Civil War Research Concerning East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana Submitted and Compiled by Claude B. Slaton ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** ************************************************ TIPS FOR SEARCHING RECORDS ON THE INTERNET Netscape & Ms Explorer users: If searching for a particular surname, locality or date while going through the records in the archives or anywhere....try these few steps: 1. Go to the top of the report you are searching. 2. Click on EDIT at the top of your screen. 3. Next click on FIND in the edit menu. 4. When the square pops up, enter what you are looking for in the FIND WHAT ___________blank. 5. Click on DIRECTION __DOWN. 6. And last click on FIND NEXT and continue to click on FIND NEXT until you reach the end of the report. This should highlight the item that you indicated in "find what" every place it appears in the report. You must continue to click on FIND NEXT till you reach the end of the report to see all of the locations of the item indicated. Official Records, Series I, Vol. XV, p. 807: To: Brigidier-General Beall, Port Hudson, La. From: Daniel Ruggels, Jackson, Miss., September 17, 1862 Concentrate your troops for the defense of Port Hudson. Guard Baton Rouge with one company of infantry, section of two guns, and 15 mounted men, under Lieutenant-Colonel Shields. Protect the machinery in the penitentiary; recover any taken away and place it all under charge of the police jury of the parish of East Feliciana. Place a small guard at Bayou Sara if expedient. From Clinton, Louisiana, Civil War Years, by Luther Sobers: "General Ruggles sent a detachment of soldiers to guard the Comite River bridge on the road between Baton Rouge and Clinton. Those soldiers dug several small trenches on the bank of the river. Some of these trenches can be seen today." "[Sometime in April, 1863] The Union forces from Baton Rouge under the command of Colonel T. E. Checkering open the campaign with a raid on the Comite River bridges in an attempt to cut the Confederate supply lines. The Confederates were forewarned and the Union soldiers were driven off. The Union forces returned with a much larger force and succeeded in driving off the Confederate soldiers. The Union soldiers did not attack Clinton; they burned the bridge and returned to Baton Rouge." Official Records, Series I, Vol. XV, p. 807: To: Maj. J. R. Waddy, Assistant Adjutant-General, Jackson, Miss. From: Frank. Gardner, Major-General, Headquarters, Port Hudson, La., February 6, 1863 Major: I have the honor to report that the troops of this command have been consolidated into the following organizations: The infantry consists of three brigades Maxey's, Beall's and Gregg's, and the unattached companies of Lewis' infantry, English's light artillery, and a battalion of dismounted Partisan Rangers, recently organized. The heavy artillery consists of the Twelfth Louisiana Battalion, First Tennessee Battalion, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel De Gournay, and a portion of the First Alabama Regiment. All of the unattached cavalry companies, Hughes' battalion, and Ninth Tennessee Battalion of Cavalry have been temporarily placed under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Gantt, now camped at Olive Branch near Clinton, La., and doing all of the outpost duty and scouting toward Baton Rouge. Major Garland, with his cavalry battalion and Rhodes' company, are stationed in front of Tangipahoa, picketing all of the approaches from Baton Rouge in that direction. Lieutenant-Colonel Wingfield, having reorganized his battalion of Partisan Rangers, is performing all the essential cavalry duty within the fortifications, and also has two companies upon the west side of the Mississippi River as a protection to the Signal Corps. The infantry and artillery garrisons that were at Camp Moore and Clinton have been withdrawn to this point and cavalry substituted in their places. The two cavalry companies at Ponchatoula were ordered there by the lieutenant-general commanding and reported to Lieutenant-Colonel Shields, from whom I have been unable to obtain a report thus far. I inclose herewith a roster of this command, and it will be seen that I have accounted for all of the troops except the two cavalry companies at Ponchatoula. I am, sir, very respectfully, etc. Official Records, Series I, Vol. XXIV, in three parts; Part 1, Reports, p. 542: To: Lieutenant-General Pemberton From: Frank. Gardner, Major-General, Port Hudson, La., April 28, 1863 I shall sent a regiment of infantry to Clinton, La. From Military History of Mississippi, p. 410: The official reports note the presence of the battalion [Hughes' Battalion] at Port Hudson, October 22, 1862; January, 1863, with Gantt's command on outpost duty toward Clinton, La.; in April sent out against Grierson's raid. Wilbourn reached Osyka when Grierson was at Hazlehurst, and he was instructed to cut off the approach to Grand Gulf, co-operating with Wirt Adams. On account of these combinations Grierson could not join Grant and was compelled to make a forced ride to Baton Rouge. Grierson crossed Williams' Bridge over the Amite, near Port Hudson, on the night between April 30 and May 1, and moved upon and surprised the camp of Hughes' Battalion at Sandy Creek, capturing a number of prisoners and destroying the camp, according to Grierson's report. During the siege of Port Hudson, Hughes' Battalion was with the command of Col. John