Chapter III: Part 3

On the march from Mechanicsburg the 11th lost several men; they were behind and were taken by rebel cavalry, who were picking up stragglers, but did not get many, as our cavalry were protecting the rear, and they did not venture up very close. All cotton was burned on this march, also some corn and a few houses, one a very fine house occupied by a rebel. Everything of value was taken because he aided in capturing some of our boys by making signals to a party of bushwhackers. He was taken and delivered as a prisoner to the General. The brigade marched to Young's Point, established camp, where we were soon at home.

After resting for a few days orders were received for the brigade to prepare for a move next morning. Everything was found ready on the 14th of June, and on Sunday every regiment was formed in line and soon moved from Young's Point to go to Richmond, Louisiana, where the rebels were said to be in force, throwing up entrenchments. We were sent out to reconnoitre on the 15th, after a good night's rest. Our advance fed in with some of the enemy's skirmishers when about two miles from Richmond. The 5th Minnesota was acting as skirmishers. A line of battle was formed, and then the order was given to forward, and the whole line moved to the support of the skirmishers. When within a mile of Richmond the skirmishers were saluted with a shower of bullets, but most of them passed harmlessly over their heads. Two of the 5th were slightly wounded, which was all the damage we received. Two batteries were brought into play; one was handled by some men of the marine brigade, and they did some good shooting. They came from Millikin's Bend. The 11th Missouri was supporting Taylor's battery. The rebels would send an occasional shot at us as we were laying down in front of our artillery, and after firing over 100 rounds from the two batteries, General Mower discovered where the rebels were. They occupied a strong position on the opposite side of Wolf creek. He rode along the lines, each regiment being in its place, and the command was given to move across this creek and take the rebels in the rear. The marine brigade was ordered to take our place to support the batteries. After marching through a heavy piece of timber, we emerged into an open field near the creek, and then we could see the rebels retreating, and our advance in hot pursuit.

We soon reached the creek opposite the town and crossed over. There was evidence of there having been a strong force there, as their shanties were left standing, and deserters informed us that there were 7,000 of Taylor's and Walker's men here when we attacked them in the morning. They had dug some rifle pits and had several pieces of artillery, but used them very little. One man lay dead in a ditch, and two were wounded, one of them seriously. They were injured by a shell.

A battalion of the 10th Illinois cavalry pursued the retreating rebels and took 30 prisoners, with slight loss on our side. The citizens of the town fled with the retreating rebels, as they were informed that they would be protected inside the rebel lines. Some of them taking nothing with them, and our men soon took possession. And then commenced the work of plunder, as everything was ordered to be destroyed, the town was soon in ashes; there was nothing but a heap of ruins two hours after our forces took possession.

The day passed away and night found us three miles from Richmond, where we halted for the night. The marine brigade returned to their boats that evening, burning everything as they went. Arrived at Young's Point at 1 o'clock on the 16th day of June. The sun was sending its hottest rays upon us, and it was almost impossible to proceed. We had water a short distance from camp and plenty of it; it was not good, and the brigade soon felt the effects of using this water. Ague and fever became frequent, and several men died in the brigade. We remained here encamped until after the surrender of Vicksburg. You may judge of our feelings when we learned that the rebels had surrendered to Grant. It was hardly believed that one of the strongholds of the rebellion was in our possession, and the father of waters was open to commerce again from St. Louis to New Orleans.

Col. ANDREW JACKSON WEBER,

_11th Missouri Regiment, Mortally Wounded, June 29th, 1863, in front of Vicksburg._

Nothing of importance transpired until the 28th of June, and then the 11th Missouri was ordered in front of Vicksburg as grand guard, and while there the rebels commenced shelling us. A piece of shell striking Col. Weber on the head, he fell mortally wounded. This was on the morning of the 29th; he lived until the morning of the 30th. In him the 11th Missouri lost a true friend, and it was with sorrow we followed his body to the boat which was to convey him home. His corpse was put on board of the boat, and after a short prayer, we returned to camp. All of the brigade followed his body to the boat, as he was universally esteemed by every one who knew him. Although young in years, he had the qualifications rendering him an able commander. He was captain of company B, 11th Missouri, until we arrived at Point Pleasant, but for services rendered there, he was raised to the rank of major, which post he held for some time. At length he was raised to the rank of lieutenant colonel, vice Penny Baker, resigned on account of ill health. He filled every place with honor to himself and with the esteem and friendship of his brother officers. He was a sober officer, and took pride in seeing his men appear well, and was the first to face danger, always kind and obliging, never resorting to extreme measures, he won the good will of his men, who would follow him wherever he saw fit to lead them. He encountered cold, hunger and fatigue, and endured many privations along with his men; had passed safely through several hard fought battles, and was always cool and collected in the midst of danger; always in front of his company or regiment. He was always with his regiment, and took an active part in all the battles that the 11th Missouri was engaged in, and escaped unharmed until the 29th day of June, when he was stricken down in the prime of life. His remains were sent home on the 2d day of July. George Weber accompanied the last remains of as brave and gallant an officer as ever drew a sword.

