risoners, at the same time assuring him that if he did so no violence would be used, but that if he offered resistance I would arrest him dead or alive. He refused to submit to the authority of the Confederate States and defied inc. I then summoned all who might be in the house to come forth and surrender, assuring theum at the same time that if they done so no harm should be done them, but that if they refused I should be compelled to burn the house to get them out, when a voice caine forth within to Burn and be damned. I then ordered a portion of the men to fire the house. While they were pre~)aring to do 50 several attempts were made to leave the house by the inmates and an attempt to shoot through one of the windows, but it was slammed to by one of the mnen, and time as- surance given that if he stuck his head out again it wonl(1 be blown off. At this crisis, when the torch was being got ready to fire the house, I again demanded a surrender in the name of the Confederate States, but again came the refusal to do so, and the party making it came out on the front porch to fire on our mnen,.wheu I immediately flr~d upon him, inflicting a mortal wound. The rest now offered to surrendercame out and done so. Lieutenant Evans with a party now entered the house and searched for armns, & c., and after securing four guns, all of which were loaded and cocked and some ammunition, we took the prisoners three in nnml)CraIld 1)rollght them to the ferry, where I found one of them to be a youth of sixteen years, who said that he was a son o Page 122 122 W. ELK, S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [ChAt. XXVII. Dies, and begged for liberty to go to the assistance of his father. I there- fore ordered him to be released on his promise never to engage in hos- tility to the South. I took the other two men on horses which I bor- rowed for the purpose and brought them to Ponchatoula. Their names are Thomas Sherman and Williams, both of whom are known to be Lincolnites, and the former is said to be a very dangerous man. On my return march to Ponchatoula I cansed search to be made at the house of one Redding and also the houses of Kincheii aud Garicy, but discovered no trace of the murderers. IRedding had gone to New Orleans. I took two double-barreled guns from the house of Kinchen and a keg containing about two pounds of powder, and from Ganeys a rifle gnu, all of which I brought to Ponchatonla. On my arrival at Ponchatoula this morning I learned that the party sent out in the boat had returned the day previons without making any arrests or discovering anything of the murderers or escaped prisoners. On my arrival at Ponchatoula I was much exhausted from want of sleep and my feet were blistered so much as to render it impossible for me to walk after I had got cool, so I put the prisoners, & c., undercharge of Lieutenant Bankston and retired to my home, where, tired and sleepy, I write ~this report. In closing this report I must say that what little success attended the expedition was attributable to Lieutenants EVans and Stains and the cavalry under their command, all of whom behaved well. The men from your company also acted well, not a murmur escaping from any during the most fatiguing portions of our march, and when we came to water they took it like ducks; but the men from Camp Moore, under charge of Lieutenant Carpenter, complained much from fatigue, and several returned to Ponchatoula the first and second day after our de- parture. Lieutenant Carpenter himself did all he could to encourage the men both by word and example, but the men under his command were so much fatigued on their arrival at Barbary Swamp that he found it impossible to get them to cross it. He therefore encampe(l on the east bank of Bayou Barbary until my return from Ascension Parish, after which they did good service in searching houses and doing guard duty on the return march. To sum up the fruits of our expedition since leaving Ponchatoula amounts to the capturing of three of those interested in the murderof Smith and Harvey and three guns and some powder from the same par- ties; the killing of the Lincolnite desperado, Adolph Dies, and the cap- turing of two of his partisans and four guns, three being double-barreled and one rifle. Regretting that we could do no more, I remain, your obedient servant, ALFRED BRADLEY, Capt. ~. D. L. MCRAE. Lieutenant, Caruthers Sharpshooters. JULY 24, 1862.Skirmish on the Amite River, La. Reports of Licut. Cot. J. if. Winytleld, Ninth Louisiana Battalion Parti Salt Ranqers.~ JULY 25, 18624.30 p. m. My entire command has been i-outed. The enemy in great force, esti- mated at from 1,200 to 2,500, with six pieces of aitillery, flanked them Sometimes called First Regiment Louisiana Partisan Rangers Page 123 CRAP. XXVII.] SKIRMISH ON AMITE RIVER, LA. 123 on all sides. They took position ready to resist an attack, when Cap. tam Wilson ordered them to retreat. Captain Kemps whole command is supposed to have been taken. The rest are scattered. As soon as possible I shall report to the general. I am now pushing on with a few men as vedettes. I have ordered Captain McMichael to pitch his tent on Twelve Mile Bayou, 4 miles west of Greenbnrg, and have sent out to rally all the men I can. I hope to get all the particulars by 12 m. to-night. We have lost all our stores and camp equipage. I can give no particulars of who is killed, wounded, or missing. Jn haste, J. II. WINGFIELD. Maj. J. DE BAUN. CAMP TURNER, July 26, 1862. GENERAL: The enemy attacked Capt. W. B. Kemps company about daylight Thursday, 24th, at Bentons Ferry, a.p~)earing first in citizens clothes and crying out they were friends. Captain Kemp ordered his men to retain their fire; but, to the astonishment of all, the Yankees opened on them, when Captain Kemp returned fire, wounding 2 of the enemy, when he fell back, losing 20 or 25 horses, together with all camp equipage and one four-mule wagon, mules, and harness complete. The enemy, which is spoken of above, 350 strong, continued to advance up the east side of Amite River in the direction of this camp. Two other columns of the enemy in the mean time having crossed at a ford known as Curtis, about 4 miles above Camp Turner, 600 strong , consistin gof cavalry, artillery, and infantry, Captain Wilson, who was in command of our forces, threw them in line of battle and afterward in ambus- cade, about 200 strong. The enemy on their approach from Bentons Ferry again hailed our pickets as friends, but in this case our pickets fired, killing a lieutenant-colonel and 1 private (this is reported). The enemy at this time commenced shelling our troops from three different points, they attacking us in three columns, each column having one piece of artillery, a detachment of cavalry, and three companies of infantry. Captain Wilson, finding himself flanked and the great disparity of numbers, ordered a retreat. Subsequently the troops, with the excep- tion of some stragglers, rallied, and now occupy their old camp. We have not lost a man nor have we had one wounded. The depredations committed by the enemy are of the most shameful character on private property and on the persons of our fellow-citizens and helpless women and children. I do not make this communication as official, not yet having become familiar with all the facts of this afThir, but knowing your anxiety to hear from me, I report as near the facts as under the.circumstances I can. The men are in good spirits, and I hope soon to have my camp organ- ized and, if I can be allowed time to drill, have them well disciplined. General, you are aware we have never had one hours time for drilling. Very respectfully, J. II. WINGFIELD, Lient. Gol., Comdg. Ninth Louisiana Batt. Partisan Rangers. Brigadier-General RUG-GLES Page 124 124 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII, JULY 25AUGUST 2, 1862.Expedition to Lake.Pontchartrain, Pass Man- chac, and up the Tchefuncta and Pearl Rivers, La., with skirmishes. Ii~eport of Maj. Frank H. Peck, Twe~fth Connecticut Infantry, command- ing expedition. CAMP PARAPET, CARROLLTON, LA., August 4, 18(32. SIR: The expedition directed by orders of July 25, 1862, from head- quarters of this department rettlrne(i on the 2d of August. 1 have to submit the following report of our operations: On the evening of July 25, with five companies of the Twelfth Regi- ment Connecticut Volunteers and a section of Capt. P. E. Holcomubs Secon(l Vermont Battery, I embarked on board the boat Grey Cloud, toinimianded by Lieutenant Buchanan, U. S. Navy. We left the wharf about midnight and arrived at I~ass Manchac 500fl after davlioht on the morning of the 26th. As we approached the bridge Captaiuiolcomb sent forward a shell from his Sawyer gun, which had the effect to draw from one of the houses a rebel scout~, who immediately ran up the rail- road in the (lirection of Camp Moore. He was fired after, an(l, as soon as a squad of. men could be landed, was l)ursued across the island to the North Pass, where he l)luuged into the stream and escaped. We ex- amine(l the buildings, and found the musket and equipments of the sol- dier, bunks, parts, of uniforms, and other evidence of recent military occupation. As the l)lace was evidently used as a rendezvous for spies and scouts I directed it all to be burned. rfhe part of the bridge north of the draw had been previously destroyed. We burned the remainder. I am aware of nothing remaining at Pass Manchac more combustible than railroad iron and water-soaked piles. In the latter part of the day we went up the North Pass, where we found that a beginning had been made toward repairing the bridge. We burned this also. On the 27th we sailed up the Tchefuncta River. When opposite Madisonville we were fired upon by the guerrilla picket stationed there. We responded with a shot from one of the 32-pounders of the boat, sent through the street from which the firing came. Fortunately none of our party were struck, though a bullet passed disagreeably near to a group of officers standing upon the forward deck. At a point about 3 miles below Covington our farther progress was obstructed by three sunken gun boats, from which the guns have been recently removed. At this point we heard the shots of the guerrilla pickets, and the long roll was sounded in two different directions not far from us. We landed here an(l marched to Covington. On our way we learned that several bands, of from 6 to 50 each, had passed near us after our landi.ng, with the intention of concentrating at some point to meet us. The advance sent forward into the city saw 5, mounted and armed, and fired upon them as they retreated, with what effect they could not tell, except that one or more of their horses were won nded. We carried the national flag through the principal street of the city. White flags were hung from many of the houses, and citizens waited upOn us to request that license might not be given for the comnmmssion ot aimy outrage, such as their previous experience led them to expect. Of course no liberties were taken by our troops. Owing to the inhuse heat we shortly returned to our boat. On our waM back w~ were in- formed by friendly persons that guerrillas were gathering on the bank Page 125 CHAP. XXYTh] EXPEDITION TO LAKE PONTCHXRTRAIN. 125 of the river below to oppose our passage to the lake. I regret to report that during this march 2 men fell from sun-stroke and died before night. As the boat was about leaving we were surprised with a volley of musketry from the thick bushes which cover the river banks. Our men immediately sprang to their arms and returned the fire with steadi- ness and spirit. Captain llolcomb almost instantly s~nt a charge of canister after them, and Lieutenant Buchanan brought his 32-pounders to bear with terrible eft~ct. Of course their fire was soon sileuce(l. The scars upon the boat is evidence of its severity. Our casualties were marvelously few, considering our exposed posi- tion. Only 3 men were wounded, and none of them seriouslyi soldier and 2 sailors. We cleared a passage for ourselves out of the river, at each turn firing shell and canister into the thick l)ushes upon the shore and sending an occasional shell back into the woods from Captain ilol- combs 20-pounder Parrott. We were not fired on again, bnt could frequently see armed men retreating into the woods. Monday, the 28th, was spent in taking in coal, & c. Tuesday, the 29th, we crossed the lake, and by one of the bayous went some distance into the country. Reports of guerrillas we found everywhere, but none showed themselves. Failing to induce them to meet us anywhere on the lake shore, ~fnd hearing of some farther east, on the 30th we went np Pearl River. as far as Pearlington. We found the people in great destitution and beset by plunderers on every side. A company was sent back Into the country, but found no enemy. Hearing that a small party were prowling about Pass Christian, Miss., on the 31st we sailed up the Bay of Saint Louis, and landed about day- light opposite the town, hoping to capture a picket statipned there by approaching them from the rear. They had, however, perceived the al)proach of our boat. We found the place deserted by nearly all its population, who, as from other towns we visited, are Ilying daily by boat loads to escape impressment into the Confederate service. They are destitute of the necessaries of life, being (lependen t entirely upon the small amounts smuggled from Mobile. We afterward visited Shieldsborough, where we found the same shite of things existing. Here outrages too gross for description have been recently perpetrated by guerrillas, who find apologists among the most prominent citizens of the place. On August 1 we visited Louisburg. All the docks and landings at this place, and at Mandeville, 2 miles distant, were bu rued by a ~)arty of guerrillas some two weeks since. It will cost many thousands of (lollars to rebuild them. A company was landed in small boats and marched back into the woods, where till recently has been one of their camps. They found it deserted, as about this region too there was nothing left to plunder. We then revisited the Tchefuncta as far as Madisonville. The picket which has been stationed there has been removed. The town was de. serted, and nearly every public and private building closed. I)espairing of finding an enemy who would stand fire within the cir- cuit designate.d for our expedition we thence returned to camp. We heard various reports at different places of the loss on the part of the guerrillas from our engagement on Sunday. That which seemed to conic most (lipeet an(i to be most reliable was the a(1 InissiOti of 7 killed, 4 by our musketry amid canister shots and 3 from the explosion of a shell in the woods at a (histance. I give it no great credit Page 126 126 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVIL Certain prominent facts attracted our attention at each place wevisited. Perhaps the most noticeable was the utter destitution of the people. In many places flour had not been seen for months, the poorer classes sub- sisting almost entirely upon the meanest quality of corn meal. Another was the odiousness of the conscript law and the means employed to en- force it, as if; after being reduced to a state of destitution through the agency of organized bands of outlaws, men at last might be induced to enter the rebel service to escape the alternative of starvation. We met large numbers flying to the protection of the Federal Army, and at each place visited by us, without exception, we were besought by men and women for passage to ~ew Orleans. At several places we were asked to leave troops for their protection against their professed friends. Though the tangible results of our expedition may seem small I have no doubts of its good effect. For more than a week we have hunted guerrilla s at every point where we could hear of them. Nearly every day we have invited them to a fair engagement distant from our sup- l)ort. On each occasion we obtained only dissolving views of them. Authorized and commissioned as they are, they are actuated by no motive but plunder. They tight only from ambuscade, and war indis- criminately upon friend and foe. The conduct of officers and men dur- ing the whole expeditien has been most creditable. I am especially indebted to Captain llolcomb, whose large experience iii service of this character has been of great assistance to me. Lieu- tenant Buchanan was untiring in his efforts to promote the comfort of the men whi]e on board his boat. Any comment upon his bearing in action would be superfluous. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANK II. PECK, Major Twelfth Regiment Conn. Vols., (Iomdg. Expedition. Capt. II. S. DAVIS Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Dept. of the Gulf. AJGUST 710, 1862.Reconnaissances from Pensacola to Bagdad and Milton, Fla. Reports of Gapt. Alexander N. ~S~hipley, U. S. Army, commanding expe dition. PENSACOLA, FLA., August 11, 1862. SIn: 1 have the honor to report that, in obedience to orders received from these headquarters in West Florida, I left this place with the fob lowing command, viz: Asst. Surg. Dc Witt C. Peters, U. S. Army, and First Lieut. J. Schuyler Crosby, First Artillery, aide-dc-camp to the general commanding, and Companies A and B, Sixth Regiment New York Volunteers. The officers of these companies present were Captain Burgess, First Lieutenant Latham, and Second Lieutenant Mathews, of Company A. (This company represented 71 enlisted men.) Company B was commanded by Captain Denslow. His junior officer was First Lieutenant Vangieson. (Sixty-nine enlisted men of this company reported for duty.) At 8 oclock on the evening of the 7th instant we left the dock and proceeded up the bay to within about 2 miles of the town of Bagdad, which is distant from this place some 28 miles. Here we remained unti Page 127 CHAP. XXVII.] RECONNAISSANCES, ETC. 127 3.30 oclock on the following morning, when we weighed anchor and steamed to a point known as Hunts Mill, where I communicated with a Union man on shore, and from him ascertained the disposition of the enemy whom I was anxious to meet. This friend also told me where I would be likely to captnre a large quantity of valuable naval stores, and, among other articles, the sails and rigging of a rebel gunboat. After this short delay we started for the town of Milton, where I reconnoitered for the enemy, and at the same time explored for the hidden stores, which I determined to take on my return trip. I next carefully sailed up the Blackwater River to the head of navigation and to a place called Union Hill, where I received on board the steamer four known Union families, and employed my men in removing to our boat all their valuable furniture and other effects. These people were delighted to escape the tyranny of their oppressors, and now, for the first time in months, felt safe. It was with considerable difficulty that the steamer could be turned in the river; but the pilot proved faithful to his charge and soon brought us back to Milton, where we landed, and there removed several thousand dollars worth of naval stores (stolen from this navy-yard) to onr steamer. it was here that I found some furniture, which I am well assured belonged to a notorious rebel. This furniture has since been turned over to the provost-marshal of Pensacola, as well as all other captured property. In the town of Mil- ton I found a lot of planed and grooved lumber, which is needed by our forces, and this also was transferred to the boat. Having given the enemy ample opportunity to attack my forces and accomplished my object I returned to I3agdad, where I landed, and received on board a large quantity of furniture, & c., belonging to some Union men, who with your permission accompanied me. The instructions I had received having been accomplished, I started for and arrived at this town on the morning of the 9th. We saw none of the rebel troops, though we have every reason to believe that while in Milton 60 or 70 cavalry were in the Vicinity. The banks of the Blackwater River are peculiarly fitted for the ac- tion of sharpshooters and light artillery, and it appears to me strange that the enemy does not take advantage of this circumstance. The valuable saw-mills once so numerous in this section of the coun- try have been burned, as have millions of feet of yellow pine and oak lumber. I would here state that 2 officers and 8 men, belonging to Porters mortar fleet, accompanied me, in order to procure some needed ship- timber, and their mission was successful. The detachment of 10 regular soldiers, under Lieutenant Crosby, had charge of our only l)iece of artillery, and were ready at any moment to open on the enemy. In conclusion allow mc to say that both officers and men were anx- ious and i-eady for any duty, and they fully came up to my expecta: tions. All I have to regret is that they did not have the opportnnity to meet the rebels, when I feel satisfied that they would have proved themselves worthy of the confidence placed in them. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant A. N. SHIPLEY, CaLptain, U. S. Army, Commanding Expedition. Capt. CHARLES C. DWIGHT, Assistant Adjutant- General, Pensacola, Fla Page 128 128 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAr. XXVII. PENSACOLA, FLA., August 13, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to orders received from these headquarters in West Florida, I left this place with the fol- lowing command, viz: Assistant Surgeon Myers, Ninety-first New York Volunteers; First Lieut. II. P. Norris, First Artillery, and 1 sergeant and 10 men of Company L, First Artillery, and Companies H and K, Ninety-first New York Volunteers. The officers of these companies present were Capt. John B. Collin, First Lieutenant Chatterton, and First Licut.. NV. L. Herwerth. (This company represented 95 enlisted men.) Company K was commanded by Ca.pt. II. S. ilulbert, First Lient. H. L. Evans, and Second Lient. S. Brownell. (One hundred men of this company reported for duty.) At 5.30 p. m. on the 9th instant we left the middle wharf and pro- ceeded up the bay to Bagdad, a town situated oii the right l)ank of Blackwater River, and distailt from this place some 28 miles. At this place 1 tied up the steamer, posted the necessary guards, and took 20 men and reconnoitered and explored the suburbs of the town, where I was informed 1 would ~nd a large quantity of naval stores that had been hidden by some rebels engaged to build a gunboat. I searched the town thoroughly and found but few stores. These I put on board and directed the men to rest until daylight, soon after which I steamed up to Milton. distant from there about 2 miles. At this place I ob- tained the light-house clock, which had been stolen at the outbreak of the rebellion from the light-house at this place; also a few stores with some ship lumber and a quantity of wrought iron, all of which I put oti board of the steamer. I also had considerable furnitume put on board that belonged and has since been turned over to Union families, brought to this l)lace by the last expedition under my command; after which I directed the captain of the steamer to blow the steamers whistle, which was the signal for all to return to the boat. All returned in the course of one hour or thereabouts except 1 luau, Private Charles ()zier, of Company H, Ninety-first New York Volunteers. Having waited as long as 1 thought proper, I steamed up and returned to Bagdad. At this point I l)ut on board a quantity of furniture 3 cows and calves, 2 large anchors, and 1 large cable-cl~ain, the property of knowm~ Union men. After having spent two hours at this l)lace, hoping that the mami left at Milton would rejoin this command and finding that he did not, I started for Hunts Mill, where 1 stopped and had carried on board some 20 cords of pine wood, much needed here. Having completed my instructions I steame(1 up and returned to this place, where I arrived at about 6.30 oclock on the evening of the 10th instant. The stores seized ire as follows: Five boxes P inch brads, 100 pounds; ii light-house clock; 1,000 pounds of iod iron 1 grindstone; 3,000 feet deck planks; 1 platform- scale; 2 ii ijx scales, 6 small circular saws; 2 sets taps and dies 8 wooden clamp sciews; 1 pump-auger; 5 papers wrought nails; 2 gal- lons spirits of turpentine: 10 wooden clamp-screws 4 pieces India- rubber belting , 0 bundles sand-paper; 1 package anger-bits, and 20 cords of pine wood ; all of which have been turned ovei- by me to the provost-marshal. None of the rebel forces were seen during the trip. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. N. SHiPLEY, Caj)tc ia, U. iS. Army, Commanding Expedition. Capt. CII1UiLES C. DWIGHT, Assistant A dju tent- Cc-n oral, Pensacola, Pla Page 129 CHAP. XXVII.] EVACUATION OF BATON ROUGE, LA. 129 AUGUST 10, 1862.Affair at Bayou Sara, La. Report of Brig. Gen. C. Y. Rowley, Louisiana ]Jfilitia, commanding Sixth Brigade Louisiana Militia. HDQRS. SIXTH BRIGADE LOUISIANA MILITIA, Point (Joupee, La., August 11, 1862. GENERAL: Yesterday the enemys iron-clad gunboat Essex caine to Bayou Sara early and anchored near the shore., where she now lies (4 p. in.). About 5 p. in. yesterday also came a transport, which is still at Bayou Sara. On arriving the gunboat threw some shells into the lower part of Bayou Sara, and when she saw the transport coming up she shelled the road and fields on this side the river. The transport then came to the ferry, landing on this side, and took on board a quantify of sugar lying there to be carried across to Bayou Sara. They compelled the negroes of Bemis and Col. Stephen Van Wickle to roll the sugar on board, while 100 armed men stood guard over them. They notified Mr. Gill to have his hands ready to l)ut another lot on board which was lying three-quarters of a mile above, but they left this side before it was accomplished, the whole or larger part being on this bank this morning. There was a large quantity of sugar at the railroad depot in Bayou Sara, which we hear they seized, but cannot say whether they have it on board. Having no adequate force yet collected, and those we have out being 15 miles below here, and the company of Rangers of Captain Thompson being either at the Atchafalaya, 45 miles above, or gone to Opelousas, we could do nothing to prevent these marauders from executing their plans. llowevei, Colonel [F. II.] Farrar had guards out all night on every road to cut off any stragglers and prevent the negroes and others from having access to the enemy. I also wrote to Captain Thompson, and sent a special bearer, requesting him to return to this neighborhood, where our militia might co-operate with him and prevent any small parties from 1)rowling about and restrain their plunderings. We cannot form an opinion whether they have merely come upon a thieving errand or will be stationed permanently at Bayou Sara. They got 400 or 500 hogsheads of sugar, I think, here and at Bayou Sara, which belongs almost entirely to speculators. They also arrested and took on board two or three persons who have been engaged in crossing sugar. I believe they hold them prisoners still. C. N. ROWLEY, Brigadier- General, Comdg. Sixth Brigade Louisiana [Militia]. Maj. Gen. J. L. LEWIS, Commanding Louisiana Militia~ AUGUST 2021, 1862.Skirmish at and evacuation of Baton Rouge, La. I~IEPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Daniel Ruggles, C. S. Army. No. 2.Maj. J. Dc Baun, Ninth Louisiana Battalion Partisan Rangers. No. 3.J. A. De Pussy, Provisional Mayor. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Daniel Ruggles, C. S. Army. PORT HUDSON, August 23, 1862. Our scouts drove in the enemys pickets at Baton Rouge on the 20th 9 R RVOL x Page 130 130 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII and captured some 20 beeves and 40 horses. The gunboats shelled furiously. The town was evacuated by the enemy on the 21st. The Essex and No. 7 remain before it. I expect to be in possession this morning. DANIEL RUGGLES, Brigadier. General. Major-General VAN DORN, Jackson, Miss. No. 2. Reports of Maj. J. De Baun, Ninth Louisiana Battalion Partisan Rangers. CAMP PRATT, August 21, 1862. SIR: I have to report that on yesterday morning I drove in the Fed- eral pickets and caused a general stampede of the forces in Baton Rouge, who, with the exception of those in the barracks, fled to the gunboats. They fired upon me with one company and afterward their gunboats shelled inc for two hours. It is reported that they killed 1 woman and 5 children and 1 negro woman. This I do not know of my own knowledge. I captured 23 head of cattle from their slaughter-pen; 1 drove all the horses they had down to Birds field and 33 down as far as Seth Davidsa part of which I now have. The Federals have released all the convicts from the penitentiary. All the negroes that were in the penitentiary have been uniformed and armed. This information regarding the penitentiary 1 have received from a convict who is now in my camp. Respectfully, J. Di~ BAUN, Major, Commanding Partisan Rangers. Brigadier-General RUGGLES. CAMP NEAR BATON ROUGE, August 22, 1862. SIR: I have to inform you that the enemy have evacuated Baton Rouge and the gunboats Essex and No.7 are lying in front of the town. They (jeclare that if we enter the town they will shell it. I have sent in messenger for the women and children tocome out. Very respectfully, & c., J. DE BAUN, Major, Commanding Partisan Rangers. Brigadier-General RUGGLES. No. 3. Report of J. A. De Russy, Provisional Mayor. BATON ROUGE, August 22, 1862. SIR: On the morning of the 22d instant, the day after th~ evacuation of the United States troops, the citizens of the city of Baton Roug Page 131 CHAP. XXVII.] AFFAIR AT BAYOU SARA, LA. 131 convened in public meeting at the residence of William S. Pike, esq., and organized by calling Mr. J. A. Pe Russy to the chair and appoint- ing Mr. Joseph Larguier as secretary. On motion, duly seconded and unanimously adopted, a committee of three citizens was appointed by the chairman to wait upon the com- mander of the United States gunboat lying in front of Baton Rouge, with instructions to inquire his intentions in relation to the shelling or otherwise destroying or damaging the city or molesting its citizens. The committee was composed of Messrs. William S. Pike, H. Hart, and William D. Phillips, who immediately proceeded on their mission, and returning, reported that Captain Caidwell, commanding tke U. S. gunboat No. 7, after respectfully listening to the subject matter with which they were charged, answered that the citizens of Baton Rouge and their families could rest secure within their homes; that not a shot should be fired on the town; but, on the contrary, to invite the fam- ilies who had left to return to their homes and resume their usual avocations. Further, that no boat should be sent from their vessel or vessels without the authority of the city authorities .first being had for that purpose. These assurances were given with a condition that the Confederate Army, then understood to be in the neighborhood, should not enter and hold military possession of the city in the view of fortifying the same, or any demonstrati qns of a hostile nature against his forces. At the same meeting committees were appointed to call upon the commanders of the two detachments of your army marching on this city and explain the result of the visit to Captain Caidwell, and asking if within the line of their duty to halt their respective commands beyond the corporate limits of the city. On the afternoon of the same day another meeting was held, at which the following gentlemen were elected provisionally as mayor and board of selectmen, viz: J. A. De iRussy, mayor; William S. Pike, Joseph Lar- guier, 0-. Gusman, iR. H. Burke, S. M. Hart, and N. K. Knox as select- men. The council met at 4 oclock p. m. and appointed Captain Hayden as chief of police, with authority (jointly with the mayor) to appoint as many subordinates as in their judgment might be required for the effi- cient police of the city. It was also resolved that the said authority be required forthwith to proceed to the clearing of all rubbish and impediments within th~ cor- porate limits, and the better to carry this order into effect he be author- ized to call upon owners of all slaves within the city and in the neigh- borhood to assist in said work. All of which is respectfully submitted. J. A. Dn RUSSY, Provisional Mayor City of Baton Rouge. J. LARGUJER, & cretary. General RUGGLES, Corndg. Confed. Forces in Baton Rouge. AUGUST 23, 1862.Affair at Bayou Sara, La. R~port of H. C. Whiteman. BAYOU SARA, August 24, 186210 a. m. Sin: The gunboat Essex and a transport arrived here last night; fire Page 132 132 W. FLA., S. ALA., S.. MISS., ., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVIL two shell into the town, but did no damage. Still here; no troops. Gun- boat Essex now rapidly shelling this place, 10 a. m. II. C. WHITEMAN. General RUGGLES, Port Hudson, La. AUGUST 29, 1862.Skirmish near Saint Charles Court-House, La. Report of Col. Stephen Thomas, Eighth Vermont Infantry. JJDQJiS. EIGHTH REGIMENT VERMONT VOLUNTEERS, Algiers, La., September 3, 1862. Sin: In accordance with your order I left camp by. railroad on Thursday morning, August 28, with two companies of my command, 4iompany A, Captain Grout, and Company C, Captain Foster, 1mm- bering about 50 men each, and a company of cavalry (70 men), under command of Lieut,enant Perkins, Company B, Second Regiment Mas- sachusetts Cavalry, and proceeded to Boutte Station, a distane eof 24 miles, on the New Orleans, Opelousas and Great Western Railroad. From this point we marched to Saint Charles Court-House, where we arrived about 6 oclock p. in. and encamped for the night. At 4 oclock the next morning we were again nuder way. Reports soon began to reach us that there was a rebel force of from800 to 500 men at Bonnet Carr6 Point, and when about 8 miles from the Court-House the advance guard of the cavalry came riding rapidly back, saying they had found the enemy. The balance of the cavalry, without waiting for orders, -advanced at full speed, with the exception of Lieutenant Perkins and a few men of his company, who were in rear of the column. I imme- diately put the battery (it being two pieces of artillery attached to my regiment, in charge of Lieutenant Morse, Company I) and infantry at double-quick and was soon on the ground, where a skirmish had commenced. Two prisoners were taken by the cavalry. One man was wounded by a canister-shot, dealt by Lieutenant Morse. I discovered the enemy in small force, out of rifle range, in the cane field, and or- dered a few shell to be thrown among them, which caused them to scatter and take to the swamps. We then proceeded on about 2 miles farther, but finding nothing of the enemy we commenced a return, my object being to secure a large drove of cattle we had passed during the morning. On our march back we collected horses, cattle, sheep, and mules in large numbers, which will be properly reported through the quartermasters department and we returned to camp about 11 oclock a. m. on Saturday, the 30th ultimo, having marched from time of starting the previous morning about 50 miles. The dust and heat during the day-time was excessive, but the men endured the fatigue without a mnurnimur, and all returned in much better condition than could have been expected. Three pris- oners were tal~en on the return, who, together with the 3 taken where the skirmish was had, have been sent to the custom-house. Captain Mitchell, of the Thirteenth Regiment Connecticut Volun- tedrs, accompanied the expedition, and rendered valuable service in aiding the moving forward and as an interpreter. I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, STEPHEN THOMAS, Colonel Eighth Regiment Vermont Volunteers. H. W. BInGE, Acting Brigadier- General Page 133 CHAP. XXVII. I BAYOU DES ALLEMANDS, LA. 133 SEPTEMBER 45, 1862.Affairs at Boutte Station and Bayou des A11e~~ mands, La. REPORTS. No. l.Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, U. S. Army, commanding the Department of the Gulf. No. 2.Col. Stephen Thomas, Eighth Vermont Infantry. No. 1. Report of Alaj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, U. AS. Army, commanding th~ Department of the Gulf. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, La., September 11, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that on Saturday, the 7th [Thursday, the 4th], a regiment of Texas Partisan Hangers, under the command of Major [E.] Wailer, ambushed my advanced pickets (a de- tachment of the Eighth Vermont Volunteers) at Bayou des Allemands, 32 miles from Algiers, on the railroad, when they were coining down t~ Algiers for provisions, and wounded a number of them. The guerrillas. then proceeded to the bayou, and by means of aI)u5C of a hag of truce to which they induced an answer and then seized the bcarers and pat- ting them in front of their column of attack caused a surrender of the remainder before our supporting force could reach them. These sup- ports were (letaine(l by the unfortunate accident of running upon an ox upon the track, which broke up the train, and wounded several of the troops. Still I cannot approve of the conduct of the picket in not holding out and making a coutest, as they would have been immedi- ately supported. Emboldened by this success this cavalry force made its appearance on the west bank of the river some 30 miles above the city. I immediately ordered Colonel MeMillan to take a portion of the Twenty-first Indiana iRegiinent an ~ Niiith Connecticut and laud below them and Colonel Paine to take t~e Fourteenth Maine and the Fourth Wisconsin and land above them, and asked Commodore Morris to 5eu4 up the Mississippi to cover the landing in case the enemy should be supported by artillery, which request was promptly complied with. The movement was admirably executed, and resulted in hemming in, between the river and the swamp, the entire body of guerrilhas.* Upon being called upon to surrender they fled from their horses into the swamp and were pursued by our men, who succeeded in capturing some 40 prisoflers, including several officers, and 250 horses, with their equipments, which could not. be taken into the swamp. The enemy lost 8 killed and wounded. This guerrilla force, which has been the terror of all that portion of the country, has been thor- oughly dispersed, dismounted, and (lisorganized. I will endeavor, as soon as I receive re-enforcements, to organize aa expedition which shall relieve the western part of Louisiana from the presence of any force of the enemy. I am convinced that all attempts upon New Orleans are abandoned. for the present, and that the enemy await the finishing of the iron-clad See September 78, 1862. Expedition from Carroliton, & c Page 134 134 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII boats which they are making near the mouth of the Yazoo River. These they expect to finish by the middle of October. I am, very truly, your obedient servant, BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, CommandIng. Major-General HALLECK, Commanding the Armies of the United States. No. ~. Report of Cot. Stephen Thomas, Eighth Vermont Infantry. IIDQRS. EIGHTH REGIMENT VERMONT VOLUNTEERS, Alqiers, La., September 6, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that on the 4th instant Cap. tam Hall, commanding the outposts at Bayou des Allemands, dis- patched Captain Clark, Company K, with a detail of infantry, and one 12-pounder howitzer, manned by 12 men, on a train of cars, to meet and protect the upper train, which was snpposed to be without escort. When his train had arrived nearly opposite Boutte Station it was fired into by a large force of gnerrilla cavalry and infantry lying in ambush. Many of his men were instantly killed, wounded, and disabled, includ- ing every one of the artillerists, they, with many of the infantry, being on open platform cars. The enemy had placed the switch so that the train ran onto a side track, where it came in collision with an empty passenger car, the force of which was such as to knock many of the men down and off the cars. One of these last, during the momentary delay, ran ahead and turned the switch at the other end of the side track, thus thwarting the design of the enemy to run the train into the ditch. Captain Clark soon met the upper train, but not deeming it prudent to return through a force which was estimated at not less than 1,000, he kept on with both trains to Algiers. The rebels, after robbing our dead, wounded, and prisoners, and committing numberless atrocious acts on them (slashing wounded, helpless men over the head with sabers, & c.), mQved on toward the bayou, nearing which place they hoisted a flag of truce over the bushes. Captain Hall sent out a party to see what was wanted. This party being absent an unreasonable length of time he sent out another, which was seized, and both were placed in front and obliged to march toward the bayou. Captain Hall, seeing the immensely superior force that was brought against him and that his first fire would prove -fatal to his own men, surrendered his force, as I learned by an intelligent contraband that escaped. On the 5th, in obedience to your orders, I proceeded at an early hour, with all the available force of that portion of the regiment stationed here and with a section of Nuns battery, toward the Bayou des Alle- mands, by railroad. When within about 13 miles of Boutte Station we most unfortunately cam e in collision with a cow, by which several cars were thrown from the track and several men badly injured. So many cars were smashed up that it was impossible to place the men on what were left without subjecting them to great exposure and without room to use their arms. Before the wreck could be cleared from the track and the track repaired so that the train could move on it was so late that I deemed it impossible to co-operate with Coloiiel MeMillan, a spre- viously arranged, especially as I learned that the track was torn up a Page 135 CHAP. XXVH.] EXPEDITION FROM CARROLLTON, LA. 135 different points between us and Boutte Station. I dispatched Major Dillingham to Carroliton immediately after the accident, with orders to communicate with General Butler relative to our situation and with regard to our probable inability to co-operate with Colonel McMillan. Had I disembarked and attempted to march to Boutte I should have been obliged to have gone out to the river and made a distance of 17 miles and could not have reached there until evening. I believed I could reach that point earlier by returning and going by boat up the river. The total casualties of the two days are as follows: Killed, 9; wounded, 27; missing, 155. One 12-pounder howitzer and two Ellsworth gums, after being rendered useless by throwing portions of them into the river, fell into the hands of the enemy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, STEPHEN THOMAS, Colonel Eighth Regiment Vermont Volunteers. Capt. H. S. DAVIs, Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of the Gulf. SEPTEMBER 78, 1862.Expedition from Carrollton to vicinity of Saint Charles Gourt-House, La., and skirmish. T~EPORTS. No. 1.Col. James XV. McMillan, Twenty-first Indiana Infantry. No. .Maj. Frederick Frye, Ninth Connecticut Infantry. No. 1. Report of Col. James W. lIleAlillan, Twenty-first Indiana Infantry. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Camp Carrollton, La., September 9, 1862. SIR: In obedience to an order received from Major-General Butler, commanding the department, dated September 7, 1 took the Twenty- first Indiana Regiment and battery and the Fourth Wisconsin Regi- ment, of Col. H. E. Paines brigade, and proceeded up the Mississippi River about 15 miles, where I learned there was a considerable force of rebels on the west bank about 20 miles above the city. As the enemys position led me to believe they could be captured, I at once returned to the city and gave the commanding general what information I could get. Having discussed and agreed upon a plan of operations, I was again, on the 8th instant, ordered up the river with the same command; also one section of Thompsons battery, Colonel Paine in command of the Fourteenth Maine and Ninth Connecticut Regiments and two sections of Thompsons battery. When near the place the rebels were last re- ported I went ashore and learned they had gone up the river. Colonel Paine having landed his regiment 2 or 3 miles above, I at once resolved to go yet higher up the river and cut off the rebels. When about 5 miles above Saint Charles Court-House I again touched shore, and find. ing I was above the rebels I at once commenced landing my force. I ordered Captain Roy, with five companies of the Twenty-first Indian Page 136 136 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. Volunteers, to move back to the timber or edge of the swamp to cut off the rebels if Colonel Paine should drive them up the river, and followed with the other force as rapidly as possible to land. When about 1~ miles back from the river I found a good road, running parallel with the river, made for the sole use of the rebel forces in their guerrilla raids along the river, the cane hiding them completely from the river. I posted a small force ou each side of the rebel road, masked by tall weeds on the bank of one of the many ditches running from the river to the swamp, and sent the Fourth Wisconsin Regiment and three guns of the Indiana battery to the support of Captain Roy, who had discovered the rebels in the edge of the swamp, but cut oft~ from going up the river. Soon after posting the force on the rebel by-road a large body of them approached to within threeTourths of a mile of the force on the road, then temporarily under command of Captain MeLaflin, when one of my men, who had been ordered back by Captain Roy, was discovered by them, and 3 of the ragged villains started at fall speed to capture or kill him. When within 30 paces of Captain MeLaflin my man dropped to the ground, and in an instant Captain MeLaflins command had killed and wounded the 3 rash rebels, killing 1 horse and capturing the other 2. As soon as the main body saw their rash comrades fall they stopped, and turned and fled through the cane toward the swamp, where they were again foiled by Captain Roys command. Having gotten all the artillery lan(led, I posted the two 12-pounder howitzers of Thompsons battery on the rebel road, supported by a l)or- tion of the Twenty-first Indiana and Fourth Wisconsin Volunteers, the main force being near the swamp where the rebels were ambushed. I ordered the Indiana battery into I)OsitiOn and shelled the weeds for a few moments, when the rebels broke out of their weedy ambush and ran to the swamp, covered by heavy timber. When I found they were gone into the swamp I advanced my guns (having ordered up Lieuten- ant Hartley, with one of his howitzers) as far as the ground would permit and shelled the border of the woods for a short time~ but soon becoming satisfied the rebels had taken to the swamp, I ordered five companies of the Twenty-first Indiana, n nder Captain Roy, and five companies of the Fonrth Wisconsin, all under command of Lieutenant- Colonel Bean, of the Fourth Wisconsin, to follow them into the swamp. They followed the horse-tracks until they found the horses, to the num- ber of 300 or 350, belly-deep in mud and water, tied to the trees, and deserted by their riders. They came up with, shot, and captured sev- eral of the rebels, but they were scattered so much that pursuit soon appeared useless, and, after getting 200 of their horses, Lieutenant- Colonel Bean l)rudently left the pursuit of the rebels and returiied to solid ground once ire, with his men tired and muddy, many of the men and officers having been to their waists in mud and water. I then returned to the boats, satisfied the only chance left the rebels for es- cape was up the river, and that, by sending a force above, I could cap- ture them. In the mean time Colonel Paine, finding the enemy were above him, had moved up to where I had landed. At my suggestion he took the Fourteenth Maine Regiment and went up the river about 10 or 11 miles, to a point where it was said the rebels had left one com- pany and all their stores and camp equipage. When I got the cap- tured horses on board of the transports I found that I could not possi- bly take any more if I captured them. 1 therefore resolved to return to Carrollton, leave the horses, and return again by sunrise of to-day. Having ordered the Ninth Connecticut Re~iment to join Colonel Paine, I came down, arriving about 7 p. in. Left the captured horses, and, Page 137 CHAP. XXVfl.] 137 EXPEDITION FROM CARROLLTON, LA. with 250 men from each (the Twenty-first Indiana and Fourth Wis- consin Regiments), returned to explore the swamp again for horses. 1 brought (lowu about 50 to-day an(l killed a large number that were totally unable to get out of the swamp. The rebels proved to be Colonel [E.] Wailers Texas Cavalry. We captured over 50 prisoners, including several commissioned officers. We found but 2 dead and 3 wounded, but the plisollers say our shell and canister killed and wounded several in the sw-amp. We captured about 300 horses and saddles, 2 rebel flags, 1 French flag, shot-gnus, pistols, and, indeed, nearly everything they had with them, even to their spurs. The officers and men of my command did all that soldiers coulddid their duty well. The operations of Colonel Paines command will, I infer, be the subject of a separate report by himself. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, JAS. W. MoMILLAN, Colonel Twenty-first Indiana Volunteers. Maj. GEORGE C. STRONG, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 2. Report of Maj. Frederick Frye, Ninth Connecticut Infantry. CAMP PARAPET, LA., September 12, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor of inclosing to you my report of an ex- pedition against the enemy in the neighborhood of Saint Charles Court- House, on the opposite side of the river. The expedition, accompanied by the armed steamer Mississippi, was under command of Actg. Brig. Gen. LI. E. Paine, and was composed of the Fourth Wisconsin and Sixth Michigan Regiments and a section of the Fiist Maine Battery in one division, and the Ninth Connecticut and Fourteenth Maine Regiments, with another section of the same battery, in another (livision. Word had been received that the enemy were establishing a camp and had already concentrated a force of 2,000 infantry, a full battery of light artillery, and about 500 cavalry. In accordance with orders, the Ninth Connecticut, about 550 strong, embarked at Carroilton on the transport Morning Light, with a section of battery, at 11 oclock on the night of September 7, and landed at daylight at a point above Carrollton on the opposite side of the river, with the Fourteenth Maine, the other divis- ion landing 5 or 6 miles above, all to converge to a common center, proper signals having been arranged. After moving forward about a mile signal was made from the mast-head of the Mississippi, Enemy approaching. The artillery shelled the woods, but failing to dislodge the enemy, the Ninth Connecticut were thrown forward as skirmishers. After moving forward several miles through woods, swamps, bayous, and canebrakes, everywhere finding traces of a flying enemy, abandoned haversacks, blankets, bundles, papers, & e.,it was found that the enemy, mostly cavalry, attempting to break through in this direction, had been driven back, and, abandoning their horses, saddles, and equipments, had ~ed into an almost impenetrable swamp, but being surrounded on all sides our troops killed and wounded 8, taking about 40 prisonei~s and bringing in upwards of 200 horses ready equippe(l. This was acco Page 138 138 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXYU. pushed without loss on our side. A lot of sutlers and other stores were also recaptured, which had been taken by the enemy from the steamer Whiteman, sunk by collision after the battle of Baton Rouge. The regiments were reembarked at about 6 oclock p. in., the Wis- consin and Michigan regiments, with their section of battery and the captured booty, returning to Carroliton, while the Connecticut and Maine regiments and the other section of battery proceeded up the river to cut off the enemys retreat. Pickets were thrown out that night, and Captain Ilennessy, Company E, of the Ninth Connecticut, having been sent out with his company, captured a colored rebel scout, well mounted, who had been sent out to watch our movements. It being ascertained that the enemy had proceeded in another direction, we re-embarked and returned to our encampment, arriving at 6 p. in., September 9. The men deserve great credit for their energy and determination, for though not recovered from the eft~cts of the Vicksburg and Baton Rouge expeditions, not a man lagged. * * * * * * * Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FREDERICK FRYE, Major, Gomdg. Ninth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers. J. D. WILLIAMS, Adjutant- General, State of Connecticut. SEPTEMBER 1315, 1862.Expedition to Pass Nanchac and Ponchatoula La., and skirmish. REPORTS, ETC. No. 1.Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, U. S. Army, commanding the Department of the Gulf. No. 2.Maj. George C. Strong, Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of the Gulf. No. 3.Brig. Gen. Daniel Ruggles, C. S. Army, and instructions. No. 1. Report of ]Jfaj. Gen. Benjamin F Butler, U. S. Army, commanding the Department of the Gu~f HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, La., September 24, 1862. GENERAL: Having been informed that a small force of the enemy was rel)airing Manchac Pass, and that the troops had been withdrawn from Ponchatoula, 48 miles north of this city, the headquarters of Gen- eral Jeffi Thompson, I directed Major Strong, my chief of staff; to take five companies of men to complete the (lestruction of the bridge and the repairs, if any, and, by a division of his force, to endeavor to secure the person of General Thompson and to destroy his supplies. Owing to the heavy draught of our boats, as set forth in Major Strongs report (herewith inclosed), it was found impossible to carry the place, as originally l)roposed; but Major Strong, not to be baffled dete rmined upon an attack, and in open day, at the head of 112 men, made a march of 10 miles upon the headquarters of a general who was collecting forces to attack New Orleans, drove away a light battery of artillery, supporte Page 139 CHAP. XXVII.] EXPEDITION TO PONCHATOULA, LA. 139 by 300 infantry, took and occupied the town, destroyed the telegraph and J)ost-offices, captured the dispatches, possessed himself of the gen- erals presentation sword, spurs, and bridle as trophies (our officers do not plunder generals quarters of shirts and stockings), burned his sup- ply train of twenty cars, and returned at his leisure, intlicting treble loss upon the enemy in killed and wounded. I beg to commend this to the commanding general as one of the most daring and successful exploits of the warequal in dash, spirit, and cool courage to anything attempted on either side. Major Strong and his officers and men deserve great credit. It may have been a little daring, perhaps rash, but that has not been an epidemic fault with our officers. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, BENJ. F. BUTLEIR, Major- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, Commanding Armies of the United States. No. 2. Report ~f JJfaj. George C. Strong, Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of the Gu~f HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, La., September 24, 1862. 9 GENERAL: Pursuant to your orders of the 13th instant I embarked on the afternoon of that day on board steamer Ceres, at Lakeport, with three companies of the Twelfth Regiment Maine Volunteers, com- manded respectively by Captains Thornton, Farrington, and Winter, alI(l one company (Captain Pickerings) of the Twenty-sixth Massachu- setts Regiment. I had previously sent lOt) men of the Thirteenth Con- necticut Regiment on board the gunboat New London, whose com- mmdci, Captain Read, had kindly consented to co-operate with rue. The object in view was to surprise the village of Ponchatoula, the head- quarters of the rebel General Jeff. Thompson, 48 miles north of this city, on the line of the Jackson Railroad. To that end the New London was to land her men at Mauchac Bridge, where at daybreak next morning they were to drive the enemy that aught be tonn(l there northward to Ponchatoula, while the remainder ot the t4rce, having found our- way 15 unties tip to Tangipahoa River in the night, should have landed, marched 6 miles westward, and captured Ponchatoula in season to secure those of the enemy who had been driven up from Pass Manchac. The attempt at surprise failed, ftr not only was the New London unable to get over the bar into Mauchac Pass in the darkness, but the Ceres, too large for- the easy navigation of the narrow and winding Tan gipahoa, failed in each of the succeeding nights to reach her desti- nation on that river in season to admit of our gaining Ponchatoula before daylight. I resolved therefore to go with that steamer to Man- chac Bridge, and did so on the morning of the 15th. From that point Captain Winter was sent with his company southward, to make the destruction of the railroad on Manchac Island more complete, which duty he thoroughly performed. Captain Pickerings company was left to guard the steamer, and the companies of Captains Thornton an Page 140 140 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. Farrington began a forced march of 10 miles upon Ponchatoula,. A locomotive 1 mile below the village gave notice of our approach, which could not be concealed, and ran northward, giving the alarm at the villa ge, and tlieiice to Camp Moore, for re-enforcements. We met on entering Ponchatoula a discharge of canister at 70 yar(18 from a light battery, in charging which Captain Thornton fell severely won nded. us company, then under Lieutenant ilight, re-enforced Captain Far- ringtons first platoon, that had gained a position on the enemys right, to which Lieutenant Coan, with the second l)latoon of that company, took a position, under 1)artial cover, on the left of the enemys line. From these positions our men poured in so deliberate and destructive a fire that the enemy was driven from the field, the artillery galloping away, followed by the infantry, on a road through the forest, in a north. westerly direction. We then set fire to a train of ul)wards of 20 cars, laden with cotton, sugar, molasses, & c., took the papers from the l)ost and telegraph offices (destroying the apparatus of the latter), and Gen- eral Jell Thompsons sw-or(l, spurs, bridle, & c., from his quarters in the hotel. The sword was l)resented to him by so-called Memphis patriots. A written document was obtained, which showed the rebel force at that point to consist df 30() trOOl)5 of the Tenth Arkansas T~egiment, one company of Home Guards, an(l one company of artillery, with six l)ieces. I had, how ever, receive(l reliable intbrmation that the enemys force was a week Previous only 200 infantry and no artillery. The re-enforcement had takemi l)lace at a subsequent (late. Our force en- gaged amounted to but 112 men. We left, of killed, wounded, and missing (exclusive of those who have since come in, among these last the gallant Thornton), 10 men at Pouch atoula. Surgeon Avery, Ninth Co Imnecticut Vohm uteers, with his attendant, voluntarily remained with the wounded, but the formner has since returned. We brought in 11 men more or iC55 severely wounded. One fatal case of sunstroke oc- curred on board the steamner. Our return fromn Pouchatoula was neces- sarily along the railroad, through a swamp, ammd on which there is no cover for troops, arid it was therefore imnpossible to bring off those of our mcii who were most severely wounded, as they would be exposed for a long distance to the fire of the artillery, which, with horses attached, would be brought back upon the line of the road as soon as we should have left the village. It did so return at the signal of the inhabitants. but, though actively served, did us iio harm. Surgeon Avery reports 20 of the enemy killed. Captains Thornton and Farrington and the officers and men of their respective commands, though nearly exhausted by the mnarch (2 miles of which was over an open trestle work,) in the heat of the day, behaved nobly in the fight. Captains Pickering and Winter, after a very rapid march, for which they are entitled to mnuch credit, came up after we had left the village, covered our rear, amid assisted in bringing in the wounded. Lieutenants Martin, Allen, and Finnega ss, and Comn mander Buchanan, U. S. Navy, who accompanied the expedition, rendered im- portant services, amid their gallantry (lurim)g the actiomi deser~-es special mention. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. C. STRONG, Assistant Adjutant- General. Maj. Gen. BENJAMIN F. BUTLER, Commanding Department of the Gul Page 141 CHAP. XXVII.] EXPEDITION TO DONALDSONVILLE, LA. 141 No. 3. Reports of Brig. Gen. Daniel Rnggles, C. S. Army, and instructions. [SEPTEMBER 14 or 15, 1862.1 Three regiments of the enemy attacked and burned PonchatoulatQ- day. Can you send me two regiments~ DANIEL IRUGGLES. General VAN DORN, holly Springs. [JAclisoN, Miss., September 15, 1862.] Operator at Tickfaw dispatches that enemy have burned Long Bridge, over Ponchatoula River, 2 miles this side station at Ponchatoula. Our forces nearly all captured. Enemy lost 16 killed. Our battery taken. Enemy, 3,000 to 4,000, not yet at Tickfaw. Can you scud me some troops~ [DANIEL RUGGLES,] Brigadier- General, C. S. Army. General VAN DORN, Holly Springs. JACKSON, Miss., September 15, 1862. If the enemy are still at Ponchatoula communicate immediately to General Beall by courier, stating full particulars, and request the gen- eral to send such troops as he can spare by railroad to Clinton for further orders. DANIEL RUGGLES, Brigadier- General, C. S. Army. Captain CARTER, Camp Moore, La. JACKSON, Miss., September 16, 1862. Our troops at Ponchatoula rallied by Colonel Witt and repulsed the enemy, reported 900 strong, retaking our battery, capturing the enemy~s wounded. Attack expected this morning. [DANIEL RUGGLES,] Brigadier- Generat, C. S. Army. General VAN DORN. (Same to Generals Beall and M. L. Smith.) SEPTEMBER 2125, 1862.Expedition from Carroilton to Donaldsonville, La., and skirmish. Report of Cot. James W. ]lfeMillan, Twenty-first Indiana Infantry. CAMP CARROLLTON, September 25,1.862. SIR: In the execution of your orde~ to go to Donaldsonville with my regiment I was compelled to go to Baton Rouge to find a gunboat Page 142 142 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXYIL the Sciota, Itasca, and Katalidin having gone up to that place on Saturday morning early. I gave the commanding officer the order from Commodore Morris, and was accompanied to near Donaldsonville by all of them, the Sciota going to anchor a few miles above, for the pro. tection of the steamboat Iberville, loading with sugar on the west bank of the river. The Katahdin and Itasca anchored opposite Donaldson- yule. It being dark when we arrived I deemed it prudent to wait until morning before landing. Early Monday morning I landed my command, and, finding the rebel pickets in the village, I followed them closely nearly 4 miles down the bayou to where they were encamped in sugar-houses. On our approach they scattered among the cane and ran to the woods. Finding I could effect nothing, I returned to the town with a few blankets, left in the precipitancy of the flight of the rebels. I learned their provisions were on the opposite side of the bayou, where they have a small fortification and five or six guns, and use the sugar warehouses of Aro & Cox as barracks. On yester- day (Wednesday) I determined to see what was the strength of their works and forces, having had so many conflicting statements in regard to their numbers, varying from 1,000 to 2,500. 1 was niet by them with one 6-pounder gun within 1~ miles of the river, but I only allowed them one shot by pushing on so rapidly as to compel a hasty retreat to save their gun. They opened on us once more, when I brought two of my guns into battery and soon drove them to their fortifications, pushing them rapidly. When within 700 yards of their fortifications they opened a well-directed fire on us with five gunsone 12-ponuder, one 8 pounder, three 6-pounders, and perhaps one 5-pounder. I mm me- diately ordered my guns into battery and returned their fire briskly, but finding my guns overmatched I determined to charge their forti- fications; but xs~miIe my officers were making the necessary arrange- ments for carrying the order out I discovered their cavalry, under command of Major McWaters, about half a mile distant, passing rapidly along a road cat through the woods, back of the fields, parallel to the one leading to the river, and down which I had marched. I immedi- ately countermanded the order to charge and retraced my steps, when in less than 14 miles from the river the rebel cavalry commenced mak- ing its appearance, having emerged from the woods, but too late to ambuscade us. They pushed on amid got between mae and the river, but only to lose several of their number and be driven back at double the speed they came up. I then returned to the river bank, with my command completely exhausted by the long march and constant skir- mishing, frequently going at double-quick. I was compelled to halt three orfour times on my return to enable the men to rest. We took one prisoner in arms and the town assessor and brought a few of the citizens as refugees. I found it out of my power to effect anything. Force and transportation insufficient to follow on down the bayou to Kapoleonville, Thibodeaux, Terre Bonne, & c., and as I learned that the Spanish refugees preferred remaining and fighting the rebels d Ut mode Seminole, I resolved to return to this cami). My loss was one (Lieutenant Harding) missing and one artillerist slightly wounded. Rebel loss could not have been less than 30 or 40. Some of the citizens reported it umuch greater. 1 captured a few horses only, there being but few left by the rebels. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, JAS. W. MoMILLAN, Colonel Twenty-first Indiana Volunteers. Maj. GEORGE C. STRONG. A. A. G., Dept. of the GuL Page 143 Cask. XXVII.] ENGAGEMENT AT SABINE PASS, TEX. 14~ SEPTEMBER 242~, 1862.Engagement at Sabine Pass, Tex. REPORTS. No. 1.Col. X. B. Debray, Debrays Texas Regiment. No. 2.Lieut. Col. A. W. Spaight, Spaights Texas Battalion. No. 1. Report of Col. X. B. Debray, Debrays Texas Regiment. IIDQRS. SUB-MILITM~Y DISTRICT OF HOUSTON, Houston, Tex., September 25, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that I received to-day at 7 a. m. an express from Beaumont, bearer of a verbal message, that one gunboat and three or four transports had entered the Sabine; that Major Irvine, commanding at Sabine Pass, applied for assistance from the people of Beaumont and Liberty, and that the messenger from Sabine Pass had heard at 8 or 10 miles from that place a heavy cannonade. Major Irvine has at the fort near Sabine Pass only 30 men, and about 25 mounted men 3~ miles from the fort. 1 have to state that Major Irvine, who was in command of Spaights battalion during the absence of Lieutenant- Colonel Spaight on court-martial, did, at the beginning of the month, when the yellow fever broke out at Sabine Pass, furlough all his men, except those above referred to, up to the 27th instant, to rendezvous at Beaumont. This irregular proceeding could not be remedied at once. I instructed Lieutenant-Colonel Spaight to go and gather up his men so soon as possible, and expect that in two or three days the battalion shall have reunited. Meanwhile, in order to be ready to meet the enemy, should he have attempted a landing or foray up the river, I ordered Wilsons light battery and the available men of Griffins battalion, garrisoned here (SO men), to start at once by an extra train for Beaumont. They left at 1 p. m. to-day. I sent an express to Colonel Elmore at llempstead to move with his regiment to Houston by an extra train which I sent to him. I expect them to-night, and should the reports which I await by the Beaumont train at 5 oclock confirm the news of the presence of the enemy, I shall start with that regiment for Sabine Pass to-night by a train which I ordered to be kept in readiness. I have also ordered a train to be ready on the Buffalo Bayou, Brazos and Colorado Ilailroad to start, if necessary, to take a squadron of Debrays regiment at the same time that the rest of the regiment shall move on along the railroad, to take transportation so soon as it can be sent to them. I cannot draw troops from Galveston, which I will not leave unprotected. 8.30 ~. M.The Orange train has arrived without any further news, excel)t the report of heavy canndnading this morning in the direction of Sabine Pass. Elmores regiment arrived at 6 p. in., 700 strong. This, the men of Griffins battalion, and some citizens of Liberty and Beaumont, said to have moved forward, will give me a force of about 900 men, exclusive of Wilsons battery. I start at 12 oclock to-night with Elmores regiment. My impression is that an attempt has been made by the enemy to destroy the fort and the shipping at the mouth of the river, and that all the harm contemplated has been done and that the enemy has withdrawn. Still, should lie have taken hold of Sabine Pass, I shall endeavor to retake it. It has proven to be our most important seaport. I understand that the enemy is about to make Page 144 144 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. or has made, a new demonstration on Corpus Christi. If so, Debrays regiment is still near Alleyton and might be called. I have not ordered it to move. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, X. B. DEBIRAY, Colonel, Commanding Sub-Military District of Houston, TecA Capt. C. M. MASON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 2. Report of heat. Col. A. W. Spaight, kSpaights Texas Battalion. HEAI)QUARTER8 SPAIGHTS BATTALION, Beaumont, Te ., September 2(;, 1862. SIR: On the 23d instant (IMaj. J. S. Irvine, commanding at Sabine Pass during my absence nnder orders at Houston) two armed sail yes. sels and one steam propeller caine to anchor just outside the bar. Early the next morning the two sail vessels, having crossed the bar, took position and opened fire on onr works, to which we promptly replied; but the shots from both sides fell far short. They then ap. proached nearer, when a brisk fire from both sides was resumed and continued until dark. To the chagrin of officers and men our shot still fell short, while the enemy was enabled, with his longer-range guns, to throw shot and shell around and into our works. I take pleasure in stating that our men, fighting at this immense odds, and seeing that they could inflict no injury whatever on the enemy aiid while his shell were bursting over their heads and within the works. stood to their guns and served them with great coolness. They could not be re- strained from mounting the works and shouting and waving their hats in defiance. In pursuance to orders Capt. G. W. OBryan, of Company E, with Lieut. W. A. Junker and a detachment of 26 of his company, arrived at the fort at night-fall. When night came on Major Irvine determined that it would be a fruitless exposure of the men and l)ubhic property to attempt to hold the works another day, and commenced at once to remove the ordnance stores and other property, and spiked the guns, consisting of two 32-pounders and two 18-pounders. The evacuation was completed by daylight the next morning and all the Government property saved. I regret, however, to state that two of the men recently attacked by yellow fever were not in a condition to be removed, and were left in the hospital in the care of competent ~nrses. It should be mentioned here that on the breaking out of the yellow fever among the troops at Sabine City they were withdrawn, with the exception of a detachment of artillery (Company B) to garrison the works. It is now manifest that the result must have been the same, no matter what the number of the force there. To Major Irvine, iii coin mand of the post, and to Capt. K. D. Keith, in the immediate command of the battery, great praise is due for the gallantry of the resistance offered with such wholly inadequate means, and not less for the orderly manner in which the evacuation was con Page 145 CHAP. XXVII.] AFFAIR ON TAYLORS BAYOU, TEX. 145 ducted, whereby none of the public property was permitted to fall into the hands of the enemy. As I learn to-day the two sail vessels have anchored opposite the town and sent some men ashore. I have no information as to the force of the enemy and have no clue as yet to his future movements. 1 have been re-enforced to-day by Elmores regiment, Wilsons bat- tery, and one company of Griffins battalion, Captain Cooks. I will observe the movements of the enemy and promptly report the result, and shall lose no opportunity of infficting injury upon him. Your obedient servant, A. W. SPAIGHT, Lient. ~. M. FRANKLIN, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. SEPTEMBER 27, 1862.Affair on Taylors Bayou, Tex. Report of Lient. Cot. A. W. AS~paight, Spaights Texas Battalion. HEADQUARTERS SPAIGHTS BATTALION, Beaumont, Tex., September 29, 1862. SIR: On the night of the 27th instant the enemy sent up three launches to the mouth of Taylors Bayou and attempted to burn the railroad bridge (Eastern Texas) across that stream. The fire was set just before day and was extinguished by the guard stationed there. The damage was very slight and has been repaired. They took off with them three citizens, one being the mail boy, who happened to be stopping at the house near the bridge. I sent a cavalry company down on yesterday to the bridge, but shall be obliged to replace it with infantry, as I have just learned water for horses cannot be procured in that vicinity. Half of one of my infantry companies are down with measles and quite a number of two others not yet entirely convalescent from yellow fever, which renders me short of men to guard all points and do the work on hand. I shall endeavor to entice the enemy to make another attempt on the bridge. Meanwhile I will scout actively in and around the Pass. 1 have this moment learned they were out again last night in the lake opposite Taylors Bayou, and may have gone higher up. I shall experience no little dif- ficulty in concealing my designs, or rather movements, on account of the unreliable character of a portion of the population in the vicinity of the Pass. No depredations have been committed so far on the citizens of the town. They have indicated a line below the town beyond which their men arc not permitted to go and the citizens are forbidden to go below it. They say the propeller has gone for two light-draught gunboats, which will be here in two weeks. I must ask for an order to charter one of the river boats, with a view to re-marking the stakes that mark the channels across the bars and to obstructing the channels in the event of an attempt to ascend the river. Your obedient servant A. W. SPAIGHT, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. R. M. FRANKLIN, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. 10 R RYOL X Page 146 146 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX,, N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. OCTOBER 2,1862.Destruction of railroad depot near Beaumont, Tex. Report of Lieztt. Cot. A. W. Spaight, Sjpaights Texas Battalion. HEADQUARTERS SPAIGHTS BATTALION, Beaumont, Tex., October 2, 1862. SIR: No further attempt has been made to destroy the Eastern Texas Railroad bridge, but to-day the railroad depot, a mile above the town, was burned. In conversations with Captain Burch to-day Captain Pen- nington said there should be no more travel on our (Eastern Texas) rail- road; he would. send a light-draught schooner up opposite Taylor~s Bayou bridge. He also let it out that he expected soon two New York ferry-boats to ascend the two rivers. They have brought in as prize a light-draught schooner, and seem to be fitting her up with guns. The bridge and lower part of the road are at their mercy whenever they choose to bring a light-draught boat to bear. They can also prevent the crossing at the ferry near the bridge, and this will cut off communica- tion with the Pass, except by a long and bad route by way of the Gulf beach. In that event I shall be almost forced to withdraw my cav- alry from the vicinity of the Pass on account of the difficulty of trans- portation for supplies. To prevent this I must have artillery. If I could get one or two guns, large or small, to place at the mouth of Taylors Bayou, just below the bridge, I could defeat their purpose, keep open communication, and confine them to their l)oats with my cay- ali-y. - They can bring no heavy guns to bear on the bridge and cross- lug. A 24-pounder or two would answer my purpose. If they are not to be had let me urge upon the colonel commanding to send me such as are to be had without delay. It certainly should be our aim to yield no inch of ground without a fight, especially where by timely preparation we may beat them off. Besides, we lose and they gain a great deal by the breaking up of this communication. It is 75 miles to the Pass by any other route and by a road almost impassable to wagons. This would make it difficult for us to prevent them from obtaining beeves at will. The yellow fever and the measles have rendered so many of my men unfit for duty that in my judgment I ought to have at least two more companies (one of cavalry and one of infantry) to guard all the points. The rivers make it difficult to concentrate on any one point iu the event it should become necessary. Since it would be as easy to remove troops from Orange om- Beaumont to any other point on the coast as fromllemp- stead, I would suggest that it might be well to send a portion of the troops stationed there to this locality. The colonel commanding has already had my opinion that the enemy mean more than simply to hold Sabine Pass. That opinion is strengthened every day. I now be- lieve that every available gun at our command should be sent to the Sabine River and to Taylors Bayou, and that without delay. I say every gun, because I know we can spare but few at the most for any one exposed point. I think the enemy expect to take possession of and 1101(1 these rivers with a small outlay of strength, and we ought, if possible, to disappoint them. Considering the light-draught boats they are com- pelled to operate with, I think, with even the limited means at our com- mand, we may be able to keep them out. I shall, unless ordered to desist, push forward the work of obstructing the channels, but it will take time and may be too late for oni purpose. With activity the guns Page 147 CHAP. IXYfi.] CAPTURE OF GALVESTON, TEX. 147 may be put in position in a few days. If they can be had, Major Kellers- bergs assistance is very desirable. Your obedient servant, A. W. SPAIGHT, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Lient. B. M. FRANKLIN, Acting Assi8tant Adjutant- General. OCTOBER 5, 1862.Capture of Galveston, Tex., by Union fleet. REPOETS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Paul 0. H6bert, C. S. Army, commanding First Distriotof Texas. No. 2.CoL X. B. Debray, Debrays Texas Regiment. No. 3.Col. Joseph J. Cook, Cooks Texas Regiment. No. 1. R~~port of Brig. Gen. Paul 0. ff6bert, C. S~ Army, commanding First Dis trict of Texas. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DISTRICT OF TEXAS, San Antonio, Tex., October 15, 1862. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that I yesterday received dis- patches from the officer in command at Houston, announcing that a naval squadronq wI~ich had suddenly appeared off Galveston, had forced its way into the inner bay and held command of that city under its guns. The island was always untenable with the very few guns we had against any respectable naval force, and most of these guns had been placed in battery on the main-land at Virginia Point, a position commanding the railroad and railroad bridge. The garrison retired in good order to the main-land, with arms, ammunition, stores, & c., leaving nothing behind that can be of any service to the enemy. It does not appear that they have as yet any land forces. The officer in command of the squadron, Captain IRenshaw, stated that he would hoist the United States flag over the city of Galveston or over its ashes. Three deserters from the squadron, under examination by our officers, stated that the commander of the squadron had sent a steamer to Pen- sacola for five more gunboats, and that it was his intention to scour and ravagethe whole coast of Texas. We have nothing on the coast to resist them. The few batteries I have at different points west of Galveston are mounted with 18 and 24 pounders. The United States ships are all armed with the latest improvements in guns, all of long range. Noth- ing will be left undone by me to prevent the enemy from penetrating into the interior, although I have no force to resist a formidable invasion. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. 0. H]~BEBT, Brigadier- General, Provisional Army. Col. JAMEb DESHLER, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Trans-Miss. Dept., Little Rock, Ar Page 148 148 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. No. 2. Rer~ports of Col. X. B. Debray, Debrays fLexa8 Regiment. VIRGINIA POINT, October 5, 1862. Just arrived here. Gab-eston cannot be defended, and a fight in the city would be a useless braggadocio against forty guns, or about, at 1 mile from the wharf. The place shall not be surrendered, but slowly evacuated by Colonel Cook. I have arrived too late this evening to make a perfect estimate of the means of defense. I shall by all means prevent a landing and protect the railroad. I send a company to Lib- erty to-morrow to guard the bridge. I have ordered my regiment down to scout over Simms Bayou, San Jacinto, and Trinity. The want of fresh water will be a great difficulty. I ordered the provost-marshal at Gal- veston to remove all the machinery he can. The citizens are moving fast. I notified those disposed to remain that should the United States flag be hoisted over Galveston they would no longer be allowed to com- municate with the continent and shall receive no supplies. The four days allowed by the enemy for the citizens to move expires on Wednes- day night, when I expect an attack here. Please send this to General H6bert by to-morrows mail. X. B. DEBBAY. Maj. T. S. MOISE. HDQRS. SUB-MILITARY DISTRICT OF HOUSTON, Houston, Tex., October 12, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have not yet obtained from Colonel Cook his official re- port upon the attack on Galveston. However, I can judge from his verbal statements that, except some unimportant mistakes, the accounts given by the papers are correct. From Colonel Cooks statement that he was ordered by the general commanding not to make a useless de- fense in the streets of Galveston, I instructed him to withdraw to Eagle Grove andYirginiaPoint (see accompanyingDocument A). The evacua- tion of the city was effected in good order; but very few citiz~ens re- mained in the city. Although I have received no instructions from the general commanding anticipating an attack, the fact that batteries were erected on both sides of the bridge pointed oQt my duty to defend them and to strengthen myself if possible. I have increased the defense of Fort H6bert with one 8-inch columbiad, one 24-pounder rifled gun, and three smooth-bore 32-pounders. The fort at Eagle Groye was not pro- tected from a surprise by land. I have guarded against it, as you will see by Document B. The companies of Cooks regiment, instructed in artillery practice, have been told off into detachments to serve the pieces. ~The other companies of that regiment shall form the first sup- port, with station at about 400 yards from the batteries. Elmores regiment is encamped at about 1 mile from the works, to act as support, and, if necessary, to move to either flank to resist a landing party. I am establishing a hospital at 5 miles in rear on the nearest dry ground found, and I have given orders to remove some of the build- ings at the point to shelter the sick. Document C * will inform the general commanding of my dispositions to secure the use of the railroad for transportation, and also to remove our supplies even during a bombardment. I have ordered a switch and * Not found Page 149 CHAP. XXVII.] CAPTURE OF GALVESTON, TEX. 149 platform to be established at 1~ miles from the works. I believe I can cripple some of the vessels if they come within range of our guns, which are all in a very good condition, well supplied with ammunition and implements. I am laboring under great difficulties to supply the troops with water and fuel. I impart all the activity I can to the officers of the quartermasters department, and I hope supplies will be abundant. Document ID * exhibits the measures taken to defend the mouth of the San Jacinto. I)ocument E * is an order organizing a system of scouts along the coast throughout the sub-district. Lieutenant- Colonel Bates demands troops and artillery. I have none to give him. I have ordered Major Brown to Matagorda to protect that town. The Nechez and Sabine are, I hope, by this time protected from incursion by the enemy. I have received no late reports from that quarter. I have cut off all communications with Galveston City. I intend, how- ever, to send parties to harass the enemy if he lands, and to compel him to give protection to those who shall apply to him forit. His only means will be to try to destroy the bridge. To do this he must wait for mortar boats,which he has sent for, if the information I have received from deserters, whom I interrogated closely, is correct. Meanwhile the other portions of our coast will probably be free from their incursions. Docu- ment F * is the interrogatory of the deserters. The yellow fever has broken out in this city. I have ordered the hos- pital to be evacuated to Columbus. I have ordered the road from Alleyton to San Antonio to be stocked with relays of mules, to bear expresses if necessary. Tlie relays are at Belmont, Sweet Home, and Alleytontwo mules and one driver at each station for a light ambulance. That service is now organized. Duty calls me here to attend to business left behiudhand. I have a locomotive in readiness. Three hours will suffice, when I receive information of movements by the enemy, to carry me to Fort H6bert, where I shall make the best defense I can. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, X. B. DEBRAY, Colonel, Comdg. sub-Military District of Houston, Tex. Capt. S. B. DAvIS, Assistant Adjutant-General, & c., ~S~an Antonio, Tex. P. S.His Excellency Governor Lubbock is here. I inclosed to you his proclamation ratifying my order cutting off intercourse with Gal- veston. I forgot to state that in the evening of the 12th Mr. J. Moore, formerly city clerk, and now mayor pro tempore of the city of Galveston, appointed by the residents who remained, came to see me within our lines, with a message from the inhabitants, to ~he effect that Commander Benshaw, commanding the United States flotilla, had kindly consented to the passage of our trains over the bridge to Eagle Grove, where we could deposit (to be transported by vehicles to Galveston) such articles of subsistence as the inhabitants might need. I have of course de- dined availing myself of the privilege extended to me by the enemy. OCTOBER 13, 8 p. m.I have just received your communication of the 11th instant. The columbiad is still here, because the general told me it was worthlesscould not be fired off without upsetting. Major Not found Page 150 150 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CIIAI. XXVJI. Kellersberg has not returned from the Sabine and Neche~, where he is maki~ig works of defense. Major Von Harten is superintending the construction of platforms, and does it well. I expect that by 11 oclock this morning five pieces shall be in position in addition to the others. 9 A. M.Nothing new at Virginia Point. Troops in good spirits. [Document A.] HDQRS. SUB-MILITARY DISTRICT OF HOUSTON, Galveston, Tex., October 5, 1862. Col. JOSEPH J. CooK, (Jommanding Post, Galveston, Tex.: COLONEL: The enemy having possession of Galveston Bay with an overwhelming force of artillery, you will avoid making within fhe city a resistance, which would bring about the destruction of the property of our citizens without resulting in any good to the country. You will move from the city to Virginia Point~ch material as you can save and the troops you do not actually need to maintain good order in the city so long as you are in possession of it. You will give aid and assistance to the provost-marshal in removing from the island such machinery as can be removed. You will cause the printing presses to be put out of working order with as little destruction of property as possible. You will cause the residents, citizens or aliens, to understand that should the enemy hoist his flag over the city of Galveston they shall at once be cut off from intercourse with the continent by us, and that, if falling in the hands of the enemy, they have but two alternatives left, viz, abject submission or persecution and insult. You will inform them, should they be too poor to provide for their transportation, the Government of the Confederate States will transport them to Houston free of cost. You will, when an attack by the enemy is imminent, with- draw to Virginia Point, leaving two companies to garrison Eagle Grove, endeavoring to withdraw without loss of men. Very respectfully, X. B. DEBRAY, Colonel, Comdg. AS1ub-Military District of Houston, Tex. [Document B.] HDQRS. SUB-MILITARY DISTRICT OF HOUSTON, Fort H6bert, Tex., October 10, 1862. Col. JOSEPH J. CooK, Commanding Fort H~bert, Tex.: COLONEL: I shall transfer to-morrow my headquarters to Houston. You will telegraph to me morning and evening every day the state of affairs at your- post. Should the enemy make any movement causing you to anticipate an attack you will telegraph to me at once. You will reserve for my office and quarters the room I now occupy. The fort at Eagle Grove is not protected against a night surprise by a land- ing force. To guard against such a reverse, always disgracefnl for a commander who did not prevent it, you will send a picket of 2 non-com- missioned officers and 10 mounted men to take station ljalf a mile be- yond the fort on the road to Galveston, with orders to place 2 sentinels a quarter of a mile in advance. Should an enemys force make its ap- pearance the picket shall withdraw slowly, skirmishing, sending prompt intelligence to the fort. You will station one company of infantry at the fort to act as a support to the company of artillery now garrison Page 151 CHAP. XXVII.] 151 CAPTURE OF GALVESTON, TEX~ ing it. You will order the sentinels to be doubled at night. A picket shall be stationed by day and night in advanc& of the fort, with orders to arrest all persons attempting to P~55 into our lines. Shoul~l a flag of truce present himself he shall not be allowed to proceed farther, and such intercourse as he may wish to have shall take place there. The picket stationed at night upon the railroad bridge shall upon an alarm from the fort march promptly to its support. I have instructed the ordnance officer to supply you with rockets and rocket-stands, to be used at the fort at Eagle Grove and at the draw-bridge for signals of alarm, which the sentinels at Fort ll6bert shall prom.ptly coinmuni- cate to you by the officer of the day. The companies of Debrays regi ment not engaged in scouting duty shall, under your orders, patrol actively at night ou both flanks of Fort ll6bert and harass the enemy at Galveston whenever you deem it expedient. Your judgment will suggest to you some other measures of precaution; none must be omitted, remote as the danger may appear. You will inform me of all modifications made by you iu the phtu of defense adopted. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient serv- ant, X. B. DEBRAY, Colonel, Corndg. Sub-Military District of Houston, Tex. No. 3. Report of Col. Joseph J. Cook, Cooks Texas Regiment. HEADQUARTERS, Fort H6bert, Tex., October 9, 1862. Siu: On the morning of the 4th the blockading fleet off the bar of Galveston consisted of eight vessels, four of which were armed steamers, one a mortar-boat, and all but one of them apparently of such draught as to admit of their crossing the bar. At about 7 a. m. one of the steamers (the Harriet Lane) crossed the bar, flying a white flag, and when opposite Fort Point a shot from our battery was fired across her bow, and she immediately came to anchor. An officer soon after landed from the steamer in front of the battery and asked an interview with the commander of the post. Immediately upon being advised of this I repaired to Fort Point, and was informed by the officer who had lauded that the commander of the fleet desired me to send out a messenger to receive a commnnication from him. Hav- ing no boat at the Point, I returned to the city and immediately dis- patched a messenger in a boat, flying a white flag. The boat left the wharf about 1 p. in., and before she could be worked out to the Point the Harriet Lane weighed anchor, repassed the bar, und communicated with the fleet, and the four steamers, with the mortar-boat in tow, came in over the bar and up to about the position where the Harriet Lane had been brought to anchor. As soon as this movement was observed I started for Fort Point, but before I could reach there a shot was fired from our battery in front of the foremost of the advancing vesselsour flag-of-truce boat then being but a short distance offwhen the enemy, disregarding their own white flag, immediately opened fire from all the vessels with about twenty guns on our battery, which consisted of but one gun, a 10-inch, and they continued to play upon it until the gun was struck by a shot and so disabled as to be unserviceable, and th Page 152 152 W. FLA., S. FLA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. officer in command ordered the gun to be spiked and the barracks fired, and the men retreated across the low, open grounds toward the city. .1 joined them soon after they left the battery, and the five ves- sels of the enemy, having passed entirely aronnd the Point into the harbor, continued to throw shot and shell at us until we passed out of their range. Upon the fleet turning np the channel toward the city the two 24-pounders in battery on the bay side, near the east end of the city, opened fire on them, but our shot fell short, and the vessels - having now come up to our flag-of-truce boat, ceased firing and took our messenger on board their flag-ship, and the fleet came to anchor. The assemblage of vessels off the bar on the day previous had given us every reason to expect an attack, and during that day and the morning of the 4th 1 had made arrangements with the railroad com- pany to be ready with transportation to meet any emergency that might occur. Having some time previous to this been ordered by the general commanding this department to withdraw our troops from the city in case the enemy should bling to bear against our position such a force as to overcome our defenses at Fort Point and enable them to command the harbor, and after the gun at Fort Point was silenced, having no further effective means of defending the harbor or protecting the city from bombardment by the enemy or inflicting any injury on them, immediately after our troops had abandoned Fort Point I ordered. the two guns which were in position at South Battery, on the south side of Galveston Island, to be spiked, and all our material at that and other points in the city to be taken to the railroad depot, which was done. At about 3.30 p. m our flag- of-truce messenger returned to the city, bearing a demand from the enemy for the surrender of the city and demanding an immediate answer. I sent a messenger with the answer that I should not surrender the city, directing the messei~iger also to say to the commander of the fleet that there were many women and children, and to demand time to remove them. After some negotiation it was agreed that no attack should be made upon the city for four days; that during the time we should not construct any new or strengthen any old defenses within the city, and the fleet not to be brought any nearer the city. This arrangement gave us ample time for the removal of all who desired to leave the island, and also for the removal of our troops and material of every kind. On the night of the 4th you reached the city, and during the next day I received your orders in relation to matters at Galveston. During the four days I removed the two 24-pounders, and also the two guns at South Battery were unspiked and removed, and all of them have been safely landed at Virginia Point. I .cansed the people of the city to be fully notified in relation to matters which you directed they should be advised of. All machinery of any value was removed. The civil au- thorities removed all the county records of every kind and all the records of the city corporation and of the district court. The railroad company removed all their material of every kind, and by 11 a. m. of the 8th we had removed all the Government property of any value ex- cept the 10-inch gun at Fort Point, and a large majority of the popula- tion of the city had left their houses and the island. The troops having all been removed, in accordance with your orders I left with my staff for Virginia Point, leaving a sufficient force to hold the battery at the south end of the railroad bridge, and that evening I reported at this place to Col. X. B. Debray, commanding Sub-Military District of Houston Page 153 CHAP. XXVII.] EXPEDITION FROM FORT UNION, N. MEX 153 It affo~rds me great pleasure to be able to state that both officers and men behaved nobly, executing all orders promptly and correctly. All of which is respectfully submitted. Yours, respectfully, ~. COOK, Colonel, Commanding. Lient. R. M. FRANKLIN, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. i9ub.Military District of Houston. OCTOBER 9NOVEMBER 25, 1862..Expedition from Fort Union to the Canadian River and Utah Creek, N. Mex. REPORTS. No. 1.Capt. William H. Backus, Second Colorado Infantry. No. 2.Lient. George L. Shoup, Second Colorado Infantry. No. 1. Report of Capt. William H. Backus, $econd Colorado Infantry. FORT UNION, N. MEX., Pecember 1, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the following operations of my corn papy since my last report: On November 1 one of the men sent to guard the wagons that had gone to Hatchs Ranch for forage returned and reported a camp of Mexicans about 45 miles from camp, on the Fort Smith road. From what he could learn from the drivers they were a part of a large party which had undertaken to go down the Pecos, but had been turned back by the troops there, and were now waiting for the remainder of their company to come up, and were then determined to go on down the country, if they had to cut the soldiers throats. The man left the camp at night and rode all night to bring me the information at camp. November 2 I started for the road at midnight, with 20 men, to be ready for them when they came along. Arrived at the road at day. light, but saw no Mexicans; went on up the road 20 miles farther, to where they were encamped the night before; found that they had turned back; sent 2 men on after them and marched the remainder back to camp. The 2 men sent to look for the Mexican train returned to the camp on the 5th instant, at 4 p. in., reporting that the Mexicans were encamped about 15 miles from where they were first discovered, and that they had increased in number to 30 wagons and over 100 men. I sent out a spy, to keep well up the road and give me timely notice of their approach. November 6 they came in at 10 p. m. and reported the train coming down the road. Got 20 men ready and started at midnight for the road again to meet them. The train came on in sight at 4 p. in.; arrested the owners and had the train camped. Found that the wagons con- tained no loading. There were about 150 head of loose, fat cattle, be- sides those attached to the wagons. They said that they wished to go below to hunt buffalo. I told them that they could go, but they must leave their surplus cattle, which theydeclined to do, and on the morn- ing of the 8th turned back, and I marched to camp. While I was examining the Mexican train on the 7th a messenge Page 154 154 W. FLA, S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. arrived from Lieutenant Shoup, stating that he had overtaken the wagons that he was sent after arid had captured 24 prisoners, and asked for more men to help bring them up. As soon as I was throngh with the Mexicans I dispatched 10 men to go down and meet Lieuten- ant Shoup. Meu in camp not on other dnty are engaged in building stables. On the 11th ultimo the picket guard arrested a party of Mexicans and sent for me. I went over to the road and found them to be buffalo- hunters; examined them aud let them pass on. Another messenger arrived from Lieutenant Shoup after ratioQs. I sent a wagon with rations to meet him. November 13 Lieutenant Shoup and the prisoners arrived at the picket camp; prisoners sick with small-pox; had left 2 of them 150 miles below; they were unable to travel; left 2 men to take care of them and bring them np as soon as they were able. Returned to camp this evening, and fonnd the Indian agent who went down with Shoups party had returned with the chiefs Mouwa and Little Buffalo, accom- panied by abont 100 Indians and squaws. They staid fonr or five days with us. The agent gave them their presents, and Lieutenant Shoup and myself had several talks with them. They professed great friendship, and said that if we would come down and fight the Texans they would help us, and directed us to carry a white flag, so that they might know us. November 16 the 2 men left back with the sick prisoners came into small-pox camp. The prisoners had both died. November 21 relieved by Lieutenant Perry and marched for Fort U~~embe; 23 another of the prisoners died of small-pox. November 24 the entire command, with the prisoners, marched for Fort Union. November 25 I left the command at Red Lake this morning and started for Santa F6. 1 have the honor also to inclose the report of Lieutenant Shoup of his pursuit and capture of the prisoners. With great respect, your obedient servant, WM. II. BACKUS, Captain Company C, Second Colorado Volunteers. ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, ffdqrs. Department of New Mexico, Santa P6, N. Alex. No. 2. Report of J2ieut. George L. Shoup, Second Colorado Infantry. POInT UNION, N. MEx., December 1, 1862. Sin: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to your orders, No. , October 26, 1862, 1 left yonr camp, at mouth of Utah Creek, Canadian River to pursue, and if possible overtake and arrest, a party who had gone d~wn that river. I had with me Sergeant [S. U.] Marvin, Corporal [A. W.] Allen, and 17 privates; also Dr.Rank in, Indian Agent Stapp, and Interpreter Delisle. The first day, about 2 p. in., after marching about 25 miles, we dis- covered one of their camps. From the appearance of the ashes, the track Page 155 ChAr. XXVHJ EXPEDITION FROM FORT UNION, N. MEX. 155 of the auiinal~ and other signs in and around camp we jndg~d it to be at least three days old. Forming an estimate from the distance they had traveled the day previous to encamping here I concluded that they must be some 80 or 90 miLes ahead of me. This camp was about 10 miles from the Fort Smith road and about 15 miles from the Cana- dian River, betweeu the road and river. I had some knowledge of the country for about 250 miles down the Canadian River from Utah Creek. I knew a trail on the north side of the Canadian that intersects the Fort Smith road about 225 miles below the month of Utah Creek. I had marched over that trail in September last, while scouting after Indians. It was then reported to me to be shorter than the Fort Smith road. The party of whom we were in pursuit were evidently trying to leave the country without being detected. The direction they were traveling would indicate that they were going to Fort Smith. They were follow- ing a trail that had been recently made by horses, mules, and pack- animals, about 40 in number. This led me to believe that they might be.part of the same party. I afterward ascertained that this trail had beeu made by Mexicans, who were trading with the Indians, and would join at some point below. It was also evident that they knew of our presence in that part of the country. I feared that they might have spies, who would watch our movements, and as I was following, to all appearances, a superior number, I feared I might be led into some trap and get surprised ourselves by them. I therefore concluded to cross the river and follow the trail that leads down the north side and march as rapidly as possible to the junction of the trail with the Fort Smith road. Having arrived at this conclusion, I informed Sergeant Marvin of what I had determined on doing, and instructed him to march that evening to the river, and, agreeing to meet him that night some time, I took one man and followed the trail to the next camp, hoping I might gain some ~more information concerning the number, character, & c., of the party. I discovered, while riding to their next camp, distant about 10 miles, and which I supposed to be a noon camp, that there were 5 wagons; also that there was a lady with the party. I here turned about and joined my men the same night. After arriving in camp, on October 30, at a point about 175 miles below the mouth of the Utah Creek, I concluded to reconnoiter the country southward in search of the Fort Smith road, as I had been informed by my guide that the Fort Smith road came near the river opposite this camp. I took Corporal Allen and Private [James] Baird, rode cautiously to the river and crossed over, but was not successful in finding the road. Thinking that we must soon come to the road, we rode on southward about 15 miles till about midnight, when I gave up the search, turned about, and rode for camp, where I arrived next day about 11 a. in., and immediately resumed the march for the junction of the trail with the road. On November 2, about noon, I arrived at a point opposite where the Fort Smith road comes to the river from the bluffs, and about 2.50 miles below the mouth of Utah Creek. I placed a spy on a lookout on a high bluff, where he could see across the river and watch the maneuver- ing of any party on the Fort Smith road for many miles either way. Examining the road, I found that the party of whom we were in search had not yet passed. There being a village of Indians a few miles below, I concluded to go down to the village with their agent (Stapp), to see and have a talk with them, and then return by way of the Fort Smith road to meet the truant party. I was not out of sight of my last camp before my spy on the lookout disc~vered the party approaching and imm Page 156 156 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVH. diately informed me of the same. A spy was immediately concealed in the bluff opposite them to watch their movements, and, if possible, ascer- t5ain their number, means of defense, & c. I marched down the river about 8 miles, and concealed the men and animals in a grove of timber near the river. Several Indians were seen during the evening, but none came to our camp. After dark I took a few men and rode out to recon- noiter their camp, which was found to be about 8 miles above and abont 1 mile from the river. They had too many dogs for a night surprise. About 11 oclock at night some one was heard hallooiug opposite our camp across the river. I went down to the river bank and saw three men on the opposi,te shore. One of the men asked me, in broken Eng- lish, if they could cross the river. I replied that they could easily ford it. My first impression was that it was a detachment of the party above, who had gone ahead and had mistaken our camp for theirs. By this time some of my men had come to me, and we were ready to arrest them as they came out of the river. Just before they reached the shore we discovered that they were Indians. I recognized one of the Indians to be an old friend of mine. He commenced hallooing, and other Indians came across. I told them that we had come down on a friendly visit, and told them that we had some presents for them at our camp. I asked them if they knew who the party was in the camp above. They pro- fessed to be ignorant of the existence of another party in the vicinity, and they at once suspected treachery on our part. They thought it im- possible that we could come from the same direction and not know who the other party was. However, I, with the assistance of Agent Stapp. convinced them that we had no other than friendly feelings toward them that we Were telling them the truth, & c.; that if the party on the other side of the river above were traders I would not molest them; but if they were going to Fort Smith or to any other part of the Confederacy I must take them back. I told the Indian who could talk English that if he would go to their camp early in the morning, ascertain whether or not they were traders, their number of men, their kind of arms, & c., I would reward him for so doing. I told him upon no consideration to let them know of our presence in the vicinity. I then gave them a midnight meal and they left. The next morning at day-break we crossed the river, and I selected a good position to surprise the party. Concealed our horses behind a bluff, about 250 yards from the road, leaving a guard with them, while we took our position behind a bluff within a few feet of the the roada most excellent place to surprise a party coming down the road. The Indians came around us in considerable numbers. Their suspicions were again aroused, and the messenger had not gone up to the camp, as agreed upon the night before. But we soon allayed all suspicion again, and Indian Thomas (who speaks English), after receiv- ing instructions to be very cautions and discreet, starte(l for the camp above. About two hours later he returned, bringing a note, directed to the chief of the Comanche Nation, signed Russell & Co. The sub- stance of the note was that they were a party of 18 white men, from Las Vegas, N. Mex., bound for Fort Smith. I told the Indians I should take the party back with me. The Indians were all animated, and wished to participate in the capture of the party. They were instructed that we thought ourselves equal to the task. They still insisted on helping us, and said that they would be governed by my orders. I then told them that if any of the party should escape then they might take them prisoners, and I would reWard them for so doing. This satisfied them. They concealed their animals behind a bluff near ours and made great preparations for a fight Page 157 CIiA~. xxvii.] EXPEDITION FROM FORT UNION, N. MEX. 157 About 11 a. m. the party came in sight. The Indians came very near revealing our whereabouts by assembling on a bluff near by, and, by their great anxiety to see all that was going on, they held their heads so high that they were seen by the party approaching, who, on seeing the Indians acting in this manner, suspected an attack from them; con- sequently they halted at the distance of a quarter of a mile, examined their arms, and made every preparation for a battle with the Indians, and then moved on. I had previously ordered that the word Surren- der should be the signal for my men to spring up, with muskets cocked and aimed, on our opponents. I let them come fully into ,the trap set for them, when I commanded them to halt and surrender. They were completely surprised. They were watching the Indians, and did not think of danger so close by. I repeated the command to surrender, which command they immediately complied with by dropping their arms without showing resistance. I took from them 6 double-barreled shot- guns, 8 rifles, 6 revolvers, 10 mules, 10 horses, 10 sets of harness, 10 bridles, 10 saddles, 1 side-saddle, and 5 wagons. I searched their per- sons and baggage for papers, taking from them any and all papers liable to be of any service whatsoever in furnishing evidence for or against them. In answer to questions asked as to where they were going the majority answered to their homes in Georgia, two or three to Fort Smith, one to Cherokee Nation, one to Kansas, and one to Missouri. At the time of their surrender they had three cases of small-pox among them. In searching their baggage I found some treasuregold dust, watches, chains, rings, & c., all of which I allowed them to keep. The names of the party are as follows, viz: Green Russell, Dr. D. I. Russell, J. 0. Russell, Samuel Bates, John Wallace, Robert Fields, James Pierce, James Whiting, A. S. Rippy, II. M. Dempsey, W. I. Witcher, William Witcher, D. Patterson, G. F. Rives, J. Gloss, W. Odem, Isaac Roberts, J. P. Potts, and family of six children, the oldest a young lady, about seventeen years of age. I forwarded to you, by a messenger, same day, the result of the ex- pedition, hastily written with a pencil, in which I neglected to state that there were three cases of small-pox among the prisoners, but told the messenger to be sure and tell you. There were about 100 Indians at my camp that evening. They de- manded a prisoner. They said that they had been fighting the Texans, and that they must have a man now, that they might have a war-dance. I told them repeatedly that they could not have a man; that I should start back in the morning with all the prisoners; that Agent Stapp and two others would stop with them a few days to show them that we were acting in good faith toward them, and that the agent would then bring them to our camp to receive their presents. They started a runner immediately for their head chief Mouwa. Next morning I commenced the return march. After marching up the river about 10 miles an Indian overtook me, stating that Mouwa and other Indians were coming up the river; that Mouwa wished me to stop, as he wished to see me. I encamped about two hours, after which Mouwa came up, with about 50 other Indians with him. I gave them something to eat. We then held an interview. He wanted a man, half of the animals, arms, ammunition, & c., taken from the prisoners. I told him that was not consistent with our rules of warfare. I told them that I was willing to pay them for the information they had given us, and would be willing to pay them for all information received here- after. I gave them some silver and other presents for the information they had given this time. Agent Stapp did the same. After talking all evening we separted the best of friends, with a good understanding Page 158 158 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. Agent Stapp and two others were to return with the Indians, stay with them three days, and then all were to go to your camp, at the mouth of Utah Creek. The next morning we resumed our march up the river. On the morning of November 7 Dr. IRu~sell informed me that two of the men having the small-pox were too sick to resume the march on that day, but thought by next day they would be better, after one days rest. I laid in camp that day. Next morning the doctor informed me that the sick were no better and could not be moved. At this time some of the prisoners were out of rations and some of them had more than eight days rations. I had six or seven days rations. This, when divided among those who had none, made it necessary to make your camp as soon as possible~ Acting under this impulse, I left two of the sick men and two of those who had partially recovered as attendants and two of my men as a guard, with fifteen days rations, and leaving with them one wagon and team, while I resumed the march. On November 11 I was met by a detachment of 10 men, sent out by you to meet me. They had but one days rations left when I met them, their fourth day from your camp. I sent two of them forward the same day, with a dispatch to you, requesting that rations be sent to meet me. On the 13th I met a team, sent out by you, with rations for me. The same day I arrived at your picket camp. The general conduct and behavior of the prisoners after their capture was that of high-toned gentlemen. They made no attempt to escape. They all say that they had no intention ofjoining the Confederate Army, though the majority of them acknowledge that their sympathies are with the South. Our mej~ in this, as in former events, deserve the highest praise for their perseverance, coolness, courage, and discretion. Sergeant Marvin and Corporal Allen were untiring in their exertions for the safe-keep- ing of the prisoners. I have the honor to be, captain, your obedient servant, G. L. SHOUP, Second Lieutenant Company C, Second Colorado Volunteers. Capt. WILLIAM H. BACKUS. OCTOBER 24NOVEMBER 6, 1862.Operations in the La. Fourche Dis- trict, La., including capture of Donaldsonville, October 25, and action at Georgia Landing, near Labadievile, October 27. REPORTS. No. 1.Maj. Gen. Benj. F. Butler, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Gulf. No. 2.Brig. Gen. Godfrey Weitzel, U. S. Army, commanding expedition. No. 3.Lient. John A. Vance, Sixteenth New York Infantry, Acting Signal Officer. No. 4.Maj. Gen. R. Taylor, C. S. Army, commanding District of Western Louisiana. No. 5.Brig. Gen. Alfred Mouton, C. S. Army. No. 1. Reports of Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, U. S. Army, commanding De partment of the Gu~f HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, October 24, 1862. GENERAL: While I have the honor to report a reasonable degree o Page 159 CHAP. XXVII.] THE LA FOURCHE DISTRICT, LA. 159 health on the part of my troops through the summer and an entire ab- sence of epidemic here, I think it would be well, in view of the coming summer, to change the regiments for the coming season, and for that purpose it will be necessary to begin now, to prevent disarranging the service. I find those necessarily kept on the lines at Carroilton suffer- ing greatly from the malarious swamp fever, to which the debilitating eff~cts of summer predisposes them. To my astonishment, and against all theory, the regiment of accli- mated Louisianians which I have recruited here, and one of the most healthy I had while in barracks, sent there, supposing them able to resist the effects of the malaria because of this acclimatization, have suffered from the swamp fever the most considerably of anymuch more than the fresh troopsthe Seventy-fifth New York, which I brought from the healthy sands of Pensacola and placed in the same locality. I have the honor to report two regiments of Native Guards (colored) organized and mustered into the service, and one takes the field to- morrow. I have organized an expedition, consisting of a brigade (five regiments of infantry, two batteries of artillery, and four companies of cavalry), nuder the command of Brigadier-General Weitzel, to move upon the western bank of the Mississippi through Western Louisiana, for the purpose of dispersing the forces assembled there under General Richard Taylor. I propose at the same time to send around some light-draught steamers, which I have been fitting for the service by protecting their boilers and engines with iron coverings, so as to prevent, if possible, the recurrence of the dreadful accident which occurred on the Mound City steamer by the penetration of her boilers by shot and by mount- ing them with light guns, to attack some batteries at Berwick Bay, to penetrate the waters of the bay and tributaries and cut off the sup- plies of cattle for the rebel army from Texas via Opelousas and New Iberia, and to act in conjunction with Brigadier-General Weitzel. At the same time I push forward a column from Algiers, consisting of the Eighth Regiment Vermont Volunteers and the First Regiment of Native Guards (colored), along the Opelonsas Railroad to Thibodeaux and Brashear City, open the railway for the purpose of forwarding sup- plies to General Weitzels expedition, and to give the loyal planters an opportunity to forward their sugar and cotton to this city. I can easily hold this portion of Louisiana, by far the richest, and extend the move- ment so far as to substantially cut off all supplies from Texas to the enemy this coming winter by this route, if I can receive early re-enforce- ments. Please therefore send me New England troops. The news- papers assure me that there are thousands waiting in Massachusetts. Letters from their officers are received by me begging that they may come to this department. Of course I have a preference for Massa- chusetts troops. Those that I have have behaved very well. I trust that they may be sent to me. I should be glad if General Weitzel should be able to move upon Texas, and would suggest that an appropriate base of operations would be through Galveston, which I have just heard has surrendered to the naval -force of the Union, but I have hardly a regiment which I can spare to hold it, althoughj propose to send onenot that I anticipate an immediate attack upon New Orleans nor that I fear it, unless I am forced to receive the d~bris of the Southwestern wing after the defeat of Bragg b~ General Buell, while if I weaken myself here I may in- vite an attack from such source Page 160 160 W. FLA., S. ALA, S. MISS., LA., TEX, N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVIL Rear-Admiral Farragut is very desirous that we should make a demonstration on Mobile, or at least Fort Morgan~ to save the neces- sity of the large blockading force off that fort. I think 3,000 men would do it successfully; but again I have not the men to spare and to do those things which I think of more immediate necessity. I have as yet received, with the exception of 60 men, no recruits from the North for any of my old regiments, some of which have been eighteen months in service, so that my regiments appear much larger in numbers than they are in effective strength. I am sorry to report the very sudden and serious illness of Brigadier. General Arnold, who was stricken with paralysis while attending a re- view on Saturday, from which I think he will not recover sufficiently to resume his duties for some months. I was happy to receive the commendation of the general command- ing in chief of the action of Major Strong at Ponchatoula. The illness of General Arnold and the wide-spread districts over which my troops are disposed make it necessary that I should have another brigadier-general. Allow me to recommend for promotion Major Strong, my assistant adjutant-general, lieutenant in the Ordnance Corps, who graduated the second in his class at West Point in 1857, and also has been in the service ever since. I know no one more competent, and certainly he has shown both conduct and gallantry. I have been obliged to lose his services a part of the summer through his ill-health, brought on by overexertion in preparing the expedition to New Or- leans; but I think that he has now fully recovered and re-established his health. May 1 ask your kind offices to recommend to the President this appointment as one eminently fit to be made? I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Commander-in- Chief. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orlean8, La., October 27, 1862. GENERAL: In my dispatch of the [24th] instant I had the honor to report to the commanding general the departure of an expedition, under Brigadier-General Weitzel, into that part of Louisiana which lies west of the Mississippi River. I inclose General Weitzels dispatch, show- ing his operations so far. * This is sent by hand of Captain [A. F.] Puffer, of my staff, by whom I also forward a map of that part of Louisiana which, though not strictly accurate, will give you a very good idea of the country through which operations are being made. I have explained to him verbally the pro- posed action of the expedition, and, if you desire, by the aid of the map he may make it clearer than I can by writing. I trust you will find him a gentleman of such intelligence as to make clear the difficulties we encounter and the necessity of the expenditure which I have made for light-draught steamers for the numerous bayous. I hope that on Tuesday morning, the 28th instant, four of these steamers, two of them iron-clad as far as the boilers are concerned, will * Tiw~t of October 25. See Report No. 2 Page 161 CHAP. XXVII.] THE LA FOURCHE DISTRICT, LA. 161 be in Brashear City. We have opened the railroad as far as the point marked Boutte Station. The enemy have a force at the point where the Bayou des Allemands is crossed by the railroad. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major-General, Commanding. Major-General HALLECK, Commander-in-Chief U. ~. Army. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orlean8, La., November 2, 1862. I have the honor to recount a very successful expedition, under Gen- eral Weitzel, of the preparation for the march of which I have previ- ously informed the commanding general: General Weitzel landed at Donaldsonville and took up his line of march on Sunday, October 26. About 9 miles beyond Donaldsonville he met the enemy in force. A sharp engagement ensued, in which he lost 18 killed and 68 wounded.* Full lists of the casualties have been received and published. The commanding officer of the enemy, Colonel McPheeters, was killed, and the enemy lost quite a large number in killed and wounded. Two hundred and sixty-eight prisoners were cap- tured, and also one piece of artillery. Since then he has met with no opposition, and the whole of that country is now open to him. The enemy has evacuated Brashear City, having by means of the railroad got away before our gunboats could cut off their retreat, the naval forces having been delayed by a very severe storm. I send you General Weitzels report, received to-day. t Sending off so large a proportion of my effective force has necessarily left me very weak here, and I beg leave to urge upon the commanding general the necessity of re-enforcements, with which I can operate at Mobile and Texas, or up the river, which can be opened, or a march on Jackson, Miss., undertaken. I am organizing some companies of Texas Volunteers as cavalry, which I hope will grow into a regiment. I will forward by the next mail my letter of instruction to General Weitzel in answer to his dispatches herewith sent. I am just informed that our railroad communications with Geiieral Weitzel are opened, and his messenger has just come in, bringing a dispatch while I write, which I inclose. IcannottoomuchcommendtheenergyofColonel Thomas,withhis regiment, the Eighth Vermont, who have in six days opened 52 miles of railroad, built nine culverts, rebuilt a bridge (burned by the enemy) 435 feet long, besides pulling up the rank grass from the track, which entirely impeded the locomotive all the way. In this work they were assisted by Colonel Staffords regiment, Native Guards, (colored). I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Commander-in- Chief U. S. Army. But see revised statement, p. 172. That of October 29. See Report No. 2. 11 R RVOL X Page 162 162 XV. FLA, S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAr. XXVII. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans La November 6 1862. , -, GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose copies of General Weitzels reports* of his operations on the west bank of the river and of my instructions to him. - I propose to-day to visit him in person, to advise whether we will cross Berwick Bay without awaiting the reconstruction of the bridge at Bayou Ba~uf. It will be apparent that General Weitzel brings up the interesting question of the war. I trust that my instructions on it will meet your approbation. The President and yourself are aware that I am wholly without guide in this matter. I take occasion to call, to the attention of the general commanding in chief that more than seventy days since I called the attention of the War Department .to the organization of three colored regiments by my General Orders, No. 63, of August 22, 1862, subject to the approval of the President and though I have had many communications directly from the Wait Department and from the general commanding in chief, no communication disapproving of that organizatien has been received. I must therefore take it to be approved, but would prefer distinct orders on this subject. Awaiting further instructions from the general commanding-in-chief, I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, BENJ. F. BUTLER. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Oommander-in-Ohief of the Armies of the United & ates. [Inclosures.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, La., November 2, 1862. GENERAL: Your dispatch of November 1 is received.t As I in- formed you in my last, I have sent forward both regiments of Native Guards (colored) to guard the road. 1 have no doubt that before this reaches you Colonels Thomas and Stafford will have reported to you. They will receive from you orders. We have already taken measures about the organization of the management of the Qpelousas Railroad. Of course there will be no more difficult subject for you to deal with than the negroes. By the act of Congress, independent of the Presi- dents proclamation, having come from rebel masters into our lines in occupation of rebel territory since the passage of that act they are free. But the question recurs, What shall we do with them? While we have no right to return them to their masters as such, it is our duty to take care of them, and that can include employment. Put them as far as possible upon plantations; use every energy to have the sugar crop made and preserved for the owners that are loyal, and for the United States where the owners are disloyal. I am working the plantations along the river below upon this plan. Let the loyal planters make arrangements to pay their negroes $10 a month for able-bodied men; *3 to be expended in clothing, and so in proportion. Disembarrass your army of them as much as possible. Especially will this be neces- sary in the case of Colonel Staffords command. I have information, more or less reliable, that there were about 8,000 troops at Port Hudson, Pouchatoula, and Camp Moore (about equally * Those of November 1 and 5. See Report No. 2. t See Report No. 2 Page 163 CHAP. XXVfl.] THE LA FOURCHE DISTRICT, LA. 163 divided among the three) on October 27. My impression is that they have gone north. Bragg is undoubtedly badly beaten and is in full retreat. There has been no battle since the 9th (at Perryville) up to the 16th. Nothing new on the Potomac. I inclose you some of the latest newspapers with this dispatch. In regard to disarming the people, every disloyal person must be disarmed; and I do not mean by loyalty lip service. Besides, we must leave force enough to take care of any rising of the negroes. I think you had better see the most intelligent of the negroes in person, and assure them that all acts of Congress and laws in their favor will be carried out to them with the same effect if they remain on the planta- tions and work as if they came into camp, and caution them that there must be no violence to unarmed and quiet persons. You had better send back a train of extra artillery and cavalry horses and mule wagons to Algiers, on a march, without waiting for the rail. road. A small guard will be sufficient. They will probably have to strike the river road at Bonnet Carr6 but of that your knowledge of the topography of the country, will give you the best direction. I need not assure you that I am taking every means to open railroad and tele- graphic communication. Captain Kensel, who is present as this dispatch is written, is only waiting transportation to forward the ammunition. I think the gunboats had better press up to Franklin and capture or destroy some boats that are building there. Of that you can tell better when you go forward. I wish to disengage McMillans regimen1~ as early as it can be dis- pensed with, if at all, to hold Galveston. It. is under advisement to build a fort at Donaldsonville, at the junc- tion of the bayou and the river. We have 32-pounders here with which we can arm it. That will make a station easily held on the coast half way between here and Baton Rouge. I think a work about on the plan of Fort Macomb, with casemates only, to flank the draw-bridge, woul4 be the better plan. Please advise me on the subject. We hear flaming reports of salt-works at New Iberia. If practicable, will it not be better to reach them and destroy them? But thatI leave entirely to your discretion. That portion of Louisiana lying west of the Mississippi River will be constituted a military district, under your command, to be called the District of the Teche, headquarters wherever you may be. Colonel Thomas writes me that the cars will pass to La Fourche to- day. Report to me early what rolling stock you find at Brashear or along the road. I think the iron howitzers at Raceland had better be sent here, unless you have need of them. Your attention is directed to the practicability of so fortifying Bra- shear as to hold it, with the aid- of a gunboat, with a small force. Please report upon this subject. is any fortification practicable at Thibod~aux or Terre Bonne? Nothing else occurs to me of interest to communicate. By order of Major-General Butler. GEO. C. STRONG, Assistaint Adjutant- General, Chief of & aff. Brigadier-General WEITZEL, Commanding District of the Teche Page 164 164 W. FLA, S ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N~ MEX. [CMAP. XXVII. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, La., November 6, 1862. GENERAL: Your dispatches of November 5 have been received, as also your telegram of this evening.* I am directed by the major-gen- eral commanding to reply: Your suggestions as to the field work at Donaldsonville will receive consideration. It will be necessary to make a battery at Brashear City and Berwick Bay or perhaps a field work. Upon this subject he will confer with you. In establishing the Military District of the Teche he was aware that at the moment you did not occupy it except by your boats, and he gave the name in compliment to your skill and gallantry, as it was not doubted you would soon be in occupation; and in putting the very large force under the command of so young a general he designed to show a mark of 6onfidence in your discrimination and judgment. If it would be more desirable to yourself, he will change the name to the District of the La Fourche. That you should have declined the com- mand is the occasion of regret, arising most of all from the reasons given for so doing. As they are comprehended, they resolve them- selves into two: First, that under your command are put two regi- ments of Native Guards (colored), and you say that in these organi- zations you have no confidence. As your reading must have made you aware, General Jackson entertained a different opinion upon that subject. It was arranged between the commanding general and your- self that the colored regiments should be employed in guarding the rail- road. You do not complain in your report that they either failed to do their duty in that respect or that they have acted otherwise than correctly and obediently to the commands of their officers or that they have committed any outrage or pillage upon the inhabitants. The general was aware of your opinion that colored men will not fight. You have failed to show, by the conduct of these freemen so far, anything to sustain that opinion, and the general cannot see why you should decline the command, especially as you express a willing- ness to go forward to meet the only organized enemy with your own brigade alone without further support. The commanding general can- not see how the fact that they are guarding your lines of communication by railroad can weaken your defense. He must therefore look to the other reasons stated by you for an explanation of your declining th~ command. You say you caunot command these negro regiments. Why not? The reason must be found in these sentences of your report. Since the arrival of the negro regiments symptoms of servile insurrections are be- coming apparent. I could not, without breaking my brigade all up, put a force in everypart of this districtto keep down such an insurrection. I cannot assume the com- mand of such a force, and thus be responsible for its conduct. I have no confidence in the organization. Its moral effect in thiscommunity, which is stripped of nearly all its able-bodied men, and will be stripped of a great many of its arms, is terrible; women and children, and even men, are in terror. It is heart-rending, and I cannot make myself responsible for it. You say since the arrival of the negro regiments at that place you have seen symptoms of a servile insurrection; but, as the only regiment that has arrived there got there as soon as the rest of your command, of course the appearance of such symptoms is since their arrivaL~ Have you not mistaken the cause ~ Is it the arrival of a negro regi- ment or is it the arrival of United States troops, carrying, by the act of *Telegrarn not found. For other dispati~hes see ~eport No. 2 Page 165 CHAP. XXVII.] THE LA FOURCHE DISTRIC r, LA 165 Congress, freedom to this servile race? Did you expect to march into that country, drained as you say it is by conscription of all its able-bodied white men without leaving the negroes free to show symptoms of servile insurrection? Does not this state of things arise from the very fact of war itself? You are in a country where now the negroes outnumber the whites ten to one, a~d these whites are in rebellion against the Gov- ernment or in terror seeking its protection. Upon reflection, can you doubt that the same state of things would have arisen without the presence of a colored regiment? Did you not see symptoms of the same thing on the plantations here when we ar- rived, although under much less favorable circumstances, for a revolt? You say that the prospect of such an insurrection is heart-rending, and that you cannot be responsible for it. You are in no degree responsible for it. The responsibility rests upon those who have begun and carried on this war, who have stopped at no barbar4y, no act of outrage, upon the citizens and troops of the United States. You have forwarded me the records of a pretended court-martial, showing that seven men of one of your regiments, who enlisted here into the Eighth Vermont Regiment, who had surrendered themselves pris- oners of war, were in cold blood murdered, and, as certain information shows, were required to dig their own graves. You are asked if this is not an occurrence equally as heart-rending as a prospective servile in~ surrection? The question is now to be met whether in a hostile, rebellious part of the State, where this very murder has been committed by the militia, you are to stop in the operations of the field to put down servile insur- rection because the men and women are terror-stricken. When was it ever heard before that a victorious genera], in an unsurrendered prov- ince, stopped in his course for the purpose of preventing the rebellious inhabitants of that province from destroying each other and refused to take command of a conquered province lest he should be made respon- sible for their self-destruction? As a military question, perhaps the more terror-stricken the inhabitants are that are left in your rear the more safe will be your lines of communication. You say there have ap- peared before your eyes the very facts, in terror-stricken women, chil- dren, and men, .which you had before contemplated in theory. Grant it. But is not the remedy to be found in the surrender of the neighbors, fathers, brothers, and sons of the terror-stricken women and children, who are now in arms against the Government within 20 miles of you? And when that is done and you have no longer to fear from their organ- ized force, and they have returned peaceably to their homes, you will be able to use the full power of your troops to insure their safety from the so-much-feared (by them but not by us) servile insurrection. If you desire you can send a flag of truce to the commander of these forces embracing these views, and placing upon him the responsibility which belongs to him. Even that course will not remove it from you, for upon you it has never rested. Say to them that if all armed oppo- sition to the authority of the United States should cease in Louisiana on the west bank of the river you are authorized by the commanding general to say that the same protection against negro or other violence will be afforded to that part of Louisiana that has been in the part already in the possession of the troops of the United States. If that is refused, whatever may ensue is upon them, and not upon you or upon the United States. You will have done all that is required of a brave, humane man to avert from these deluded people the horrible conse- quences of their insane war upon the Government Page 166 166 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA,, TEX., N. MEX. (CHAP. XXVII. With or without such a message the (~ommanding general can see in your reasons nothing which should justly cause you to decline a high and honorable command, nor does he see how the remedy which you propose will aid the matter; and that remedy is that either he or some one of his officers should take command of the negro regiments and re- lieve you of them. Do you think that change would be less likely to incite a servile insurrection under his command, or that of any of his officers, than under your own? Will the horrors be less if. they are under the command of an officer not present on the scene to check and allay these horrors than if they were commanded by an officer present and ready to adopt proper measures? If your negro or other regiments commit any outrage upon the unof- fending and unarmed people, quietly attending to their own business, let them be most severely punished; but while operations in the field are going on I do not see how you can turn aside from an armed enemy before you to protect or defend the wives and children of these armed enemies from the consequences of their own rebellious wickedness. Consider this case: General Bragg is at liberty to ravage the homes of our brethren of Kentucky because the Union army of Louisiana is protecting his wife and his home against his negroes. Without that protection he would have to come back to take care of his wife, his home, and his negroes. It is understood that Mrs. Bragg is one of terrified women of whom you speak in your report. This subject is not for the first time under the consideration of the commanding general. When in command of the I)epartment of An- napolis, in May, 1861, he was asked to protect a community against the consequences of a servile rebellion. He replied that when that community laid down its arms and called upon him for protection he would give it, because from that moment between them and him war would cease. The same principles enunciated there will govern his and your action now, and you will afford such protection as soon as the com- irrunity, through its organized rulers, shall ask it. Your reports and this reply, I am instructed to say, will be forwarded by to-morrows mail to the commanding general of the Army. In the mean time these colored regiments of freemen, raised by the authority of the President, and approved by him as the Commander.in.Chief of the Army, must be commanded by the officers of the Army of the United States like any other regiments. The commanding general does not doubt that everything that pru- dence, sagacity, skill, and courage can do will be done by you, general, to prosecute the campaign you have so successfully begun. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. C. STRONG, Assistant Adjutant-(Jeneral. Brigadier-General WEITZEL, Commanding District of the Teche, La. No. 2. Reports of Brig. Gen. Godfreij Weitzel, U. S. A., commanding e~2~pedition. HEADQUARTERS RESERVE BRIGADE, Donaldsonville, La., October 25, 1862. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that, in accordance with orders, Ileft Carrollton, La., yesterday afternoon with my command, and landed Page 167 CHAP. XXVfl.] THE LA FOURCHE DISTRICT, LA. 167 in accordance with my design, at Miners Point, 6 miles below this place, directing my transports to follow up the column, carrying the baggage and caissons. I entered this place without opposition at about 10 a. m. I heard so many conflicting reports as to the strength and position of the enemys forces that I sent out a reconna.issan~e of two companies of infantry, of the Thirteenth Connecticut, under the command of Captains McCord and Schijeter, and Perkins cavalry, accompanied by my adju- tant-general, Captain Hubbard. They drove in the enemys pickets, and report the force encamped on both sides of Bayou La Fourche, and represented to them as numbering 3,000. I could not get my train off soon enough and loaded to start to-day, as I would thus come upon the enemy too late in the evening; but I propose to start to-morrow early. Captain [Richard] Barrett and Lieutenant [S. A.] Perkins, in a fine dash upon the enemys pickets, captured a number of prisoners (13), all of whom I released on parole. I have not the least doubt but that the enemy will concentrate to meet me at Thibodeai~x in what force I cannot positively state, but it is said to be pretty large. I am informed that General Mouton is now in command, and has with him the remainder of the Eighteenth Lou- isiana Regiment, which has seen some service. I will leave the First Louisiana here to hold this post, and must request you.to order them supplied with provisions from the city. I hope you will give me a vig- orous co-operation from the railroad. In conclusion I must thank Capt. [George M.] Ransom, in command of the Kineo and the gunboat fleet, for his vigorous and efficient co-op- eration with me thus far in my expedition. He manifested that same disposition to co-operate with the Army to the full extent of his pow. ers for which he has already become famous. The same praise is due to Capt. [Reigart B.] Lowry, commanding the gunboat Sciota; Capt. [Francis A.J Roe, commanding the gunboat Katahdin, and Capt. [R. F. R.] Lewis, commanding the gunboat Itasca. My transports were not fired upon ~t all, so well were they covered by the gunboats. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant G. WEITZEL, Brig. Gen. U. ~9. Vols., Gomdg. Reserve Brig., Dept. of the Gulf. Maj. GEORGE C. STRONG, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the Gulf, New Orleans, La. HEADQUARTERS RESERVE BRIGADE, Bayou La Fourche, near Thibodeaux, La., October 29, 1862. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that this morning at 6 oclock I dispatched Colonel Birg~, in command of his regiment (the Thirteenth Connecticut), Barretts cavalry, and one section of Carruths battery, down the Bayou La Fourche to open communication with the city. I have just received- a dispatch from him from Raceland Station, in which he says that he has communicated with Colonel Thomas, who is 1~ miles from him. He found at the station three freight cars, one passenger car, two barbet~ guns, spiked (32-pounders), two 12-pounder iron how- itzers, in good order, and guns, equipments, & c., scattered along the road. I therefore propose now to give you a more detailed report of my operations since I left Donaldsonville. I left this place at 6 oclock on Sunday morning last and marched on the left bank until I was withi Page 168 168 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII 1 mile of Napoleonville, where I bivouacked in line of battle. Believ- ing that the enemy would, by means of the numerous flat-boat ferries which I knew were in the bayou, probably cross from one side of the bayou to the other, I took in tow a flat-boat bridge and carried it with me all the way, and have it with me now. I destroyed every boat I passed as a prudential military measure. It has proved of invaluable service to me. I moved on the first day with but one company of the Eighth New Hampshire on the right bank. The enemys scouts were continually in sight of my advance guard of cavalry, and just before going into camp 1 captain of the enemy was killed by my advance guard and 3 prisoners were taken. Immediately afterward one of the Eighth New Hampshire privates on the right bank was taken prisoner by the enemy. I started on Monday morning again at 6 oclock, but feeling that the. enemy was in some force on the right bank I threw over the whole of the Eighth New Hampshire and Perkins cavalry by means of my float- ing bridge, and in this order moved down the bayou. At ii oclock, when I was about 2 miles above Labadieville, I received the report that the enemy was in force about 1 mile ahead, on the left bank, and that they had six pieces of artillery. I immediately ordered four pieces of Carruths battery up (two pieces were with the rear guard and Thompsons was already ahead), and formed the Thirteenth Con- necticut and Seventy-fifth New York in line of battle to support Thompson. These two regiments formed splendidly, and moved at once forward to the attack through a dense cane field. I moved on with them, and after emerging from the cane field I received the report, which was that the enemy was in position on the right bank also, and that he had four pieces of artillery on that side. At the same time 1 received the report that the enemys cavalry was in the rear of my rear guard. I immediately swung my bridge across the bayou, ordering eight com- panies of the Twelfth Connecticut over to support the Eighth New Hampshire, leaving two companies of this regimeng one section of Carruths battery, and Williamsons cavalry to guard the rear. I immediately ordered also that a roa~d be cut up the steep bank on both sides of the bayou for the passage of artillery and my train. I found soon that the enemy on the left bank, after delivering only the fire of its advance guard, which killed one of my cavalry and wounded an- other and killed two horses, had disappeared for some unaccountable reason. Fearing some ruse, I immediately ordered the Thirteenth Con- necticut across the bayou to support the Eighth New Hampshire and the Twelfth Connecticut; Thompsons battery to play upon the en- emys artillery, on the right bank, which was firing splendidly upon our forces and my bridge; ordered Carruth to cross over with his two advanced sections and the Seventy-fifth New York to support Thomp- son and guard the head of the bridge and the front of the train. I then crossed over, ordered the Eighth New Hampshire to form line of battle across the road, the Twelfth Connecticut to form on its right, and or- dered these forward to attack at once. They had scarcely commenced moving when the Thirteenth Connecticut arrived on a double-quick from across the bayou. I immediately ordered this in reserve. Subse- quently, as the center guides of the Eighth New Hampshire and the Twelfth Connecticut moved in different lines of direction, they became sufticiently separated to allow me to throw the Thirteenth Connecticut on the line between the two. I ordered this regiment forward in line of battle. The line thus formed advanced steadily at my command for Page 169 CWAP. XXVII.] THE LA FOURCHE DISTRICT, LA. 169 ward. Lu a very short time the enemys battery retreated and also.the infantry support. The fight did not last long. I found that the enemy had four pieces of artillery in the road. It was Connors battery, Com- pany A, Withers light artillery, commanded by Capt. G. Ralston* (who was wounded and is now a paroled prisoner); this battery, supported by the remnants of the Eighteenth Louisiana and the Crescent City Regimonts, numbering together about 500 men. They were lying down in a ditch on the lower side of a plantation road in the edge of woods at Georgia Landing, and immediately on the left of the battery. I ordered skirmishers at once in the woods to secure prisoners. Car- ruth arrived about this time, and I sent him with one section and Per- kins cavalry in pursuit. They pursued about 4~miles, Carruth firing upon the retreating forces on both sides of the bayou. I have since learned that Seinmes battery of six pieces, supported by Colonel Clarks [Clacks] (the Thirty.third) regiment of Louisiana Volunteers, was in front on the left bank. I lost 18 killed and 74 wounded.t Lieutenant Francis, of the Twelfth Connecticut, was taken prisoner before the fight. We have buried 5 of the enemy and have 17 wounded in our hospital, but I have proof that their loss was greater. I took 166 of the enemy prisoners the day of the battle and 42 of them since; total, 208. I released them all on parole. Col. G. P. McPheeters was killed. I delivered his body to some of his brother officers who were prisoners, and he was decently buried near the battle-field, the chaplain of the Eighth New Hampshire officiating. One of the pieces of the enemys artillery broke down in the retreat. We secured it and have it now in our possession. All of my command did very well, both officers and men. The Eighth New Hampshire advanced steadily in front of the enemys battery. The Twelfth and Thirteenth Connecticut crossed the bridge, formed in line of battle under the very accurate and splendid fire of the enemys artil- lery without seeming to notice it at all. My cavalry has been of inval- uable service to me; both officers and men have done splendidly. I wish I had four times the number. The Signal Corps also has been of great service to me. I crossed over my train and encamped on the bat- tle-field; had my own and the enemys wounded l)ut in a house which I took as a hospital near where I went into camp. The next morning (yesterday) I moved down the right bank of the bayou, throwing over the Seventy-fifth New York and Williamsons cavalry on the left bank. I left about 30 wounded of my own, who could not be moved, and the enemy~s wounded, in charge of Surg. B. N. Comings, of the Thirteenth Connecticut, and left with him provisions, money, and supplies for their care. I entered Thibodeaux at 3 oclock p. m. without opposition. I certainly expected a fight at this place. When I arrived a short dis- tance from it I found from the smoke of burning bridges that they were retreating, and immediately ordered my cavalry in pursuit. They fol- lowed as closely as their force would allow, and prevented 1;he total de- struction of two railroad bridges, the one across Bayou La Fourche, the other across Bayou Terre Bonne. Ifound threefreightcarsat LaFourche Crossing uninjured, one containing arms, shovels, and sugar, and another containing a lot of arms, ammunition, and accouterments. I also found papers by the side of the road, which were thrown away in their retreat, proving that the enemy had left Bayou des Allemands. I went into camp on Burtons plantation, about 1 mile below Thibodeaux. I will repair the damage on the two bridges to-morrow. The enemy has re record found of Connors as a Mississippi battery. Capt. George Ralston ap- pears on the rolls as captain of Battery H. t See revised statement, p. 172. Page 170 170 XV. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII, treated to Berwick Bay. I send you a list of my killed and wounded.* I also send you a list of prisoners I paroled. I think it would be well to publish the latter list, as a great many are from New Orleans. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. WEITZEL Brigadier-General, U. ~. Vols., Uomdg. Reserve Brigade. Maj. GEORGE C. STRONG, Assistant Adjntant-General. HEADQUARTERS RESERVE BRIGADE, In Camp, near flhibodeaucc, La., November 1, 1862. MAJOR: Since my last dispatch I have received information that the enemy has evacuated Berwick Bay, and in such a hurry (as our gun- boats were in sight) that they left over 400 wagon loads of negroes behind at Brashear City. To substantiate this report the negroes are already returning. Now, what shall I do with them? I have already twice as many negroes in and around my camp as I have soldiers within. I cannot feed them; as a consequence they niust feed themselves. The community, of whom already quite a number have taken the oath of allegiance, is in great terror, fearing trouble with the negroes. They beg me to allow them to retain their arms. I cannot do this without authority from headquarters. Last night my pickets were fired upon by some person armed. with a shot-gun. This would make it prudent to allow only those to retain arms who~ have taken the oath or are paroled. Please to give me instructions on this point. There i8 plenty of sugar here. I have already collected a large num- ber of cavalry and artillery horses and mules. Please organize that railroad now properly with a superintendent and proper employ6s, so that we may run regular trains, and not have our rolling stock ruined by bad management. Tell Captain [George A.] Kensel to hurry up the ammunition asked for. I have sent a force to Berwick Bay to take possession of the road from Tigerville to Berwiek Bay, communicate with the gunboats, and repair the bridges across the Bayou Bc~nf. I will have the bridges across Bayou La Fourche completed at 4 oclock this afternoon, and the bridge at Terre Bonne will be completed to-morrow. Then when the Bayou Bceuf Bridge is ready the whole road will be all right to Brashear City. All the planters nearly wish to make their crops very excellent this year, if I will order back their negroes or allow them to make some arrangement with them. Neither Colonel Thomas nor Colonel Stafford have been yet seen by me. I understand that the Native Guards were to picket the road. They want to hold Boutte Station, Bayou des Allemands Bridge, Tigerville, Bayou La Fourche Bridge, Terre Bonne Bridge, & c. Do this and throw out pickets, so as to communicate with each other. The telegraph should be repaired at once. I have undisputed possession of this country now, and this part of the campaign is a perfect success. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. WEITZEL, Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers. Maj. GEORGE C. STRONG, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the Gulf, New Orleans, La. ~ * Embodied in revised statement, p. 172 Page 171 Citir. XXVII.) THE LA FOTJRCHE DISTRICT, LA. 171 HEADQUARTERS RESERVE BRIGADE, In Camp, near Thibodeaux, La., November 2, 1862. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that I yesterday sent a force up the bayou to communicate with my hospital above Labadieville. The hospital bad been undisturbed. All the people in the neighborhood were vieing with each other in kindness and attention to the wounded of both sides. This country is as safe to travel now as Canal street. Three men have died from their wounds since we left up there. I propose to remove the rest down here on a fiat-boat and send them all to the city. On Friday evening I received information that a company of the enemy~s militia force was encamped a short distance northeast of Thibo- deaux, near a swamp. I sent out Perkins to capture them. He started yesterday morning at 3 oclock, took a circuitous route, through cane fields, over ditches, through swamps, completely outflanked them, and took 53 (nearly the whole company) prisoners, with their arms, horses and ammunition. It was a complete success. This Perkins is a splendid officer, and he deserves promotion as much as any officer I ever saw. I have not yet heard from [Hawkes] Fearing, whom I pushed on to Tiger. yule to communicate with the gunboats and repair the bridges. I expect to hear from him to day. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant G. WEJTZEL, Brigadier.General, U. S. Vols., ()omdg. Reserve Brigade. Maj. GEORGE C. STRONG, Asst Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the Gulf, New Orleans, La. HEADQUARTERS RESERVE BRIGADE, In Camp, near Thibodeaux, La., November 5, 1862. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that I have your communication of the 2d instant. I think it would be very proper to place a field work at or near Donaldsonville. A permanent work, involving the construc- tion of masonry, would be too slow an operation. I think you had better send Lieutenant [John C.] Palfrey up there to locate and construct it. He could carry on Ship Island and that too. A battery also, I think, would be very appropriate at Berwick Bay. I can direct the position and the construction of this battery. It would not be proper to build a work near here, as the communication with it can be easily cut off and it could be turned readily. And now I desire, most respectfully, to decline the command of the district which has been just created, and which, as we have not yet secured a foot of ground on the Teche, ought properly to be called the District of the La Fourche. The reason I must decline is because accepting the command would place me in command of all the troops in the district. I cannot command those negro regiments. The commanding general knows well my private opinions on this subject. What I stated to him privately, while on his staff, I see now before my eyes. Since the arrival of the negro regiments symptoms of servile insurrection are becoming apparent. I could not, without breaking my brigade all up, put a force in every part of this district to keep down such an insur- rection. I cannot assume the command of such a force, and thus be responsible for its conduct. I have no confidence in the organization. Its moral effect in this community, which is stripped of nearly all it Page 172 172 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. able-bodied men and will be stripped of a great many of its arms, is terrible. Women and children, and even men, are in terror. It is heart-rending, and I cannot make myself responsible for it. I will gladly go anywhere with my own brigade that you see fit to order me. I beg you therefore to keep the negro brigade dfrectly under your own command or place some one over both mine and it. I have given instructions to collect as much transportation as possible, so that I can cross Berwick Bay with my brigade, and will go down to.morrow in person to hurry up things. I cannot move my brigade there yet, as there is not sufficient drinking water, and this is a better camp. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. WEITZEL, Brigadier General, U. ~9. Vols., Gomdg. Reserve Brigade. Maj. GEORGE C. STRONG, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the Gulf, -New Orleans, La. HEADQUARTERS RESERYE BRIGADE, in Camp, near Thibodeaux, La., November 5, 1862. MAJOR: In still further confirmation of what I wrote to you in my dispatches of this morning relative to servile insurrection, I have the honor to inform you that on the plantation of Mr. David Pugh, a short distance above here, the negroes who had returned nuder the terms fixed upon by Major-General Butler, without provocation or cause of any kind, refused this morning to work, and assaulted the overseer and Mr. Pugh, in~juririg them severely; also a genth~maii who came to the assistance of Mrs. Pugh. Upon the plantation also of Mr. W. J. Miner, On the Terre Bonne road, about 16 miles from here, an outbreak has already occurred, and the entire community thereabout are in hourly expectation and terror of a general rising. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General, U. S. Vols., Comdg. Reserve Brigade. Maj. GEORGE C. STRONG, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. .of the Gu~t New Orleans, La. Return of Ga8ualtie8 in the Union forces engaged at Georgia Landing, La., October 27, 1862. [Compiled from nominal lists of casualties, returns, & e.] Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. In Command. a ~ a -~ ~ -~ ~ +~ a 0 a a a a a --9.-n o -~ ~ 5 es ~1 0 ~ 12th Connecticut Infantry 3 . 16 1 20 13th Connecticut Infantry 1 5 1 7 1st Louisiana Cavalry, Companies A, B, and C I 18 1 20 8th New Hampshire Infantry* 2 10 1 84 1 48 75th New York Infantry 1 1 2 Total 2 16 ,1 73 1~ 4 97 * Capts. Jobn Q. A. Warren and Jobn T~eI1eher killed Page 173 CHAP. XXVII.] THE LA FOURCHE DISTRICT, LA. 173 No. 3. Report of Lieut. John A. Vance, Sixteenth Neu York Infantry, Acting Signal Officer. THIBODEAUX, LA., November 1, 18~2. Siu: I have the honor to report that Friday, October 24, 1862, the party under my command embarked with the reserve brigade at Car-~ roliton, La. The officers were distributed as follows: Lieutenant Eaton on th& Ibervile, the leading transport; Lieutenant Butterfield on the Sallie Robinson, the rearmost transport; Lieutenant Dana on the Kineo, the leading gunboat, and myself on the General Williams, in the center. General Weitzel was also on this transport.* * * * * * * * Early in the evening the general gave me orders not to allow the line to extend more than 1~ miles, and during the night I was in almost constant communication with some of the officers, directing those in advance to go slower and the transports in the rear to close up. Saturday, October 25, we landed at daylight and marched to Donald- sonville. Sunday we commenced our march down the left bank of Bayou La Fourche; Lieutenant Eaton I sent with the advance guard, Lieutenant Butterfield with the rear guard, Lieutenant Dana at the head of the column, while I occupied the center. During the entire day we had comparatively nothing to do. Monday we were disposed in the same manner, with the exception of Lieutenant Dana, who crossed with the Eighth New Hampshire to the- right bank of the bayou. At noon our advance on the right bank fell in with the enemy, concealed in a woods. Lieutenant Dana instantly called Lieutenant Eaton and sent S. W. F. 55, F. 0. Lieutenant Eaton received this message and communicated it to the assistant adjutant- general, and at the same time I communicated it to General Weitzel, who ordered up four pieces of Thompsons battery to shell the woods. The range being too high, Lieutenant Dana sent 5. 0. E., which mes- sage Lieutenant Eaton delivered to officer in charge of the battery, but it was unheeded. A bridge was then thrown across the bayou and the Twelfth and Thirteenth Connecticut ordered to cross. Lieutenant Butterfield crossed with the Twelfth, and during the engagement which ensued his horse was struck by a piece of shell, became unmanageable, threw his rider, and escaped to the lines of the enemy. Lieutenant Butterfield fortunately escaped uninjured. Our forces on the left bank fell back to the crossing, and from there one section of Thompsons battery opened upon the enemy on the opposite side, when Lieutenant Dana sent the following messages, which were received by me: * * * * * * * Du~ng the time Lieutenant Dana was sending these messages he was exposed to a fire of artillery and musketry. Lieutenant Eaton during this time was pushing from and on the left bank, endeavoring to ascertain the position of a battery which was playing upon us. Soon as the enemy retreated they were followed by our cavalry and with them went Lieutenant Dana. When they had advanced about a mile he sent, Send Thompsons battery here. This was received by Lieutenant Butterfield. Private Abbott was thrown from his horse, Some unimportant messages here inserted by Lieutenant Vance omitted Page 174 174 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS, LA., TEX., N. MEX. CHAP. XXVIL rendered unfit for duty, so that Lieutenant Dana had for a time but one man. It would be invidious to speak of any of the party when all did so well. All acted with coolness and bravery. The engagement con- tinued about an hour, and during the whole time every Qificer was active. Tuesday Lieutenant Eaton was on the left bank with the Seventy- fifth New York, and he and I were in almost constant communication. Soon as he received any intelligence of the enemy he communicated it to me and I informed the general. Wednesday Lieutenant Eaton and I went with a force under Colonel Birge to communicate with Colonel Thomas and returned Thursday. The party has been well tested, and I am fully satisfied with what it accomplished. If we do not receive an honorable mention from the general I shall think it great injustice. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. VANCE, First J2ieut. 16th N. Y., and Actg. Sig. Off. in Charge of Party.. Lieut. E. H. RUSSELL. Lieutenant Eaton sent to Dana: The acting assistant adjutant- general says send out infantry skirmishers. The engagement did not continue more than forty-five minutes. No. 4. Report of Maj. Gen. Richard Taylor, 0. S. Army, commanding District of Western Louistana. HEADQUARTERS DiSTRICT WESTERN LOUISIANA, Bayou Teche, November 9, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit a copy of the report of Briga- dier-General Mouton concerning the recent operations on the La Fourche which have resulted in the falling back of the troops to the line of the Bayou Teche. I had availed myself of all the resources at my command, in men and guns, to protect the rich and populous territory lying be- tween the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers from the occupation of the enemy, and had hoped that the forces placed there were for the moment adequate to its protection, though it would appear from General Moutons report that the necessity of guarding so many detached posi. tions rendered an effectual concentration of the troops at any one point impracticable. As I stated to the department in the first report I had the honor to make after assuming command of the district, the defense of that section of it was rendered extremely difficult from the many lines of approach by which it could be penetrateda difficulty which was greatly augmented by the withdrawal of a considerable portion of the forces menacing New Orleans on the eastern side of the river about the period of my arrival here. It will be seen from General Moutons report that the enemy effected his landing at Donaldsonville on Saturday, the 25th of October last. On the 19th of that month I had, at ~he urgent request of Lieutenant- General Pemberton, left Alexandria and proceeded to his headquarters at Jackson, Miss., for the purpose of having a conference with him. I arrived there on Friday, the 24th, and on Sunday; the 26th, came dow Page 175 CHAP. XXVII.] THE LA FOURCHE DISTRICT, LA. 175 with him to Vicksburg. On my return to Alexandria, which place I reached on the evening of Wednesday, the 29th, receiving no advices from General Mouton of the landing of the enemy or of the subsequent events on the La Fourche, I the next day went down the Red River, with an engineer officer, to examine and select a site for the construc- tion of a work for the defense of that river. It was only on my return to Alexandria from this trip, on the evening of Friday, the 31st, that I received a communication from General Mouton, announcing simply the fact of the landing of the enemy, though by telegraph and couriers information could reach me from the La Fourche in thirty-six hours. On the next day I received by this means a dispatch from him from the west side of Berwick Bay, informing me that my presence here was needed. On the next morning, which w~ts Sunday, the 2d instant, I left Alexandria for this point and arrived here on Thursday, the 6th. A careful inspection of the position occupied by the troops here leads me to indulge the hope that I can hold it successfully against the force which the enemy has now probably at his disposal to throwupon it, and I have made arrangements to bring forward every additional man I can command. But from the topography of this portion of Louisiana, permeated by so many navigable streams, it must be obvious to the department that the rich district bordering on the Teche, including the salt mines on Marsh Island, of incalculable value to the Confed- eracy, will eventually fall into the hands of the enemy unless I receive considerable accessions of force, both in men and guns. The possession of Berwick Bay by the enemy renders the attempt possible by him to move with his gunboats up the Atchafalaya to Red River. Had the alterations upon the steamer Cotton been completed in season, or had the gunboats Mobile and Saint Mary been permitted to remain at the bay, its entrance by the enemy would have been pre- vented at this time. In view of the contingency I have mentioned, of an attempt to move up the Atchafalaya, I have ordered a work to be put up on that river, for which I shall need guns, which I urgently ap- peal to the Department to have sent to me without delay, there being no heavy guns within this district, except a few abandoned in the fortB around Berwick Bay on the fall of New Orleans. I also renew the re- quest to have the Mobile and Saint Mary sent down from the Y~zoo to the mouth of Red River, so as to be ready to enter the Atchafalaya at the first rise of those rivers. I have no reason to apprehend that the use of the salt mines can be materially interfered with by the enemy for the present. By the aid of a short portage from the Teche to the Atchafalaya the water conveyance of salt to the east side of the Missis- sippi can, I trust, be preserved. It will be noticed that General Mouton mentions in his report Lhe presence of some regiments of militia in the operations on theLa Fourche. I found these troops engaged in protecting that part of the State on my first arrival there. As fast as their places could be supplfed by regular organizations in the Confederate service I made arrangements to cause them to be disbanded, in order that the conscripts among them might be brought into the camp of instruction within the least possible delay. The straggling to their homes of such of them as were in service at the time of the retreat of theforces from the La Fourche shows the impolicy of employing troops in the immediate vicinity of their own homes, and, in this connection, the Department should be made acquainted with the fact that the exemption act passed by the present Congress practically puts an end to the further operations of the conscript act in Louisiana, since the almost ex~h~sively agricultural character of its population Page 176 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MiSS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVIL 176 gives the benefit of exemption from military service to so large a class as to preclude the expectation of any serviceable addition being made to the number of conscripts now in service. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. TAYLOR. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. No. 5. Report of Brig. Gen. Alfred Mouton, C. S. Army. AT MRS. MEADES, November 4,1862. SIR: I have the honor of submitting the following report of the movements preceding and following the engagement of the 27th Octo- ber, 1862, and details relative thereto. Late on the 25th of October, 1862, I received information that the gunboats and transports of the enemy were moving up the river slowly and cautiously, and that in all likelih5od they would soon be at Donald- sonville. They arrived there on the evening of the 25th and commenced landing troops, completing the landing on the 26th. Immediately I moved to iDonaldsonville, and found that our troops at that point had fallen back, under command of Colonel [W. G.] Vincent, to the iRac- conici, in the parish of Assumption, about 12 miles from iDonaldsonville. Colonel Vincent informed me that from all the information he had ob- tained the enemy numbered from 2,500 to 3,000 infantry, 250 cavalry, and two batteries of field artillery. To oppose this force, which was mainly on the left descending bank of La Fourche, Colonel Vincent had only 600 infantry and about 250 cavalry, with Semmes field battery. The dis- parity was so great that I deemed it my duty still to recede nntil the re-enforcements I had ordered up arrived, and accordingly fell back to the plantation of Mr. Winn, 2 miles above Labadieville, where the Eighteenth and Crescent Regiments and Ralstons battery reached me at about 2 p. in., coming in from Berwick Bay and Bayou Bceut, where they were stationed. I had also ordered the Terre Bonne regiment militta forward, and they arrived at about 8 a. m. On the 27th Fa. ries battery was ordered up, but it reached me only on the morning of the 28th. The columns of the enemy were advancing on both banks in about equal force, and in consequence, to prevent being outflanked, it became necessary to hold positions on both sides of the bayou. The Eighteenth and Crescent, supported by Ralstons battery, were placed on the right descending bank, and the Terre Bonne regiment moved over to the left bank. Thus to oppose the enemy on the right bank I had, according to returns made, viz: Eighteenth Regiment 240 Crescent Regiment 135 Ralstons battery 64 Detachment of cavalry 100 569 And on the left bank, viz: Thirty-third Regiment * 594 Terre Bonne regiment at Semmes battery 75 Second Louisiana Cavalry -.. 150 853 1.392 I * Composed of Clacks and F~iirnets battalions. Battalion organization restored November 21, 1862 Page 177 CHAP. XXVII.) THE LA POtJIICIIE DISTRICT, LA. 17? The enemy moved down about equally strong on both banks, his force being from 1,500 to 1,800 on each side. The column on the right bank pressed on more speedily than that on the left, and approached our line of battle at about 9 a. m. near the road leading into the settle- ment called Texas, in Assumption. Our forces, though mnch inferior in numbers, resisted their onward march and effectually succeeded in checking them, until, unfortunately, Ralstons battery was so severely injured by the enemy~s, and their ammunition giving out, they were compelled to fall back, which was done in some confusion, owing to the loss of their commander. I then took position about a mile and a. half below, at Labadieville, at about 4 p. in., and awaited the advance of the enemy. This retrograde movement was rende1~ed the mere neces- sary from the fact that the enemy was crossing troops on pontoon bridge to the right bank and there massing forces. Immediately I also threw across part of the infantry stationed on the left; and at the close of the day the force of the enemy numbered about 2,000 infantry, 100 cavalry, and a battery, while my own barely reached 1,000, including infantry, cavalry, and artillery. Informed that the enemy would make simultaneous movements via Donaldsonville, Des Allemands, and Ber- wick Bay, I had foreseeu that the necessity would arise of abandoning Des Allemands and concentrating our forces, believing that the salva- tion of the troops required the adoption of this course. On the 27th, at about 12 in., I gave orders to Major Sanders, assistant quartermaster, to seudoverthe train to get Colonel [T. E.] Vicks command, consistingof the La Fourche militia regiment, about 500 stroiig, and a detachment from the Thirty-third of about 300, with instructions to save everything he could and to destroy everything he might be compelled to leave behind. At the same time I gave orders to the Saint Charles and Saint John the Baptist regiments and to the cavalry picket at the Vacherie and at the Boutte to fall back without delay on the main body. Major Sanders executed his orders, and in person directed the con- ductor of the train to move off from the Terre Bonne Station to the Des Allemands to bring in Colonel Vicks command. The engineer on board, a Mr. Jacobs, laboring under a misapprehension of the orders given to Captain Kerr, superintendent, refused to go unless by orders in writing from Captain Kerr or from my headquarters. This man, I am inclined to believe from all the information I could obtain, acted conscientiously, but he certainly caused me much embarrassment. Mr. Nelson, the assistant superintendent, arriving at about 3 p. in., went over with the train, but fearing lest he might be violating orders he and the conductor merely ran through to deliver the orders and re- turned only with the sick and a portion of the baggage. In the mean time Colonel Vick prepared for destroying everything at the Des Allemands Station, and after burning the bridge took up his line of march to join me. Colonel yj~~~5 command was so worn-dut by the labor required to destroy the Des Allemands Bridge and the depots and their tedious march over the bed of the road, that he reached me only at about 3 p. m. of the 28th, notwithstanding the most stren- nous efforts on his part to get in earlier. My object, could I have unit~d my force, was to make a desperate resistance and to drive the enemy back if possible, but when my re- enforcements failed to come in no alternative was left to me but to maneuver with the enemy and save my force. In consequence I issued orders for the removal of the sick to Berwick Bay, and made all need. ful preparation for the removal of the stores. 12 B BVOL X Page 178 178 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [Cun~. XXVII. On the 28th, whilst slowly receding, I held the enemy in check, and at about 12 m. concluded that I was reduced to the sad alternative of evacuating the place or have my entire command captured. Resistance with the small force I had was no longer possible, especially as the men were worn-out with fatigue and loss of rest; besides, the mounted picket at Boutte had been driven in by the enemy, who was advancing by the Des Allemands to re-enforce the enemy in front of me, and vague rumors were afloat that the expedition to Berwick Bay had reached its destina. lion. Information also came to me that two transports and two gun. boats had gone down from iDonaldsonville to New Orleans, and that they had returned and were landing re-enforcements at the Assumption Cut-off. Hence ~[ fell back to the Terre Bonne Station, embarked all the stores and troops, and moved them over to Berwick Bay. Colonel Vicks command had not yet arrived, and I remained at the station with the cavalry to protect and cover it, while I sent on the artillery and wagon train via Chucahonla by land to rendezvous at Tigerville for transportation, the cars being already filled with troops and stores. About 3 p. m. such portion of Colonel Vicks command as he could bring up arrived, and it was sent on over the railroad track till it met a return train which had been ordered up to receive it. At 4 p. m. all the troops which could be collected having been sent for- ward I caused the Thibodeaux Bridge, the La Fourche Crossing Bridge, and the Terre Bonne Station to be burned, and moved on with the cavalry, reaching the b~y on the 29th, and crossing everything by the 30th. The casualties in the engagement of the 27th are made, as follows, viz: Killed, 5; wounded, 8; ~ according to returns missing, 186; 3 horses were killed and 9 wounded; one 12-pounder howitzer axle broken, since re- placed by one from Des Allemands. The enemys loss reaches fully 250 to 300, as I have been informed by an officer of the Eighteenth Regiment, who was taken prisoner and released on parole. It is my painful duty to record the death of Colonel MePheeters, commanding the Crescent Regiment, who fell gallantly and nobly de- fending our sacred cause at the head of his command. Captain Rals- ton, commanding the battery, was wounded - and captured. Efforts were made to bring him from the field, but failed, owing to the rapid advance of the enemy. This officer managed his battery with coolness and ability, and deserves much praise for the efficient services which lie rendered. Captain [B. S.] Story, commanding Company B, Eighteenth Regi- :nent, and Lieutenant [J. D.] Burke, of same company, were captured and paroled. The former went over to New Orleans and the latter re- turned to New Iberia, their respective domiciles. Colonel Armant, of the Eighteenth Regiment, commanded the troops and disposed of them with ability and judgment, availing himself of every cover and pro- tection at hand and falling back in perfect order. The bridge a13 Bayou Bocuf, after all the troops and stores had been crossed, was burned, and all the public property at the bay which could not be saved was destroyed before abandoning the latter position, as- hereafter explained. On the retreat, I am sorry to say, many of the conscripts attached to Colonel Vicks command lagged behind and are now in the enemys lines, he reaching the bay with only 82 of them out of about 300. Having been constantly moving since the 26th and closely watching and engaging the enemy has prevented me sooner from making a ful Page 179 CHAP. xxvn.j THE LA. FOURCHE DISTRICT, LA. 179 report, and even now it is very imperfect, from the reason that I have been unable to obtain from the different commands all the information needed. I, however, had the honor on the 29th ultimo of submitting a brief statement of results, in the mean time urging upon General Taylor the necessity of his presence here. This communication was forwarded by mail to the care of Colonel Burke, with request that he would for- ward without delay. On the 30th, to the care of Captain Lindsay, I sent on a telegram to General Taylor of the same import. While at the bay with my troops at about 3 in the morning on the 30th the Seger came up from the Passes and informed me that four of the enemys boats were in sight, but the information obtained from the captain was so confused that 1 immediately dispatched Captain Fuller on board the Hart to as- certain the facts. Upon his return he confirmed the presence of the boats outside the obstructions placed in the Passes and reported four visible, two of which fired into him after he had opened on them to draw their fire to ascertain their caliber. In the mean time, knowing full well that I could offer no resistance to gunboats at the bay, I dispatched Colonel Sulakowski up the Teche to select a defensible l)osition and erect fortifications. The position chosen was about half a mile up the bayou, along ~i heavy point in the neighborhood of Mr. Charpantiers, where intrenchments were imme- diately commenced and preparations made to obstruct the stream a lit- tle above this, at Mr. Corna~ys bridge, it being impossible to do so effect- ually anywhere below. Favored with a low tide, I had hoped the enemy would be prevented from removing the obstructions or finding a channel, and the work was urged forward with all the expedition possible under the circumstances, having obtained hands sufficient only by the 31st. From this time forward all dispatch was used and every means in my power employed to offer a successful resistance at this point before the arrival of the boats, but in this I was grievously (us- appointed. On the 1st Captain Fuller, who was constantly on the alert, informed me that one of the boats was within the obstructions and that the others were making their way past them. I bade him hold them in check and give me all the time he could, which he did to the best of his ability, and I immediately selected another position about 2 miles above the obstructions at Mrs. ~ where I commenced intrench- ments with a view of establishing heavy guns. On the 1st the four boats of the enemy had come within the obstruc- tions and moved up the bay cautiously and slowly, and I again ordered Captain Fuller with the Cotton to face and delay them as long as he could. This he accomplished by retarding them at the bay on the 1st. On the 2d they moved up the bay reconnoitering, and exchanged several shots with the Cotton without injuring her, and they finally dropped back to the bay at night, anchoring one of their boats at Gibbons Point. Deeming it all important to save the Cotton, with the hope that I might perhaps check them with her in the bayou, should they remov~ the obstructions at Cornays previous to the completion of the in- trenchments, 1 ordered him to back her up the Teche a little above the works, and there hold himself in readiness to engage the boats should they come up, while I urged on the intrenchments. 411 the while I kept scouts forward, who informed me of the movements of the enemy. On the 3d the enemy moved up with his whole- force, and at 2 p. m. en- gaged the Cotton and an uncovered land battery of rifled pieces, which I had stationed in such manner as to co-operate with and protect the Cotton. The engagement lasted till 3.30 p. in., when the enemys boats came within such close range that the battery and the Cotton wer Page 180 180 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., I~EX., N. MET~. !CHAP. ~ZVIt compelled to retire, and the enemy moved up to the obstructious. I was also compelled to withdraw the troops so as to get out of the range of the enemys shells. As soon as the firing commenced all the negroes on the works staml)eded, and it was impossible to collect them until late last night, when I placed them in the intrencliments again and commenced mounting what guns I could so as to resume my position by 4 a. m. this morning, which I did and now hold. Captain Fuller deserves much praise for the valuable services which he has rendered me and for the courage and boldness with which he has met the enemy at every step. The casualties of the engagement of the 3d are 1 private killed and 2 wounded on the Cotton. She received no serious injury, though slightly damaged. The enemy must have suffered seriously, as many of our shots reached the boats and shrieks and groans were heard. Permit me to repeat that the presence of General Taylor is indis. pensably necessary here. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ALFR. MOUTOX Brigadier-General, Commanding. Maj. E. SURGET, Assi8tant Adjutant.General. OCTOBER 29, 1862.Affair at Sabine Pass, Tex. Report of Licut. (Jot. A. W. Spaight, Spaights Battalion. HEADQUARTERS SPAIGHTS BATTALIOT~, Beaumont, November 3, 1862. SIR: I beg leave to report that on Wednesday night. 29th ultimo, a small portion of my command, consisting of Company A, command?d by Captain Marsh, had a slight affair with the enemy at Sabine Pass. Under instructions to seek every opportunity of inflicting damage on the enemy he posted his men about night-fall below the town on the Pass, and.awaited the approach of the steamer Dan, with a schooner in tow, then making her way up the channel. As soon as the boats came in point-blank range of his carbines (about 100 yards) he opened fire upon them, and continued the fire until they swung around out of range and opened upon him with canister and grape. He then withdrew without loss. Captain Marsh is sure, from the facts that the decks of both vessels were crowded with men who were distinctly visible by moonlight, that the fire was deliberate, that screams and groans arose from the vessels, and that the yellow flag at half-mast was displayed for the two succeeding days, that his fire did some execution. We have no means of ascertaining the loss of the enemy, but it is conjectured that it could not have been less than 25 to 30. They then shelled the town without material damage. On the next morning, after throwing shot and shell vehemently in the vicinity, they sent out a party, under the protection of fheir guns, and burnt - Wingates mill and dwelling and Stamps dwelling. The fire upon them was used as a pretext for destroying this property, but it was doomed to destruction with or without ~ pretext. Several days pre- viously they had told the citizens to burn the lumber at the mill for fire-wood, for Wingates and Stamps property was confiscated to the United States Government Page 181 CHAP. XXVII.] BOMBARDMENT OF LAVACA, TEX. 181 Unless otherwise ordered, I shall fire upon them whenever I can do so with effect, and whenever they take a position within range of my mountain howitzers I shall bring them to bear upon them. I do not believe that seenrity to private property can be purchased by with- holding our hands. Your obedient servant, A. ~. SPAIGHT, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. B. N. FRANKLIN, Assistant Adjutant-General. OCTOBER 31NOVEMBER 1, 1862.Bombardment of Lavaca, Tex. REPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Hamilton P. Bee, C. S. Army, commanding Sub-District of the Rio Grande. No. 2.Lient. George E. Conklin, C. S. Army, Post Adjutant at Lavaca. No. 1. Rqort of Brig. Gen. Hamilton P. Bee, C. S. Army, commanding Sub-Dis trict of the Rfo Grande. IIDQRS. SUB-MILITARY DISTRICT OF THE RIO GRANDE, San Antonio, fIex., November 15, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inclose an official (lispatch* from Maj. D. D. Shea, C. S. Provisional Army, commanding the forces at Lavaca, report- ing the bombardment by the gunboats of the enemy of that city on the 31st ultimo and 1st instant and their repulse. It gives me great satisfaction to call the attention of the general con-i- manding to the gallantry of Major Shea and his command. Although his ranks had been decimated by the yellow fever, his means of defense limited, and the force of the enemy far superior in guns and caliber, yet, sustained by patriotism and courage, he compelled the enemy to retire. I would especially call the attention of the general commanding to the barbarous conduct of the Abolitionists in allowing one hour and a half to remove the women and children, the sick and the dying, from the town of Lavaca. I think I am warranted in saying that it was the most atro- cious of all the acts which have so marked their conduct in this war, and retributive justice but claimed her right when defeated and injured they slunk back whence they came. The patriotism and love of country displayed by the citizens of Lavaca, who willingly gave up their homes to destruction rather than that the enemy should land, is worthy of all praise, and will serve as a bright example to their fellow-countrymen. I have received information that one of the heavy guns of the enemy burst on the forty-first round, doing great damage, but to what extent is not known. The Abolition fleet has retired from the waters of Lavaca Bay, the object~ of their visit being entirely frustrated. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. P. BEE, Brigadier- General, Provisional Army. Capt. SAMUEL BOYER DAVIS, A. A. 0., First District of Texas, San Antonio Tex. * See ReVort No. 2 Page 182 182 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX.., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. No. 2. Report of Lieut. George B. Conklin, C. S. Army, Post Adjutant at Lavaca. HEADQUARTERS, Lacava, Tex., November 1, 1862. SIR: By order of Maj. Daniel D. Shea, commanding this post, I have the honor to make, for the information of the general commanding this district, the following report of an engagement between the Federal steamers and the batteries at this point: On the morning of October 31 two Federal steamers appeared in sight, evidently steering for this place. About 11 a. m. they arrived within a short distance, when they cast anchor. At 1 p. m. they sent a boat with a flag of truce on shore, which was met by Major Shea, accompanied by four of the citizens of the town. A short interview succeeded, during which a demand was made for the surrender of the town. They were answered by the commanding officer that he was there to defend it, and should do so to the best of his ability with all the means he had at hand. A demand was then made for time to remove the women, children, and sick persons from town. The officer in charge of the flag replied that one hour was the time he was authorized to grant, but in consideration of the fact that an epidemic (yellow fever) was still raging in the town he would extend the time to one hour and a half; at the expiration of which period they moved up abreast the town and opened fire from both steamers upon both the town and batteries. At this time there were many women and children still in the place, they having been unable, for want of time, to leave. Our batterieM promptly returned the fire. Captain [John A.] Vernon commanded one of the batteries, assisted by Lieutenant [T. D.] Woodward, and Captain [J. M.] iReuss, assisted by Lieutenants [0. L.] Schnaubert and [G.] French, the other, and nobly did both officers and men perform their duty, working their guns as coolly as though on inspection, -while a perfect storm of shot and shell rained around them; and this, although yellow fever had decimated their ranks, and that many of the men who manned the batteries had but partially recovered from the fever, entitles them to the highest praise. The steamers were struck several times and one of them par- tially disabled, a~ they immediately steamed off out of range of our bat- teries, where they again cast anchor and kept up a steady fire upon the town and batteries until night shut in. On the next morning, November 1, they again opened fire upon the town and batteries, but owing to their being entirely out of range of our guns we did not reply to theni. At about 11 a. m. they ceased their fire and steamed down the bay in the direction of Indianola, having in tow the schooner Lecompt, which they had captured in the bay a few days before. One of the steamers went outside the bar and steered in the direction of Galveston, probably for a mortar-boat or some other additional force to assist them. I am glad to report that no lives were lost on our side, but the enemy succeeded in doing considerable damage to the town, tearing up the streets and riddling the honses and otherwise damaging the place. The enemy fired in all 252 shot and shell, 174 the first day and 78 the second, nearly all of them from 32 and 64 pounder rifled guns. Capt. El. Willke, acting ordnance officer, rendered very efficient serv- ice in keeping the batteries supplied with ammunition and freely expos- ing himself in the discharge of his duties Page 183 CHAP. XXVII.] BERWICK BAY, LA. 183 The citizens of this town acted nobly, particularly Mr. Dunn and Mr. Charles Oglesbury, who remained in the town and materially assisted the commanding officer, suffering their property to be destroyed without a murmur, and only regretting they could do no more to serve their country. The ladies of the place, among whom Mrs. Chesley and Mrs. J2~unn and the two beautiful and accomplished daughters of the former bore a conspicuous part, acted the part of true Southern heroines, supplying our tired soldiers with coffee, bread, and meat even during the thickest of the fight. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE E. CONKLIN, ~Lieutenant and Adjutant. Maj. E. F. GRAY, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., San Antonio, Tex. NOVEMBER 16, 1862.Naval operations on Berwick Bay, La. REPORTS.* No. l.Lieut. Commander Thomas MeKean Buchanan, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. steamer Calhoun. No. 2.Capt. E. W. Fuller, commanding Confederate Bteamer Cotton. No. 1. Report of Lieut. Commander Thomas McKean Buchanan, U. S. Navy, com manding U. S. steamer Calhoun. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, November 6, 1862. Rear-Admiral FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Blockading Squadron: I am pleased to return to you a copy of Lieuteuant.Commander Buch- anans report of his operations at Berwick Bay. I am sorry to say that owing to the storms and delays necessary and unnecessary in moving our fleet we were not able to get there three days sooner, when we should have infallibly bagged the whole rebel party. Now, as it is, we must do the best we can. We are proposing to go farther, and may yet be employed some days upon this matter. I will keep you informed of all further operations. I have the honor to be, & c., BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. [Thclo8nre.] UNITED STATES STEAMER CALHOUN, Off Brashear City, November 4, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that we arrived off here on the night of the 1st, but unfortunately too late to stop the rebels from crossing. We had a great deal of difficulty in getting over the bay, and felt the want of our light-draught vessels very much. The day the Kinsman * See also Appendix, p. 1087 Page 184 184 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEL [CHA~P. XXV~L arrived I crossed in her, and tried to get the Estrella over, but she grounded. I came up to the mouth of the river but saw nothing but the Hart, which we chased but could not catch. We got the Estrella and Saint Marys over the next day, and the following day the Calhoun came up with the Diana. The night of our arrival here we chased the rebel gunboat Cotton, but she got away from us by her superior speed. The same night we captured the rebel steamer A. 13. Seger. She is a small boat, about the size of the Fancy Natchez, and is very useful. Yesterday I went with all the .gunboats up Bayou Teche, and found the enemy about 14 miles from here, posted above the obstructions they bad sunk in the Teche. We engaged them for two hours and drove them off, as we also did the Cotton. The Kinsman bore the brunt of it, and received fifty-four shots in her upper works and hull and had 1 man killed, a soldier of the Twenty-first Indiana and 5 wounded. The pilot, John Bellino, had his leg badly shattered and died to-day from the effects of amputation. Captain Cooke, in the Estrella, received three shots and had 2 soldiers of the Twenty-first Indiana killed whilst work- ing the guns and 1 badly wounded. The Diana received threeshots, but had no person hurt. She will have to be hauled out, as her stern is shot away. I received eight in the Calhoun, but fortunately they did no material damage. Captain Wiggins fought his ship nobly. He was in such a position that he received all the-fire from the artillery on shore and at the same time had the Cotton playing upon him; he, however, drove the artillery away and put several shots into the Cotton. The whole rebel force was there, numbering between 3,000 and 4,000 men, with seventy field pieces. We hear to-day we did them a great deal of damage and that the Cotton is sunk. They had thrown up a mud fort this side, but evacuated it on our arrival. We tried to remove the obstructions but could not succeed, but I think that when General Weitzel arrives, so as to protect us from the sharpshooters on the bank, we can do so. I keep running up and down all the time, so as to keep the river clear of the obstructions. We can make all our repairs here, and I will have the Kinsman ready for service to-morrow. The Diana is getting timber out for Colonel Thomas to repair the bridge at Bayou Bocuf. The enemy destroyed about 1,000 hogsheads of sugar, a lot of molasses, and also burned 98 cars and 3 engines. I send requisitions for ammunition for the three gunboats, which we want very badly, as we fired away a good deal yesterday, and I expect to have a good deal more firing to do, and also for some blouses and shoes for the men that have been shipped. It is absolutely necessary that they should have some clothing, and I hope you will order the quartermaster to furnish it. We have got all th~ steamers above us, but I am afraid they will burn them. The officers and men behaved splendidly. The Cotton is iron cased, and did some excellent shooting. She mounts one long 32-pounder, four 24-pounders, and two 6-pounder rifle guns. The iron casing on the Kinsman and Diana turned the shot beauti- fully. Captain McLafiin, who was on board of the Calhoun with his company, went on shore with his men and tried to get opposite the Cot- ton, but before he got up to her she had left. If she has not been sunk we will get her yet. I shall send the coal schooner back, as we_do not want her, there being plenty of coal here Page 185 CaLF. XXVII.] BERWICK BAY, LA. 185 NOVEMBER 5, 1862. 1 have just returned from another trip up the Teche with the Estrella. I had 3 men killed by a shot. The Cotton was there. They had a bat- tery on each bank, but we succeeded in driving them all off. I can do nothing until General Weitzel arrives. They are now strongly posted at the obstructions, and although I can drive them off, I cannot work at them. We want some more ammunition now badly. 1 think the Cotton is casemated, as our shell glanced off. We had him on fire once. We could plainly see our shot strike him, but he fights bpws on. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. MoKEAN BUCHANAN, Lieutenant, Commanding. Maj. Gen. BENJAMIN F. BUTLER, headquarters Department of the Gulf. -No. 2. Report of Capt. B. W. Fuller, commanding Confederate steamer Cotton. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, C. S. A., Richmond, Va., December 3, 1862. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War: SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith a report of a recent naval action on the Bayou Teche, in Western Lonisiana, in which Captain Fuller, with an artillery company on board of a small steamer, success- fully repulsed four gunboats carrying twenty-seven guns, and rhus se- cured control of that important stream. The indorsement of General Taylor recommends the bestowal of some mark of favor on this gallant officer, and I hope it will be in your power to give him promotion as a reward for his service. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. P. BENJAMIN. (lindorsement.] DECEMBER 13, 1862. If we were to give additional rank to our officers for gallant and dis- tinguished services in affairs with the enemy we would interfere with the proper organization of the Army and incur a heavy additional ex- pense. There is no law which provides brevets for gallant and dis- tinguished conduct. All that could be done therefore in the l)resent case is to write a complimentary letter to Captain Fuller, thanking him in the name of the Department for the services he has rendered, and when a vacancy occurs to which he could be appointed agreeThly to law to promote him to fill it. Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War. S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. (Inclosure.] GUNBOAT COTToN, November 7, 1862. SIR: I embrace the first opportunity of making my report of the recent affairs between the Cotton, under my command, and the squadron of Federal gunboats that have occupied Berwick Ba~y Page 186 186 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVIL On Saturday evening, November 1, the smoke from the enemys boats warned me of their near approach in such force that resistance at the bay was considered by me to be rashness. Acting upon your order, re- ceived but a few minutes previously, I immediately gave the necessary orders for leaving the bay. The steamers Hart and Seger were there at the time, also Launch Nd. 1, under the command of J. M. Rogers, who I had temporarily appointed to the position of acting master. My orders to the officers of those boats were to get immediately under waythe Hart, under the command of Lient. C. Montague, to proceed up to the Teche with a barge loaded with Government sugar in tow. This was safely done according to orders, with one exceptionLieutenant Mon- tague at one time dropped his barge and returned like a gallant soldier to aid the Cotton in an unequal conflict. As soon as I could communi- cate to him my wishes he resumed his tow and proceeded safely to des- tination. Launch No. 1 also obeyed the order given to her commander, and conveyed the launch up the lake to a place near Indian Bend, from where he has since safely reported, and is now in position to render valuable service. The Seger, under the command of Acting Master 1. C. Coons, disobeyed the order I gave of proceeding up the lake and turned up the Atchafalaya, and was ignobly abandoned to the enemy at a time when the Cotton was between the enemy and the Seger. The commanding officer has not since reported. I have been informed that he abandoned his men and proceeded as fast as possible to Saint Mar. tinville. Up to the present time the only reliable fact I have about the Seger is that it is in the hands of the enemy, prowling about Grand Lake and bayous in the vicinity; of the crew, nothing. The enemy came into Berwick Bay on Saturday evening just at dark. As the Cotton was in range, having had to wait to get the other boats off, they immediately opened fire upon us and gave chase up the bay with three boats, continuing the fire, which I did not return until round- ing into the Atchafalaya, when one of our guns was brought to bear, and we fired one shot, which sped straight to its mark, striking one of the Federal boats in her bow, breaking many timbers, and I have since been informed that it killed 3 and wounded 5 men. The Federals con- tinued to fire shot and shell at us from eighteen guns for about thirty minutes, when they gave up the chase. The Cotton came up to the Teche, turned bow down and backed into it, keeping our teeth to the enemy. We backed up to the Turelier plantation, where we stopped for the night. On. Sunday morning, the 2d instant, I received orders to move the Cotton above Cornays bridge, which I did as soon as possible. The bayou had some obstructions thrown across at that point, which I was ordered to defend until it got too hot for me and then to fall back, turn my boat across the bayou at the second bridge, and, if pursued, sink her. On Monday, at 2 p. in., the four Federal boats, mounting twenty- seven guns, came up and opened fire upon us. They came up in full confidence of overpowering numbers, giving us broadside after broad- side, frequently. the whole four delivering their fire at once. The shot and shell literally rained on and about our boat, several striking us, but without doing serious damage. We returned their fire, my brave boys cheering frequently when a well-directed shot struck the Federal boats. One of them retired from the contest in about fifteen minutes, her place being taken by another. One boat for several minutes had her colors down, whether accdentally down or tliat they hauled it down to indicate a surrender we had no means of learning; however Page 187 CliM~ XXVII.] BERWICK BAY, LA. 187 they hoisted them again after a delay of about twenty minutes. One, more adventuresome than the rest, steadily steamed up the bayou; when in about 100 yards of the obstructions we gave her a plunging shot from each of our guns, which all struck near the water on the starboard quarter. The boat immediately ran her head upon shore, and was listed down so as to throw her guns out of use and ceased her fire, except occasionally from one gun on the bow. At this time, when but one of the enemys boats fired with any vigor, when victory seemed to be within our reach, it was announced that we had no more cartridges, having fired the last one. Retreat was all that remained for us; but as we slowly backed up we had some sacks made by cutting off the legs from the pantaloons of some of our men, which we filled and returned fire with as often as we could in that manner obtain a cartridge. This we continued until out of range and the enemy ceased their fire. We had to mourn the loss of one brave soldier, killed by an accidental discharge of his gun, which severely wQunded another. An- other was accidentally wounded at another gun by the recoil of the carriage and has since died. One man was wounded by a piece of the enemys shell. These are all the casualties that occurred. The boat sustained no perceptible damage. On Tuesday morning we resumed our original position near the ob- structions, the enemy having previously retired. We worked hard to improve the condition of our boat and got up some iron to shield the engines. Nothing occurred worthy of note during the day. On Wednesday, the 5th instant, the enemy again opened fire upon us with four boats at about 10.30 oclock. They fired from behind a point out of our range for about twenty minutes, then two of them steamed up into sight. We then immediately rettirned their fire, and with such effect that the enemy retired and abandoned the contest in fifty-five minutes from firing their first shot. The two boats that came into sight were badly damaged and their loss heavy; ours nothing; the only damage being a trifling break in the cabin roof. This day victory was clearly ours. The enemy retired from the action badly discouraged, with severe loss. We were unhurt. On Thursday the enemy ~~ame up and opened fire upon us, but took care not to come into sight. I did not return their fire. They threw shells at us for half an hour and retired without doing us any damage. Since that up to present date they have not assailed us. I cannot close this report without returning thanks to officers and men. Where all did their duty gallantly it may seem invidious to mention particular names, yet I must particularly mention the good conduct of 0. S. Burdett, pilot, who for two hours and a half during the fierce combat on the 3d instant maneuvered the boat with the utmost coolness; also the same gallant conduct on the 5th instant. Each of my lieutenants did his duty nobly and ably. ~Also F. G. Burbank, gun- ner, and Privates F. D. Wilkinson and Henry Doming deserve particu- lar mention for their gallant conduct. But all did their duty well, and are again ready to meet the enemy should they come up and try us again. Respectfully, your obedient servant, E. W. FULLER, Captain, Gommanding Gunboat Cotton. General ALFRED MOUTON, Commanding Forces South of Red River Page 188 188 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. (Cuir. XXVIL [Indorsement.] DEAR BENJAMIN: I send you Fullers report, every word of which is true. I applied to have a naval officer sent here to give me some - assistance; no one was sent. Any little aid by the Navy Department would have saved Berwick Bay. Something might be done for Fuller; he certainly deserves it; he defeated four of the enemys gunboats. Truly, yours, B. TAYLOR. NOVEMBER 20, 1862..Affair near Matagorda, Tex. Report of Cot. X. B. Debray, Debrays Texas Regiment. HDQRS. SUB-MILITARY DISTRICT OF HOUSTON, Houston, Tex., November 25, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 20th instant the scouts of Browns battalion captured, 8 miles below Matagorda, 1 masters mate and 9 seamen, part of the crew of the mortar schooner Henry Janes, who had landed to kill beef. The capture was effected without loss of life on either side. Three ordinary muskets and seven Enfield rifles fell into our hands, with cartridge boxes, and the launch on which the party came was burned. None of the landing party escaped. The prisoners were brought here to-day and have been placed in charge of the guard of Griffins battalion. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedIent servant, X. B. DEBRAY, Colonel, Commanding Sub-Military District of Houston. Capt. SAMUEL BOYER DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant- General, & e., San Antonio, Tex. NOVEMBER 21, 1862..Skirmish at Bayou Bonfouca, La. Report of Col. A. R. Witt, Tenth Arkansas Infantry. HEADQUARTERS, Ponchatoula, La., December 1, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that a scouting party of 25 men, under my orders, belonging to Captain Bredows company of Partisan Rangers, commanded by Lieutenant Evans, attacked Federal steamboat G-. Brown, mounting two guns. Lieutenant Evans reports killing 2 men and mor- tally wounding 1 on said boat. The boat was running up the river Bon- fouca, 60 miles east of here and 10 miles from Fort Pike. After the first fire she backed down the river, shelling the woods as she went. 1 have the honor further to report that at this time there arc no boats in the lakes. I would also report that the Federals have made an en- caml)ment 40 miles above New Orleans on the Mississippi River, at Lukes plantation, and I have reliable information that they have moved 30 miles on the Mississippi River above that encampment. However, t~tis will come under General Bealls notice, it being not far below Bato Page 189 CHAP. XXVII.] CAPTURE OF STEAMER LONE STAR. 189 Rouge. only 2,000 Federals reported in New Orleans at this time by persons coming out. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. B. WITT, Colonel, Commanding Post. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON. NOVEMBER 2122, 1862.Affairs at Petite Anse Island, La. (See Ap pendix, p. 1088.) NOVEMBER 27, 1862.Capture of the steamer Lone Star. R~pott of Capt. V. L. Terrell, Terrell Dragoons, Mississippi Cavalry. HAMPTONS FERRY, LA., November 29, 1862. COLONEL: I beg leave to submit the following special report: On the morning of the 27th I learned that a force of the enemy, con- sisting by report of a force which I could meet, were out. I therefore took my command and proceeded down to the Mississippi River at New River Landing, but found that the enemy had withdrawn. I further learned that only two of the enemy had gone up the river. I placed my command under charge of Orderly Sergt. H. S. Magee, and ordered him back to camp. I took First Lient. John Pope and Privates F. M. Rogers, W. Waddell, J. T. Bland, and Volunteer L. Roorthe, and proceeded up the river to intercept the enemy above mentioned. I learned during the night that they had also gone down the river. I then continued up the river, and just below Plaquemine, on the opposite shore, I saw a steam- boat. I waited until night-fall, and being joined by F. It. Vorheis, a vol- unteer, I immediately crossed the river and landed 1~ miles above the boat. I immediately went down, boarded and captured the boat, with all the crew and two J)assengers. I then brought the boat down to Captain Stockdales pickets, 10 miles below, on this side of the river, and sent a courier for Captain Stockdales company, to which call the captain ])rolnptly responded. The prisoners were then turned over to Captain Stockdale, together with a planter, Mr. Avery, who l)ositiVelY refused to render me any assistance, and refused to allow me to take his carts or hands. I put him nuder guard and sent him on with the balance of the prisoners. I endeavored to save the cargo, which con- sisted of sugar. The hogslieads could not be raised up the bluff by my small force. I took ashore some 20 or 30 hogsheads and burned the boat. The name of the boat burmied was Lone Star. Some small articles, mattresses, & c., together with one hogshead of sugar and one barrel of molasses, were brought to my camp and distributed to my company. I would especially state that the, action both of my first lieutenant and every private was in every way commendable, and they have my best thanks- also Captain Stockdale and men have my thanks for assist- ance and prompt response. All of which I respectfully s-ubmit. V. L. TEHItELL, L1aptain Terrell Dragoons, Mississippi Cavalry. COLONEL COMMANDING POST, Baton Rouge, La Page 190 190 w. PtA., s. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. (CHAP. XXYIL DECEMBER 7, 1862.Affair at Padre Island, Tex. Report of Capt. H. Willke, C. ~. Army. CORPUS CHRISTI, TEX., December 8, 1862. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that on the 5th instant myself, Capt. John Ireland, and 7 of his men went on a surveying expedition in the Queen of the Bay, to ascertain the depth of the channel at Corpus Christi Pass by actual measurement. The boat was in charge of Jack Sands, Pat lIeU, and Tom Simpson. Corpus Christi Pass is about 5 miles long, and has a bar outside to the Gulf and another inside one toward the bay. We found 5~ feet water on the former and 3~ feet on ~the latter. The wind was very contrary, and it took us one day and a half to ascertain these facts, when we were compelled to cast anchor and stay overnight in the middle of the channel, the wind being due north and the channel being too narrow to beat. On the morning of the 7th we detected the bark Arthur outside, evi dently cruising for us, for when they had detected us they stood off into sea to beat back to Aransas Pass. Captain Ireland and myself went to Mustang Island to watch her, but arrived late at the Gulf shore to find out if she had left any boat behind. We watched her until 11 oclock, when the wind turned toward the east an boat to weigh anchor. d we returned to the At 12 oclock we started homeward. When near the inner bar we detected two of the enemys launches fully manned, who had come into our rear over the Mud Flats near Shell Bank. They were about 2 miles from us, and we could not find out if there were any more hidden behind the shore, so I gave orders to turn our boat around and run nearly before the wind back toward the Gulf. The boats were in hot pursuit, using both sails and oars, and gained slightly on us, so that they were a little over a mile behind us when we arrived at the bluffs of Padre Island. We ran the Queen ashore close to the hills, jumped. out with the most necessary baggage, in case we should lose the boat, and took position on the hills, keeping ourselves hid. They came in close, and at about 200 yards we opened fire on them. The first two shots disabled 2 of their men, and they at once changed their course and took position in the center of the Pass, all the while shooting at us, but without any effect, while our balls were flying close to their boats, probably wounding some of them, for they at once went across the channel to Mustang Island, ran both boats ashore and jumped out as fast as they could, leaving everything in their boats except their guns, which were not fastened to their bodies, and ran farther up the beach, taking position about 1,000 yards opposite to u~. From there they fired occasionally on us, but their shot fell short, while one of our men at that distance killed one of theirs. When they sawthat even at that distance they were not safe against our shot they retired still far- ther and disappeared behind the hills. During the time the breeze had become stronger and driven their boats from shore. One came right toward us, and Captain Ireland, with 2 men, went waist-deep into water, securing her. He found one dead body and a wounded man in it, besides a good many articles of clothing and arms. The other boat, whose sail was still flying, drifted toward the Gulf, and Jack Sands took a small boat, went over, and took her also. Captain Ireland then succeeded in shoving the Queen into deep water, and after securing the corpse of the man who lay shot on Mustang Island we soon after Page 191 191 Cukp. xxvn.j REQOCtIPATION OF BATON ROUGE, LA. ward made good our retreat toward Corpus Christi, where we safely landed about 9 oclock in the evening with our whole booty. I must mention here the bravery of all the men. Captain Irelands men were selected from among the best shots of his company, and 1 take pride in mentioning their names, for they did really such very good execution. They were W. E. Goodrich, W. Saffold, F. G. Roberts, S. K. Elliott, John Keill, John Haley, and Nat Henderson, all from or near Seguin. About Captain Ireland I need not mention anything to you, for he behaved exactly as you would have a brave man to behave. We were 7 armed men against their 22, for Captain Ireland and myself had only six-shooters and the three boatmen had nothing. The latter did their part in shouting and urging on our men. We took 2 launches (one metallic), with full equipments in sail and oars, 6 great-coats, 4 percussion muskets, 1 double-barrel shot-gun, 3 holster pistols, 4 cutlasses, 1 bayonet, 3 cartridge boxes, 3 pistol cases, and sundry small articles, which I had turned over to the quartermaster and ordnance officer. Three of the great-coats were issued by my order to the three sailors, two of whom have since they are in the service re- ceived neither pay nor clothing and scarcely any rations, for they belong to no company, and nobody has ever drawn for them. I believe I can direct the quartermaster to issue to them rations and pay them their wages and let some of the captains draw their clothing for them. They are good sailors, and I wish to retain them in that branch for our boats. Have I a right to do that or must they join a company l I would request you to send me an answer to that question. I remain, very respectfully, your most obedient, H. WTLLKE, Maj. E. F. GRAY, Captain, Commanding Post. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. DECEMBER 17, 1862.Reoccupation of Baton Rouge, La., by the Union forces. Report of Brig. Gen. Cuvier Grover, U. ~. Army. HEADQUARTERS, Baton Rouge, La., December 17, 1862. Sm: I have the honor to report that I reached this point at day- break to-day, upon which the enemy (probably 500 strong) immediately evacuated the town. I landed my force as soon as means at hand would admit of and occupied the place, which I now hold. I have reason to believe it not improbable that the enemy will attack in force at a very early hourperhaps to-night or to-morrow morning. I have about 4,500 efThctive men, jwhich would be amply sufficient behind the lines we occupy if they were well drilled; as it is, a trial will only test their efficiency. We have no adequate means of debarking our batteries, but I hope to be able to have four pieces in position to-night. Captain Alden, commanding the Richmond, has kindly Punished me with details to work the guns. I consider it at least prudent that every exertion be made to increase the force here as soon as possible. I am greatly indebted to Captain Alden, commanding the fleet, for his efficient co-operation in making our landing. A few shells wer Page 192 192 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., T1~X., N. MEX. [CHAP. XZVII. drol)ped around our posit hin by the gunboats previous to landing. My infantry did not fire a gun. 1 will make a report in full at as early an hour as practicable. It is highly important that either a river or wharf boat be sent here immediately. I do not infend to send back any of the transports to- day, as it is impracticable to unload what we want until to-morrow at the earliest. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. GROVER, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Headquarters Banks Expedition. DECEMBER 29, 1862.Affair near Plaquemine, La. Report of Lieut. Commander F. A. Roe, U. S. Navy, commanding United States gunboat Katahdin. UNITED STATES GUNBOAT KATARDIN, Off Plaquemine, December 29, 1862. SIR: I came to this place last night by request of Captain Perkins, of the cavalry. This morning he attacked the enemy, heavily picketed about 7 miles in rear of this place. A smart skirmish ensued, but owing to the strong position of the enemy he could not be driven out. Captain Perkins estimates the force of the enemy at about 500 to 600 strong. Opposed to this force he has about 70 men only. It is Cap- tain Perkins wish to draw the enemy out and fight him, having the Katahdin to support him. This I shall do, as we have a series of sig- nals agreed upon to operate in conjunction. 4ppearances seem to in- dicate that the rebels are meditating a descent somewhere along the coast. All those who have taken the oath of allegiance to the United States are threatened with hanging and instant (leath. But we shall harass the rebels, and if possible entrap them into a disaster. Three good companies of infantry would be of great service if they could be stationed to occupy Plaquemine, and would give assurance to many people who need them. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. A. ROE, Lieutenant Commander. Commander JAMES ALDEN, Commanding Forces off Baton Rouge, La. DECEMBER 31, 1862JANUARY 3, 1863.Affairs at Plaquemine, La. Reports of Maj. James H. Bogart, One hundred and sixty-second New York Infantry, and resulting correspondence. PLAQUEMINE, LA., January 2, 1863. SIR: Pursuant to Special Orders, No. 2, Headquarters One hundred and sixty-second Regiment New York Volunteers, I embarked with three companies on the 31st, at 8 p. in., proceeded up the river as far a Page 193 CHAP. ~XVfl.] APFAI1~S AT PLAQUEMINE, LA. 193 Bayou Goula, where we met Gunboat No. 3, also Lieutenant Perkins, in command of cavalry force stationed there. Upon consultation it was decided to land my force at once at Plaquemine and take possession of the town, which I did without any opposition at 4 p. in., Lieutenant Perkins cavalry joining me with his whole force, 75 strong, at 12 mid- night. From a reconnaissance made last night as far down as Indian Village, on Bayou Plaquemine, we find the enemys cavalry in some force, but pickets only on this side of the bayou. My position is quite strong, as you will see by the rough map I send.* If possible to send me 100 more men, even of some other regiment, they could be made the best use of, and ere the transport returns will become a necessity. I have rations up to the 8th, and if decided to retain the command here would respectfnly ask ten days additional. I further ask full instructions in regard to citizens. They are mostly of French extraction. Some have taken the oath and some not. Also in regard to contrabands. My course so far has been to keep them on their plantations and allow them iu no case to gather in the town. I would further ask attention fo the following: Lieutenant Perkins command have had no ratilns for some time, and they actually need the regular army supply. They are also in great need of clothing, of which the quartermaster-sergeant has sent a list needed. It is 60 miles to Thibodeauxville, where he drew his last requisitions. His horses also need forage; oats especially. Hoping that the above report will meet with approbation at head- quarters, I am, sir, most respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES H. BOGART, Major One hundred and sixty-second New York Volunteer8. Colonel BENEDICT, Commanding Brigade. [Indorsements.] HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES, Camp Parapet, January 3, 1863. Respectfully forwarded to Brigadier-General Sherman, commanding division. LEW. BENEDICT, Colonel, Commanding. (JARROLLTON, January 3, 1863. Respectfully referred to department headquarters. The detachment ordered from here under directions from headquarters department took ten days rations and 200 rounds ammunition per man. T. W. SHERMAN, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES, Plaquemine, La., January 3, 1863. SIR: My small command still occupy the same position in the town of Plaquemnine. Last night we were under arms all night, and from 10 until daylight in position behin4 levee to resist contemplated attack 5Not found. 13 R RVOL X Page 194 194 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII from the enemy. Information received from citizens, contrabands, and especially from my own cavalry scouts, led me to expect an attack. Their force I estimated to be at least one regiment of infantry, two pieces of artillery, and about 500 cavalry. My information, gleaned from all the different sources, tallied as to their strength, and to their being immediately across the bayou at Indian Village, 9 miles from here. Their cavalry have been (at 8 oclock last evening) seen within 1 mile of the village of Plaquemine, some 150 strong, on Mr. Gays and Stones plantations. At 1 oclock this morning the enemy attacked my pickets from across the Bayou Plaquemine in considerable force, but with no effect. I re- plied, and they drew back into the woods. From the precision and unity of their volleys Ijudged them to be well-drilled troops and not guerrillas. At my request Captain Roe, of Gunboat No.8, threw some eight or nine shells over the town into the woods where the enemy were posted, evi- dently scattering them, for we heard no more from that point during the night. From the falseness of a fuse one shell from the gunboat ex- ploded over Company B, instantly killing Sergt. Joseph A. Baker, seri- ously wounding Private C. Mayer iw shoulder and head, and slightly wounding Corpl. Edward Many in hand. - At 2 a. m. I sent cavalry scouts down Bayou Plaquemine, who re- turned by 3 oclock and reported that they saw the enemy across the bayou all along, and that at 3 miles down he met their picke chased them some miles. - ts, who At daybreak Gunboat No. 7 arrived from up the river, and remained off the town to co-operate with Captain Roe, of Gunboat No. 8. Dur- ing the morning contrabands came in from Bayou Jacob, Bayou Grosse T6te, and Grand River, all of whom reported the enemys force much larger than they have been heretofore. DONALDSONVILLE, LA., January 4, 1863. In the continuing of my report I would say that at 9 oclock yesterday morning Lieutenant Perkins sent out a squad of cavalry, with orders to push to Indian Village, if possible. They returned at 4p. m. with the re- port that they had gone within a mile of that place, and that the enemy were erecting a fort there and had a large force of infantry with artillery. Infantry 5,000 strong, two batteries of artillery, and a large force of cavalry, with General Sibley in command. Tjie reports of Lieutenant Perkins I have implicitly relied upon, for he has been in this section of the country some time and knows it well. At 1 p. m. the river boat Morn- ing Light came up the river, bound for Baton Rouge. I sent for re-en- forcements to that place. After receiving the information of the force at Indian Village, and upon consultation with Lieutenant Perkins, of the cavalry, I decided it to be necessary, unless I was re-enforced strongly by 5 p. in., to evacuate the town, my men were in such an ex- hausted state, having been almost continually on the alert and not hav- ing had their accouterments off since entering the town. I immediately communicated my decision to Capt. F. A. -Roe, who said that he could take us aboard the two gunboats and e4her take us up or down the river. I decided to go down to this place, and from there, unless ordered by Colonel Holcomb, return to Camp Parapet. I was compelled to leave my rations, or rather the remainder of them, which amounted to about three and a half days for my 160 men. I would have had more remaining, but ~my surgeon considered it neces- sary to issae extra rations of coffee, & c., to the men on account of their exhausted state. I also gave some to Lieutenant Perkins cay Page 195 CHAP. XXVII.] AFFAIRS AT PLAQUEMINE, LA. 195 airy upon his informing me that his command were totally without and in need. I was also compelled to leave my ammunition, 22 boxes, of caliber .54. On communicating to the captain of the gunboat at 5 p. m. he said he would render me all assistance before dark, but could do nothing for me after. To have taken my ammunition on board would have occu- pied at least an hours more time. I had another and, as I considered, important reason for moving nothing. The citizens had constant com- munication across the Bayou Plaquemine by means of skiffs for with my small force it was impossible for me to post sentries close enough to prevent that evil, and had they any idea of my evacuating it would have been immediately communicated to the enemy, who could ha4e crossed on the fiats in sufficient numbers to have annoyed me, and. most probably deterred my embarking. All of my small command, including the wounded whom I sent off on the first boat, was aboard the gunboats by 7 oclock, and we then took our course for Donatdsonville, running slowly to cover the retreat of Lieutenant Perkins cavalry by the riverroad. Had we been attacked while embarking it would have resulted in the total destruction of not only my own men but those of the gunboats and of the boats also, for I could not defend myself, nor could the gunboats render me any assist- ance with their guns, for the enemy would have been behind a levee 12 feet high. We arrived at Donaldsonville this morning at 8 oclock, my officers and men having been treated in the most courteous manner by the gunboat commanders. At Donaldsonville I foundthe river steamer Morning Light with 200 of the Forty-second Massachusetts on board for me from General Grover at Baton Rouge. They arrived at Plaquemine at 7.30; not seeing us, they proceeded down the river to this place and reported to me. Q~eneral Grover requested me to return the troops as soon as possible, so I ordered theni to return as soon as practicable, the Morning Light having some repairs to make before being able to move up the river. Colonel Holcomb, commanding at this place, did not desire me to remain, so I took the first river boat (Sallie Robinson) and returned to Camp Parapet, where we arrived this evening at 10 oclock. In conclusion I would speak of my orders. When I reported to the captain of the gunboat, as my orders were to co-operate with the naval force, he said he could give me no advice in the matter, for he knew nothing of the state of affairs on shore. I farther add as a postscript, the embarkation was the decision of a consultation of all my officers, fully approved by the commandants of the gunboats~ I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedienj servant, JAMES II. BOGART, Major, Comdg. Detachment 162d New York Vol& CoL LEw. BENEDICT, Oomdg. One hundred and 8icct7/-SeCond N. Y. Vols. I would report as a certainty the loss of the enemy to be 2 killed on the 2d and 1 on the 3d of January. Yours, respectfully, JAMES II. BOGART, Major, Oomdg. Detachment 162d New York Vols Page 196 196 W. PTA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP.X~VU. [Indorsements.] HEADQUARTERS THIRD REGIMENT, THIRD BRIGADE, January 5, 1863. Respectfully forwarded. LEW. BENEDICT, Colonel. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, January 8, 1863. Respectfully returned to General Sherman. This report, taken in connection with the representations contained in the letters of General Grover and Colonel llolcomb, filed her~with, is regarded by the commanding general as unsatisfactory. General Sherman will cause a thorough investigation to be made of the facts and report the results to these headquarters, returning these papers with such report. By command of Major-General Banks: RICHD B. IRWIN, Lieutenant- colonel, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Thelosure No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS DIVISION, Baton Rouge, La., January 5,1863. ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Hdqrs. Department of the Gulf, New Orleans: SIR: .1 have the honor to report that on the afternoon of the 3d instant I received from Major Bogart, commanding battalion One hun- dred ar~d sixty-second New York Volunteers, a communication, a copy of which is herewith inclosed, marked A. In accordance with the request for re-enforcements I immediately ordered three companies of the Fifty-second Massachusetts Volunteers (about 200 aggregate), under the senior captain, to proceed to Plaque- mine and report to Major Bogart. This re-enforcement left this post about dark, from two to three hours after the call for re-enforcements. It appears, however, that about an hour before the Morning Light, with this detachment, reached Plaquemine Major Bogart had evac- uated the post, leaving behind, I am informed, 20,000 rounds of ball cartridges. I inclose also, marked B, a copy of Major Bogarts report of the matter to me. On the same boat that took the re-enforcements I sent a communica- tion to Major Bogart, a copy of which I did not keep, owing to the hurry in dispatching th~ boat. It was, however, to the effect that from reliable information, or what I considered so, there could not be over about 300 of the enemy in the vicinity of Plaquemine, La. Last night, at about 10 oclock, Captain Lewis, commanding gunboat Itasca, returned to this post from Donaldsonville, and reported to~his commander and immediately to me that the whole command of infantry had gone to Donaldsonville, and that also about twenty-four hours after the evacuation of Plaquemine a gunboat had returned to that point, and two boats crews had gone ashore and brought away the 20,000 rounds of ammunition; a sufficient proof; I think, that there was no enemy of any consequence about Plaquemine. Under those circumstances, though in no way under my authority, I considered it necessary for the good of the service and the credit of th Page 197 CHAP. XXVII.] AFFAIRS AT PLAQUEMINE, LA. 197 army that the forces which had evacuated Plaquemine should return immediately. I therefore at once ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Storrs, of the Fifty-second Massachusetts Volunteers, to proceed on the Itasca to Donaldsonville and assume command of the detachment of the One hundred and sixty-second New York and Fifty-second Massachusetts Volunteers, to return to Plaquemine and occupy that post until further orders from competent authority. I also ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Storrs, in case re-enforcements were received from below, or in case he was satisfied that die reenforcement from the Fifty-second Massachu- setts Volunteers was no longer needed, to return with the detachment of the Fifty-second to this post. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. GROVER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. A. HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES, Plaquemine, La., January 3, 1863. GENERAL COMMANDING AT BATON ROUGE: Having been sent here with three companies of infantry to co-operate with the naval force, and having landed, taking possession Df the town, Lieutenant Perkins cavalry, 75 strong, joining me here from Bayou Goula, I have therefore 161 infantry, 75 cavalry.. From scouting par- ties sent out, the enemy is no doubt in considerable force on Bayou Grosse Tate, crossing below Bayou Plaquemine at Indian Village. Last evening we expected an attack, and at 1 oclock our pickets were fired upon by the enemy, at least 80 strong. I immediately signaled Gunboat No.8, which threw shell among them, silencing their fire. This morning we were again attacked, but through the promptness of Lieu- tenant Perkins vedettes they were again repulsed. I would earn- estly ask for some re-enforcements. With from 200 to 300 more men I can assuredly hold this place, with gunboats co-operating. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES H. BOGART, Major One hundred and sixty-second iYew York Volunteers. B. DONALDSONYLLLE, LA., January 4, 1863. Brigadier-General GROVER: I would respectfully report the evacuation of Plaquemine by my small forces, for the following reasons: Lieutenant Perkins scout reported the enemy in force at Indian Vil- lage, at least 5,000 strong, with artillery and cavalry. Their 6avalry was below at IDr. Stones and Mr. Gays plantations. Colonel Sibley, or rather General Sibley, was in command of tWeir forces. Upon con- sultation with Lieutenant Perkins, upon whose authority I relied im- plicitly, it was decided better for me to evacuate. My orders were not to hold the town, ouly to co-operate with the naval force. Your re-en- forcements did not arrive until after dark. Captain Perkins will report in detail. I send my detailed report to the headquartcr~ from which I received my orders. I am, sir-, very mespeetfully, your obedient servant, JAMES H. BOGAiRT, Major One hundred and sixty-second New York Volunteers Page 198 198 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [Oxip. IXYIL [luclosure No. 2.J HEADQUARTERS FIRST LOuISIANA VOLUNTEERS, Donaldsonville, January 5, 1863. Lient. Col. RICHARD B. IRWIN, Asst. Adjt. GZen., Department of the Gulf: SIR: I have to report that Major Bogart, of the One hundred and sixty-second New York Volunteers, arrived here yesterday morning with a detachment of the One hundred and sixty-second, which had been stationed at Plaqucinine, he having evacuated the place the even- ing previous. He left for New Orleans in the afternoon with his com- mand. A re-enforcem~nt which had been sent to Major Bogart from Baton Rouge on the 3d instant arrived at Plaquemine on the afternoon of that day, but finding no gunboats there, concluded that all was not right, and came on down here and reported to Major Bogart, who ordered the force of 200 men to return to Baton Rouge by first conveyance. Captain Ransom, of the gunboat, went up to Plaquemine yesterday afternoon to recover 25,000 cartridges which Major Bogart left behind, which he succeeded in doing without any trouble. The citizens reported to Captain Ransom that the enemy were not in force on the Grosse Tote (which agrees with my information), and that on the evening of the 3d, when Major Bogart supposed that he was attacked, the enemy was not nearer than 9 miles. I was upon the point of sending the detachment from the Fifty-second Massachusetts back to Plaquemine when Lieutenant-Colonel Storrs, from Baton Rouge, came down with orders from General Grover to go back and occupy the place. Lieutenant Krause, of this regiment, has just returned from a scout in the country bordering on the Manchac, New River, and the Amite River. He succeeded in breaking up a small camp of guerrillas near Civics Landing, on the Amite. The country between this place and Baton Rouge and the Mississippi and Amite Rivers is clear of guerrillas. He brought in 15 rebel soldiers, some of whom are on furlough and some deserters. I will report immediately with regard to the depredations said to have been committed by men of Lieutenant Krauses command at Dr. Pritchards, which I have no doubt will be satisfactory to General Banks. Though the men of this regiment are not so careful about step- ping on the toes of rebels as some others, yet I think that it is as free from the charge of plunder as any other in the~ department. I believe discipline and subordination to be the first requisite of the soldier, and when indiscriminate pillage and unauthorized acts of plunder are per. mitted discipline cannot exist. / Respectfully, yours, R. E. HOLCOMB, Commanding First Louisiana Volunteers. HEADQUARTERS DIVISION, Baton Rouge, January 8, 1863. ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Headquarters Department of the Gulf, New Orleans: SIR: I have the honor to state that I communicated to you some days ago that Major Bogart, of the One hun~1red and sixty-second New Yor Page 199 CHAP. XXVII.] 199 RECAPTURE OF GALVESTON, TEX. Volunteez~s, in command of 161 men of his regiment, posted at Plaque- mine, left his post without, as far as I can -learn, any authority, and that upon its being reported to me I, having previously sent him the desired re-enforceinents, dispatched un officer (his senior) to take com- mand of Major Bogarts detachment and the detachment of re-enforce- ments and to return with the same to Plaquemine, there to await farther orders from proper authority. I have just learned from th~ report of that officer that twelve hou.rs previous to his arrival at Donaldsonville Major Bogart, with his command proper, had gone to New Orleans. 1 do not know by whose authority Major Bogart was ordered to Plaquemine, but as far as I can learn he seems to have abandoned his post without cause and in a disreputable manner. I think it is due to the service that the conduct of that officer be inquired into. I reported to you also that I had re-established the post with a detachment from the Fifty-second, which I have re-enforced to 400 strong. Will you please give me instructions if I am to keep up that post or not? If the post is to be kept up would it not be well to send a regiment from below to garrison it? I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant C. GROVER, - Brigadier-General, Oommanding. 3ANUARY 1, 1863.Recapture of Galveston, Tex., by Confederate forces. REPORTS, :ETO.* No. 1.Maj. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Gulf. No. 2.Lieut. Charles A. Davis, Adjutant Forty-second Massachusetts Infantry. No. 3.Mr. W. S. Long, Engineer Department, U. S. Army. No. 4.Maj. Gen. J. Bankliead Magruder, C. S. Army, commanding District of Texas, - New Mexico, and Arizona, and including operations October , 1862Feb- ruary 26, 1863, with congratulatory orders and correspondence relative to flag of truce, etc. No. 1. Reports of Maj. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks, U. S. Army, commanding Do jpartment of the Gulf. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, La., January 3, 1863. GENERAL: It becomes my painful duty to transmit the accompany- ing brief telegraphic account of an unfortunate affair which took place at Galveston on the 1st instant. The account was received but a few moments since. I detain the steamer to take this dispatch. The troops at Galveston were three companies of the Forty-second Massachusetts, Colonel Burrell, and the Second Vermont Battery, Captain llolcomb. I trust that the detailed account, which I hope to receive in time to * For reports of United States naval o~cers, see Annual Report of t1~e Secretary of l4te Navy, December 7, 1863 Page 200 200 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHiP. XXVIL go by the next steamer, may prove that the disaster has nQt been as serious as at first reported. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief, llidqrs. of the Army, Washington, D. C. [Inclosure.l SOUTHWEST PASS, LA., January 3, 18631.45 p. m. Major-General BANKS: I have received the following dispatch, which I hasten to communi- cate: ON BOARD MARY BOARDMAN, January 3, 186312 noon. N. P. BANKS, Commanding D~partmentof the Gulf: Galvesto:i was attacked by land and water on the morning of January 1. Colonel Burrell and his men were all killed or taken prisoners. Four rebel rams made an attack on the Harriet Lane and carried her by boaiding. Captain Wainwright and Lieutenant Lea killed and all the men killed or prisoners. The captain of the Owasco (Wilson) was killed. Commander Renshaw blew up the flag-ship Westfield to pre- vent her from falling into the hands of the enemy. He was killed, nnd also First Lieutenant Zimmerman. T~vo barks loaded with coal fell into the hands of the rebels. We have some 70 men from the Westfield on board. They must have some aivangements for taking charge of them immediately on our arrival, as we have only our own crew. WM. L. BURT, Major and Aide-de-Camp, Staff of General Hamilton. C. HUGGINS. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF New Orleans, La., January 7, 1863. SIR: Upon the departure of the last mail vessel I forwarded a dis- patch received at the last moment from Major Burt, of the staff of Gen- eral Hamilton, Governor of Texas, giving a brief account of the disaster at Galveston, Tex. The chief incidents have since been confirmed. The extent of the loss on the part of the Government is as follows: The capture of the Harriet Lane, the destruction of the Westfield by order of her commander, who was killed by the explosion, and two coal transports lying at Galveston. Three companies of the Forty-second Massachusetts Volunteers, Colonel Burrell commanding, which had landed on the wharf under the protection of the fleet two days before, were also captured. The balance of the regiment, with a battery of artillery and a detachment of Texas cavalry, were on the way to Gal- veston, but had not landed when the attack was made. They have all returned to the city of New Orleans. The loss of the army is limited to the companies of the Forty-second Massachusetts, 260 men in all. A full report of the affair from Major Burt is forwarded to the depart- ment. It is unofficial, Major Burt not being mustered into the service of the United States, and serving on the statf of General Hamilton by direction of Governor Andrew, of Massachusetts, but h~s statements are all worthy of implicit credit. The attack upon the fleet had unquestionably been iong considere Page 201 CHAP. IXVII.J RECAPTURE OF GALVESTON, TEX. 201 and w~s very skillfully executed. The presence of the small detach- ment of troops only added to the means of defense very slightly of course and to the extent of the loss. The Cambria returned from Gal- veston last evening with the detachment of Texan troops. She was at Galveston forty-eight hours without positive knowledge of what had transpired. At that time a pilot came out to take her into the harbor, but suspicions having been excited by the movements of the people on shore as well as those of the pilot himself he was compelled to come on board the (Jambria, forced to disclose the condition of affairs, and was brought to this city. The detachment of troops was sent to Galveston upon the suggestion of Admiral FarEagut, and upon the statement of General Butler that he had contemplated ordering a small force there to assist in recruiting Texas refugees. It was supposed that the fleet made the occupation of the part of the island adjacent to the gunboats perfectly secure. It would not, however, have been sent forward so soon after my arrival had it not been for the impatience of General Hamilton. When it became known that our destination was New Orleans and not Texas, which was not until our arrival here, those connected with him became very vio- lent, and denounced unsparingly the Government and all connected with the expedition for what was called bad faith in its management. General Hamilton is not a bad man, but he does not manifest great force of characters and is surrounded by men who came here on the Government transports, unbeknown to me, for base, speculative purposes and nothing else. I notified him of the conduct of these men and he promised to correct it, but has not yet done so. He explains their presence by saying that in the North he became indebted to them for pecuniary assistance. I sent him notice that they would be required to leave the department if their course was approved by him. It was mainly the impatience of these people that prompted me to forward the detachment to Galveston, bat only upon the concurrence of Admiral Farragut and General Butler as to its expediency and safety. Such is a full statement of my participation in this aftThr. I have the honor to be, with much respect, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Commanding. Major-General HALLECK, Commander-in-Chief U. S. Army. (Inclosure No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, La., December , 1862. Col. ISAAC S. BURRELL, Forty.second Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers: COLONEL: Your regiment having been ordered to Galveston, you are hereby placed in command of that post. You will execute such orders as you may receive from these headquarters. My instructions from the Department of War forbid me at present to make any extended mill. tary movements in Texas. The situation of the people of Galveston makes it expedient to send a small force there for the purpose of their protection, and also to afford such facilities as may be possible for recruiting soldiers for the military service of the United States. Every assistance in your lower will be attorde(l foi- tife coILll)IA!te attaiuiuent of these objects. General Hamilton is appointed military governor of the State o Page 202 202 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. (CHAr. XX~IL Texas, and will be recognized by you in that capacity, but your orders you will receive from these headquarters. Until the port of Galveston is regularly opened by the Government of the United States no trade can be carried on, and no attempt for that purpose will be recognized or countenanced by you. I rely fully on your energy, vigilance, and capacity for the performance of the important duties intrusted to you. Do not fail to make frequent reports of all that transpires within your command and of whatever im- portant facts you may learn from the enemy in Texas or from its people. It is not probable that any successful movement can be made upon the main-land until our force shall be considerably strengthened, and you will take care not to involve yourself in such difficulty as to en- danger the safety of your command. Other instructions will be sent to you from time to time, as occasion may require and opportunity offer. N. P. BANKS Major- General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 2.] Major.General BANKS, Commanding D~partment of the Gulf: MYDEAR GENERAL: At your request I have furnished the follow- ing brief and informal statement of the affair at Galveston, Tex., Jan- uary 1, 1863: I was on board the transport-propeller Mary A. Boardman, lying at anchor near the flag-ship Westfield, on the morning of the 1st instant. The first warning of an attack was the appearance of four rebel gun- boats coming down the bay toward the city at about 3 a. m. At this time the moon was shining brightly and objects could be seen at con- siderable distance, but soon after the moon went down and it became hazy and very dark. Soon after the moon went down a land attack upon the city was signaled from the Harriet Lane, which lay at the extreme upper part of the city. The Westfield, in endeavoring to run up to the assistance of the town, got aground on Pelican Island, near us, where she lay useless through the fight, and where she was finally blown up by Commander Renshaw. The gunboat Clifton came to her assistance, but was unable to get her off and while she was there the attack commenced upon the Harriet Lane and upon the town. This was about 4 oclock in the morning. The only land force in Galveston consisted of Companies D, G, aud- I, of the Forty-second Massachusetts, under the command of Colonel Burrell. These men were located upon one of the wharves, and the attack upon them appeared to be with musketry and artillery in the streets and from the buildings, two pieces of artillery appearing to be located in the second story of a warehouse, controlling the wharf. The attack made at the same time upon the Harriet Lane was by two rebel gunboats running directly on and closing with her, and by artil- lery from the shore and musketry from the buildings. As the Clifton returned from the Westfield toward the wharf a bat- tery of two guns, which had been placed on Fort Point during the night, opened upon her. These guns had been placed in the same fortifica. tions from which the gunboats had driven the rebels when we first took possession of the city. The fortifications had not been leveled by our forces after securing possession of theni. The firing was continuous in the city and fXQIu the gunboats unti Page 203 CIL& r. XXVIII J~ECAPTURE OF GALVESTON, TEX. 203 daylight, the firing from the Harriet Lane slacking first. At thi8 time two rebel gunboats, one partially burned and sunk, appeared close by the Harriet Lane, and. two more, one a ram, covered with a roof plated with bars of iron resembling railroad iron, and another, a Missis- sippi steamboat, shielded by cotton to the height of 25 feet or more, the top covered thickly with sharpshooters, were lying directly opposite our vessel, heading toward the wharf, and one other Mississippi boat, some 2 miles farther up the bay, was coming down. it proved that the Harriet Lane had been carried by boarding, her captain, Wainwright, killed, her first lieutenant, Lea, mortally wounded, and all her men and officers either killed or taken prisoners, some 130 in number. Soon the Owasco and Clifton, gunboats, raised white fiag~, and Captain Law started inhis boat from the Clifton to the Westfield, and had an interview with Commander IRenshaw. Our vessel, the Mary Boardman, was then alongside the Westfield, having endeavored to haul her off. As soon as Captain Law left for his own vessel Com- mander iRenshaw sent an officer to us saying that he was going to blow up the Westfield, and requesting us to assist in taking off her men and whatever could be saved. I remonstrated with this officer that it was unnecessary, and that the whole force could lie by and protect the Westfield until the tide turned (which was then running out), when she would float and we could save her, and as she was heavily armed and of light draught she was invaluable. I also requested th& com- mander to come on board. This remonstrance was repeated to every officer that came to my vessel with men. We received on board the men and their ba~gage, with the property of the ship, until our decks would hold no more, and the rest was placed on the transport Saxon. At about 10 a in., while the commanders boat and crew and second cutter and crew were at the Westfield to receive the last men the com- mander, having poured turpentine over the forward magazine and just over where she was aground, set her on fire with his own hand. He stepped down into his boat, in which were First Lieutenant Zimmer- man, Chief Engineer Greene, and two oarsmen. The magazine immedi- ately exploded, tearing the bow of the vessel open and blowing-her to pieces to the waters edge and back to the smoke-stack. After the explosion no living thing could be seen. She did not sink, being aground; and her guns aft, which were do~ible-shotted and run out, as the flames should reach them, threatened us, at the short distance we were from her, with destruction, which might have been foreseen when she was fired. Acting Sailing-Master Smalley took charge of us as pilot and we started for the bar. It was evident that we could not get over with what we had on board, and we threw overboard everything on deck except what belonged to the men of the Westfield. We went over the bar, striking very heavily, followed by the Saxon, two small schooners, the Clifton, Owasco, and Sachem, gunboats, leaving the Harriet Lane in the hands of the rebels, with two barks loaded with coal, and one small schooner. All the men of the Forty-second Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers who were on shore, except the adjutant, were killed or taken prisoners; he escaped in a small boat. No attempt was made by the officers of any of the gunboats to communicate with the city, and no effort to obtain the wounded or to learn who were killed or who wounded in any way. Captain Law, who was the senior officer, ordered the men on board our vessels to N~w Urleans. Before starting I informed him that th~ tran Page 204 204 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. (CHAP. IXYIL port Cambria, from New Orleans, would be at Galveston with men within forty. eight hours, and to warn her off. We brought to New Orleans between 70 and 80 men from the West- field, arriving on the morning of Jannary~4, and a few hours later r was astonished to learn that we were followed by all the gunboats and that Galveston Harbor had been left entirely unprotected. The rebel land force, probably not less than 3,000 men, was com- manded by General Magruder. The railroad and bridge from the main- land to Galveston, which had never been cut by us and which was in the full control and use of the rebels, furnished them an easy and rapid means of transportation and attack, and was undoubtedly one of the prime causes of the disaster. Respectfully, WM. L. BURT, Major and Aide-de4iamp to Brigadier-General Hamilton. [Inclosure No. 3.1 HEADQUARTERS, Galveston, Tex., December 29, 1862. SIR: In obedience to orders, upon arriving at this place on the even- ing of the 24th instant, after consulting with the commander of the blockading fleet, I lauded the three companies of my command, which were with me upon the transport Saxon, on the end of Kahns Wharf, and quartered them in the warehouse there. I have taken possession of the city as boldly as I could with the small force at my command, and have thoroughly reconnoitered the built-upon portions of the city up to within range of their battery at Eagle Grove, which is apparently well built, mounting three guns. They have also one gun at the draw, which is about midway of the bridge. Upon Virginia Point they have a strong battery, mounted with heavy guns. From the best information obtainable I judge their force in this immediate vicinity to be about 2,000 strong. During the day we control the city, but at night, owing to our small force (as the balance of my regiment has not yet arrived), I am obliged to draw in the pickets to the wharf on which we ~re quartered. I think there are still living upon the island about 3,000 persons, a large proportion of whom are women and children. A great many of these people are almost entirely destitute of the means of subsistenceq as ~the enemy will not allow anything to be brought over from the mainland, thinking doubtless to make them disloyal by starvation. The naval officer in command has contributed all he could spare from his stores and my men have shared their bread rations with them. I believe the larger part of the residents now here to be loyal and really desire to remain in the city, and that common humanity calls upon us to render them assistance. This, in my judgment, can best be done by placing the city under martial law as soon as my force is large enough, and forcing the rich, who are mainly the secessionists, to feed the poor. I would most respectfully urge upon your consideration the necessity of sending provisions for immediate relief. These can be sold to them at Government prices, thus conferring a real charity, without subjecting them to the mortification of being beggars. Under the existing circum- stances I have thought it best to send one of my staff, Quartermaster Burrell, and Mr. Lou)- the engineer, who accompammied us here, h) report to you in person. These gentlemen will explain iii detail the state of affairs, and the importance of the knowledge which they can convey Page 205 ChAr. XXVU.1 1~ECAPTURE OF GALVESTON, TEX. 205 to you has, in my judgment, authorized me in ordering the Saxon back to Ne~Orleans, which I humbly trust will meet your approbation. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, ISAAC S. BURRELL, Colonel, Comdg. Forty-second Regt~ Massachusetts Vols. [Inclosure No. 4.] ON BOARD STEAMER CAMBRIA, January 7, 1863. MajorGeneral BANKS, Commanding Department of the Gulf: The steamer Cambria, with two companies of the First Texas Cav- alry, horses of the Second Vermont Battery, and a great number of men, women, and children (refugees), left New Orleans for Galveston December 31, 1862, at 9 p. m. Arrived outside the island January 2, at 7 p. m. Strong wind and high sea running. No sign of pilot, cou- sequently came to anchor. Next morning, 3d instant, weather very hazy and high sea. We com- menced beating about, in the hopes of a pilot coming to us, np till 12 m. No such success, during which time several of the refugees, being well acquainted with the bar, were desirons of piloting us in. The captain would not listen to any such suggestions. They then offered to take one of the life-boats and go for a pilot, to which he also dissented, but upon the earnest solicitations of officers and refugees, amounting almost to a demand, he reluctantly consented, and the boat left, manned by six men, two of whom were soldiers and four refugees. This was about 12.30 p. m. The colonel sent a pressing letter to the officer in command, stating that we were in distress, the horses on board suffering from the roughness of the weather, and demanding immediate assistance. About 7 p. m. tbe weather cleared to bright moonlight; sea more calm. The boat did not return, and hopes for her safety were given up, as it was supposed she might have swamped in crossing the bar. At this time three shells were plainly visible as having been fired from near the city, which was the first cause of uneasiness on the part of our captain. On the supposed warning the colonel had his meu called together and put iii readiness in case of emergency. Nothing further transpired, however, during the night. The next morning the day broke clear, the sun shining bright, with the city and its sni roundings in full view. We hoisted pilot-jack and blew the whistle about 8 oclock, which signal was answered by pilot- boat inside the bar, near a schooner, and a bark with American colors flying, which proved to be the bark Cavallo. After ~the boat came toward us she tacked, ap~)arently running and sounding the bar. She then went toward the bark and lowered her jack, signifying that she had put the pilot on board. In the mean time the pilot-boat shot up alongside and asked, Flow much water do you draw, captain I To which he replied, Nine and a half to ten feet. The answer then was, You can go in; there is plenty of water on the bar. Are you a pilot~? was then demanded. Reply, No, but you can follow us in. Question. Where is the pilot l Answer. On the bark. Question. Why does he not come out for us? Answer. Because he had special orders to take the bark out first. In the mean time we separated some distance. Again the pilot-boat shot up alongside, when th~ cap- tain ordered the pilot on board, when he replied, There are too many men there for me. He then immediately hauled jib-sheet to windward Page 206 206 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS.~ LA., TEL, N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVIL slacked off the main-sheet, and put his helm hard to port, with the in- tention of getting clear. Seeing this, the captain ordered the steamer backed, which placed the steamer between the pilot-boat and the bar. The captain then called out, Stand by your guns, fore and aft, and be ready to fire. Do not open youx port-holes before the colonel gives the word. The pilot-boat then came to and the pilot said he would come on board. The colonel asked him who was in command. His imme- diate reply was, Captain Wainwright. After several unimportant questions and answers he was recognized and called by name by one of the refugees, by which he was apparently confused and lost his, pres- ence of mind. Seeing that the captain looked upon him with marked suspicion, he said. Gentlemen, I cannot lie any longer; Galveston is in the hands of the Confederacy. The captain, hearing that the Harriet Lane was in their hands and as she was reported uninjured, immedi- ately put the steamer to sea. The counterfeit l)ilOt, T. W Payne, was of course detained on board as prisoner. The pilot-boat and crew were permitted to depart, as the colonel thought by their returning it would give us more time to escape. About 9 oclock on the evening of the 5th ultimo we met the United States sloop-of-war Brooklyn, and was boarded by an officer from her to whom we gave the foregoing inform~ition. We afterward learned that the boat sent ashore with the 6 men was detained and the men taken prisoners. Respectfully submitted: LEWIS BACH, Acting Purser Steamer Cambria. No. 2. Report of Lieut. Charids A. Davis, Adjutant Forty-second Massachusetts infantry. IIDQRS. FORTY-SECOND MASSACHUSETTS MILITIA, in Camp at Carroliton, La., January 10, 1863. GENERAL: I have to report that on the 21st of December, 1862, Com- panies G, D, and I, of this regiment, under the command of Col. I. S. Burrell, left New Orleans in the steamer Saxon. for Galveston (the re- maining companies were to proceed thither as fast as they arrived here). Colonel Burrells orders were to land and take post. He also received from the chief quartermaster same verbal advice to consult with the commander of the-naval force there in reference to the course he would pursue on arrival. We arrived there on the 24th. Colonel Burrell im- mediately consulted with Commodore Renshaw, of the gunboat West- field, in command, and by his advice we landed on Kuhns Wharf on the morning of the 25th. On several subsequent occasions the officers of the gunboat assured us of entire and perfect safety in oar position against any attack of the enemy. About 3 oclock on the morning of January 1, 1863, soon after .the moon had gone down, our pickets were driven in by the enemy, who were advancing with their artillery. We instantly formed in line on the wharf behind onr barricades, and at the same time we signalized the gunboats that the enemy were upon us. The enemy then opened fire on us with his artillery, which was re- sponded to by the gunboats. Our quarters had been a wooden build Page 207 CHAP. XXVII.] RECAPTURE OF GALVESTON, TEX. 207 ing on the wharf, which we had barricaded on the inside. We had also barricaded the wharf in two places. At this building most of the enemys shots were directed, and it was there that most of our damage was receive(l. An attempt of the enemy to capture us at one time be- fore daylight was successfully resisted by our men. Soon after daylight we discovered four rebel gunboats and a ram making for our fi~et. They succeeded in capturing the Harriet Lane. At 8 oclock a. m. a flag of truce was raised by the enemy on the Har- riet Lane and on shore. Flags of truce were then raised by the several gunboats and finally by Colonel Burrell on the wharf. Colonel Burrell, not having any information as to the reason of this cessation of firing, then ordered me to go on board the gunboats and find out the object of the flags of truce, and also to get the gunboats to come up to the wharf and take our men off, the enemy being too strong for us to con- tend against on shore. I got on board the Owasco, the Westfield being aground some 3 miles farther off. ~3aprain.Law, of the Clifton, had gone on board the Westfield, and while awaiting his return, in order to get an answer to my request, I saw from the deck of the Owascoour men being marched off prisoners by the enemy. This was done while the flags of truce were still flying at all points. On Captain Laws return he in- formed me that the gunboats would proceed to sea immediately; so, finding our men had been captured, by advice of naval officers I re- mained on board the gunboat and proceeded to New Orleans and re- ported in person to-Major-General Banks. I do not think over 20 of our troops were wounded and I do not know that any were killed. In addition to the three companies mentioned, with their officers, there were taken prisoners Col. I. S. Barrell, Surg. A. J. Cummings, Chaplain George J. Sanger, also Lieut. B. S. Stowell, of Company E. We had intrenching tools for 500 men, some thirty days commissary supplies, with three months medical stores, and about 25,000 rounds of ammunition, all of which were lost, as also, I regret to say, were both of our regimental colors. The force of the enemy on shore was not less than 3,000 troops, with some twenty pieces of artillery, most of them being apparently 12-pounders, with some rifled guns. They had also planted on the eastern part of the island three 30-pounder rifled Par- rott guns. According to their own account there were not less than the same number of troops on their various gunboats. I know nothing of the loss of the enemy, but judge it must have been large. The gunboat Westfield, being aground, was blown up, to prevent its falling into the hands of the enemy, Commander IRenshaw with four of his chief offi- cers and six of his men, being blown up in her. I have to say that everything possible was done by our men that could be. They held clear the wharf on which we were situated until the flags of truce were raised; also drove the enemy from one of his guns, and by their well-directed fire prevented its being retaken again during the action. The remaining seven companies of the regiment are now in camp at this place, under command of Lient. Col. J. Stedman. 1 have the honor to remain, general, respectfully, your obedient serv- ant, - CHAS. A. DAVIS, Adjutant Forty-8econd Regim6nt Massaehusett8 Volunteers. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM SCHOULER, Adjutant- General of Massachusetts Page 208 208 W FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEl. (CHAP. XXflt No. 3. Report of Mr. W. A9~ Long, Engineer Department, U. ~. Army. ENGINEER OFFICE, January 17, 1863. Lient. Col. RICHARD B. IRWIN, Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: I submit herewith the report of my assistant, Mr. W. S. Long, who accompanied the Forty-second Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers to Galveston and was present during the engagement on the morning of January 1, 1863. Accompanying the report is a map of the city and surroundings and a sketch oC the barricade constructed by our troops on the wharf. * This barricade undoubtedly saved the lives of several of our men. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D.C. HOUSTON, Major and Aide-de-Camp, Chief Engineer. [Tholosure.] NEW ORLEANS, LA., January 10, 1863. Maj. D. C. HousToN, Chief Engineer, Department of the Gulf: SIR: I have the honor to submit the following account of the attack on the United States forces at Galveston, Tex., on the morning of the 1st of January, 1863: The troops sent from New Orleans, consisting of three companies (D, G, aud I) of the Forty-second Massachusetts Volunteers, commanded by Col. I. S. Burrell, landed on Kuhns Wharf on the 25th of December. It had been intended to land on Pelican Spit, where there are United States barracks, but Commanders Renshaw, Wainwright, and Law, U. S. Navy, strongly advised Colonel Burrell to occupy the wharf; as the best place, where his men could be under the protection of the gunboats. Patrols were sent through the city by day; pickets were posted at the corners of the main streets, and a lookout kept from the cupola of Hendleys building, which commanded a view of the whole city and suburbs. At night, however, the pickets were drawn in near the head of the wharf. A barricade was made across the head of the wharf and part of the planking torn up. Four or five refugees, who had been hiding in the town, came to the wharf and remained there at night for protection, and were of much service on account of the information they obtained from time to time of the enemys movements. Parties of rebel cavalry used to come into town at night. They gen- erally came along the beach, where they were concealed by the range of sand hills along the Gulf shore, and on reaching the suburbs would separate and go through the city in squads of two or three. Before daylight they would rendezvous at a place called Schmidts Garden, and return to Eagle Grove the same way they came. On the 30th December the refugees who staid on the wharf reported that there was a rumor in town that an attack would be made on the troops that night. In order to be prepared, I constructed a second bar- To appe& r in Atla8 Page 209 ChAr. XXVII.] RECAPTURE OF GALVESTON, TEX. 209 ricade in the position shown by the accompanying sketch and the planks torn up. This barricade was built of planks, timber, and bar- rels of plaster which were found in the warehouse on the wharf. An entrance was left in the center, and bales of cotton and bags of cotton- seed kept near by to close it when necessary. The pickets were driven in about 11 oclock at night by a party of cavalry, but no attack was made that night. Shortly after 1 a. in. on the 1st instant the pickets came in and reported that there was artillery in the market place. Captain Sherive went out to reconnoiter, and confirmed the report. Colonel Burrell posted his men behind the barricade, signaled to the gunboats, and prepared for the attack. Between 2 and 3 a. m. the enemy opened fire from twelve or fifteen pieces of field artillery, to which the gunboats replied. The fire from shore seemed to be directed principally upon the ware. house, where the men slept, but as they were all lying down behind the barricade there were but few wounded. After an hours firing an attempt was made to carry ~he wharf by an infantry assault, which was repulsed by our men, and at the same time a gun was planted on the end of the brick wharf so as to enfilade the barricade but fire. , the gunners were driven from their piece after the first After the moon went down (between 4 and 5 oclock) the Harriet Lane was attacked by three. armed river boats. About 500 infantry were on board each boat, protected by cotton bales, which were piled up on the decks. The Lane engaged the foremost of the boats, ran into ~ind sank it, but her bowsprit and rigging got foul in some manner, and before it was cleared the other two boats ran one on each side of her, and the infantry behind the cotton bales poured a terri~c fire upon the deck of the Lane, which in a very short time almost annihilated her crew. The enemy then boarded and took her. When these three boats attacked the Lane two others were seen to the west of Pelican Island, threatening to come down Bolivar Channel, where the Westfield lay. Commander lienshaw attempted to get under way, but grounded. The Clifton was signaled to and came to the assistance of the Westfield, but could not get her off. By this time the rebels had got two or three pieces of heavy artillery in position at Fort Point and opened fire from them. The Clifton went down toward the point, engaged and silenced the battery, then went up to the town, and, together with the Owasco, turned her guns upon the Lane and her captors. After firing a short time a flag of truce was raised on the Lane, and a boat with some rebel officers put off for the Clifton. The object of this flag I did not ascertain. It was now about 8 oclock. Captain IRenshaw ordered the Saxon and Mary Boardman to come near the Westfield and take off the crew, - as he intended to blow her up. The crew was all got off, with the ex- ception of Captain IRenshaw, Lieutenant Zimmerman, two other officers, and the crew of the captains gig, who remained until the last to fire the vessel. The fire was applied, Captain IRenshaw was descending the ladder, and all the rest were in the boat~ when (at 8.45) the after magazine prematurely exploded, and they were all blown up with the vessel. The steamers then got under way and ran out under the fire from the battery at Fort Point. Two of the enemys boats started in pursuit, but did not dare to cross the bar. The transports then left or New Orleans, and the gunboats remained to blockade the harbor. 14 II RVOL X Page 210 210 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX~ [CHAP. XXVII. The loss on shore, according to Adjutant Davis, of the Forty-second, who escaped, was 2 killed and 15 or 20 wounded. The remainder are all prisoners, as are the survivors on board the Harriet Lane. The accompanying map shows the positions of the vessels during the engagement, and also the places referred to in the preceding report. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. S. LONG, Assistant Engineer. No. 4. Reports of Maj. (len. J. Bankhead Magruder, C. S. Army, commanding District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, and including operations October , 1862February 26, 1863, with congratulatory orders and correspondence relative to flag of truce, f~c. HEADQUARTERS, Galveston, Tex., January 1, 1863. GENERAL: This morning, the 1st of January, at 3 oclock, I attacked the enemys fleet and garrison at this place, and captured the latter and the steamer Harriet Lane, two barks, and a schooner of the former. The rest, some four or five in number, escaped ignominiously under cover of a flag of truce. I have about 600 prisoners and a large quan- tity of valuable stores, arms, & c. The Harriet Lane is very little in- jured. She was carried by boarding from two high-pressure cotton steamers, manned by Texas cavalry and artillery. The line troops were gallantly comr~anded by Col. Thomas Green, of Sibleys brigade, and the ships and artillery by Maj. Leon Smith, to whose indomitable en- ergy and heroic daring the country is indebted for the successful execu- tion of a plan which I had conceived for the destruction of the enemys fleet. Colonel [A P.] Bagby, of Sibleys brigade, also commanded the volunteers from his regiment for the naval expedition, in which every officer and every man won for himself imperishable renown. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, ]JIaj. (len., Gomdg. Dept., Dist. of Tex., N. Mex., and Ark. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. P. S.January 3, 1863.Commodore RenshaWs flag-ship, the West- field, was blown up by him to avoid capture. Her armament is iiow, however, being brought up from the water uninjured. A small steam propeller was so much injured while going out under a flag of truce that she is reported to have sunk on the bar. Thus the enemy only saved three vessels out of a fleet of eight vessels. J. B. M., Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DIsT. OF TEXAS, NEW,MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, Galveston, Rex., January 2, 1863. SIR: I forgot to mention in my report that the Westfield, the flag- ship of Commodore Renshaw, was run on shore during the fight ai.u Page 211 CHAr. XXVTLJ RECAPTURE OF GALVESTON, TEX. 211 blown up. The fleet consisted of the Harriet Lane, the Westfield, and the Owasco, the Clifton, the Sacliem, two barks, and a schooner. The Owasco, the Clifton, and the Sachem escaped under a flag of truce, so that the harbor of Galveston was entered under a flag of truce and left by the same flagrant violation of military propriety. We captured one heavy rifle gun, and the guns of the Westfield will be raised and it is hoped will soon he in our use. I have ascertained upon further inquiry that the number of prisoners who fell into our hands was 350, exclusive of officers. The ships of the enemy which escaped, after anchoring on the outside of the harbor, sailed during the night of the 1st, it is supposed for New Orleans. We are preparing to give them a warm reception should they return With a larger fleet. Our loss will not exceed 25 killed and 50 wounded. Captain Wainwright and Lieutenant Lea, executive officer of the Har- riet Lane, were both killed, the former by Maj. Leon Smith in close quarters. I am greatly indebted to Brigadier-General W. R. Scurry and Colonel Debray for valuable services at a critical period of the action, and will do justice to them and other gallant officers in my detailed report. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, General ~. COOPER. Major.General, Commanding. RICHMOND, VA., January 28, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Galveston, Tex.: M~ DEAR SIR: I am much gratified at the receipt of your letter of January 6,* conveying to me the details of your brilliant exploit in the capture of Galveston and the vessels in the harbor. The boldness of the conception and the daring and skill of its execution were crowned by results substantial as well as splendid. Your success has been a heavy blow to the enemy~s hopes, and I trust will be vigorously and effectively followed up. It is to be hoped that your prudence and tact will be as successful in allaying domestic discontents as your military ability in retrieving our position on the Texas coast. Your suggestions will receive the favorable consideration due to you. The congratulations I tender to you and your brave army are felt by the whole couutry. I trust your achievement is but the precursor of a series of successes which may redound to the glory and honor of your- self and our country. Very respectfully and truly, yours, JEFFERSON DAVIS. HDQRS. DIST. OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, Galveston, February 26, 1863. SIR: On my arrwal in Texas I found the harbors of this coast in the possession of the enemy, from the Sabine River to Corpus Christi; the line of the Rio Graude virtually abandoned, most of the guns having been removed from that frontier to San Antonio, only about 300 or 400 men remaining at Brownsville. I resolved to regain the harbors if possi- ble and to occupy the valley of the Rio Grande in force. The latter *Nof fowid. - ~ - Page 212 212 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS~, LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII would be a very serious undertaking, on account of the scarcity of sup- plies in Mexico and the difficulty of transporting them across the desert from Eastern Texas. Having announced this determination as soon as I arrived on the Sabine, Captain A. iR. Wier, of Cooks regiment of artillery, commanding a fort on that river, stepped forward and vol- unteered with his company to man a steamboat on the Sabine and to clear the Pass. This officer and this company had the honor to be the first volunteers for the desperate enterprise of expelling the enemys fleets from our waters. I remained a day or two in Houston, and then proceeding to Virginia Point, on the main-land, opposite to Galveston Island, I took with me a party of 80 men. supported by 300 more, and passing through the city of Galveston at night 1 inspected the forts abandoned by our troops when the city was given up. I found the forts open in the rear, and taken in reverse by every one of the enemys ships in the harbor. They were therefore utterly useless for my purposes. The railway track had been permitted Zo remain from Virginia Point to Galveston, and by its means I purposed to transport to a position near to the enemy~s fleet the heavy gun hereinafter mentioned, and by assembling all the movable artillery that could be collected together in the neigh- borhood I hoped to acquire sufficient force to be able to expel the enemys vessels from the harbor. Meeting here Capt. Leon Smith, whom from my acquaintance with him in California I knew to be of great experience in steamboat man- agement, I employed him in the quartermasters department, placing him as a volunteer aide on my staffi I intrusted to his charge all the steamers on the Sabine River and in the bayous emptying into Galves- ton Bay, and at the same time directed that those on the Sabine should be fitted out forthwith. Learning subsequently that the enemy had landed at Galveston a considerable force (strength unknown), I directed Capt. Leon Smith, without 4elaying preparations on the Sabine, to fit up as gunboats the steamers Bayou City and Neptune, and to employ two others as tenders, for the purpose of supplying the larger vessels with wood. At the same time I received information that other Fed- eral troops were on the way to Galveston. I therefore dfrected that the work on the last-mentioned steamer should be carried on night and day, and that captains and crews should be forthwith provided for 4hem. Fearing that the enemy might land troops at Galveston and fortify himself there, I determined to make the first attack at that point, with the object of destroying in detail his land forces as fast as they might arrive. Captain Wier, who had first volunteered, was therefore, with his company, ordered from the Sabine on board of the Bayou City. Captain Martin, commanding a company of cavalry, having arrived from New Iberia, La., volunteered his services, and was likewise assigned to duty on board the same steamer. When the boats designed for- the Galveston expedition were nearly ready I called for volunteers from Sibleys brigade, then stationed in the neighborhood, under orders for Monroe, La. It is proper to state that I had previoasly ascertained that the services of these troops at Galveston would not delay a moment their departure for Louisiana, they being unable for want of transporta- tion to move in that direction. This call was for 300 men. It was promptly responded to, Colonels Green and Bagby volunteering to lead the men of their respective regiments. After these officers had volun- teered Col. James Reily, commanding the brigade, also offered tQ lead the troops from his comifiand, but his services in that capacity wer Page 213 CHAP. XXVtI RECAPTURE OF GALVESTON, TEX. 213 declined, as he was then the brigade commander. About 60 men of Beilys regiment likewise volunteered, but they did not accompany the expedition, having been ordered back to their regiment by Colonel Reily after having once reported to Colonel Green, who commanded the land forces on the steamers. In addition to these troops Lieutenant Harby, late captain in the revenue service of the United States, with a company of infantry acting as artillery, was ordered on board the Neptune. The men destined for the naval expedition were armed with Enfleld rifles, which I had brought with me from Richmond, and with double-barrel shot-guns. The enemys fleet, then lying in the waters of Galveston, consisted of the Harriet Lane, carrying four heavy guns and two 24-pounder how- itzers, commanded by Captain Wain~vright, U. S. Navy; the West- field, flag-ship of Commodore Renshaw, a large propeller, mounting eight heavy guns; the Owasco, a similar ship to the Westfield, mount- ing eight heavy guns; the Clifton, a steam propeller, four heavy guns; the Sachem, a steam propeller, four heavy guns; two armed transports, two large barks, and an armed schooner. The eneiny~s land forces were stationed at the end of a long wharf, and were crowded into large buildings immediately under the guns of the steamships. The ap- proaches laudward to this position were impeded by two lines of strong barricades, and communication with the shore was destroyed by the removal of portions of the wharf in front of the barricades. It thus became necessary for our storming parties to advance by wading through the water, and to enable them to mount on the end of the wharf fifty scaling ladders were constructed. As there x~ere no breastworks or other protection for our artillery making the attack on the enemys ships and land forces, my object was to bring to bear as heavy a fire of artillery as possible after reaching the wharves and other points selected for the purpose under cover of the night. I knew that the co-operation of the cotton boats with the land forces would be ex- tremely difficult to attain, the distance the former had to ruu being 30 miles. I therefore had not calculated with confidence on a success greater than that of the expulsion of the enemys fleet from the harbor. If the desired co-operation should be secured the result would be im- mediately accomplished, and would be attended probably with the cap- ture or destruction of some of the enemys ships. If the co-operation should fail, I nevertheless felt satisfied that by throwing up intrench- ments at the ends of the streets leading to the water I could gradually expel the fleet from the harbor. For this purpose intrenching tools in large quantities were prepared. To. attain the object in view I had at my disposal six siege pieces, the heaviest weighing 5,400 pounds. I also caused to be constructed a railroad ram, armed with an 8-inch IDahlgren and mounted on a rail- way flat. This flat and gun were carried by railway to a point within a few hundred yards of the Harriet Lane. A large quantity of cotton was transported in the same way, with the view of using it in making a breastwork for this gun should we not succeed in our object before daylight. In i~ddition I had fourteen field pieces, some of them rifled and some smooth-bore. Three of the heaviest of the siege guns had to be transported 9 miles, the others 7 miles, between sunset and 12 oclock, under cover of the darkness and over very difficult roads. A system of rapid communication with our gunboats by telegraph and otherwise having been established, it was arranged that the attack should take place at 12 midnight, the fire of our land batteries consti- tuting the signal for the naval attack. Nevertheless I informed Com Page 214 214 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAr. XXVII. modore Smith, in command of the naval expedition, that I would attack the enemys fleet whether gunboats made their appearance or not. The key of the whole position was Fort Point, at the mouth of the harbor, 2 miles below the mouth .of the town [f]. This fort was entirely open in the rear, thus affording no protection for our artillery against the enemys vessels inside of the harbor. The attack from this point was intrusted to Captain [S. T.] ~Fontaine, of Cooks regiment artillery, supported by six companies of Pyrons regiment dismounted dragoons, under command of the gallant Colonel Pyron. Wilsons battery of six pieces was to attack the enemy from the center wharf; the railroad ram was sent to the upper wharf. The remainder of the artillery was manned from Cooks regiment and posted in eligible positions. Colonel [J. J.] Cook himself was intrusted with the command of the storming party of about 500 men, composed of details from Pyrons and Elmores regiments and Griffins battalion, and furnished with ladders to scale the wharf on which the enemys land forces were barricaded. Brig. Gen. W. R. Scurry was placed in command of Pyrons regiment and of the remainder of Sibleys brigade, and Elmores men, commanded by Lieu- tenant.Colonel [L. A.] Abercrombie, the latter acting as a support for the whole. Lent. Col. J. H. Manly, of Cooks regiment, was ordered to Yirginia Point to defend that work, which was our base of operations, and which was connected with Galveston Island by a railroad bridge 2 miles in length, open to the attack of the enemy. Leading the center assault in person, I approached within two squares of the wharves, at which point I directed the horses of the field pieces to be remo~ed from them and placed behind some brick buildings for shelter froiti the anticipated discharges of grape and cali- ister. After allowing the lapse of what turned out to be ample time for Captain Fontaine to reach and occupy his more distant position the guns were placed along a line of about 2~ miles, principally within the limits of the city. It having been agreed that the fire of the center gun should furnish signal for a general attack, I proceeded to carry out this por- tion of the plan by discharging the piece myself. The signal was promptly responded to by an almost simultaneous and very effective discharge along the whole line. The moon had by that time gone down, but still the light of the stars enabled us to see the Federal ships. The enemy ~lid not hesitate long in replying to our attack. He soon opened on us from his fleet with a tremendous discharge of shell, which was followed with grape and canister. Our men, however, worked steadily at their guns under cover of the darkness. Colonel Cook now advanced with his storming party to the assault; his men, wading through the water and bearing with them their scaling lad. ders, endeavored to reach the end of the wharf on which the enemy were stationed. Colonel Cook was supported by Griffins battalion and by sharpshooters deployed on the right and left, in order to dis- tract the enemys attention. A severe conflict took place at this point, our men being exposed to a fire of grape and canister and shell from the ships as well as of musketry from the land forces. The water was deep, the wharf proving higher than was anticipated, anTI the scaling ladders, as was reported to me by Colonel Cook, were found to be too short to enable the men to accomplish their object. After an obstinate contest the infantry were directed to cover themselves and fire from the buildings nearest this wharf which was accordingly done. The enemys fire was deadly. The ships being not more than 300 yards from our batteries it was extremely di~cult to maintain the positions we had assumed, and some of the artillery-men were drive Page 215 RECAPTURE OF GALVESTON, TEX. 215 from their pieces. As daylight, which was now approaching, would expose these men still more to the enemys fire, and as our gunboats had not yet made their appearance, I ordered the artillery to be with- drawn to positions which afforded more protection, but from which the fire could be continued on the adversary with greater advantage to us. Knowing Captain Fontaine to be in a position the most exposed of all I at the same time dispatched a staff officer with instructions to have his pieces likewise withdrawn. This order reaching Captain Fontaines men before it was received by their captain, and the concentr~ited fire from the enemys ships, but a few hundred yards distant, having in- creased in intensity, they were compelled to leave their pieces. They were, however, soon formed by Captain Fontaine in a position of greater security. The delicate duty of withdrawing the pieces in the city from the close vicinity of the enemy was intrusted to Brigadier-General Scurry, who performed it with skill and gallantry. Prepatations were then ordered for the immediate fortification and permanent occupation of the city. But at this moment, our fire still continuing, our gunboats came dash- ing down the harbor and engaged the Harriet Lane, which was the nearest of the enemys ships, in the most gallant style, running into her, one on each side, and pouring on her deck a deadly fire of rifles and shot-guns. The gallant Captain Wainwright fought his ship ad- mirably. He succeeding in disabling the Neptune and attempted to run down the Bayou City, but he was met by an antagonist of even superior skill, coolness, and heroism. Leon Smith, ably seconded by Capt. [Henry S.] Lubbock, the immediate commander of the Bayou City, and by her pilot, Captain McCormick, adroitly evaded the deadly stroke, although as the vessels passed each other he lost his larboard wheel- house in the shock. Again the Bayou City, while receiving several broadsides almost at the cannons mouth, poured into the Harriet Lane a destructive fire of small-arms. Turning once more she drove her prow into the iron wheel of the Harriet Lane, thns locking the two vessels together. Followed by the officers and men of the heroic vol- unteer corps, Commodore Leon Smith leaped to the deck of the hostile ship, and after a moment of feeble resistance she was ours. The sur- viving officers of the Harriet Lane presented their swords to Commo- dore Leon Smith on the quarter-deck of the captured vessel. After the surrender the Owasco passed alongside pouring into the Harriet Lane a broadside at close quarters, but she was soon forced to back out by the effect of our musketry. Commodore Smith then sent a flag to Commodore Rensliaw, whose ship had in the mean time been run aground, demanding the surrender of the whole fleet, and giving three hours time to consider. These propositions were accepted by the commanding officer, and all the enemys vessels were immediately brought to anchor, with white flags flying. Most of this time was occupied in attempting to get the Har- riet Lane to the wharf in order to remove the wounded to a Place of safety. The ships and boats were so much damaged that this was found to be almost impossible with the means at hand. Proceeding myself to the wharf I met one of my most distinguished and scientific staff officers, Maj. A. M. Lea, who informed me that on board the Har- riet Lane he, had found his son, the second in command, mortally wounded. He represented to me that there were other officers badly wounded, and urged me to delay, if possible, their removal. It now being within an hour of the expiration of the period of truce I sent another flag to Commodore Renshaw, whose ship was among the mos Page 216 216 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CnAL. XXVfl. distant, claiming all his vessels immediately under our guns as prizes, and giving him further time to consider the demand for the surrender of the whole fleet. This message was borne by Colonel Green and Captain Lubbock. While these gentlemen were on their way in a boat to fulfill their mission Commodore IRenshaw blew up his ship and was himself accidently blown up with it. They boarded the ship of the next in command, who dropped down the bay, still having them on board, and carried them some distance toward the bar while stil the white flag at the mast-head. , I flying In the mean time General Scurry sent to know if he should fire at the ships immediately in his front at the expiration of the period of truce. To this I replied in the negative, as another demand under a flag of truce from me had been sent to the commodore. When the first period of truce expired the enemys ships under our guns, regardless of the white flags still dying at their mast-heads, gradually crept offi As soon as this was seen I sent a swift express on horseback to General Scurry, directing him to open fire on them. This was done with so much effect that one of them was reported to have sunk near the bar and the Owasco was seriously damaged. I forward a correspondence on this subject between Commodore Bell and myself. In this correspondence Commodore Bell states that the truce was violated by the firing of cannon and sma7ll-arms by our men on shore, as he had been informed. This is an error; not a gun or small-arm was discharged during the stipulated period or until the enemys vessels were discovered to be creeping off out of the harbor. Commodore Leon Smith fired a heavy stern gnu at the retiring ships with effect fromu the Harriet Lane. Jumping on board the steamer Carr, he proceeded to Bolivar Channel and captured and brought in in the immediate presence of the enemys armed vessels the two barks and schooner before spoken of. As soon as it was light enough to see the land force surrendered to General Scurry. We thus eaptured one fine steamship, two barks, and one schooner. We ran ashore the flag-ship of the commodore, drove off two war steamers, and sunk another, as reported, all of the U. S. Navy, and the armed transports, and took 300 or 400 prisoners. The number of guns captured was fifteen, and, being found on Pelican Spit, a large quantity of stores, coal, and other material also was taken. The Neptune sank; her officers and crew, with the exception of those killed in battle, were saved, as were also her guns. The loss on our side was 26 killed and 117 wounded. Among the former was the gallant Captain Wier, the first volunteer for the expedition. The alacrity with which officers and men, all of them totally unacquainted with this novel kind of serv- ice, some of whom had never seen a ship before, volunteered for an enterprise so extraordinarily and apparently desperate in its character and the bold and dashing manner in which the plan was execut certainly deserving of the highest praise. - ed, are Although it may appear invidious to make distinctions, I nevertheless regard it as a duty to say that too much credit cannot be bestowed on Commodore Leon Smith, whose professional ability, energy, and perse- verance amidst many discouraging influences were so conspicuously displayed in the preparation for the attack, while in its execution his heroism was sublime. In the latter he was most ably and gallantly seconded by Colonel Green-, commanding the land forces serving on board of our fleet; by Captain Lubbock, commanding the Bayou City; by her pilot, Captain McCormick; Captain Wier, commanding the artil- ler~*; Captain Martin, commanding dismounted dragoons, and by th Page 217 RECAPTURE OF GALVESTON, TEX. 217 officer8 and men on board of that boat. Though in the case of the Nep- tune the result was not so favorable, her attack on the Harriet Lane was equally bold and dashing and had its weight in the capture. Colonel Bagby, commanding the land troops on board the Neptune; Captain Sangster; her pilots, Captains Swift and McGovern; Captain ilarby, and the officers and crew of the ship, likewise deserve, as they have re- ceived, my thanks for their participation in this brilliant battle. The engineers, among whom Captain Seymour, of the Bayou City, and Cap- taiii Conner, of the Neptune, were distinguished by remarkable cool- iiess, skill, and devotion in the discharge of their important duties. In the land attack especially commendations are due to Brig. 0-en. W. R. Scurry, Col. X. B. Debray, Major Von Harten, Cooks regiment of artillery; Captain Fontaine, Cooks regiment; Maj. J. Kellersberg, of the Engineer Corps; also to Colonels Cook, Pyron, Lieutenant-Colonel Abererombie, commanding Elmores men; Major Griffin, Major Wilson, of the artillery; Captain Mason, Captain McMahan, and to the accom- plished and devoted Lieutenant Sherman, who fell at his piece mortally wounded, and to Privates Brown and Shoppman, of Dalys company of cavalry, the latter of whom kept up the fire of one piece almost without assistance under the enemys grape and canister. The officers of my staff exhibited on this, as on previous occasions, conspicuous ability and gallantry. When some of the men were ~com- pelled to leave their pieces at one of the wharves nearest the enemy Major Dickinson, assistant adjutant-general, calling for volunteers, dashed down the street in order to withdraw the pieces. Whilst in the act of consummating this design he was badly wounded by a fragment of a shell striking him in the left eye, which unfortunately has lost its sight. Capt. E. P. Turner, assistant adjutant-general, likewise behaved with conspicuous gallantry. Lients. George A. Magruder and H. M. Stan- ard, my aides-de-camp, executed my orders with remarkable gallantry, promptness, and intelligence. These two officers have thus been dis- tinguished in the battles of Bethel, Yorktown, Savage Station, and Mal- vein Hill. It is only just that I should commend them to the special consideration of the Government. Lieutenant Magruder volunteered for the service, and brought off in the most gallant manner some pieces which the men had been compelled to retire from. Lieutenant Stanard behaved with equal gallantry in the execution of orders, exposing him- self to the enemys fire. Lieutenant-Colonel MeKeill, of Sibleys brigade, adjutant and inspector general, rendered distinguished service in carry- ing out my orders, as also did Lieutenant Carrington, of the same regi- ment, acting on my staff. Mr. Dennis Brashear, who h~s been in every battle in which I have been engaged, except that of Bethel, and served with great gallantry everywhere without pay or reward of any kind for more than a year, rendered important and most gallant services on this occasion. I am also under obligations to Lieutenant-Colonel Nichols, volunteer aide, whose ability and local knowledge were of great service in arranging the details of the attack. I likewise thankfully acknowl- edge the services of Judge P. W. Gray and the Hon. J. A. Wilcox, mem- bers of Congress from Texas, who, as volunteer aides, accompanied me to the front when the battle opened and remained with me during the continuance. The assistance of General [Thomas B.] Howard, of the Militia, and his adjutant-general, Major Tucker, residents of Galveston, was of great value, as was also that of Mr. E. W. Cave, volunteer aide, from Houston. Hon. M. M. Potter, of Galveston, was likewise conspicuous during the engagement for his activity and devotion. I take this occasion to recommend to the special consideration of th Page 218 218 W. FLA., S. MA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. I(~HAP. XXVII. President the conduct of Governor J. R. Baylor, of Arizona, who, though not in command of any troops nor attached to any staff, was conspicuous for his gallant conduct as a private, serving the guns during the hottest of the fire, and with his coat off working to place them in position during the night. Lieutenaut.Colonel Manly sustaine(l the operations from Virginia Point with great ability and activity. Captain [W. J.] Pendleton, acting ai(le-de-camp, who accompanied the troops, proved himself to be an officer of very remarkable ability, energy, and devotion. Captain Stoy, assistant quartermaster, is also deserving of high commendation. Maj. J. B. Eustis, acting ordnance officer on my staff, assisted by Lieut. M. Hughes, of the artillery, performed admirably his difficult and important duties in the preparation for the attack. The former by my order re- mained in charge of his depot at Virginia Point, while the latter dis- charged gallantly his duties on the held. I likewise take.pleasure in recognizing the efficient and gallant services of Major [0. M. Watkins, in charge of conscript business, on my staff; of Colonel For. [U. G.] shey, of the En.gineer Corps; of Capt. H. Pendleton, assistant quarter- master, who accompanied me to the front; and of Major [E. B.] Pen- dleton, chief commissary, on my staff, who discharged his important duties with gallant ability. Lieutenants Stringfellow, Jones, and Hill, of the artillery, behaved with remarkable gallantry during the engagement, each of them volun- teering to take charge of guns and personally directing the fire after the officers originally in charge of them had been wounded. It would be improper to close this report without directing the par- ticular attention of the Government to invaluable services rendered by Major B. Bloomfield, quartermaster, of my staff, and by Captain [E. C.] Wharton, assistant quartermaster at Houston. These officers, by their intelligence, energy, and activity proved themselves fully adequate to all the demands made upon them in the preparation of the means ap~ propriate to their department, and contributed materially to the suc- cessful result of the expedition. Nor should I here omit to mention Captain [W. S.] Good, in command of ordnance. I commend him especially to the Chief of Ordnance and to the consideration of His Excellency the President. Besides the names mentioned above I would call attention to the names of the officers and men reported by their respective commanding officers to have distinguished themselves by gallant and meritorious services. As it would have been imprudent to give full warning to the inhabitants of Galveston 6f my intention to attack the Federal fleet, lest information of the design might reach the enemy, as soon as the head of our column entered the suburbs of the town I directed the am- bulances,in charge of one of my staff officers, to proceed to the Convent of IJrsuline Nuns near that point, and place the conveyances at their disposal for their immediate removal to the houses provided f~r them. I also in like manner informed the foreign consuls and the mayor of the contemplated attack, and gave them time to move their families and the citizens most exposed to a place of safety. The noble women of. the convent, while recognizing the courtesy extended to them, expressed a preference to remain and nurse the wounded, offering their building as a hospital. Many of the inhabitants left the houses most exposed to the enemys fire, and I am happy to state that although many edifices were much injured and the town riddled by balls no casualty occnrred among the citizens. The wounded of the enemy were conducted to the same hospital, and the same attentions were bestowed on them as i Page 219 CHAP. XXVII.] RECAPTURE OF c4ALYESTON, TEX. 219 they had been our own men. Captain Wainwright and Lieutenant Lea, of the Federal Navy, were buried with masonic and military honors in the same grave; Major Lea, of the Confederate Army, father of Lieu- tenant Lea, performing the funeral services. Having buried the dead, taken care of the wounded, and secured the captured property, my exertions were directed to getting the Harriet Lane to sea. The enemys ships fled to New Orleans, to which place one of their steam transports was dispatched during the action. I knew that a large naval force might be expected to return in a few days. I therefore ordered the employment at high wages of all the available mechanics to repair the Harriet Lane, her main shaft having been dislocated and her iron wheel greatly disabled, so that the engine could not work. The United States flags were ordered to remain flying on the custom-house and at the mast-heads of the ships, so as to attract into the ha~rbor any of the enemys vessels which might be bound for the port of Galveston. A line of iron buoys which we had established for the guidance of his ships in the harbor were displaced aIA so ar- ranged as to insure their getting aground. On the 3d of January, I being then on board of the Harriet Lane, a yawl-boat, containing several men, in command of a person named Thomas Smith, recently a citizen of Galveston, and who had deserted from our army, was reported alongside. He informed me that he was sent from the United States transport steamship Cambria, then off the bar, for a pilot, and that they had no idea of the occupation of the city by us. I forthwith ordered a pilot boat, under command of Captain Johnson, to bring in this ship, but through a most extraordinary com- bination of circumstances the vessel which contained E. J. Davis and many other apostate Texans, besides several hundred troops, and 2,500 saddles for the use of native sympathizers, succeeded in mak- ing her escape. The man Smith, who had, it is said, several times set fire to the city of Galveston before he deserted, had been known as Nicaragua Smith, and was dreaded by every one. He returned to Gal- veston in order to act as Federal provost-marshal. His arrival produced mucli excitement, during which some one without orders sent a sail- boat to Pelican Spit, now occupied by our troops, to direct the com- manding officer there not to fire on our pilot boat, although she was under Yankee colors. The sail-boat thus sent was at once supposed to be destined for the Yankee transport. The pilot boat gave chase to her, and the guns from the shore opened on her within hearing of the ship. Night coming on, I thought it surer, as the alarm might be taken, to capture her at sea before morning, but the Harriet Lane could not move, and our cotton gunboats could not live on the rough sea on the bar. Therefore one of the barks, the Royal Yacht, a schooner of ours, the pilot boat, and the Leader, a schooner loaded with cotton, which I had ordered to be sent to a foreign port, with a proclamation of the raising of the blockade at Galveston, were directed to be prepared and armed with light artillery. This was done by 2 oclock the same night, our little fleet being manned by volunteers, under the command of Captain Mason, of Cooks regiment of artillery. Unfortunately the wind lulled and none but the pilot-boat could reach the enemys ship. The pilot-boat went out under the command of a gallant sailor, Captain Payne, of Galveston. The enemys ship proved to be a splendid iron steamer, built in the Clyde. I had ascer- tained from her men taken ashore that she had only two guns, and they were packed on deck under a large quantity of hay, and I antic Page 220 220 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. rCHAP. XXVII. pated an easy conquest and one of great political importance, as this ship contained almost all the Texans out of the State who had proved recreant to their duty to the Confederacy and to Texas. The pilot-boat was allowed to get close to the ship, when the boat was hailed and the pilot ordered to come on board. Captain Payne answered that he thought there were rather too many men to trust himself to; where- upon he was directed to come on board or he would be fired into. He went on board as ordered, and soon after the steamer sailed in all haste seaward, leaving the pilot-boat and hands to return to us. I am thus particular in this narration, as the friends of Captain Payne fear that he may meet with foul play from the enemy. I shall ascertain, through Commodore Bell, his fate, and act accordingly. Smith, the deserter, was tried regularly the next day before a general court-mar- tial, and being convicted of deserting to the enemy, was publicly shot in Galveston in accordance with his sentence. The proceedings, which were formal in all respects, legal and regular, are forwarded. At the time of these occurrences I received through Colonel [W. G.] Webb reliable information of an insurrection among the Germans in Colorado, Fayette, and Austin Counties, 800 being reported in arms to resist the conscript law and the State draft. I immediately ordered the Arizona brigade, with a section of artillery, to the disaffected region, (leclared martial law in these three counties, and had the ringleaders arrested and lodged in jail. The rest yielded, and tranquillity and obedience to the laws are now prevalent. Major Webb contributed much by his personal activity and influence to produce these results, and I earnestly recommend him to the Presi- dent for the appointment of assistant adjutant-general, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, to be stationed in the disaffected regions, and to take charge of the business growing out of these affairs and those of the militia. He was an officer of the old Army, and colonel under Geii- eral Taylor in the Mexican war. The German ringleaders above mentioned have been turned over to the civil authorities for trial. I have the honor to announce that the whole coast and islands are now in our possession and that the iRlo Grande is strongly occupied. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKilEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Commanding. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DIST. OF TEX., N. MEl., AND ARIZ., No. 37. Houston, fliex., March 3, 1863. The following letter of thanks from Lieutenant-General Holmes, com- manding Trans-Mississippi Department, is published to the officers and men of this command: HEADQUARTERS TRANs-MISSlSSIppI DEPARTMENT, Little Rock, Fel-uary 7, 18$3. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Commanding District of Texas, 4-c.: GENERAL: Your letter, announcing the capture of a portion of the enemys fleet by the forces under your command, was received yesterday, and I am directed by the lieutenant-general commanding to congratulate you on the successful issue of the expe~.ition against Galveston, and to return his thanks to yourself and the officer Page 221 CHAP. XXVII.i RECAPTURE OF GALVESTON, TEX. 221 and men of your command for the great gallantry displayed on the occasion and the zeal and energy evinced by you, and which has reflected so much credit on the De- partment of the Trans-Mississippi. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. S. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant-General. EDMUND P. TURNER, Gaptain and Assistant Adjistant-Gencral. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DIST. OF TEX., N. MEX., AND ARIz., No. 56. San Antonio, March 30, 1863. The following resolution of thanks to the major-general commanding and those nnder his command, passed by both Houses of the Tex~ts Leg- islature, is published for the information of the Army of Texas: JOINT RESOLUTION of thanks to General J. B. Magruder and others. RESOLUTION 1. Be it resolved by the Legislature of the State of Texas, That the thanks of the Legislature are hereby tendered to General J. B. Magruder and the officers and men under his command for the brilliant victory which they gained ov& r the Feder- alists at Galveston on the 1st of January last. To Maj. 0. M. Watkins and the officers and men under his command for their gallant conduct at Sabine Pass and the recap- ture of that fort and capturing the blockading vessels of the enemy; and to Maj. Daniel Shea and the officers and men under his command for their brave defense of the town of Lavaca; and to Major Hobby and the officers and soldiers under his command for ~the repulse of the enemys attack on Corpus Christi, the commencement of our success on the Texas coast; and to Captains Ireland and Ware and the offi- cers and soldiers under their command for their exploit in the capture of CapPun Kittredgeand his men near Corpus Christi; and to Captains Ireland and Wilike and the officers and soldiers under their command for their good conduct in defeating the enemys attempt to capture one of our vessels aiA in capturing his barges in the Bay of Corpus Christi; and to Capts. Santos Benavides and Refuglo Benavides and the officers and menunder their command for their vigilance, energy, and gallantry iii pur- suing and chastising the banditti infesting the Rio Grande frontier. RESOLUTION 2. That the Governor be requested to transmit a copy of these resolu- tions to General J. B. Magruder and the other officers mentioned, with the request that they make them known to the officers and men under their command. Approved March 6, 1863. Tn~ STATE OF TE~is, Department of State: I, R. J. Townes, Secretary of State of the State of Texas, do hereby certify the above to be a true and correct copy of the original joint resolution as approved by the Governor, now on file in this department. In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and caused the seal of the State Department to be affixed, at Austin, this 12th March, 1863. [SEAL.] R. J. TOWNES, Secretary of State. These resolutions will on the day of their reception be read at the head of every regiment, battalion, and unattached company in the dis- trict. By order of Major-G-eneral Magruder: STEPHEN D. YANCEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. UNITED STATES STEAM SLOOP BROOKLYN, Off Galveston, Tex., January 9, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Gommanding Confederate Forces, Galveston, fIex: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of thi Page 222 222 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. (Cei~. XXVII. date, borne by Major Eustis, of your staff, and Capt. P. MeGreal, of the Confederate Army, referring to an alleged violation of a flag of truce in the harbor of Galveston by the late Captain Renshaw, and asking if the white flag is hereafter to be recognized and respected as a flag of truce. Having never violated a flag of truce mys& if, I shall require it (the white flag), when flying in some conspicuous place, to be respected by all persons under my command so long as it is respected and observed on the other side. I am not acquainted with the infraction attributed to Captain Ren- shaw in the first part of your note, but will communicate the subject- matter to the proper authorities. I will state in conclusion that I have heard from several respectable sources that firing of field guns and small-arms was kept up without intermission by the Confederates from shore batteries in the town and on the Point during the whole time that the white flag was flying on board the Harriet Lane, after her capture, and on board the United States vessels, from which it is apparent that the white flag was disr~. garded bythose under your command, although you were the first to dis- play it. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. H. BELL, Oommodore, Commanding Forces off Galveston, Tex. HDQRS. DIsT. OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, A~D ARIZONA, Galveston, January 13, 1863. Commodore II. II. BELL, U. AS1. Navy: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of in answer to the communication I had the, honor to forward to you by Major [J. B.] Eustis, of my staff. I would state that you are entirely misinformed as to any violation ol the white fiag during the late engagement by the firing either of field guns or small-arms, and that 1 have made a report of the facts to-thc Government at Richmond touching the violation of the flag of truce by Commodore Renshaw and the officers commanding Federal vessels on the morning of the 1st instant. I send Lient. George A. Magruder, of my staff, and Lieut. W. R. Fos- ter as bearers of this communication under a flag of truce. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, J~ BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SUB-DISTRICT OF TEXAS, Galveston. January 22, 1863. Commodore H. H. BELL, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces off Galveston: SIR: In the absence of Maj. Gen. J. B. Magruder, who is not expected to return before this evening, I have, in obedience to his instructions, opened the two communications which you did him the honor to address to him yesterday, the 21st instant, and I informed him of their contents by telegraph Page 223 (mAP. XXVII.] RECAPTURE OF GALVESTON, TEX. 223 Major-General Magruder instructed me to say to you that he will answer your communication this evening, to be forwarded by flag of truce to-morrow morning. At the same time allow me, sir, in vindication of the honor of our arms, as well as the honor of Col. J. J. Cook, C. S. Army, who was the bearer of the flag of truce alleged to have committed the breach against the rules governing belligerents in their communications, to make to you a plain statement of facts, which I trust will exonerate us in your mind from any charge of perfidy in our intercourse with you. The buoy seen on the Gulf beach was washed off several days ago during the last gale. 1 was informed that on the 20th instant, whilst Colonel Cook was on board the steamship Brooklyn, at about 3 oclock p. in., a launch of one of our vessels in the harbor did tow in another buoy. This was done without any instructions from or knowledge of Major-General Magruder or any other officer in command here. I have been unable as yet to communicate with the officer who knowingly or unknowingly has rendered himself guilty of the breach complained of and exact a statement from him during the day. Colonel Cook was prevented by calm and adverse tide from entering the harbor before daylight. Meanwhile I am instructed by Major-General Magruder to say that he will be glad to have the buoy removed by us placed in its former position under the inspection of an officer sent by you or to afford you any other facilities in his power for entering. As to your complaint of a breach of truce in connection with the Forty-second Massachu~etts, I would respectfully state that the land troops were not embraced in the terms of truce on the 1st instant, either directly or indirectly. As soon as daylight came they ~ould have been destroyed by our guns ~wnd musketry in five minutes. To avert a mis- understanding on this subject with you, which Major-General Magruder would much regret, he will send a full statement by to-morrow morning. This communication will be handed to you by Lieut. L. J. Storey, Con- federate States Cavalry, and Lieutenant Riley, Confederate States Artillery, together with a communication to you by the French consular agent at this port. These officers are instructed to await your answer. 1 have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, X. B. DEBRAY. UNiTED STATES STEAM SLOOP BROOKLYN, Off (Jalvestrn, January 22, 1863. X. B. DEBRAY, Colonel of Cavalry, C. & Army, & e., Galveston, Tex.: SIR: I have the hox~or to acknowledge the-receipt of your dispatch of this date, in reply to mine of yesterday touching the buoys, addressed to Major-General Magruder, and whom you inform me is temporarily absent. I beg to express to you my appreciation of your prompt and volun- tary offer to replace the buoy, which you state was removed by one of your launches. As you have led nie to expect a letter from Major-General Magruder to-niorrow on this and other subjects, you will please excuse me from going further into this subject. I have the honor to be, sir, very res~)ectful1y, your obedient servant, 11. 11. BELL, Commodore, Commanding U. ~ Forc~ms off Galv~~ston Page 224 224 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. UDQRS. DIST. OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICo, A~D ARIZONA, Houston, January 23, 1863. Commodore II. H. BELL, Commanding squadron off Galveston: SIR: In reply to your communication of the 21st of January, in which you allege a violation of the truce on our part by the truce-boat contain- ing Colonel Cook, of Confederate States Artillery, and on a previous oc- casion, viz, on the 1st instant, by us, I have the honor to state that you are entirely misinformed in both instances. On the first the guns were planted by us at Fort Point before a single shot was fired by us, and w& re not withdrawn either during the battle or during the period ~ truce. The truce-boat containing Colonel Cook, lam informed by that officer, could not possibly re-enter the harbor for want of wind or a favorable tide, and did not interfere with any buoys whatever. The buoys were washed adrift, I am informed, by a previous storm, and one of them was towed in by a boat containing a single man, with- out my knowlege or that of the officer in command at Galveston. This boat was attached to one of our rams lying in Bolivar Channel. The officer in command of the ram could have had no improper object, as the position of the buoys had all been changed by my orders when there wa~ no blockading fleet off Galveston, with a view of misleading such fleet on its return. You say that you are informed that the Forty-second Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers was fired upon and~aptured during the ex- istence of the three hours truce. The facts are that the first flag of truce seen from the shore was over the wharf on which was quartered that regiment. As soon as it was observed all firing in that direction ceased. During the conference between Brigadier-General Scurry, C. S. Army, and Colonel Burrell, of the Forty-second Regiment Massachusetts Vol- unteers, it was announced that the officers in command of the Con- federate boats had granted a three hours truce to the vessels of the U. S. Navy, in which the Federal land forces were not included. Colonel Burrell asked of General Scurry the same terms as were granted to the vessels, which were refused, when Colonel Burrell surrendered the whole force under his command unconditionally. The only violation of the flag of truce committed on the morning of the 1st of January was committed by the vessels of the United States, three of which fled from the harbor of Galveston with the white flag flying at their mast-head, in my sight, in the same perfidious manner that they had entered it, with the white flag flying. I will state fur- ther that General Scurry sent to me whilst I was upon the wharf near the Harriet Lane to know if he should fire at your vessels immediately under our guns at the terniination of the flag of truce. I answered him not to do so, as I had just sent another flag of truce to Commodore Renshaw, demanding the surrender of the whole fleet, and giving him plenty of time to make up his mind as to my proposition. Your ships were not therefore fired upon at the expiration of the period, and in this way got off with their white flag flying when they could not have done so in any other way. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Major-General, Gommanding. From a conversation, since writing the above, with officers of Forty- second Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers I find that I am supporte Page 225 CHAP. XXVII] RECAPTURE OF GALVESTON, TEX. 225 in my statements in regard to the violation alleged of the flag of truce by their recollections of the occurrence. Capt. Henry Lubbock, the commander of our gunboats, who arranged with the surviving officers in command of the Federal vessels the terms of the truce, stated on his return from the Federal flag-ship to Brig- adier-General Scurry, in the presence of the commanding officer of the Forty-second Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers, that the laud troops were not embraced in these terms, directly or indirectly, he hav- ing been sent by Capt. Leon Smith, commanding our fleet of gunboats, to demand the surrender of the rest of the Federal fleet and to give the Federal commander three hours time to accept or decline his demand, during which time the firing was to cease between the ships. I knt~w nothing of the arrangements, nor did any officer ashore, and when Cap- tain Lubbock, on his return, touched at Kuhns Wharf where the Forty- second Massachusetts Regiment was stationed, he gave this informa- tion to General Scurry in the presence of the commanding officer of the Forty-second Reginieiit of Massachusetts Volunteers, and the latter surrendered unconditionally, after his request to be allowed the same time given the ships was refused. Had the Federal commander of the land force been in sull)erior force to myself and engaged in battle ashore he would certainly have l)rosecuted his advantage to the utmost, re- gardless of the truce between two fleets, which he had not authorized. If necessary, I think it can be fully established also that the Federal troops ashore were ready to surrender the moment daylight should give .them an opportunity, and would have done it even before daylight had it been possible. I have also to state that I am informed by Brigadier-General Scurry, who was in that portion of the battle, that the white flag displayed from Kuhns Wharf was respected the moment it was seen by him. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Major-General, Commanding. JANUARY 25, [1863]5.30 p. m. Maj. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER: Colonel Cook, just returned from: the Brooklyn; kindly received. Commodore Bell answers my communication, laying little stress on the buoy affair~ He told Colonel Cook he was sure two buoys had been removed by us. Cook said the matter was being investigated; that, the rams being continually moving about, it could not be ascertained yet which did the deed. He goes to-morrow again to carry to the Brooklyn the property of Commodore Wainwright, when Commodore Bell will answer your communication, which answer I will open, informing you of the contents, unless otherwise directed. The Hatteras met a steam vessel.; spoke to her; she answered she was Her Majestys ship Spit Fire; the Hatteras sent a boats crew and officer to her; the vessels approached each other, when the would-be Spit Fire sent her several broadsides in succession and sunk her. The officer and boats crew escaped in the night and went to tell the tale to the Brooklyn.. Commodore Bell went to the scene of action on the next day and found the wreck, her topmasts out of the water. Cook said he knew all about it, and that it was the ~ Commodore Bell has no news from the Sabiiie since the eaptiiie of the ves~e1s. lie is very in(lignaut at the conduct of the columall(ler of the Morning Light. lie 15 R RYOL x Page 226 226 XV. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXYII. knew, however, we could not get her inside, for she drew 15 feet of water. He supposes she has been destroyed, for he saw some spars floating. The British officer said to Mr. Lynn that Farragut intends to chastise Galveston exemplarily. They say Banks is disgusted with New Orleans and wishes to leave; the negroes are too troublesome. Commodore Bell wishes to know your determination concerning the captured officers and seamen, as you suggested in a previous communi- cation your willingness to send them on board under parole. I must state that Colonel Cook saw in a paper on board a proclamation from Lincoln, restricting to our soldiers the provisions of the cartel; if so, we ought also to keep their 9fficers. I think it would be dangerous to send the seamen out; they have mixed too much with the people, and may be well informed as to the condition of our defenses. Commodore Bell is thankful for the files of newspapers, and sends you New York Herald of the 6th January and Picayune of 18th of Jan- uary, which I will forward by to-morrows cars. X. B. I)EBIIAY. The following document is not to be considered or used as official in any way, but as strictly personal. ISAAC S. BUIRIIELL, Golonel, Forty-seco ad Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. & atement in relation to the surrender (~f a portion of the Forty-second Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, at Galveston, Tex., on the morning of January 1, A. D. 1863, to the Confederate forces under command of Maj. G~n. J. B. Magruder, with the circumst4nces attending the sur- render. After the steamer Harriet Lane had raised the white flag in token of surrender the white flag was also raised by the Forty-second Regiment by order of the colonel commanding; but the fire continuing for ten or fifteen minutes from the wharf and the brick building above Kuhns Wharf, where the said Forty-second Regiment was stationed, when Brigadier-General Scurry came down to Kuhns Wharf and demanded the unconditional surrender of the troops on the wharf the firing ceased and was not resumed so far as the wharf is concerned. The surrender was made immediately and the battle terminated, so far as said Forty-second iRegimeut was concerned. Between the time the white flag was raised on the wharf and the cessation Qf the firing only one man was wounded and none killed. This statement is made in justice to Brigadier-General Scurry, who, by his gentlemanly conduct and uniform kindness to officers and pri- vates, is entitled to the grateful remelull)rance of the whole command. We believe that the firing after the white flag was raised was unknown to him and against his will or orders. The flag of truce was not raised on the wharf by the Forty-second Regiment until every vessel in the harbor had raised one. When the demand for surrender was made by Brigadier-General Scurry the colonel of the Forty-second Regiment ~isked to be allowed the same time given to the fleet for consideration (three hours), but his request was refused. Having carefully examined the above statement I believe it to be true in every point, and accordingly I have affixed my signature thereto. ISAAC S. BURRELL, Golonel, Forty-second Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers Page 227 CHAP. XXVII.] INDIANS IN NEW MEXICO. 227 HOUSTON, TEX., January 23, 1863. This statement, made by Colonel Burrell, commanding the detach- ment of the Forty-second Massachusetts Regiment Volunteers, cap- tured at Galveston on 1st instant, it will be seen agrees in every impor- tant particular with the statement furnished by me in my communication to Commodore Bell. Oar naval officers distinctly state that the white flag hoisted on board the ship did not apply to the land force. Cap- tain Lubbock, the commander of one of our gunboats, who arranged with the senior officer in command of the Federal fleet the terms of the truce, stated on his return from the Federal flag-ship to Brigadier -General Scurry, in the presence of Colonel Burrell, that the land troops were not embraced in these terms, directly or indirectly, he having beeii sent by Capt. Leon Smith, commanding our fleet of gunboats, to de- mand the surrender of the rest of the Federal fleet and to give the Federal commander three hours time to accept or decline his demand, during which time the fire was to cease between the ships. I knew nothing of the arrangements, nor did any officer asho#e, and when Captain Lubbock, on his return, touched at Kuhns Wharf, where the Forty-second Massachusetts Regiment was stationed, he gave the above information to Brigadier-General Scurry in the presence of Colonel Bar- rell, and the latter surrendered unconditionally, after his request to be allowed the same time given the ships was refused. Had the Federal commander of the land forces been in superior force to myself and en- gaged in battle ashore he would certainly have prosecuted his advan- tage to the utmost, regardless of a truce between two fleets, which he had not authorized. If necessary, I think it can be fully established also that the Federal troops ashore were, ready to surrender the mo- iuent daylight gave them an opportunity of doing so, and would have done it even before daylight had it been possible. I have also to state that 1 am informed by Brigadier-Geiieral Scurry, who was in that portion of the battle, that the white flag displayed from Kuhns Wharf was respected the moment it was seen. JANUARY 4MAY 8, 1863.Operations against Indians in New Mexico. SUMMARV OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. Jan. 29, 1863.Skirmish at Pinos Altos Mines. March 27, 1863.Skirmish on the Rio Bonito. April 25, 1863.Skirmish at Apache Pass. May 7, 1863.Skirmish at Cajoude Arivaypo. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, No. 3. Santa F~, N. Alex., February 24, 1864. rf he following notices of combats with hostile Indians in New Mexico and synopsis of Indian depredations, as well as operations generally against them during the year 1863, are published tbr the information of all concerned. Perhaps not over one scout in four which was made against the Indians during that period was at all successful; but no notice is made except of scouts which had results for or against us. This fact is stated to convey a better idea of the labor of the troops: January 4.Colonel Carson, commanding Fort Stanton, reports ar- rival of 2 Mescalero Indians, who stated that in six days 100 Mescaler Page 228 228 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. Indians would deliver themselves up at Fort Stanton; that this 1111111- ber comprised all the Mescaleros not already at Bosque Redondo. January 9.Captain lJpdegraff, commanding Fort Sumner, report 8 that 2 men of the picket stationed at Bosque Grande left the picket contrary to orders to hunt, and that one of them, Private Samuel Strunk, Company M, First New Mexico Volunteers, was killed, by In- dians; that the number of Indians then at Bosque IRedondo was 248. January 17.Colonel Carson reports the arrival at Fort Stanton of 100 Mescaleros, mentioned in his communication of the 4th instant, under the following-named chiefs: Ojo Blanco, Janero Viejo, Janero Pablo, Janero Francisco, Jos6 La Paz, Mancos Son, Schat-hi. January 17.Capt. E. B. Shirland, First Cavalry, California Volun- teers, brought Mangus Colorado, an Apache chief into Fort McLane a prisoner. On the morning of the 18th, in attempting to escape, Mangus was killed by the guard. January 20 Captain Shirland came upon an Indian rancheria, surprised and defeated the indians, killing 9 and wounding many more, and capturing from them 34 head of stock, a portion of which were Government mules. The rancheria and all that pertained to it was destroyed. January W.Capt. William McCleave, First Cavalry, California Vol- unteers, reports that in obedience to orders he started from Fort McLane and proceeded to the Pinos Altos Mines; arriving at the latter place, a party of Mangus Colorados band of Apaches approached; the men were ordered to attack them which was done; 11 Indians were killed and 1 wounded; the latter proved to be the wife of the chief, Mangus Colorado. Three horses were captured, but being in poor condition, the people at the mines were permitted to keep them. Eleven Indians killed, 1 wounded, and 3 horses captured. January 29.On the 29th January the Indians attacked two hunting parties of Company A, Fifth Infantry, California Volunteers, at Pinos Altos Mines; killed Private [William] Hussey and wounded Sergeant [T. B.] Sitton. The Indians were driven off with a loss of 20 killed and 15 wounded. $ergeant Sitton behaved gallantly in this affair. February 16.L. M. Vaca reports that 4,000 sheep were stolen from the neighborhood of Limitar by Kavajoes, and reports that the Kava- joes stole 2,000 sheep, which he recaptured at the Sierras Oscuras (Black Hills), killing 3 and wounding several Indians, and capturing all their saddles, provisions, & c. February 25.Jos6 L. Perea reports that a band of 40 Navajoes attacked and drove off 6,000 sheep 25 miles south of Popes Artesian Well. March 4.L. M. Vaca reports that since February 26 310 head of horses and cattle have been stolen by Indians from the neighborhood of Limitar. March 5.Major [Arthur] Morrison reports departure of Indians men- tioned in Colonel Carsons communication of January 17, 1862, from Fort Stanton to Bosque iRedondo; also the departure of 15 additional Indians, who had given themselves up. lllarch 12.Indians captured near Sabinal 2,300 head of sheep; were followed by Mexicans, who recaptured them on the Jornada on the night of the 12th or 13th. March. A band of 40 Indians pursued two expressmen going from Fort Stanton to Fort Union. These Indians had a large herd of sheep. Captain [F. P.] Abreii, commanding Fort Stanton, sent Lieutenant David] McAllister and 30 men, with tel) days rations, to the Sierras Oscura8 to intercept them. The expedition failed to recover the stock Page 229 (i,~r. XXVII.) INDIANS IN NEW MEXICO. 229 March 22.On the afternoon of March 22 the Gila Ajiaches made a descent 11~011 the public herd which was grazing near Fort West and succeeded in running off some 60 head of horses; Indians numbered At 8 oclock p. m. the gallant Maj. William McCleave, First Cav- alry California Volunteers, started in pursuit with a command consist- ing of Lieutenants French and Latimer, First Cavalry, California Vol- unteers, 40 men of Company A, 25 men of Company B, and 14 men of Company C, First Cavalry, California Volunteers. Major MeCleave followed trail of Indians in a westerly course about 70 miles and down the Gila 5 miles, then across a divide to Rio Negro, where he arrived at 9 a. m. on the 26th, and then moved up the stream a short distance. Signs at this point indicated the close proximity of Indians and a ran- cheria. During twilight command moved up the stream 2 miles and made camp. Thirty men were mounted on only serviceable animals left under Lieutenant Latimer, and 30 dismounted, under Major Mc- Cleave, started in search of rancheria, leaving remainder of command with Lieutenant French in charge of broken-down animals, pack animals, provisions, & c. Leaving the camp at 8 oclock p. m. the command as- cended a mountain on west side of stream and traveled about 12 miles without meeting with any success; here command rested from 1 oclock of the 27th until dawn of day, it raining all the time. When light enough to see Major McCleave discovered from an elevated position trees, which indicated presence of water, and a horse grazing in neigh- borhood also indicated that the rancheria was near by. Lieutenant Latimer was ordered ahead with his command; discovered rancheria and gallantly charged upon it. Part of the dismounted men immedi- ately commenced gathering in and guarding the horses to prevent the escape of the Indians, while the others were skirmishing and fighting on the bluffs. The fight lasted for twenty minutes, and resulted in the complete routing of the Indians, the capture of all our own horses that could be found and many Indian horses, the killing of 25 Indians, and the complete destruction of the rancheria, provisions, and all they pos- sessed. Private [James] Hall, of Company B, First Cavalry, California Volunteers, was wounded in this fight. The command then returned to camp, and soon after noon started on return trip by a route supposed more direct than the one by which the Indians were followed from the fort. This route led up a cation from sides of which the Indians attacked rear guard of command, wounding Lieutenant French, killing 2 horses and wounding 1. As soon as the attack was made the soldiers ascended the perpendicular walls of the caiiou by climbing one over the other. This was done amidst showers of arrows. As soon as they reached the top the Indians fled in every direction. The superiority of the Cali- fornians over the Apaches at their own style of fighting was shown in the case of Corporal [Charles E.] Ellis, of Company A, who crawled unseen to a rock behind which was an Indian, and giving a short cough the Indian raised his head to discover its cause when a bullet from Ellis rifle dashed through his brain. The Indians lost in this attack 3 killed. On the 30th, provisions giving out, a sergeant and 5 men were sent to the fort for a supply. Until their return the party subsisted on horse flesh. On the 4th of April the command reached fort. On 5th Private Hall died from wounds received in the fight. Indian loss, 28 killed; troops, 1. March 24.Major Morrison, with Captain [A. H.] Pfeiffers company, New Mexico Volunteers, en route from Fort Stanton to FortMcRae, at San Nicolas Spring came upon a wounded Mexican, who stated lie belonged to a train belonging to Martin Lujan, of Socorro, Tex.; that the trai Page 230 230 W. FLA., 8. ALA., 8. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAr. XXVII. had been attacked by Jndians and nearly all the party killed, he being wounded in three places and left for dead. Major Morrison, with Lieu- tenant [L. A.] Bargie and 18 men of the company, went in 1)nrSuit, came to the salt marshes at daybreak of the 25th, found 10 wagons stripped of everything portable, and within a circuit of 3 miles 7 dead bodies of Mexicans, which they buried. They then followed the trail of the In- dians toward the Sacramento Mountains; then toward the Sierra Blanca until noon, when they met a party of Mexicans from Tularosa in pursuit of the same Indians; they had been informed of the massacre by another wounded Mexican, who had escaped. The Indians had at this time twenty hours start, and were hidden in the recesses of the Sierra Blanca. Major Morrison returned to San Nicolas Spring, arriving there on the evening of the 25th, having traveled 150 miles. Lieuten- ant Bargies conduct is spoken of as deserving of praise. Estimnat~d number of Indians 45 in all, 20 of whom were warriors. Arrows indi- cate they were Apaches. Seven Mexicans killed and 70 head of cattle stolen. April 25.Capt. Benjamin F. Harrover, Fifth Infantry, ,California Volunteers, reports that he attacked at Apache Pass a band of Apache Indians, numbering about 200; 30 of them mounted and several of them armed with guns. At the first fire the Indians fell back, but kept up the fight for nearly two hours. In this affair Private [M. B.] Wilcox, of Company E, Fifth Infantry, California Volunteers, was wounded. Indian loss, 3 killed; wounded; troops, 1 private wounded. May .Maj. Joseph Smith, commanding Fort Stanton, reports that a party of Indians made a descent on the farmers of IRuido~o and killed a man named Harding, robbed his house, and drove off 10 or 12 head of stock. May 1.Cesario Duran, a citizen, reports that a party under his command had a hard fight with the Apaches in the San Andres Mount- ains, and succeeded in killing and wounding many Indians; the party lost 2 men killed. The party recovered several animals and captured 7 horses. May 8.Lient. Col. J. F. Chaves, First New Mexico Volunteers, reports that an Indian named Gordo was seized and turned over to Lient. B. Stevens on the morning of 11th instant. The Indian unbound himself and attempted to escape; the sentinel in charge shot and killed him. * * * * * * * The zeal and energy shown by the officers and soldiers, and the fortitude with which they have encountered hunger, thirst, fatigue, and exposure in their pursuit of hostile Indians within this department during the past year are deserving of the highest admiration. Not less is this due to those parties who were so unfortunate as not to over- take the Indians than to these who came up with them. All toiled and suffered alike. The gallantry which every one has shown when there was an opportunity to close with the enemy proves that that virtue among the troops in New Mexico is common to all. The alacrity with which citizens of New Mexico have taken the field to pursue and encounter the Indians is worthy of all praise. Many of them have been conspicuous for their courage, and all have shown a settled determination to assist the military in their efforts to rid the country of the fierce and brutal robbers and murderers who for nearly two centuries have brought poverty to its inhabitants and mourning and desolation to nearly every hearth throughout the territory Page 231 LOSS OF SPARKLING SEA. 231 The department commander congratulates the troops and the people on the auspicious opening of the year 1864. For one hundred itud eighty years the Navajoe Indians have ravaged New Mexico, but it is confidently expected that the year 1864 will witness the end of hostili- ties with that tribe; then New Mexico will take a stride toward that great prosperity which has Lain within her grasp, but which hitherto she has not been permitted to enjoy. By command of Brigadier-General Carleton: BEN. C. CUTLER, Assi8tant A.f~jutant- General. JANUARY 9, l86S Loss of the United States transport Sparkling Sea. Report of Capt. John A. Grow, Twenty-fifth Battery New York Light Artillery. NEW ORLEAi~s, February 6, 1863. Siu: I have the honor to submit for your consideration the following report: Oii the 16th day of December, 1862, in accordance with an order issued by General Banks at the city of New York, myself, second lieu- tenant, and 68 men of my command embarked on board the transport- ship Sparkling Sea, under order to sail for Fortress Monroe to take on board 106 horses and then to put to sea under sealed orders, which were to be opened after twenty-four hours continuous sail from that place. That on the said day, in the afternoon thereof, the said ship set sail for her aforesaid destination, which she reached on the morning of the 19th day of the said month of December; that through a disposition on the pait of the master of the said vessel to prolong his stay at that place he could not be induced to take on the horses so assigned to the vessel until the 25th and 26th days of December, and on thc morning of the 27th day of the said month the vessel put to sea, and on the morning of the 28th the captain of the said vessel opened his sealed orders, which directed him to proceed to Ship Island, in the Gulf of Mexico. On the morning of the 9th of January, 1863, at 5.30 oclock in the morning, in open daylight, the said vessel ran upon the Florida IReef about 10 miles northerly of the Carysfort light-house, amid on or about the 18th the said vessel became a total wreck. On the evening of the 9th of January last the gunboat Sagamore came to us and took off myself and 60 men of my command, and on the 10th day of that month landed ns at Key West. I left 8 men, with my second lieutenant, in charge of the horses, forage, commissary and quartermasters stores until I could return with assistance to save the property, there being a prospe~ of continued fair weather. On reaching Key West I reported immediately to the quartermaster of that post, and he immediately chartered the steamer Swan, and oii the morning of the 11th we proceeded toward the wreck, but through the mismanagement irf the captain of the said steamer we never left the channel until after 12 oclock at noon of that day, and at uight the said steamer came to anchor, refusing to proceed farther that night. On the 14th day ~thereafter, at 10 oclock a. in., the said steamer proceeded to within about 5 miles of the wreck, when she refused to proceed farther, although ordered to do so by the quartermaster aforesaid, who had come on the steamer with us Page 232 232 W. FLA., S. ALA., 8. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAr. XXVII. On application to the captain of the 4eamer for a small boat to go to the wreck he refused to allow us to take it or man one for us. The wind was blowing very strong at the time, and the reason alleged for not proceeding farther was that it was not safe. On the 13th day we met a small wrecking vessel bound down for Key West, containing the second lieutenant and 8 men aforesaid, who had abandoned the wreck and reported the horses still alive, but that the vessel was hourly expected to go to pieces. On finding that any effort to prevail on the steamer to proceed to the wreck [was in vain] we turned back to Key West. I had taken on board the steamer 65 of my men to assist at the wreok when we started out, and drew two days rations to last us till we reached our own stores. On the morning of the 15th I found that the vessel was short of water and nearly out of provisions, as I had been compelled after the exhaus- tion of our own rations to draw on the steamers provisions, and that the steamer could not reach Key West under three days. Seeing a steamer at anchor some distance I signaled her, and on coming alongside proved to be the gunboat Sagamore, Lieutenant English commanding, and on a representation of our condition to him he took us off and again landed us at Key West, and the men went into quarters at Fort Taylor. After taking on horses at Fortress Monroe and before running on the reef we lost 23 horses; with the exception of 3 they all died of pneu- monia, which I believe to be occasioned by the bad ventilation of the ship. The ship was not properly loaded for carrying horses; being so high out of the water she rolled badly, and seriously chafed and bruised the horses. The tools for the stables, cleaning horses, and watering them the captain denied having, but on the wreck of the vessel I found that they were well provided. After we left Fortress Monroe we were in a heavy storm, which lasted about three days. The horses suffered extremely for want of ventila- tion, and after some considerable inquiry I found that the vessel had one wind sail, which was new, and the captain disliked to put it up, but did do so, which very much improved the condition of the horses. The wreck of the vessel could have been easily prevented by the most ordinary caution on the part of the watch and lookout. About 4 oclock a. m. of the said ninth day the second mate of the ship came into the after cabin and announced to the captain that there was a re- volving light over the starboard bow. The captain immediately went on deck and quickly returned, and he and the first mate examined the chart to determine what light it could be, and finally concluded it to be the Double-Headed Shot-Key light, and the second mate remarked he would go on deck and change the course of the vessel for that light, and went out of the cabin. At 5 oclock a. m. I got up and dressed myself and went on deck at precisely 5.30 a. in., and as I got my head above the after cabin hatch I heard the cry of Breakers! and then the second mate had just sprung to the wheel and was putting the ves- sel about, but it was too late, for the current set the vessel onto the m-eef. There was no storm and no high wind. The beacon and break- ers had been in full sight for twenty minutes to some of my men who were forward, but did not know what they were. The crew of the vessel were alLuost without exception strongly in favor of secession and were bold in their expressions of rebel sympathy. The second mate, who was on watch that morning, had expressed him- self in favor of the rebel Government and hoped it would succeed. The mnaii on the lookout was a secessionist and a North Carolinian by birth; he was either not performing his duty or lie willfully allowed th Page 233 CHAr. XXVII.] OPERATIONS ON BAYOU TECHE. 233 vessel to run on the reef. Those of my men who were on (leek that morning say that they called the attention of some one of the crew to the beacon and to the strange appearance of the water. When I reached the deck the beacon and breakers were very distinct. I had lost confidence in the second mate just before passing the IHole in the Wall, for had it not been for the opportune discovery of the first mate he would have allowed us to run into Little Abaco with- out ever notifying him of it, for one minute farther east would have ~w~ecked the vessel. The moment the vessel struck the reef the crew expressed their delight and immediately thereafter refused to perform duty. In about two hours after the vessel struck the captain had made a contract with a wrecker to strip the vessel. If an anchor had been dropped when we first struck, the vessel would have been kept in a posi- tion when she could have been drawn off by some steamer, but up to the time of my leaving at night of that day no anchor had been put out to hold the vessel. If steamer Swan had performed her part of the contract specified in her charter every horse could have been saved, with everything on board. After the vessel was abandoned the wreckers took off 12 horses, about 70 sacks of oats, and a number of bags of bran ,all of my quartermaster stores, and a small quantity of the commissary stores; and on their arrival at Key West were libeled for the salvage of the wrecker~ in the United States district court of Southern Florida., where the matter is now pending. The quartermaster of the post reftlsed to bid in the property, especially my quartermaster stores, and they were sold at a. great sacrifice. - The aggregate of the propert.y saved and the amount for which they sold can all be ascertained of the clerk of the said district court. On the 30th day of January I procured passa.ge for myself, lieutenant, and men on the quarterma.sters steamer McClellan to New Orleans, where I repqrted on the 4th day of February, 1863. With much esteem, I am, captain, yours, & c., JOHN A. 0-ROW, Gaptain, Gommanding Twenty.ftfth Battery, New York. Capt. RICHARD ARNOLD, Chi~f of Arty., Dept. of the Gulf. JANUARY 14, 1863.Engagement on Bayou Teche, La., and destruction of Confederate gunboat Cotton. REPOI~TS. * No. l.Maj. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Gaif. No. 2.Brig. Gen. Godfrey Weitzel, U. S. Army, couiimanding expedition. No. 1. Report of M~j. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Gulf. NEW ORLEANS, LA., January 16, 1863. GENi~RAL: I have the pleasure to inclose to you the copy of a tele- gram received last night from Brig. 0-en. Godfrey Weitzel, containing Sec also Appendix, p, 1089 Page 234 234 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., ThX., N MEX. OfL& 1~. XXVII. he gratifying intelligence of the complete success of the expedition alluded to in my dispatch of yesterday, including the destruction of the rebel gunboat Cotton. That gallant and energetic officer is again en- titled to the thanks of the general commanding this department for the skillful manner in which he has performed the task confided to him. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, N. P. BANKS Major- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLEUK, General-in-Chief. [Inclt.sure.] BERWIOK BAY6 p. m. (Received, New Orleans, January 15, 18639 p. in.) General N. P. BANKS, Commanding Department of the Gu~f: I have just returned. We have accomplished the object of our expe- dition. The Confederate States gunboat Cotton is one of the things that were. We lost 4 killed and 14 wounded. My iiien behaved mag- nificently. I am recrossing the bay. 0-. WEITZEL, Briqadier- General, U. ~. Volunteers. No. 2. Report of Brig. Gem Godfrey Weitzel, U. S. Army, commanding ea~pedition. HEADQUARTERS RESERVE BRRiADE, Camp Stevens, La, January 18, 1863. COLONEL: Having during the whole of week before last heard re- l)orts from different sources that the enemy was meditating an attack on my forces at Berwick Bay, and that he was increasing the armament of the rebel gunboat J. A. Cotton, both in caliber and number, and knowing that this gunboat would be a very large element in the attack, I considered it my duty, in co-operation with our gunboat fleet in Ber- wick Bay, under Lieut. Commander T. McK. Buchanan, to make an ex- l)edition to capture, destroy, or cause to be destroyed, this gunboat. I concentrated all my troops for the expedition, consisting of the Twenty-first Indiana, Major Hays; Sixth Michigan, Colonel Clark; Eighth Vermont, Colonel Thomas; Twelfth Connecticut, Major Peck; Seventy-fifth New York, Lieutenant-Colonel Babcock; One hundred and sixtieth New York, Colonel Dwight; Twenty-third Connecticut, Colonel Holmes; four pieces of Battery A, First Artillery, and two l)ieces of Fourth Massachusetts Battery, under command of Capt. E. C. Bainbridge, Fifth Artillery; First Maine Battery, Lieutenant Bradbury; Sixth Massachusetts Battery, Captain Carruth; Company B, Louisiana Cavalry, Captain Barrett, and Company B, Eighth New Hampshire, Lieutenant Camp, acting as provost guard at Brashear City. On Tuesday morning at 3 oclock the gunboats commenced crossing the artillery and cavalry and completed it at 10.30 oclock, and then took on board all the infantry. The whole force was disembarked and formedin line of battle at Pattersonville. Lieutenant-Commander Buch- anan then made a reconnaissance, and upon his return I advanced m Page 235 Ou~. XXVI[.1 OPERATIONS ON BAYOU T~CHE. 235 whole force to Lynchs Point and bivouacked for the night under cover of the gunboats. Next morning I threw the Eighth Vermont on the east bank of Bayou Teche, to clear that bank of riflemen and other land forces that might be there, and advanced my line on the west bank to attack the Cotton, which was in sight. Before starting I directed the colonel of the Eighth Vermont to call for 60 volunteers to move right up to the Cotton on the east bank and shoot down her gunners. I directed Lieutenant-Colonel Babcock, of the Seventy-fifth New York, to call for the same number of volunteers to do the same on the west bank. Soon after starting the gunboats, which were ahead, engaged the Cotton, my line steadily advancing. As soon as the Seventy-fifth New York was within supporting distance of the Cotton a portion of her regular line of skirmishers and the volunteers attacked her, shot (lowli every one in sight, and completely silenced her. At the same time Captain Bainbridge was enfilading her from the main road, and Car- ruth and Bradbury, en & helon on plantation roads running parallel to the main road, were firing at her broadside. The Eighth Vermont came up on the east bank as quickly as possible, drove the enemy from his rifle pits, and the cavalry which was supporting these riflemen, and look 41 prisoners, including a lieutenant. The three pieces of the enemys artillery, with its infantry and cavalry support on the west bank, were driven back by the skirmishers of the Seventy-fifth New York and my light batteries. At the same time the gunboats were firing at the Cotton as fast as l)ossible. The Cotton stood this terrible fire bravely for some time, then commenced retreating slowly. After getting out of range she came back but was again repulsed, and after that there was only slight skirmishing between the land forces for the reSt of the day. Next morning before daybreak, and before we could commence re- moving the obstructions in the bayou, the Cotton was reported on fire. She had been swung across the bayou and burned, so that her hull might serve as a further obstruction. The object of the expedition hay- big thus been accomplished I immediately ordered the return, and arrived here on Friday night with my whole command. We captured about 50 prisoners (including 1 lieutenant) and several horses. We lost 1 lieutenant and 5 privates killed and 2 non-corn- missioned officers and 25 privates wounded, The gunboat fleet, commanded by the brave, lamented Buchanan, con- sisted of the gunboat Calhoun, Lieutenant Buchanan commanding (and since his death by Acting Master M. Jordan); the gunboat Estrella, Lieut. Commander A. P. Cooke; the gunboat Kinsman, Acting Volun- teer Lient. George Wiggins, and the gunboat Diana, Acting Master E. S. Goodwin. All of these gallant officers and the brave officers and men under them did their duty bravely and well. They crossed and recrossed my whole command over Berwick Bay without a single acci- dent arid covered my advance and march on the return in the most handsome manner. My personal staff, Captain Hubbard, assistant adjutant-general; Lients. P. D. Allen and Graves, aides-de-camp; Lieutenant-Colonel Lull, Eighth New Hampshire, and Captain Cowan, Company B, Massachusetts Cav- aIry, acting aides; Dr. M. D. Benedict, chief surgeon; Major Carpen- ter, Seventy-fifth New York, chief quartermaster; Lieut. Fred. E. Smith, Eighth Vermont, chief commissary, and Lieutenant Wrotnoski, Topographical Engineer, distinguished themselves, as on my previous expedition, by their coolness and bravery and the prompt and efficient manner in which they conveyed and carried out my order-s Page 236 2343 W. FLA., S. ALA~, S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [(liAr. XXVII. Captain Barrett, with his cavalry as advance guard and rear guard, acted splendidly and bravely. lie mentions for particular bravery in the several skirmishes they had with the enemys cavalry Lieutenant Thayer, First Sergt. Thomas Maher, Sergeant ilennessy; Corporals Adams, Brennan, Boyle; Privates Long, Barry, Wallace, and Walsh (killed). This company killed, wounded, and took prisoners about 15 of the enemy and the same number of horses, arms, and equipments. He lost 1 man aiid several horses, but no arms or equipments. The battery under command of Capt. E. C. Bainbridge, Fifth Artil- lery, consisting of four pieces of Company A, First Artillery (Lieutenant Humphrey commanding one section), and one section of the Fourth Massachusetts Battery (Lieutenant Briggs commanding), was in the advance going and in the rear returning. The Sixth Massachusetts, Captain Carruth, and the First Maine, Lieu- tenant Bradbury, with all their officers and men, distinguished them- selves by the manner in which they came into position under the fire of the heavy guns of the Cotton the manner in which they riddled her and silenced the enemys battery on shore which was supporting the Cotton. The Eighth Vermont, Colonel Thomas, for the first time in action as a regiment, reflected the highest credit upon itself by the splendid man- ner in which they cl~ared the enemys rifle pits on the east bank and afterward pursued them. This regiment took 41 prisoners, 3 wounded, and killed 4 of the enemy. Colonel Thomas mentions Captain Button and Lieutenant McFarland and the men under their command for distinguished conduct. He also mentions Capt. L. M. Grout, acting major, and Adjt. J. L. Barstow as having rendered him very efficient aid. This regiment lost none, because it flanked and surprised the enemy cbmpletely. The Seventy-fifth New York, Lieutenant-Colonel Babcock, also for the first time in action as a regiment, formed the right of the line on the west bank. To this regiment fell the lot of moving right on to the Cot- ton. The regiment, its line of skirmishers (a portion of which attacked the Cotton in rear), and the 60 volunteers behaved in the most praise- worthy, the bravest, and most magnificent manner. The whole of them covered themselves with glory. They silenced the Cotton completely, and with the artillery drove off the enemys battery on shore, killing and wounding a very large number on board of the boat and on shore. Cap- tain Fitch and Lieutenant Whiteside (killed), commanding the volun- teers; Captain Savery and Lieutenant Thurber, commanding the skir- mishers; Lieutenants Miles and Fitch, ~vith the pickets, are mentioned on all sides for distinguished coolness, .iudgnient, and bravery. This regiment lost 1 lieutenant and 3 privates killed and 2 non-commissioned officers and 18 privates wounded. Its small loss under the heavy fire of the enemy is due to the rapidity, order, and determination with which it advanced. The One hundred and sixtieth New York, Colonel Dwight, was in the center, and, although not engaged with the enemy, behaved well under the enemys artillery fire. It lost 1 private killed and 4 wounded. The Twelfth Connecticut, Major Peck, formed the left, the Twenty- first Indiana, Major Hays, and Sixth Michigan, Colonel Clark, formed the reserve. The reputation of these three regiments is so well estab - lished that nothing need be said. The position I assigned them shows the estimation in which I held them, and had it become necessary to make an attack upon the main body of the enemys land forces to secur Page 237 CHAr. XXVII.] SABINE PASS, TEX. 237 the object of my expedition they had a most important part of the pro- gramine assigned them. The Twenty4hird Connecticut, Colonel Holmes, held Brashear City (luring the advance of the expedition. Company B, Eighth New Hampshire, Lieutenant Camp, as provost guard, did their duty as well as possible. The four signal officers, Lieutenants Vance, Eaton, Butterfield, and Dana, and the men nnder them, again distinguished themselves by their energy, coolness, and bravery. A portion of these troops on this expedition was transported 160 miles by rail, and nearly all about 70. This was accomplished rapidly and without the least accident to man, horse, or piece of artillery. This re- flects the highest credit upon the energy and ability of Lieutenant- Colonel Colburn, Twelfth Connecticut, superintendant of the Opelonsas Railroad, and his subordinates. My total loss was 1lieutenant and 5 privates killed, and 2 non-coin- missioned officers and 25 privates wounded. The enemys loss on shore aiid ou the boat was fully treble my own. Lieutenant Whiteside, of the Seventy.fifth New York, bravely led his volunteers; went up to the banks opposite the Cotton and ordered them to haul down her flag. He was immediately fatally shot, but before dying ordered his men to keep on and take the ship. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servaht G. WE1TZEL, Brigadier- General, U. S. Volunteers. Lient. Col. RICHARD B. IRWIN, A djutant- General, Dept. of the Gulf, New Orleans, La. JANUARY 21, 1863.Attack on Blockading Squadron at Sabine Pass, Tex. Report of ]Jliaj. Gen. John B. Magruder, C. S. Army, with congratulatory orders.* HDQRS. DIsT. OF TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, AND ARIZONA, Houston, Tex., January 24, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report that Sabine Pass has been cleared of the enemy; two gunboats, which I fitted up on the Sabine, having captured the enemys blockading squadron, consisting of a 12-gun ship of war and a schooner man-of-war of two guns, commanded by officers of the U. S. Navy. Our boats pursued the enemy 30 miles at sea, dur- ing which time a running fight was kept up. Finally, getting them under fire of our Enfleld rifles, they surrendered, and never turned back to the Pass. This expedition was under command of Maj. 0. M. Watkins, of my staff; and was fitted out under my orders, principally by the gallant Leon Smith, now in command of the Harriet Lane and the rest of the war vessels in Galveston Harbor. Major Watkins reports that he captured thirteen heavy guns, 129 prisoners, and $100,000 worth of stores. See also Magruders report of the recapture of Galveston, & .e., p. 211; aml for re- - porte of U. S. iiaval officers ~ Ap~,~1 Report of the Seere~ary of the Navy, Decerw her 7, 1863 Page 238 238 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. M1S~., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. The commander of the Federal squadron reports that the severe naval engagement seen from Galveston Island a few nights ago was between the 290 and the United States war steamer Hatteras, and that the latter was sunk. Many fragments of the steamer floated ashore on Galveston Island. Our steamers in the late engagement were com- manded by Captains Fowler and Johnson, sea-captains of Texas, and manned principally by volunteers from Pyrons regiment of cavalry, Cooks regiment of artillery, and Spaights battalion of infantry. As soon as I ascertain the names of the gallant commanders of the detachments and the particulars of the fight I will communicate the same for the information of His Excellency the President. The devotion of all cannot be too highly commended. I beg leave to ask the Presi - dent that Maj. 0. M. Watkins, assistant adjutant-general, C. S. Army, sent to Texas to command a conscript camp of instruction, be made lieutenant-colonel in the assistant adjutant generals department, with orders to report to me. The expedition to the Rio Grande has, after many difficulties, prob- ably reached that river by this time. The heavy guns stored at San Antonio aie on their way for its defense. A competent corps of engi- neers, nnder the command of Maj. A. M. Lea, accompanies the expe- dition. Major Lea rendered efficient service on my staff at Galveston, and found his son, Lieutenant Lea, of the Federal Navy, wounded and dying on boardthe Harriet Lane. He is a graduate of West Point, of great merit, and well known to His Excellency the President, to whom I beg leave to recommend him for the appointment of colonel in the C. S. Army for engineer duty with me. I will add that I hope soon to have a squadron of four gunboats on the Rio Grande for further protection. The interior is tranquil. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Major-General, Gommainding. General S. CoOPER, Richmond, Va. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ Hm~s. DIST. OF TEx., N. MEX., AND Auiz., No. 45. Houston, flex., March 11, 1863. The commanding general, having been prevented by various circum- stances from acknowledging the services of the brave Major Watkins and the gallant officers and men under his command in the recent vic- tory at Sabine Pass~, takes this occasion to return them his public and official thanks for the accomplishment of a purpose of great importance to us and their participation in an exploit almost unparalleled in the annals of warfare. After driving the enemys blockading squadron from our immediate waters these devoted and heroic men, intheir frail boats, pursued him some 30 miles to sea, and after a fight of nearly two hours, on an element on which he considered himself invincible, cap. tured a ship of war of nine guns and an armed schooner of two guns of the U. S. Navy, forcing their commanding officers to surrender at, discretion. The perseverance, industry, and firmness of the commanding officer, Maj. Oscar M. Watkins, of the Provisional Army, were only equaled by his intrepidity, admirable coolness, and skill in battle. Entirely unac- customed to the sea, his devotion overcame all obstacles. He was ably and heroically seconded by Captains Fowler and Johnson, respective commanders of the steamers Bell and Uii~c1e Ben; by Captains Odium Page 239 CHAP. XXVII.] SKIRMISH AT INDIAN VILLAGE, LA. 239 OBryan, Nolan, and Aycock, and Lieutenants Dowling and Aikens, of the land forces, and by the engineers, pilots, troops, and crews of the expedition. The commanding general takes pleasure in announcing to the offi- cers and men of Texas, land and naval, that their heroic example has been followed successfully throughout the Confederacy. The echo of their cannon at Galveston and Sabine had not died away ere they were taken up at Charleston and reverberated in glory along the Mississippi. His Excellency the President has addressed a letter of congratula- tion and thanks to the commanding general and gallant men of Texas engaged in these noble enterprises. Congress has unanimously passed a vote of thanks in acknowledgment of their services. The whole country has been electrified by the daring and skill of Texans, while the hearts of their comrades battling in the north for their homes and altars have been made to beat with pride and joy by the news of battles fought and victories won on the beloved soil of their glorious State. To the true soldier there can be no greater reward. Much has been done, but much remains to be done. Our mortal foe is again gathering his strength for another and still another blow; but the commanding general of the Army of Texas is confident that his troops will return these blows, and will astonish still more their enemies and the world by such evidences of skill and audacity as shall make Texan a better word than Spartan. With this assurance he leaves for a short time this imniediate scene of his labors to secure other points and prepare other fields of glory, confident that the officers and men of his commaiid will use all the means in their power to perfect themselves in such a knowledge and practice of their profession as will insure the fulfillment of the highest expectations of their friends and country. By command of Maj. Gen. J. Bankhead Magruder: STEPHEN IJ. YANCEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. JANUARY 28, 1863.Skirmish at Indian Village, La. Report of Gol. Richard F. Holcomb, First Louisiana Infantry (Union). HEADQUARTERS FIRST LOUISIANA VOLUNTEERS, Donaldsonville, La., January 29, 1863. SIR: I received a dispatch from Lieutenant Perkins, commanding cavalry at Plaquemine, stating that he had a skirmish with the enemy at Indian Village yesterday morning, and drove the enemy from his fortifications on the west bank of the 0-rosse Tote. The force with Lieutenant Perkins consisted of his cavalry company, a l)art of Captain Williamsons cavalry company (Second Louisiana), and a boats crew from one of the gunboats with a howitzer. They marched down to Indiami Village without meeting with the enemy; but when minear that place the enemy opened fire upon them from his rifle pits and temporary fortifications he had thrown up. He was not able to dis- lodge them at first, but crossing over the bayou in two boats sent fromim Plaquemnine they succeeded in dislodging the enemy. It was the emi- emys picket guard, with a reserve, which came up amid took part in the fight, which he attacked. The main body of General Sibleys force li Page 240 240 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. LGHAP. XXVII. reports some 20 miles up the Grosse Tote. He thinks the forces under Generals Sibley and H6bert number about 3,000, though it was reported to him as high as 5,000. There was no indication of a raid in this direction. He says he found that no work had been done recently in re~pairing the road from Indian Village to Bayou Gonla, nor was there any indications of the enemy having been on this side of Grand River or Bayou Plaquemine. I intended to go up to Bayou Goula to-morrow and reconnoiter the country where he has been operating, but his visit to that section has rendered it useless for me to go. I think there is danger of the couriers carrying dispatches between Mannings Landing and Baton Rouge being captured. A mau came in to-day from the Galveston settlement, on the Amite River, and reports that 40 rebels crossed the Amite River and came up to the Bayou Man- chac, and he thought they intended to capture our pickets. The rebel cavalry at Port Hudson come around Baton Rouge, and may make a dash in upon the telegraph line or the men carrying dispatches at any time. Would it not be well to have a company of nieii stationed at some point between here and Baton Rouge? We are busy mounting the guns in the fortifications. Shall have them mounted by Saturday. The force of wagons which have been at work on the fort, with the exception of 100, will be through in a few days. They are an extra lot of men for fortification purposes, and should be kept together for that l)urpose. Respectfully, yours, R. E. HOLCOMB, Commanding U. $. Forces, Donaldsonville, La. Col. RICHARD B. JRWINZ p Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the Gulf, New Orleans, La. FEBRUARY 1228, 1863.Operations on Bayou Plaquemine and the Atchafalaya River, La. Reports of Maj. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks, U. ~. Army, commanding Dc partment of the Gu~f HEADQUARTERS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, La., February 12, 1863. GENERAL: Upon the inclosed map * I have marked the military opera- tions upon which the forces under my command are engaged. The chief movement is by the Bayou Plaquemine and the Atchafalaya to the Red River and the Mississippi. The principal, apart from the natural, diffi- culties of navigation, which are considerable, and the partisan rangers or- guerrillas which infest the country, is a fortification at Butte-a-la- Rose, at the junction of the Atchafalaya and the Cow Bayou, near the terminus of the road from Saint Martinville. This work is of consider- able strength, and is intended to defend the country above, including the capital of th~ State and the Red River, from incursions by the Teche Bayou (river), the Grand Lake; or the Atchafalaya. This post reduced, the way to the Red River is believed to be substantially clear. This enterprise is intrusted to General Emory, who has already corn *Not found Page 241 CHAP. XVII.] BAYOU PLAQUEMINE, ETC. 241 menced the movement. There are many difficu1tie~ to overcome, but I believe it will be successful. It will enable us, if successful, to cut off & ;upplies by the Red River and to communicate with the forces below Yicksburg. About 3,000 men will be engaged in this service, the fall strength that can be conveyed on our transports with two gunboats and several armed launches. At the same time General Weitzel is moving on the Bayou Teche to intercept the rebel force at Franklin and capture, if possible, the rebel steamers which are at that point. About 4,000 men are engaged in this expedition. Its success is nearly certain. The first object accomplished, the dispersion of the force at Franklin, the expe- dition may join General Emory at Butte-a-la-Rose, by the Martinville road, or move upon Iberia, for the purpose of destroying the salt-works in that locality. Both of these expeditions are necessarily by water transportation ex- clusively. West of the Mississippi the country is subject to inundations at this season, and movement by land is impossible. The limitation of transports reduces the force employed much below what it should be. I have stopped the navigation of the Mississippi for all steamers engaged iii local trade, and yet, with the Government and private vessels together, I am able to forcb into this service but five steamers for Emory~s and but two for Weitzels troops. If it were possible to send into this country the full force required I should regard the capture of Opelousas and the occupation of the Red River at its junction with the Mississippi as cer- tain. I hope still it may be so. Jn conjunction with these movements the forces at Baton Rouge will move to the rear of Port Hudson, with a view to cut off supplies .by the way of Clinton. If their supplies by Red River and the position west of the Mississippi be cut off they must come out of their intrenchments to fight us. for which we are ready. Their works are too strong for a direct attack by men who have never fired a gun. Such an attempi~ would result as at Fredericksburg and Vicksburg. The works have been in construction since August, and are as strong as at Vicksburg. If nothing better can be done, we will assault them. Admiral Farragut will attack the works on the river, and will probably run the batteries with one or more vessels, placing us in communication with forces above. We have a report to-day from Baton Rouge that one of our gunboats had run below Vicksburg as far as Red River, capturing three of the enemys supply vessels. The health of my command is good. The troops suffer chiefly from the process o.f acclimation. They are in good spirits and daily improv- mo in drill and discipline. Generals Andrews and Dwight arrived yesterday with the balance of the troops, and are already assigned to their respective commands. The naval force and water transportation here is lamentably deficient; this should be supplied without delay. We require constant communi- cation with Pensacola, ship Island, Galve~ton, and the Rio Grande by blockading ships or transports. The naval force is very weak for this service and should be strenothened at once. The number of ves- sels that can be employed in transport service is very smallwholly insufficient when the demands of the river are considered, in addition to those of the coast, and embarrasses all our movements. Much solicitude has been felt in regard to the safety of Ship Island. It is reported to us from Mobile that several iron-dads are ready to go out and that an attack may be expeeted. There are but two naval vessels there, both sailing ships. The place cannot be defended, except 16 i~ RYOL X Page 242 242 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. as a naval post. I have done what I could to mount the guns, and hope it may be safe. There is one colored regiment stationed there. The Confederate Government seems to have changed its policy in re- gard to coP on, and is now willing to have it shipped to this port. Per. inits arc said to have been given by General Pemberton to ship cotton on the Mississippi. Such statements are made to me by those interested in the shipment. If so, it is because the cotton has been sold to for- eigners for gold, and they take this method to gct it out.. Believing this to be the ol~ject, I have given no encouragement to them and have declined to receive cotton under any special conditions as to it~ dispo- ~ition when within our lines. I have as far as possible stopped sup. l)lies beyond our lines, whether for loyal or di~loyal people. I am en- tirely satisfied that this is wise. Trade in the city is daily improving, and the people are quiet and apparently cheerful. One week, with the navigation of the river secured, would make an entire revolution in this State. I trust confidently that this may be accomplished. I have the honor to be, with much respect, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Commanding. Major-General HALLECK, Commander-in- Chief U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, La., February 16, 1863. SIR: Since my dispatch of the 12th instant, sent by the Cromwell, the general plan of operations therein indicated has been followed out, slowly indeed, but with as much rapidity as the natural obstacles have l)ermitted. The First and Second Brigades of Emorys divisibn, under the com- mand of that officer, with Duryea~s regular battery, are concentrated at Indian Village, on the Bayou Plaquemine. Weitzel is ready to move in conjunction. A reconnaissance, made from Berwick Bay by the gunboat Diana, develops the fact that all the routes from Indian Village to Lake Chicot are blocked by drift for a distance of 5 miles. The gunboats could not pass the first accumulation. Grand River is reported choked. I have just sent for General Emory to return here for a full confer- ence on this aspect of affairs, and hope by the time he arrives to have more definite and more favorable news from the Diana. General Emory is of opinion that there may be another route free from drift, and will endeavor to discover it. I am hopeful that this will turn out to be the case. There was a rumor last week among the local secessionists that the enemy were preparing to evacuate Port Hudson, but General Grover, who commands the forces at Baton Rouge, informs me that he has nothing to indicate such an intention. I have suggested to him the expediency of reconnoitering their position in considerable force to develop their intentions, and am confident that he will be watchful, vigilant, and prepared to seize any advantage the enerny~s movements may offer. If the attempt to cut the enemys communications and sources of supply with the west succeedsas I believe it will, unless the natural difficulties named turn out to be insurmountablewe shall move from Baton Rouge on his rear at Port Hudson, and, cutting his communic Page 243 CHAP. XXVII.] BAYOU PLAQUEMINE, ETC. 243. tions with the east, compel him either to surrender or give us battle on our own grounds. For such an enterprise we can concentrate easily 15,000 men, and by straining every nerve and letting go for the time all other and minor considerations 25,000. Of the issue of such a con- test I cannot permit myself to doubt. Our news from Vicksburg leaves me somewhat uncertain as to the present operations of our forces at that point, especially in regard to th~ cut-off. At last accounts, through the Jackson papers, we had built coffer-dams at the ends of the canal and were engaged in further exca- vations. We have a report in general terms of an important capture at the mouth of Red i~iver. If the canal succeeds I suggest that one of its ffrst uses be to fur- nish us ~vith light-draught river transports, drawing from 4 to 6 feet of water, with good engines. Boats that can move in either direction and with double and disconnecting engines will do the most service in these narrow and crooked bayoustoo narrow for most vessels to turn and too crooked for some of them to move in. We also need several light- dranght iron-dads. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, N. P.~ BANKS, Major- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief Washington, D. C. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, La., February 21, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith, for your information, copies of dispatches dated from the 13th to 19th instant inclusive, in regard to the attempt to open communication between Indian Village ~nd Lake Chicot and the connecting operations. Referring for a more detailed statement of our future operations to my other (lispatches, forwarded by the same steamer, I need only say here that the attempt was Prosecuted on the part of Brigadier-General Emory with zeal and energy and co-ol)erated in by Brigadier-General Weitzel in the same spirit, and was only abandoned when conclusively shown, by exhaustive reconnaissances and actual trial, to ~e utterly iml)racticable, and that, nothing discouraged by the failure of this en- terprise, we shall push the same operations with vigor by the other route, via Ber wick Bay and Grand Lake. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief Washington, D. C. [Inclosure No. 1.] DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, Camp Stevens, La., February 13, 1863.. GENERAL: In accordance with your instructions of yesterday I pro- ceeded to Brashear City last night. I found the Diana gone, unde Page 244 244 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TFJX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. your order, and at once ordered the Kinsman, with Lieutenant Loring ~n board, to overhaul the Diana, and both to make the reconnaissance together. I have full and, I think, perfe~tly accurate information of the lauding at Indian Bend. A steamer drawing 6 feet can get no closer than 3 miles from the shore. The Kinsman, drawing 4 feet, can get within a mile. The flats that we can collect can get within about 100 to 200 yards from the shore. The bottom of the lake at the point is sandy and hardwhether hard enough to bear my light artillery I couJd not ascertain. There is a levee, which could serve the purpose of an intrencliment, about three-fourths of a mile long, just below the road along the lake shore. The road from the lake to Bayou Teche is good and about three-ftrnrths of a mile long. Where the road strikes the bayou is a ferry. This ferry is a small flat, pulled from one side to the other by a rope. A mile above the ferry is a bridge, the nearest one to the road. The distance from the road to the position which the enemy now occupies below Centreville is 20 miles by road. I am collecting all the flats I can find. Whether I can get a suffi- cieiit number is a question. Whether, after r get them, I can trans- port my force in them depends upon the weather. The landing will be very slow for everything but infantry, as this can jump overboard. The crossing of the Teche, if the enemy is vigilant, can be made a still slower operation by the destruction of the ferry and bridge or the lat- ter alone. The gunboats which attack in front must have a force on shore to clear out the rifle pits and to assist in removing the two very serious obstrnctions in the channel of the Teche, or they cannot get within the range of the enemy at all. Infantry alone on the boats will not accom- plish this. If I give from my brigade a force equal to the task I will have too small a force to attack the enemy in rear. All the information I get of the enemys movements is, that, in ex- pectation of an attack from a large force, he is concentrating all his troops at Camp Bisland, which is the intrenched position below Centre- ville. I have ordered an expedition to-night to capture, if possible, some of the enemys pickets, and through them, if possible, to get infor- m ation. I am, general, very respectftmlly, your obedient servant, G. WEITZEL Brig. Gen., U. S. Vols., Commanding Fourth Brigade. Maj. Gen. C. C. AUGUR, Commanding Division. [Inclosure No. 2.] By telegraph from La Fourehe, La., to Maj. Gen. C. C. Augur. A communication from Colonel Holcomb, commanding at Donaldson- ville, has just been received. It contains the following: A rcfugee who came in from Attakapas this morning reports that the enemy is con- scripting everybody, old and young; that they have quite a force on the Teche, but that there is great dissatisfaction among the troops. At Butte-a-la-Rose there are some 400, with fonr pieces of artillery. Nothing at Camp Pratt. This agrees with information at Berwick Bay, and indicates a con- ~entration on the Teche. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General, Page 245 CHAP. XXVII.] BAYOU PLAQUEMINE, ETC. 245 (Inelosure No. 3.1 By tele~qraph from La Pourche, La., to Maj. Gen. C. C. Augur. The information is that the old force is there with a new battery of four field pieces. The old force is the Twenty-eighth and Thirty-third Crescent and Eighteenth Regiment of Louisiana infantry; Semines and the Pelican batteries, six guns each; the Second Louisiana Cavalry and Wailers battalion of Texas Cavalry. Total force about 2,50() men and eighteen pieces of artillery. The Diana had left yesterday mornin8 on your order. I sent Lieutenant Loring on the Kinsman to overtake her and to assist her in the reconnaissance. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier-General, U. S. T7olunteer~. [Inclosure No. 4.] By telegraph from Baton Rouge, La., to Lieutenant- Colonel Irwi4Assist- ant Adjutant- General. SIR: I ~m reliably informed that there are two boats fitting up at Port Hndson to assist the Frank Webb, a rebel gunboat, in making an attack upon the Conestoga, and any other boats we may have about the mouth of the Red River. It is believed that it will require some time to make their preparations for such an expedition. The boats referred to as fitting up are the Louisville, a first-class river steamer, and the D. Bentley, au old boat of not much account. