Approximately 180,000 African-Americans comprising 163 units served in the Union Army during the Civil War, and many more African-Americans served in the Union Navy. Both free Africans-Americans and runaway slaves joined the fight. On July 17, 1862, Congress passed two acts allowing the enlistment of African-Americans, but official enrollment occurred only after the September, 1862 issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation.
In general, white soldiers and officers believed that black men lacked the courage to fight and fight well. In October, 1862, African-American soldiers of the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteers silenced their critics by repulsing attacking Confederates at the battle of Island Mound, Missouri. By August, 1863, 14 Negro Regiments were in the field and ready for service.
At the battle of Port Hudson, Louisiana, May 27, 1863, the African-American soldiers bravely advanced over open ground in the face of deadly artillery fire. Although the attack failed, the black solders proved their capability to withstand the heat of battle.
MAY 10, 1863, - Skirmishes at Caledonia and Pin Hook La,
Report of Brig. Gen. Hugh T. Reid. U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, Sixth Division Seventeenth Army Corps
PROVIDENCE, LA., May 12, 1863
I have the honor to report that on the 2d instant some 80 of the enemy crossed over Bayon Macon in the vicinity of Bissell's cut, at Ashton and carried away 15 or 20 negroes. Learning this fact, I made a reconnaissance on the 3d instant to that point with a company of a mounted infantry, in command of Major Roberts, of the First Kansas, and became satisfied, from information received from reliable sources, that the enemy on the west side of the bayou had concentrated his forces in the vicinity of Caledonia for the purpose of making raids to this side. It was practicable to cross the bayou in that vicinity and there were great difficulties in the way of crossing it at any other point. I therefore determined to withdraw the whole of the First Kansas Mounted Infantry from the plantations below Providence and concentrate them on Old River, knowing there could be no danger to the plantations whilst the enemy was so far north.
On the morning of the 8th, Captain Zesch, with six companies of the First Kansas, succeeded in reaching the bayou, and crossed some 20 of his men, under command of Lieutenant Thompson, on a raft, near Caledonia. Here he found the enemy in too great force and too strongly posted to risk anything more than a reconnaissance, and fell back to camp on Old River to await re-enforcements.
On the evening of the 8th instant, I sent Major Roberts to take command, and sent forward 100 men from the Sixteenth Wisconsin, under Captain Wheeler, by steamer, to Old River, and also sent forward three additional companies from the first Kansas, leaving one company at this place.
Major Roberts moved from Old River with the command on the morning of the 9th, and built a bridge over Bayou Macon during the day, and crossed over on the morning of the 10th, when he met the enemy in the most gallant manner, driving them from their position at Caledonia and pursuing them to their cover in log-houses in Pin Hook, killing 4 of their men and taking 2 prisoners, besides wounding a number. As the enemy could not be dislodged without artillery, the expedition returned to the bayou, and remained on the other side until the afternoon of the 11th without further encountering the enemy.
The First Regiment of Arkansas Volunteers, of African descent, under Colonel Wood, arrived here from Helena on the evening of the 10th, and I moved them and 50 men of the Sixteenth Wisconsin during the night to Old River, to be within supporting distance in case the flight should be continued on the 11th, but met a dispatch from Major Roberts which rendered it unnecessary to move them farther.
I crossed Bayou Macon to our troops on the other side of the bayou on the morning of the 11th and finding that nothings more could be done without artillery, recrossed during the day, destroyed the bridge, and brought the troops to Providence, except four companies of the First Kansas, left at Old River to watch the movements of the enemy.
Major Roberts of the First Kansas, deserves great credit for the masterly manner in which he executed my orders in this attack, having accomplished everything that was expected of him. Captain Zesch, of the same regiments, is also entitled to praise for the skill and prudence with which he managed his part of the command. Captain Wheeler of the Sixteenth Wisconsin, led his men against the enemy in gallant style, and both officers and men of these two regiments acted with great bravery and deserve high commendation. For further details I refer you to the report of Major Roberts herewith inclosed. The present disposition of the troops under my command is as follows: Four companies First Kansas at Old River; two companies at Wilton's three at Bass plantation, 4 miles below Providence, and one at this place. The Sixteenth Wisconsin, First Arkansas and Eighth Louisiana Volunteers, of African descent, at this place, and the Tenth Louisiana, of African descent, at Goodrich's Landing with the commissioners.
