First Louisiana Heavy Artillery Regiment. Civil War, Louisiana. Contributed by Jon S. Crane. ********************************************** 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. This site is dedicated to 1st Lieutenant George Price Crane, CSA, Battery Commander, Company "A" of the First Louisiana Heavy Artillery Regiment. His was an uncommon valor common to the men of the South regardless of what motivated them to fight. Jon S. Crane, great-grandson New Orleans, Louisiana ****** The regimental flag: The regimental flag of the First Louisiana Heavy Artillery. The restored flag hangs in the Hall of Flags at the Confederate Memorial Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was donated to the museum by the Jack Crane family and funds to have it restored were donated by many living descendants of George Price Crane. George Crane's battery was among the garrison surrendered to Gen. Grant at Vicksburg on July 4, 1863. Rather than have his regimental colors fall into enemy hands, Crane tied the flag around his waist and put his tunic over it. He was then able to smuggle the flag past his captors. After the war, the flag was passed down the descendants until it came to hang in the home of Jack Crane, my father. My brothers and I donated it to the Confederate Museum in 1986. It belongs to all the people of the South. ****************** Organization: 1st Louisiana Heavy Artillery Regiment Organization Gen. John C. Pemberton Commander, Vicksburg Garrison This heavy artillery regiment was originally organized as a part of the Louisiana state forces. Although the regimental headquarters remained at New Orleans, the various companies comprising the regiment served in various locations. Companies B, C, D, E, F, H, and K served at Forts Jackson and St. Philip below New Orleans and were surrendered when that city was captured by Union forces on April 26, 1862. The three remaining companies went to Vicksburg, Mississippi, about May 20, 1862 to help man the river batteries. During the fall of 1862, the men captured at New Orleans were exchanged and most of them returned to their commands. The regiment was surrendered at Vicksburg on July the 4th, 1863 and was paroled several months later at Enterprise, Mississippi. It then aided in the defense of Mobile and at the battle of Tupelo on July 14, 1864, acting as an infantry reserve under Gen. Stephen D. Lee for Nathan Bedford Forrest's Cavalry forces. The men of the regiment evacuated Mobile when that city fell and were included in the surrender on May 8, 1865. Date Organized: February 5, 1861 Organized at: New Orleans, La. Mustered into Confederate service: March 13, 1861 Mustered in at: New Orleans, La. Civil War Regimental Information System Gen. John S. Bowen Commander, Grand Gulf Garrison /Artillery 1st Regiment Heavy COLONELS. Paul O. Hebert, promoted brigadier general August 14, 1861; Charles A. Fuller. LIEUTENANT COLONELS. Charles A. Fuller, promoted colonel August 14, 1861; Daniel Beltzhoover. MAJORS. Johnson K. Duncan, promoted colonel in Provisional Army of the Confederate States; Daniel Beltzhoover, promoted lieutenant colonel August 14, 1861; Raymond Montaigne, died July 24, 1864; Henry A. Clinch, promoted lieutenant colonel April 25, 1865; W.C. Capers, Richard C. Bond. Companies and Their Commanders Company A. Henry A. Clinch, promoted major August 14, 1861; John B. Grayson, Jr., transferred to Company F May 1, 1864; William C. Ellis. Company B. John C. Moore, resigned April 15, 1861; William B. Robertson. Company C. John T. Shaaff, promoted captain in Provisional Army of the Confederate States March 27, 1861; Frederick B. Brand, transferred to Company D September 6, 1861; John H Lamon. Company D. Frederick B. Brand transferred to Company C April 24, 1861; Randall L. Gibson, resigned September 6, 1861; Frederick B. Brand, resigned December 30, 1861; Rufus J. Bruce. Company E. James B. Anderson, resigned January 28, 1863; L. B. Haynes. Company F. Miles F. Squires, killed October 4, 1863; William C. Ellis, transferred to Company A May 1, 1864; John B. Grayson, Jr. Company G. W. C. Capers, promoted major July 24, 1863; Henry W. Fowler, dropped November 27, 1864; Richard Agar. Company H. Edward Higgins, resigned January 2, 1862; Edward G. Butler. Company K. Richard C. Bond, transferred to Company H February 9, 1863; Abner N. Ogden, Jr. Organized February 5, 1861, as part of the Louisiana State Army, the 1st Heavy Artillery transferred to Confederate service March 13, 1861, with 744 men. Regimental headquarters remained at the New Orleans Barracks while the various companies occupied the forts of the New Orleans defenses. Throughout the fall and winter of 1861, Companies B, C, D, E, F, H, and K served in Fort Jackson and Fort St. Philip below New Orleans. Companies A and I helped defend Fort Pike, and Company G composed part of the Fort Macomb garrison. The companies at Jackson and St. Philip fought well against Union admiral David G. Farragut's fleet during the bombardment and passage of the forts and were included in the surrender and parole of the garrisons on April 26, 