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. GROY FR, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 5.] By telegraph from La Fourehe, La., to Major-General Augur. SIR: The following dispatch has been received: BRASHEAR CITY, LA., February 13, 186310 p. in. Brigadier-General WEITZEL: The Kinsman has returned, having communicated with the Diana. The Diana captured one of Fullers negroes, who says there are three guns in Butte-il-la-Rose, commanded by Burbank, late of the Cottoa, and manned by the Cottons crew, sn~- ported by four or five companies of infantry. Captain Wiggins says all the poini s on the lake are strongly picketed, and at Indian Bend there are three 24-pounders iii positio.n. I propose starting at 8 oclock in the morning to examine Indian Bend. Captain Wiggins information is from contrabands near Indian Bend, who left i here yesterday. A. P. COOKE, Lieutenant, Commanding. (Inclosure No. 6.] - PLAQUEIWINE, LA., February 17, 1803. Brigadier-General EMORY, U. S. A.: - SIR: In obedience to your orders I proceeded on the morning of the 16th instajit, with the Hartfords launch, armed with one heavy 12- pounder boat howitzer, and the iron-clad gunboat Barataria, down flayou Plaquomino, for the purpose of ascertaining the practicabilit Page 246 246 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. of transporting troops through Bayou Sorrel and Lake Chicot. About 12 miles below Indian Village, in Bayou Sorrel, I found a raft of drift- wood one-fourth of a mile in length. A short distance below this I found another raft of drift-wood 1~ miles in length, and learned through well-disposed citizens of several miles of other drift-wood, and that the portion of Lake Chicot called the bay is filled up with the accumulated drift of two seasons. I therefore report to you that it is not, in my opinion, practicable to transport troops through Lake Chicot and Bayou Sorrel. I would also most respectfully state that in my opinion the transportation of troops through the Upper Grand River is for similar reasons impracticable. Jn my opinion the only way of rendering this bayou navigable for transports is by removing the drift-wood, which work shonid commence in that part of Lake Chicot called the bay. I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, JOHN C. WATSON, Lieut., U. ~. Navy, Comdg. Naval part of the Expedition. [Inclosure No. 7.] PLAQTJEMINE, LA., February 17, 1863. Captain IVES, Acting Assistant Adjutant. General, Third Division: SIR: From what I saw of the drift-wood in Bayou Sorrel, as well as from what I learned of the same from sailors, soldiers, and citizens of our reconnoitering party, I am of the opinion that- said bayou is not navigable for more than 12 miles below Indian Village. In my judg- ment the only way in which said bayou can be rendered navigable is by removing the drift-wood, which work should be and can only be done by commencing in that part of Lake Chicot called the bay. The Upper Grand River is also not navigable, owing to drift-wood. I am, sir, your most ob-edient serva~nt, 0. P. GOODING, Colonel, Commanding Third Brigade, Third Divsswn. llnclosure No. 8.] By telegraph from Berwick Bay, La., to Major-General Augur. Captain Goodwin, of the Diana, requests me to telegraph that all the routes from Lake Chicot to Indian Village are blocked by drift for 5 miles, which the pilots and inhabitants say will cut off all communica- tion between those places. I have the honor to be, most respectfully, FRANK W. LORING, Aide-de-Camp to General Emory. - [Inclosure No. 9.] By telegraph from La Fourche, La., to Major- General Augur. The following dispatch has been received: BRASHEAR CITY, LA., February 14, 1~3. General WEITZEL: Captain Goodwin says he could not penetrate even the first accumulation of drift without disabling his boat; but if he may be orderod to try as soon as he returns t Page 247 CHAP. XXVII.l BAYOU PLAQUEMDtE, ETC. 24~ Indian Bend there may be a possibility of pushing through to meet General Emory, after which I ~eg kave to reconnoiter Butte- a-la-Rose. Respectfully, FRANK W. LORING, Aide-de-Camp. The above dispatch is respectfully submitted. What shall I reply? I am, sir, very respectfully, ~L WELTZEL, Brigadier- General, & c. [Inclosure No. 10.1 By telegraph from La Fourche, La.,to Maji Gen. C. C. Augur. The following dispatch has just been received: BRASHEAR CITY, LA., February 14, 1863. Brigadier-General WEITZEL: The route to Indian Village is blocked by drift, which will prevent any movement on General Emory from that place. I have returned to telegraph this and await fur- ther orders from you. Captain Goodwin has information that the force at Butte-a- la-Rose did not exceed 600 men and three heavy guns last Sunday. May I recon- noiter? Very respectfully, FRANK W. LORING, Ai& -de-Camp. What orders shall I give? G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General, & c. [Inclosure No. 11.] By telegraph from La Fourche, La., to Major-General Augur. Your dispatch has been received. It will be done. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers. [Inclosure No. ]2.] By telegraph from Baton Rouge, La., to Lieutenant-Colonel Irwin, Assist ant Adjutant- General. SIR: Your dispatch of the 14th is received. Up to this date we learn nothing from Port Hudson indicating an intention to evacuate. Will keep a sharp look in that direction. 0. GROVER, Brigadier- General, Commanding Baton Rouge. [Inclosure No. 13.] By telegraph from Plaquemine to Colonel Holcomb, Donaldsonville. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, Plaquemine, La.; February 15, 18635 p. in. Send the following to General Banks, in New Orleans, and return me the answer with all possible dispatch: Major-General BANKS: I have 1-eceived this moment the following dispatch from General Weitzel: Your aide has returned to Brashear City on the Diana. He telegraphs the rout Page 248 248 W. FLA., 5. ALA., S. ~IISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CRAP. XXVII. to Indian Village is blocked by drift, which will prevent any movement on your part from Indian Village. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier-Generai~ The Grand River is also choked, as is known at headquarters. Neitter the information nor the means of transportation of this expedition are as you suppose. A conference with you is in my judgment essential. Shall I return for the purpose or will you please to instruct me what to do I We have information that one of our gunboats has made an im- portant capture at the month ofRed River. W. II. EMORY, Brigadier- General, Commanding Plaquemtne. [Inclosure No. 14.] HEADQUARTERS STEAMER LOUISIANA BELLE, Plaquemine, La., February 15, 186310 p. m. Colonel HOLCOME: Please send the following to General N. P. Banks: GENERAL: Information received induces me to believe another route exists free from drift. I will explore it before coming to a final decision. W. II. EMORY, Brigadier- General. [Inciosure No. 16.] By telegraph from La Fourehe, La., to lIIiaj. Gen. C. C. Augur. The following dispatch has just been received: BRASHEAR CITY, LA., February 17, 1863. Brigadier-General WEITZEL: The Diana and Kinsman approached within a mile of the fort at Butte-a-la-Rose on either side of Cow Island. I attempted to get the Diana within sight of the fort, but Captain Goodwin refused. [he Kinsman went the northern passage; drove in 5 pickets, and was stopped by sharpshooters. Information from the inhabitants ap- parently confirms information before received, that the force at Butte-a-la-Rose does not exceed six companies and four pieces of artillery. A thorongh reconnaissance was made of the route to Indian Village. After pushing through one drift we found two others extending as far as one could see. It was impossible to penetrate them. Communication with General Emory is therefore effectually blocked. The water is everywhere rising, flooding what little land there is. Most respectfully, FRANK W. LORING, Aide-de-Camp. G. WEITZEL, Brigadier. General, U. S. Volunteers. [Inclosure No. 16.] BERWICK BAY,. LA., February 17, 1863. Brigadier-General EMORY, Plaquemine, La.: The Diana and Kinsman approached within 1 mile of the fort at Butte- a-la-Rose on either side of Cow Island. I attempted to get the Diana within sight of the fort, but Captain Goodwiu refused. The Kinsman went the northern passage; drove in 5 pickets, and was stopped by sharpshooters. Information from the inhabitants apparently confirms information before received, that the force at Butte-a-la-Rose does not exceed six companies and four pieces of artillery. A thorough reco Page 249 CHAP. XXVII.] BAYOtI PLAQIJEMINE, ETC. 249 naissance was made of the route to Indian Village. After pushing through one drift we found two others extending as far as one could see. Communication between Indian Village and Lake Chicot i~ ef- fectually blocked. The water is everywhere rising, flooding what little land there is. Butte-~-Ia-iRose is most submerged, and is impracticable for cavalry and artillery, and only with great difficulty practicable for infantry. A few days of wet weather will submerge it unless the drift in Bayou Sorrel be soon cleared away. It threatens to choke all the outlets from Lake Chicot northward, and so to cut off communication between here and Butte-a-la-Rose. FRANK W. LORING, Aide-dc- Camp. [Inclosure No. 17.] BAYOU LA FOURCHE, LA., February 14, 1863. Colonel HoLco~n: Send the following dispatch to General Emory as soon as possible: MANNINGS LANDING, LA., February 14, 1863. Brigadier-General EMORY: Your aide has returned to Brashear City on the Diana. He telegraphs the route to Indian Village ia blocked by drift, which will prevent any movement on yowr part from Indian Village. The force at Bntte-~.la. Rose is three heavy guns and about 400 men. U. WEITZEL, Brigadier-General, U. S. Army. U [Inclosure No. 18.1 By telegraph from Headquarters Third Division, sleamer LoUis?a na Belle, Plaquemine, La. (17th), to Major-General Banks. GENERAL: 1 have some prospect of removing the raft in one of the bayous. I therefore suggest that the Diana be held in readiness to co- operate.. I have notified General Weitzel. W. H. EMORY, Brigadier- General. [Inelosure No. 19.] By telegraph from Plaquemine; La., to Major- General Banks, commanding. Every bayou choked with drift-woodimpassable and immovable from this direction. I am on my way down to see you. W. H. EMORY, Brigadier- General. fThclosure No. 20.1 CAMP, INDIAN VILLAGE, LA., February 19, 1863. General EMORY: Sin: I have the honor to report to you that, in accordance with in- structions from Major Boardman, I proceeded to explore and ascertain the extent of drift in the Bayou Sorrel, and, if possible, to proceed t Page 250 250 W. PLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., M. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII Lake Chicot. I succeeded in reaching the termination of the first drift, which was about 1 mile in extent. Sounding its depth, I found it coin- posed of one mass of logs, roots, big and small trees, boards, & c.,jammed tightly for 30 feet (the whole length of my pole). Two miles further I found a second drift of about the same extent. It was now dark, and having waded and crossed several dangerous breaks in the levee, fear of losing my two men compelled me to return. From sources I deem perfectly reliable I learn there is another and more formidable drift 3 miles from the mouth of Lake Chicot, into which it extends; that it has been forming two years; that there is no current to carry off the logs if we should succeed in detaching them; that their removal is an im- possibility, and the loosening of the first drift will only embarrassmat- ters more at the third and last. I have the honor, sir, to be yours, respeetfally, HENRY COEHEN, Capt. Company K, One hundred and seventy-third N. Y. Vols. [Addenda.] CARROLLTON, (Received, New Orleans, February 26, 1863.) Lieutenant-Colonel IRWIN, Assistant Adjutant- General: The following is a telegram received from Colonel Currie, by which it will be seen he reports the country between the Plaquemine an4 FausseeRiver and the Atchafalaya is impracticable for all arms. I have ordered him to concentrate at Plaquemine and be on his guard against attack. W. H. EMORY, Brigadier-General. General W. H. EMORY: The reconnaissance has just returned, having reconnoitered as far as Fausse on Mississippi, Madam Parlangers on the Fausse River, and within 2 miles of the mouth of Cow Head Bayou on the Atchafalay~. The command used up. Had to make forced marches to avoid assault from 2,400 from Port Hudson and some cavalry reported to be coming along the State road from near the month of Bayou Alabama. Full particulars will accompany my report to Colonel Paine to-morrow evening. The launches have not yet returned and will not be in till late. The men prostrated by fatigue. Will send Louisiana Belle and launches down to-morrow morning early to Carrollton. In my opinion the country is impracticable for all arms of the service. Loss 1 man and 2 prisoners; 4 paroled.~ L. ft H. CURRIE, Colonel; Commanding Post Page 251 CIIAF. XXVII.] PORT HUDSON, LA. 251 MARCH 727, 1863.Operations against and about Port Hudson, La. SUMMARY & B TIlE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. March 7, 1863.Banks forces move to Baton Rouge. 910, 1863.Skirmishes on the Comite River, at Montesano Bridge, etc. 1415, 1863.Engagement between Union Ileetand Port Hndson batteries. Demonstrations on land front against Port Hudson. 17, 1863.Expedition from Montesano Bayou toward Port Hudson. Operations on west bank of the Mississippi. 19, 1863.Reconnaissance to False River. 24, 1863.Expedition to Hermitage Landing. REPORTS, ETC. No. 1.Maj. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Gulf, of operations March 727. No. 2.Capt. William W. Rowley, U. S. Signal Corps, Chief Signal Officer, of opera- tions March 722. No. 3.Lient. Joseph L. Hallett, Acting Signal Officer, of operations March 1016. No. 4.Col. Thomas E. Chickering, Forty-first Massachusetts Infantry, of skirmishes on the Comite River, at Montesano Bridge, etc. No. 5.Brig. Gen. William Dwight, jr., U. S. Army, of expedition from Montesano Bayon, toward Port Hudson. No. 6.Col. Theodore W. Parmele, One hundred and seventy-fourth New York Infantry, of operations on west bank of the Mississippi. No. 7.Col. N. A. M. Dudley, Thirtieth Massachusetts Infantry, of reconnaissance to the mouth of False River. No. 8.Col. Charles J. Paine, Second Louisiana Infantry (Union), of reconnaisance to the mouth of False River. No. 9.Col. N. A. M. Dudley, Thirtieth Massachusetts Infantry, of expedition to Hermitage Landing. No. 10.Capt. James M. Magee, Second Company Massachnsetts Unattached Cavalry, of expedition to Hermitage Landing. No. 11.Maj. Gen. Franklin Gardner, C. S. Army, commanding at Port Hudson, of operations March 726, with correspondence and orders. No. 12.Capt. J. M. Magruder, of skirmish at Montesano Bridge. No. 1. Reports of M~j. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks, U. S. Army, commanding De partment of the Gul/ of operations March 727. HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE GULF, NINETEENTH ARMY CORPS, New Orleans, La., March 21, 1863. In pursuance of the plan suggested in my last dispatches the fleet under the command of Rear-Admiral Farragut made the contemplated effort for the successful passage of the river batteries at Port Hudson on Saturday evening, the 14th instant. The fleet con~isted of the flag- ship Hartford, Monongahela, Eichmond, and Mississippi, with a gun- boat lashed upon the port side of the first three named vessels. The Essex (iron-clad), Sachem, and six mortar-boats held position below the forts, enfilading by their fire the lower batteries. The fleet moved from Baton Rouge on Friday evening at 4 oclock, and anchored below Port Hudson until 8 oclock on ~3aturday evening, when it commenced the contemplated movement, and at 11.30 ocloc Page 252 252 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [C1~AP. XXVII. the rebel batteries opened fire upon the leading slip, which was returned l)y the fleet with terrific and successful energy until 1 oclock in the morning. The passage was only partially successful. The Hartford, with the Albatross, ran the gauntlet successfully. The Monongahela reached the center batteries, when she was disabled by an accident to her machinery and fell ba~ck to her former position. The Richmond was disabled by a shot through her steam-drum, aiid followed the Monon- gahela. The Mississippi, having passed the center batteries, ran n ground, and, after sustaining the concentrated fire of the batteries for half an hour and removing the sick and wounded, she was fired and l)lOwn up by order of her commander Smith. Nothino- was sax from the ship but officers and crew and nothing was left to the enemy. Admiral Farragut, with the Hartford and Albatross, was reported at Waterloo on Sunday. The Richmond, Monongahela, and the gun- boats Essex (iron-clad), Sachem, Genesee, and Kineo, with the six mor- tars, rea~ed Profits Island, 3 miles below Port Hudson. The loss of life was chiefly sustained by the Mississippi. It is be. lieved that the killed, wounded, and prisoners will not exceed 70. The loss on the other vessels was comparatively light,4zut including among the wounded the inestimable officers Commander MeKinstry, of the Monongahela~, who was injured by a fall from the bridge, whi chwas shot away, and Lieutenant Cummings, of the Richmond, who has since (lied. The land force under my command, at the su~gestion of Admiral Farragut, moved to Baton Rouge on the, 7th instant, with the exception of such detachments as were necessary to hold the several positions occupied lzy our army on the lower river. The effective force thus con- centrated at Baton ~touge was less than 17,000 effective men. The non-arrival of the fleet remaining at New Orleans for repairing ma- chinery detained us at Baton Rouge until Friday, the 13th instant, when General Grovers division moved for Port Hudson. General Emorys division followed at daybreak on the 14th instant, and Major- General Augurs, the reserve, at the same hour. Qeneral Grover en- camped near the church, at the intersection of the Bayou Sara road leading to the plains in the rear of Port Hudson and the road to Spring. field Landing, where communication was established with the fleet on S~iturday, the 14th instant, at 2p. m. General Emory moved a brigade on the same road at the point of intersection with the direct road to Port Hudson an~d the road to Ross Landing, touching the lower line of batteries, and another force was posted near Springfield Landing, to maintain connection with the river and fleet, the position being 3 miles in rear of land fortifications and on the flank of the lower rebel bat- teries. The object of the movement was to make a diversion during the passage of the fleet, and not to make an attack with the expecta- tion of carrying the works. The assistance of the fleet would be indis- pensable in any determined attack, and the hope of the naval and land officers was that it might run the batteries with as little firing as pos- sible. No decisive encounter with the enemy was anticipated there- from, unless, as was hoped, they should come out of the works. These positions were assumed at 2 p. in. on Saturday, the 14th in- stant. My intention was to move the batteries, with a protecting force, upon the Ross Landing road, which terminated on the bank of the river on the line of the lower batteries. This would giveus a flank fire, in line with that of the Essex and Sachem and the mortars directly into the land and water fortifications. A part of General Emorys division and the whole of Grovers forces, posted near the junction of the roa Page 253 CHAP. XXTfl.] 253 PORT HUDSON, LA. to Ross Landing and the direct road to Port Hudson, would be ready to advance upon the rear of the works if opportunity offered, or to repel, by a flank attack, any force debouching upon the road to attack the batteries. The remaining brigades of General Emory and the division of General Augur held in reserve 2 miles in the rear upon the Bayou Sara road. Such was the disposition of the main force at 2 p. m. on. Satarday, the 14th instant. While waiting the movements of the fleet the minor dispositions, covering the position we held, were as follows: The roads leading from Baton Ronge are six in number: First. The Highland road, crossing the Bayou Manchac and leading to the Pass of that name. Second. The Clay Cut road, with two intersecting roads crossing the Coniite and Amite Rivers. Third. The Greenwell Springs road, leading direct to Camp Moo~. Fourth. The Clinton road, leading direct to Clinton. Fifth. The Bayou Sara road, upon which onr march was made. Sixth. The road to Springfield Landing, which was on line of com- munication with the river. We had information, which could not be disregarded, that a support- lug force in the event of an attack upon Port Hudson, was at an inter- mediate point between Port Hudson and Vicksburg, and that a cavalry force. of I ,200 men w-as on the Clinton road, with rumors of a force on the other side of the Amite, from Mobile and Camp Moore. The bridges on these roads were destroyed by my order on the day preceding our march, and each iiitersecting road was covered by a small force by the Highland road to that of Sprin~fleld Landing. Our cavalry being weak in numbers, the deficiency was supplied by infantry. In addition to these detachments two regiments, under command of Colonel Chick- ering, of the FortyAirst Massachusetts, were left at Baton Rouge to l)rotect the camp against the threatened cavalry raids of the enemy. The force with which I was enabled to move against Port Hudson did not exceed 12,000 infantrya force, at the best, far inferior in numbers to that of the enemy. The enemys l)ickets appeared on all these roads, but were promptly driven in as we approached the works, without serious loss or contest on our part. It was my intention to open fire upon the lower wQrks froni the Ross Lauding road. We had relied for this movement upon the maps prepared for this occasion, with great industry and ability, from local county maps and general information obtained from the peoL)le. The reconnaissances of the afternoon, however, developed the fiuct that the Ross Landing road did not exist, and we necessarily were forced to change the direction of our operations to the rear of the enemys works by the Port Hudson road,-and to enter upon new recon- naussances with that view. These were pushed with vigor until dark to within 600 yards 6f the enemys works and preparations made for moving our artillery npon that road. Up to this moment it had been understood that the passage of the fleet was to be made in the gray of the mornino and not at night; but at 5 oclock I received a dispatch from the admiral stating that he should commmence his movement at 8 oclock in the evening. Itwas impossible for me to construct bridges an(l repair the ahuost impassable roads for artillery in season to co-operate with the fleet by a concentrated artillery fire. I had just left the rear of the enemys works in company with General Grover, h~ coimelmisiomi of the reconnaissances of the enemy, when the fleet and bat- teries Ol)ene(l their fire at 11.30 l~ m. Had the original purpose been carried out my batteries would have been in position before morning Page 254 254 w. FLA., S. ALA, S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. We had waited nearly ten days for the fleet,, detained by the break- age of machinery, and lost the opportunity of crossing its fire with that of our artillery in the premature commencement of the action by as many hours. The reconnaissances were pushed with vigor from 2 oclock until the opening of the fire at 11 p. m. Whenever the enemys pickets appeared they were driven in, cavalry or infantry, until it was mani- fest that they were determined not to venture out of the works to give or receive battle. In the early part of these movements Col. John S. Clark, of my staff, who was near the enemys lines, was seriously wounded, his horse being killed, by the same shot, under him. A captain of cavalry was also wounded and captured. Several dead bodies were left upon the ground by the rebels and some of the wounded brought into our camp. The entire command was under arms during the night, but no general action occurred. Information having been received from the signal corps that the Hartford and Albatross had safely passed at Springfield Landing, and the balance of the fleet, with exception of the Mississippi, was in safety on this side, the troops rested upon their arms i~tntil Sunday evening, when they fell back near Bayou Montesano, and encamped from ~5 to 8 miles from Baton Rouge. On Tuesday the troops again advanced upon the Clinton and Bayou Sara roads, the enemys pickets retiring before them, but offering no serious resistance, returning to camp during the night. It had been understood, in the event of the passage of any portion of. the fleet, that communication with the river above Port Hudson should be made by the Army. Accordingly two regiments, with a section of artillery and a company of cavalry, under Colonel Parmele, of New York, were sent on Monday, the 16th instant, to force a passage from opposite Profits Island, under protection of the fleet, to some point above Port Hudson. The rebels having cut the State levee opposite Port Hudson, with a view to prevent the passage of the troops by the flood, I sent forward on Wednesday a brigade, under comniand of Colonel Dudley, of the Thirtieth Massachusetts, with instructions to make a passage by the bed.of False River. if necessary, or to ascertain and report definitely the obstructions which should make it impracticable. I accompanied this expedition with several of my staff officers, moving np the river opposite the batteries within range of the enemys guns. A full view of the batteries was obtained, of which complete sketches were made by the topographical amid engineer officers, who advanced to the cut. The crevasse, occasioned by the cutting of the State levee, is about tO yards wide and had obtained a depth of 24 feet. This was easily forded by the ~cavalr.y and infantry, ~ut the rise of water having swept away the bridges, it was inipossible to distinguish . the course of the bayous, making the passage impracticable, except for horsemen. Subsequently Colonel Paine, of the Second Louisiana Infantry, with a detachment of his command, crossed to the river, about 3 miles above Port Hudson, commanding a view of the river, but failed to obtain any information of the fleet above. Colonel Dudley to-day makes an effort to reach Water- loo, 6 miles above the forts, after which he will return with his commamid to Baton Rouge. Thmmr~fay evening three small river steamers came down the river an(l i~este(1 under the batteries. They appeared to me to have come from Thompsons Creek, 2 miles above Port Hudson, amid to be intende Page 255 CHAP. XXVII.] PORT HUDSON, LA. 255 for the transport of troops across the river to meet our troops. No re- sistance has been offered to theni, however, except from the batteries at the fort. To-day I expect a rel)ort of Ike final result of this recon- naissance. The force of the enemy on the river front is not less than thirty or forty guns, in strong works and position. The land fortifications extend from near Ross Landing to the creek, above the river l)atteries, encom- passed by strong field works and defonded at intervals with field artil- lery and a garrison of not less than 20,000 men. Its strength is, how- ever, in the power of concentrating troops at this point. The utmost force I can bring to its assault or investment will not exceed 17,000 men, without abandoning to the enemy vital points on the Lower Mississippi. My conviction is now more firm than before this reconnaissance, that it is not in the power of the troops under my command to carry this posi- tion by assault or siege without re-enforcements. It is universally represented by the enemy to be stronger than Yicksburg. I cannot doubt that, in itself, it is so. M~ command is ready to make the assault, but my conviction is strong that it would end in the useless sacrifice of my men. We are now in the best possible position to make a successful attack, if in sufficient force. The Hartford and Albatross can enfilade the works from above; the balance of the fleet from below. A heavy battery could now be easily planted on the opposite sidc in front of these works. The river batteries could not resist the concentrated fire. A land force moving at the same time upon the rear equal to the garrison, and capable of meeting promptly any re-enforcements, would complete the certain reduction or evacuation of the post. This requires re-en. forcements here and the co-operation of the forces near Vicksburg, which I hope may be secured. This is worth an earnest effort. I can but repeat the opinion expressed in previous dispatches, that the freedom of the Mississippi is the suppression of this rebellion. The objects expected to be obtained by running the l~atteries were: First, communication with the land and naval forces at Vicksburg; second, defeating the construction of new batteries between Port Hudson and Vicksburg; third, cutting off supplies by the Red River; fourth, ob- taining an opportunity to enfilade the Red River batteries from above; and, fifth, the destruction of the rebel steamers in the river. All these objects have been successfully accomplished except the last, and, with exception of the loss of the Mississippi, none of the anticipated injuries have been sustained. The complete success of the expedition may be thus justly assumed. - General Weitzel informs me that the Queen of the West and the Webb are at Butte-~Y-la-Rose, on the Atchafalaya, threatening an attack upon his position (the inclosed dispatches show the position he occupies). It is impossible to send the gunboats he desires immediately, but in all other respects he will be strengthened at once. It is my purpose to commence without delay military movements upon th~ Atchafalaya or the Teche, which were interrupted by the naval and land expeditious to Port hudson. I b~g leave to assure you that no time will be lost hereafter in action. My troops are in good health and in the best spirits and condition. Insufficient laud and water transportation and the weak- ness of time cavalry are the only obstacles that we shall now encounter, and these are being strengthened every day. In our movements beyond the lines of the army I have appropriated all the l)roducts of the country to the use of the Government, not allow- Pig speculators to follow us and buy and sell under cover of our forces. In the recent expedition to Port Hudson not less than $300,000 wort Page 256 256 W. FLA., S. A~LA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [Cnx~. XXVII. of cotton and sugar, seized by the officers of the Government, have been turned over to the chief quartermaster of the department. Re- ceil)ts have been given therefor to the parties from which the ~ro~)erty has been taken, st~ting fully the circumstances under which the seizure is made. I shall pursue this course hereafter unless otherwise directed by the Government, and entertain no doubt the Department expenses can in a great (legree be defrayed. I retLlrne(1 to New Orleans from Port fludson last evening, and shall today go to the headquarters of General Weitzel. I have ordered Gen- eral Grovers division to move from Baton Rouge to J~is support imnie- diately. I cannot close this dispatch without again referring to the total in- su fhciency of the forces and material within my reach for the work that is expected of me in this department. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Commanding. Major-General HALLECK, General-ia-Chief U~ S. Army, Wa8hington, D. C. P. S.l)uring the operations on the 14th the following detachments were thrown omit from Grovers division: Th& One hnndred aiii(l fifty- ninth New York, Col. E. L. Molineux ; a section of artillery, and Com- pany E, Fiist Louisi ma Cavalry, moving on the Clinton plank road parallel to the maich of the main body of time division, amid taking post at the intersection of that rQad and the cross-road leading from Spring- field Landing This cross-road, like most of the others, differed essen- tially from ~xlmat it w is rel)resented on the mal), being for a considerable part of the (listance i mere by-patti. From Kuioi x s dix ision the One hundred and sixty-second New York, Lieutenant Colonel Blanchard, a section of artillery, and a squad of cavalry mox mo- on the same road up to the point held by the above- imained (letachlimelit. Three companies of the One hundred and sixty- secOLi(l New York, under Major Bogart, with a few mnouimted men, xverc (letache(I to (lestroy by fire the Strickland Bridge over the Comite, which tIme eXl)editiOfl Previously sent out uiicler Colonel Chickering, Forty -first Ma ssa din usetts, could not reach. Captain Dunha in, assistant a(ljutaiit-general, who xvas ordered to superintend the execution of this duty, i-ejoine(l headquarters during the afternoon, reportimig time work efh~ct ually done, but that there was a ford just above passable for cay- ali-y an(l infhmitry. Tht~se three companies m-einnaine(1 at the junction of the Clinton road and the cin-oss-road to watch the lattei-. The Forty eio-hth Massachusetts, Col. E. F. Stone; a section ot Ar- nolds batteix (U), li ifTh Artillery, and Company A, Second Rhode Island t~axr iii x foi umed a guard to the train. The troops kit mu Baton Rouge consisted of the Forty-first Massa- chusetts, Col Thoinn is B. Chmickering; One hundred and sexenty-third New Yoi-k, Col t B Morton; One hundred and seventy-fifth New York, Col. M. K. Brx in, Third Louisiana Native Guards (colored), Col. John A. Nelson; Eighteenth New York Battei-y, Captain Mack, an(l com- pany F, of the Second Rhode Islamid Cavalry. The l)ost was placed under the comninamid of Colonel Chickei-ing. Besides this Three the siege guns, manned by the Twenty-first mdi- (lialia Am-tillemy, Ccl. ;J. W. McMillan, were placed in position on th~ rixer front to guard against amy contingency which might arise in the ex-ent of disaster to tIme fleet Page 257 Cj~ir. XXYfl.J PORT HUDSON, LA. 257 One company of the One hundred and thirty-third New York was at Plaquemine, and one company of the One hundred and seventy-third New York was near Lobdells Store, on the right bank, to break up the enemys signal communication. K. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding. HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE GULF, NINETEENTH ARMY CORPS, New Orleans, La., March 27, 1863. SIR: Since my dispatch of the 21st instant (which should have been No. 7) the force consisting of Dudleys brigade and the One hundred and seventy-fourth New York, of Chapins brigade, of Augurs division; two sections of Arnolds battery (G), Fifth Artillery; two compames (D and E) of the Second Rhode Island Cavalry, and Magees company (B) of Massachusetts unattached cavalry, all under the command of Col. N. A. M. Dudley, Thirtieth Massachusetts, has succeeded in open- ing communication with a point of the river near the mouth of False River, above Port Hudson. A party of cavalry sent forward from a detachment, consisting of the One hundred and seventy-fourth New York and Second Louisiana, under Col. Charles J. Paine, of the latter regiment, reached that point on the 19th. Colonel Paine, who led this party in person, reports that he could discover no signs of the Hartford or Albatross, and could hear nothing of them. Contrabands and deserters repor-ted that the admiral had passed up the river. On the 20th four steamers were seen to arrive at Port Hudson, said to be from Red River. Five quite intelligent negroes, who came down from Natchez in skiffs, reported that two of our big ships had passed that point on their way up, said to be part of the fleet engaged at Port fludson. It seemed almost certain therefore that the admiral had passed the mouth of Red River and gone to Yicksburg. My object in sending this force across the river was therefore at- tained; but, upon the earnest solicitation of Commander Alden, Colonel Dudley was permitted to remain at Winters plantation for several days longer, in hopes that the Hartford might return in the early part of this week, and with the purpose of affording to Admiral Farragut an oppor- tunity of rejoining in person the main portion of his fleet, still below Port Hudson, and of transferring his flag to another vessel, as he would probably desire to do. On the 25th, however, still hearing nothing of the admiral, and having put the divisions of Grover and Emory under marching orders, I ordered Colonel Dudley to rejoin his division at Baton Rouge. It is reported to me to-day that these orders have been executed. Should the admiral return to the vicinity of Port Hudson he will nndonbtedly be seen or heard of by the fleet lying just below that place. I think we can easily establish and maintain communication with him. Incidentally to the main object of his expedition, Colonel Dudley suc- ceeded in securing considerable supplies of fresh beef; sugar, molasses, and cotton, and a number of horses and mules. The fresh beef especially was a welcome addition to the supl)lies of both the Army and Navy. Copies of the reports of Colonels Dudley and Parmele, dated, re- spectively, 19th and 17th instant, are inclosed. I take leave to bring to your special notice the energy, professional 17 R RYOL X Page 258 258 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII skill, and correct judgment displayed in the management of this expe- dition, after he assumed command of it, by that excellent and zealous officer Col. N. A. NI. Dudley, Thirtieth Massachusetts, commanding the Third Brigade of Augurs division. I inclose a copy of Brig. Gen. William Dwights official report of an expedition, consisting of his own brigade, of Grovers division, and Ingrahams brigade, of Emorys division, with detachments of cavalry and artillery, sent out under his command on the 17th instant to occupy our positions of the 14th and 15th, on the Bayou Sara and Clinton roads. The object of this expedition, to cover the seizure and transportation to Baton Rouge of large quantities of cotton, which we had discovered between that point and Port Hudson, having been fully accomplished, General Dwight returned the same night. Small forces of cavalry were sent out to the Comite and Amite Rivers on the Greensburg and Clay Cut roads, to bring in beef-cattle, horses; and mules. They obtained some quantities of beef and a few animals, but the latter are very scarce in this country. I transferred my headquarters to New Orleans on the 24th. On the 25th orders were issued to General Grover, already prepared for the movement, to proceed by water to Donaldsonville and thence march to Thibodeaux. The road across the country is not in very good condition, and may be rendered difficult by rains; but, in consequence of the lack of transportation by water and rail, it would require too much time to make the movement over the Opelousas Railway. Forty-eight hours are required to move a single brigade over that road under ordi- nary circumstances. Dwights brigade, of Grovers division, arrived at Donaldsonville to-day. The steamboats were immediately sent back to Baton Rouge for another brigade. Emory, notified to be iu readiness, will follow Grover, and will probably have to move over the railway, as we have not enough land transportation to move two divisions at the same time over a road of any length. Brigadier-General Weitzel telegraphed me on the 18th that he had i-eliable information of the arrival of the Queen of the West and Webb at Butte-a-la-Rose, and requested that all the light-draught gunboats drawing less than 7 feet should be sent to Berwick Bay at once. Com- modore Morris and Commander Alden both informed me that there were no gunboats of that class which could be sent. Without a supe- rior force of gunboats in Berwick Bay Weitzel could not hold his position on those waters. The presence of the two new gunboats at Butte-a-la-Rose seemed to indicate an attack, having for its evident result, if successful, the cutting otl~ of his force. In falling back with his command to Bayou Beuff Bridge, which movement was carried out on the 21st instant, 1 am satisfied that General Weitzel acted correctly. I went to Bayou Bceuff~ in person on the 22d for the purpose of examin- ing the situation of affair~ there and conferring with General Weitzel in regard to our future operations. I have ordered the siege train, manned by the Twenty-first Indiana Artillery, Colonel McMillan, and two sections of 20-pounder Parrotts, manned by the Eighteenth New York Battery, to re-enforce General Weitzel. When they arrive we shall have a commanding force of artillery on that line, and Weitzel will then resume his position at Brashear City. I do not now anticipate an attack or that anything of moment witl occur in that quarter until we are ready to strike. I have also the honor to inclose a partial report from Brigadier-Gen- eral Sherman of a reconnaissance, which, in pursuance of instructions Page 259 CHAP. XXVII.] PORT HUDSON, LA. 259 had previously given him, he sent out to Ponchatoula on the 23d in- stant, under the command of Col. Thomas ~. Clark, Sixth Michigan.* The forces engaged were the Sixth Michigan and five companies of the One hundred and sixty-fifth New York, Lieut. Col. Abel Smith. Colonel Clarks orders were to ascertain the force of the enemy on the lower end of Jackson Railroad, drive them out of Ponchatoula, and break up the railroad bridges across the Ponchatoula River. I have not as yet received the official reports of this reconnaissance, but I am able to state that these orders have been successfully carried out, and that we now hold securely Manchac Pass and the defile leading from the Pass to Ponchatoula. I propose to have the bridges over the Pass rebuilt as soon as practicable, with a view to future operations on the Jackson Railway. Simultaneous with this reconnaissance a demonstration was made on the lower Amite by three companies of cavalry and one regiment of infantry, under Col. Frank S. Nickerson, Fourteenth Maine, to threaten the road leading from the Mississippi to Springfield and Pouchatoula. This demonstration was skillfully executed and materially aided the main enterprise under Colonel Clark. The want of cavalry, which I have so frequently and so strongly represented, is felt almost hourly in every movement. Large detach- ments of infantry are required to do slowly and uncertainly what a small party of cavalry would accomplish speedily and accurately. We must use a brigade to hold a road which a squadron could patrol. I cannot but regret that any consideration of economy should have pre- vented the Government from sending to this department all the cavalry which it could control. I feel especially the loss of the Second Massa- chusetts Cavalry, raised expressly for my expedition, for, besides its strength, I relied upon Colonel Lowell to infuse the necessary vigor into the whole cavalry service, and particularly into companies which have recently come to us from Rhode Island and New York. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedien t servant, N. P. BANK~, Major- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief, Washington, D. C. No. 2. Report of Gapt. William W. Rowley, U. S. Signal Corps, Chief Signal Officer, of operations March 7-22. OFFIcE CHIEF OF SIGNAL CORPS, DEPT. OF THE GULF, Baton Rouge, La., March 22, 1863. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that on the 7th instant I receive(l orders from Headquarters Department of the Gulf to proceed with it to this place. I was accompanied by Lieutenants Russell, Eaton, and Abbott, acting signal officers. We arrived at this point the evening of the 8th instant. My party See March 2129. Expeditions, & c., pp. 280289 Page 260 260 W. FLA., 8. ALA., S. MI8S., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. and myself immediately joined Captain Roes party, which had beeii here for some time. I found the whole party, upon inspection, very well equipped and ready for the field. I established constant daily practice during the few days we were here. On the 13th instant I received orders to furnish the flag-ship Hart- ford with two signal officers and the iron-clad Essex with one. I ac- cordingly sent First Lieut. S. M. Eaton and Second Lient. J. C. Abbott, with two flagmen, for the Hartford, and First Lieutenant Jenks, with two flagmen, for the Essex. I also, nuder orders, detailed Lieutenants Hallett, Dane, and Rund- lett, with their flagmen, to accompany Brigadier-General Grover, com- manding division. Captain Roe and Lieutenant Russell were to accom- pany me with Headquarters Department of the Gulf. General Grover took the advance. No occasion was had for the use of signals until we arrived at a point called Barnes Cross-Roads, 14 miles from this place and 6 from Port Hudson. The fleet had in the mean time sailed u~ the river to the head of Profits island, about 4 miles below Port Hudson. Reference I o the map in- closed herewith will show the position.* Barnes Cross-Roads is about 5 miles from the river. I was ordered to dispatch an officer to the river (Springfield Landing) to open communication with the fleet. Lieuten- ant Hallett, with two flagmen and an escort of cavalry, proceeded im- mediately to the point designated and opened communication with the Hartford. I inclose a copy herewith of his report to me, which con- tains a copy of messages sent and received. The country between the Cross-Roads and the r~iver is flat and heavily timbered, so that signaling could not be effected without much difficulty, and as we were to remain there but a few hours we did iiot attempt it. Messages were sent between us and Lieutenant Hallett by couriers. We remained at the Cross-Roads during the night of the 14th instant. About 11 oclock p. m. our fleet attempted to pass the batteries at Port Hudson. The Hartford and Albatross got safely past. The others were disabled and were obliged to return. The war-steamer Mississippi got aground just under the batteries. The crew, after su fferi~g heavy loss, set her on fire and abandoned her. After burning a while she floated off and down the river, and finally blew up with a tremendous explo- sion. The remaining vessels of the fleet were but temporarily damaged, with slight loss. On the morning of the 15th instant we took up line of march toward Baton Rouge (having accomplished our object), arriving here in the evening. No further use was made of the Signal Corps. In fact the corps and cavalry were the only branches of the army that did anything, as not a gun was fired during the trip. Upon reaching here the general desired me to open communication across the- point of land opposite Port Hudson, between our fleet at Profits Island and the Hartford, above Port Hudson. A brigade was detailed as escort; Captain Roe, with three officers, accompanied. the expedition. Upon crossing the neck of land they ascertained that the Hartford had gone up the river. The expedition returned without seeing the Hartford. Lieutenant Eaton is aboard the Hartford ,if not killed. Lieutenant Abbott was transt~rrcd to the sloop-of-war Rich- mond before her attempt to pass the batteries, where he still remains. Lieutenant Jenks still remains on board the Essek. ~Not found Page 261 CHAP. xx-vn.j PORT HUDSON, LA. 261 All my officers did their duty with alacrity and fidelity. First Lieut. ~J. L. Hallett is deserving of particular commendation for the manner in which he held communication with the fleet for more than eighteen hours iii a position very much exposed to an attack from the enemy, he having but a small squad of cavalry. Lieutenant Abbott, during the passing of the batteries by the Rich- inond, was in the maintop watching for signals from the Hartford. He was doubly exposed, for the Richmond had got abreast of the last battery, when a ball passed through her steam-chest, disabling her at once. She immediately slued around and drifted past all the batteries. When yoa consider that the batteries at Port Hudson extend for the distance of 3 miles you will agree with me iu saying that the position of Lieutenant Abbott was not so agreeable as could be wished for. The six officers with Brigadier-General Weitzel were not with us, as his command was and is still at Berwick Bay. I have the pleasure to inform you that Lient. W. B. Roe has been promoted to a captaincy in his regiment, the Sixteenth Michigan Vol- unteers. His commission bears date November 3, 1862. J have the honor to be, very respectf~d1y, your obedient servant, W. W. ROWLEY,. Capt. and Chief Acting Signal Officer, Dept. of the Gulf. Maj. ALBERT J. MYER, Signal Officer, U. & Army. No. 3. Report of Lieut. Joseph L. Hallett, Acting Signal Officer, of operations March 1016. HEADQUARTERS SIGNAL CORPS, Baton Rouge, La., March 16, 1863. Smu: I have the honor to report that iu obedience to Special Orders, No. 1, received from Headquartei-s of the Signal Corps, under date of the 10th instant, I reported to Brigadier-General Grover, accompanied by First Lient. Henry C. Dane and Second Lieut. Isaac H. Rundlett, with their flagmen, for duty at 2 p. in. on the same day. At 4.30 p. m. on the 13th day of March, 1863, we took up our line of march on the Bayou Sara road with Brigadier-General Grovers division, and at 7 oclock halted for the night at Greens plantation, 8 miles from Baton Rouge. At 6.20 on the following morning the march was continued for 6 miles, when we again halted at Barnes Cross-Roads, 14 miles from Baton Rouge, where we encamped. At 12 in., in obedience to verbal orders from Brigadier-Geueral Gro- ver, I proceeded, with my flagmen and a cavalry scout, to Springfield Landing, 6 miles from Barnes Cross-Roads, where I found the steam- transport Saint Maurice, and, em barking, proceeded at once to open communication with the fleet, which lay 3 miles below Port Hudson. The following is a correct transcript of messages sent and received by me from Saturday, the 14th, to Sunday, March 15, 1863, inclusive: SATURDAY, Maa-ch 14. L5ent off 1.30 p. ni4 Admiral FARRAGUT, Skip Hartford: My command iB at Barnes Cross-Roads, and occupies the road to Rose Lauding, o Page 262 262 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXYIL the flank and rear of the rebel batterie8. When wrn you open fire? We shall be ready this evening. N. P. BANKS MJLC. (Sent off 7 p. in.] Lieutenant EATON, Ship Hartford: I shall be on board the Saint Maurice until morning at the Springfield Landing. If you have any message for General Banks send a boat to the landing and it will be forwarded. HALLETT, 33. SUNDAY, March 153 a. m. [Received.] General Banks wants to know what that firing is. [Sent off 3.15 a. in.] SnIP LANDING, March 15. Major-General BANKS: I cannot say, but think it is a fire raft. Will send word as soon as I find out. J. L. HALLETT, Lieutenant and Acting Signal Officer. [Sent off 6 a. in.] SPRINGFIELD LANDING, March 15, 1863. Major-General BANKS: SIR: The Hartford and Albatross passed the rebel batteries last night, and are now anchored above Port Hudson. The Richmond received a shot through steam- drum, and was obliged to turn down when abreast the town. The Mississippi ran ashore under the batteries; was set fire to and blown up to prevent her falling into the hands of the enemy. The Monongahela returned on account of some accident to her machinery, ~which prevented her from stemming the current. The Richmond, Monougahela, Genesee, and Kineo are anchored 5 miles beldw Port Hudson. Richmond, loss, 3 killed, 15 wounded; Monongahela, 10 killed, wounded unknown; Mississippi, loss large, but not exactly known. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. HALLETT, Lieutenant and Acting Signal Officer. [Sent.] Lieutenant ABBOTT, on board the Richmond: Is the Richmond going to New Orleans? [Received.] I believe not. [Sent.] Are the boats going to open fire to-day? No. [Received.] [Sent] Cease signaling. [Received.] Cease signaling. (Received.] HEADQUARTERS NINETEENTH ARMY Cones, March 15, 1863. Lient. J. L. HALLETT, Acting Signal Officer: Return here with your party at once. The Saint Maurice will proceed to Baton Rouge at once. W. W. ROWLEY Page 263 CHAP. XXVII.] PORT HUDSON, LA. 263 In obedience to the above order I left my station at Springfield Landing at 10.30 a. in., and reported to you at General Banks head- quarters at 4 p. in., March 15, 1863. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. IIALLETT, Acting ~S~ignal Officer. Capt. W. W. ROWLEY, Chief & gnal Officer, Department of the Gulf. No. 4. Reports of Cot. Thomas B. Chickering, Forty-first Massachusetts Infantry, of skirmishes on the Comite Riser, at Montesano Bridge, & c. HEADQUARTERS FORTY-FIRST REGIMENT, Pierces Cross-Roads, March 10, 18636 a. m. COLONEL: Your dispatch of last evening has just been handed me. In reply I have the honor to rei)ort that 1 reached this place (Pierces Cross-Roads) at 6 oclock last evening, and immediately detached the company of cavalry and four companies of infantry to Strickland and Boglers Bridges. They returned about 10 oclock p. in., having com- pletely destroyed by fire Boglers Bridge. They attempted to destroy the Strickland Bridge, but met with such opposition from Confederate pickets, and it being very dark and rainy, returned to the main re- serve. At 3 oclock this morning I again dispatched the cavalry and three companies of the Forty-first Infantry, with orders to destroy the Strick- land Bridge. The detachment is now absent, but momentarily ex- pected to return, when I shall resume the march to Roberts or Comite Bridge and fulfill my orders at all hazards. I have been compelled in person to remain with the main body, fearing, from reports of prisoners and coutrabands, an attack. To the best of my information the enemy are 9,000 infantry, encamped at Roberts Bridge, about double my own force, yet I am confident, with my two pieces of artillery, of success. These reports are derived from contrabands and planters traveling over this road last night, whom I hold as prisoners, to prevent their giving notice to the enemy of our approach. I left Baton Rouge at 2 oclock p. m. yesterday. I applied without success for one ambulance to accompany the expedition. Three men fell from sickness and exhaustion on the march to this place, whom I was obliged to leave by the road-side. About twenty shots on each si(le last night without loss; was too dark to know if they took effect upon the enemy. I take up the line of march for Roberts Bridge immediately- after having destroyed the Strickland Bridge, to prevent the enemy cutting off onr return. I shall hold the post till further orders. I would respectfully suggest that at least one ambulance be sent to me. No conveniences for writing on the field. Very truly, your obedient servant, T. E. CHICKERING, Colonel Forty-first, Commanding Reconnaissance. Lient. Col. RICHARD B. IRWIN, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 264 264 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII COMITE BRIDGE, March 10, 186311.30 a. in. SIR: The detachment sent to destroy the Strickland Bridge returned at 8.30 this a. in., having failed after five hours trial to reach the said. bridge. All the roads to the bridge from this direction are impassable for cavalry or infantry, on account of the deep mire above the mens knees. The troops returned very much exhausted, both men and horses. At 9 oclock I started for this place. Arrived near the bridge, I de- ployed one company as skirmishers to reconnoiter. They were fired at by the Confederate pickets, some twelve shots, without injury that I have yet learned. Upon hearing the firing returned by our skirmish- ers I brought up the whole force to the bridge, planted my artillery to rake the bridge, and one gun up the river. The Confederates contested the bridge, but after firing thirteen shells skedaddled. My skirmishers pursued them across the bridge and drove them off. My forces are now in the road, with a thick wood on either side. I have just given orders to burn and destroy the bridge as per your order, and shall then take up the march for the city, when, if you still desire to have the Strick- land Bridge destroyed, we must approach it from the plank road via Doughertys plantation. From the best information I can obtain the point is useless to us, as no body of troops could possibly cross the bridge or gain admittance to any of our roads, now that we have de- stroyed the Bogler Bridge. After seeing the Comite Bridge destroyed I shall march to the city, unless otherwise ordered. Orders will reach me on the road to the city, which will be faithfully fulfilled. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, T. E. CHICKERING, Colonel Forty-ftr8t, Commanding Detachment. Brigadier-General ANDREWS. No. 5. Report o/Brig. Gen. William Dwight, jr., U. S. Army, of expedition from Montesano Bayou toward Port lludson. HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, GROVERS DIVISION, Camp near Montesano Bayou, La., March 18, 1863. SrR: In compliance with instructions from the headquarters of the Nineteenth Army Corps I moved from this camp, with the force placed at my disposal, at about 1 p. in. yesterday, March 17. This delay. in moving was due to the fact that the command was out of rations and it required this time to supply it. Just before moving I instructed Colonel Ingraham, comm~rnding the advanced brigade on the Clinton plank road, to move according to your instructions, and that he should, on arriving at the intersection of the Clinton road with the cross-road from the Bayou Sara road,, at which he was directed to halt, send a regiment along that road to coinmuni- cate with me. I heard of the enemys cavalry pickets after marching about 2 miles. They had been to that point the day before to get in-s formation. At Alexanders house, at the main cross-road leading from the Bayou Sara road to the Clinton road, my advance came upon som Page 265 CRAP. XXVI1I PORT HUDSON, LA. 265 of the enemys cavalry, who retreated on the cross-road. I sent some cavalry in pursuit, hoping to drive them into Colonel Ingrahams bands, but, after losing 1 prisoner to us, the enemy dispersed through the by- paths in the woods. I also sent some cavalry and infantry on a road from this point to the left to destroy a bridge over the same bayou, which is crossed by the bridge which General Grover destroyed when the whole command retired on Sunday, March 15. At this point I learned that the rebel General Rust, with two of his staff; had been there during the day to order all cotton sent to Port Hudson; that he had about 400 cavalry and some infantry at the Springfield Landing cross road, near the church. This was corroborated at Mr. Merritts house, near by. The cavalry of my advance at this moment retreated. They had made a dash at the church, wounded and captured one of the enemy, and been followed, as the enemy, recovering from his sur- prise, dashed at them in superior force. I immediately sent to Colonel Van Zandt to move his brigade up to the field on the other side of Barnes house, moving forward myself to the position indicated in your orders. Here I remained undisturbed, except by a few shots from the enemys l)ickets, which extended from left to right around the whole skirt of wood in front of my position, i. e., from the burnt bridge, on the road to Springfield Landing, to beyond the church. I soon received informa- tion from Captain Hodge, commanding the train, that his wagons were loaded, and that he was moving to the rear. I was also informed by Captain Godfrey, of the cavalry, that he could not establish his pickets iu the wood, and that the enemy was in strong force in the plains beyond. At 8.15 p. m. I sent written instructions to Colonel Ingraham to retreat, and immediately began to dispose of my command in the road. The silent withdrawal of my pickets from the immediate presence of the enemy took some time,and it was 10p.m. before I took up my march for this camp, which I reached at 1 this a. m. with my whole command without any loss whatever. From the prisoners taken and from a country woman who traveled from the neighborhood of Jackson, Miss., during the late advance of the whole command I learn that the retreat of all the enemys force which was outside of the works at Port Hudson was most precipitate, and a considerable portion of that force then dispersed, and is now being collected together again from distances varying from 20 to 40 miles. The same sources of information indicate that the soldiers of the enemy have a great respect for the strength of the fortifications at Port Hudson and will only fight there; that the rebels have not heretofore put any of their conscripts on picket outside the works, but that since this whole command moved back to this position they have done so. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WILLIAM DWIGHT, JR., Brigadier-General, Commanding Detachment. Lieut. Col. RICHiRD B. IRwr~~r, Assi8tant Adjutant-General Page 266 266 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. tOITAP. XXVIL No. 6. Report of Col. Theodore W. Parmele, One hundred and seventy fourth New York Infantry, of operations on west bank of the Mississippi. ON BOARD STEAMER EMPIRE PARISH, Off Proftis Island, Mississippi River, March 17, 18638 p. m. COLONEL: I send an officer with this on steamer Morning Light, which leaves for rations and coal. I regret that after the severe trials of this days march I cannot yet report the attainment of its object. I left with the troops assigned me by the steamers in waiting at 1 oclock this morning. Not finding the Reliance or any gunboats at Baton Rouge I came without delay, after telegraphing to headquarters. On account of fog we reached here only in time to march at 9 a. in. The disposition of forces was made according to instructions, and but for the long delay in travel more might be reported of importance. After ten hours of severe marching I returned with my men much worn with their tramp through mud and water. The roads are flooded by recent rain or reported cut in levee below the Point. The latter may be true. I have sent some cavalry to examine as far as prudent, and will report by next conveyance. Contrabands report the admiral at Waterloo, with the Hartford and Albatross. I took one to Captain Alden, of the Richmond, who dispatched him with some communica- tions to the admiral. The cause of my return without getting my cavalry to the river was the prolonged march and possible failure by extending my intervals with such poor chances of sustaining them over such roads. I have not seen the enemy in force or detachments, except skulking guerrillas. Our advance signals, after long exchanges, reported the enemy in advance of us, and the skirmishers and cavalry thought them in our rear. I do not credit the reports, bftt withdrew my cavalry slowly, after standing my regiments several hours. After making satisfactory ob- servations, it being late, and my men from recent exposure being unfit, I returned. I was well supported to-day by officers and men. Respectfully, T. ~. PARMELE, Colonel. Lient. Col. RICHARD B. IRWIN, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 7. Report of (lol. N. A. M. Dudley Thirtieth Massachusetts Infantry, of re connaissance to t~ze mouth of False River. HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, March 19, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the majox-gen- eral commanding, the result of the reconnaissance made by the troops under my command to-day. I sent, under the command of Col. C. J. Paine, of the Second Louisi. ana Volunteers, the One hundred and seventy-fourth New York Volun- teers, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Gott; the Second Lou Page 267 CHAP. XIVTr.l PORT HUDSON, LA. 267 isiana Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Everett, and a detachment of the Second Rhode Island Cavalry in a direction directly opposite Port Hudson. Colonel Paine succeeded in reaching the crevasse with his whole force. Finding the water too deep for his infantry, he took his cavalry, and after a march of 4 miles reached the Mississippi River above Port Hudson. I respectfully refer the commanding officer to his report of the discharge of the duty assigned him. Colonel Paine, by his personal courage, military skill, and indomitable perseverance, has almost individually accomplished the object for which hundreds of troops were deemed necessary. I am, sir, respectfully, your most obedient servant N. A. M. DUDLEY Colonel and Acting Brigadier- General, Commanding. Col. RICHARD B. IRWIN, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 8. Report of Col. Charles J. Paine, Second Louisiana Infantry (Union), of re connaissance to the mouth of False River. CAMP NEAR PORT HUDSON, LA., March 19, 1863. CAPTAIN: 1 have to report, for the information of the commanding officer, that in obedience to verbal instructions I proceeded with two regiments of infantry, the Second Louisiana and One hundred and seventy-fourth New York, and about 20 cavalry, at 2 p. in., directly in- land from the Point. After marching about a mile the country was so flooded ~viiAi water that I left the infantry and went on with the cavalry, leaving squads of them behind to watch the bridge and two cross-roads. Reaching a bay (marked on the map False River) I turned to the riglit and galloped to the Mississippi, striking it about 2 miles froni an(l above Port Hudson, and at the mouth of False River. I examined the river for ships of war, but could see none. I examined th~ banks of Port Hudson and could see no vessels, except one small river steamboat painted white. Part of the shore on the west side of the Mississippi River and above False River was not in sight and could not be seen by any one on the south side of False River, which cannot be forded. A. good road crosses False River at a dike about a mile from its mouth. I am, captain, respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES J. PAINE, Colonel Second Louisiana Volunteers, Commanding Expedition. Captain SPEED, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 9. Report of Col. N. A. M. Dudley, Thirtieth Massachusetts Infantry, of ex pedition to Hermitage Landing. HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, Bivouac opposite Port Hudson, La., March 25, 1863. Inclosed I have the honor to send an official copy ~f the report of a very successful expedition which I sent out yesterday morning unde Page 268 268 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. {CHAP. XXVIL the command of Captain Nagee, supported by two others sent on his flanks, accompanied by Lieutenant Dean, of my staff. His de~ ailed re- port will give the general commanding full particulars of all the facts. Captain Magee is entitled to the highest commendation for the prompt and perfect execution of the orders given him. He, with his whole corn- mand, was over five hours in the water. The per~everance of his men and officers is only surpassed by their perfect success. Lieutenant Dean volunteered to accompany the expedition. Captain Magee speaks in the warmest terms of his gallantry and zeal. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, N. A. M. I)UDLEY, Colonel and Acting Brigadier- General. Capt. GEORGE B. HALSTED, Assistant Adfrtant. General. No. 10. Report of Capt. James M. Magee, & cond Company Massachusetts Unat. tached ~Javalry, of expedition to Hermitage Landing. BIVOUAC, OPPOSITE PORT HuDsoN, March 24, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to submit, for the information of the command- ing officer, the following report of an expedition made to-day by my company, in accordance with the orders received this morning: 1 left the bivouac of the command at 10 a. in., and under the guid- aiice of a creole, a prisoner in our hands, formerly a resident of this region, proceeded to the Hermitage Landing, a point at the head of the lower mouth of the False River, and nearly opposite Port Hudson. The route for about 3 miles was through a dense forest, overflowed with water belly-deep for horses,, intersected at many points by bayous troin 10 to 20 feet deep and distance across from 30 to 50 yards, which our horses had to swim. On arriving at the main road wh ich runs parallel with the south levee of the False River, myself and Lieutenant Dean, who accompanied me on the expedition and rendered me most valuable aid and who contributed much toward our success, ro(le to the Point to reconnoiter. On discovering no enemy at the Point, where a considerable force was found two days before, I moved my command forward to the dike where the rebel steamer Hope, loaded with 600 barrels of molasses, lay, which, on the execution of your om~1er, I burned with its freight. I then left a portion of my men in the rear and pro- ceeded with the balance to the junction of the False and Mississippi Rivers (Hermitage Landing), where I found over 1,000 barrels of mo- lasses, all of which I destroyed or rolled into the river. At this point I found a rebel machine-shop, at present used as a repair-shop for guns. This was burned, with its contents, together with Government granary, containing 15,000 bushels of corn, intended for Port Hudson. After destroying all the property, including a drug- store, having a large assortment of valuable medicines, and some ont- buildings, one the post-office, I then proceeded to two or three different points on the Mississippi, where I had a full view of th~ river 4 or 5 miles above Waterloo. Neither the Hartford nor Albatross were in sight, and no accurate information could be obtained from either whites or contrabands of their whereabouts Page 269 CHAP. XXVII.] PORT HUDSON, LA.. 269 Believing I had fully carried out Acting Brigadier-General Dudleys instructions I started ou my return, ~vlien I discovered three of the enemy at a short (listance in the wood, pursued them, caught them, au(l turned them over to the guard. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. MAGEE, Capt. 2d Unattached Mass. Car., Comdg Detached Expedition. Captain SPEED, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 11. Reports ~f Maj. Gen. Franklin Gardner, C. S. Army, commanding at Port Hudson, of operations March 726, with correspondence and orders. PORT HuDsoN, March 9, 1863. (Received March 9, 1863.) Large re-enforcements arrived at Baton Rouge yesterday and day before. Force cannot be less than 30,000. FRANK. GARDNER, Major- General, Commanding. Lieuten ant-General PEMBERTOIN. JACKSON, March 9, 1863. Your telegram of 9th received. You have now all the force I can give you. The odds tire large against, but I am too mucli pressed on all si(Ies to give you more. Endeavor to get in all the subsistence you can. I believe you.will whip their demoralized army. J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. FRANKLIN GARDNER, Port Hudson, La. PORT HUDSON, LA., March 10, 1863. The lieutenant of the Essex is reported arrested for treason. My advanced pickets have been driven in. FRANK. GARDNER, Major- General. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON. JAcKSON, March 10, 1863. Lieutenant-Colonel Miller, at Ponchatoula, telegraphs as reliable the following information General l3~nLs left New Orleans for Batna Rouge Saturday. Will attack Clinton first with ~O(li) mcii and theu railroad. Barges rea(ly at New Basin to transport 8@O to Pass Mauchac, to march up road to Ponchatoula Page 270 270 W.. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. (CHAP. XXVII If Banks attempts this, Rusts brigade might attack his rear and whip him. If you believe you are about to be attacked keep all the subsist- ence stores you have. Give me your opinion as to the possibilities. J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General. Major-General GARDNER, Port Hudson. PORT HUDSON, March 11, 1863. There is not yet any movement in force by the enemy. The attack on the pickets was not followed up~ FRANK. GARDNER, Major- General. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON. PORT HUDSON, March 11, 18631 a. m. Enemy are advancing on Camp Moore road. Force not ascertained, but supposed to be a strong raid. FRANK. GARDNER, Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON. Major- General. PORT HUDSON, March 11, 1863. (Received March 12, 1863.) The enemy has not developed his plans. Outside report from Baton Rouge says he will advance lq,OOO toward Clinton and the rest against this place, or that he will advance the whole force toward Clinton and pass gunboats by to starve us out. FRANK. GARDNER, Major- General, Commanding. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON. PORT HuDsoN, March 11, 1863. (Received March 12, 1863.) The enemy have advanced a small force to the Comite. They do not appear to be advancing with their whole force. It will be impossible to operate from this point toward Ponchatoula, but an advance toward Clinton will leave his rear exposed. Rust is here, and all of my opera- tions will have to be from this point. I will keep you advised. FRANK. GARDNER, Major- General. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON. PORT HUDSON, March 12, 1863. Enemy were not advancing at 3.30 p. m. Weitzels brigade reported arrived to-day. I have received some corn; more will be in to-morrow. FRANK. GARDNER, Major- General. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON Page 271 CHAP. XXVfl.J PORT HUDSON, LA. 271 PORT HuDsoN, March 12, 1863. The enemy appear to be advancing slowly on three roads. I have three days corn and thirty days meat. FRANK. GARDNER, Major- General. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON. HEADQUARTERS, Port Hudson, La., March 13, 1863. GENERAL: I think the enemy will give up attempting to land their whole force at Springfield on account of the water. Below the point near Troths Landing they could effect a landing out of range of my guns, but would have to march by Troths. I therefore desire you to place a regiment of infantry and one light battery at Troths house on l)icket. The advance at this point can easily be resisted. Keep your brigade ready for any emergency to move at a moments notice. I shall rely upon you to resist the enemy at Troths, and I think I will merely keep them in observation at Springfield. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient seryant, FRANK. GARDNER, 1Ji~ajor- General. Brig. Gen. ALBERT RUST, Commanding Brigade. PORT HUDSON, March 14, 1863. The bombardment commenced at 2 p. m. Firing very slow. Fleet not in range of my guns. The land forces are advancing. FRANK. GARDNER, Major- General. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON. HEADQUARTERS, Port Hudson, La., March 14, 1863. GENERAL: The steamboats have arrived with corn just in time. I shall get them all off to-night. The enemy are now bombarding this place and their land forces have advanced. Their whole fleet of eleveii vessels is in sight, but nothing decided is yet shown in their opera- tions. I shall need 17,000 bushels of corn per month for the commis- sary and 20,000 bushels for quartermaster; also about 1,200,000 pounds of fodder. It is impossible to obtain these supplies elsewhere than from Red River. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANK. GARDNER, Major- General. Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR, Gommanding West Louisiana, Alexandria, La. PORT HUDSON, March 14, 1863. The firing from the enemy is once in two or three minute8 at lon Page 272 272 W. FLA., S. ALA., 8. MISS., LA., TEL, N. MEl. (Gni~. IXYU~ range since 2 oclock. No harm done. The reports of the position of land forces not accurate. Their advance have been skirmishing 3 miles from breastworks. FRANK GARDNER, Major-General, Commanding. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON: HEADQUARTERS, Port Hudson, La., March 14, 1863. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that on Monday last, March 9, the enemy gave some indications of advancing, and on Tuesday moved out with considerable force of infantry, cavalry, and artillery on the three roads, but made a halt only a few miles from Baton Rouge. He moved a portion of his forces by transports about 5 miles above Baton Rouge at the same time, and also sent up one gunboat, which drove in my signal parties from the lower stations, capturing 2 men. Yesterday he advanced five gunboats, the Mississippi and Richmond, with three transports, and landed a small force of cavalry and two regi- inents of infantry at Springfield Landing, about 10 miles below here by the road. They marched rapidly to the Baton Rouge road and passed down that to the road to Taylors Landing, and embarked again at that point. I started Wingfields cavalry immediately on the receipt of the intelligence, but they were too late. The enemy effected nothing except driving in the small interior cavalry pickets and stealing a few horses. The expedition was of more benefit to my men than theirs, as it pro- duced immediate cheerfulness and hopes of a fight. The five gunboats anchored in sight, but not in range. Six in sight this morning. No news from the front. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANK. GARDNER, Major- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS, No. 27. f Port Hudson, La., March 14, 1863. * * * ~* * * * III. The confinement of all officers and men who are under charges will have their arrest suspended until further orders. They will return to duty with their respective commands. IV. The enemy has at last determined to advance against this place to make an effort here jto open the navigation of the Mississippi. The major-general commanding has entire confidence in his gallant and veteran troops, aiid feels satisfied that their conduct on this occasion will be, as heretofore, distinguished by their bravery, endurance, and cheerfulness. Let every man do his duty and we will hold this point in defiance of the numbers they bring against us. V. The troops will be required to remain continuously at the breast- works, cxc ept the necessary details of teamsters, company cooks (not to exceed eight to a company), and hospital details. All men detached will be required to have their arms and accouterments at all times within their reach. VI. The small-aims ammunition and ammunition for the field bat Page 273 CHAP. XXVII.] PORT HUDSON, LA. 273 teries will be distributed at once and kept securely sheltered under tents and in charge of guards. VII. Infantry pickets will be called in closer to the breastworks and be replaced by cavalry pickets. After the appearance of the enemy each brigade commander will post such guards as may be necessary to~ prevent surprise. VIII. Rations will be cooked so as to keep two days ahead, and the men will have their haversacks supplied and canteens filled. Water barrels at the breastworks will be filled. IX. Each regiment will furnish its proportion of wall.tents for gen- eral infirmary, and medical officers will see that their litter details are properly provided. By command of Maj. Gen. Frank. Gardner: T. FRIEND WILLSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. PORT HUDSON, March 15, 1863. General PEMBERTON: We have burned one gunboat in front of Port Hudson. The others have gone back. FRANK. GARDNER, Major. General. PORT HUDSON, March 15, 18632 a. m. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON: One guubo~t passed at 12 m. She returned our fire boldly. Dout know if we hit her. Steamboats have started. FRANK. GARDNER, Major- General. PORT HUDSON, March 15, 1863. Lieutenant.General PEMI3ERTON: Gunboat fight lasted heavily from 11 to 2. All came up within range. Hartford and Monongahela passed crippled. Mississippi burned. Rich. mond disabled and sent back. Our loss very small. Forces by laud advanced, but all is quiet this morning. FRANK. GARDIN ER, Major- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS, No. 76. * * Port Hudson, La March 15, 1863. * * * * * II. Brig. Gen. A. Buford, having reported for duty at this post, in ac- cordance with Special Orders No. 68, from Headquarters Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana, is assigned to the command of a brigade, to consist of Tenth Arkansas, Third Kentucky, Seventh Ken. tucky, Edwards consolidated Alabama regiment, Snodgrass consoli- dated Alabama regiment, and the Watson Battery of four pieces, from Rusts brigade. 18 R RVOL X Page 274 274 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVIL III. Bufords brigade will take post at the breastworks on the left of Bealls brigade. Rusts brigade will constitute the general reserve. IV. So much of General Orders, No. 26, from these headquarters, as refers to batteries from Rusts brigade is revoked. Brigadier-General Rusts artillery will be parked in such position that it may be ordered to any point necessary. By command of Maj. Gen. Frank. Gardner: T. FRIEND WJLLSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. PORT HUDSON, March 16, 1863. The Essex fought at long range. The Hartford passed with the Monongahela lashed on the far side. The ?ormer much damaged, but gone up river. I have ten days sabsistence. FRANK. GARDNER, Major- General. lieutenant-General PEMBERTON. PORT HUDSON, LA., March 16, 1863. The Essex did not pass. They say she wont fight. The vessels are still above. All quiet. FRANK. GARDNER, Major-Generat. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON. PORT HUDSON, March 16, 1863. It is not safe to send a boat down. The Hartford and Monongahela are up the river. Last reports the land forces had withdrawn. Fleet still in sight just below. FRANK. GARDNER, Major- General. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON. HEADQUARTERS, Port lludson, La., March 16, 1863. GENERAL: The enemys fleet came np within range at 11 oclock on the night of the 14th, and being discovered, made a terrific fight with my batteries from 11 until 2, attempting to pass seven vessels by. The result was the Hartford (fiag.ship) passed with the gunboat Mononga- hela lashed on the far side. The Hartford was very much damaged. The frigate Mississippi was burned immediately opposite, and the frigate Richmond was badly crippled and had to fall back. The fleet consisted of fourteen vessels, steam frigates, sloop-of-war, gunboats, and mortar-boats, and all except the mortar-boats came with- in range. The firing was terrific for three hours. The enemy was very much damaged in all her vessels within range, and prisoners state that the loss must have been as much as 200. Our loss was 1 killed aild 8 wounded Page 275 CIIAP. XXVII.] PORT HUDSON, LA. 275 I had four steamboats unloading until the moment of the fight, and I then sent them up the river. They have all escaped, as the Hartford was too badly damaged to pursue. I request that you send them back with corn as soon as the enemy passes beyond the Red River, which I suppose will be the case in a day or two. We have only ten day~~ allowance of corn. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRXNK. GARDNER, Major- General. Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR, Gorndg. District of Western Louisiana, Alexandria, La. PORT HuDsoN, March 17, 1863. Enemy have landed from four transports on opposite side of the river. Are bombarding us slowly from long range. Land troops en- tirely withdrawn. FRANK. GARDNER, Major- General Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON. HEADQUARTERS, Port Hudson, La., March 17, 1863. SIR: The enemy are landing troops from transports on the west side of the Mississippi. Their object must be to march above this place, and I think that cutting the grand levee above now, as previously or- dered by General Taylor, might interfere with their plans. I shall watch them closely. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANK. GARDNER, Major-General. OO~mr& J~nING OFFICER MOUTH OF RED RIVER. HEADQUARTERS, Port Hudson, La, March 18, 1863. GENERAL: I desire you to move out immediately with one battery (without caissons) and the infantry of your brigade (except two regi- ments to be left at the breastworks), by Plains Store and on the Baton Rouge road, to skirmish with the enemys advance. I have ordered Maxeys brigade on the Springfield road, and you must endeavor to find his position. My object is not to attack the enemy with my whole Corce outside, but to interfere with his advance and cause him to de- velop his troops. If anything can be effected within, about 9 miles of this place I will send you support if necessary. Send me in frequent written reports and let me know precisely where it would be necessary to send any support. Move cautiously; keep your skirmishers well in your front. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANK. GARDNER, Major- General. Brigadier-General BEALL. P. SYou can make use of the cavalry on the road Page 276 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. 276 HEADQUARTERS, Port Hudson, La., March 18, 1863. GENERAL: I desire that you will take the infantry of your brigade (except two regiments to be left at the breastworks) by the lane to the left just as the road to Troths deviates to the right, and move out to- ward the Springfield road to skirmish with the advance of the enemy. I ordered Bealls brigade by Plains Store and Baton Rouge road at the same time. Endeavor to zrbtain accurate information and send in fre- quent couriers. My object is not to seek an engagement with my whole force outside, but to iuterfere with the enemys advance and cause him to develop his troops. If anything can be effected within 9 miles of this place I will move out additional troops to support you. I will send you some few cavalry for couriers. Send me word precisely where additional troops should go. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANK. GARDNER, Major- General. Brigadier-General MAXEY. P. S.You can take one battery without cassions, with good horses, if you deem it necessary. HEADQUARTERS, Port Hudson, La., March 18, 1863. COLONEL: I have the honor to make the following report of the en- gagement at this post during the night of the 14th instant with the enemys fleet: During the day of the 14th the enemy advanced with his entire force, two divisions by the Bayou Sara road and one by the direct road to Clinton, and moved his fleet up the river to within sight but out of range. At 2 oclock p. m. he commenced bombardment slowly from his mortar-boats at long range and gradually increasing the range until- he threw his shells within the lower part of the breastworks. This was continued until 6, without producing any other result than continued cheers from the men as his shells exploded. During the day Rusts pickets (his brigade being in advance of the breastworks) skirmished successfully with the enemys advance. At 11 oclock at night the fleet moved up, intending to pass seven vessels by, but were discovered un- mediately on starting by the signal corps on the opposite side of the river, who sent up signal rockets, and Rusts light batteries at Troths opened on them. The enemy immediately commenced bombarding from his mortar-boats and firing from all his vessels as he came in range. They advanced iu the following order, as has been ascertained from prisoners: Steamship Hartford (flag-ship), with gunboat Kinco (not Mon ongahela, as reported) lashed on far side; steamship Richmond, gunboat Genesee, gunboat Monongahela, steamship Mississippi, gunboat Sachem, another not known, iron-clad Essex (remaining at long range), and six mortar-boats towed above the point. While passing up all opened their broadsides as rapidly as possible. Rusts two field batteries at Troths Landing first received this tremendous firing; but, strange to say, without any harm, although the batteries kept up this unequal contest until the last. Next was Miles 20-pounder Parrott gun, which was beautifully served; and then followed the heavy guns, first of Do Gournays battalion, and next the First Tennessee Artillery, under De Gonrnay~s command; next the battery served by four companies of Colonel Steedmans First Ala Page 277 CHAP. XXVII.] PORT HUDSON, LA. 277 bama Regiment, the remaining companies of this regiment being posted on the bluff as sharpshooters, but unfortunately the enemy did not come in near this bank until after passing them. The five steamboats which had brought provisions from iRed River were unloading until the morning of the battle and got under way in time to escape. The enemys fleet advanced boldly, but were hand- somely received by our batteries. The Hartford, with the gunboat lashed to her, only succeeded in passing a little before 12; all the rest of the fleet were driven back and evidently much damaged. The Mis- sissippi was burned immediately opposite, and the Richmond driveu back after she had reached the Point. The gallant conduct and skill of the men at the batteries are deserv- ing of the highest praise. The cheerfulness of the whole command during this terrific bombardment and cannonading for three hours gives evidence of the stubborn resistance the enemy will meet in any attack on this Point. The damage done to the enemy cannot be ascertained, but all could see vessel after vessel withdraw from the fight and one drifting down, and the enemy even discontinued the bombardment when his broadsides were out of range at about 2 a. m. The enemys land forces made an advance immediately after the naval fight, but a gain fell back a short distance and retreated on the afternoon an(l (luring the night of the 15th instant, with some appearance of dis- order. His main body is over 15 miles from here. Yesterday he landed troops from four transports ou the opposite side of the river, with the intention of making a line of communication above, as I am informed by deserters; but I have cut the levee, which will materially interrupt him. My signal corps, under Captain Youngblood, has rendered the most iml)ortant service, and, driven back from station to station, they still continued to send up messages and send up rockets when the fleet advanced. I regret to state that Captain Youngblood and perhaps four others have been captured on the other side of the river. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANK. GARDNER, Major- General. Lient. Col. J. R. WADDY, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS; Port Hudson, March 21, 1863. SIR: I deem it my duty to state that I have inadvertently omitted in my official report of the engagement at this place to mention the just, praise that is due to Lieut. Col. M. J. Smith, as chief of heavy artillery. I therefore request that the following may be added: The conduct of Lient. Col. M. J. Smith, as chief of heavy artillery, during the engagement, is deserving of the highest commendation. He was present in the batteries during the whole time, and directed the firing with conspicuous coolness, skill, and energy, having previously arranged the ammunition and given full instructions in reference to the firing at each gun. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANK. GARDNER, Major- General. Lient. Col. J. R. WADDY, A. A. G., Jackson, Miss Page 278 278 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [Ca& r. XIVIL Return of Ca.uoltiee in picket engagement and during bombardment of Port Hudson, La., on the evening and night of March 14, 1863. [Compiled from nominal lists.] ~ Wounded. U Commead. u a ~ .z a M 0 M 1st Alabama Heavy Artillery 1 49th Alabama 9th Louisiana Partisan Rangers. - . 1 i2th Louisiana Battalion 1 2 Louisiana Legion (Miles) 1 let Mississippi Artillery 2 1st Tennessee Battalion 2 1st Tennes.~ee Battalion Heavy Artillery 1 10Th Tennessee 2 30th Tennessee 1 1 8 51st Tennessee 1 Total 1 3 16 20 1 1 1 8 1 2 2 1 2 5 1 GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS, No. 31. Port Hndson, La., March 18, 1863. The major-general commanding expresses his acknowledgments to the troops under his command for their handsome conduct during the engagement with the enemys fleet on the night of the 14th instant. The excellent spirit shown by all during this terrifio cannonading evinces the determined bravery which animates them. The coolness, bravery, and skill shown by the men at the batteries is deserving of the highest praise, and this conduct is a just compliment to the officers in command of the batteries. The important and gallant services ren- dered by the signal corps, under Captain Youngblood, is also deserv. ing of special mention. Driven back from station to station, they still continued to give important information up to the last moment. By command of Maj. Gen. Frank. Gardner: T. FRIEND WJLLSON, Assistant Adjutant. General. PORT HUDSoN, March 19, 1863. Three steamboats here and more coming. I will take care of them. Enemy has strong force on west side of river. Those on this side have gone back to 9 miles of Baton Rouge. FRANK. GARDNER, Major-General. Lieutenant.General PEMBERTON. PORT HUDSON, March 21, 1863. Enemy on this side has gone back to Baton Rouge. Large force on west side. I do not think they have got above me yet Page 279 CHAP. XXVII.] PORT HUDSON, LA. 279 Fleet still below, firing at long range at supply boats yesterday. I. can oniy use one landing and unloading is necessarily slow, but I keen a detail day and night. Shall I send a boat up Big Black? FRANK. GARDNER. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON. PORT HUDSON, March 26, 1863. Enemys fleet fire at us occasionally. The troops have burned housea on west side of river; on this side have gone back to near Baton Rouge. More cavalry is greatly needed to keep the enemy in check. Conk here about 30,000 bushels. FRANK. GARDNER., Major- General. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON. HEADQUARTERS, Port Hudson, La., March 27, 1863. COLONEL: The enemy commenced landing troops on the west bank of the river below this point on the 17th instant. I cut the levee above him in time to stop his advance with artillery. A day or two after- ward I was informed that he had passed a small force of cav~ilry above the slough, and I ordered a battalion to be ready to pass over above, but the same afternoon the enemy succceded in obtaining accurately the range of the upper steamboat landing, which compelled me to send the boats up Thompsons Creek to unload. This occasioned a delay, and next day the citizens informed me that the enemy had passed a large force beyond the slough, and I gave up my expedition to the west side. The reports of the citizens were very conflicting and unreliable, and afterward- they came to me by committees to urge the sending a force on the west side. I did not feel justified in doing so under the circumstances, although I was informed that the enemy were commit- ting great depredations. They re-embarked yesterday and sent their mortar-boats down the river. I have no information to-day whether they left a small force of cav- alry or not. If they have done so it will require cavalry to look after them, and I cannot spare any. The whole force of the enemy except four vessels has gone back to Baton Rouge. My latest information does not give any indications as yet of any other move. I have sent Colonel Simonton with one regi- ment, abattery, and a squadron of cavalry to Tangipahoa, in accordance with telegraph from the lieutenant-general commanding. A dispatch from Colonel Miller yesterday says the enemy, about 1,500, are fortifying at Ponchatoula. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANK. GARDNER, Major- General, Commanding. Lient. Col. J. R. WADDY, Assistant Adjutant- General, Jackson, Miss Page 280 280 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAr. XXVIL No. 12. Report of Capt. J. ilL Magruder, of 8kirmish at Montesano Bridge. BAYOU SARA ROAD PICKET POST, March 9, 1863. GENERAL: My pickets at the Montesano Bridge have just been driven in by the enemy. The enemy crossed on some drift-wood and planks at the bridge. One of our men, I am afraid, mortally wounded. I am near the bridge with about 50 men, watching their movements. I (10 not think it an advance in force. It was a cavalry force that at. tacked us. I will send a prompt account of any movement the enemy may make. I have no news from the plank road, which sustains me in the impression that no movement in force is contemplated. I will place pickets at Montesano Bridge again to-night. At present I think the enemy are at the bridge lying in ambush for us. There is great excite. nient in Baton Rouge to-day. The Yankees appear to have been fight. ing a sham battle all day. The firing of musketry has been continuous all day. I am, general, very respectfully, J. M. MAGRUDER, Captain, Commanding Bayou Sara Picket Post. Major.General GARDNER. MARCH 2130, 1863.Expedition from New Orleans to Ponchatoula, La., and skirmishes. REPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Thomas W. Sherman, U. S. Army, commanding Defenses of New Orleans. No. 2.CoL Thomas S. Clark, Sixth Michigan Infantry, commanding expedition. No. 3.Lieut. Col. Abel Smith, jr., One hundred and sixty-fifth New York Infantry. No. 4.Lieut. Gen. John C. Pemberton, C. S. Army, commanding Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana. No. 5.Maj. F. Dumonteil, Assistant Adjutant-General, C. S. Army. No. 6.Maj. M. B. Clark, Assistant Adjutant-General, C. S. Army. No. 7.Lient. CoL H. H. Miller, Twentieth Mississippi Infantry. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Thomas W. Sherman, U. S. Army, commanding Defenses of New Orleans. HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES OF NEW ORLE4NS, March 27, 1863. COLONEL: In reply to the verbal directions ,of Major-General Banks, conveyed by one of his aides this morning, I have the honor to state that no official report has yet been received from Colonel Clark, Sixth Michigan, in command of the expedition to Ponchatoula; but for the immediate information of the general, which I have received from Page 281 CHAP. XXVII.) EXPEDITION FROM NEW ORLEANS. 281 p~ncil note from Colonel Clark a~ud from officers just from his corn- mand, I can furnish him the outlines. flaying directed Colonel Clark, on the 21st instant, to make a recon- naissance of the country north of Mancliac Pass, with the view of ascer- taining the force of the enemy on the Jackson Railroad, driving them out of Ponchatoula if possible, and breaking up the railroad bridges across the Ponchatoula River above that village, the troops at his dis- posal were placed in position at Manchac Pass, in order too that the operation could be performed on the 23d instant. On that day the Sixth Michigan Regiment was put on board a little steamer (Savory) and three small schooners, sent up from New Orleans for that purpose, and, escorted by the little gunboat Barataria (two guns), ascended the Ponchatoula to Wadesborough Landing, a point 3 miles from a village of that name. In the mean while five small com- panies of the One hundred and sixty-fifth New York Volunteers, under Lient. Col. Abel Smith, crossed the Passes in small boats, sent up from New Orleans for that purpose, and landed on the railroad track. This force was supported by a field rifled gun, manned by men of the Ninth Connecticut Volunteers, which xvas intended to hold the passage-way leading up from the pass in any event. In consequence of the severe storm on that day and the difficult and serious character of the river the transports were unable to get up to the lauding until the morning of the next day. In the mean while Lieu- tenant-Colonel Smith had cleared the defile leading to Ponchatoula of the enemy, and securely held its head until the arrival of the Sixth Michigan at the village. After some smart skirmishing on all sides, conducted, as I understand, in admirable order, the enemy, which was found to consist of three com- panies of cavalry, was entirely routed and driven off. Not a person ap- pears to have been killed on our side, though Colonel Clark reports 6 wounded. What loss the enemy sustained I have not learned, except 1 officer and 4 privates taken prisoners. Ponchatoula lies upon the rail- road, and about 10 miles by rail and 17 or 20 by the river from the North Pass. Two or three schooners loaded with cotton and stores were cap- tured and two schooners loaded with cotton and lying at Wadesborough Landing were found burned bythe enemy to prevent them falling into the hands of Colonel Clark. Colonel Clark then advanced a portion of his troops and destroyed two railroad bridges, one across the bayou about I mile beyond the village and about 40 feet in length, and the other across the Pon~hatou1a River about 2 miles above the village and about 200 yards in length. From all I have thus far learned this affair was conducted hand- somely and with good judgment, and reflects much credit on Colonel Clark. Much credit is due also to Captain [Le Grand W.] Perce, my division quartermaster, for the energy he displayed in collecting and controlling t~e transportation. He was present too with Colonel Clark during the whole expedition, and I am informed displayed both vigor and judgment. As soon as Colonel Clark render8 his report it will be duly forwarded. Not knowing what force would be found at Ponchatoula, and deter- mined to have the pest-hole cleared out at all events, I ordered Colonel Nickerson, commanding at Bonnet Carr~, to make a demonstration on the Lower Amite River at the same time with three companies of cavalry and one regiment of infimntry, thus threatening the road leading to Springfield and Pouchatoula from the Mississippi River. From Colonel Nickerson I have heard only by telegraph. He was on th Page 282 282 W. ELk., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVLL Amite in time, and while making a feint of bridging and crossing that stream he reports that he was assailed by an enemys force from the opposite bank, but my opinion is that the force there was not large. It is my intention to hold Matichac Pass and as much of the railroad beyond as will prevent raids npon the Pass by the enemy as an ele- ment of some importance to the defense of the city, and to this end the troops are now throwing up a breastwork, in order to hold the defile leading from the Pass to Ponchatoula against any reasonable force the enemy would attempt a raid with. In the mean while I respectfully solicit the attention of the general commanding to the importance of having. the great bridges across both Passes repaired at an early day, so that in case of successes of greater importance we shall be ready to push cars beyond without delay. The work required on these bridges is large. Very respectfully, T. W. SHERMAN Brigadier- General, Commanding. Lieutenant-Colonel IRWIN, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the Gulf, New Orleans, La. P. S.I should have stated also that the schooner (Jorypheus (two guns) accompanied the expedition and covered the North Pass during the operation at Ponchatoula. No. 2. Report of Gol. Thomas ~9. Clark, A3iXth Michigan infantry, commanding expedition. MANCHAC PASS, LA., March 29, 1863. SIR: In compliance with orders of date March 20, 1863, I proceeded with my command to Frenier Station on the morning of the 21st, and there bjvouacked for the night, assuming command at that post. I found four companies of General Nickersons brigade at Frenier and Dc Sair Stations. On Sunday, the 22d, at 7 a. in., I proceeded with the command to Manchac Pass, leaving about 100 men to guard the bayou and road in my rear. Arrived at South Manchac Pass at 1 p. m. same day. At 6 p. m. five schooners and one small steamer, containing five companies. of Colonel Smiths regiment, One hundred and sixty-fifth New York Volunteers; one company of my own regiment; two rifled field pieces, in charge of a detachment of the Ninth Connecticut Volr~,pteers, and a launch, mounting one rifle, man lied by a detachment of the Ninth Regi- ment Connecticut Volunteers, arrived on the morning of the 23d. I debarked the One hundred and sixty-fifth New York Volunteers, placed one field piece on the north side of the island where the railroa~1 bridge crossed the North Pass, and embarked the troops brought by me from Frenier, consisting of the Sixth Regiment Michigan Volunteers, two small companies of the One hundred and seventy-seventh New York Volunteers, one company of the Fourteenth Maine Volunteers, and one company of the Twenty-fourth Maine Volunteers. The embarkation was made in the midst of a terrible storm of wind and rain, which de- layed us very much. I now directed Colonel Smith to proceed up th Page 283 CHAP. XXVII.] EXPEDITION FROM NEW ORLEANS. 283 railroad to within 3 miles of Ponchatoula, take position, and hold the pass until he heard the signal of attack from me at Wadesborough Land- ing, when he was to advance and form a junction with me at Poncha- toula. I then proceeded with the main body of the troops up the Tick- faw River and Ponchatoula Creek to Wadesborough Landing, 3 miles from Ponchatoula. Owing to the great difficulty of navigation in the creek, from its ex- tremely tortuous course, we did not arrive at Wadesborough until about noon the 24th. 1 immediately debarked the troops, threw out skir- mishers, and advanced toward Ponchatoula. About half a mile from the landing we found the enemy~s skirmishers in strong force, and, believing from the number of skirmishers that the enemy were in stronger force than we had supposed, immediately formed line of battle and advanced three companies ahead, skirmishing. We drove them steadily before us, the main body never coming within range of their fire, into and through Ponchatoula. I immediately sent four companies, under command of Captain Trask, Fourteenth Maine Y6lunteers, to the bridge across the Ponchatoula Creek, 2 miles above Ponchatoula, and dispatched a messenger to Colonel Smith to inform him that we occupied the town. Colonel Smiths regiment arrived about 3 p. m. He had a sharp skirmish, losing 3 men wounded, but drove the enemy before him. The enemy made a. slight stand at the bridge, and I sent up four companies, under Colonel Bacon, to make the work sure. They destroyed that bridge, and also one smaller one a mile this side. Having accomplished the object of the expedition thus far, and be- lieving the village of Ponchatoula could not be held against forces greater than my own, I ordered the schooners and gunboats in Pon- chatoula Creek to the North Pass, and fell back, on the afternoon of the 25th, to a point 3 miles south of Ponchatoula, on the railroad, with the main body of my command, leaving six companies at Ponchatoula, under command of Major Clarke, Sixth Regiment Michigan Volunteers, as picket and provost guard, with orders to fall back on the main body in case of attack. I here erected a small battery of railroad iron and mounted one of the field pieces, in charge of the detachment of the Ninth Connecticut Volunteers. On the evening of the 26th the enemy appeared in strong force and attacked our pickets at Ponchatoula. The pickets immediately retired to the main body at the point spoken of. No firing took place after the skirmishers retreated. As far as we can learn they have a force consisting of ?,000 infantry, 300 cavalry, and two 12-pounder field pieces. The poiiit occupied by us could have been easily held against this force, but, owing to the difficulty of getting rations for the troops up from the Pass, I determined to fall back to the bend in the railroad, about 8 miles this side of Ponchatoula, and did so last night, where I now am. I am erecting a small battery at this point. I forgot to mention that on our arrival at Wadesborough Landing we found the schooner L. H. Davis in flames. We also found two schooners loaded with cotton. We have captured some 12 prisoners, who have been sent on to New Orleans. Owing to the very bad weather the march over the trestle work from Kenner was not only difficult but dangerous, and many of our men were compelled to fall out by reason of hurts received by falling through the trestle work. The skirmish on the 24th was conducted by Captains Griffin, Corn Page 284 284 W. FLA., S. AT4A, S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. pany A; Montgomery, Company II, and Lieutenant Dickey, Company E, Sixth Regiment Michigan Volunteers, who bore themselves admi- rably, and on the afternoon of the 26th by Company D, Sixth Michigan Volunteers, nnder Lieutenant Mellvaine, and Company K, nnder Cap- tain Chapman, one company Zonaves, Captain Thorpe, the letter of which I do not know, the whole under command of Major Clarke, Sixth Michigan Volunteers, and the pickets were brought in in good shape. I feel very much obliged to Lieutenant-Colonel Smith for his hearty and effective co-operation throughont the entire e~xpedition. Lieut. C. W. Stone, quartermaster of the expedition, has labored earnestly and efficiently, and accoml)lished a great deal with very few facilities. I cannot close this report without returning my thanks for the assist- nuce rendered me by Captain Perce, of your staff, during his stay with me. He was continually by my side, ready to assist me in every pos- sible way. Captain Bailey also rendered me valuable service in the erection of breastworks. I inclose Colonel ~ report; also a communication from the en- emy. My total loss is 9 wounded, none seriously, while that of the enemy is reported at 3 killed and 11 wounded, 1 mortally. All of which is respectfully submitted. I have the honor to be, your obedient ervant, THOS. S. CLARK, Colonel, Commanding Expedition. Capt. WIcKn~ HOFFMAN, Assistant AdjutantGeneral, New Orleans, La. No. 3. Report of Iiieut. (Jot. Abel Smith, Jr., One hundred and sixty-fifth New York infantry. IIDQRS. 165TH REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS, Ponchatoula, La., March 25, 1863. LIflUTENANT: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with the orders of the colonel commanding, I disembarked my battalion on the morning of the 23d at about 8.30 a. m. and took up the march about 10.30 a. m. along the railroad, across Jones Island, to the North Pass, which I crossed immediately and halted on the north side iii obedience to orders. Sending out an advance guard, they discovered a rebel picket about 1 mile beyond guarding two schooners loaded with cotton. They drove the pickets before them and seized the schooners. The cap- tain of one of the schooners was killed while coming toward us to notify me (as was alleged by his companion) that the cotton belonged to the subjects of a foreign power. Not hearing further from the colonel commanding, I pushed on across the trestle work and bivouacked for the night on the railroad, the rebel picket keeping up a continuous firing during the night. At daybreak I moved forward abd halted at the opening in the pine wood. This was a very strong position, and could have been success- fully held against a large force by a very few men, and, as I had been ordered to iemain at this place until hearing the signal from Colonel Clark, I did not attempt to move farther on, but only to hold my posi- tion Page 285 CHAP. XXVII.] EXPEDITION FROM NEW ORLEANS. 28~ At 12 m. a flag of truce advanced from Colonel Miller,commanding the rebel forces, when I received from him the inclosed communication in relation to the cargoes of the two schooners. You will also please find inclosed my answer to the communication.* About 1 P. m. I heard the signal and advanced and drove the enemy into the wood. About 2 miles from Ponchatoula we met the party sent by the colonel commanding toinform us that he was in the town. Moved rapidly forward and arrived here about 3 p. m. Have to report 3 men wounded slightly. Very respectfully, yours, ABEL SMITH, JR., Lieut. Cot., Comdg. One hundred and sixty-ftfth Regt. N. Y. Vats. Lieutenant DICKEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 4. Report of Lieut. Gen. John 0. Pemberton, 0. S. Army, commanding De partment of Mississippi and East Louisiana. JACKSON, Miss., March 27, 1863. The enemy have been driven back beyond Ponchatoula by the troops under command of Lient. Col. B. H. Miller in snch hot pursuit that they were compelled to burn their own stores placed in railroad depot; also~ fired the place, but our troops extinguished the flames. J. C. PEMBERTON, Iii eutenant- General. General S. COOPER. No. 5. Report of Maj. F. Du Monteil, Assistant Adjutant-General, C. S. Army. TANGIPAIIOA, March 24, 1863. Positive information Ponchatonla in hands of the enemy. Telegraph operator at Tickfaw says Colonel Millers command at Hammond Sta- tion, half way between Tickfaw and Ponchatoula. Enemy reported 1,000 strong. The locomotive gone to Tickfaw to bring back rolling stock from that station here. Expected back in one hour. 1 sent two officers with it. Will telegraph you if I receive any further news. Have in all 20 men. I will send all fit for duty to Colonel Miller. F. DUMONTEIL, Major and Assistant Adjutant-General. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON. No. 6. Report of Maj. M. R. Clark, Assistant Adjutant- General, C. S. Army. BROOKHAVEN, March 26, 1863. Sent to Colonel Miller 120 infantry, including one company cavalry ~ Inclosures transferred, under elate of March 24, 18R1. to Series III Page 286 286 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. dismounted, and sent one company of cavalry, which were at Osyka, as cavalry, yesterday afternoon. Also forwarded the infantry that caine down from Jackson yesterday. M. B. CLARK, Major and Assistant Adjutant- General. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON. No. 7. Reports of Lieut. Cot. H. IL Miller, Twentieth Mississippi Infantry. PONCHATOULA, March 23, 186310.30 p. in. Party of 20 men sent forward this evening advanced to within 1 mile of cotton schooners. Met the enemy and engaged him. He being in greatly superior force, compelled retreat. Skirmishing upon my advanced pickets. Enemy appeared to be engaged in some kind of work on railroad. Night so dark and rainy impossible to operate before daylight. Railroad track only road to advance. That from my pickets to enemy is trestle work, on high embankments, with impass- able swamp either side. Will advance in morning. If any possibility of success will attack. Will use every effort to execute your order to retake or burn vessels. The Choctaw battalion ordered here has not reported. Can I be re-enforced? From information received from va- rious sources am induced to believe this post will soon be attacked. H. H. MILLER, Lieutenant- Colonel, & e. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON. FOUR MILES BELOW PONCHATOULA, - March 24, 186311 a. m. I have been engaged with the enemy since early this morning, with occasional skirmishing during the night. Cannot estimate his force, but greatly superior to mine. He has charged me repeatedly, but al- ways repulsed. Your dispatch received at the moment we were pursuing them. Have sent flag of truce to communicate your instructions. Enemy intrenched 1 mile below me. Considering ground to charge over I have not at- tempted to dislodge them. Is it possible to re-enforce? Can you give me two guns? I need ammunition. Please send it by special train. Thus far I have lost but 2. Gunboat reported coming up Ponchatoula River to flank me. Some picket firing in that direction. Have sent officers to report. H. H. MILLER, Lieutenant- Colonel. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON. PONCHATOULA, March 24, 1863. I have whipped the enemy on the railroad back, and now I am under a flag of truce with them communicating your order to them. There are 150 Yankees about to flank me from Wadesborough. H. H. MILLER, Lieutenant- Colonel. General JOHN C. PEMBERTON Page 287 CHAP. XXVII.] EXPEDITION FROM NEW ORLEANS. 287 GATES SHOE FACTORY, 4 MILES NORTH OF PONCHATOULA, March 24, 1863 I have been engaged with the enemy in force, estimated at from 1,200 to 1,500 men, all day. I have 100 men. The force that attacked by rail- road I defeated, but the gunboat landed several hundred at Wades- borough in my rear, and I was compelled to retire. I fought the latter for some time near Ponchatoula, but when the two columns united I fell back 2 miles and made stand until sundown, when I drew off my command to this place. The command behaved splendidly. My loss is small considering the time we were engaged. If you can re-enforce me I will retake Poncha- toula. It will require 500. II. H. MILLER, Lieutenant- Colonel. Lieutenant-General PEMEERTON. PONCHATOULA, VIA TICKFAW, March 24, 1863. The enemy advanced on Ponchatoula with from 1,000 to 1,200 men strong, and I contended every inch of ground with them, but was nec- essarily compelled to fall back on account of being overpowered. Am now fighting them 2 or 3 miles this side of Ponchatoula and falling back because they are advancing in heavy force, and if you can scnd me re- enforcements as soon as possible I would be glad for you to do so, for I am very anxious to whip them back to Pass Manchac. II. II. MILLER, Lieutenant- ColoneL Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON. GATES FACTORY, 4 MILES NORTH OF PONCHATOULA, March 25. 18635 a. m. Still hold this factory. Shall endeavor to prevent its destruction by enemy. Enemy encamped 2 miles in front, on ground we last fought on. Appear engaged during night either destroying railroad or build- ing breastworks. Thankful for re-enforcements. Soon as arrives will resume fight by attacking. H. H. MILLER, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON. GATES SHOE FACTORY, March 25, 18632 p. m. Since my last no change. Enemy still in position 2 miles in front. Appears to be intrenched. My skirmishers since daylight have been trying to draw him out. Shows no disposition to renew fight. I will not attack except in way certain of success. Two iron-clad gunboats and two transports brought them to Wadesborough. Inl~abitants say the Page 288 288 XV. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVIL claim 5,000 men. I think 1,500 altogether. regiment attacked me in front was Wilsons Zonaves. Whipped them easily. Great difficulty getting them stop running to receive flag of truce with communication about cotton. Officer command has written notice cotton property for- eign subjects. Answers will refer to superiors. Await anxiously re- enforcements. Troops at Osyka and trains Tangipahoa. Could they not be sent down I With 500 men enemy can be cut off from Wades- borough. H. H. MILLER, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lieutenant-General PEMEERTON. HEADQUARTERS, Four miles north of Ponchatoula, March 258 p. m. Enemy fortified at bridge we last fought at. Citizens vary in reports of numbers; some say 1,500, others as high as 5 000 1,000, 1,500. No news from re-enforcements. ; believe between H. H. MILLER, Lieutenant- Colonel Comman Lent. Gen. J. C. PEMBERTON. , ding. HEADQUARTERS, Two miles north of Ponchatoula, March 27, 1863. Major Lawrence, 250 men, joined (laylight yesterday, making total 400. Could hear nothing of artillery. Enemy continued fortifying bridges Ponchatoula River 3 p. m. Moved forward. Heavy skirmishing from opposite bank of river. After one hour flanked him by falling tree across river. Charged and routed him completely. Pursued to Poncha- toula, where he was intrenched with large number men. Drove him out and pursued 3 miles below to Prairie Marsh, where he had con- structed considerable works; only approach by track; swamp on either side. Night fallen, drew off pursuit, and now occupy position on Pon- chatonla River. All making slight works. Enemy burned depot Pon- chatoula, filled with their commissary stores; also fired most buildings, but succeeded in extinguishing. Enemy destroyed all private property citizens in town. His force consists two regiments and two battalions infantry, about 2,000 strong. Say re-enforcements are expected from Baton Rouge. I cannot speak too highly of conduct of officers and men of this command. Enemy just reported advancing toward Poncha toula. If he comes as far as town will attack. Whistle of gunboat reported at Wadesborough. Have sent scout in that direction. Sup- pose General Gardners re-enforcements will arrive to-night. My loss yesterday 1 severely wounded; enemys supposed heavy. Captured 2; sent to Camp Moore, to be sent to Jackson. Captain Morrison arrived last night. H. H. MILLER, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. General PEMBERTON Page 289 289 CRAP. XXVII.] EXPEDITION FROM NEW ORLEANS. HEADQUARTERS, Hammond, March 28, 1863. This morning sent flag with substance of your dispatch. Answered as follows: HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES, Front of Ponchatoula, La., March 28, 1863. Lient. Col. H. H. MILLER, Commanding at Ponchatoula: Your communication of 27th received. The colonel commanding the brigade directs me to say that it will be referred to the commanding general of the depart- ment and his answer to the same transmitted to you. ~. H. DICKEY, Lieutenant and Acting As8i8tant Adjutant-General. Enemy still intrenching 3 miles below Poncha43oula on railroad. My cavalry occupy Ponchatoula. My line of defense is Ponchatoula River, 2 miles north of town. Position strong and have fortified it well. Hear nothing from re-enforcements from (~eneral Gardner. If permitted will attack when arrives. Enemys loss on Tuesdays fight, given by relia- ble citizens, 18 killed, double that wounded. Cant ascertain number on Thursday; I had several wounded on Thursday; only 1 seriously, none killed. Enemy in bad condition; huddled on railroad in swamps and dying rapidly with disease. H. H. MILLER, Lieutenant.COlOflel, gommanding. Lient. Gen. J. 0. PEMBERTON. PONCHATOULA, Aprit 1, 1863. GENERAL: On night 30th was joined by Colonel Simoiiton with 380 infantry~ battery four guns, 80 cavalry. Same night my pickets drove enemy from first line of defenses, 3 miles below town. . Next morn- ing whole command moved forward~ found formidable work on south side Prairie Marsh, abandoned work, capable containing 300 to 500 men, mounting one piece artillery, iron-clad with railroad iron; fol- lowed 3 miles; met flag truce, under Colonel Smith, One hundred and sixty.fifth Zonaves; he returned Masonic jewels stolen; same officer communicated with about cotton; no answer yet from headquarters. Moved down railroad sight Mauchac; found enemy in. force behind ~breastworks; gunboats in Pass protecting them; impassable marsh either side road; trestle work most way. Upon consultation with Colonel Simonton myself agreed impolitic attack. Sent scouts forward; learn nothing because roads straight; scouts compelled creep sides embankment, but discovered on trestle work; remained until after night; withdrew to camp. After night sent party down Tangipahoa River to Pontchartrain reconnoiter enemy in that direction; not returned. Enemy destroyed road from Ponchatoula as far as went. Enemy reported on Amite 2,000. Ordered Garlands bat- talion, which reported to me, back to Amite to guard river; have suffi- cient force protect against front; enough spare attack; force not more 2,000 that crosses Amite. Commence to-morrow fortify railroad at Prairie Marsh, and river at Wadesborough, Tangipahoa, and Katalbany thoroughly blockaded; impossible blockade Ponchatoula River. H. H. MILLER, Licutenant-Gotoflel. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON. 19 R RVOL X Page 290 290 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII MARCH 28, l863.Capture of U. S. steamer Diana, near Pattersonvile, La. REPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Godfrey W~itzel, U. SAriuy. No. 2.Maj. Gen. Richard Taylor, C. S. Army. No. 1. Reports of Brig. Gen. Godfrey Weitzel, U. ~. Army. BAYOU BEUFF, March 28, 1863. Diana went up Teche on reconnaissance to.day about 12 oclock. Soon after heavy firing heard for an hour. Calhoun started and is now fast aground in Grand Lake near Bayou Sorrel. Estrella is at mouth of Atchafalaya; have sent for here Nothing heard of Diana. G. WEJTZEL, Brigadier. General, U. S. Volunteers. General BANKS, New Orleans. BAYOU BEUFF, March 28, 1863. GENERAL: I ordered the Diana by the Grand Lake route to make a reconnaissance. I sent two companies of infantry and one of my aides to make it secure. Instead of taking the route I ordered, for some un- accountable reason they went by the Atchafalaya, right in the teeth of the enemy. I believe she and all on board are gone. The Calhouu going to her relief got aground; went without a pilot, because Govern. ment drove off all our pilots by insufficiency of pay. The Estrella started down to pilot in the boats and is 40 miles off. The wind is favorable to get the Calhoun off, but unfavorable to communicate with the Estrella. Just hurry on the Indiana battery with ammunition and I am right, even if they get all my boats. G. WEJTZEL, General BANKS. Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers. BAYOU BU~UFF, March 28, 1863. The pilot of the Diana escaped; Captain Peterson is killed; Lieu. tenant Allen, my aide, is wounded; several officers killed or wounded. Gunboat in possession of. the enemy; all the result of disobedience of instructions. G. WEITZEL, General BANKS. Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers. No. 2. Report of Maj. Gen. Richard Taylor, 0. 5. Army. HEADQUARTERS, Near Berwick Bay, La., March 28, 18(13. I have the honor to report the capture of the Federal gunboat Diana at this point to-day. She inonuted five heavy guns. Boat not seriousl Page 291 Ciiip. XXVII.] ATTACK ON STEAMER BARATARIA. 291 injured, and will be immediately put in service. Enemys loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners, 150. R. TAYLOR, Major-General. APRIL 7, 1863..Attaok on the steamer Barataria, Amite River. Report of Capt. Gadi Ilerren, First Mississippi Cavalry. - CA~n RUGGLES, April 12, 1863. CoLo~xL: On Monday, 7th instant, yoi~ directed me to send a scout- ing party under a trusty non-commissioned officer to Rome, on the Tickfaw River, and, if practicable, from there to iDuck Bill, on the lake shore, near the mouth of the Amite. I detailed from my squadron for this purpose eight men, under Corporal Davidson, to proceed as you directed. Arriving at Rome (the ferry) Crossing on the Tickfaw River, he stationed a portion of his small squad to guard against any advance fromthis direction. He then proceeded with the remainder of his force within a mile of the mouth of the Amite, where, hearing that one of the enemys boats was aground at this point, he dismounted his men and proceeded to attack the boat. He found her, within 50 or 75 yards of the shore, stuck hard and fast on the east bank of the river. The timber skirting the river bank afforded good protection against the shot and shell fired from the gunboat. He soon compelled the gunners to abandon their guns and seek protection in their casemates. He suc- ceeded in killing two of the enemy while attempting to get aboard with some spars which they were using to get their boat afloat. Findtng it impossible to provoke them from behind their protection of thick iron, he posted a portion of his men near enough to watch the move- ments of the boat and report with the remainder of his force to me at this place at 10 oclock p. m. the same evening. I then directed him to report the facts to you. At 12 oclock m. the same evening you directed ~ue to take my whole squadron and proceed at once to the mouth of the Amite River and capture or destroy the boat reported aground there. On reaching the point designated I found the enemy had hastily abandoned and set fire to the boat at sundown the previous evening, leaving nothing but a complete wreck, with one brass rifle gun, which was still above water. This boat was marked Barataria or 291; she was 125 feet long, com- pletely covered with iron one inch thick. Too much cannot be said in praise of the coolness, courage, and judg- ment displayed by Corporal Davidson and the brave men under him in destroying with their rifles (or causing the destruction of) one of the enemys most formidable boats on the lake. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GADI HERREN, Captain, Comdg. Squadron First Mississippi Gavalry. Col. J. M. SIIMONTON, Commandin~j at Ponchatoula Page 292 292 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. APRIL 9MAY 14, 1863.Operations in West Louisiana. SUMMARY OF T13E PRrNCIPAL EVE:N-TS. April 9-11, 1863.Union Army crosses Berwick Bay. 11, 1863..Skirmish near Pattersonville. 1213, 1863.Engagement at Fort Bisland (Bethel Place or Bayou Teche), near Centreville. 13, 1863.Skirmish at Porters and McWilliams Plantations, at Indian Bend. 14, 1863.Engagement at Irish Bend. Skirmish at Jeanerette. 16, 1863.Skirmish at ~ewtown, La. 17, 1863.Action at Bayou Vermilion. 1721, 1863.Expedition from Saint Martinville to Breaux Bridge and Opelouas. 18, 1863.Destruction of salt-works near New Iberia. 20, 1863.Butte-a-la-Rose captured by Union fleet. Occupation of Opelousas and Washington by Union forces. 21, 1863.Expedition from Opelousas to Barres Landing and capture of steamer Ellen. 22, 1863.Skirmish on the Bayou Bmuf Road near Washington. 2629,1863.Expedition from Opelousas toward Nibletts Bluff. 2930,1863.Expeditions from Opelousas to Chicotville and Bayou Bo~uf. May 1,1863.Skirmish near Washington. 6,1863.United States Navy takes possession of Alexandria. 14,1863.Reconnaissance to Judge Boyces Plantation and skirmish. RX~PORTS, ETC.* No. 1.Maj. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Gulf, with Return of Casualties. No. 2.Brig. Gen. Richard Arnold, U. S. Army, Chief of Artillery, Nineteenth Army Corps, of engagement at Fort Bisland. No. 3.Capt. William W. Carruth, Sixth Massachusetts Battery, of engagement at Fort Bisland. No. 4.Capt. Albert G. Mack, Eighteenth New York Battery, of engagement at Fort Bisland. No. 5.Brig. Gen. Godfrey Weitzel, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade, First Division, of operations April 2May 11. No. 6.Lieut. Edmund H. Russell, Ninth Pennsylvania Infantry (Pennsylvania Reserve Corps), Acting Signal Officer. No. 7.Capt. Edmund C. Bainbridge, Fifth U. S. Artillery, commanding Battery A, First U. S. Artillery, of engagement at Fort Bisland. No. 8.Lient. Col. Frank H. Peck, Twelfth Connecticut Infantry, of engagement at Fort Bisland. No. 9.Brig. Gen. William H. Emory, U. S. Army, commanding Third Division, of operations March 13May 2. No. 10.Capt. Richard C. Duryea, First U. S. Artillery, Chief of Artillery, of engage- ment at Fort Bisland and skirmish at Jeanerette. No. 11.Lient. Eben D. Haley, First Battery Maine Light Artillery, of engagement at Fort Bisland. No. 12.Lient. John E. Morton, First Battery Maine Light Artillery, of engagement at Fort Bisland. No. 13.Capt. Richard C. Duryea, Battery F, First U. S. Artillery, of engagement at Fort Bisland and skirmish at Jeanerette. * See also Appendix, pp. 10891096 Page 293 CuAP. XXVII.] OPERATIONS IN WES~I? LOUISIANA. 293 No. 14.Col. Timothy Ingraham, Thirty-eighth Massachusetts Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of engagement at Fort Bisland. No. 15.Lient. CoL Justus W. Blanchard, One hundred and sixty-second New York Infantry, of expedition to Barres Landing, etc. No. 16.Col. Halbert E. Paine, Fourth Wisconsin Infantry, commanding Secon(1 Brigade, of engagement at Fort Bisland. No. 17.Maj. A. Power Galiway, One hundred and seventy-third New York Infantry, of expedition from Saint Martinville to Breaux Bridge and Opelousas. No. 18.Lient. Col. Sidney A. Bean, Fourth Wisconsin Infantry, of expeditions to Plaquemine and Boyces Plantation. No. 19.Col. Oliver P. Gooding, Thirty-first Massachusetts Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of engagement at Fort Bisland. No. 20.Lient. Col. W. S. B. Hopkins, Thirty-first Massachusetts Infantry, of en- gagement at Fort Bisland. No. 21.tieut. CoL William L. Rodman, Thirty-eighth Massachusetts Infantry, of engagement at Fort Bisland. No. 22.Col. John W. Kimball, Fifty-third Massachusetts Infantry, of engagement at Fort Bisland. No. 23.CoL Michael K. Bryan, One hundred and seventy-fifth New York Infantry, of engagement at Fort Bisland. No. 24.Brig. Gen. Cuvier Grover, U. S. Army, commanding Fourth Division, of operations March 26-April 20. No. 25.Lieut. Joseph L. Hallett, Thirty-first Massachusetts Infantry, Acting Signal Officer. No. 26.Lieut. Thomas S. Hall, Twenty-eighth Maine Infantry, Acting Signal Officer. No. 27.Capt. Ormand F. Nims, Second Battery Massachusetts Light Artillery~of operations March 28April 19. No. 28.Capt. Henry W. Closson, Battery L, First U. S. Artillery, of operations March 27-April 20. No. 29.Lient. John I. Rodgers, BatterTC, Second U. S. Artillery, of skirmish at Porters Plantation and engagement at Irish Bend. No. 30.Brig. Gen. William Dwight, jr., U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, of operations March 26-May 1. No. 31.Col. Richard E. Holcomb, First Louisiana Infantry (Union), of operations March 29April 2@. No. 32.Lieut. Col. Michael Cassidy, Sixth New York Infantry, of operations March 26-April 20. No. 33.CoL Jacob Van Zandt, Ninety-first New York Infantry, of engagement at Irish Bend and action at Bayou Vermilion. No. 34.CoL Nicholas W. Day, One hundred and thirty-first New York Infantry, of operations March 26-April 20. No. 35.CoL William K. Kimball, Twelfth Maine Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations March 27April 20. No. 36.Col. Henry W. Birge [?], Thirteenth Connecticut Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of engagement at Irish Bend. No. 37.Capt. Robert T. Dunham, Assistant Adjutant-General, U. S. Army, of the capture of the steamer Ellen. No. 38.Lient. Gen. B. Kirby Smith, C. S. Army, commanding Trans-Mississippi De- partment, of operations April 923. No. 39.Maj. Gen. Richard Taylor, C. S. Army, commanding District of West Louis- iana, of operations April 923. No. 40.Brig. Gen. Alfred Mouton, C. S. Army, commanding brigade, of operations April 1119 Page 294 294 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. No. 1. Reports of Maj. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks, U. ,9. Army, commanding De. partment of the Gu~t with Return of Casualties. No. ~E] HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE GULF, 19TH AR1~ Coins, Camp at Brashear City, La., April 10, 1863. GENERAL: I left New Orleans on the 8th instant and established my headquarters at this point the same evening. Weitzel~ brigade, of Augurs division, was already here, with three batteries and two sections of artillery, the siege train, and three companies of cavalry. Grover, excepting his cavalry, was then at Bayou Bo~uff Station, on the railway, about 9 miles from here. Emory, excepting one brigade and his cav- alry and two batteries left at Baton Rouge, was at Bayou Ramas Sta- tion, which is about half way between Brashear and Bayou Bmuff. The remaining brigade of Emorys division and the transportation of both divisions were behind, moving up as rapidly as possible. The cavalry was en route from Baton Rouge. Emory marched at 7 oclock yesterday morning and reached here about 9. Weitzel began to cross the bay about 10, having first driven off a small party of the enemy, who from the opposite side were ob- serving our movements. Emory followed Weitzel closely. Both divis- ions had crossed by dark; then absolutely necessary transportation and supplies were sent over during the night and this morning. The limited amount of water transportation at our command made the crossing nec- essarily very slow. GroVer had marched from Bayou Ba~uff at 9 a. m. and arrived here by 1 p. m. I had intended to place him on board the boats at night, so that he might leave at daylight and begin to land by 9 a. in., but this was impossible. On Grand Lake, just beyond the head of Cypress~Island, and within a few miles of each other, are two ~hell roads, leading from what are reported as good landings, a distance of 1~- or 2 miles to the Bayou Teche. At one or the other of these landings I propose to disem - - bark Grover, with the object of taking the enemy, who is at Patter- sonville, in reverse and cutting oft~ his retreat. The Jest pilots say that our steamers cannot come nearer than about 1~ miles to the shore, and all our information confirms the truth of this. From that dis- tance the disembarkation must be by the fiats which we have collected and prepared for that purpose. Using all the expedition possible, Gro. ver cannot reasonably be expected to land and take up position in less than twelve hours. The boats cannot run at night. His landing must necessarily take place by daylight. To insure this he must leave here by daybreak. The moment.Grover passes Pattersonville with his fleet the enemy will certainly take the alarm, and if we let night interrupt the landing he will escape. We do not move against the enemy in front to.day, as I do not wish him to take the alarm any sooner than we can possibly help. We can whip him in any event, but if he stays where he is, and Grover gets into position before we attack in front, we shall destroy him. Everything promises success. Having destroyed the enemys force and his salt-works at New iberia, I propose, if time permits, to push a force as far as Opelousas. Mr. Gabaudan, Rear-Admiral Farraguts secretary, arrived here this morning, having passed Port Hudson in a skiff and reached Baton Rouge on the 8th instant. For fear of accident no dispatches were sent by him, but he brought me verbal intelligence that he left th Page 295 CRAP. XXVII.J 295 OPERATIONS IN WEST LOUISIANA. admiral opposite Bayou Sara, with the Hartford, the Albatross, and the ram Switzerland, all well; that the Yazoo expedition was reported as abandoned; that our troops had left the immediate vicinity of Vicks- burg and gone to some point above; that the Lake Providence Canal had proved a success, and that General Grant would co-operate with me opposite Bayou Sara with 20,000 men about the 1st proximo. This force he tells me is to come through the Tensas, Black, and iRed Rivers. I have sent Mr. Gabaudan back this morning with a dispatch to Gen- eral Grant, of which I have the honor to inclose a copy for your infor- mation, and which I have requested him to commit to memory and destroy. General Augur will send a cavalry force across the river to facilitate Mr. Gabaudans return. if the iron-dads now reported to be engaged in the reduction of Charleston are sent here after the termination of that affair, as they may well be, I think in.auy event we will take Mobile. If Grant sends me 20,000 men we will take Port Hudson. I received this morning an extract from Special Orders, No. 123, of the 16th ultimo, from the Adjutant-Generals Office, transferring Key West and the Tortugas to this department. By the Fulton, leaving New Orleans on the 14th, 1 shall send an officer to Key West to com- municate with the commanding officer there and obtain information as to the conditidn of affairs in that district. Brigadier-General Wood. bury has not yet reported to me. I would respectfully request that the postmaster at New York may be instructed to make up the mail for my headquarters iu a separate bag, so as to avoid the delay, sometimes of two or three (lays, incident to its distribution in New Orleans; and that these bags may be sent by the regular steamers instead of by Government transports, which stop at New Berne, Port Royal, Key West, and other points, and are delayed at each. A week or .ten days delay more than counterbalances any pecuniary saving that may be involved in sending our dispatches by public transports. I respectfully ask attention to a matter that will soon become of great importance to the interests of the Government in this Department. The terms of our nine-months men begin to expire in May. Lu August all will have expired. We shall thus lose twenty-two regiments of in- fantrv. This will leave us, in the whole department, exclusive of Key West, concerning which I know nothing as yet, and of the negroes, but thirty-six regiments of infantry, and an effective force reporting for duty less than 20,000 men of all arms. With this force we can hold New Orleans and the La Fourchepossibly Baton Rougebut we can- not move an inch or even hold any success that we may gain by our present operations. Not an hour should be lost in forwarding to this department the men who are to replace the nine-months levies. I respectfully suggest that a copy of this dispatch and its inclosure be sent to Major-General Grant by a special messenger, and that I may be informed of the purport of the latest advices from him. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major-General Gommand~ng. Maj. Gen. II. W. IIALLmJK, General-in-Chief U. ~. Army, Washington, D. C Page 296 296 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., K MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. [Inclosure.] HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE GULF, NINETEENTH ARMY Cours, Camp at Brashear Gity, La., April 10, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: The secretary of Admiral Farragut, Mr. Gabaudan, called. upon me at Brashear City this morning and gave me the substance of your dispatch. We have 15,000 men that can be moved with facility. The artillery is strong, the cavalry weak, but we hope to strengthen the cavalry without delay, as one of the results of this expedition. We shall move upon the Bayou Teche to-morrow, probably encounter the enemy at Pattersonville, and hope to move without delay upon Iberia, to destroy the salt-works, and then upon Opelousas. This is the limit proposed. We do not intend to hold an~ portions of this country, as it weakens our force, but will at once return to Baton Rouge to co- operate with you against Port Hudson. I can be there easily by May 10. There are now 4,500 infantry at Baton Rouge, with three regiments of colored troops and two companies of cavalry, three batteries of artil- lery, with several heavy guns in position, and five gunboats and six mortars. The land force is under command of Major-General Augur; the fleet under Captain Alden, of the Richmond. We shall endeavor to establish communication with Admiral Farragut near Bayou Sara, but the opening of the levee opposite Port Hudson may make it impossible. If so, we will communicate with you freely, by the way of New York, as to our progress. I shalL be very glad if you will communicate with us in the same manner. To avoid delays by mail I will send my dispatches by an officer. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. I?. BANKS, Major- General, Commanding. No. 10.] HDQRS. DEPT. OF T11E GULF, 19TH ARMY CORPS, Boulignys, beyond New Iberia, La., April 17, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that we set out on the 11th instant upon the expedition, the preparations for which were temporarily. interrupted by the necessity for co-operation with the Navy in the pas. sage of the fleet by Port Hudson. With Emorys division, Weitzels brigade, of Augurs division, and the siege train I crossed Berwick Bay on the 9th, 10th, and 11th, and marched on the morning of the 12th upon the enemy, strongly intrenched at Fort Bisland, about 4 miles beyond Pattersonville. The enemys force was about 5,000, including three batteries of artillery and a heavy proportion of mounted troops from Texas. We met the enemy about 2 oclock in the afternoon, and after a brisk engagement drove him back until his line of defense was revealed, and took up a position which enabled us to reconnoiter his works to ad van- tage. Here night interrupted u~. Early the next morning the attack was resumed. We soon drove him into his works and advanced npon them, keeping up a heavy fire of artillery to silence his guns and prepare the way for an assault. At night-fall we had disabled the gunboat Diana and driven her out of action, almost entirely silenced the enemys artillery, and advanced on both sides of the bayou to witliiui about 400 yards of the works Page 297 CFAP. XXVII.] OPERATiONS IN WEST LOUISIANA. 297 D& ring the night I issued orders to carry the works by assault at day- light, and, having done so, to pursue the enemy promptly and vigorously. The enemy began to evacuate his position about midnight. At daylight Paines brigade, of Emorys division, was in possession of his works. The pursuit began at once, although the men, in action all the day previous, had taken no food for more than twenty-four hours. Since then we have been following close upon his heels. Grovers division embarked on the night of the 11th, and, having been delayed some seven hours by a heavy fog, proceeded up Grand Lake at 9 a. m. on the 12th, to land at one of the landings opposite the headof Cypress Island. The roads from these landings were represented as good shell roads. They turned out to be, for a great part of the way, under water and full of deep holes, so as to be utterly impracticable for all arms. The gunboat Arizona got aground, and it took four hours to get her off. In consequence of these unfortunate delays it was not until late in the afternoon of the 13th that Grover had disembarked his com- mand in Indian Bend and was on the march to interoept the enemys retreat at Franklin. The next morning he met and defeated the enemy at Irish Bend and joined us at Franklin in the afternoon. If it had been possible for him to reach Franklin at daylight on the 14th we should have captured the enemys artillery, but his cavalry would have escaped through the prai- ries and his infantry would have scattered just as it has done. Counting upon holding Franklin, however, on the morning of the 14th, I should have carried Fort Bisland on that morning, but it would have been with great loss, for the position was very strong b~y nature and had been very strongly fortified. I was prepared to make the assault in the evening of the 13th, but had it succeeded then the enemy would have been driven back before I had reason to expect Grover would hold Franklin. We have pursued the enemy -closely more than 50 miles; we have destroyed the Queen of the West, and have compelled him to destroy the gunboats Diana and Hart, with supplies of subsistence and ammu- nition; we have taken elevbn guns, one steamer, over a thousand pris- oners, and large quantities of ammunition, camp equipage, and quarter- masters stores; we have captured and destroyed his salt-works below INew~lberia; his infantry has dispersed over the prairies and in the woods, so that the people and the negroes tell us nothing but cavalry and artillery passed beyond New Iberia, and there is no thought among the prisoners or inhabitants that he will make any stand this side of Alexandria. On the 9th instant, as I learned by letters from Maj. Gen. Richard Taylor, commanding the Confederate forces in this district, to Captain Fuller, commanding the gunboats, he was preparing to attack us heavily in the La Fourche, seeking to regain that region and the waters of Ber- wick Bay. On the 12th we had opened the attack which has destroyed his army and his gunboats. There is not a gunboat left on the Teclie. General Taylor, in his letters to Captain Fuller, refers to the Grand IDuc as nearly ready to receive her guns, and to the Mary T. as not to be waited for, because she will probably not be ready in time to take part in his contemplated recapture of the La Fourche. I think the Webb is the only gunboat now in condition to defend Butte-~-la-1tose, and have ordered our gunboats to attack and take that place, aided by a detachment of infantry. I shall eollow the enemy, without pausing, to Opelou8as Page 298 292 W. FLA, S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. . [CHAP. XXVII. I cannot close this hasty dispatch without ex~)ressing my adu-iiration at the good conduct of my officers and men in the affair of Sunday before Fort Bisland and in the battles of Fort Bisland and Irish Bend. I shall take occasion to ask your attention to individual instances of merit hereafter, but I desire now to bring to your special notice the services of the commanders, Brigadier-Generals Emory, Grover, and Weitzel, to whose zealous co-operation,. professional skill, and devotion on the battle-field we are largely indebted for the success of the expe- dition. Great credit is due to the energy and efficiency shown by the officers of the Navy in this operation. The country abounds in supplies of all kinds, which I shall apply to the utmost to the purposes of the Government. Our loss is small, but as we have made hard marches every day and only halted at night it has been impracticable to get exact figures. 1 have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Commanding. Maj. G~n. II. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. No. 11.] HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE GULF, 19TH ARMY CORPS, Ojpelousas, La., Aj~ril 23, 1863. GENERAL: Since my Nos. 9 and 10, of the 17th instant, I have had neither time .to prepare formal dispatches nor, until now, convenient opportunity for sending them. I have, however, endeavored to keep you constantly advised of our movements and their results by telegraph through General Sherman, commanding at New Orleans. On the evening of the 17th General Grover, who had marched from New Iberia by a shorter road and thus gained the advance, met the enemy at Bayou Vermillion. The enemys force consisted of a consider- able number of cavalry, about 1,000 infantry, and six pieces of artillery, masked in a strong position on the opposite bank, with which we were unacquainted. The enemy was driven from his position, but not until he had succeeded in destroying the bridge over the bayou by fire. Everything had. been previously arranged for this purpose. The enemys flight was precipitate. The night of the 17th an.d the whole of the next day were occupied in pushing forward with vigor thereconstruction of this bridge. On the 19th the march was resumed and continued to the vicinity of Grand Cotean, and on the following afternoon our main force occupied Opelousas, the cavalry, supported by one regiment of infantry and a section of artillery, being thrown forward to Washington, on the Cour- tableau, a distance of 0 miles. The command rested on the 21st. Yesterday morning (the 22d) I sent out Brigadier-General Dwight, with his brigade of Grovers division and detachments of artillery and cavalry, to push forward through Washington toward Alexandria. lie found the bridges over Bayous Cocodrie and Beauff destroyed, and occupied the evening and night in replacing them by a single bridge at the j auction of the two bayous. The people say that the enemy threw Jarge quantities of ammunition and some small-arms into Bayou Coco- drie, and that the Texans declared they were going to Texas. Here the steamer Wave was burned by the enemy, and the principal portio Page 299 OHAI. XXVII.] OPERATiONS IN WEST LOUISIANA. 299 of her cargo, which had been transferred to a flat, captured by us. A dispatch was found by General Dwight, in which Governor Moore tells General Taylor to retreat slowly to Alexandria, and if pressed to retire to Texas. General Dwight will push well forward to-day and probably halt to-morrow, to continue his march or return, according to circum- stances. A reconnoitering expedition sent out one days march on the Texas road has discovered nothing of the enemy. This force consisted of the Fourth Wisconsin,. Lie Bean, one section of artillery, and two companies of the Second Rhode Island Cavalry. Au expedition, consisting of the One hundred and sixty-second New. York, Lieutenant-Colonel Blanchard, one section of artillery, and Bar- retts company (B), First Louisiana Cavalry, accompanied by Captain Dunham, assistant adjutant-general, and First Lieutenant ilarwood, Engineers (both of my staff), was sent out yesterday morning by way of Barres Landing to examine the Bayou Courtablean in the direction of Butte-a-la-Rose. Last night Captain Dunham reported the road im- passable 4 miles beyond Barres Landing, and that the expedition cap- tured the steamer Ellen in a small bayou leading out of the Courtablean. This capture is a timely assistance to us. I informed you in my No. 9 that I had ordered the gunboats to take Butte-a-la-Rose. This was handsomely done, without serious loss, on the morning of the 20th instant, by Lieutenant-Commander Cooke, U. S. Navy, with his gunboats and four companies of infantry. We cap- tured here the garrison of 60 men and its commander, two heavy guns in position and in good order a lar key of the Atchafalaya. , ge quantity of ammunition, and the I immediately sent the remainder of the regiment, part of which went np on the gunboats, to proceed to Butte-a-la-Rose, the whole regiment to garrison that work and hold it to the last extremity. This afternoon the steamer Cornie, which we captured at Franklin, has arrived at Washington with supplies, and the other boats are on the wa~r. The depot will for the present be at Washington or Barres Landing, and our communication will be by the Courtableau and Atcha- -. falaya. I have just learned froih Major-General Augur, at Baton Rouge, that it is reported there and believed by Commander Alden and himself, that Admiral Farragut has been re-enforced by five gunboats from Vicksburg, and has gone to the Red River and the mouth of the Atcha- falaya. I hope General Augur will have had signal communication with the admiral to-day. I inclose for your information copies of two communications from General Grant, dated March 23 and received 20th instant; of one from Admiral Farragut, dated April 6 and received the 21st instant, and copies of my replies. I send a duplicate of my dispatch to General Grant by special messenger via New York~ If, as General Grant informs me, he can well spare me an army corps of 20,000 men, I earnestly request that that force may be sent to me at the earliest practicable moment, and I am strongly of opinion that it should join me on the Atchafala.ya and proceed, through Grand River or Bayou Sorrel and Bayou Plaquemine, to Baton Rouge. I can sup- ply this re-enforcement from the moment it joins me on the Atchafalaya, provided It brings its own water transportation. I hope not to be obliged to lose a moment in improving the decisive advantages gained in this section. We have destrbyed the enemys army and navy, and made their reorganization impossible by destroyin Page 300 300 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. xxvir. or removing the material. We hold the key of the position. Among the evidences of our victory are 2,000 prisoners, two transports, and twenty guns (including one piece of the Valverde Battery) taken, and three gunboats and eight transports destroyed. If the Government will send 20,000 more troops here I will take Port Hudson at once. If it will send the iron-dads that weic engaged at Charl~stoH I will take Mobile, hold its forts, and close its harbor against the commerce that now pours into its gates in spite of the blockade. Whether General Grants forces join me or not, I hope you will at least lend me a sufficient force from the Department of the South to decide matters finally in this department. I can send them back, if necessary, as soon as it is done. It~ the necessary means are given at once the opportunity for opening the Mississippi is in our hands. I hope to be able to send a detailed report of our operations by the next mail. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, lift ~jor- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief, Washington, D. C. [Inclo8ure No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before Yicksburg, Miss., March 23, 1863. Maj. Gen. N. P. BANKS, Comdg. Dept. of the Gu~f, Port Hudson, La.: GENERAL: Your communication of the 13th instant, per Admiral Farragut, was duly received. The continuous high water and the nature of the country almost precluding the possibility of landing a force on the east bank of the Mississippi anywhere above Vicksburg has induced the hope that you would be able to take Port Hudsdli and move, up to Black River. By the use of your transports I could send you all the force you would require. Finding the canal commenced here last summer by General Williams, I have prosecuted that work, and would before this have had it com- pleted to the width of 130 feet but for the heavy rise in the river, break- ing in the dam across the upper end. It is exceedingly doubtful if this canal can be made of any practical use, even if completed. The enemy have established a battery of heavy guns opposite the mouth of the canal, completely commanding it for one-half its length. Soon after taking command hcre I conceived the idea of getting pos- sessiob of the Yazoo River by the way of Moon Lake and Yazoo Pass. Five gunboats were furnished for this expedition, and I sent in addi- tion a division of troops, to which has since been added considerable re-enforcements. This enterprise promised most fairly, but for some cause our troops and boats delayed so as to give the enemy time to fortify. My last information from this command was to the 17th. They were at Greenwood, on the Yazoo, a fortified place, and had abandoned all idea of getting past until they could receive additional ordnance stoies. By a prompt movement~Y~~o City could have been captured without opposition. Admiral Porter, with five gunboats, and General Sherman, with a division of troops, are now attempting to get into the Yazoo by th Page 301 CHAP. XXVII.] OPERATIONS IN WEST LOUISIANA. 301 way of Steeles Bayou, Black Bayou, iDeer Creek, Rolling Fork, and the Sunflower. They got as far as Deer Creek without any great diffi- culty, buit I fear a failure of getting fartlier. This experiment failing, there is nothing left for me but to collect all my strength and attack ilaines Bluff. This will necessarily be attended with much loss, but I think it can be done successfully. The best aid you can give, if you cannot pass Port Hudson, will be to hold as many of the enemy there as possible. If they could be sent I could well spare one army corps, to enable you to get up the river. Mv effective force, including all arms w 70000, if I bring all from Memphis ill be between 60,000 and that can be spared in an emer- gency. An attack on Haines Bluff cannot possibly take place under two weeks, if so soon. My forces are now scattered and the difficulty of getting transportation is very great. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Major- General. [Inolosure No. 2.] MARCH 23, 1863.. Admiral FARRAGUT, Commanding Gulf Squadron: ADMIRAL: In the various notes I have written, including the dis- patch for General Banks, I have not mentioned thatsoon aftej~ taking command there in person I collected my surplus troops at Lake Provi- dence and dii~ected the commanding officer to effect a passage through from the Mississippi River to Bayou Macon. This will give navigable water through by that route to the Red River. This is now reported practicable for ordinary Ohio River steamers. I sent several weeks ago for this class of steamers and expected them before this. Should they arrive, and Admiral Porter gets his boats out of the Yazoo, so as to accompany the expedition, I can send a force of, say, 20,000 effective men to co-operate with General Banks on Port Hudson. This force certainly would easily reduce Port Hudson and enable them to come on up the river and maintain a positiou on high land near enough to Yicksbnrg until they could be re-enforced from here sufficiently to Qperate against the city. Please inform the gei~eral of the contents of this, and much oblige your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Major- General. [Inolosure No. 3.] UNITED STATES FLAG-SHIP HARTFORD, Above Port Hudson, La., April 6, 1863. Maj. Gen. N. P. BANKS, Commanding Department of the Gulf: Mv DEAR GENERAL: Thanks to an overruling Providence I am once more within communicating distance with you, and I avail myself of the first opportunity to send you the communication of General Grant, together with this dispatch. It is my intention to await him, and to maintain a rigid blockade of Red River at its mouth until the arrival or failure of the force above to join me and make the attack upon Port Hudson, as indicated in the communication of General Grant. I con Page 302 302 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., mx., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. fess that my ignorance of the inland navigation referred to prevents me from being able to express an opinion as to when they will succeed, if at dli, in accomplishing their work. If it can be done it will be a clever thing, but I have seen so little accomplished as yet by our forces that I have now determined to wait until something is accomplished before I terni an opinion. The failure of my vessels to get by Port Hudson was a sad blow to me, and yet it was what might have been naturally looked for in a battle a chance shot disabled the Richmond, and the pilots did th~ rest b~r running the ships ashore. We escaped with only 1 man killed and 2 slightly wounded, and the vessel was not injured at all, although she was frequently struck. I have fonght the batteries at Grand Gulf and at Warrenton five times since, and have lost 3 more of my men, but altogether we have escaped very well. Had two more of my vessels passed I would not have to apply to Admiral Porter for additional vessels to blockade Red River. As it is, I have only one ram (the Switzerland), and my force being so very small, we are compelled to keep together, but I hope it will not be long before we hear of the upper fleet. The rashness of General Ellet jn running his two rams down in open day deprived me of the use of one of them; still even one is better than none. I am enabled tofill up my coal and provisions which were floated down to me. In order to blockade Red River I returned there as soon as I could get my sul)plies and repair damages to the Switzerland. The rains did not lose a man in passing the Vicksburg batteries, but the Lancaster was sunk and the Switzerland received tWo shots in her boilers. The former was an old, worthless boat of the frailest construc- tion. My greatest difficulty is to keep the Switzerland in fuel. This ship and the Albatross have over a months supply. I was much gratified to learn that you were in possession of the point opposite Port Hudson, and I hope we will be able to keep open the com- munication. I shall not make my visits often, however as I wish to prevent boats going either up or down the Mississippi from Red River. I suppose that they will attack me soon, but I am all ready for them, and I snppose we will get used to fighting after a while. My feelings have been most severely exercised in cousequence of the disaster at Port Hudson. Not knowing what had caus~d it, arid having such implicit confidence in the several commanders, I felt and feared the worst of consequences to them, and was greatly relieved when I learned through rebel papers that none of them had been killed but poor Cummings, who was a great loss, both to the country and to his family. I hope that the injury to MeKinstry is not so great as they make it appear, and that he will recover without the loss of his leg. The failure to get through I know was almost death to them all. Poor Smith! I was afraid to hear from him. I saw all from a distance, yet was unable to help them, and blamed no one, because, as I have informed the Department, I knew they did all in their power to get through. Very respectfully and truly, yours,* D. G. FAIRRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commandt~g. For Banks reply to this letter, under date of April 23, see Correspondence, etc., pO8t Page 303 CHAP. XXVII.] OPERATIONS IN WEST LOUISIANA. 