The Eighth Louisiana has been mustered into the service, and six, if not seven, companies of the Tenth Louisiana. Both these regiments are improving rapidly in drill, and are partially armed, and I hope to have them fully armed and equipped in a few days, as requisitions have gone forward. I have also sent for some artillery, which I hope to get from Helena. General----------- is said to be in command at Floyd, and to have brought up from Delhi 1,500 men and some artillery to re-enforce the Thirteenth Louisiana Battalion, with which we had the fight.
The rebels claimed to have 10,000 troops at Monroe, brought down from Little Rock to be sent to Alexandria, but say that Banks' army was falling back from Alexandria, and these troops were not sent there. If this is true, these troops may be expected to operate in this direction and toward Milliken's Bend.
The negroes and much property west of the bayou are being run off to Texas, though there are plenty of provisions, such as corn and hogs, left. The secesh hereabouts say that if Vicksburg falls the war is at an end in Louisiana. I have had most of the negroes who were unemployed here removed to the commissioners at Goodrich's Landing.
Since writing the above, I have learned, from what I believe to be a reliable source, that no troops have been sent from Monroe toward Bayou Macon; that 3,000 instead of 10,000 came from Little Rock to Monroe; that these troops have been sent to re-enforce Colonel (General) Taylor and Kirby Smith, on Red River, who were retreating before Banks' army; that General Hebert is at Monroe in command of only 60 men (Conscripts), and that he has had his things packed up for the last three weeks (in two wagons) on the west side of the Washita River ready to run on the approach of our forces. This information is derived from a New Hampshire Yankee, who has just made his escape from Monroe. He says that the troops are to be withdrawn from this side of the Washita, which I think is altogether probable from the movements we know to be going on west of the bayou.
H. T. REID,
Brigadier-General, Commainding.
Maj. Gen J. B. McPherson,
Commanding Seventeenth Army Corps
SOURCE: United States War Department. THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Washington: Government
Reports of Brig. Gen. Elias S. Dennis, U.S. Army, of attack (7th) on Milliken's Bend and action (9th) near Lake Providence.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF NORTHEASTERN LOUISIANA,
Young's Point, La., June 13, 1863.
COLONEL: I have the honor to inform you that an attack was made on Lake Providence, La., June 9, 1863, by a rebel force of about 600 strong--the Thirteenth Texas Infantry [Cavalry] and 200 mounted men of the Thirteenth Louisiana Battalion. They were met by two companies of the First Kansas Mounted Infantry, 6 miles from town, and skirmishing kept up until the rebel force reached Bayou Tensas, 1 mile from town, where they were met by General Reid's entire force, about 800 strong, including 300 of the [Eighth] Louisiana Regiment, African descent, under Colonel [Hiram] Scofield.
The mounted companies fell back behind the bayou, destroying the bridge, when the enemy formed in line of battle, advanced their skirmishers to the bayou, and planted a 6-pounder so as to command the bridge, which they attempted to reconstruct, but were prevented by our skirmishers. A heavy force of skirmishers was then sent forward to meet their whole line on the bayou, and, after a brisk fire of an hour <ar37_449> and a half, the rebels retreated (it being dark) to Floyd, leaving only a small force near the bayou. General Reid then withdrew the skirmishers and ordered the Eighth Louisiana in line of battle up to the bayou. They fired four volleys into the rebels, which forced them to retire.
The entire force of the enemy was commanded by Colonel [Frank A.] Bartlett, of the Thirteenth Louisiana Battalion, who has for some time past been stationed west of Bayou Macon.
The only mischief done by the enemy, so far as heard from, is the destruction of a cotton-gin at Spencer's plantation.