L. Logan, headquarters Clinton, La., operating in the Federal rear. Official Records, Series I, Vol. XXIV, in three parts; Part 1, Reports, p. 543: To: Maj. T. F. Willson, Port Hudson From: W. H. Garland, Major, commanding, about six miles from Greensburg, May 1, 1863 Major: In accordance with orders from Colonel [George] Gantt, I moved my command toward Camp Moore. I traveled as rapidly as my jaded horses would allow, and, having taken a near road, I came on the Greensburg and Liberty road, and there met the Yankees in force. My advance and the enemy exchanged fire. They fired six shots from cannon I think six-pounders. They have marched on Greensburg this evening. They stopped at a house and took some horses, and said that they were on their way to Baton Rouge. If such be the fact, they will cross at Williams' Bridge, on the Amite River. If a force can be thrown there, they may yet be cut off. Williams' Bridge is about 16 miles from Greensburg and about 14 miles from Clinton. To stop them at Williams' Bridge is the last chance. I have lost about 70 men, and the horses all broke down. I write in much haste. Yours, respectfully, W. H. Garland, Major, commanding Official Records, Series I, Vol. XV, p. 1070: To: Lieutenant-General Pemberton From: Frank. Gardner, Major-General, Port Hudson, May 2, 1863 Enemy's raid has successfully passed to Baton Rouge. I need more cavalry and a good commander. Can I break up the post at Ponchatoula? Official Records, Series I, Vol. XV, p. 1071: Special Orders, No. 125 By command of Maj. Gen. Frank. Gardner Headquarters, Port Hudson, La., May 3, 1863 1. Colonel Brown with his command will remain at Williams' Bridge. Colonel Miles with his Legion will take post at Olive Branch. The senior officers will command the whole, cavalry included, and take charge of all positions of the outpost up to Clinton and Tangipahoa. ------- --------, Assistant Adjutant-General Official Records, Series I, Vol. XXIV, in three parts; Part 1, Reports, p. 540: To: Major [T. F.] Willson, Assistant Adjutant-General Report of Lieut. Col. George Gantt, Ninth Tennessee Cavalry Battalion, Olive Branch, La., May 4, 1863: Sir: Upon the receipt of Lieutenant-General Pemberton's dispatch announcing the possibility that the raid of the enemy was designed to join Banks' army, and to send out all the available spare cavalry in the direction of Tangipahoa, I immediately sent off Colonel [C. C.] Wilbourn's battalion and Captains [T. R.] Stockdale's and [V. L.] Terrell's companies to Tangipahoa, with instructions to intercept the enemy and keep us advised of all information. Upon getting dispatch from you, stating that Hazlehurst Station had been captured by the enemy, I ordered a company at once to Clinton, La., with instructions to send out scouting parties on all the approaches to the northeast. Soon afterward I received your dispatch, directing me to send a company to Clinton and one to Woodville, and move with all the balance of the cavalry not needed on the front north of Clinton in the direction of Woodville. The company was sent at once to Woodville, and it and the company at Clinton were instructed to get the earliest and most accurate information by means of scouts, and keep the major general and myself advised. With the balance of the spare cavalry (158 men of the Ninth Battalion Tennessee Cavalry) I moved up to Clinton, and from there to the northward on the Liberty road. At about 14 miles from Clinton I received a dispatch from Colonel Wilbourn, stating that he was at Osyka, the enemy at Hazlehurst, and that he would move up in the direction of the enemy. I stopped at a point between Liberty and Woodville, so that I could take either direction as circumstances might require. Being informed that the enemy were moving in the direction of Natchez, I was preparing to go to Centreville, 15 miles east of Woodville, with the view of being in the near direction of the enemy, and keeping up communication with Colonel Wilbourn and the forces at Woodville; but before the movement was made I got information that the enemy was at Brookhaven. I at once moved to Liberty. There the dispatch of Lieutenant [W. S.] Wren announcing the capture of Brookhaven was conclusively shown to be unfounded at the time the dispatch was sent, by a later dispatch from him stating that the enemy had gone in the direction of Natchez. Colonel Wilbourn got both of these dispatches, and they caused him to do much traveling for nothing, and to keep him so perplexed as greatly retarded his movements. Not being able to determine from the contradictory statements what was the enemy's direction, I dispatched scouts, who returned on Thursday night between midnight and day, and brought certain information that the enemy had not only taken Brookhaven, but moved off as if going in the direction of Natchez, and suddenly reversed his course and captured Bogue Chitto and Summit. I prepared at once to move to Summit, but soon after starting learned from my scouts that the enemy was only a few miles off, having moved 12 miles in the direction of Liberty. I suspended the movement, believing that the enemy was making his way to Woodville. About the same time I received Major-General [Franklin] Gardner's dispatch, advising me that the enemy had landed a force below Grand Gulf, and directing me to gather all the cavalry and attack the enemy in the direction of Brookhaven, and by all means not to allow the enemy to make a junction with the force landed below Grand Gulf. In