The brigade remained encamped at Young's Point until after the surrender of Vicksburg which happened on the 4th day of July, 1863. Gen. Pemberton surrendered with his whole army, which was paroled, and a great many of the men took the oath of allegiance to the U. S. Government, went home, declaring they would fight no more for Jeff. Davis and his minions.

While here the climate began to tell on the men in the brigade, and several fell sick and some died. At last we got on to steamboats and were transferred to Vicksburg, and from there to Black Water on the cars. Here tents were pitched, and the brigade remained for nearly two weeks. From this place the camp was removed ten miles to a heavy piece of timber, which answered very well for a shade; a choice spot was selected for a camp, the ground cleaned off, the tents pitched, and each regiment and brigade took its respective place. Officers' tents in line of the rear of the privates. On laying out the ground for a camp, so much ground is allowed to each company, and every tent must be in line with the others. The ground has to be swept every morning between the tents, and the dirt hauled off in wagons. At this camp we remained for two months; the last month we remained here there was a grand review every Thursday, and company inspection every Sunday. While here Gen. Mowers returned from the hospital, where he had been on account of ill health. He took command of the brigade again, in the place of Col. Hubbard, who was acting brigadier at this time. George Weber also returned from taking his brother home about this time, also Captain J. D. Lloyd, of company B, returned from Memphis, and took command of his company.

The country is very broken and hilly for miles around Vicksburg. Some corn near our camp was used for forage. Peaches were in great plenty. The boys would go out miles from camp foraging, bringing in hogs, chickens, and most all kinds of produce. Several of the boys were taken prisoners by guerrillas, and an order was issued to stop going outside the lines. The boys' mules and horses were taken and turned over to the quartermasters.

Deaths became frequent, and soldiers died off very fast; some regiments lost a good many men. Here company B lost two. We remained at this point two months, and on the 26th day of September the brigade returned to Black Water again, pitching their tents in the old camping ground.

September 26th. Early in the evening our tents were ordered to be taken down and loaded on the wagons, and the brigade was ordered to prepare for leaving this camp and return to Black River bridge. Everything being in readiness, the advance was sounded, and each regiment took its place and off they started. The weather was fine, the moon was shining brightly, and the roads were quite dry and dusty. The brigade soon reached our old camping ground, and after our tents came they were pitched, and here the brigade remained, without anything worthy of notice transpiring until the 14th of October, when Mowers' brigade and the 2d Iowa battery was ordered to get ready to leave camp, taking six days' provisions and 40 rounds of ammunition to the man. The first day we went as far as Gen. Tuttle's headquarters, where we camped for the night, and next morning Tuttle's and Logan's divisions and a brigade of cavalry, all under command of Maj. Gen. McPherson, crossed Black River on a bridge. Mowers' brigade was detailed to guard the train of the division, and night found us at a small town called Brownsville. Here Tuttle's division came to a halt, and the 11th Missouri was detailed to act as grand guard. Our lines were formed near the town, and one man was shot by some of the rebel bushwhackers; we were not disturbed again. In the morning we were ready to move forward, when the order came to advance. In this place there was nothing but a few empty houses, used as stores. Nothing of value could be seen; if there was anything it was concealed, so that few contraband goods were obtained. While marching through this place next morning some goods were discovered in a house belonging to a Jew. The regiment stopping at this place for a short time, some of the soldiers helped themselves to whatever they could find; but a guard being placed over this house, not much could be obtained.

The roar of cannon broke upon our ears, and we could tell by the sound that it was some distance ahead of us. It continued for a short time, and then ceased, and we were ordered forward, but soon came to a halt again. In this way we proceeded all day. At nightfall we came to a halt, and camped, the brigade forming a hollow square. Here we remained till morning, when the order came to fall in and move forward.

The cavalry had found the rebels and were shelling them with their howitzers. After marching us about a mile we came in full view of them. Logan's division was in line of battle. Skirmishers were thrown forward and the advance commenced. The rebels occupied a good position on a hill, and were supposed to be in strong force. It was a splendid sight to see the blue coats ascend the hill. Skirmishing was kept up and the rebels fell back slowly, firing as they went. They made but little opposition to our men, and soon they left us masters of the field.

