Chapter II: Part 2

"The 14th Maine, 21st Indiana and 6th Wisconsin were the first regiments engaged. They held in check about eight thousand Confederates for about one hour, when they were forced back a quarter of a mile, the Confederates occupying their camps, which they destroyed. On account of a heavy fog, the 7th Vermont, 9th Connecticut and 4th Wisconsin were not able to ascertain the exact position of the enemy, and were of but very little service until the new line was formed. Captain Nims[5], Captain Everett, and the battery on the right, and two pieces of the 4th Massachusetts on the extreme left, opened a murderous fire from their batteries, which was returned with spirit by the Confederates. The battle raged without a moment's intermission, and with great severity for two hours. During this time nothing but a continual roar of artillery, the rattle of musketry, the shouts of the combatants and the groans of the wounded and dying was to be heard. Captain Nims' Battery was compelled to fall back, his guns being so hot it was impossible to use them.

Footnote 5:

This is evidently incorrect as Captain Nims was in the hospital and
Lieutenant Trull in charge.

"He took his position on the left of the 21st Indiana, and ordered water to be brought to cool his guns. While thus engaged, three regiments of the Confederates charged the 21st Indiana, and one regiment charged the battery. General Williams, perceiving the perilous position of the regiment, and knowing the consequences of having the center broken, took his position at the head of the regiment, and gave the command to prepare to charge. The regiment fired three volleys (the battalion having breech-loading rifles), and allowed the Confederates to approach within a few rods. General Williams then gave the command: 'Forward! double quick!' and with a deafening cheer they rushed to the charge. The shock of two such masses advancing shook the entire field.

"The struggle was fierce and the slaughter heavy. Four times the rebels made desperate efforts to come from among the tombs and cross the road, but were driven back each time, and finally they retreated in full panic.

"On our right, in the meantime, the rebels, under General Clarke, made a desperate effort to flank us and get in our rear. It was here that the admirable generalship of Williams displayed itself. Anticipating this very movement, he had placed Manning's battery of six pieces, supported by the Wisconsin and Vermont regiments, while the Michigan Regiment was strongly posted at the crossing of the roads and commanding the entire approach of the enemy's left. Here the battle raged fiercely; and after the rebels' flank movement was repulsed and driven back, not to return, here it was that the gallant general fell, at the head of the Indiana and Michigan regiments, but not before victory had lighted up that fine manly face with its glow of triumph.

"This was the signal for a general onset on both sides. Captain Nims lost two of his guns, but charged with his sabres and revolvers and retook them. The 21st Regiment repulsed three times their own numbers, and drove them back in confusion. I was at this time detached with the first platoon of our company (4th Regiment Wisconsin), to skirmish on the extreme left of the line, to prevent a surprise on our flank. I took a position one mile outside the old picket lines, in true Yankee style, behind stumps and trees. The rebels did not think it safe to honor us with a shot. We were fired at, however, by some of our pickets, who were driven in from the front, they mistaking us for rebels. They also reported us to the gunboat _Essex_ as rebels, and she commenced shelling our lines. The rebels were forced back a mile and a half."[6]

Footnote 6:

Putnam's Record of the Rebellion, Vol. 5, p. 307.

In General Butler's General Orders we find the following eulogy of General Williams: "A gallant general, an accomplished officer, a pure patriot and victorious hero and a devoted Christian. In choosing his position for the battle he gave up the vantage of the cover of the houses of the city, forming his lines in the open field lest the women and children of his enemies suffer in the fight."

In another report[7] honorable mention is made of Sergeant Cheever, Privates Tyler and Clogston for the skill and bravery with which they worked one of the guns when almost in the hands of the enemy, they having left sick beds in order to do their duty.

Footnote 7:

Off. Rec., Vol. 15, p. 46.

The courage and steadfastness of the Union troops is all the more remarkable when we remember that as Weitzel says: "None of our men had been in battle and few had been under fire. The entire Union loss in this battle was reported as 77 killed and 240 wounded. Of this number the battery lost four wounded, one detailed from the 9th Connecticut receiving a mortal wound, and one man was captured."

When the conflict was over, General Butler said: "Nims' Battery saved the day," and Breckenridge himself was heard to remark: "If it had not been for that Light Artillery in front, I would have taken the place, I charged it three times, but was knocked back every time." Boston _Journal_.

Breckenridge had made a speech to his men early that morning promising them to have his band playing in the state house by nine o'clock.

It was expected that another attempt might be made to regain Baton Rouge, as a few days after the battle a flag of truce came in from the Confederates ordering General Paine, the Union leader, to withdraw his forces. Preparations were immediately made for the defense of the city; all public buildings were burned and trees cut down that might interfere with the range of the guns. The men of the battery lay by their guns all night, but the next morning it was found that the enemy had retreated, burning their bridges behind them. A few days later Breckenridge marched his troops to Port Hudson, thirty miles above and began there the construction of heavy batteries.

Soon after the Union forces left Baton Rouge, and on August 21 the entire command left for New Orleans. The battery first camped at Carrollton but changed the next day to Materia Ridge where it joined the brigade under Colonel Dudley consisting of 30th Massachusetts, 4th Wisconsin, 21st Indiana, 6th Michigan, 7th Vermont, 14th Maine, 9th Connecticut, 2d, 4th and 6th Massachusetts batteries and 21st Indiana Battery.