1862. Company I participated in the brief skirmish with the Union fleet at the McGehee Lines on April 25. Company A and G evacuated their posts on April 26 and joined Company I at Camp Moore on May 3, 1862. About May 20, 1862 these three companies left for Vicksburg, Mississippi, to help man the river batteries defending that city. They served in a temporary battalion commanded by Major Henry A. Clinch during the first attack on Vicksburg, May 18 - July 27, 1862. The officers and men captured at Jackson and St. Philip received their exchanges in the fall, and most of them returned to their command. During the fall and winter of 1862 - 63, the regiment suffered heavily from sickness; and at one point nearly 500 conscripts augmented its depleted ranks. The men manned the cannons in the lower (southern) river batteries at Vicksburg. On March 11, 1863, Company A moved to Grand Gulf to occupy the upper (northern) battery there. In an engagement with Federal gunboats on March 31, the company distinguished itself by its excellent firing. This company again engaged the enemy on April 29 and participated in the evacuation of the post on May 3. During the siege of Vicksburg, May 19 - July 4, 1863, the regiment fired its cannons at enemy gunboats on the river and enemy batteries on the Louisiana shore. The 1st Heavy Artillery marched out of Vicksburg after the surrender there and went into a camp for paroled prisoners at Enterprise, Mississippi. Major General Dabney H. Maury requested the regiment's services at Mobile, Alabama, after it was exchanged; and the regiment arrived there on January 16, 1864. From that time until summer, the companies manned various redoubts along the Mobile land defenses. Twice during July, 1864, the regiment moved to Meridian, Mississippi, to support Major General Stephen D. Lee's cavalry force. At the Battle of Tupelo, July 14, 1864, the men acted as an infantry reserve. The regiment reoccupied redoubts at Mobile in early August, 1864, and late that month the companies moved to two water batteries on islands in upper Mobile Bay. The regiment continued to garrison these batteries until April 11, 1865, when they were dismantled and their men evacuated as part of the evacuation of Mobile. When Lieutenant General Richard Taylor's army surrendered, on May 8, 1865, the 1st Heavy Artillery was camped at Cuba Station, Alabama; and the men received their paroles at Meridian as part of Taylor's army. (Guide to Louisiana Confederate Military Units, pp 7-9) ********************************* Assignments & Battles Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana Gen. Van Doren 1861 Feb. 5 Organized in militia service, New Orleans Mar. 13 Transferred to Confederate service, New Orleans (744 men) Fall of '61 Co. "A" assigned to defense of Fort Pike (Maj. Clinch, Co. Com.) Other companies assigned to Forts St. Phillip and Jackson on the Mississippi River south of New Orleans. 1862 Apr. 26 Evacuated post as Farragut entered New Orleans May 3 At Camp Moore, Louisiana May 20 Left Camp Moore for Vicksburg May 23 thru July 27 Served defenses of Vicksburg (June and July, Smith's Brigade) Jul - Oct 2nd and 3rd Sub-district, District of Mississippi Oct 2nd Military District 1863 Jan Unattached, Smith's Division, 2nd Military Division Jan - Apr Beltzhoover, Lee's Brigade, Smith's Division, 2nd Military District Mar 31 Co. "A" was the northern battery in Fr. Coburn at the Battle of Grand Gulf (Mississippi) Apr - Jul Siege of Vicksburg by Grant's, river battery. Also served on the eastern defensive line in Higgin's Command. Jul 4 Surrendered to Grant at Vicksburg, taken to Enterprise Mississippi Nov Paroled Nov - Jan Beltzhoover's Brigade, Forney's Division District of the Gulf Department of Alabama, Mississippi and East Louisiana 1864 Jan Higgins--Fuller's Artillery Brigade Jul 14 Battle of Tupelo, Co. "A" served as reserve infantry under Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest. Aug 5-23 Battle of Mobile Bay 1865 Mar-Apr Burnet's Command Mar 17- Apr 12 Battle of Mobile May 4 Surrendered at Cuba Station, Alabama May 8 Paroled ********************* Service Record of George Price Crane First Lieutenant, Confederate States of America 1861 - 1865 Crane, George P. (also borne on Rolls as Crane, John Price), 1st Lt. Co A. 1st La. Hvy. Arty. En. ---. Rolls from July, 1861, to April, 1862, Present. Rolls from May, 1862, to Aug., 1862, Present. Rolls from May, 1862, to Aug., 1862, Present on special duty as Acting Adjt. Rolls from Sept., 1862, to April, 1863, Present. Federal Rolls of Prisoners of War, Captured and paroled Vicksburg, Miss., July 4th, 1863. Roll to Oct, 31st , 1863, Present. Roll for Nov. and Dec., 1863, Absent on leave. Special Order, Dec. 27th , 1863. Rolls from Jan., 1864, to June, 1864, Present. Roll for July and Aug., 1864, Absent, sick, in Hospl., Mobile, since Aug. 25th. Roll for Sept. and Oct., 1864, Absent, sick, at Bladin, since Oct. 28th, 1864. Roll for March and April, 1865, Present. On Rolls of Prisoners of War, Paroled May 10th, 1865, age 25 years, eyes blue, hair light, complexion fair, height 5 ft. 10 in., Res. New Orleans, La. (Records of Louisiana Confederate Soldiers and Louisiana Confederate Commands, Compiled by Andrew B. Booth, Commissioner Louisiana Military Records, 1984: p. 473) Bladon Springs July [4] 1859 Th[is] day we celebrate--the 83d anniversary declaration of Independence--May we celebrate it as a band of brothers and sisters--the dark clouds of disunion which now ---- threateningly over the republic, be dispersed ---- bright sunshine of unity ever cast its ---- rays upon us as a united and independent land. --from the journal of George P. Crane, 1859 ************************ Page 469 CHAP. XXXVI.] PASSAGE OF GRAND GULF BATTERIES, ETC. MARCH 19, 1863.