Tuttle's division had halted, and was now ordered forward again. After advancing about a mile we came to a halt, stacked arms, and bivouacked. Rain fell during the night, and the roads next day were quite muddy, making it pretty hard marching. We were ordered back to Black River bridge, where we arrived on the sixth day after leaving camp. Part of this expedition was sent to destroy a mill which contained a great quantity of provisions. The cavalry, which was in advance, encountered a battery which was placed in position to defend the mill. The cavalry being fired upon, they fell back, and formed a line of battle, and a battery of light artillery was brought forward and opened on the rebels, where they were supposed to be, and the place was soon made too warm for them. A charge was made, and several prisoners taken, with a small loss on our side. After the rebels left, the mill and a machine shop was burned; then returned to camp. After this was accomplished, and as soon as the rebels discovered that the army was on its way back to camp, they returned to harrass our rear. The cavalry had several skirmishes with them during the day, as they would come up and engage our rear guard, but in every instance were driven back. They followed us up to Edwards' Station. It took us two days to return to camp again, marching 40 miles in a day and a half. Sometimes we were on double-quick, and marched in single file on the right of the wagons the whole length of the train. How glad were we when we could see the tops of our tents in the distance. Tired and foot sore, we laid down to rest our weary limbs, and our sleep was enjoyed the first night of our arrival in camp, and we awoke much refreshed. This was the 21st of October, and here we remained until November. About the 6th orders came to strike tents and get ready to move camp.

Everything was put on board the cars but the wagons and artillery, and landed at Vicksburg. The wagons were hauled there by the teams, the artillery was put on board steamboats that were in waiting to receive us. Tuttle's division was soon on its way to Memphis. The 11th Missouri was on the boat with General Mowers. The weather was pretty cool and dry, and everything went on favorably until our boat was struck by a floating snag, which tore a hole in the front of it, and it was also set on fire several times by some person or persons on board. It was discovered in time to prevent serious damage.

At length we arrived at Memphis, where the division all landed. One brigade remained at Memphis and the other two were left at posts along the railroad as guards. The second brigade under Mowers was carried by railroad to La Grange, Tennessee. Our train had proceeded but a short distance from Memphis when it was fired into and a negro killed in the 11th Missouri, and two of the 5th Minnesota wounded; also a negro in the second Iowa battery was killed. Firing on trains had become quite common, but an order was issued that put a stop to it. Every citizen was held responsible for damage done the railroad by roaming bands of guerrillas who were watching opportunities to obstruct the passage of trains running from Corinth to Memphis.

When we arrived here there was but a small force of cavalry stationed at this point, and it was the rebels' intention to attack the place, but they were so long in making up their minds what to do that I don't think they will venture very close to us again. We arrived here near the middle of November, and remained until the 1st of December, when the order came to prepare for marching.--Taking three days' rations in our haversacks, with our blankets and canteens, we were soon on the march again at daylight. Our destination was Pocahontas. We marched up one hill and down another until we arrived within a mile of a small town on the railroad called Middletown. Tired and foot sore, we came to a halt and bivouacked for the night. Our march was along the railroad, and we passed through Grand Junction and Salsbury. At the latter place part of the 8th Wisconsin regiment and some Tennessee cavalry, were stationed. When the brigade passed through the 8th was ordered to accompany it, and when they arrived at Salsbury the town was left without a guard. The rebel cavalry came right in the rear of us and tore up the railroad and burned several houses of the town. Notice was given the General that the rebels were in our rear, when the command was ordered back. The cavalry being in advance they fell in with the rebels a short distance from this town. They were posted in line of battle and were determined to prevent our return to camp. The artillery was soon brought into play, and after shelling them some time, doing but little damage on either side, the rebels gave way and left our forces in possession of the ground. A large open field formed the battle ground, with timber on each side. A running fight was kept up all day, a few prisoners were taken. How glad were we when we could see La Grange again. We reached camp about four o'clock, having marched over forty miles in less than two days. That night we slept until morning, and awoke much refreshed.

There was a great stir in camp next morning, caused by the report that the rebels were seen hovering around our lines. No one was allowed to leave camp, and our arms were stacked on the color line, and we were ordered to be ready to take arms at a moment's warning, as there was no knowing what moment the enemy would make the attack. We were not long destined to remain in camp. The regiment was detailed to work on breastworks, and when the fort was nearly completed the order came to march again, and we had to lay by the shovel and pick and take up our guns and try the fortunes of the field again. Two regiments of the second brigade, 47th Illinois, and 11th Missouri, got on the cars and went to Corinth, Mississippi, and here they bivouacked one night in some old empty quarters that had been occupied by soldiers. In the morning the command was ordered to move, and early on the morning of the 21st took our line of march, and night found us within four miles of Purdy, having marched twenty miles. Next morning we moved about five miles and bivouacked until the morning of the third day at half-past two o'clock, when we were ordered again to march, and that night we came to a halt within twenty miles of Jackson, Tennessee, where the rebel General Forrest, was said to have his headquarters. We marched this day thirty miles. Here we remained all night and next day until nearly dark, when we were ordered to march again, and the command was soon on its way back to Corinth again. After marching to within six miles of Purdy, the command came to a halt until morning and next day traveled about ten miles, and were told to make ourselves as comfortable as possible, as we would remain here all night. But an order came for us to return if possible, to La Grange. The next evening at seven o'clock the sky had the appearance of an approaching storm. At about one o'clock that morning we started for Corinth, and arrived there, the rain falling heavily and the roads becoming so slippery and muddy that it was tedious marching. At two o'clock we were on the cars again, and soon left Corinth for La Grange, where we arrived late in the evening, wet and cold. We retired to our quarters where we soon forgot our fatigue in the arms of slumber, having been absent eight days. We did not discover a rebel on this march, but could hear of them every day, and there would be slight skirmishing with our advance cavalry. Not much loss was sustained on either side. The expedition was commanded by General Mowers but I never learned the object of it as nothing was accomplished. General Forrest was said to have crossed the railroad a few miles from La Grange.