The location did not prove healthful, however, and a week later camp was once more changed to Tivoli Circle, New Orleans.

On August 22 Privates Lombard and Barnes died at St. James Hospital. Indeed, sickness followed the battery and in every record we read: "Have been in hospital two weeks." "Came to hospital to-day." "Two more men on the sick list." In the month of October eleven members, some of whom had been in the hospital for weeks were discharged and came home. During the stay in New Orleans, however, the men began to regain their health.

The time from August to December was spent largely in drilling, a parade and some form of drill constituting a part of each day's duty. Inspection of men and quarters was common and some will doubtless remember an acting inspector general who ordered Corporal ------ to get his hair cut, much to the amusement of the boys as said corporal wore a wig. On Thanksgiving Day some of the men fought off the pangs of homesickness by preparing a grand dinner. "The best I've eaten since I left home," while others in the evening gave a grand ball where the music consisted of three violins, a cornet and a banjo.

About this time Lieutenant Trull left to take command of the 4th Massachusetts Battery, Second Lieutenant Marland was advanced to First, and First Sergeant Edw. K. Russell of Chelsea was commissioned to fill the vacant second lieutenancy. On September 8 the death of J. K. Harvey was reported.

General Banks having succeeded General Butler on December 16 in command of the Department of the Gulf, the troops in Louisiana were organized as the 19th Army Corps composed of four divisions and Nims' Battery was assigned to the fourth division commanded by Gen. Cuvier Grover and ordered to report at Baton Rouge. Here it remained until March 13, spending much time in drill--drilling on pieces, as cavalry and with flying movements, and occasionally doing picket duty.

"At this time, while some of our men were acting as pickets several miles outside the town, an incident occurred that, had it taken place in the North would have been called 'a Yankee trick,' but as it is we disclaim it, and let our Southern brother have all the honor (?). Some of our men were acting as mounted pickets, and as they sat upon their horses looking up the road, and listening for the footfall of horse or man, a sharp sound of a bell came from the thick timber land on their side and quickly their ears were open and with eager eyes they sought to fathom the cause of the sounds, when tinkle-tinkle-tinkle came the sounds again and as it fell upon the ears of our men it took them back to their boyhood days when sent for the cows. They listened for the welcome sound of tinkle-tinkle-tinkle. Oh it is only an old cow in the brush: but they soon learned from the bullets' whiz that they had better be moving, and they did." _Captain Russell._

On another occasion Sergeant Lincoln and Privates Carter and Wilkins were on picket duty on the Port Hudson Road. Lincoln and Carter were fired on, their horses killed and Carter badly wounded. He dragged himself through the woods to a house where he was put into a wagon and brought to camp. Lincoln was stripped of his equipments and let go.

The records during this period show that a soldier's life meant good hard work--even if fighting was not going on. Battery drill, gun drill, marching drill--all these filled the days and brought the battery to the highest degree of efficiency. One drill consisted of flying movements, dismounting and mounting guns and carriages, slinging guns under the limber, etc., and was nicknamed by the boys "break-neck drill." Accidents were rare, however. Captain Nims invented new signals for the use of his men so that the enemy might not know what orders were being given. Washington's Birthday was observed by a grand artillery review by Captain Closson, chief of artillery, and by raising a large flag across the camp ground.

The most important duty entrusted to General Banks at this time was an advance up the Mississippi against Port Hudson, coöperating with Grant in his movement against Vicksburg. Bank's force, however, was not strong enough to carry the works and he therefore turned his attention to reducing the fortification by other means.

Port Hudson drew its supplies mainly from Western Louisiana and Texas by way of the Red River.[8] If this river could be reached and held, these supplies could be cut off and communication could be opened with Grant near Vicksburg. The Confederates held Alexandria as their chief point of defense but they extended their outposts as far as the railroad from New Orleans to Brashear City. Another earthwork known as Fort Bisland was on the Bayou Teche and reached to the swamps south of the bayou. All this territory for 50 miles west of the Mississippi is an impassable network of swamps and lakes, but there is a road from Brashear City to Alexandria and along this road lay the line of advance to Red River. Early in January expeditions had been organized for the purpose of moving up Red River but it had been found impossible to make a way through the swamps and bayous, and it was thought necessary to abandon the project. About this time information was received that the Confederates had captured on Red River the ram _Queen of the West_, and the gunboat _De Soto_ which had run past the batteries at Vicksburg and descended the river.

Footnote 8:

See The Mississippi; F. V. Greene.

Farragut determined at once to patrol the river above Port Hudson with his vessels and requested Banks to make a demonstration against the fortification while he ran past the batteries.

Banks having assembled his forces at Baton Rouge, on March 13 the whole force broke camp and marched toward Port Hudson, the right and center sections with the divisions of Generals Grover and Emery on the Port Hudson Road and the left with General Auger's division on the Clinton Road. The next day Farragut with his fleet started up the river. The land forces did not get near enough to the works to use their artillery very effectively, though one section of the 2d Massachusetts was sent within shelling distance of the Confederate works and fired 50 round of shell into them.

We quote the following from an article in the Boston _Journal_ written by C. B. Maxwell.

