along, the 13th corps being next, and Smith's and Mowers' brought up
the rear. The rebels were endeavoring to reach Yellow Bayou and occupy
their old works, but were beat in the race, and at night our men
occupied the works, and after crossing the bayou camped in line of
battle, fronting the rebels. The cavalry acting as picket guard, was
out about a mile in front. This night we slept without being disturbed,
and in the morning the cavalry was forced back, when infantry was sent
to support the cavalry. The rebels were heavily reinforced. Paul Neck,
a Texas Colonel, was said to have been in command, the best artillerist
in the South. His practice was so good and aim so accurate, our
batteries could not withstand the fire from their guns, as they fired
by volley. The infantry was formed in line and started on double-quick
for the field where the rebels were supposed to be. A bayou was on one
side and a heavy swamp on the other, and in this and the open space
the rebel's lines were formed, with batteries in position; so they had
decidedly the advantage of our men. Briers and weeds were so thick in
the swamp we could not get through at all. Skirmishers were ordered
forward and the advance commenced. Their lines could not be discovered
until our men were right on them. A volley was given at short range and
a charge was made, when we came to a stand. Still, the rebels slowly
falling back. Another advance was made, and this time the fighting was
quite severe. Our men were so close every shot told; and in this charge
about three hundred prisoners were taken. The artillery could not be
used on account of the men being mixed up so in the charge. But when
they were falling back they suffered most, the rebels using grape.
Colonel Hill's son was killed. Hill's brigade suffered severely, and
himself wounded in the foot. The battle continued most all day. Two
brigades whipped about one thousand rebels, they having the advantage
of position. Two of the guns used were taken from the gunboat, and our
artillerists could not reach them as they were placed out of range.
Their own report of their loss was twenty-five hundred, while ours
would not amount to more than five hundred. It was a hot sultry day
in May, and a good many of the soldiers fell struck down with the
excessive heat.
The rebels left our front that night, and reinforcements being sent
to relieve those in front, returned to our old place of camping. At
night enjoyed a good sleep, and in the morning, May 19th, started to
Atchafalaya Bayou. The rebels brought a battery along with them and
commenced shelling our rear. A battery was left to protect the rear
until everything was got safely away, when the artillerists limbered up
and got out of danger. The rebels shelled them as long as they could be
seen, doing no damage. Banks had been crossing his men and trains for
two days, and as they were out of danger, Smith's guerrillas, who were
guarding the rear, were ordered to prepare for crossing the Atchafalaya
and march eleven miles and take the boats.
A bridge was constructed of boats lashed side by side and plank layed
across the front of them, answering very well for a pontoon. On
arriving at the bridge we were not long in crossing; we got over that
day and encamped.--Whisky was distributed to the boys and some of them
became quite merry, as there was no danger of being waked up in the
morning by the enemy's shell falling in their midst; and were out of
hearing of the enemy's cannon for once in two months. As everything was
got over safe the 19th, on the 20th started for the boats. Encamped
on the bank of the river until everything was put on board, and we
were soon on the way to Vicksburg again. As we were leaving, Banks'
grand army could be seen moving in the direction of New Orleans, his
expedition having been a grand failure on his part. Loss in men was
about ten thousand; three hundred wagons, about three thousand mules
and horses, and several batteries of artillery; also several transports
and gunboats fell to the rebels to pay for a few bales of cotton,
leaving the bereaved friends at home to mourn the loss of those who
fell sacrifices in this disastrous expedition, got up for political
purposes and cotton. You can see how well it was managed; it was sent
into the fight by detail, and as soon as one regiment or brigade was
whipped another was sent in, and in this way a whole army could have
been annihilated. But when they met Mower's and Smith's guerrillas,
Banks was pleased to call them, as they did not wear paper collars, as
some of his men did; found they had to fight with men that were not
afraid of a greycoat, and well did the army sustain their credit. Mower
and Smith have won the confidence of the men in this little band, who
arrived at Vicksburg about the 25th. After remaining here for several
days, took boats and went to Memphis; the boats came to anchor at a
place called Sunnyside. Between Greenville and Memphis, on the way up
the river, the rebels were reported to be in force, and it was with
extreme danger boats could go either up or down the river. Some cavalry
were sent out to reconnoitre, who fell in with some rebel scouts and
had a short skirmish, killing and wounding a few of them.
June 5th, some rain fell. Most of the troops landed and slept on shore.
All night long you could hear a noise as if artillery was moving.