Our stay was short, an order came to go to Grand Junction, and there the 11th remained for several days without tents to cover themselves. It rained twenty-four hours, and from rain it turned to snow, and froze quite hard. It was almost impossible to endure the cold. We were allowed to return to camp, and how cheering were the camp fires to us that evening, as the snow was falling and the wind blowing a strong breeze from the north-west. As our tents had fire-places in them we did not suffer much from the cold of January, 1864.

Here we remained until the 26th of January, when we were ordered to prepare for leaving this camp for Memphis. As most of this railroad was to be abandoned, every available article was removed to Memphis, or inside the Union lines. The 11th and 47th Illinois, were detailed to guard the wagon train into Memphis. After two days we arrived in sight of that city, and here came to a halt and remained a short time. The boys received pay and were ordered on transports which were awaiting to convey troops down the river. At length, all things ready, the boats headed down the river, and we soon found ourselves in front of Vicksburg. Here we landed, formed in line and were soon on the way to Black River bridge, where we arrived on the 4th day of February. A brigade had left their tents standing for the 11th Missouri to occupy.

Left Black River bridge, where we were in camp, March 4th, 1864. The regiment occupied the 20th Illinois quarters as they had left their tents standing, and they kindly tendered them to us while they were absent with Sherman on an expedition to Meridian. Tuttle's division was to have gone but did not arrive in time. The expedition had gone before we got there and we had to remain behind. We remained until Sherman's army returned to Canton, Mississippi, when the second brigade was ordered to guard a wagon train of prisoners through to Sherman, whose command had come to a halt and was awaiting supplies. The train went through all right, and how glad were the boys when supplies arrived, they were suffering for the want of something to eat. Their supplies had been all consumed, and they had to subsist on parched corn and fresh pork without salt, and could not get enough of that. The expedition was gone over a month, and had marched over three hundred miles without a change of clothing, with twenty days rations. Everything was destroyed as they went; railroads were torn up, and corn destroyed, which was a great loss to the rebels. They found scarcely anything to oppose them; a few slight skirmishes now and then, but no general engagement. After obtaining supplies the regiment returned to camp again. Five of the 11th Missouri were gobbled up while foraging on this march, and have not been heard from since. As soon as we returned to camp again the regiment, with Tuttle's division, were ordered to Vicksburg, and soon were on the move again.

An expedition was fitting out to go up Red River, but the 11th had re-enlisted and were promised a furlough home, while all non-veterans were transferred to other regiments. There were nearly a hundred non-veterans of the 11th Missouri regiment. We pitched our tents in the rear of town and there waited to be transferred; the veterans to go home. As I was one of the non-veterans I was destined to be separated for a while from my comrades. We were transferred to the 33d Missouri, and were soon on the way to Red River. A fleet of transports and gunboats were in this expedition; Smith and Mower were in command; in all, twelve thousand five hundred men, infantry and artillery; a picked body of men who never knew what it was to turn their backs on the foe.

Our transfer took place on the 8th of March, after dark. Rain fell that day and the ground had become slippery and muddy; it was difficult to walk without falling. This wading through mud could easily have been prevented if the order had been received in time to have gone to the boats by daylight. As it was we had to endure considerable suffering going from shelter and sleeping on the bank of the river until morning. It was lucky for us that it did not rain any more that day; but the skies looked very threatening. In the morning we were assigned to company B, of the 33d Missouri. There were thirteen of us; seventy-eight belonging to the 11th. Some were assigned to each company in the regiment. Lieut. Col. Heathe was in command of the regiment. As my object is to give an account of the expedition I will not be particular in giving the names of officers.