We have 1 man wounded. The enemy's loss is 2 killed and 5 wounded.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, yours, &c.,
ELIAS S. DENNIS,
Brigadier-Genera1.
Lieut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
SOURCE: United States War Department. THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1880-1901.
Report of Brig. Gen. Elias S. Dennis, U.S. Army, of attack (7th) on Milliken's Bend and action (9th) near Lake Providence.
HEADQUARTERS NORTHEAST DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA,
Young's Point, La., June 12, 1863.
COLONEL: I have the honor to report that, in accordance with instructions received from me, Colonel Lieb, commanding the Ninth Louisiana, African descent, made a reconnaissance in the direction of Richmond on June 6, starting from Milliken's Bend at 2 a.m.
He was preceded by two companies of the Tenth Illinois Cavalry, commanded by Captain Anderson, whom he overtook 3 miles from the Bend. It was agreed between them that the captain should take the left side of Walnut Bayou and pursue it as far as Mrs. Ames' plantation, while Colonel Lieb proceeded along the main Richmond road to the railroad depot, 3 miles from Richmond, where he encountered the enemy's pickets and advance, which he drove in with but little opposition, but, anticipating the enemy in strong force, retired slowly toward the Bend. When about half-way back, a squad of our cavalry came dashing up in his rear, hotly pursued by the enemy. Colonel Lieb immediately formed his regiment across an open field, and with one volley dispersed the approaching enemy.
Expecting the enemy would contest the passage of the bridge over Walnut Bayou, Colonel Lieb fell back over the bridge, and from thence to Milliken's Bend, from whence he sent a messenger informing me of the success of the expedition, and reported the enemy to be advancing. I immediately started the Twenty-third Iowa Volunteer Infantry to their assistance, and Admiral Porter ordered the gunboat Choctaw to that point.
At 3 o'clock the following morning the enemy made their appearance in strong force on the main Richmond road, driving the pickets before them. The enemy advanced upon the left of our line, throwing out no skirmishers, marching in close column by division, with a strong cavalry force on his right flank. Our forces, consisting of the Twenty-third Iowa Volunteer Infantry and the African Brigade (in all, 1,061 men), opened upon the enemy when within musket-shot range, which made them waver and recoil, a number running in confusion to the rear; the balance, pushing on with intrepidity, soon reached the levee, when they were ordered to charge, with cries of "no quarter!"
The African regiments being inexperienced in the use of arms, some of them having been drilled but a few days, and the guns being very inferior, the enemy succeeded in getting upon our works before more than one or two volleys were fired at them. Here ensued a most terrible hand-to-hand conflict of several minutes' duration, our men using the bayonet freely and clubbing their guns with fierce obstinacy, contesting every inch of ground, until the enemy succeeded in flanking them, and poured a murderous enfilading fire along our lines, directing their fire chiefly to the officers, who tell in numbers. Not till they were overpowered and forced by superior numbers did our men fall back behind the bank of the river, at the same time pouring volley after volley into the ranks of the advancing enemy.
The gunboat now got into position and fired a broadside into the enemy, who immediately disappeared behind the levee, but all the time keeping up a fire upon our men.
The enemy at this time appeared to be extending his line to the extreme right, but was held in check by two companies of the Eleventh Louisiana Infantry, African descent, which had been posted behind cotton bales and part of the old levee. In this position the fight continued until near noon, when the enemy suddenly withdrew. Our men, seeing this movement, advanced upon the retreating column, firing volley after volley at them while they remained within gunshot. The gunboat Lexington then paid her compliments to the fleeing foe in several well-directed shots, scattering them in all directions.
I here desire to express my thanks to the officers and men of the gunboats Choctaw and Lexington for their efficient services in the time of need. Their names will be long remembered by the officers and men of the African Brigade for their valuable assistance on that dark and bloody field.