"The army having halted and camped for the night the sergeants of the first and third detachments came to our quarters and quietly told the drivers and cannoneers not to 'turn in.' 'You will be wanted before midnight,' they said. 'We are going out on the road and we may have some fun.' So about 10 P. M. we were told in whispers to 'hitch up.' When all was ready, the section moved out giving the rest of the battery the 'grand sneak' as it were. Lieutenant Marland was in command I think. Well, we arrived at a certain point on the road and having passed through the woods were ordered to halt, unlimber and go into battery. Said the lieutenant to the guide: 'Where is Port Hudson?' 'Right ober dar,' was the reply. 'Which way is that?' 'Right ober dat away.' 'How far is it?' 'Oh right smart aways. I done walk plumb down to de ribber from break o'day to sun-up.'

"The gunners elevated the pieces and each fired a few shots, after which all was still and dark as before. The only loud words spoken were the lieutenant's when he shouted: 'How do you like that.' Echo answered, 'Where are we at?' Then we limbered up, thinking of our tents and stole away back to camp and turned in. In the morning orders to hitch up were received and the column was soon on the march to Baton Rouge. So we claim that Nims' Battery fired the first shot at Port Hudson."

Meanwhile Farragut advanced with his fleet amid a perfect deluge of shot and shell. Two of his ships, the _Hartford_ and the _Albatross_ were able to pass the batteries, but all the others were sunk or disabled. Although so many met with disaster, Farragut's purpose was fully accomplished, for the Red River route was hence forward completely blockaded--a most important object at that time.

As the object of Banks' land expedition had been solely for the purpose of making a demonstration while the fleet was en route he immediately returned with his forces to Baton Rouge. He himself went on to New Orleans, leaving orders that another attempt be made to resume the movement to Brashear City.

Accordingly, on the 27th of March the command was taken by transport _Laurel Hill_ to Donaldsonville, whence it marched over-land to Brashear City, the trip beginning the 31st and ending the 9th of April. On this march the battery formed a part of the 2d Brigade, Colonel Kimball, in General Grover's division. Here it united with the rest of the Army of the Gulf for operations against the enemy who were threatening New Orleans from the rear, the whole numbering about 17,000 men.

On the morning of the 11th of April the battery with General Grover's division started from Brashear City and proceeded up the Atchafalaya River.[9] The intention of this expedition was to get in the rear of the enemy and either attack them there or cut off their retreat. The grounding of one of the transports at the entrance of Grand Lake delayed the troops for twenty-four hours but on the 13th a landing was made opposite Madame Porter's plantation thirty miles from Brashear City. While effecting a landing about 250 Confederates with two pieces of artillery opened fire and a sharp skirmish ensued in which the Union men took quite a number of prisoners.

Footnote 9:

See Off. Record, Vol. 15, Report General Grover.

The next day, shortly after daylight, the division again advanced and early in the morning met a strong force of the enemy at Irish Bend, a sharp bend in the Teche. Here a battle took place and after two hours' fighting the enemy was obliged to retreat leaving many dead on the field and about 100 prisoners. For the next few days an advance was made, constant skirmishing going on all the while until on April 17 we find the battery at New Iberia. Here the left section under Lieutenant Snow, together with three regiments marched twelve miles farther to Avery's Island, destroyed the famous salt works there and captured a large number of horses. The destruction of these salt works was a very important measure, as from them the Confederates had been able to obtain thousands of pounds of salt, thus making them independent of the United States or England.

The next morning the march was renewed, Generals Emery and Weitzel on the Bayou Road, General Grover on the other. At Vermillion Bayou the enemy, who was only a short distance in advance, massed in a strong position on the opposite bank, fired on the Union troops from the woods, opening with artillery. Nims' Battery and Battery L of the regulars joined in the artillery duel, forcing the enemy to retire, but not until they had burned the bridge over the bayou. The next day the bridge was rebuilt and the advance continued until on April 20 Opelousas was reached.

While here orders were read from General Banks giving the troops much credit for capturing over 2000 prisoners, 10 guns, assisting in the destruction of two gunboats and two transports, the salt works and one fort and also in seizing a large quantity of arms and equipments, sugar, cotton, molasses, mules, horses, etc.

At this time, too, one section of the battery under Lieutenant Snow was detached from the main body and for about a month served under Colonel Chickering in connection with the 5th Massachusetts, 41st Massachusetts, 4th Maine, and a New York regiment. The work done is summarized as follows: "There was collected and sent to New Orleans via Brashear upward of 6000 bales of cotton, large quantities of sugar, molasses, and other products and at least 10,000 contrabands, men, women, and children to work in the government plantations in LaFourche Co." Irwin says: "The column covered in the march the long train that stretched out for eight miles over the prairies with a motley band of negroes, horses, and beeves for a cumbrous accompaniment. With the possible exception of the horde that set out to follow Sherman's march to the sea, this was the most curious column ever put in motion since that which defiled after Noah into the ark."[10]

Footnote 10:

Nineteenth Army Corps, p. 136.

On April 22 the right and left sections with the First Brigade, General Dwight, pushed forward through Washington to the Tableau River where they rebuilt a bridge which had been burned. During the day there was a slight skirmish with the cavalry. In C. B. Maxwell's diary we read: "Our battery with General Dwight's Brigade. Joe Knowlton and I crossed river to plantation owned by a widow and obtained some milk and two dozen eggs. Just then the enemy's force fired on our cavalry pickets, killing one and wounding several. Joe and I started on double quick each with one dozen eggs in a handkerchief. Reached camp without losing or breaking one!"