We remained one day on board of the transport Hamilton. On the 10th, everything being ready, the gunboats in advance and the transports loading, we started for Red River. The boats came to anchor at the mouth of Atchafalaya bayou, where the troops landed and burned a rebel's house after plundering it, and the men would have hung the owner but General Mower interposed and saved his life. The soldiers were ordered on board the boats again and a guard was stationed in front of each boat, that no soldier might go on shore again.--Here we remained all night, and in the morning the fleet entered the mouth of Atchafalaya bayou, which was followed for several miles; anchored at a place called Simsport, where there had been a rebel encampment. Some earthworks could be seen but the rebels fled on our approach. Here some of the troops landed, and in the morning marched four miles, where they discovered a fort.--It was across a bayou called Yellow bayou. This was a strong position and was very hard to approach; if the enemy had chosen to make a stand, would have given our men trouble to dislodge them, as they had to cross a bayou and a ditch fifteen feet deep, which would almost have been an impossibility. No resistance was made however, and this position was evacuated and our men soon had possession. Every available article was burned and the works were destroyed. The rebels fell back to a stronger position on Red River. Mower, with his men, returned to Simsport, stacked arms on shore, and we were ordered to prepare ourselves with two days' rations in our haversacks. Everything was soon ready, and we waiting for the command to move forward. It was on a beautiful Sabbath evening and the boys were in fine spirits. The order came at last, and off we started, went marching that evening eight miles; came to a halt, and the next morning were on the move again quite early. There was nothing worth relating until our arrival within two miles of Red River, where a very strong position was held by a force of rebels, and they resolved to make a stand. There were several siege pieces in position which were covered by a fort. It would have been almost an impossibility to capture it if it had been finished. Three guns commanded all approaches by the river; they were nine-inch guns captured from us and taken off the Indianola. The water battery was protected with railroad iron with a foot of white oak frame work. One gun was not mounted yet, but they were working on it when Mower spoiled their calculation and captured all their guns and destroyed these works, which had taken them a year to complete. After examining this position Mower immediately ordered an advance, with skirmishers in front, while the artillery was opened and a heavy fire was kept up on the rebel works. The rebels returned the fire with a will, but doing no damage. A brigade of infantry was steadily advancing, firing as they went. Soon it began to take effect, as our men neared the rebel position, and made it dangerous to show themselves. The firing had nearly ceased on their part when a charge was made, General Mower leading them. The works were soon gained. It was almost impossible to get into the fort, owing to the ditch around it, but with the assistance of one another gained the works. When they got on top of the works they pulled each other up by the aid of their guns. The garrison surrendered with eleven pieces of heavy artillery; also a quantity of ammunition, with nearly three hundred prisoners, who were sent to New Orleans. As it was in Banks' department all prisoners had to be sent there from here. Mower embarked with all the troops but one brigade of infantry, which was left behind to destroy the works, under the orders of A. J. Smith, who was in command of both corps. The regiments that made the assault were the following: 24th Missouri, 89th Indiana, 119th Illinois, 14th Iowa and 21st Missouri, non-veterans.

As the order was received at the same time to take the rebel works by assault, all moved at once, and the 24th Missouri claims the honor of planting the first flag on the fort, but all deserve praise for the manner in which the order was obeyed. Every one was confident of victory. On they went under a heavy fire, and were soon in possession of one of the strongest positions in Louisiana. It was well planned. There were places in the fort for prisoners, and ammunition would be safe from harm. The gunboats were to assist in taking the fort, but did not arrive in time to take part in the engagement owing to obstructions in the river, which the boats had to remove before they could get along. This caused some delay. A few shots were fired from the boats, but the fort was taken by this time. Our advance was in possession of the fort by six o'clock in the evening.

As our brigade was in the rear, did not arrive in time to take part in the engagement. We were waiting to receive the order to support the advance, but as our assistance was not needed, we stacked our arms two miles from the fort, in an open field, and there remained until morning, when we marched to the landing where the fleet was awaiting us. We all embarked with the exception of one brigade, which remained behind to destroy everything that could not be removed. From carelessness or some other cause, several men were killed and wounded in the destruction of the works; nearly as many as there were in taking them. The rest of the forces under Mower proceeded to Alexandria, the gunboats going in advance, the transports following. Our progress was very slow, only about five miles an hour. This stream is very crooked and narrow, and might be very easily blockaded. The gunboats proceed cautiously. Parker discovered there were torpedoes placed in the river, and four of these infernal machines were taken out before getting very close to them. The fleet arrived at last at Alexandria. All the troops landed, and tents were pitched, and the men were allowed several days to rest and recruit up; but we were not destined to remain long idle.

An expedition was fitted out, and after marching about 40 miles, surprised and captured nearly 300 more confederates, with four pieces of artillery. It was under a heavy storm of wind and rain when this capture was made in the dead hour of night, on the 21st of March. Mowers captured the courier, who had the countersign, and by this means deceived the guard, as they imagined that it was reinforcements from Walker. They little thought the Yankees were so close, and were surprised to find themselves in the presence of strangers. We treated them quite civilly, as they were prisoners of war, and were taken without firing a shot. When they discovered how easily they had been taken in, their rage knew no bounds. The 33d Missouri assisted in making this capture. They were marched to Alexandria, while some of the boys rode their horses they were compelled to walk. They were put on board a boat and sent to New Orleans.