-Passage of the Grand batteries by the Hartford and Monongahela. Report of Brigadier General John S. Bowen, C. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, SECOND DIVISION, Grand Gulf, March 19, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report that the gunboats Hartford and Monongahela passed by this morning on their way up the river. Colonel [Wm.] Wade, commanding the Parrott battery, reserved his fire, as directed, until the vessels were nearly opposite his guns. The Hartford kept between the shore and the gunboat. As soon as he opened, the latter made the best possible time around the point, and all the fire was directed against the sloop of war. The firing was every accurate, and almost every shot struck the mark, but with what effect could not be perceived.* They answered with heavy guns, but harmed nothing except a battery flag-staff. I have been anxiously looking for the Anna Perette all day, and still hope she will be here before night. The guns can be mounted in very short order, when once here, and I trust to be able to give them a better reception on their way down. I allowed the Grand Era to go on down to Red River this afternoon, there being no danger below. The Fulton also exhibited orders to proceeded to the same destination, but I retained her to go to Hard Times, 3 or 4 miles on the other side of the river, to get a thousand or so sacks of corn, which await transportation there. Every precaution has been taken to prevent surprise, and the boat will return this afternoon. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO S. BOWEN Brigadier-General, Commanding. Major J. J. REEVE, Assistant Adjutant General. * Rear-Admiral D. G. Farragut, U. S. Navy, reports his casualties as 2 men killed and 6 wounded. See Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy, December 7, 1863. Page470 [CHAP. XXXVI. MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. Page480 [CHAP. XXXVI. MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. Numbers 4. Reports of Major General Carter L. Stevenson, C. S. Army, commanding at Vicksburg. HDQRS. SECOND DISTRICT, DEPT. OF MISS., AND E. LA., Vicksburg, March 25, 1863. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that, about 5.30 o'clock this morning, two boats attempted to pass our batteries. One of them was sunk about 2 miles below the town, with almost all on board; the other was seriously disabled. When she had floated out of range of our batteries, the gunboat Albatross (heretofore called, it is thought by mistake, the Monongahela), took her in tow. She is now helpless, and it will apparently take some time for them to repair her damages. During the engagement the Hartford moved up from below Warrenton, engaging the fort there. She approached so near that our musketry drove the gunners from the guns, when she withdrew. The officer whom I sent to Mobile and Montgomery has succeeded in obtaining a good deal of powder and projectiles for my heavy guns. It cannot pass either Meridian or Jackson without your orders; please give such that will secure its speedy arrival. I send you on the train to-day two Federal deserters and a negro taken in the act of carrying dispatches for the enemy. One of the deserters is an intelligent man, and some information can perhaps be derived from him. I inclose herewith a list of the ordnance and ordnance stores sent General Loring.* I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, C. L. STEVENSON, Major-General, Commanding. Major R. W. MEMMINGER, Assistant Adjutant General. VICKSBURG, March 25, 1863. The boat which passed this morning was towed ashore just above Brown & Johnston's landing, where she now lies apparently a wreck. The Hartford, in passing up to her assistance, engaged our iron casemates at Warrenton for some twenty minutes, during which she was roughly handled, being struck some twenty-six times. We had mounted four Parrott guns in the casemate since she went down. General [S. D.] Lee is advancing slowly. Nothing from Featherston. A regiment, the 32-pounder ammunition, and one-cotton boat went to General Loring to-day. C. L. STEVENSON Major-General. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON. Page486 [CHAP. XXXVI. MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. MARCH 31, 1863.- Engagement at Grand Gulf, Miss. Report of Brigadier General John S. Bowen, C. S. Army. HDQRS. 1ST BRIGADE, 2nd DIVISION, ARMY OF MISSISSIPPI, Grand Gulf, Miss., April 1, 1863. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that the enemy's boats, three in number, passed down the river yesterday evening at 8.15. There having been reports of their approach during the day, everything had been held in readiness, the men at their guns and a regiment in the trenches Night coming on, a detail was left at the guns (enough to manage them) and the infantry bivouacked in position. Owing to the negligence of the signal corps stationed over the river at Hard Times, and who should have been able to give timely notice, no warning was given during the afternoon, and at night no rocket was sent up to apprise us of their approach. They were perceived by the sentinel at the upper battery as they rounded the point and immediately opened upon. About twenty shots were fired from the heavy guns, twenty-one from the field pieces, and twenty-one from the Parrotts of Wade's battery. The vessels were struck repeatedly. Seven heavy shells were seen to take effect, one raking the Hartford from stem to stern. The firing from the field batteries was excellent, the shrapnel bursting over the decks; but I have no means of discovering what damage was inflicted on the ships,* but the steam ram which passed the Vicksburg batteries was struck once amidships, swung round broadside to the current, and floated down thus, firing a lee gun, which could only have been a signal of distress. All the vessels lay about 10 miles below during the night and passed on down this morning. I regret to report than one of the 20-pounder Parrott guns burst at the fourth fire, killing 2, mortally wounding 1, and wounding 7, besides some scratches. I append a list.#. I entered the battery just as the gun exploded, and it affords me pleasure to bear testimony to the gallant conduct of the men there. Though many were knocked down, besides the wounded, only an imperceptible pause in the firing was occasioned, the men sprung up and to the other guns so quickly. The lieutenant of the burst gun replaced Numbers 1. of the next piece, who was killed, and it would not have been possible for the enemy to have discovered the accident from any slackening of the fire. The firing from the upper battery (Captain [J. B.] Grayson's) was excellent. The lower battery, where the accident occurred, was manned by Wade's and Guibor's companies of light artillery. I inclose a report on the circumstances attending and the causes of the bursting of the gun. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNumbers S. BOWEN, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Major R. W. MEMMINGER, Assistant Adjutant-General. * Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, reported that the Albatross was not struck; that the Hartford was struck once, killing 1 man and that the Switzerland was struck twice, but received no damage. # Nominal list, omitted, reports 2 men killed and 1 officer (Captain Henry Guibor) and 1 man wounded, of Guibor's battery; 1 officer (Lieutenant John Kearney) and 5 men wounded, of Wade's Battery. Page 487 CHAP. XXXVI.] HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, SECOND DIVISION, Grand Gulf, April 1, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report that I have examined the fragments, and inquired into the circumstances attending the loading and firing of the 20-pounder Parrott gun which burst during the action last night, and believe the cause of the disaster was the bursting of a shell in the gun, there being no fuse or an imperfect fuse in the shell. I was to the right and rear of the piece, about 30 yards distant, at the time of the explosion, and saw distinctly its effect. The cascabel was blown to the rear, the lower band entire, the center band broken. The chase and muzzle were blown to the front, and the right fragments of the re-enforce to the "right and rear"; the left fragments to the "left and front." The right wheel was entirely demolished, the left and stock badly broken. The upper wrought-iron band was broken and nearly straight. There is no apparent flaw in any of the metal, the fractures presenting the usual crystalline surface, devoid of any seam or crack. Parts of the shell were found among the fragments, and no separate explosion of the shell was noticed by any one. If it had burst after the piece, it certainly would have been seen. I am, therefore, satisfied that the shell was ignited and exploded before reaching the chase, thus confining the gases and bursting the piece. The fragments of the re-enforce will weigh from 5 to 30 pounds. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNumbers S. BOWEN, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Major R. W. MEMMINGER, Assistant Adjutant-General. Page 497 CHAP. XXXVI.] Numbers 3. Report of Brigadier General John S. Bowen, C. S. Army, commanding at Grand Gulf. GRAND GULF, April 15, 1863. Colonel [F. M.] Cockrell had a skirmish to-day, killing 2, wounding 3, and capturing 4 of the enemy, releasing a major and a number of women and children held in their lines; also retaking over 100 negroes; captured 5 or 6 horses and equipage. No loss on our side. JNumbers S. BOWEN, Brigadier-General. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON. Page 574 MISSISSIPPI,WEST TENNESSEE,ETC. [Chap.XXXVI. Number 2. Report of Lieutenant General John C. Pemberton, C.S.Army. JACKSON, April 29,[1863.] Six gunboats, averaging ten guns each, opened a terrific fire upon our batteries at Grand Gulf at 7 a.m., and continued without intermission six hours and a half, when they withdrew. Several boats apparently damaged; one, disabled, lying on Louisiana shore below. Our loss, 3 killed , including Colonel [William] Wade, General Bowen's chief of artillery; 12 or 15 wounded. Repairs are being made, expecting a renewal of attack to-morrow. Transports loaded with troops in sight, but inactive. J.C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant-General, Commanding. General S. COOPER. ********** Reports of Major General Carter L. Stevenson, C.S.Army. VICKSBURG, April 28,1863. The men will be ready to move promptly to cross the Mississippi, Both gunboats and transports must pass the batteries at Grand Gulf. Our army large enough to defend itself on this side; would consume much time in crossing. As it is not known what force has been withdrawn from this front, it is not improbable that the force opposite Grand Gulf is there to lay waste the country on that side, and a feint to withdraw troops from a main attack here. I venture to express the hope that the troops will --------------- *Nominal list, omitted, shows, 1 enlisted man killed; 1 officer and 17 enlisted men wounded. --------------- Page575 Chap.XXXVI.] BOMBARDMENT OF GRAND GULF, MISS., ETC. not be removed far until further developments below render it certain that they will cross in force. C.L. STEVENSON, Major-General. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON. VICKSBURG, April 29,1863. The line to Grand Gulf is broken. Heavy firing in that direction, under the circumstances, has induced me to start a re-enforcement. Eight boats, loaded with troops from our front, are now moving up Yazoo. The display made in moving them showed a desire to attract our attention. C.L. STEVENSON, Major-General. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON, Jackson. ***** Number 4. Reports of Brigadier General John S. Bowen, C.S.Army. GRAND GULF, April 29,1863. Six gunboats, averaging ten guns, have been bombarding my batteries terrifically since 7 a.m. They pass and repass the batteries at the closest ranges. I cannot tell the effect of our shots. Six transports in sight, loaded with troops, but stationery. My loss as yet only 2 killed. The batteries, especially the lower ones, are badly torn to pieces. I cannot tell the result, but think that re-enforcements would hardly reach me in time to aid in the defense if they attempt to land. JNumbers S. BOWEN, Brigadier-General. General PEMBERTON. GRAND GULF, April 29,1863. After six hours and a half of continued firing, the gunboats have retired. They fired about 3,000 shot and shell, temporarily disabling one gun. Our loss is 3 killed and 12 or 15 wounded. Apparently we injured two of their boats; damage unknown. Colonel William Wade, of the artillery, one of the bravest and best of my command, was killed at his post. The men behaved like veterans (as they are), and are now hard at work preparing for another attack. JNumbers S. BOWEN, Brigadier-General. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON. GRAND GULF, April 29,1863. One disabled gunboat, after endeavoring unsuccessfully to go up the river, now lies about 3 miles below, by the Louisiana shore. JNumber S. BOWEN, Brigadier-General. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON. ******* Letter from Capt. William Coke Capers Company Commander, Co. "G" First Louisiana Heavy Artillery (spelling preserved) Battery below Vicksburg April 7th, 1863 Dear Starr: My heart was made exceeding glad, yesterday afternoon, by the reception and perusal of a letter from you, full of kind words; beautiful expressions; vivid pictures of the olden, golden time, and sentiments of a continued personal esteem which any man might envy, and but few possess. I read the treasured communication over and over; laid it aside; took it up, and read it again and again, until I felt my heart warming towards you as never before, although you have long claimed its purest love and highest admiration. I felt oppressed by a sense of my own unworthiness, when contrasted with your generous kindness, and I involuntarily exclaimed, Oh, that I merited but one half * the esteem that my noble-souled, gifted, unselfish friend has so long lavished [u]pon me!