view of this and the demonstration in the direction of Liberty, I took up the best position to hold the enemy in check with a small force, and sent couriers to Colonel Wilbourne, urging him to move speedily in the direction of the enemy, and advising him exactly where the enemy was. At this time it was undoubtedly the enemy's purpose to go to the force below Grand Gulf. Colonel Wilbourne, receiving my dispatch, moved down as promptly as he could, keeping between the enemy's cavalry and the force at Grand Gulf. He had got up communication also with Colonel [Wirt] Adams, and knew that they were advised of enemy's true position, I moved out in the direction of Osyka, encamping in a favorable position to resist if the enemy should attempt to pass out in the direction of Liberty or Clinton. My information from Colonels Adams and Wilbourne was that early Saturday morning they would be in close proximity to the enemy. I had also what I regarded as most undoubted evidence that on Saturday the enemy would attempt to take Osyka, and, while Colonels Adams and Wilbourne attacked them from the direction they were approaching, [I] intended to attack them on the Osyka and Liberty road. Receiving intelligence that he would probably be attacked as indicated, the enemy suddenly abandoned the idea of taking Osyka and reaching the Mississippi above Port Hudson, and resolved to make his way out in the direction of Baton Rouge. He managed so as to completely deceive citizens and our scouts as to his purpose, and by a march of almost unprecedented rapidity moved off by the Greensburg road to Baton Rouge. Before starting, he traveled for some distance in the direction of Osyka, announcing that he was going to capture that place. In his march to Baton Rouge, he encountered the cavalry of Colonel [J. H.] Wingfield and one of my companies that had been ordered from Woodville to Osyka at Walls Bridge. Our men behaved with great spirit, twice repulsing the enemy, and forcing him to bring up his artillery to dislodge them. In this affair he lost a major, killed, and Lieutenant-Colonel [William D.] Blackburn, severely, if not mortally, wounded, besides about 12 privates wounded. The enemy's force started from La Grange, Tenn., and consisted of three regiments Sixth and Seventh Illinois and Second Iowa the latter of which left them east of Jackson [Miss.] It was their wish to return to the point from which they started. If not able to do that, then to go to the Mississippi above Port Hudson, and, if they could do no better, to pass out to Baton Rouge. Colonels Adams and Wilbourne and myself came together early on Saturday, and, finding that the enemy had passed beyond our reach, gave up the pursuit. I am, major, respectfully, your obedient servant, G. Gantt, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Cavalry. Official Records, Series I, Vol. XXIV, in three parts; Part 1, Reports, p. 543: To: Maj. R. W. Memminger, Assistant Adjutant-General From: Frank. Gardner, Major General, Headquarters, Port Hudson, La., May 5, 1863 Major: I have the honor to report that the enemy's cavalry raid (1,200 cavalry and one battery) passed successfully to Baton Rouge on the afternoon of the 2d instant, having evaded my cavalry, which was all out after them, and by an extraordinary march from Summit to Baton Rouge, between the afternoon of the 30th [ultimo] and the afternoon of the 2d [instant], they passed before the arrival of infantry and artillery that I sent out to intercept them. The enemy came suddenly on my outposts toward Baton Rouge, destroying Wilbourne's camp, and captured a number of men from Captain [B. F.] Bryan's company. I would respectfully urge the great necessity of increasing the cavalry force in this district and giving me a good cavalry commander. If it could be deemed expedient to abandon the post at Ponchatoula, that would enable me to concentrate a larger force of cavalry in my front. I also respectfully represent that the very limited wagon transportation at this post greatly interferes with any movement of troops and also the gathering in supplies. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, etc. Official Records, Part II Vol. XXVI, p. 3: From: T. Friend Willson, Assistant Adjutant-General, Headquarters, Port Hudson, La., May 14, 1863. To: Col. A. R. Witt, Commanding Outpost Colonel: I am directed by the major-general commanding to say that you will move at once to this point with the whole of your infantry and artillery, excepting Col. Logan's regiment, which will remain at Olive Branch. Instruct Col. Logan to resume the command of the outposts and put out his pickets and scouts, especially on the cross roads from the Plank road to the Plains Store and Baton Rouge road, and also on the latter road. If he is satisfied that the enemy are advancing with large force against this place, he will move rapidly with his regiment so as to come to this place by the Jackson road, and leave the cavalry for the defense of Clinton. The cavalry scouts will keep the enemy all the time in view, keeping between the enemy and Clinton, and skirmish all the time with his advance, as favorable opportunity occurs, making ambushes when possible, or attacking vigorously his advance when we are in numbers strong enough to do so. I am, colonel, etc. Official Records, Part II Vol. XXVI, p. 5: From: John S. Lanier, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Headquarters, Port Hudson, La., May 15, 1863 To: Col. John L. Logan, Commanding