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.
Nothing occurred but slight skirmishing with our advance until after
passing Fort D'Russey, at a place called Marksville Prairie, a small
town three miles from the fort. It was a flat, open country, and for
miles could be seen a beautiful tract of land, inhabited by French
and Creoles, who treated the soldiers with contempt, and very little
respect was paid to the neutral flag that could be seen on most all the
houses on the prairie. The rebels resolved to make a stand and give us
battle. Their lines could be plainly seen. Preparation was made, and
the advance commenced. All of our army could be seen as they came on
and took their position in line of battle. Everything seemed to work
like clock work. It would be a sight for an artist. The blue coats
could be seen as far as the eye could reach, together with our long
wagon train; the dust so thick it was almost suffocating. Mowers moved
his lines. Forward was the word, the skirmishers in advance. The rebels
had opened with several guns, and were throwing shot over our lines,
doing but little injury to us. A battery was opened from our side,
but could not remain long in position, as the rebels soon silenced
the guns. A force was sent to the left which caused them to back out
of our way and let us pass. Some of the non-veterans of the 11th were
wounded, and several of the 33d Missouri killed. The rebels were not
heard from again until next day, when our rear was attacked while
crossing a bayou. They did not gain anything by this, and were held in
check. Presently they left the rear and made a charge on the advance of
the train. The negroes met the charge and after killing two of them,
left, leaving their major's body and horse in our hands. A heavy guard
was placed along the wagon train, and sappers were sent in advance to
examine the woods along the route.