303 [Inolosure No. 4.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Opelousas, La., April 23, 1863. Major-General GRANT, Commanding Forces on the Upper Mississijppi: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your dis- patches, dated at Headquarters, before Yicksburg, March 23, 1863, on the 21st, by the hand of Lieutenant Tenney, of General Augurs division, at Baton Rouge. On April 10 Mr. Gabaudan, private secretary of Ad- miral Farragut, commanding the Hartford, at the mouth of iRed River, reported at my headquarters at Brashear, and gave me verbally the substance of your dispatch~es, which he said he had read, but did not bring with him in the dangerous passage which he was compelled to make of the batteries of Port Hudson. The information received from Mr. Gabaudan differs somewhat from your dispatches. I understand from him that it was your intention to send a force by the way of Lake Providence and the Black River, pass- ing through the intermediate bayous, to the mouth of Black River on the Red River, and that this force would probably reach the Red River by May 1st proximo, to co-operate with my command against Port Hudson. Stimulated by this report and cheering prospect of assistance we pushed with vigor the expedition upon which we were then engaged. Our success has been complete. We have utterly destroyed the army and navy of this part of the Confederacy, and made it impossible for the enemy to reorganize his forces for some months to come. We occupy Opelousas, and my advance is about 30 miles in front of this place, on the road to Alexandria. The forces of the enemy are divided, a portion of Sibleys cavalry being on the Plaquemine Bayou, on the road to Texas, with General Mouton and the artillery and some cavalry on the road to Alexandria. The infantry is completely dispersed. We have captured 2,000 pris- oners, 1,000 stand of arms, ammunition, ordnance stores, & c., twenty heavy guns, demolished his founderies at Franklin and New Iberia, and the salt-works beloW iberia. We have captured two steamers and sev- eral boats, and compelled the destruction of ten or twelve transport steamers, some of them laden with flour, ammunition, and arms. The gunboats Diana, Hart, and Queen of the West have been de- stroyed and their armament captured by our forces. We have among our prisoners the most important officers of all arms, Captain Fuller, the commander of their fleet, captured from the Queen of the West, known here as the King of the Swamp, long in the Legislature and at the head of the filibuster or fighting element of the State, whose candidate he was for the office of Governor. We have also Captain Semmes, the first officer of their artillery, and Colonel Vincent, the chief of their cavalry. They can make no stand this side of Alexandria. The capture of the fortifications at Butte-a-la-Rose by the Army and Navy, which occurred on the morning of April 20, opens to ns com- pletely the Atchafalaya to the Red River. Several days since I ad- dressed to the admiral an inquiry whether he could navigate the Red River to Alexandria and to yourself a request to communicate the time when your co-operative force could reach Red River. Our communica- tion with the admiral is open only on Thursdays, when he comes down to Port Hudson. It will be communicated to him, as I am informed Page 304 304 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XxVIt by dispatches from General Augur to-day. It must be some time before it reaches you. I was disappoiuted in learning from the perusal of your dispatches that at their date it was undetermined whether you can send a force to the Red River or not, on account of the deficiency of your transporta- tion. It is a grief on my part th~tt I cannot aid you in this respect. Our transportation is lamentably deficient. I had but one steamer with which to pass two divisions of my corps over Berwick Bay in this campaign. The route is open, but I can reach Red River only by forced marches. It is six days march to Alexandria, and four or five to Simmesport, at the mouth of the Atchafalaya, but until we can hear from you I shall make Wa~hington, on the Courtableau, my base of operations. We can co-operate with you in any manner you suggest, by a junc. tion on the Red River or by an attack from Batou Rouge, joining your forces on the Bayou Sara in the rear of Port Hudson. My belief is that this is the best method, as the passage of the Mississippi from the Red River is very difficult with our short transportation and will re- quire a landing, and places us between the armies of Yicksburg and Port Hudson; but we shall not hesitate. I wait anxiously to hear from you npon these points, viz: First. When can you be at the mouth of the Black or Red River? Second. In what manner shall my forces co-operate with you~i Third. Can you furnish transportation for your passage to Port Hud- son or do you rely upon us? Fourth. Can you supply your troops or will you rely upon us? Fifth. Is it not practicable for your force to join us by the Atchafa- laya~ It is doubtful if we can supply your forces from New Orleans in operating above Port Hudson, on account of our deficient transporta- tion. My belief is that the best junction is by the Atchafalaya. We can reach Baton Rouge by the Grand River and the Plaquemine with- out transshipment, and, our forces united, make the reduction of Port Hudson certain. My own command is insufficient. Waiting anxiously your response and with full confidence in your judgment and earnest co-operation, I am, very truly, yours, N. P. BANKS Major- General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 5.] JIEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Qpelousas, La., April 23, 1863. Major-General GRANT, Commanding Forces before Vicksburg: GENERAL: Further reflection upon my letter of this date and addi- tional information as to the condition of the country on this line leads me to urge more strongly the point of junction indicated at its close, viz, by the Atchafalaya, Grand River, and Plaquemine Bayou to Baton Rouge. We are now 180 miles from New Orleans. It is with great difficulty that we obtain supplies now. Corn and beef are our chief support. To extend this line a hundred miles farther, as it will be on the Red River, increases the difficulty, and to push it farther still, to the opposite side of the Mississippi at Bayou Sara, will render supplies very insecure, if not impossible. I commend this subject to your earnest consideration Page 305 CHAP. XXVII.] OPERATIONS IN WEST LOUISIANA. 305 By the Atchafalaya all difficulties of this kind are obviated. Sup- plies of ammunition and provisions are secured; a perfect field of opera- tions is in our possession, and the united forces make the result we wish certain. There are insuperable difficulties to encounter on the other line from the extent of the operations and the deficiencies of transportation. They cannot be too carefully weighed nor too much consideration given to the advantages presented by the more southerly route. Let me say that all my ideas on the subject have been changed by my experience in this campaign. Inclosed I send a map indicating the route proposed for co-operation, and also our line of march in this campaign.* I have the honor, general, to subscribe myself, faithfully, your friend, N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Commanding. No. 12.] HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE GULF, 19TH ARMY CORPS, Qpelousas, La., May 2, 1863. GENERAL: I returned to this place last night from a brief visit to New Orleans upon important matters connected with our future opera- tions. I have the honor to make the following report of the operations that have taken place since the 25th ultimo: Colonel Paine, with his brigade and one section of artillery, was sent out on the Plaquemine Brul6 road, southwest from Opelousas, April 26, to disperse a considerable force of cavalry reported in that direc~ tion and intending to attack our train. The enemy was found to have left, and is reported to have crossed the Mermenton IRiver en route for Texas. April 27 a report was received from Colonel [S. G.j Jerrard, command- ing at New Iberia, of a disturbance at Saint Martinville, caused by a few white men and a party of negroes, butwhich was promptly quelled. April 28 General Dwight, with his brigade and two sections of artil- lery, was ordered to fall back to Washington from his position, about 25 miles in advance of that place, on the Bayou Thinuff road, where his rear was much exposed to the attacks of the numerous cavalry of the enemy. General Dwight made several partial movements with success, greatly alarming and puzzling the enemy. April29 information was received relative to Simmesport, on the Atch- afalaya. The enemy have left that place for Alexandria. Road from here to Simmesport reported good. A reconnaissance was made by Lieutenant-Colonel Corliss, of the Rhode Island Cavalry, accompanied by Lieutenant-Colonel [W. S.] Abert, which was pushed out on the road through Chicotville to the Bayou Cocodrie, a distance upward of 50 miles. The enemy had no force on that road except a small picket, the whole of which was captured. The enemy has a considerable force of cavalry on the Bayou Bceuff road, but he has no force to offer any strong resistance to our advance to Alexandria. The collection of cotton has been very successful, about 3,500 bales having already been collected. Two more pieces of artillery have been raised from the wreck of a rebel boat near Leonville, making twenty-two guns in all captured from the enemy. About six hundred sabers were also recovered. One soldier has been shot to deadi for plundering and pillaging, and some others are being trie(l for the same oftelise, who will doubtless Not found. 20 R RYOL X Page 306 306 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. hare to suffer the same penalty. The temptatioiis to plunder and pil- lage have been so strong, and the disregard of reiterated orders forbid- ding it such, that severe measures were indispensable. I am, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major. General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK General-in-Chief, Hdqrs. ~f the Army, Washington, D. 0. No. 16.] HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE GULF, 19TH ARMY CORPS, Opelousas, La., May 4, 1863. GENERAL: On April 20 Butte-a-la-Rose was captured by the gun- boats attached to the fleet in this department, orders having been sent from these headquarters to make an attack. From that date, by some unaccountable and unexplained delay, not the slightest effort was made to open the Atchafalaya o,r to penetrate the Courtableau to the head- quarters of my corps at Opelousas. The first boat that opened the Courtablean to Washington was the Cornie, a little transport steamer that we had captured from the enemy on that bayou. But for this de- lay communication would early have been opened with the admiral, and my command would have continued its march. On the 2d instant communication was opened with Admiral Farragut at the mouth of Red River, by aid of the gunboat Arizona, Captain Upton commanding, accompanied by Captain Dunham, of my staff. Copies of my communications to the admiral are inclosed. I solicited his co-operation in the movement against Alexandria, the possession of Red River being necessary for the security of our supplies. He had been waiting anxiously for two or more boats that had passed the bat- teries at Yicksburg, but up to this date they had not joined him. He feared that he would not receive assistance from that quarter. It ap- pears that they were engaged in the cannonade upon the batteries at G.rand Gulf. He said if he could be supported by the gunboats on our line he would undertake to move against Alexandria in co-operation with the Army. We have made every possible exertion; have been upon the Atchafalaya myself one or two days, to hurry forward the boats. Three of them have joined the adnilral. Two others will join him at the close of the week, giving him a force sufficient for his pur- pose, we believe. But I still have hopes that some of Admiral Porters boats will join him in the expedition. He anticipates, as you will see by copies of the dispatches inclosed, that Kirby Smith, with a force of 15,000 men, will go down the Black River in transports. He will send his boats to the mouth of Red River to intercept them should they reach him in time. It is quite possible, however, for Smith to leave the Washita at Monroe and march to Shreve- port or Copenhagen or Harrisonburg on the same stream, and march to Alexandria, avoiding thus the mouth of Black River. Could we be joined by the force from General Grant of 20,000, which he could well spare if he had transportation for them, and the boats we have had all passed the batteries at Yicksburg, we could permanently hold and con- trol the entire territory west of the Mississippi; the ultimate and not distant evacuation of Port Hudson and Vicksburg would be certain, and the capture of the whole or a part of the force of each fortress be most probable. I still hope we may adopt the policy of concentrating our forces Page 307 CHAP. XXVII.] OPERATIONS IN WEST LOUISIANA. 307 A dispatch received this morning from Baton iRoug.e announces the fact that two regiments of Illinois cavalry (the Sixth and Seventh), 900 strong, with a battery of artillery, under command of Colonels Grier- son and Prince, left La Grange, near Memphis, Tenn., and arrived on the 2d instant at Baton Rouge, after a march of seventeen days, with the loss of only 4 men, destroying large quantities of provisions, burn- ing many bridges, cars, and engines on the Jackson road, and captur- ing and paroling 1,600 prisoners. If the colonel would join us at Alex- andria we could capture the Legislature that commences its session this month at Shreveport or cori~pel their adjournment to Texas. I shall invite him to do so, assuring him in that event he may return, by the way of Black River, throagh Arkansas, Illinois, and Kentucky, to Ten- nessee. My command moves this morning in the direction of Alexandria, Gen- eral Dwights brigade, of Grovers division, being in the advance. The other divisions will move forward to-morrow. The proposed movement is to ascertain definitely the strength and purpose of the enemy at Alexandria, and to occupy that place or not, as events shall justify. I will report to you regularly our progress and results. Brigadier-Gen- eral Emory leaves his division this day, on account of severe illness, and goes to New Orleans for twenty days. His division is placed tem- porarily under the command of Brigadier-General Weitzel, whose bri- gade in the mean time has been ordered to report to General Dwight, in the advance. I have the honor to be, with much respect, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Gommanding. Major-General HALLECK, Oommander-in-Ghief of the Army of the United States. (Inclosure No. 1.] FLAG. SHIP HARTFORD, Off Red River, May 1, 1863. Major-General BANKS: DEA1~ GENERAL: Two hours before the arrival of the Arizona I sent the Switzerland up to Grand Gulf to communicate with General Grant ~and Admiral Porter. They are very busy at work on Yicksburg. He has sent 1,500 cavalry to break up the railroad leading to Jackson. I heard of the gunboats at Grand Galf~ and so sent to beg for two iron- dads to co-operate with you, and hope to have them, but if my gunboats come up I will be with you at Alexandria. They have deserted Fort De Russy and taken the guns to Alexandria, and say they will make their stand there. The gnus are all removed from Fort De Russy. We saw a man who saw the guns on the boat taking them up; but there is a general stampede, and we ought to press on. I will send the gun- boats to the mouth of Black River, where Kirby Smith is said to be gone up to Arkansas for re-enforcements, and we can capture them if we get there in time. You say truly, general, that everything is de- pendent upon time; that is, celerity of movement will keep up the panic, although I believe that General Grant is about to attack the city of Vicksburg. Still I hope to get one or two iron-dads. Alexandria i~ their great machine-shop; break them up and hey are more injured than in any other way. If they have time the Webb and other steamers ~}ll get above the falls. I was going down to communicate with Alde Page 308 308 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVIL to-morrow, but will wait for the gunboats to know that they are going up to Black River. Wishing you every success, I remain, very truly, yours, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. [Sub-inclosure.] UNITED STATES FLAG-SHIP HARTFORD, Off Red River, May 1, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Dept. of the [Pmnessee: DEAR GENERAL: I herewith inclose to you a communication brought from General Banks by my secretary, who went down past Port Hudson in a skiff, carrying my dispatches to General Banks and the fleet below. Its soiled condition is owing to the secretarys being compelled to carry it in his month when pursued by the enemys pickets on his return to this ship across the peninsula. General Banks has defeated General Taylor at Pattersonville, on the Teche, capturing 2,000 prisoners. Our gunboats captured the Queen of the West, Diana, and one other. The Queen was burned, but we got her guns. The enemy was fleeing before General Banks, who when last heard from was at Holmesville, within 30 miles of Alexandria. Kirby Smith has gone up to Arkansas for re-enforcements for Taylor, and if I had one or two of Admiral Porters vessels to send up to the mouth of Black River I could capture Kirby Smiths whole fleet. By remaining here I prevent them from sending re-enforcements from Port Hudson to Alexandria. General Banks, learning that the gunboats had passed Vicksburg, had calculated on my being able to meet him at Alexandria, and so I will if the boats come down to me. I have written a most imploring appeal to the admiral for them; otherwise, my time and fuel being nearly ex- pended, I shall soon have to abandon my post and return to New Orleans. The enemy have sent every man that they can spare to Johnston, in anticipation of the coming battle between him and Rosecrans. If I had obtained the two iron-dads I asked for I would have been, I think, this day with General Banks in Alexandria. How it will be now I can- not tell. The enemy has removed the guns of the indianola from Fort De Russy, Red River (where the Queen of the West was captured from us), to Alexandria to defend that city. There are no guns between this and Alexandria, but this ship draws too much water, and the two small boats would be captured by the enemys fleet of gunboats and trans. ports by boarding. I can get no news of General Banks since Mouday last. We learn through rebel sources that your cavalry has made a raid on the Jack- son Railroad. I sincerely hope it is true. Very truly and respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. [Inclosure Ne. 2.] HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE GULF, 19TH ARMY CORPS, Opelousas, La., May 3, 186312 noon. Admiral FARRAGUT: DEAR SIR: Your disp~t4~h, with copy of that to General Grant, wa Page 309 eHAP. ~XVII.1 OPERATIONS IN WEST LOUISIANA. 309 received yesterday at 5 p. ni. Captain Dunham left at 1 oclock to urge corward the Reliance and Sachem. Commodore Morris promised me these boats should be dispatched immediately to Berwick Bay on April 28. They must be there. If so, they will join you to-morrow; if not, Captain Dunham will find them and push them forward. Commodore Morris promised me to send you a coal transport at once. It is of vital importance that we occupy the Red River exclusively to Alexandria. Your boats and those at Grand Gulf will accomplish it beyond possi- bility of failure. I pray God they will send them to you. I cannot hold this country alone. Appeal to the boats at Grand Gulf again to assist us. If we hold the country west of the Mississippi, as we now can, Vicksburg ~nd Port Hudson must fall. We want b~it the corps that General Grant promised to co-operate with us to do this effect- imally. Butte-~-]a-Rose was captured on April 20. Communication with you was not opened till May 2. There has been criminal delay in this. I spent twenty-four hours on the Atchafalaya myself to eft~ct it at last. I shall move a portion of my corps to Alexandria to-morrow (Monday) to ascertain the force and prospects of the enemy, following up with my whole force, ready to co-operate with you if you ascend the Red River, keeping in communication with you by the Atchafalaya and Opelousas. Send me report of what you can or hope to do by the Cornie, that takes this dispatch. It is not necessary for Kirby Smith to come down to the mouth of the Black River. He can cross from the Washita by a road from Monroe, another at Copenhagen, another at Harrisonburg. Very truly, yours, N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 3.1 HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE GULF, 19TH AR1~LEY CoRPS, Qpelousas, La., May 3, 186312 noon. Major-General GI~ANT: DEAR SIR: If you can forward by the Black River the corps men- tioned in your dispatches we can expel the enemy from Louisiana; and holding between us the country west of the Mississippiyou by the Tensas and Black and I by the AtchafalayaVicksburg and Port Hudson must fall. Both depend upon the country west. Can you not forward these troops now I It is of the most vital importance that we should be strong here now, -wheu the enemy is panic-stricken. Ii send information received here of the movements of Kirby Smith. Can you inform me of the forces in Arkansas I I shall move0 in the directiou of Alexandria to-morrow morning, to ascertain the enemy~5 force and intentions in that quarter. This will determine my immedi- ate movements. Very truly, yours, N. P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding. No. 17.] HDQRs. DEPT. OF THE GULF, 19TH ARMY CORPS, Opelousas, La., May 4, 1863. GENERAL: In the progress of this army I have deemed it expedient, in order to prevent the reorganization of the rebel army and to depriv Page 310 310 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. (C~. X~VI~ the rebel Government of all possible means of support, to take posses- sion of mules, horses, cattle, and the staple products of the country cotton, sugar, and tobacco. I have given the people to understand that those who are well-disposed and entitled to the favor of the Gov- ernment will receive compensation for this property according to its value in this country at the time of our arrival, with its restricted mar- kets and liability to destruction by guerrillas or confiscation by the Confederate Government. In round numbers, I may say that 20,000 beeves, mules, and horses have been forwarded to Brashear City, with 5,000 bales of cotton and many hogsheads of sugar. Some protests have been received from those assuming to be French or English subjects against the possession of this property by the Gov- ernment of the United States but I have regarded it as a war measure, and placed the protests upon file without other response than that I have stated above, verbally given to all these parties. In the progress of the army I believe it will be expedient to adopt a different principle; and should we reach Alexandria under circum- stances that will justify our holding that point for any length of time, I propose to announce to the people that the Government of the United States will levy a contribution of 50 per cent. upon all the staple prod- ucts of the countrycotton, sugar, and tobacco; and that, subject to this contribution, they will be permitted, without discrimination of per- sons, to transport their products to the market of New Orleans, where they may be sold under the supervision of the United States, they re- ceiving, in the Federal currency, their proportion of the proceeds of sale. I believe that this policy would loosen from 50,000 to 150,000 bales of cotton, had we force enough to hold this country for any length of time. The revenue received by the Government of the United States would be enormous, the advantage to the people immediate and im- portant, enabling them to protect themselves from starvation, which will inevitably be upon them within the coming year, and at the same time relieve the domestic and foreign manufactories in a great degree of the cotton starvation under which they suffer. I am aware that at first thought this may seem to be in conflict with the act of confiscation; but upon full consideration 1 am satisfied that it does not interfere with the policy of the Government. In the first place, it is applicable only to perishable property. None of that property can be appropri- ated to the Government without the consent of the parties in interest, as it is possible for them in every instance to destroy it if they will. A large portion of it is hidden. Its discovery and transportation re- quire much valuable time, which the army can illy afford. To prevent its destruction, and to avoid the difficulties entailed by appropriating our transportation to this purpose, it will be necessary to give to the people possessing it some interest in its preservation and sale; and this, I am confident, will secure b6th objects. A hundred thousand bales would yield to the Government a revenue of ten or twelve million dollars at present prices. If it will yield to the people a larger interest than they can obtain from the Confederate Government and circulate throughout the State the Federal currency and make them dependent upon our markets for the necessaries of life, it will go far toward reconciling all parties, even the most hostile, to the restoration of the Government. It is problematical, of course, whether such a policy can be initiated, and, if initiated, whether it will be successful. If opportunity offers I shall try the experiment, and ask the instructions of the Government, if it be thought to be inconsist- ent with its policy Page 311 ~& r XXVII.] OPERATIONS IN WEST LOUISIANA. ~1i I desire to say that thus far in the progress of the army every dol- lars worth of property, except that which has been taken by individual robbers in money and jewelry, who have been punished summarily therefor, has been scrupulously appropriated to the use of the Govern- ment. Not a speculator nor a plunderer follows the trail of the army and none will be permitted in this campaign. I have the gratification of representing in the most unqualified mail- ner the general desire of the people for the restoration of the Union. Many thousands would gladly at once renew their obligations to its sup- ])ort did I encourage it. Four hundred of our prisoners of war have voluntarily taken the oath of allegiance, and there are manifestation8 of various kinds which show that the spirit of the rebellion and the supremacy of the Confederacy has passed from the minds of this people. There is an excellent opportunity, by a wise and conciliatory policy, to realize, in this quarter at least, the most sanguine expectations of the President. On the march to this point I ordered the arrest of ex-Governor Mou- ton, who occupied the gubernatorial chair in 1845 and subsequently. is a man of large influence and intelligence, and has wielded with an iron hand his power over the masses of the people in this part of the country. He was president of the Convention that declared Louis- iana to have separated from the Union. His influence is still impor- tant, and at a time when the sentiment of the people was in transition from acquiescence in the Confederate Government to a recognition and renewal of their obligations to the Union it seemed important that such a man should at least be quiet. I have therefore ordered him to New Orleans in the custody of the provost-marshal-general, with instruc- tions to that officer to provide him comfortable quarters, but not allow general intercourse with the people of the city, where he will remain until further orders from the Government of the United ~5tates. ThiM is the only arrest made, except for crime. T~e inclosed dispatch to the Secretary of State 1 beg may be tran8- mitted to his Department.* I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Commanding. Major-General HALLECK, (ommander-in- Chief of the Army of the United States. No. 18.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Ojpelousas, La., May 5, 186.3. SIR: I have the honor to report that First Lient. C. S. Sargent, act- ing aide-dc-camp of my staff, whom I sent up on the Cornie, on the afternoon of the 3d instant, to communicate with Admiral Farragut, returned early this morning, bringing dispatches from Admiral Porter, and the gratifying intelligence that he had captured Grand Gulf; had then joined Admiral Farragut with four iron-dads, and was then about to start with his iron-dads and ours to Alexandria. Grant was on the Mississippi side, above Grand Gulf, with 36,000 men; had had a suc- cessful engagement with the enemy, and was expecting to be re-enforced by Sherman (W. T.) to 50,000. Admiral Porter brought with him to the Red River the iron-clad8 Ben ton, Pittsburg, Price, and La Fayette. Admiral Farragut haM * See of same date, and Chase to Stanton, May 28, 1863, in Series III Page 312 312 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVIt already the flag-ship Hartford, the gunboat Albatross, and the ram Switzerland. Two of our gunboatsthe Estrella and Arizona, which I sent np the Atchafalayaare also with the admiral. Our advance marched on Alexandria yesterday morning and the main body moved this morning. I had previously given orders to break up onr depots on the Teche and (Jourtablean, expecting to have onr communications by the Atchafalaya and Red River. I anticipate but little serious resistance to our advance. Our naval force is suffi- cient to destroy that of the enemy, who, inferior in numbers and broken down in morale, will not, I think, attempt to make.a stand against us. If he does we shall beat him. Providence once more smiles upon our arms. .1 have the painful duty of reporting the murder of Capt. Howard Dwight, assistant adjutant-general, serving at these headquarters, by a party of guerrillas yesterday afternoon, while riding to the front to join the advance. I have ordered Brigadier- General Dwight, com- inanding the advance, to arrest 100 of the white male persons in the vicinity of the scene of the murder and to send them to New Orleans, there to be kept in close confinement as hostages for the delivery of the assassins into the hands of the military authorities of the United States. The people of the neighborhood who harbor and feed these lawless men are even more directly responsible for the crimes which they commit, and it is by punishing them that this detestable practice will be stopped. Retaliation by executing great numbers of our pris- o~iers does not meet the case, for, aside from graver objections, these are, in our case, men tired of war and anxious, at the first opportunity, to lay down their arms, and in many cases even by taking the oath of allegiance, to escape from further service. To retaliate upon them would be a greater injury to us than to the enemy, who, indeed, is in the habit of holding out the prospect of maltreatment by us as an in- ducement to his men not to desert. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, K. P. BANKS, Maj. Gen. H. ~. HALLECK, Major-General, Commanding. General-in- Chief, Washington, li. C. [Tholosure.] FLAG-SHIP BENTON, May 4, 1863. Maj. Gen. N. P. BANKS, ~Jomdg. Nineteenth Corps., Dept. of the Gulf: GENERAL: I shall start from here in an hour for Alexandria, and will co-operate with you with a large force 6f gunboats. I have just left Grand Gulf. The batteries there (very heavy ones) fell into our hands after a hard fight with the gunboats of five and a half hours. General Grant was on the Mississippi side with 36,000 men and much artillery. He was driving the rebels before him when I left; had sent in 400 prisoners and captured six guns. He had a fight, in which the rebels lost many killed and wounded. Sherman will pass over into Mississippi in a day or two an effective force is or will be 50,000 men. The taking of d our Yicksburg is a mere matter of time. They will likely evacuate it. I remain, respectfully, DAVID D. PORTER, Acting Rear-Admiral Page 313 CHAP. YXV1I.3 OPERATIONS IN WflST LOUISIANA. 313 HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE GULF, 19TH ARMY CORPS, Alexandria, La., May 8, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that our advance, consist- Pig of Dwights and Weitzels brigades, preceded by caValry, arrived at this place yesterday afternoon and evening, two days before I had prom- ised Admiral Farragut to be here. Dwights brigade marched from Washington on the 4th instant, making the march of about 84 miles in four days. Weitzels brigade marched from Opelousas at 5 p. m. on the same day, thus making the entire march of 90 miles in three days and two hours. Emorys division marched from O~elousas ou the 5th instant, and was last night at the railway station 22 miles from here. Grovers division marched from Barres Landing, about 11 miles from Washington and 95 miles from Alexandria. at 1 oclock on the after. noon of the 5th, and encamped on the evening of the 6th 35 miles from Barres Landing. I left Opelousas at 6 oclock on the morning of the 6th, made my headquarters with Grovers division that night, and arrived here at 7 oclock last evening, just before the infantry entered the town. Iu celerity and unity of moveineut the march left nothing to be de- sired. Moving after the column and passing it, I had ample opportunity, personally and through my staff officers to observe the rear of each (livision, and am happy to say that there was not the least appearance of straggling or disorder in any portion of the command. Admiral Porter arrived off the town yesterday morning with his four iron-dads, the ram Switzerland, and our gunboatsthe Estrella and Arizona. No opposition was made to our movement. Before leaving Opelousas I communicated with Major-General Grant, who is now concentrating his forces at Grand Gulf and informed him, in answer to his inquiries, that I would meet him at Bayou Sara probably on the 25th instant, but certainly by the 1st proximo. The enemy has withdrawn his broken forces to Shreveport. I should be glad to follow him to that point and complete his entire destruction; but, tempting as this movement is,it would occupy too much time, which can be more advantageously used in another enterprise nearer at hand and more decisive in its results. The destruction of his trans- ports and his only remaining gunboatsthe Webb, Mary T., and Grand Dukecan be accomplished hereafter. They are now so hemmed in that they cannot escape us. The Red River is now falling, and will be soon so low that they cannot descend it. Admiral Porter says the Webb is much injured in consequence of her fight with the Indianola, and that the Grand Duke and Mary T. are cotton-dads. Very respectfully, general, your most obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief, Washington, D. C. No. 20.] IIDQRS. DEPT. OF THE GULF, 19TH ARMY CORPS, Alexandria, La., May 11, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to annex, for your information, the copy of a cipher message which I received on the morning of the 5th instant from Major-General Grant, but which, not having th& key, I was corn Page 314 314 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEl. [ca& r. IXYIL pelled to send to the superintendent of telegraphs at New Theria for translation. I did not ascertain the purport of it until late that night: [APRIL 14.] To Maj. Gen. N. P. B~xKs: Am concentrating my forces at Grand Gulf. Will send an army corps to Bayou Sara by the 25th to co-operate with you on Port Hudson. Can you aid me and send troops after the reduction of Port Hudson to assist me at Vicksburg? U. S. GRANT, Major- General. This was without date. I replied early on the following morning (May 6), having no means of putting my dispatch in cipher, as follows: By the 25th, probably; by the 1st, certainly, I will be there. This dispatch I forwarded by steamer to Admiral Farragut, who immediately sent it to General Grant. I inferred from this dispatch of General Grants that he would postpone his attack upon Vicksburg until after the fall of Port Hudson, but Admirals Farragut and Porter are both decided in the opinion that he is already moving upon Vicks- burg; but upon re-examination of the generals dispatch I do not think. this possible. If it is the case, the co-operation which I had counted upon may fail. However that may be, I shall move from this point upon Port Hudson as soon as our transportation and supplies, which must be already on the way, reach us Through the Atchafalaya. The choice is between following the enemy to Shreveport and operat- ing upon Port Hudson. I regard the latter as offering in all respects the most decided advantage, and as within the line of my instructions. I have~ the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Maj. Gen. H. ~. HALLECK, Major-General, Commanding. General-in-Chief U. AS. Army. No. 21.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, May 12, 1863. GENERAl1: First Lieutenant Crosby, of my staff, whom I have sent to communicate with the Hartford and General Grant, returned this morning with one of General Grants aides, whom he met near Natchez, bearing the dispatch of which I inclose a copy. I also inclose a copy of a dispatch, received at the same time f Navy, commanding the Hartford. , rom Captain Palmer, of the From this dispatch of General Grant it is plain that he has abandoned all idea of co-operating with me upon Port Hudson until after the fall of Vicksburg. In the cipher dispatch received from him at Opelousas, a copy of which you will find in No. 20, he said: Will send an army corps to Bayou Sara by the 25th toco-operate with you on Port Hudson. I replied: By the 25th, probably; by the 1st, certainly, I will be theiw. In his dispatch of the 10th instant the general says: It was my intention, on gaining a foothold at Graud Gulf, to have sent a sufficient force to Port Hudson to have insured the fall of that place with your co-operation, o Page 315 CHAF. XXVII.) O1~ERA1llONS IN WEST LOUISIANA. 315 rather to have co-operated with you to secure that end. Meeting the enemy, how- ever, as I did, south of Port Gibson, I followcd him to the Big Black, and could not afford to retrace my steps. * * * Many days cannot elapse before the battle will begin which is to decide the fate of Vicksburg, but it is impossible to predict how long it may last. I would urgently request therefore that you j& n me or send all the force you can spare to co-operate in the great struggle for opening the Mississippi River. It would be utterly impossible for me to join General Grant before Vicksburg. I have not the transportation to do so, and if I had, to take my men to him would involve, besides the abandonment of our trains and all of the negroes, horses, mules, cotton, and supplies that we have collected in this country, the probable loss of New Orleans in any event, and its certain fall in case of 7lisaster to us above. I cannot leave Port Hudson and Mobile in my rear. Had General Gr~nt afded me to take Port Hudson, our forces united could have compelled the fall of Vicksburg sooner than I think he will be able to do it alone, and an operation which is now uncertaiu would have been rendered certain. As Grants troops are not to be at Bayou Sara I cannot get transpor- tation enough to cross my trains at that point. After reaching the Mississippi opposite Bayou Sara with a force which, reduced by the immense and incessant marches we have made and would have still to make, would then be inferior to that of the enemy, my only chance would be to cross the river with five days rations, and endeavor to establish communications with Baton Rouge. We should have to place everything upon remote contingencies, which failing would destroy us. I am reluctantly forced to the conclusion that there is now only one thing left usto retrace our steps to Baton Rouge over the 400 miles that we have come and to operate upon Port Hudson unaided. I shall d6 that at once. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major - General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- 0h~ef, Washington, D. 0. [Inclosure Ko. 1.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF T~E TENNESSEE, 1?oeky AS~prings, Miss., May 10, 1863. Maj. Gen. N. P. BANKS, Commanding Department of the Gulf: GENERAL: My advance will occupy to-day Utica, Auburn, and a point equally advanced toward the Mississippi Southern Railroad be. tween the latter place and the Big Black. It was my intention, on gaining a foothold at Grand Gulf, to have sent a sufficient force to Port Hudson to have insured the fall of that place with your co-operation or rather to have co-operated with you to secure that end. Meeting the enemy, however, as I did, south of Port Gibson, I fol- lowed him to the Big Black, and could not afford to retrace my steps. I also learned, and believe the information to be reliable, that Port Hudson is almost entirely evacuated. This may not be true, but it is the concurrent testimony of deserters and contrabands. Many days cannot elapse before the battle will begin which is to decide the fate of Vicksburg, but it is impossible to predict how long it may last. I would urgently request therefore that you join me o Page 316 316 W. PLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. (CHAP. XXVII. send all the force you can spare to co-oper~te in the great struggle for opening the Mississippi River. My means of gaining information from Port Hudson are not good, but I shall hope, even before this reaches Baton Rouge, to hear of your forces being on the way here. Griersons cavalry would be of immense service to me now, and if at all practicable for him to join me I would like to have him do it at once. For fear of this accidentally falling into the hands of the enemy I will not communicate to you my force. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Major- General. [inclosure No. 2.1 4 UNITED STATES STEAlVIER HARTFORD, Off Red River, May 11, 1863. Maj. Gen. N. P. BANKS, Commanding Department of the Gulf: M~ DEAR GENERAL: The admiral, as you are aware, has left me in command here and gone down to New Orleans. I have also four gun- boats with me; two of them, the Arizona and Switzerland, are up the river, and the Albatross and Estrella are with me. Your aide, Lieu- tenant Crosby, will tell you of our affairs here. It is very certain that there are not over 10.000 men at Port Hudson, and from many sources we hear that they are about to evacuate; that they have already, we hear, sent away two of their heaviest guns and are very much strait- cued in provisions. A demonstration upon them would, I think, insure their evacuation. It seems now that General Grant can send you no re-enforcements. If you intend coming down, and I can be of any assistance, I will cheer- fully remain to assist in the attack npon Port Hudson; but if this be not your intention for the present, I shall within the coming fort- night run the blockade some favorable night and join the fleet below, as the admiral is very anxious for inc to come down. I send you seven refugees, who are very anxious to join your army. They are very violent Union men, and may be of some service to you as pioneers. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. S. PALMER, Commodore. HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE GULF, 19TH ARMY CORPS Alexandria, La., ]Jfay 112, 1863. GENERAL: A dispatch received this morning from Major-General Grant, dated at Auburn, May 10, requests me to join him at Vicksburg. I regret to say it is out of my power to do so. I have neither land nor water transportation which will enable me to move my command up the river, or on the other side of the river, in time or in force to be of service to him. This movement, if it were practicable, would leave all my trains and stares to the enemy~s cavalry, the entire fruits of this campaign, and uncover New Orleans to the enemy in case of disaster. But I would hazard all risks if it were within human power to acco Page 317 CHAP. XXVII.] OPERATIONS IN WEST LOUISIANA. ~31 7 push the junction of forces~at that point, for I am perishing to see a con- centration of our armies against the strong places of the enemy. I inclose a copy of my answer to General Grant npon this subject. I have also the honor to inclose a copy of a letter addressed to the Sec- retary of State,* which it was my intention should pass through your office, but which possibly may have been sent direct by mail to its address. I believe the enemy to be concentrating a force from Arkansas of some 6,000 or 7,000 men and a small column from Texas at Shreveport to strengthen General Taylor. The troops from Arkansas will move from the Arkansas River, by the way of Monroe, to Shreveport, possibly to follow the Red River down to Grand Ecore, 4 miles above Katchi- toches, where they propose to fortify. My advance is nearly 60 miles above Alexandria at this time. The truth of this report we shall very soon know. It is not practicable for me to follow the retreating enemy to Shreveport. I do not know that anything is left me but to direct my forces against Port Hudson with what success I may have. 1 hope to be able to communicate my move- ments by the next steamer. Captain Palmer, commanding the ship Hartford, has notified me that the admiral directs him to remove his fleet below Port Hudson, which would add to the difficulty of any effort I might make to join General Grant at Vicksburg. I have urged the admiral to countermand this order for the present, and hope it may be done. I have the honor to remain, with sincere respect, your obedient serv. ant, N. P. BANKS, Afajor- General, Commanding. Major.General HALLEOX, Commander-in-Chief U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. [Inclosure.] HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE GULF, 19TH ARMY CORPS Alexandria, La., May 12, 18638 a. m. Major-General GRANT, Commanding Forces before Vicksburg: GENERAL: Your dispatch of the 10th instant I received by the hand of Captain [H. A.] Ulffers this morning at 6.30. I regret to say that it is impossible for me to join you at Yicksburg in time or with force to be of service to you in any immediate attack. I have neither water nor land transportation to make the movement by the river or by land. The utmost I can accomplish is to cross for the purpose of operating with you against Port Hudson. I could cross my infantry and artillery without transportation, receiving supplies from Baton Rouge, in the rear of Port Hudson. That is the utmost I can accomplish on the other side of tl~ Mississippi above Port Hudson. Were it within the range of human power I should join you, for I am dying with a kind of vanishing hope to see two armies acting together against the strong places of the enemy. But I must say, without qualifications, that the means at my disposal do not leave me a shadow of a chance to accom- plish it. I have been making preparations to join your corps at Bayou Sara, and though this would have laid all my trains and supplies open to the enemys cavalry I should have risked it. * Probably that of May 4 Page 318 318 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MiSS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVIL We believe that a force of about 7,000 of the enemy has left Arkansas River to join Kirby Smith at Shreveport, leaving the Washita at Pine Bluff, near Monroe; then to come down the Red River to Grand Ecore, above Katchitoches, where they are fortifying in strong position. There is undoubtedly a Texan column on the road to join them. My advance is now 60 miles above Alexandria. The only course for me, failing in co-operation with you, is to regain the Mississippi and attack Port Hudson or to move against the enemy at Shreveport. Port Hudson is reduced in force, but not as you are informed. It has r~w 10,000 men and is very strongly fortified. This is the report of Admiral Far- ragut. whose fleet is above and below the works. I regret very much my inability to join you. I have written Colonel Grierson that you desire him to join you, and have added my own request to yours. Captain Ulifers goes to Baton Rouge to communicate with him. Wishing you all possible success, and feeling that you have all the prayers of our people, I have the honor to be, with sincere respect, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS Major- General, Gommafl~djng. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, La., May 13, 1863. Contrary to my dispatches of yesterday, thorough reconnaissances made by Major Houston and Lieutenant Harwood satisfy me that it is possible for my command to loin General Grant at Vicksburg.* I shall make every sacrifice and hazard everything to accomplish this object with the least possible delay, believing that the concentration of our armie~ is the vital point necessary for the success of our cause. My command will move to Simmesport to-day, making that the basis of our operations, and hope to reach Grand Gulf by the aid of such transports as we can command and the naval vessels now in the Mis- sissippi. Brigadier-General Weitzel, in command of the division on the Shreve- port road (nearly 70 miles above Alexandria), reports that the retreat- ing forces of the enemy is reduced to about 1,200 men and that the expectation of an increase of their forces from Arkansas and Texas has no substantial foundation. This relieves our apprehension hitherto entertained from that quarter. I send this by telegraph to reach the mail steamer. We hear ri~ports that the force from General Hunters command is on its way and hope it is true. lt will relieve our fears as to New Orleans. I have the honor to be, with much respect, your obedient servant, K. P. BANKS, Major- Genera?, Commanding. Major-General HALLECK, Wa8hington, D. 0. For General Banks report, covering operations December 16, 1862 July 8, 1863, see Series I, Vol. XXVI.] ~ See also Banks to Farragat and Grant same date in Correspondence, etc., post Page 319 OPERATIONS IN WEST LOUISIANA. 319 Return of Casualties in the Unien forces engaged at Fort Bi8land (Bethel Place or Bayou Teche), La., April 1213, 1863. [Compiled from nominal lists of casualties, returns, & c.] Killed. Wounded. Ommand. 0 4 0 ~ 0 M -1 12th Connecticut Infantry 1st Indiana Heavy Artillery. - - 1st Louisiana Cavalry Maine Light Artillery, 1st Battery Massachusetts Light Artillery, 6th Battery list Massachusetts Infantry 38th Massachusetts Infantry . - 53d Massachusetts Infantry 8th New Hampshire Infantry New York Light Artrnery, 18th Battery 75th New York Infantry 114th New York Infantry 113d New York Infantry 156th New York Infantry 160th New York Infantry 173d New York Infantry 175th New York Infantry 8th Vermont Infantry 4th Wisconsin Infantry 1st U. S. Artillery, Battery A 1st U. S. Artillery, Battery F Total. - - - Officers killedCapt. Samuel Gault, Thirty-eighth Massachusetts; Lieut. George G. Nutting, Fifty- third Massachusetts; Lieut. John T. Freer, One hundred and Fifty-sixth New York. Return of Casualties in the Union forces engaged at irish Bend, La., April 14, 1863. (Compiled from nominal lists of casualties, returns, & c.] Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. -~ Command. a 0 8 8 8 4 US ~ - - a ,~ a ~ a ,, a -- 18 .~ ~8 o ~i ~ 0 ~ 13th Connecticut Infantry 7 4 43 54 25th Connecticut Infantry 2 7 5 72 10 96 22d Maine Infantry .~ 1 1 26th Maine Infantr ii 48 61 91st New York Inf~ntry 2 1 10 13 131st New York Infantry 3 3 159th New York Infantry. 4 - iS 73 20 117 2d U.S.Artillery,BatteryC 1 7 8 Total 6 43 17 257 30 353 Officers killed.Capt. Samuel S. Hayden and Lieiit. Daniel P. Dewey, Twenty-fifth Connecticut; Lient. Col. Gilbert A. Draper, Licuts. Robert D. Lat.hrop, John W. Manley, and Byron 1. Lockwood, One hundred and fifty-ninth New York. CHAP. XXVII.] 12 2 1 1 5 .2 2 2 3 2 2 1 1 5 4 37 2 I I 2 I 1 I 3 1 2 2 1 8 15 12 11 2 17 11 25 22 7 7 7. 8 13 9 5. 224 17 Page 320 320 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. (CHAP. XXVIL No. 2. Report of Brig. Gen. Richard Arnold, U. S. Army, Chief of Artillery Nineteenth Army Corps, of engagement at Fort Bisland. OFFICE CHIEF OF ARTY., IIDQRS. 19TH ARMY CoRPS, Opelousas, La., April 23, 1863. COLONEL: in compliance with Special Orders, No. 100, from Head. quarters of the Department, of the 21st instant, J have the honor to present the following report of the operations of the artillery of this command, which caine directly under my observation, from the time of its departure from Brashear City up to its arrival at this place, but more especially the part it performed in the engagement of the 12th and 13th instant at Fort Bisland and the enemy~s intrenchments: The main column, consisting of General Emorys division, to which Captain Duryeas battery, Company F, First U. S. Artillery, and Brad- burys First Maine, under command of Lieutenant Haley, were attached, and General Weitzels brigade, with Caj~tain Bainbridges company (A), First U. S. Artillery, Carruths Sixth Massachusetts Battery, and a re- serve of heavy artillery, of four 30-pounder and four 20-pounder Par. rotts, and two 12-pounder rifled guns, manned by the Twenty-first In. diana Artillery, under Col. J. W. MeMillan, and the Eighteenth New York ~Battery, of fonr 20-pounder Parrotts Berwick Bay on the 10th instant. , nnder Captain Mack, crossed General Grovers division, to which Captain Clossons company (L), First U. S. Artillery, Nims Second Massachusetts Battery, and Lieu- tenant Rodgers company (C), Second U. S. Artillery, were attached, formed an independent command, and moved by water from Brashear City to Grand Lake and disembarked at In(lian Bend. The inclosed report ofeacli commander will show the part performed by each battery of this command until their arrival at New Iberia, as also the report of the division commander. The main column moved from Berwick City on the 11th instant, and, with the exception of skirmishing with the enemy, nothing of impor- tance occurred until 4 p. in. on the 12th instant, when Captain Bain. bridges battery, in advance, became seriously engaged near the enemy~5 line of intrenchments, and, although exposed to a severe fire from their batteijes, nobly maintained his position until near dark, but not without considerable loss. On the following morning, the 13th instant, the heavy artillery were disposed for the attack as follows: Two 30-pounder Parrotts were posted on our extreme left, having a direct fire on the general line of intrench. ments, an oblique fire on what appeared to me to be the key of their position, and a bearing on the gunboat Diana, just visible in position along the bank of the river, with her guns trained to command the right flank of our approach. The thirdand fourth shots from this battery, at a distance of over 2,000 yards, completely disabled the Diana and forced her to retire up the river out of range, and she was not engaged again during the day. Two 12-pounder rifled guns, under command of Captain Cox, Twenty- first Indiana Artillery, were placed in the left center until late in the afternoon, when they were advanced to the front and attached to Gen- eral Weitzels brigade and performed most excellent service. The Eighteenth New York Battery, under Captain Mack, was first posted in the right center, but subsequently moved to the front and attached to Paines brigade at the request of General Emory. In thi Page 321 CHAP. XXVH.1 OPERATIONS IN WEST LOUISIANA. 321 last position it performed most admirable service, and delivered its fire with astonishing accuracy and effect under a galling, direct, and cross- fire from the enemy, silencing the battery in its front in a very short time. Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon this command in this their first engagement. Two 20-pounder Parrott guns were also placed on the right, and did good service against the enemys heavy gun in front arid a battery on the opposite bank of the bayou. There were also held in reserve, and placel in the most advanta- geous position on the river bank, two 30-pounder and two 20-pounder Parrotts, to watch the movements of the I)iana and to protect the flanks, resting on both banks of the river. For the conduct of the First Maine Battery, on the opposite side of the river, I must refer you to Colonel Gooding~s report and the accom- panying report of the battery commander. At 10 a. m. the fire of the heavy artillery became general throughout the line on the right bank of the river, directed at all parts of the enemys line, and continued, with slight intermission, owing to a cessa- tion on the part of the enemy and the frequent changes of the light batteries, for seven hours with accuracy and effect, as the number of dead horses, dismantled guns, in the rear of the enemys works and the number of wounded with cannon shot in the hospital at Franklin attest. All of the light batteries were attached to the columns of attack and under the direct orders of their respective commanders. To them and the accompanying reports of each captain -would I respectfully refer for the conduct of their commands and the effect of their fire. I cannot close this report without expressing my great acknowledg- ments to First Licut. J. S. Crosby, First U. S. Artillery, my assistant, for his inuiluable services in posting and superintending the heavy batteries on the left and right. To him also must be attributed in great part the creditable conduct of the Eighteenth New York Bat- tery, nuder whose untiring zeal and industry it has in the short period of three months been brought to so high a state of efficiency. Herewith I inclose a list of the casualties in the artillery up to the present time.* Wounded: Officers, 1; privates, 26; total, 27. Killed: Privates, 6. Grand total, 33. Horses. Carriages. Battery. Remarks. Killed. Wounded. Injured. Lost. A, 1st Light Artillery 5 10 2 0th Massachusetts - - - - ~ -crossing river. 1st Maine Upset F,lstArtilery 2 - 1 18th New York 1 1 ListArtillery 2 1 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, RICHARD ARNOLD, Brigadier- General, Chief of & aff Lieut. Col. RICHARD B. IRWLN, Assistant Adjutant- General, Nineteenth Army Corpa. Nominal list omitted. 21 R HVOL X Page 322 322 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. LOHAP. XXVIL No. 3. Report of Capt. William W. Carruth, Sixth ]lfassachusetts Battery, of engagement at Fort Bisland. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY, Camp, near Opelousas, La., April 21, 1863. Sub: I have the honor to report that on Saturday, April 11, this bat. tery, under my command, in the brigade of General Godfrey Weitzel, commenced its march from Berwick City. One section of the battery was in advance with the cavalry during a portion of that day. On Sunday afternoon the battery stationed in the open field engaged the intrenched guns of the enemy and the gunboat Diana. Having been engaged for about one hour, I was ordered to fall back out of range of the enemys guns, and remained for the night. Two horses were killed, and one caisson, afterward repaired, was put hors de combat. Monday I again moved to the front, and after some firing about the center of the line was ordered to the extreme left, and there engaged the guns of the enemy. The firing was quite severe; ours, as near as I could judges quite accurate and effective. We remained in this position till near the close of the day, when, for want of ammunition, I was ordered to the rear. During the night the ammunition-chests were replenished, and early Tuesday morning I moved, in company with Captain Bainbridge, to the head of the column, in pursuit of the retreating enemy. Since then there have been one or more guns daily with the advance guard, enjoying an occasional shot at the rear guard of the enemy. The following are the losses of the battery: Killed, Private John B. Mansfield, April 13; wounded, Privates Frank A. Gushee (slightly), ~ Ferdinand] Buchier (slightly), and Stanley (slightly). Three horses illed. Credit is due to First Lieut. John F. Phelps and Second Lient. Frank Bruce for bravery and gallantry in the discharge of their duties. Orderly Sergeant Wachter was in charge of a section during the actions and march, and behaved with gallantry. The conduct of the non-commissioned officers and men was merito- rious in the extreme. I have the honor to be, with respect, W. W. CAIRRUTH, Captain Sixth Massachusetts Battery. Brig. Gen. RICHARD ARNOLD, Chief of Artillery. No. 4. Report of Capt. Albert G. Mack, Eighteenth New York Battery, of engage ment at Fort Bisland. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH NEW YORK BATTERY, Opelousas, La., April 21, 1863. SIR: In accordance with Spei~ial Orders, No. 100,1 submit to you the following report of my battery during the engagement of April 12 and 13, near Pattersonville: I was ordered, about 11 a. in., April 12, by Brigadier.General Arnold Page 323 Oni~. XXVII.] OPERATIONS IN WEST LOUISIANA. 323 chief of artillery, to take a position on the right of the road, which was - our line of march, and shell a sugar-house and the wood in rear, situ- ated on the banks of the Teche, to protect a pontoon bridge that was being thrown across this bayon at that point. I opened fire. and fired several shots without obtaining any reply from the enemy, but dislodged some guerrillas stationed in a small building, from whence they were annoying the troops at work on the bridge. I was then ordered by Brigadier-General Arnold to come into position at a point about 150 yards nearer the main road and in rear of my former position, which I did, but did not come into action. I was soon after ordered from the field to resume line of march. About 4 p. m. I was ordered by Brigadier-General Arnold to take a position between the bank of the bayou and the main road and about 1,800 yards from the enemys earthworks. As soon as in position I was ordered with one piece to a position about 400 yards farther to the front to engage the Diana, and remained in action until the army retired for the night. I was ordered on the 13th, at about 7.30 a. in., by Brigadier-General Arnold to report to Brigadier-General Paine and occupy a position to be designated by him. I was ordered by him to come into battery, my right piece resting in the road about 250 yards below the house burned by the enemy, opposite the sugar-house, on the right of the road. I was here ordered by General Paine to open fire on the enemy directly in front, and I drew the fire of the enemys battery in front the gun- boat Diana, and of a battery of the enemy on the opposite side of the bayou. I remained in action about two hours, when the enemy ceased firing. I was then ordered to the rear to replenish ammunition, having expended about 400 rounds. Was next ordered by General -Emory to again report to General Paine, and he ordered me to a position just through the grove and about 500 yards in front of my former position and nearer the enemys earthworks. I here opened on the enemy and drew their fire from a battery in front behind the earth works, a bat- tery on the left near the wood, and a battery situated on the opposite side of the bayou to the right. I remained in action about one hour, when I was ordered by General Paine to retire. Was again ordered by General Arnold to send one section back to the same position, which I did, under the con?mand of Sergeant , Company F, Regular Army. They remained in action about fifteen minutes, when they were again ordered to retire by General Paine. W as then ordered to a position for the night on the left of the battle-field and near the wood, about 500 yards in rear of the position occupied by Bainbridges bat- tery during the day. The casualties of the day are as follows: Private Daniel W. Bunnell, slightly wounded in shoulder; Private Edward D. Mann, severely wounded in leg, and a private (name unknown) of the One hundred and fourteenth Regiment New York Volunteers mortally wounded while carrying ammunition for my guns. One horse killed and one wounded. My whole command behaved nobly; not a man left his post during the day. I have 67 rounds of ammunition per piece and my battery is now ready and properly equipped for service. I am, most respectfully, your obedient servant, A. G. MACK, Captain Eighteenth N~w York Battery. Captain DURYEA, Chief of Arty., Maj. Gen. Emorys Div., 19th Army Corps Page 324 324 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVIL No. 5. .Report8 of Brig. Gen. Godfrey Weitzel, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade, Fir8t Divi8ion, of operation8 April 2May 11. HDQRS. 2D BRIG., 1ST Div., DEPT. OF THE GULF, Above Opelousas, La., April 23, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to submit a report of the recent operations of my brigade: I left Bayou Ba~uff on the night of the 2d instant for Brashear City and encamped until the 9th, when I crossed Berwick Bay. There I bivouacked in line of battle until Saturday, the 11th. Immediately after crossing I sent a reconnaissance, under Captain Hubbard, my assistant adjutant-general, consisting of Perkins and Williamsons cavalry and a section of Bainbridges battery. The enemy was discovered with artillery about 4 miles off, with pickets to within about 1 mile of my position. On Saturday, April 11, at 12 in., Lmoved, by order, skirmishing with the enemy all the way, and bivouacked in line of battle above Patter. sonville. On Sunday, the 12th, at about 11 a. in., moved forward against the enemys position, skirmishing all the way. I arrived within range of their guns at about 4 p. m. They opened a little later from their works and the gunboat Diana. I immediately replied with my artillery, Bain- bridges battery on my right in the road and Carruths battery near my left. I directed my infantry to lie down for protection. The enemys fire was quite severe. My artillery replied with fine effect. At about dusk I fell back out of range by order, and bivouacked in two lines on the left of Paines brigade, of Emorys division. On Monday, April 13, again advanced to within rifle range of the enemys works, and engaged him with my artillery and skirmishers in front, and at the same time endeavored to turn his right flank with the Seventy-fifth New York, supported by One hundred and fourtee-uth New York. This attempt failed in consequence of the impassable nature of the wood. I therefore ordered these two regiments to fall back to the edge of the wood in line perpendicular to my front, to prevent any movement on the part of the enemy to turn my left flank. He was, however, splendidly repulsed by the Seventy-fifth and One hundred and fourteenth. My artillery and skirmishers in front did splendid execution, and compelled the enemy not only to expose his whole force of infantry, but also to work his guns with caution. About dusk I was ordered to fall back a slight distance and bivouac for the night. I did this. Next morning at daylight advanced, by order, on the enemy~s works, and found them deserted. Pushed on ahead, and soon came upon the enemys rear guard, which consisted of two or three pieces of artillery and a few cavalry. Passed through Franklin and bivouacked for the night about 1 mile beyond. Marched the next morning at 6 oclock on New Iberi~i, skirmishing wall the way, and bivouacked for the night about 1 mile below Jeane- rette. Marched again the next morning at 6 oclock, skirmishing all the way, and bivouacked about 2 miles above New Iberia. Moved on again the next morning at 6 oclock without any skirmish- ing, passed through Saint Martinville, and bivouacked about 5 miles from Vermillion Bayou Page 325 Ca.& r.~XXVII.] OPERATIONS IN WEST LOUISIANA. p325 Started next morning and marched to within about 1 mile oC VerI?Iill- ion Bridge, and rested for the day. Next morning at 6 oclock moved on Opelousas; passed lb rough Vermillionville, skirmishing nearly all the way, and bivouacked foi the night just beyond Carrion Crow Bayou. Next morning, Monday, the 20th, moved on again at 6 oclock; passed through Opelousas, and encamped in my present position. Throughout the whole expedition all of my officers and men behaved in the most meritorious manner. I did not see a single case of shirking. A portion of my command being a distance off on detached duty I will make a supplementary report, mentioning those officers and men who are reported, and who I think deserve special mention. I send herewith a full list of killed and wounded.* I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. WEITZEL, Brigadier-General, U. S. Vols., Comdg. Brigade. Lieut. Col. RICHARD B. IRWIN, Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of the Gulf. HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES, Forty-one miles beyond Alexandria, at Lawsons Ferry, May 11, 186312 m. SIR: Our cavalry is at this point. We have captured the rear guard of the enemy2 officers and 25 men. The ferry is broken down, but we are using all efforts ~o construct a bridge at this point 250 feet long. If we accomplish this,in fourteen hours we shall cross this force and attack the enemy, who is at this moment attempting to cross another ferry, about 18 miles from this point, with a train of over 300 wagons. We shall march all night if necessary to accomplish this result. Our information justifies this. We have sent a reconnaissance with a staff officer to the second ferry, that we may positively ascertain the fact8. This reconnoitering force crossed the ferry in a fiat-boat. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. WELTZEL, Brigadier-General, Commanding if. S. Forces. P. S.Why did not the gunboats come up and communicate with me? In that case we probably could have captured all their artillery and wagon train. Very respectfully, G. WEITZEL, Brigadier- General. Lieutenant-Colonel IRWIN, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 6. Report of Lieut. Edmund H. Russell, Ninth Pennsylvania Infantry (Pent& sylvania Reserve Corps), Acting Signal Officer. HEADQUARTERS SIGNAL CORrS, New Orleans, La., July 28, 1863. Sn~: In obedience to orders, I have the honor to report the signal * Embodied in revised statement, p 319. Loss of the brigade aggregated 12 killed and 58 wounded Page 326 326 w. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXVII. duty performed by me during the operations of the Army of the Gulf upon the Bayou Teche, Western Louisiana, in the month of April, 1863. On the 8th of April, 1863, I was ordered to Brashear City by Capt. W. W. Rowley, acting chief signal officer. On the 9th of April, 1803, I reported to Brigadier-General Weitzel, upon the gunboat Calhoun, whence I communicated with Second Lieut. F. D. Butterfield, acting signal officer (upon the depot of the Opelousas Railroad at Brashear City), and Second Lient. John W. Dana, acting Bignal officer, stationed on the gunboat Clifton. The Calhoun immediately crossed Berwick Bay to Berwick City. While on the passage I sent the following messages: To Lieutenant Butterfield. All right. WEITZEL. To Lieutenant Dana. Follow with the Laurel Hill. WEITZEL. To Lieutenant Butterfield. Hurry up the Clifton and Laurel Hill. WEITZEL. The troops disembarked at Berwick City, whence I communicated with Lieutenant Butterfield, acting signal officer, across Berwick Bay, the distance between the stations being nearly a mile. To General Weitzel Detach a company of cavalry to return here and report to General Grover. R. B. IRWIN, Assistant Adjutant-General. To Colonel Irwin. Have no cavalry here. WEITZEL. To General WoltzeL Send it back as soon as it returns. B. B. IRWIN, A8si8tant Adjutant.General. To Colonel Irwin. What does It mean? WEITZEL. To General Weltzel. Cavalry; but it has reported. ~. B. IRWIN, Assistant Adjutant-General. To General Weltiel. Send Clifton over if possible. R. B. IRWIN, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 327 CHAP. XXVII.] OPERATIONS IN WEST LOUISIANA. 327 To Colonel Irwin. All right; soon as unloaded. WEITZEL. APRIL 10, 1863. To Colonel Irwin. Send a boat to carry a regiment over the bayou. WEITZEL. To General WeitzeL What stream or bayou? R. B. IRWIN. To Colonel Irwin. General Emory desires orders for Major Robinson and his cavalry. To Colonel Irwin. Head of column has passed. EMORY. On the 11th of April I received orders to report to Brigadier-General Emory, whose division was then on the march to Pattersonville, La. On the afternoon of April 12 our forces attacked the enemy, who were behind intrencliments at Camp Bisland, a few miles above Patterson- yule, La. These fortifications extended on both sides of the Bayou Teche. On the morning of April 13 I was ordered to report to Col. 0. P. Gooding, who commanded the forces upon the northern bank, and at once opened commnnication with Lieut. John A. Vance, acting signal officer, who was stationed with the forces upon the southern bank. We remained in almost constant communication until dark, when the en. gagement closed. My records of the messages transmitted were lost during the subse- quent march of the Army of the Gulf to Alexandria, La. We main- tained communication between the troops on both sides of the Bayou Teche, directed certain artillery fire from guns which poured a heavy stream of shot and shell from the south bank of the bayou into the enemys works upon the north bank, and transmitted orders for the disposition of troops, with information as to the support which was afforded them. It was of the utmost importance that Colonel Gooding should be informed of the movements of the commanding officer upon the south bank, and this duty was successfully discharged. Lieut. John A. Vance, acting signal officer, was much exposed during this battle to a murderous fire of grape, which the enemy threw at the bat- tery with, which he was stationed. H~ rendered brave and valuable service. Private James E. Shidle, Company G, Ninth Pennsylvania, Reserve Corps, and Private George N. Simmons, Company I, Second Rhode Island Volunteers, deserve official mention for the courage and steadiness with which they carried my flag under fire. I remained with Colonel Goodings command until the 27th of April, when I reported to Lieut. John A. Vance, at headquarters Major-Gen- eral Banks, at Opelousas, La. No more signal duty was done by me upon that march. I was ordered to proceed to New Orleans on the 15th of May, where I remained until the 23d of May. On that day I left New Orleans for Port Hudson, La. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. H. RUSSELL, Fir8t Lieut., Ninth Pa., Res. Corps, and Acting Signal Officer. Lient. GEORGE B. HERBERT, Adjutant, Signal Corps Page 328 328 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CRAP. XXVII. No.7. Report of Capt. Edmund C. Bainbridge, Fifth U. S. Artillery, command.. ing Battery A, First U. S. Artillery, of engagement at Fort Bisland. ARTILLERY CAMP, NEAR OPELOUSAS, LA., April 22, 1863. SIu: I have the honor to report that at 4 oclock on the evening of April 12 Light Battery A, First Artillery, was, by direction of Briga. dier.General Weitzel, placed in position on the right of the line, and opened fire upon one of the enemys batteries, at a distance of about 800 yards, with good effect. About fifteen minutes after the firing commenced we received th~ fire of a portion of a battery on the left bank of the Teche, the steamer Diana, and one 24.pounder directly in front. By this fire one limber was dismouhted and the drivers and horses of another disabled. The battery remained in this position until the line fell back for the night. In or(ler to save my pieces two caisson bodies were left on the field, but were afterward recovered and repaired. On the morning of the 13th the battery moved forward on the right of the brigade and engaged the enemys batteries on their left and cen- ter. That on the left was soon silenced, and our fire was directed to their right. The fire of our guns appeared to be cifective. After dark the battery was ordered to the rear for ammunition. Early Tuesday morning, the ammunition-boxes having been refilled, the battery joined the brigade, which was marching in pursuit of the enemy. One section was placed in advance, and kept up a continual tire upon the rear guard of the enemy until we reached the town of Franklin. The losses in the battery were as follows.* Lieutenants Duer and Humphrey and First Sergeant [John J. j Dris. coll were in command of sections, and were active in the discharge of their duties. The officers, non-commissioned officers, and men acted with the greatest coolness and performed their duties well. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. C. BAINBRIDG-E, Captain, Fifth Artillery, Commanding Company. Brig. Gen. RICHARD ARNOLD, Chief of Artillery. No. 8. Report of Lieut. Col. Frank H. Peck, Twelfth Connecticut Infantry, of engagement at Fort Bisland. HDQRS. TWELFTH REGIMENT CONNECTICUT VOLS., In the Field, near Opelousas, La., April 22, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to present the following report of the opera- lions of the Twelfth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers during the recent expedition to this point: We left Brashear City, La., on the 9th of April, 1863, and proceeded * List of casualties shows 4 men killed and 5 wounded, and a loss in horses of 5 killed and 10 wounded Page 329 CHAP. XXVII.] OPERATIONS IN WEST LOUISIANA. 32~ to Berwick, where we remained until the 11th, when we marched to a point 1 mile above Pattersonville, Company B being thrown forward as skirmishers. We bivouacked for the night, and on the 12th marched forward on the left of the brigade, in support of Carruths Sixth Massachusetts Battery, on our right, our front being covered by Company A, thrown forward as skirmishers. During the day our skirmishers were con- stantly engaged with those of the enemy, bnt sustained no loss. Dur- ing the afternoon we came under the fire of the enemys artillery, when an engagement ensued which lasted until night. At dark we withdrew out of range of the enemys guns and bivouacked in line of battle upon the left of the brigade line. On the 13th, soon after daylight, the regiment was formed in support of the Twenty-first Indiana Battery, which opened upon the enemys fortifications and the gunboat Diana, which had taken position upon their left. After the silencing and withdrawal of the Diana the regi- ment was advanced to the front of the enemy~s works, and successively during the day supported Carruths, ~ Duryeas, and Bainbridges batteries. Companies E, F, and C- were advanced as skirmishers, and approached to speaking distance of the enemy~s intrenchments. They were actively engaged during the whole afternoon, with very apparent effect. All our casualties occurred during this engagement. The battle was continued till some time after dark, when we bivouacked upon the field in line of battle. During the night the enemys works were evac- uated. On the 14th we marched in pursuit through Franklin. On the 15th, 16th, and 17th we marched through Jeanerette, New Iberia, and Saint Martinville without special incident. On the 18th we rested near Vermillioriville; on the 19th renewed our march to Opelonsas, where we arrived on Monday evening, the 20th. We are distant from New Orleans 180 miles, and from Alexandria, on the Red River, about 75 miles. The patient endurance by the men of the regiment of the fatigue and privations of the long march in their eagerness to overtake and again engage the routed enemy deserves the highest praise. Captains Granniss and Brennan, with their companies as skirmishers on the 11th and 12th, did most creditable service. The coolness and pertinacity with which the companies of Captains Braley and Bixbee annoyed the gunners of the enemy during the entire afternoon of the 13th, under a fire of grape and canister and repeated volleys of musketry, reflect the highest credit upon the courage and skill of the officers and soldiers of those companies present. I take pleasure in mentioning the efficient support of Major Lewis during the progress of the expedition. Our wounded were promptly cared for by Dr. Cummings, assistant surge9n. Chaplain Bradford is deserving of great praise for the fearless activity with which he ministered to the suffering during the battle and the night following. I inclose a list of the killed and wonnded.* I am, sir, your obedient