Outpost, Olive Branch Colonel: The major-general commanding directs that upon the receipt hereof you forward to him the report of the strength of your cavalry force on and in the direction of the Bayou Sara road. He also directs that you keep him regularly advised as to the movements of the enemy in front. Send in all your morning reports immediately. I am, colonel, very respectfully, etc. Official Records, Part II Vol. XXVI, p. 5: Special Orders No. 133 From: T. Friend Willson, Assistant Adjutant-General, Headquarters, Port Hudson, La., May 15, 1863 I. Col. A. R. Witt, with his regiment (the Tenth Arkansas), is assigned to duty with Beall's Brigade, and will report to Brig. Gen. W. N. R. Beall with as little delay as practicable. II. Roberts' Battery and the Ninth Louisiana Battalion Partisan Rangers are temporarily assigned to Colonel Miles' lines, on the breastworks, and will report to Col. W. R. Miles for duty with as little delay as practicable. III. Col. W. R. Miles' lines on the breastworks will commence on the right at the river and extend to the left. He will scatter his troops as far to the left as practicable. IV. The Watson Battery is hereby assigned to duty with Beall's brigade, and will report to Brig. Gen. W. N. R. Beall with as little delay as possible. ... VII. Col. Frank P. Powers, Fourteenth Arkansas Volunteers, will proceed to Olive Branch and report to Col. John L. Logan, who will assign him to duty as commander of the cavalry at that place, under his own command, as commanding the outpost. By command of Maj. Gen. Frank. Gardner Official Records, Series I, Volume XXVI, in two parts, Part I, Reports, Union and Confed., Correspondence, Union; p. 179: To: Major-General Gardner From: Jno. L. Logan, near Mrs. Nuttenells's [Netterville's?], Bayou Sara Road, May 21, 1863: General: I am in enemy's rear with 300 cavalry and mounted men, and 300 infantry. General Augur's division has all passed up. I would strike him, but my force is too weak. I have no information from Plains Store excepting that the enemy occupy the place. My dispatch from Colonel [F. P.] Powers was received too late to strike the enemy on his right flank; besides, they came in too great numbers for Colonel Powers, and forced him back to the railroad before I could get here. I shall keep on his right flank, and strike as opportunity offers. In a little skirmish this evening, I captured 2 prisoners [who informed] me that Augur's entire division has passed up, including two brigades of infantry, four batteries, and about 700 or 800 cavalry, commanded by Grierson. I think for the present I had better move the most of my force to Clinton. I am, etc. Official Records, Series I, Volume XXVI, in two parts, Part I, Reports, Union and Confed., Correspondence, Union: To: Major-General Gardner From: Jno. L. Logan, Colonel, commanding, Headquarters, Olive Branch, May 22, 1863: General: I find that the small pieces of artillery are not of much service; besides, I have no ammunition for them. I must have more ammunition for the pieces I have (six-pounder smooth bore and 12-pounder howitzers), and I really think that I ought to have Roberts' entire battery. The enemy have a great deal of artillery, and, unless I have a sufficiency to cope with them, I cannot accomplish much. I am determined to annoy the enemy and hurt him at every favorable point and opportunity, on his flanks and in his rear. I am concentrating my force, as much so as I can, leaving for the present, on the Plank road and the roads toward the Comite, a small picket to watch the movements of the enemy. I send Quartermaster-Sergeant Mack with this dispatch, who will take charge of anything you desire to send to me, and bring it to my command to-night. All quiet on the Plank road; think most of the force has crossed to the Bayou Sara road. Enemy still reported at Plains Store; am going to see. Very respectfully, etc. Official Records, Series I, Volume XXVI, in two parts, Part I, Reports, Union and Confed., Correspondence, Union: Special Orders, No. 131 Hdqrs. Dept. of Gulf, 19th Army Corps, Before Port Hudson, June 4, 1863, Richard B. Irwin, Assistant Adjutant-General I. Brigadier-General Grover, commanding the right wing, will immediately detail one brigade of infantry, 2,000 strong, and two sections of Napoleon guns, under the command of Brig.-Gen. Halbert E. Paine, for special service. Brigadier-General Paine will at once report in person at these headquarters for instructions. The men will take three days' rations in their haversacks. By command of Major-General Banks. Official Records, Series I, Volume XXVI, in two parts, Part I, Reports, Union and Confed., Correspondence, Union: To: Lieut. Col. Richard B. Irwin, Assistant Adjutant-General Report of Brig. Gen. Halbert E. Paine, U. S. Army, Port Hudson, La., commanding Third Division, June 9, 1863, of the expedition to Clinton: Colonel: The troops placed under my command for the expedition to Clinton marched at 4 a.m. on Friday last, and encamped that night at the Redwood Bayou bridge. The excessive heat prostrated a large number of officers and men, who were sent back to headquarters in the evening. On Saturday morning we marched to the Comite Bridge, encamped there during the day, and at midnight marched toward Clinton. The cavalry entered the town at daylight Sunday morning, the infantry being about three miles in the rear. The enemy had moved their stores during the three preceding days, and the last of their troops had