On the 4th of May the whole army started for Alexandria. "Captain Dwight of General Banks' staff rode past the brigade with orders and when just in front of the battery he was fired on from across the bayou and killed. A company of cavalry was sent out in pursuit and succeeded in capturing the man who committed the deed. Three days later he was brought before the brigade and shot."

May 12 Alexandria was reached and after a few days' rest a start was made for Port Hudson by way of Simsport and Bayou Sara.

Port Hudson was situated on a high bluff on the east side of the Mississippi at a sharp bend. Its fortifications were arranged for defense, the parapets averaging a thickness of 20 feet and the depth of the ditch below the parapet being not less than 15 feet. Below the landing known as Hickey's were the first batteries, on a bluff about 40 feet above high-water mark. Three series of batteries extended along the river for a continuous line of three miles. Above the creek was an impassable marsh. From the lower battery ran a line of land fortifications semi-circular in form and about ten miles in extent.[11]

Footnote 11:

See Lossing's History of Civil War.

The Confederate forces numbered probably about 7000, the Union forces something over 30,000. General Banks' troops were commanded by Generals Weitzel, Auger, Grover, and T. W. Sherman, while the Confederate garrison was under Gen. Frank T. Gardner.

The following extracts will show how the battery was engaged for the next few weeks.

May 24. Arrived at Bayou Sara at 3 A. M. Marched 13 miles toward Port Hudson. General Grover's division took first line of rifle pits. Army then formed around Port Hudson with Generals Weitzel and Paine on right, General Grover and Colonel Dudley in center and Generals Auger and T. W. Sherman on the left. The artillery brigade under command of General Arnold.

May 25. Battery ordered to relieve Battery L at the front.

May 26. At noon both sections fell back a half mile and went into camp to rest the horses, they having been in harness four days and four nights.

Banks was informed that the Confederates were withdrawing from the post and accordingly orders were given for a general assault. On the morning of May 27 the artillery opened upon the garrison, and continued firing all day. The infantry and navy joined in the attack. One section of the battery advanced to within 700 yards of the enemy's works and silenced two of their guns, but were in turn silenced by the enemy. The whole assault was a disastrous failure, the Union loss being 293 killed and 1549 wounded. The next morning under a flag of truce there was a cessation of hostilities until afternoon in order to take away the dead and wounded. "During this intermission of hostilities the better part of our natures asserted itself, the Blue and the Grey mingled, and over the works they exchanged coffee, tobacco, bread and even souvenirs, and asked information of each other: as the time drew near for the opening of hostilities we parted as friends, cautioning each other to lie low and so escape each other's bullets. As I saw all this I felt that God must have a long hard lesson for us to learn that it was needful that men should take each other's lives in cold blood." _Capt. E. K. Russell._

Day after day the cannon shelled the works disabling many of the enemy's guns and wearing down the men with fatigue and watching.

Nims' Battery was on the field almost constantly. In the diary from which we have already quoted we read: "Remained in position all day and all night--lead from sharp shooters falling thick around us, relieved at 7 P. M. the next day," and again: "Our section at the front all day and night,--kept one battery silent," and still again, "Stretchers are constantly at work bringing in our wounded." "Keep up fire day and night." "First section under Lieutenant Hall start out with brigade of cavalry under General Grierson,--engage in battle near Clinton. Cavalry out of ammunition--obliged to retreat to avoid capture, reached camp after march of 50 miles." At this time the center section which had been at Barry's Landing for some weeks arrived at Port Hudson bringing with them four recruits from Boston.

The position of the little Union army, which did not number now more than 12,000 men, was becoming critical, hemmed in as it was by intensely hostile inhabitants, and the commander felt the need of a speedy reduction of the post. Accordingly on June 13 a general bombardment of two hours took place, and at 12.30 General Banks sent in a flag of truce calling for the surrender of the fort. General Gardner's reply was: "Under the present circumstances, I am unable to surrender." When this answer was received, arrangements were made for a grand storming on June 14. "The program of storming was sent by General Paine to all the officers in his command, that each might know the duty he had to perform, and was as follows: The 8th New Hampshire and 4th Wisconsin regiments were to act as skirmishers in the advance, followed three yards in the rear by the 4th Massachusetts and 110th New York with grenades which were to be thrown over, the instant the skirmishers gained the top of the works. Next in line was the 31st Massachusetts, each man carrying two bags of cotton to be thrown into the ditch, in order to make a road for the artillery. Then the 3d, 2d, and 1st brigades followed by Nims' Battery. At 3 A. M. the line was formed and the march begun. When within 20 yards of the Fort and under a heavy cross fire the order was given, clear and distinct: 'Charge!' and after a long hard struggle the skirmishers gained the top of the works. Here they found bayonets and guns presented to their breasts, the enemy at the same time shouting: 'Surrender or die.' The brave soldiers looked around for their support but it had failed them, and forty brave boys had to surrender as prisoners. We remained all day under a heavy fire from the enemy and at 9 o'clock withdrew from the field having gained nothing." _Knowlton's diary._