Next morning commenced raining. While the fleet went by water a force
was sent by land to clear the shore of artillery. The marines started
in advance and skirmishing commenced quite early, the enemy driving
stubbornly. The 2d brigade supported by the marines, 5th Minnesota,
47th Illinois, and 8th Wisconsin, drove the rebels across a bayou
called Muddy Bayou, where artillery was in position. Hill's brigade was
ordered to support the 2d brigade, form our lines on theirs, but by
some mistake were ordered to charge and take the battery.
June 10th. Returned to the 11th Missouri again, but were not destined
to remain long inactive. After rejoining the regiment orders came to
prepare to march, when they got on the cars at Memphis and went to
Moscow, and there remained until the bridges were repaired all along
the railroad to La Grange, when the cars commenced running again, and a
daily communication was kept up from La Grange to Memphis. The regiment
left on the 16th, acting as guard to the railroad until they arrived at
La Grange, when they went into camp and remained there until July 5th.
Troops began to arrive here in great numbers, and every indication of
some important movement going on. A great quantity of provisions sent
over the road to La Grange, and when everything was ready two divisions
of infantry, one division of cavalry and a brigade of negroes, all
under command of A. J. Smith, Mower was in command of the first
division, Moore, Colonel of the 21st Missouri, commanded the third
division, Bouton was in command of the negroes, and Grierson was in
command of the cavalry. All started from La Grange on the 5th of July,
and went about five miles, came to a halt and remained there until
morning. Started again on the morning of the 6th. After marching about
twelve miles came to a halt and waited for the rear to come up, it was
late getting into camp. Next morning resumed our march again and passed
through Ripley. Here we discovered that the rebels were watching us.
The cavalry skirmished. The rebels were commanded by Forrest, a brother
of Gen. Forrest. About 3,000 mounted infantry took a position on a high
hill awaiting our approach. Our cavalry by some means got information
of their whereabouts, and got in their rear, and soon made them seek
shelter in flight, leaving 11 dead on the field, and 14 wounded. Our
loss was none killed or wounded. The cavalry pursued them for several
miles beyond Ripley. We went from there to Pontotoc; there we remained
one day and rested. Rebels were reported in force in our front, but
no serious demonstrations were made until we arrived within 10 miles
of Tupelo. While we were marching along the rebels made a charge,
firing a heavy volley of musketry, creating some confusion among the
teamsters, some of them running into the brush and leaving their teams
to take care of themselves. The rebels were soon met and made to leave
in a hurry, having accomplished nothing but killing and wounding a few
of our men. They suffered severely in this attack. The negroes being
in the rear, on them they vented their spite, but in every instance
were repulsed, the negroes showing them no quarters. A heavy guard was
stationed along the train which resisted every attempt of the rebels
to capture any of our wagon train. Having tried the train to their
satisfaction, and seeing that it would be impossible to get any of
our hard-tack, took up a position in front of us, forming their lines
across the road, with two batteries of artillery. In this way they
divided the army. Smith, with most of the cavalry and 3d division of
infantry, was hastening as fast as possible to Tupelo, where there was
a very good position. The cavalry soon reached this place and commenced
tearing up the railroad track, leaving Mowers with the 1st division
to guard the train and bring up the rear. The rebels being beat in
the race to Tupelo, turned their attention to the rear, and expected
by dividing the army they could easily whip and capture each division
separately. They reckoned without their host, for our men were ready
for them. The rebels fired a volley, and charged with terrific yells
on our advancing columns, but Waterhouse's and the 2d Iowa batteries
were soon in position to receive them. On they came, hoping to capture
these guns as they were waiting to deal death and destruction among
them. All at once a deadly fire from cannon and musket was opened upon
them at short range, and so desperate was the conflict that most all of
the horses of one gun were either killed or disabled, and 11 of their
men lay dead in front of the guns. This fight lasted an hour when they
were driven off. They used two batteries, but being at long range, did
not damage us much. Everything was hurried up, and the rebels with all
their shelling could not stop our wagon train, and we were soon out of
range of shell.
July 13th and 14th. In this attempt they were severely punished, having
accomplished nothing, and leaving a number of their dead and wounded
in our hands. This fight took place about five miles from Tupelo. We
marched this day 18 miles, and encamped on the side of a hill two and
a half miles from Tupelo. Tired and weary we were soon in the arms of
slumber, being waked by the drum in the morning.
Everything arrived safe that evening. They came up and attacked the
rear again, but were met by the negroes and cavalry, which were drawn
up in line of battle to receive them. Failing again to fall back under
a heavy fire from our men. Our loss was slight. A heavy picket guard
was stationed all around our camp to guard against a night attack. A
desultory fire was kept up, doing but little damage on either side.