left on Saturday. Colonel Grierson burned the cotton mill, railroad depot, and railroad bridge. The information obtained as to the number, character, and destination of these troops was very conflicting. Your own estimate (1,500 to 2,000) is probably correct. Most of them are mounted. They appear to have four pieces of indifferent artillery, and will, I think, at present rendezvous at or near Liberty, Miss. In my opinion, Colonel Grierson would have routed them on Wednesday last but for their immense advantage of position. The whites and blacks gave us various reports as to their objects that they designed to attack Baton Rouge simultaneously with our attack on Port Hudson; that they intended a raid on our train near Springfield Landing; that they expected to get in the rear of my command; that they contemplated a junction with General Kirby Smith, who was said to be crossing the river at Natchez, with a view to relieve Port Hudson; that they were fortifying Whiteside; that the force was collected for General Johnston, to be used in an attack upon the Army of the Gulf, New Orleans, &c. Some of the inhabitants seemed altogether despondent; others exhibited in their demeanor, as well as language, great confidence that their Army would fall upon us before the capture of Port Hudson. We marched back to the Comite River on Sunday morning, encamped there during the day, marched in the evening to Redwood Bayou, where we encamped during the night, and on Monday morning (the 8th instant) returned to Port Hudson. No casualties occurred except such as resulted from the intense heat. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, Halbert E. Paine, Brigadier-General From The Military History of Mississippi, p. 461: May 15, 1863, General Gardner ordered Col. Frank P. Powers, of the fourteenth Arkansas, to report at Olive Branch, La., to Col. J. L. Logan, and take command of the cavalry at that place. With this command he took part in the engagements during the siege of Port Hudson and after, including Plains' Store, the three days' fight from Olive Branch to Clinton, La., and other encounters at Clinton, Jackson and Redwood. From the Confederate Veteran, March, 1905, p. 122-123: The Fight at Clinton, La. By A. Curl, First Lieut., Co. C, Eleventh Arkansas Infantry During the last days of April, 1863, Col. Grierson, commander of the Sixth Illinois Cavalry, made a memorable raid from Memphis, Tenn., south through the state of Mississippi, to Baton Rouge, La. The Eleventh and Seventeenth Arkansas Infantry were part of the garrison at Port Hudson. There was a small cavalry force doing outpost duty in East Louisiana and South Mississippi, ranging from twenty to fifty miles out from Port Hudson. This little detachment was commanded by Col. George Gantt, of Tennessee. It was composed of Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana troops, and with it was also a small field battery, commanded by Capt. Roberts. When the news of Grierson's raid reached Port Hudson, Gen. Gardner, in command at that place, sent some troops out to different points, with a view to cutting off Grierson's advance. Col. Miles, of Louisiana, was sent with what was known as Miles' Legion to the Amite River bridge. The Eleventh and Seventeenth Arkansas Regiments were sent to Clinton, a small town about twenty miles from Port Hudson. Col. John Logan, of Arkansas, was the senior colonel, and commanded the detachment. Grierson did not touch Clinton, but went by way of the Amite bridge, reaching that place and effecting a crossing before Miles got there, and Col. Gantt failed to catch up with Grierson during his passage through the country. Miles, with his legion, returned to Port Hudson; but the two Arkansas regiments left in the country were consolidated with the cavalry of Col. Gantt and Robert's Battery, and Col. Logan was placed in command of the entire force. The Eleventh and Seventeenth Arkansas Regiments were consolidated and commanded by Col. Griffith; while Col. Powers, of Arkansas, had command of the cavalry and Capt. Roberts the battery. On the 3d of June Logan's force was encamped about a mile north of Clinton, off the road that leads to Port Hudson. About three o'clock in the afternoon. "Boots and saddles" was sounded. Grierson had come out from Banks' army, and was approaching Clinton. A run was made for Clinton and, passing through the town, we met the Federals on the opposite side, sheltered behind the banks of a creek. We went in under fire, and an engagement ensued which lasted for perhaps an hour and a half. Col. Powers, with the mounted men, eventually turned the enemy's left, and they retreated southward, followed by our forces. About a mile from where the retreat and pursuit began there was a creek, across which the Port Hudson road passed over a bridge. In making there way through the underbrush, our front line became scattered, some wading the creek, others crossing on the bridge. Company C, of which the writer was first lieutenant, was in the wagon road just behind Capt. Green's company, of the same regiment. Just beyond the bridge the Federals had unlimbered a piece of artillery, with which and some small arms they were sweeping the bridge. Company C came up, and Capt. Burke, of our company, ordered us to cross, which we did in double-quick. Sergeant William Curle was the first to cross, and Capt. Burke the next. An effort was made to capture the enemy's gun, but they succeeded in getting it away before we reached it. Half