General Paine was wounded early in the attack, a ball shattering his leg. He was forced to remain on the field for twelve hours under a heavy fire, while hundreds of others were in like condition for twenty-four or thirty-six hours, until under a flag of truce they were brought forward by the enemy, who would not allow the Union troops to come near their fortifications. "It would not be just to allow this record to become history without mentioning the valor displayed by some of the colored troops engaged with us on that occasion. After the assault had failed, and the ground in our front was strewn with our wounded comrades, these colored soldiers could be seen by twos crawling on their knees dragging after them a stretcher and on reaching a wounded soldier would roll him upon the stretcher, then, after a moment's rest, they would arise quickly and make a dash for a shelter from the shower of lead that was sure to fall around them." _E. K. Russell._

On the 16th General Banks issued an order for a thousand stormers, offering medals to the soldiers and promotions to the officers, and preparations were making for a third assault when on July 7 came the news of the surrender of Vicksburg. This put an end to the hopes of the Confederacy, and two days later Port Hudson surrendered, 6408 becoming prisoners of war. In addition to the important post the spoils of victory included two steamers, 51 pieces of artillery, 5000 small arms and a large quantity of ammunition.

Most important of all, the fall of these two strongholds gave free navigation of the Mississippi, or in the words of Lincoln: "The Father of Waters goes unvexed to the sea."

Among other services rendered by Nims' Battery in this siege it is claimed that one of her guns had the honor of firing the last shot at Port Hudson and also receiving the last shot from that same fort. We have already told how it fired the first shot at this place.

We quote from the story as told by C. B. Maxwell.

"During the siege of Port Hudson and on the occasion of one of the many assaults on the fortifications by the Federal army, there was captured a young soldier, of the 165th New York Zouaves. He was a bright, active lad, and while captive had his eyes open to chances, especially to making his escape. Among the things he saw was a mill in the town near the river, wherein they ground all their corn, and as that was all they had to eat it occurred to him that it would be a misfortune to himself as well as to the enemy if by any accident that mill should be destroyed. So he paid closer attention then ever to getting through the lines to reach his regiment, where rations were better both in quality and quantity, and near the end of the siege he was successful. In relating his experience he said of the corn mill: 'If they hadn't had that, I should have been obliged to take my corn on the ear.'

"This having been reported to headquarters, General Banks sent for Captain Nims and said, to him:

"'Send over a section of your battery to a point opposite and throw a few of those percussion shells into that mill. It may weaken their power of endurance. The soldier will go along to point out the mill. Of course, if you draw the fire of those heavy batteries, you will retire and report back to camp.'

"And so the first section, Lieutenant Hall commanding, made a night march to a boat landing some miles below, where a steamboat was in readiness 'to tote' us across. On the other side we marched up, being protected from view of enemy by a very high levee on that side of the river, to a point commanding a good view of the town opposite. Then all hands went to work with shovels, which we came provided with, cutting an embrasure and space to work a gun, thus making a good fort, as it were, in a short time. We then hauled the gun up the slope into position. The men not engaged in working the gun were lying on the grassy slope of the levee watching the effect of the shell on 'the large building with a nearly flat roof.' The zouave was reclining on his side with head and shoulders exposed above the levee, as were the rest.

"There had been two or three shots fired when Lieutenant Hall, looking through his field glass, remarked: 'Those were good line shots, but a little too high; just put them in on the ground floor.' Suddenly a puff of smoke curled up from the water batteries, and a 6-inch solid shot plowed a furrow across the top of the levee, and to our horror and amazement instantly killed our friend the 'Zou Zou.' We retired, quietly and quickly, after burying the body then and there making our way back by the same route by which we came, and took our place in line with the rest of the battery in time to march into Port Hudson, the surrender having been made that day. Negotiations to that end were going on the day before, while we were making the attack on the corn-mill, though of course unknown to us."

The 10th of July the battery was ordered on board the _Laurel Hill_ for Baton Rouge, but on reaching the wharf found the steamer already overcrowded. Consequently orders were given to march that distance. Accordingly with nine other batteries and the infantry it began a tedious all night march, many of the men, who had been up for three nights, falling asleep on their horses. At Baton Rouge transports were taken for Donaldsonville where skirmishing was going on with a hostile force under Dick Taylor. Before the reinforcement arrived the enemy retreated, but as an attack was expected the right and left sections of the battery were immediately ordered on picket duty, where they remained for the next two days without, however, encountering the enemy.

A stay of two weeks at Donaldsonville was followed by a march to Carrollton and then to New Orleans in company with Battery L, the 159th New York and a large wagon train all under command of Colonel Molineaux. This march was exceedingly trying on account of the excessive heat which exhausted the men and killed two or three horses.

While at Donaldsonville four members of the company who had been taken prisoners at Brashear City, while in hospital there, arrived and were sent to New Orleans, being on parole.

The battery arrived at New Orleans on August 5, took up quarters in the Mississippi Cotton Press, where it remained from the 6th of August to the 17th of September.

First Lieutenant Hall having resigned, his juniors were promoted in turn, and First Sergeant Joseph K. Greenleaf of Boston was commissioned as junior second lieutenant. Early in October Second Lieut. Edw. K. Russell was promoted and transferred to the 6th Massachusetts Battery, creating a vacancy which was filled some time later by the commissioning of First Sergeant Lucian A. Hodgdon of Somerville. At the same time Gunner Swan was made sergeant of the 2d detachment, Corporal Ellis gunner of the 3d detachment and Private Taylor corporal of the 2d detachment.

During the stay in New Orleans the battery was commanded to mount as horse or flying artillery and to join the cavalry division of the 19th Army Corps. Associated with them were two other batteries, one from Missouri, and one from the regular army, and Captain Nims was appointed Chief of Artillery of the 19th Army Corps, Col. A. L. Lee, and was made a member of Colonel Lee's staff.