Things remained in this state until the next morning, when our lines
were formed for battle. The rebels were seen advancing in heavy force
to attack us. Every preparation was made to receive them. On they
came, supported by artillery, to within 150 yards of our lines, when a
deadly fire of grape and canister was thrown into their ranks, mowing
them down like grass, and soon they were forced to fall back. They
rallied again for another desperate effort to take our guns that were
making such sad havoc in their ranks, but the second time they were
driven back with great slaughter, and they rallied for the third and
last charge, to break our lines, but they were met with a deadly storm
of bullets no human could withstand. In vain their officers urged
them on, and swore that any man who was discovered going to the rear
should be shot, but all their efforts were unavailing, they could
not stand such deadly volleys from cannon and musketry. A charge was
made, and the rebels were driven from the field at the point of the
bayonet. A few prisoners were taken. Our loss was slight compared to
theirs. They suffered severely in officers--five colonels lay dead
on the field--Nelson, Forrest, Harris, Fitzpatrick, Falkner--all had
fallen victims to their unholy cause, along with over a thousand more
brave men; some of them mere boys, who had left their homes to drive
the invaders from their soil, as they called us, but did not succeed
in making us leave. We held our position for two days. It was in the
rear of Harrisburg, a short distance from Tupelo, with a swamp on both
sides, in front was an open country, with a few trees, thick under
brush and weeds, for sharpshooters to lay concealed in, and pick off
men. The ground was a gentle slope where the rebels had to advance, and
we had decidedly the advantage of position. They tried hard to drive us
from it, but they were out-generaled. Smith, with the first division,
gained the hill first, took up a position on it, and resolved to give
the rebels battle. Being defeated in the day time, thought they would
try a night attack, and take our men by surprise, but our men were
waiting for them, and after an hour's hard fighting were at length
compelled to give up the contest and wait for morning to renew it.
The armies lay in sight of each other all night, thinking that on the
morrow some would sleep beneath the sod. Before morning the rebels
withdrew. The negroes fought well, and drove the rebels in every
instance. A colonel of the 9th Minnesota, commanding a brigade in the
1st division, was killed; he was shot by a sharp-shooter through the
heart. The rebels were commanded by Lee and Forrest. It was reported
that Forrest was killed, but I think it was a mistake, there was no
such good news for us. Their force was said to be 10,000 strong, mostly
mounted infantry. They did not use much artillery in the engagement; it
was always off so far that it did but little damage to us. Their shot
went crashing through the trees over our heads, doing us no damage.
They thought to drive us from our position, as our lines were formed in
the swamp to guard against flank movements. The rebels were said to be
moving towards our right, and on this they made the night attack, but
were defeated in every attempt to break through our lines.
A flag of truce was sent in asking permission to take care of their
dead and wounded, but it was not so much to take care of their wounded
as to gain an advantage over us. Our generals suspected their design,
which was to advance and take us unawares, and they were not permitted
to advance. All of their wounded were brought from the field along with
ours, and received such care as the times would allow.
July 15. We still hold the hill in front of the rebels. Skirmishing
was still going on. Our wagon train commenced moving out, the cavalry
in advance, the 3d division next, and the 1st division to bring up the
rear, with some cavalry as support. The rebels were seen advancing
in force when the second brigade was ordered to support the 2d Iowa
battery, which was sending its compliments in shell into the rebel
ranks, who were advancing. Here the 11th Missouri lost four men
wounded, who were all struck by the same shell, a captain and three of
his men, none of them dangerously wounded. Captain Clealand was struck
twice, but will soon be able to take command of his company again.
Here we remained as support for a short time, when our position was
changed and we were ordered to form our lines on the 3d brigade. When
we arrived opposite the 3d brigade they raised a yell and over the
barricades they went, firing as they advanced. The rebels fled as fast
as possible to their horses, which they left in their rear. Our forces
watched them for about a mile, and we could see their wagon train
getting out of the way in great haste. The 2d Iowa was accelerating
their movements by sending a few shell amongst them. A charge was made
by some Iowa cavalry, but they found the rebels too strong for them
and they had to fall back with slight loss, when the order came for us
to fall in and follow the train, as it had all got started on its way
back to La Grange. In this morning's engagement the rebel loss was over
a hundred. While we were watching the rear they made a demonstration
on the train, but were driven off after some severe fighting. They
suffering severely in every instance. An Indiana battery was used to
some purpose. We marched this day only about seven miles, and here
the 3d division waited until the rear came up, was in camp early this
evening, and the rebels were following the rear closely. A trap was
set, and into it they easily ran. The 21st Missouri regiment was laying
in ambush, and the rebels marched right along, not dreaming that they
were rushing on death and destruction. The cavalry were holding them in
check but were longing for the infantry to come to their assistance.