On returning to Alexandria we found Banks and staff had arrived. Lee, who was chief of cavalry, came into town; it was the advance of Banks' army--it soon came, and encamped in the rear of town for several days. While here three more pieces of artillery were discovered, concealed by the rebels in their haste to get away. They were field pieces, which made in all 18 pieces, with 600 prisoners; a great quantity of sugar and molasses was also captured. Smith's men were called thieves and robbers by Banks, who said they would not fight. He started with the 13th corps, the invincible 19th going ahead, and came to a halt at Grandecore, and there awaited Smith's coming, who was to bring up the rear. Smith arrived, and the troops marched above the falls, and the fleet soon followed, but some of our largest gunboats had to remain at Alexandria, as they drew too much water to get over the falls. After getting over the falls the troops embarked on board the boats again and went to Grandecore. Here there was a short skirmish, in which Captain O'Donald, of the 11th Missouri, was wounded in the arm. A few prisoners were taken.

This town was situated on a high bluff, and the rebels had thrown up some earthworks, but left as soon as they saw the gunboats. Few people were living in the town.

About the first of April Banks moved, with his long train of wagons, in the direction of Shreveport; the cavalry in advance, and the 13th corps, what there was of it, in support of the cavalry. Skirmishing commenced early, and was kept up until in the afternoon, when the rebels were discovered to be pretty strong in force in our front, having a good position. The cavalry attacked them without hesitation, and after a pretty severe fight, drove the rebels. The loss on our side was light. They were driven several miles this day, which was the 7th of April. Our men drove them in every instance until the 8th, when the 13th corps were forced to fall back, and all their cannon and wagon train were captured, and out of 2,600 men, only half of them escaped.

On the morning of the 8th the march commenced, with cavalry in advance, the 13th corps as support, their train next to them, and Banks and his invincible 19th brought up the rear, while Smith and Mowers with their guerrillas were left behind to guard Banks' everlasting train. It was train enough for 150,000 men, and it took all of Smith's army to guard it while landing from the boats. We were soon in marching order, and on the 7th got started, following Banks' grand army. Rain fell this day, and laid the dust. Our march was through a heavy pine timbered country; water was scarce. Marched this day about 16 miles, came to a halt. It was a long dreary march. Very few houses could be seen. Next morning were on the move again. Marched this day about 19 miles, and came to a halt in the rear of a small town called Pleasant Hill. Here we went into camp for the night. Reports began to be circulated through the regiment that the army under Banks was badly whipped, and things began to look gloomy, as the truth came to us that the 13th corps were all killed or captured, with all their cannon and wagon train. Let me ask, who will have to answer for the manner in which this expedition was conducted, and the many brave men who fell a sacrifice to an immense cotton speculation? Who ever heard of a General skirmishing with a wagon train? All were sent right up in front, and our advance went as far as Sabine Cross Roads, 70 miles from Shreveport, and here the battle commenced. A brigade of infantry was sent to support the cavalry. The rebel lines were in the shape of a horse-shoe, and into this our men moved, when a heavy fire was opened from all sides. There was no chance of forming our lines, as the wagon train was in the way, and after a desperate resistence, our ammunition being all expended, our men broke and fled in all directions. Many of them fell into the hands of the enemy. Men and horses were so mixed up they could not be rallied again. The cavalry were forced to fall back, and some of them rode through the lines and caused confusion among the men. Reinforcements were sent for, but did not arrive in time. The invincible 19th got there at last and formed their lines for battle. The enemy were steadily driving our men; on they went, not dreaming that they were hastening to destruction. When they got within short range, a deadly fire of musketry and artillery were poured into them. The rebels came to a halt, and returned the fire, and soon the battle raged fiercely, neither side yielding an inch. Volley after volley was given and received into their very faces. At length the rebels yielded and fell back--our men did not follow up their advantage, when night closed the bloody scene. The loss was heavy on both sides. Kirby Smith was said to be in command.

Banks ordered a retreat. He and his negroes were hastening back to Grandecore. We could see the wagons getting to the river as fast as possible, and all day of the 9th the wagons could be seen passing. Two divisions of the 16th corps had arrived, and were waiting orders, when on the morning of the 9th three companies of the 33d Missouri regiment was detailed to guard our train.--Every fire was put out and a guard was stationed all around our wagon train.--The 19th had fell back to Pleasant Hill, and as Banks could not command an army he gave the command to Smith and Mower, who immediately formed their men in line of battle.