-- A tear drop stood trembling in my eye; my heart softened and glowed under its influence, and I felt that, of all men, these days of infidelity, I was most blessed, in the possession of a friend, who--if it is not sacrilege to use the expression--"sticketh closer than a brother". I think I can say, with truth, that my thoughts are with you daily, and always have been, although my long silence would seem to belie the statement. One reason I did not write, was the idea that my letters were not pleasing to you, and I did not wish to annoy you with them. Every officer in my company, and many in my Regiment, know you--your gifts, you noble, generous impulses, your pure, unselfish nature, and your brotherly regard for me. You must know that I am propped up in bed writing this, having been sick for five days. Yesterday afternoon, the Courier arrived from town with letters. One of my Lieutenants came into my tent saying, "Captain, I have a letter for you that will do you more good than all the medicine you can take. It is from your old friend Starr." Now, I mention this, in confirmation of what I stated above, that I not only think of you, but talk about you. The beautiful allusion you made to the interweaving of romance, poetry and sentiment of our past scenes and associations, touched a chord that awoke slumbering memories of a by-gone period, full of hope, and joy, and happiness, and, for a brief season, I lived over, in fancy, those previous days of life, but soon, the stern realities of the present chased away the pleasing vision, and left the mind sad and melancholy, by reason of the contrast. Since my last was written, I have been moved from my former battery, to this point. The enemy was making rapid progress with the "canal", and which, being accomplished, would have enabled the entire fleet and army to pass through,--leaving Vicksburg and its defenses powerless to act--and throw the whole force upon Port Hudson, reduce it, and, joining Farragut and Banks, return, with overwhealming (sic) numbers, to crush out this. My guns being of the largest calibre, and throwing shot and shell with equal effect, I was ordered to remove them here, and dispute the passage of any boats attempting to run the "canal". I came, and found that two dredge boats had well-nigh succeeded in cutting through. I commenced, and kept up, both day and night, at iregular (sic) intervals, a telling fire, and finally drove the dredge boats and batteries away, and put a quietus to all work on the "canal". Being just two miles off the nearest point a battery could be erected--you may judge with what precision I have to fire to make my shots effective. One of their letter writers, in speaking of my firing, says, "the rebel battery threw shot and shell with wonderful precision and terrible effect, making it almost impossible to work the boats." I had my lines and angles of fire so well determined, that I could burst shell over and around them, just as well at night as in the day, and the effect of my shell exploding at night was a grand sight, and witnessed by thousands, both in the city and the adjacent hills. Unless you have witnessed the transit and explosion of these huge missiles of death, over a hundred pounds in weight you can form no idea of its grandeur. As soon as it leaves the muzzle of the piece, you can see it, by aid of the burning fuze (sic), shoot up, like a brilliant star, into mid-heaven, and trace it in its flight and descent until it explodes, when it throws out a sheet of flame and smoke, and, in a few seconds, the explosion comes back with almost the same volume of sound that issued from the gun in its discharge. The sight, I say, is a grand one, and the effect most ter- PAGE 2 - CAPERS LETTER rible, as these immense shells break into fragments, go hissing through the air, and which, in their fall, are as deadly as solid shot. It acquired skill and practice to explode these shells at the right point, particularly as far off as I am from my object, but I can now burst them any where I please, within two and a half miles. This accuracy depends upon the charge of powder, elevation, range, and length of fuze (sic), with a proper allowance for drift and windage. I have, perhaps, been rather minute in describing my shell operations, but, as I see you are in the habit of letting some of the fair maidens of Texas read my letters, and supposing this may share the same fate, I concluded, while on the subject, I might as well enlarge a little, for their edification. My general officers are highly pleased with my success, and say, they would rather see me keep the dredge boasts out of the canal (sic), than to sink a dozen gunboats. If I keep them out of the "canal", they will be forced to pass the batteries at Vicksburg, which they are not anxious to attempt, as we sink, cripple, and drive them back as fast as they come. I have already burned over two thousand pounds of powder, and expect to double it in a month. I heartily concur with you in your desire for peace, but alas! When that time will come, is known only to Him, who "ruleth the armies of Heaven and earth", and who will at His own good pleasure, incline the hearts of our cruel, malignant foes to peace, and secure to us the inestimable blessing of Independence. That this much desired event is not far removed, obtaines (sic) ver (sic) generally here, both among soldiers and civilians. This opinion is based upon the disaffection of the Western troops, and the divisions and dissentions (sic) springing up at the North, growing out of Lincoln's infamous Proclamation, and other arbitrary acts of unauthorized