a mile farther on the Federals halted again in an open field, with a lane running through it, and formed a line of battle. We were ordered to form on the right and left of the lane and advance. Acting on this order, I jumped over the rail fence on the left side of the lane and started up through the field just as the Federals opened fire on us with small arms and artillery, to which we replied promptly. At the time I crossed the fence and started forward through the field, Sergeants Curl and Mason Speer started up the lane. After going about eighty yards, I looked around to see the condition of things, and discovered that I was alone. The line of battle had been formed at the fence, and all the fighting from the Confederate side was being done from there. When the writer found himself alone, between two fires, he went back to that fence, and it is useless to say that he went in a hurry. Curl and Speer found themselves in the same predicament, having gone even farther toward the enemy before discovering their mistake. The fight continued sharp and hot for perhaps twenty or thirty minutes, when the Federals again retreated, and were pursued by the mounted portion of the Confederates some distance toward Port Hudson. Our regiment lost some good men, killed and wounded. It was one of those small, red-hot engagements, something more than a skirmish, but not of sufficient importance to be called a battle, of which there were thousands during the war. From War Times In and Around Clinton, La. by Annie Sanderson Kilbourne, Clinton, La. (Louisiana Historical Quarterly, Vol. 13, No. 1, January, 1930): Why is there such a glamour over distant battle grounds? It is generally considered a rare privilege to be able to visit such historic spots, and one feels almost as if one were treading on holy ground. The scenes of strife, in many instances, are in foreign fields, the participants known to us, solely, through mazy history, and the casus belli anything but a laudable one, yet, we experience a sensation of awe and reverence. It is incomprehensible, in the face of the knowledge that we, of Clinton, Louisiana, walk, ride, or drive, almost daily, over soil hallowed by the blood of our own countrymen, yea, of our own relatives, mayhap patriotic blood shed in defense of our loved Southland. Why is it, that we experience no thrill, inspiration of reverence, from contact with these historic places? No great battles were fought here it is true, but the combatatants were actuated by the same patriotic ardor and spirit as well as those of Shiloh and Gettysburg all fought for the same noble cause. Possibly, it is, because we, of a later generation, are not sufficiently informed in regard to the points of special interest. They are in our midst, however, if we would only seek them. The old Confederate camp was at the northern limit of what is now Church Street on the vacant lots opposite Mr. Jno. A. White's residence. The scenes of strife were on the southern and southwestern outskirts of the town, mainly. In August, 1862, Gen. Lee [Union] and Col. Scott had an encounter at the Cross Roads, on the Baton Rouge Road, in sight of the old Monahan house. Gen. Lee was in command of two thousand Union soldiers, some of whom were convicts from the Baton Rouge Penitentiary. Col. Scott had about five hundred men at his command. Under such circumstances, it was not surprising that Gen. Lee should be victorious. The Monahan house was saved from destruction by a masonic sign made by the lady of the house, and recognized and respected by the officer in command of the enemy. Gen. Lee pushed on to Clinton, where he spent two days and nights. As a result of his visit, the depot was destroyed, and also the factory building which was in process of erection on Liberty St., near the Fair Grounds. Much private property was destroyed, and the seal and regalia were stolen from the Masonic Hall. Lee then retired to Baton Rouge. Port Hudson surrendered in July, 1863, after which stragglers were constantly passing through Clinton. Grierson's raid followed in August of the same year. Col. Fred Ogden was in command of the Confederate forces, and the scene of their engagement was on the Jackson Road just beyond Pretty Creek, in what is known as the Gurney Field. Previous to their encounter, a Methodist Devine and his small nephew, driving a team, composed of a fine Kentucky horse and a small sorrel pony, passed over that road. When about two miles out they met a detachment of the enemy. The latter were delighted with the horse, and, declaring that a sorrel pony that one of their company was riding would make an excellent match for the pony driven by the Minister, proceeded to exchange it for the horse, despite the protests and pleadings of the reverend gentleman. Their commanding officer, Col. French, appeared very opportunely and restored the horse to his rightful owner. The minister and his small companion were then allowed to pursue their journey in peace. The Union soldiers were repulsed on that occasion, and they did not succeed in crossing the creek to the town. However, the old house, west of the creek, now owned by the Kilbournes, and several buildings in Clinton, still bear the marks of their shot and shell. Skirmishing continued from that time until the close of the war. The hospitable home of the patriotic Richerts near the Methodist Church was the refuge of many weary, footsore and well-nigh starved soldiers during that stormy period. Silliman