The place where this battle was fought was on a high ridge, an old field separating both armies. The artillery was placed in position on the ridge. All around this old cotton field was a thick growth of heavy timber and underbrush. In this our lines were formed in the shape of a horse-shoe. Artillery was placed to sweep this open field, and a cannonade was kept up on the rebels, who occupied the timber in front of our men, and were considerably annoyed by a twelve pound howitzer which was throwing shell amongst them. As there was no good position for the enemy to use artillery very little was used. A force of cavalry was sent out to bring on an engagement. Skirmishing commenced immediately, and was kept up for some time, and they were slowly driven back until Price's arrival with reinforcements, when the attack was ordered to commence at once, about 5 o'clock P. M. When the enemy were seen forming their lines in the edge of the timber, every preparation was made to receive them. The 19th corps formed part of the first line. They were seen advancing in three lines. On they came, their object being to outflank us, but were met at every point. Still they came, firing as they advanced, until they arrived within a short distance of our lines, when every gun opened upon them, and as one man fell another took his place. Still they advanced, but they were mowed down like grass. A brigade of cavalry, supported by infantry, only three men of which escaped, made a charge. It was met on the right by the 24th Missouri regiment, and most nobly it was done. Its loss was heavy, one hundred and eighteen killed and wounded. The infantry flanked them and they had to change their position, and it was then they suffered most. All of the regiments suffered that formed this line, as it was on the extreme right. As they could not turn the flanks they fell back and massed their forces for another encounter. A brisk cannonade was kept up all the time, which was killing and wounding their men at every discharge. The 19th corps broke their first line of battle and formed with Smith's men, and Col. Hill's brigade formed in the centre, as it was ordered to the front, and arrived in time to take part in the engagement. The 33d Missouri and 35th Iowa were laying down when the rebels were said to be advancing again. They came on with their accustomed yell, when they were again met with as warm a reception as in their first attempt to break our lines. It was their object to break the centre, but in this they failed. They were met by the western boys. Missouri against Missouri, brother against brother, met in the deadly strife for the mastery of the field. Charge after charge had been made, still the contest went on. The rebel dead lay in heaps along the whole line, and the shouts of the combatants nearly drowned the roar of artillery and the noise of battle. Seven thousand rifles with artillery, were making sad havoc in their ranks. It had raged furiously for two hours, when their lines were seen to waver. Mower, who was riding where the bullets rained the thickest, waving his sword, gave the command forward and give the rebels the cold steel, but they could not stand such a desperate charge as this was. Mower crossed the field, leading the men double-quick into the timber, where the rebels were trying to rally for another charge, but a heavy volley was fired into their masses and they broke and fled in all directions, throwing away their arms in their haste to get away. They were driven from the field three miles, and if our forces had followed the retreating enemy, would have retrieved our loss, and Smith and Price's armies have been destroyed. As it was, all of our artillery was retaken, but could not be got away on account of not having horses to haul it. It was left on the field in the hands of the enemy, with most of our wounded. Banks ordered a retreat. Smith and Mower strenuously opposed falling back; they were for pursuing the enemy, who did not halt till they got twenty miles from the field of battle; leaving some of their best officers on the field.

Their loss is not known, but was fully as large as ours, which was great, for it was a hard fought battle, and could be counted one of the hardest of the war, considering the forces engaged. The rebel forces were said to have two thousand two hundred strong, cavalry and infantry. They thought to crush Smith and Mowers and capture their two divisions, but did not succeed in getting one gun or wagon from them, while Banks lost half of his artillery and a good many wagons; also his whisky, paper collars, and ammunition supplies for ten days, belonging to the 13th corps, was all taken. Our ammunition was made good use of in the fight at Pleasant Hill, with our new Enfield rifles. The prisoners call Banks their commissary. They made a requisition on him for sixty thousand rations, and he filled it, giving them something better than we received, which was canned fruit and full rations of whisky.

On the 11th we arrived at Grandecore without molestation, as the rebels had no idea but that we were in close pursuit, until they sent in a flag of truce asking permission to care for their wounded and bury their dead. There was no one to receive it, and word was sent back. They soon returned and followed us.--Our retreat commenced early in the morning of the 10th, the 16th corps bringing up the rear. Went into camp and remained here for a week. The fleet had followed us on our advance to Shreveport, and went to within thirty-five miles of that place, when the order was sent to them to return, and it was barely in time to save the boats from destruction. They were not molested on the way up, but on their way back suffered from sharp-shooters that lined the banks. A battery was in position at a small town called Lacompt, distant eight miles from here, and a force of cavalry and infantry were sent there and made them take their battery and skedaddle. The gunboats could not make them leave, owing to the high bank at this place. The fleet got back at last, gunboats in advance. To clear the shore of rebel batteries they were placed on every available point, but could not stand the fire from the gunboats long. The steamer Black Hawk looked like a sieve, it was all perforated with bullets. Several men were killed and wounded on it, but in this attempt to capture the Black Hawk they paid dearly. They did not perceive the Black Monitor laying low in the water.--Green marched his men down to the shore and ordered the boat to shove ashore, but they were not so inclined, and the officer in command informed him that he would try what virtue there was in cold iron. A heavy volley was fired into the boat, when the Monitor opened her broad sides. The rebels found they were charging on the wrong boat, and began to get out of the way as quick as they could, but were not in time to escape the shell that was making such fearful havoc in their ranks. They were shelled as long as they could be seen. Their loss was about five hundred killed and wounded, with Green, who paid the penalty of charging on a boat with a monitor in tow.