power. These Western and Northwestern troops are getting their eyes opened to the fact that it is not for the "constitution and the Union", and the "free navigation of the Mississippi", that they are in arms against their natural allies, but to carry out the nefarious designs of the Abolitionists, and they now shrink from the plans and purposes of a war, which, for cruelty and inhumanity, has no parallel, even in the annals of savage barbarity. The most benighted heathen would blush to own many, very many acts of infamy which have been perpetrated during this unnatural war, and by those, too, professing to have humanitarian, if not Christian, instincts and impulses. These things have become so very palpable, that thousands turn from them with loathing and disgust, and are only waiting a favorable opportunity to renounce a cause so brutal and accursed. This, I say, is the state of feeling among the Northwestern troops, as affirmed by many who have escaped to our lines; and such being the case, let the battle come here, when and how it may, my faith is that our arms will signally triumph. God grant that this hopeful prediction may be realized in all its fullness, and that, with this battle, may terminate the fierce conflicts which have deluged our soil with the blood of the bravest and best, and spread ruin and devastation over the fairest land that glows beneath the sun. That the battle will be most terrible, all admit, and as I am more exposed than any other battery, and will have two of the most formidable war vessels of the Federal navy, the "Hartford" and "Albatros" (sic), to contend with, independent of others that may succeed in running the gauntlet, I can hardly hope to come off as well as I did last year. God mercifully preserved me during the terrible conflict of last year, and I believe He will throw the Aegis of His protection around me in this. At least, let us so hope; and when the din of war shall cease, and white robed peace unfurl her banner to the breeze, and war-worn soldiers strike their tents for the last time, and take up their line of march for their far distant homes, there to receive a welcome from those who make up their all of life; I, too, will bend my footsteps towards your rural, quiet home, to meet your genial welcome and kindly smiles; and, after the partial subsiding of a job, to intense for utterance, my overflowing heart shall be enabled to give expression to its emotions, I will tell you all about my connection with the army, and PAGE THREE - CAPERS LETTER the thousand times you were with me, in thought and fancy, cheering my flagging energies, and whispering to my soul of a happy meeting, after so long and painful a separation. I should like, above all things, to be with you this balmy April day. We could spread us out, at full length, upon the bosom of our common mother, and, beneath the whispering boughs of the majestic oaks that stand sentry over the "Navidad", forgetful of wrong, and injury, talk, as only friends can. Those are no false throbs of the heart of nature. The winds, as they quietly float (---) the wishes of God's (---) temple have no sound of suspicion, nor voice of detraction, nor word of calumny. All is truth, sincerity, seriousness. Therefore do I love nature so much, and therefore do I almost envy you your quiet forest-home. Nothing so calms the soul of an earnest man, as communion with nature, in her great solitudes, and on the margin of her mighty waters. No matter what may be his struggles with himself, of his contest with a misapprehending world, if he will go forth thoughtfully, lovingly, and trustfully, amid the stillness of the woods, he will find that trees, and flowers, and green leaves and newmorning (sic) breezes, all have voices, and will speak to him. He will find a great peace coming into his soul. Not though, unless he is a true man; I do not say a perfect one, for who is perfect? But if he be a true man, in the sense of being conscious of his weaknesses and errors; --if deeply deploring them, and of earnestly striving to make himself better, he will find communion with nature, next in importance of communion with God. I was sorry to hear my little pet has grown so wild, however, if there is nothing really wicked in it, she will sober down to a good and true woman, as most wild girls do. My letter to her was intended as a family letter, she being the medium of communication, and, I trust, it was received in the same spirit in which it was written. I did not expect a reply, and shall be agreeably disappointed if one comes. Her mother was always kind to me, and I will remember her, with gratitude, to the last moment of existence. Bettie's child-feelings, of course, are lost in the flight of years, and even my name would die out of remembrance, unless frequently recalled by circumstances, or friends. Major Simons' Brigade has left for Fort Pemberton. He came to see me several times before he left. He gave me the first intimation of my old sweetheart, Miss Flora, having [m]arried (---) brother. I hope existence, to them, will never be shadowed. I have written in great (---), both