Soon the first brigade was heavily engaged. The 114th Illinois charged
upon them as they were drawn up in line along a cornfield, capturing
one piece of artillery and thirty prisoners.--They fled, pursued by
our cavalry, leaving five hundred killed and wounded in our hands.
They did not molest us again that night, as they got enough of trying
to capture wagon trains. They found to their cost, Sturgis was not in
command. Where danger was, you would find Mower or Smith. They were
always on the alert to prevent surprise, and it was owing to their
vigilance that we escaped so well. We returned to La Grange the 21st,
having nothing to impede our progress from Tupelo after the last fight.
We marched through a very hilly country, up one hill and down another.
All day long we toiled on under the scorching sun. A great many died
from the effects of the sun, being extremely warm. But the road was
shaded with trees that grew along the path, and the men did not suffer
so much on the way back. There was plenty of good water on this route,
but provisions had become scarce and our allowance was third rations
of hard-tack with no coffee and very little meat, and that was fresh
beef without salt. Some lived on green apples until we arrived at a
small town called Salem, where we received full rations of hard-tack,
half rations coffee without sugar, and fourth of meat. Then we fared a
little better. From here we went to Davis' Mills, and there encamped
for the night. This was only five miles from our place of starting.
All the train was correlled before night. Next morning marched to La
Grange to the cars for Memphis, where we arrived at our old camp. A
train ran off the track the day we started, owing to some imperfection
in the road. A few of the passengers were injured. This caused delay
in getting to Memphis, but we got back at last with most of our wagon
train. Marched two hundred miles, whipped Forrest in every engagement,
took one hundred and fifty prisoners with one piece of artillery,
killing and wounding two thousand five hundred of the enemy by their
own account. Our loss in all will not amount to four hundred and fifty.
The rebels in Mississippi received a lesson that will not be forgotten
by them soon. There was severe fighting for three days, but in every
instance they got the worst of it.
_Finish of the Red River Expedition--Battle of Muddy Bayou, June 6,
1864._
When the yell was raised two regiments started on the double-quick
to take the batteries at the point of the bayonet, but on reaching
the bayou could not get across. The brigade suffered severely in this
charge. Four men in the 33d Missouri were struck down by one shot,
and the loss in two regiments, 33d Mo. and 35th Iowa, was 80 men.
One of their guns was masked. Our artillery did not render us any
assistance. Eight guns were playing on us as we advanced, until we got
close enough to them to use our guns, and they were forced to leave
under a heavy fire. Their loss was not known. Five more of the 11th
Mo., non-veterans, were wounded; two of them had to have a leg each
amputated; one has since died, a corporal in company B, named Columbus
Roe. This makes fifteen killed and wounded in this expedition of the
11th Missouri non-veterans. Our men crossed over and the cavalry
pursued the retreating rebels hauling their guns from the field by
hand, as our lines were so close to them they could not use horses
until they got out of range. A battery was crossed over, and our men
shelled them as long as they were in sight.
The houses along the road were filled with their wounded, and their
loss must have been as heavy as ours. Marmaduke was said to have been
in command. We camped at town called Lakeville one night and returned
to the boats, which were awaiting us, taking our wounded with us. Got
on board of the transport Freestone, and arrived at Memphis, where the
11th Missouri veterans were said to be. Remained two days with 33d
Missouri.
Wm. L. Barnum was elected Colonel of the veterans, being raised from
a captain to lieutenant colonel, and on Websters death took command
of the 11th Missouri regiment, and on the regiment re-enlisting was
elected Colonel. George Weber resigned on account of disability, and
went home with the veterans.
Our loss in three years, of officers, was Captain Moore, who died at
Cape Girardeau; Captain Singleton, killed at Iuka; Captain Hollister,
killed at Corinth, Oct. 4, '62; Andrew J. Weber, June 29, '63, and
Adjutant Bookings, May 22, in front of Vicksburg, killed by a rebel
sharp-shooter.
As my time was drawing to a close, it being the 5th day of August, did
not take part in the next expedition under A. J. Smith; and when the
veterans left Memphis on another expedition, the non-veterans went
to St. Louis, having been mustered out at Memphis, and receiving our
discharges, pay and bounty, each one went his own way.
* * * * *
Transcriber's Notes
Minor punctuation and printer errors repaired.
Italic text is denoted by _underscores_