The first parade of these batteries as horse artillery (at which Nims' Battery held the post of honor), took place September 5, and was witnessed by Generals Banks, Arnold, Franklin and many other officers. The following letter, a copy of which was found among Colonel Nims' papers, is a proof of their high opinion of this new organization.

OFFICE, CHIEF OF ARTILLERY.

HD. QRS. DEPT. OF THE GULF,

NEW ORLEANS, September 7, 1863.

CAPT. O. F. NIMS,

_Chief of Artillery, 19th Army Corps_.

SIR:--

It becomes my great pleasure to communicate to yourself and the
batteries under your command on the 5th inst., the high commendation
of the Commanding General of the Department of the Gulf and the
Adjutant General of the United States Army. They were pleased to
express the belief that _no_ artillery in the service could be more
thorough in their equipments and general appointments.

Please communicate the above to each battery commander.

Your ob'd't servant
Very respectfully,
RICHARD ARNOLD.
_Brig. Gen. and Chief of Artillery._

On the 17th of September another movement began toward the interior of Louisiana. The object of this entire movement was to divert the enemy from Banks' expedition into Texas which he was about to undertake. Accordingly he ordered the command of which the battery was a part to advance under Gen. C. C. Washburne from Brashear City to Opelousas, to give the impression that a march to Alexandria or Shreveport was begun. The battery left New Orleans on September 18 and the next day reached Brashear City, which had been evacuated by the Confederates in July after securing about 1000 prisoners together with supplies valued at $2,000,000. A week later an advance was made to Bisland and then on to Opelousas, which was reached October 24. All along the advance, skirmishing and fighting occurred almost every day, and in it all the battery did its part most creditably. At Indian Bend, October 2, the left and center divisions, which were in the advance, met the enemy and drove them back. Two days later at Vermillion Bayou the same sections forced the enemy once more to fall back. Again the right section at Vermillion Bayou contended with the enemy for a ford for over three hours, driving them completely from their position. Again we read in our diaries: "The right and center moved forward with the advance cavalry came in sight of the enemy's camp. They retired leaving for us a good dinner of beef steak, sweet potatoes, and corn cake all piping hot. Pieces of our shell picked up near camp fires about two miles away." Two days later,--"Just at dusk, the enemy advanced on our pickets. A section of the battery was sent for, hitched up with a will, crossed the plains on a gallop and in 18 minutes from the time the first order was given we had gained the distance and commenced firing. Time taken by Colonel Molineaux."

October 15. "The enemy came out on the open plain, drew themselves up in line of battle and commenced firing on our pickets. This battery was ordered to the front at double quick and at 7 A. M. we were at the extreme advance--we opened a heavy fire which caused them to break for the woods. At 9 A. M. Captain Simmes' Battery opened on us from a masked position--we dismounted one gun and exploded their ammunition chest forcing them to retreat. A piece of one of our shells cut off the head of one, passed through another and killed his horse--deadly work."

October 21. "6 A. M. whole force moved forward, the battery with advance cavalry. At 7 A. M. met the enemy in line of battle. Right section with cavalry engaged left flank while remaining section engaged them in front. We succeeded in driving them back on the flank and then in front and they retreated in disorder. Our troops followed to Opelousas when right section with cavalry branched off to Barry's Landing and went into camp after a hard march over ditches, through corn field, etc. October 28. A running fight for 17 miles. Center section with Grover's division at Opelousas."

And so it goes day after day till Opelousas is reached, and on November 1 a retrograde movement is ordered. Here again we find the battery in the post of danger, acting often as rear guard, skirmishing with the enemy.

Under the date of November 2 we read: "7 A. M. enemy fired on our pickets. Section ordered on the double quick to the front about a half mile away. We opened fire and after a short skirmish drove them four miles and then fell back slowly across the plain to draw them into a fight. They followed and when within short range we opened on them with shell which broke up their line. We pursued them again till 4 P. M. when we gave up the chase and returned to camp. Generals Washburne and Burbridge were with us during the engagement and gave us much credit." This battle is known as that of Carrion Crow Bayou.

The next day, November 3, marks another occasion when the battery won especial honor for itself, and as we read in General Burbridge's report--"did more than its whole duty."[12]

Footnote 12:

Off. Records, Vol. 26, p. 361.

At Grand Coteau, the Confederate forces including cavalry and artillery--about 5500 in number, under General Greene--surprised the camp and nearly captured it. The right under General Burbridge on whom the weight of the attack fell was almost surrounded and ruin seemed inevitable. The section of the battery under Lieutenant Marland was attacked, the enemy being in so short range that the guns could not be brought into action, and while part were endeavoring to work the guns others were harnessing the horses. A desperate conflict ensued, the guns keeping up a heavy fire. Regiment after regiment of infantry was brought up as support but gave way until the battery was almost surrounded. It was at last obliged to fall back, the cannoneers fighting their way with their revolvers; but bringing off their guns in triumph. Before they had retreated far they saw coming to their aid on the double quick General Cameron's Brigade of the 13th Corps. They immediately halted, got their guns in position and renewed the conflict, chasing the enemy back four miles, and securing thus a Union victory. When General Franklin was told of this experience he said, "If there is ever another opportunity of racing a section of Nims' Battery give it your two best regiments for support, for it is the finest battery in the United States." One historian in relating this incident says, "Nims' Battery saved the day."