of body and mind, and my (---) as well as you (---) completely exhausted so justice to myself, and mercy to you, compel me to close by signing myself, as ever, Your faithful friend. Coke P.S. Remember me kindly to Mr. and Mrs. White, Bettie, Uncle Ben, and any others who may think of, or care for me. Coke With thanks to . . . Archival Collection Vicksburg National Military Park Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180 Terrence J. Winshcel, Historian ********** Transcription of Order from Maj. Beltzhoover to H. W. [Fossler] (?) Headquarters, Mil. Distr. of Louisia. New Orleans, April 26, 1861 Sir; You have been appointed by the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate First Lieutenant, Rgt. Of Artillery, in the Army of Louisiana. Please report to this office by letter, your acceptance or non-acceptance of this appointment. Should your accept, you will immediately proceed to Company ('B') at Fort Jackson and report to the comdg officer for duty. (Signed) D. Beltzhoover Major, Regt. Of artr, a. a. a. -----(?) 1st Lieut: H. W. Fossler(?) Regt. Of artr. While you are in the City you had better call and get your commission and be mustered in to --- A. DB. Courtesy of The Rosemonde E. And Emile Kuntz Collection, Manuscripts Collection 600, Manuscripts Department, Howard-Tilton Memorial Library, Tulane University, New Orleans. ********* Selected Bibliography This bibliography is a work in progress and is not meant to be exhaustive in the subject. Books Bearss, Edwin C. Rebel Victory at Vicksburg. Little Rock (1963). Bearss, Edwin C. The Campaign for Vicksburg, Vol. I, "Vicksburg is the Key." Dayton OH (1986). Bearss, Edwin C. The Campaign for Vicksburg, Vol. II, "Grant Strikes a Fata Blow. Dayton OH (1986). Bearss, Edwin C. The Campaign for Vicksburg, Vol. III, "Unvexed to the Sea." Dayton OH (1986). Bergeron, Jr., Arthur W. Guide to Louisiana Confederate Military Units: 1861-1865. Baton Rouge (1989). Bettersworth, John K. (ed.). Mississippi in the Confederacy: As They Saw It. Baton Rogue (1961). Bowers, John. Chickamauga and Chattanooga: Battles That Doomed the Confederacy. New York (1994). Catton, Bruce. The Centennial History of the Civil War, Vol. 3, "Never Call Retreat." Garden City NY (1965). Coggins, Jack. Arms and Equipment of the Civil War. New York (1962). Cotton, Gordon A. Yankee Bullets, Rebel Rations. Vicksburg MS (1984). Davis, Burke. The Civil War: Strange and Fascinating Facts. New York (1982) Davis, Burke. Gray Fox: Robert E. Lee and the Civil War. New York (1956). Dowdey, Clifford. The Land They Fought For: The Story of the South as the Confederacy: 1832-1865. Garden City NY (1955). Foote, Shelby. The Civil War: A Narrative, Vol. 2, "Fredericksburg to Meridian." New York (1963). Jones, Archer. Confederate Strategy: From Shiloh To Vicksburg. Baton Rogue (1961). Jones, Katharine M. (ed.). Heroines of Dixie: Confederate Women Tell Their Story of the War. New York (1955). Long, E. B. The Civil War Day by Day: An Almanac, 1861-1865. Garden City NY (1971). Lord, Francis A. Civil War Collector's Encyclopedia: Arms, Uniforms, and Equipment of the Union and Confederacy. New York (1965). McDonough, James Lee. Shiloh: In Hell Before Night. Knoxville (1977). Mitchel, Reid. Civil War Soldiers: Their Expectations and Their Experiences. New York (1988). Pemberton, John C. Pemberton: Defender of Vicksburg. Chapel Hill NC (1970). Pollard, E. A. A Southern History of the War. New York (1866). Searight, Sarah. New Orleans. New York (1973). Silver, James W. (ed.). A Life for the Confederacy as Recorded in the Pocket Diaries of Pvt. Robert A. Moore. Jackson TN (1959). Sullivan, Walter. The War the Women Lived: Female Voices from the Confederate South. Nashville (1995). Taylor, Joe Gray. Louisiana: A Bicentennial History. New York (1976). Trowbridge, John T. The Desolate South: 1865-1866. New York (1866). Walker, Peter F. Vicksburg: A People at War: 1860-1865. Chapel Hill NC (1960). Wert, Jeffery D. General James Longstreet: The Confederacy's Most Controversial Soldier, A Biography. New York (1993). Wheeler, Richard. The Siege of Vicksburg. New York (1978). Wiley, Bell I. The Common Soldier of the Civil War. New York (1975). Woodward, C. Vann (ed.). Mary Chestnut's Civil War. New Haven CT (1981). Articles Bearss, Edwin C. "Grand Gulf's role in the Civil War." Civil War History, Vol V (1959): 5-29. Brewer, George E. "The defenders of Vicksburg." Confederate Veteran, Vol. XXII, No. 10, (October 1914): 457- 459. "Vicksburg diary: the journal of Gabriel M. Killgore." Civil War History, Vol. X, No. 1 (1964): 33-52. Unpublished Material Privately held diaries by the Crane family. Crane, George P. Journal, 1859-1860. Crane, George P. Journal, 1878. Beltzhoover, Lt. Col. Daniel. Military order to H. W. Fowler, New Orleans, April 26, 1861. The Rosemonde E. and Emile Kuntz Collection, Manuscripts Collection 600, Manuscripts Department, Howard-Tilton Memorial Library, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. Capers, Capt. William Coke. Letter to Starr, April 7, 1863. Park Archives, Vicksburg National Military Park.