The officers and men deserve the highest praise for their gallant conduct, and especially Colonel Glasgow, of the Twenty-third Iowa, and his brave men, and also Colonel Lieb, of the Ninth Louisiana, African descent, who, by his gallantry and daring, inspired his men to deeds of valor until he fell, seriously though not dangerously wounded. I regret to state that Colonel Chamberlain, of the Eleventh Louisiana, African descent, conducted himself in a very unsoldierlike manner.
The enemy consisted of one brigade, numbering about 2,500, in command of General [H. E.] McCulloch, and 200 cavalry. The enemy's loss is estimated at about 150 killed and 300 wounded. It is impossible to get anything near the loss of the enemy, as they carried the killed and wounded off in ambulances. Among their killed is Colonel [R. T. P.] Allen, Sixteenth [Seventeenth] Texas.
Inclosed please find tabular statement of killed, wounded, and missing; in all, 652.(*) Nearly all the missing blacks will probably return, as they were badly scattered.
The enemy, under General [J. M.] Hawes, advanced upon Young's Point while the battle was going on at Milliken's Bend; but several well-directed shots from the gunboats compelled them to retire.
Submitting the foregoing, I remain, yours, respectfully,
ELIAS S. DENNIS,
Brigadier-General, Comdg. District -Northeast Louisiana.
Lieut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
SOURCE: United States War Department. THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1880-1901.
Operations in Northern Louisiana.
Report of Brig. Gen. Hugh T. Reid, U.S. Army, of action (9th) near Lake Providence and attack (30th) on Goodrich's Landing.
HEADQUARTERS POST OF PROVIDENCE,
July 6, 1863.
COLONEL: On the 29th ultimo, the rebels from the other side of Bayou Macon came in near the Wilton plantation, at the Mounds, and made an attack there and at Goodrich's Landing, capturing two companies of the First Arkansas Volunteers (of African descent) at the Mounds and burning every gin-house and negro quarter on their way toward this point. They also burned many of the dwelling-houses. Hearing through negroes that a fight was going on at the Mounds, I sent out the First Kansas Mounted Regiment to meet them, which they did 5 miles below town, in the woods, but found them too strong, and had to fall back, skirmishing to within 3 miles of town, where the progress of the enemy was stopped. Soon after they had stopped following our men, a fleet of transports, with two gunboats, came in sight from above, but one of the Marine Brigade boats happened to be in advance, and could not be stopped at the landing, but fired one of its popguns at the rebels, which frightened them off at once and prevented them being coaxed into town, and also prevented the gunboats getting a chance at them.
In the skirmish we had one lieutenant (Becker), of the First Kansas, killed, Lieutenant Thompson severely wounded in the foot, and 2 privates wounded. The rebels report 5 or 6 killed, including two captains.
We have had for some time a strong fortification on the river in front of the town made of earthworks and cotton bales, and if we had any artillery could make a defense against a large force. We have just received a section of artillery, and have had a gunboat here for two or three days.
The rebels have a force on the west of the bayou variously estimated at from 5,000 to 9,000 men, under command of Major-General [J. G.] Walker, of Texas. Part of the force is lately from Price's army, at Little Rock, and it was a part of [W. H.] Parsons' brigade of cavalry which did the mischief in this vicinity.
H. T. REID,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Lieut. Col. W. T. CLARK,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Seventeenth Army Corps.
SOURCE: United States War Department. THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1880-1901.
Report of Brig. Gen. Hugh T. Reid, U.S. Army, of action (9th) near Lake Providence and attack (30th) on Goodrich's Landing.
HEADQUARTERS POST OF PROVIDENCE,
Providence, La., June 10, 1863.
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that an attack was made yes-
terday afternoon by a rebel force, said to be 600 strong, being the Thirteenth Texas Infantry [Cavalry] and the Thirteenth Louisiana Battalion (mounted men), with one piece of artillery. They were met by two companies of the First Kansas Mounted Infantry, at Bayou Baxter, 6 miles from town, and skirmishing kept up till the rebel force reached Bayou Tensas, a mile from town, where I determined to meet them with my whole force, about 800 strong, including some 300 of the Eighth Louisiana Volunteers, of African descent, under Colonel Scofield. Our mounted companies fell back behind the bayou, destroying the bridge, when the rebels formed in line of battle and advanced their skirmishers boldly up to the bayou, and planted their gun (a 6-pounder) so as to command the bridge, which they attempted to reconstruct.