April 20th. After drawing rations, we left Grandecore, to return to Alexandria. The rebels were determined we should not leave Louisiana, and were on the move to intercept us from going back to Mississippi, at every opportunity would attack our lines in front and rear, and at every point and place where they could make a good stand.

On the morning of the 24th, being Sunday, the rebels commenced throwing some shells into our camp, aiming at our wagon train, but did no damage to trains or us until we got ready for them. Our cavalry then made some desperate charges. The 16th Indiana and 6th Missouri cavalry, did the principal fighting, with our line of skirmishers, while our regiment was drawn up in line of battle and watching for an engagement with them, but they did not come to taw.

We arrived at Alexandria after marching nearly one hundred miles. There was fighting almost every day, either front or rear, but they were always met with determination. Our cavalry would not be driven. The rebels would come up and attack the rear, when the cavalry would hold the rebels until the infantry could get the start, and then the cavalry would fall in and come on slowly, the rebels following closely. Arrived at Alexandria with the loss of a few men. While at that place, the report was brought into camp that the rebels were to occupy the city on a certain day, and preparation was made to give them a warm reception, if they choose to pay us a visit. A line of battle was formed a short distance from town and we lay on our arms all night, but in the morning returned to camp, as no enemy had appeared. While here, reinforcement for the 13th corps arrived, and were sent out to the front, when orders came for another move. Tents were left standing and, Mower's and Smith's divisions fell into line and moved out to the front; came to a halt and remained in line waiting orders. Skirmishing was going on in front and Banks' men were driving the rebels, and several prisoners were taken. Several batteries opened on their lines and they soon got out of harms way. The men under Smith and Mower fell back about a mile, formed a line and were ordered to be ready to take arms any moment. Nothing disturbed us this night, and early in the morning bugle sounded for the men to fall in, when the advance was sounded and all were on the march again, cavalry in advance. They soon fell in with the rebel pickets, and skirmishing commenced quite early in the day. The enemy were driven slowly, they disputed every foot of ground. Did not come to a halt until we came to a place called Rodgers' Bayon. Here we stopped and eat our dinners, when the brigade, under Col. Hill, was ordered to the front to protect our wagon train, as they were procuring forage at one of the plantations across the bayou. The 6th Missouri cavalry being out in front, deserve praise for the manner in which they held their position. They were forced back on account of superior numbers, there being only two companies. Artillery was used by the rebels and some of their shot came close to our lines, killing and wounding eight of the cavalry. When the cavalry fell back the rebels came close enough to use grape shot, and their guns could be plainly seen by us. After throwing a few shells over us, doing no damage but killing the strength of the powder, they desisted, and as it was nearly dark and our wagons were loaded, we returned to Governor Moore's plantation, and there we had our camping grounds for ten days. Corn was growing finely and wheat was ready for reaping, but everything was destroyed. Governor Moore's family moved to Alexandria, and every building was reduced to ashes. Picket skirmishing was going on most of the time, causing constant alarm in camp. The water having fallen in the river, boats could not get back to Alexandria without damming the river to make the water deep enough for the gunboats to pass over the falls. All of the transports got over at last except one, which was the Woodford. It was used as a hospital, and sunk in getting above the falls and lay in the river. When the army passed there all the sick had been taken off. After finishing the dam all the boats passed through the channel except some of the iron-clads, of which the plating had to be taken off to render them light enough to pass below the falls. Banks was for destroying them, lest they should fall into the rebels' hands, but they got over at last, when Banks got all of his boats loaded with cotton and niggers, started for the Mississippi, 19th corps in advance, 13th next, and his invincible wagon train, and last of all, Smith and Mower's guerrillas bringing up the rear. Started from Moore's plantation, leaving nothing but a few shade trees to mark the home of the rebel Governor, fell in with Banks' army three miles from this place, on their way back. Our march was right along the river and the boats were following us, the Monitor clearing the road of sharp-shooters, who lined the banks of the river, and were doing their best to stop the progress of the fleet down to the Mississippi. A few shell thrown amongst them caused them to get out of danger before the land force could get to where they were. They had captured some of the tin-clad fleet belonging to the Monitor, and several transports. One had five hundred soldiers on it and only about a hundred got to Alexandria. After running the gauntlet boats were sunk in the river as an obstruction, but the gunboat soon made a road, passed through, and at last got around to Simsport. Arrived about the 10th of May, no rain having fallen for more than a month.