The following is the official report of Lieutenant Marland as given in Official Records, Vol. 26, p. 371.

BAYOU BOURBEAU,
CARRION CROW BAYOU.

"In pursuance to your orders I have the honor to make the following
report of the part taken in the action at this place on the 3rd of
November by the section under my command.

"In obedience to orders received on the evening of the 2d of
November I harnessed up at 4 A. M. on the 3rd, remaining so until 11
A. M. when I was ordered to unharness--the pickets firing all the
while.

"At about 11.45 P. M. the firing became general. Hearing the cavalry
buglers blow Boots and Saddles, I began to harness up on my own
responsibility and was attacked in camp before I could get
harnessed. The enemy being within 400 yards of me I opened on them
with canister and percussion shell which checked their advance and
drove them to the right. I limbered to the front and advanced to the
fork of the road which is about 100 yards. Went into battery and
fired a few shot until my support all had left me. Finding it too
warm, I limbered to the rear and moved 300 yards. Finding the enemy
in my rear and on the right, I fired to the right about 50 shot and
was charged on three sides. A regiment came up on my left as
support, fired one volley and left. The enemy then opened two pieces
of artillery on me at about 300 yards killing one horse and
disabling one caisson wheel. The cavalry still advancing and no
infantry to be seen I limbered up and started for the woods. Here I
ordered my cannoneers to draw their revolvers and had quite a brisk
fight. Had another horse killed, and two men missing. Went through
the woods the enemy coming out in rear and front of men. As the
bridges were held by the enemy, it was necessary to charge through,
which was accomplished, without loss. I came up to the 46th Indiana
and formed on their right. Colonel Bringhurst told me he would
support me and I went back through the woods with General Cameron's
command, driving the enemy in disorder who left dead and wounded on
the field. I then returned to camp with General Cameron's Brigade.

"I am sir, very respectfully,

"Your most ob't servant,

"WM. MARLAND,
"_1st Lieut. Com. Sec._

"BRIG. GEN. RICHARD ARNOLD,
"_Chief of Artillery. Dept. Gulf_."

We also quote from Major General C. C. Washburne,

"The bringing off of the section of Nims' Battery, after the regiment sent to its support had surrendered, extorted the admiration of every beholder."[13]

Footnote 13:

Off. Records, Vol. 26, p. 358.

In this engagement Sergeant Burwell and Private Smith were taken prisoners, while three horses were killed, seven wounded and the gun carriages damaged somewhat.

The entire battery was brought together at Vermillion River and on November 2 it took a prominent part in the engagement at that point,--maintaining a brisk artillery duel with the enemy and after two hours hard fighting and firing 120 shell it succeeded in driving them from the field.

We quote from the diary of W. G. Hidden:

"Right and left sections with 1300 infantry and cavalry, all under General Lee, started at 5 A. M. on the Opelousas Road, met the enemy's pickets one mile out and drove them before us. At 10 A. M. we arrived at the edge of a plain and saw the enemy drawn up in line of battle about two miles distant. The right section was ordered into position and fired twenty shell, causing them to disclose their whole force of about 6000. General Lee then ordered a retreat. Arriving at a plain outside the town, we found a brigade of infantry with 4th Massachusetts Battery lying low in the bushes. We moved our guns into the bushes just high enough to conceal us from the enemy and waited. They soon formed a line of battle about 1000 yards in front. Right section opened fire and the first charge emptied fifteen saddles. Their cavalry then charged on our left. Left section engaged them while we engaged the front. Cavalry was forced to retreat. Their artillery having got into position, opened fire on us and did some fine shooting. Their shells burst all around us plowing the ground and killing some of our infantry, but our men escaped injury. After two hours fighting the enemy retreated and we returned to camp. This is called The Artillery Skirmish at Vermillionville."

On November 16 the entire force started for New Iberia, the battery acting as rear guard and burning the bridge across the river after all were over. One writes: "It was a splendid sight to see the army form,--each part separate, and then unite to form a line and move off over the prairie with bands playing." The next day New Iberia was reached and preparations were made for the winter. At the same time skirmishing was going on and many prisoners were taken. We read: "A small rebel force known as Camp Pratt was six miles out. At 1 A. M. the center section started out on one road to get in its rear. At 4 A. M. the right section with cavalry and part of Cameron's Brigade of the 13th Corps started on another road for the same point. Arriving at daybreak all made an attack on the camp and captured 175 out of 200--twelve of these being officers. While marching them into town two bands came to meet us. One was placed in front, the other in the rear of the prisoners, and so we marched through the town to the tune of our national airs."

About this time Lieutenant Slack of Chelsea of the 13th Massachusetts was placed in command of the left section of the battery in the absence of Lieutenant Snow, who had gone North for recruits. Christmas Day, by exchange of prisoners, Sergeant Burwell and Private Smith, who had been taken at Grand Coteau November 3 were returned to the battery. "They were ragged and dirty, having had a hard time."

The month of December was devoted largely to drilling. Recruits kept coming in and these had to be made into soldiers. Captain Nims instituted a new set of bugle calls, making in all twenty-eight calls a day. January 1, 1864, was the coldest day the men had experienced since leaving home. Snow and rain made camp life uninviting and difficult. Nevertheless reënlistments were in order, and at this time several of the boys entered upon another three years' service.