Our skirmishers from the First Kansas and Sixteenth Wisconsin were advanced from our main body, under cover of the bank, to within close musket range of their gun, and soon compelled them to withdraw it, after firing only 5 rounds; then I sent forward a heavy force of skirmishers to meet their whole line on the bayou, and, after a brisk fire for an hour and a half, the rebels retreated, it being dusk, on the road leading to Floyd, leaving only a small force of skirmishers, under cover of some underbrush, near the bayou.
I then withdrew our skirmishers and marched the Eighth Louisiana Volunteers, of African descent, in line of battle up to the bayou. They fired four volleys into the rebels, which cleaned them out, and greatly encouraged the darkies. We had 1 man wounded; they had 2 men killed and 5 wounded. A rebel deserter says the rebels were under command of Colonel [F. A.] Bartlett, of the Thirteenth Louisiana Battalion, which has been stationed west of Bayou Macon.
The Texas regiment was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel [A. Crawford and Major [C. R.] Beaty, and is a part of General [J. G.] Walker's division, which was 6,000 strong. This regiment left the division at Trinity, at the mouth of the Tensas, came to Monroe, from Monroe to Delhi by rail, and from there to Floyd by marches, where they joined Bartlett's command. He says a bridge was built at Floyd across Bayou Macon; but the force marched up the bayou to Caledonia, where they built another bridge and crossed. The only mischief done by the rebels, as far as heard from, is the destruction of a cotton-gin at the Spencer plantation, 7 miles from town, where a citizen was ginning some cotton.
It is out of the question to give adequate protection to the plantations along the river without having sufficient force to move across the Bayou Macon and drive the rebels beyond Boeuf River, and artillery is absolutely necessary.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. T. REID,
Brigadier-General, Commanding -Post.
Major General MCPHERSON,
Commanding Seventeenth Corps.
SOURCE: United States War Department. THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1880-1901.
OCTOBER 24, 1862. -- Affair on Saint Helena Island, S. C.
Report of Brig. General Rufus Saxton, U. S. Army.
BEAUFORT, S. C., October 26, 1862.
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that on Friday last two boat loads of rebels attempted to land on Saint Helena Island, and were fired on and driven off by negro pickets. The people there are somewhat alarmed. I respectfully request that a picket guard of a non-commissioned officer and 12 men be sent there to give confidence to the people.
I am, general, with great respect, your odedient servant,
R. SAXTON,
Brigadier-General, Volunteers.
Major-General MITCHELL.
SOURCE: United States War Department. THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Series I, Volume 14. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1880-1901.
NOVEMBER 3-10, 1862 -- Expedition along the coasts of Georgia and East Florida.
Report of Brig. Gen. Rufus Saxton, U. S. Army.
BEAUFORT, S. C., November 12, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to inclose, for your information, the report of an expedition which I sent on the steamer Darlington up the rivers and lagoons on the coasts of Georgia and Florida between Saint Simon's Island and Fernandina:
The expedition was composed of Col. Oliver T. Beard, Forty-eighth New York Volunteers; Rev. Mansfield Branch, chaplain, U. S. Army, and Captain Trowbridge, with his company (A), of the First South Carolina Volunteers (colored). I had two objects in view in sending this expedition. The first was to prove the fighting qualities of the negroes (which some have doubted), and the other was to bring away the people from the main-land, destroy all rebel salt-works, and to break up the rebel picket stations along the line of the coast.
I am happy to report that in every point of view the expedition was a, perfect success. Rarely in the progress of this war has so much mischief been done by so small a force in so short a space of time. Thirteen different landings were made. The pickets in every case were driven in, the salt-works destroyed, and all the work finished up before the enemy could collect a sufficient force to overpower our men.