Institute and the old Masonic Hall were used as hospitals in those days. It is difficult to imagine our reposeful little town of Clinton in the throes of terror and blood shed. In striking contrast to its present calm, was the reveille in the early dawn, and the recurrent intervals of warfare with their rattle of musketry punctuated by the boom of the cannon. The only warfare now waged at the Cross Roads is of a mercantile and agricultural character and the only fusillade of firearms now heard in the Gurney field is aimed at the inoffensive snipe that feed on its marshes. Day-dawn is no longer announced by the warlike reveille, but by the more peaceful, though shriller call to work of the factories. At Silliman Institute, instead of the groans of the wounded and dying, is heard the hum of study and the merry laughter of charming girlhood. The old, ivy-draped Masonic Hall, once hospital, then academy, and later a factory, has been turned over to the mice and bats, and its silence is undisturbed, unless perchance, the ghost of a departed soldier haunts its empty chambers, and awakes faint echoes during the solemn midnight hours. Official Records, Series I, Volume XXVI, in two parts; Part 1, Reports, Union and Confederate, Correspondence, Union, pp. 134-137: To: Lieut.-Col. Richard B. Irwin, Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Gulf From: B. H. Grierson, Colonel, Commanding Brigade, before Port Hudson, June 12, 1863. Colonel: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to instructions from the major-general commanding, I started at 5 o'clock on the morning of June 3 with my command, composed of the Sixth and Seventh Illinois Cavalry, the Second Massachusetts, two companies First Louisiana, also two companies Fourth Wisconsin Mounted Infantry, and one section of Nims' Battery, in all about 1,200 strong. Taking the Jackson Road, we proceeded without interruption to within 3 miles of Jackson, where I detached Captain Godfrey, with 200 men of the Massachusetts and Louisiana cavalry, to go by way of Jackson, while with the main column I proceeded on the direct road to Clinton. Captain Godfrey dashed into Jackson, captured and paroled a number of prisoners, convalescents and stragglers; thence, taking the Clinton road, rejoined the column 2 miles from Jackson. Proceeding on, we encountered and drove in their pickets 6 miles from Clinton, capturing 1 man and 4 horses. We did not again encounter the enemy until we arrived at the Comite River, 1 mile from Clinton, where the advance guard were fired upon from ambush. Pushing across the bridge over this stream, and two following ones, we arrived at a small plain, where we encountered a considerable force of the enemy ambushed on either side of the road. I immediately dismounted the whole of the Seventh Illinois Cavalry, which was in advance, deployed them as skirmishers, and drove the enemy to Pretty Creek, where their whole force was posted in a strong position. I immediately dismounted the Fourth Wisconsin, and deployed them, with the Seventh Illinois, along the bank of Pretty Creek, and brought up a section of the 2-pounder guns and a section of Nims' battery, which I placed in position on the right and left of the road in the plain. One battalion of the Seventh Illinois had already been posted on our right flank across the railroad, and I now posted the two companies of the Second Massachusetts Cavalry, commanded by Lieutenant Perkins, to guard our left flank. It soon became evident that the enemy in our front far outnumbered us, besides having a strong position, while we, in addition to the disparity of numbers, were posted in a dense swamp, to and from which we had access to the open country in our rear only through a narrow defile leading across five narrow bridges. A portion of the Seventh Illinois Cavalry, who were in the front, were armed with the Smith carbine, the ammunition for which we had been unable to obtain in this department, and their ammunition becoming exhausted, they were obliged to fall back. I immediately sent Captains Godfrey and Yeaton with the two companies of the First Louisiana Cavalry to take their place. The troops in the front held their ground, and pressed the enemy nobly against a great disadvantage both in numbers and position. It soon became evident that the enemy was throwing a portion of his forces to the right and left, probably with a view of turning our flanks. It soon became evident that the enemy's numbers and position were too strong for us to carry, and, our ammunition becoming scarce, I decided to fall back. Acting upon this design, I ordered the section of Nims' battery, which had been brought up, but, owing to the lowness of the ground, could obtain no advantageous position, to fall back to the brow of a hill nearly a mile in our rear, and there come into battery until further orders. I then withdrew the Fourth Wisconsin and First Louisiana, and such of the Seventh Illinois as still remained in the front, they tearing up a bridge as they returned, and posted the Second Massachusetts and First Louisiana in a bayou on the right and left of the road, to hold the enemy in check until the infantry could mount their horses and withdraw from the swamp, after which they were ordered to fall back, mount, and retreat. In the meantime I had one battalion of the Sixth Illinois Cavalry and two guns of our little battery organized to bring up the rear. The section of Nims' battery, most of the Seventh Illinois, the Fourth