Early in the year the force was moved out to Franklin, half way to Brashear City, and there made winter quarters. The roads thither were in terrible condition--deep with mud and water with a frozen crust on top, and three days were required to travel a distance of 23 miles. The horses were in poor condition from lack of hay and grain and only a limited supply of corn, and five died from exhaustion on this short trip. Here three months were spent in camp, the men taking possession of the cabins formerly occupied by the negroes, who had long since gone to the contraband camp in New Orleans. Much time was given to the drilling of recruits, while about 25 of the men who had reënlisted were given furloughs of 30 days.

A copy of the program of an evening's entertainment at the Cooper Institute (an old cooper's shop fitted up) will doubtless recall pleasant memories of camp life the winter of '63-'64.

COOPER'S INSTITUTE

FRANKLIN, LA.

A Grand Entertainment wilt be given at the above place on Friday,
March 4, 1864, by the members of Nims' Battery, under the direction
of the following committee: A. B. Burwell, President; J. F.
Robertson, Secretary; C. B. Maxwell, Manager.

COMMITTEE

W. Kane, L. W. Swan, A. N. Norcross, C. Dubois, W. D. Butts, D.
Murray, J. S. Knowlton, H. T. Bates and W. G. Hidden.

The committee take great pleasure in announcing to their friends,
that the following distinguished Artists have generously volunteered
their services. A sufficient number of Special Police will be in
attendance to enforce good order.

Music by Knowlton and Co.'s Military Band.

Doors open at 6: commence at 7: terminate at 10.

Carriages ordered at half-past 9.

PROGRAM

Grand Introductory Overture Band

Jig Dance J. Comfort

Sabre Exercise Dubois and
DeFlanders

Sparring Flemming and Ferrari

Song, The Sword of Bunker Hill Mr. Wren

Dramatic Readings McGrath

Feet Sparring Dubois and
DeFlanders

Song, What a Row de dow T. Kenny

Sparring Mortimer and Baker

A Little Spouting Wilkinson and Ward

Cane Exercise Dubois and
DeFlanders

Song, Virginia Rosebud J. S. Knowlton

Sparring Ellis and Comfort

Magic Rings C. B. Maxwell

Song, How are you, Jeff Davis? T. Kenny

Originality Mr. Ward

Sabre Exercise Dubois and
DeFlanders

Jig Dance Mr. Brady

Dramatic Readings McGrath

Sparring Connors and Baker

Song, Faded Flowers J. S. Knowlton

Feet Sparring Dubois and LeClair

Jig Dance Mr. Connor

Song By the Band

Bayonet Exercise C. Dubois

Sparring Sullivan and Raymond

Song, I Dream of Home J. S. Knowlton

Fancy Dance C. Dubois

Sparring McGrath and Baker

Grand Walk Around Comfort, Kenny and
Connors

Song, The Cove what Sprouts B. Connors

Sparring Mortimer and Connors

Similar entertainments followed and were always given to crowded houses.

On February 7 Lieutenant Russell received appointment as first lieutenant in the 6th Massachusetts Battery where he later received promotion to the rank of captain. During the same month about seventy recruits arrived from Massachusetts, so that drilling appears again as the order of the day. Nor was this time wasted, for it was evident that an army movement was soon to take place.

Early in March preparations were made for the Red River campaign, the object of which was the capture of Shreveport on the Red River, the dispersion of the Confederates in that region and ultimately the recovery of Texas by the line of the Red River. There were serious objections to this route and certain precautionary measures were necessary if the end were to be accomplished, but these were not carried into execution.

As the battery was not brigaded we find it first in one division then another, wherever there was difficult service and danger to be encountered.

The general plan was that Banks with all the forces at his command should march his troops over-land to Alexandria, there to be joined by Gen. A. J. Smith with a force of about 10,000 men, detached from Sherman's army, who were to be transported up the river in company with Admiral Porter's fleet. At the same time it was expected that General Steele would coöperate in the movement with a force of about 15,000 men. As General Banks was obliged to be in New Orleans at this time the arrangements for his part of the movement were entrusted to General Franklin.

General Franklin's forces consisted of the entire 19th Army Corps and the 3d and 4th divisions of the 13th Army Corps, in command of General Ransom, the whole force numbering some 16,000, all under Major General Franklin. The cavalry division of the 19th Army Corps was commanded by Gen. A. L. Lee, and to this division Nims' Battery, equipped as horse artillery, had been assigned.

The troops were supposed to start from Franklin on the 7th of March and arrive at Alexandria the 13th, but owing to some delay they were unable to leave until the 13th. On that day General Lee moved with his command in advance of the regular army. His force consisted of the 1st, 3d, 4th and 5th brigades of the cavalry division, Nims' Battery of 6 guns--Rawles' Battery of 4 guns--and a battery of mountain howitzers manned by a company of 6th Missouri Cavalry, all equipped as horse artillery, a total of about 3300. There was a halt the next morning at five for an hour's rest and then on again. Long trying marches followed, 23 miles one day, 30 the next, 20 the next, 30 the next until the 19th of March, when 33 miles were made in 12 hours. Although one section of the battery reached Alexandria the 19th and another the 21st, the whole column did not arrive before the 25th. Here General Banks again assumed command and three days were spent in resting, refitting, and issuing supplies.