Wisconsin, the Second Massachusetts, and Yeaton's company of Louisiana cavalry had all withdrawn and gained a good position on the high ground in our rear, when the enemy with a yell charged in solid masses upon our front and left flank. Captain Godfrey's company, from some unknown cause, had not obeyed the order to fall back and mount after the infantry had withdrawn, and, when the enemy charged, they found him still dismounted; and his horses having gone to the rear, he took to the bushes and along the railroad, where the enemy, coming in upon his left, cut off a number of his men. The 2-pounder battery poured canister into the column advancing on our front with telling effect, until those on our left had come within 50 yards of the guns, when they were limbered to the rear, and the battalion of the Sixth Illinois falling in between them and the enemy, beat back the advancing host, and retreated slowly and in good order from the narrow defile. Having crossed the last bridge, they filed to the right and left of the road, and, forming in the edge of the timber, awaited the approach of the enemy until they had advanced within easy range, when they poured volley after volley into them, repulsing them with considerable loss. Under cover of the consternation created in the ranks of the enemy, this battalion fell back to the brow of the hill, where the light battery and a line of battle had already been formed. The enemy, recovering from his repulse, again advanced to the bridge, recrossed, but was met by volley after volley of canister from our little guns and from the line formed on either side of the road to support them. Being again repulsed, and this time with fearful loss, they did not deem it prudent to follow us farther, and my command being by this time almost destitute of ammunition, I withdrew and returned to camp, arriving about 12 m. Our loss in this engagement was 8 killed, 28 wounded, and 15 missing; that of the enemy between 20 and 30 killed, over 60 wounded and about 20 taken prisoners. The officers and men all acted with the utmost coolness and bravery. Among the slain was the lamented Lieutenant Perkins, a brave and gallant young officer, commanding a squadron of the Second Massachusetts Cavalry. The action lasted between three and four hours, and we succeeded in bringing off all but 3 of our dead and 7 wounded. On the morning of the 5th, we again started for Clinton, in connection with a brigade of infantry and a battery of artillery, under General H. E. Paine, taking a road leading from the Bayou Sara and Baton Rouge road to the Clinton Plank road at Olive Branch. We encamped on the night of the 5th at Redwood Creek. On the 6th, made an easy march to the Comite River, 9 miles from Clinton, where we halted until 12 m., when we again marched, reaching Clinton at early daylight on the morning of the 7th. The enemy had pickets at Olive Branch and again at the Comite, but fired and fled upon our approach. Arriving at Clinton, we found that the enemy, hearing of our approach, had left the day before, taking the Jackson road until within 2 miles of Jackson, when they moved off toward Liberty. We found in the town tow hospitals, containing 7 of our own men and about 20 sick and wounded of the enemy. All their sick and wounded which could be moved, to the number of several hundred, were sent to Osyka the day before. We paroled about 30 prisoners, destroyed the railroad depot, machine-shops, a locomotive, woolen and cartridge manufactories, a large quantity of ammunition, several hundred hides, and much other Government property which in their haste the enemy failed to take away. We also destroyed all the bridges on the road leading toward Jackson, over the Comite River and the numerous small streams and bayous in the vicinity. Having accomplished as nearly as possible the object of the expedition, we returned to the Comite River, where we rested until 5 p.m., and from thence returned to camp, arriving about 9 p.m. I would also report that since the arrival of my command in this department, we have been operating in the vicinity of Baton Rouge and before Port Hudson, under Major-General Augur. We succeeded in cutting the railroad and telegraph between Port Hudson and Clinton, and the command took an active part in the engagement at Plains Store on the 21st of May, and in the numerous other skirmishes in which the forces have been engaged. Since the arrival of Major-General Banks and the investment of Port Hudson, besides the engagements herein reported, we have been employed under his immediate command in picketing and patrolling the approaches in the rear of our army. Our loss since entering the Department of the Gulf has been small in men but heavy in animals, having had in the two Illinois regiments between 75 and 100 horses killed and badly wounded. Most respectfully, etc. Official Records, Part II Vol. XXVI, p. 82: Abstract from morning report of the cavalry and mounted infantry, Col. John L. Logan, C. S. Army, commanding, for June 25, 1863; headquarters, near Clinton, La. Commands: 11th and 17th Arkansas Regiments (consolidated) 9th Tennessee Battalion of Cavalry Cochran's Battalion of Cavalry Garland's Battalion of Cavalry Hughes' Battalion of Cavalry Stockdale's Battalion of Cavalry Roberts' section of artillery Present for duty: Officers................. 116 Men......................1,178 Effective total present.......1,296 Aggregate present............ 1,571 Aggregate present and absent. 2,470