It is admitted upon all hands that the negroes fought with a coolness and bravery that would have done credit to veteran soldiers. There was no excitement, no flinching, no attempt at cruelty when successful. They seemed like men who were fighting to vindicate their manhood and they did it well.
I trust that you will appreciate the importance of this little effort of the First South Carolina Volunteers. It seems to me one of the important events of the war--one that will carry terror to the hearts of the rebels. It discloses an objective point where the hardest blow can be dealt against this rebellion. This whole coast is intersected by bays, lagoons, and rivers, which are navigable by light-draught steamers, in some instances, for more than 100 miles up into the heart of the richest part of the Southern country. I would propose to have a number of light-draught steamers; have them well armed and barricaded against rifle-shots, and place upon each one a company of 100 black soldiers. These are better than white soldiers for this service, on account of the greater facility with which they can effect landings through the marshes and thick woods which line the banks of the streams. each boat should be supplied with an abundance of spare muskets and ammunition, to put in the hands of the recruits as they come in. These boats should then go up the streams, land at the different plantations, drive in the pickets, and capture them, if possible. The blowing of the steamer's whistle the negroes all understand as a signal to come in and no sooner do they hear it than they come in from every direction. In case the enemy arrives in force at any landing we have either to keep him at a proper distance with shells or quietly move to some other point and repeat the same operation long before he can arrive with his forces by land. In this way we could very soon have complete occupation of The whole country. Indeed I can see no limit to which our successes might not be pushed up to the entire occupation of States or their occupation by a large portion of the rebel army. I consider that your instructions to me cover this whole ground; but in my present position I am utterly powerless to do anything. It was with extreme difficulty that I obtained the services of the Darlington from the military department for this one expedition, and I know not when I can again procure her services. I can procure no supplies of ordnance or medical stores without an order from the commanding general, and if he thinks differently, or does not choose to give them to me, I am helpless. I make no complaint of this; it is proper that the commanding general should control the supplies; but all this routine, nevertheless, ties my hands and renders it utterly useless for me to attempt to carry out this great plan. I am convinced that it can only be done successfully by the one who has absolute control of the means of transportation and supplies.
I therefore beg leave to recommend that this duty he assigned to the military commander of the department, and that he be instructed to carry out a plan which, in my humble opinion, will, if carried out properly, save the country a vast amount of life and treasure and do much to break down this rebellion.
I have also to report that the First Regiment of South Carolina Volunteers is filling up rapidly--550 are already enrolled. More than 1,000 able-bodied negroes are now in the employ of the Engineer and Quartermaster Departments. Were I to enlist from these I could fill up the regiment in one day; but I have thus far abstained from any interference with these departments.
The steamer Darlington was captured from the rebels by the Navy and was subsequently transferred to the Quartermaster's Department. She returned from the expedition completely riddled with rifle balls. Fortunately but 4 of our men were wounded.
Great credit is due to Colonel Beard, Mr. French, and Captain Trowbridge for their bravery and skill in managing the expedition.
I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant,
R. SAXTON,
Brigadier-General.
Hon. E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
SOURCE: United States War Department. THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Series I, Volume 14. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1880-1901.
NOVEMBER 13-18, 1862. -- Expedition from Beaufort, S. C., to Doboy River, Ga.
Report of Brig. Gen. Rufus Saxton, U.S. Army.
BEAUFORT, S. C., November 25, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to inclose for your information the report of our expedition to Doboy River, Georgia:
The expedition was composed of three companies of the First South Carolina Volunteers (colored), under the command of Lieut. Col. Oliver T. Beard, Forty-eighth New York Volunteers, and was in every respect a success.
It gives me pleasure to bear witness to the good conduct of the negro troops. They fought with the most determined bravery. Although scarcely one month since the organization of this regiment was commenced, in that short: period these untrained soldiers have captured from the enemy an amount of property equal in value to the cost of the regiment for a year. They have driven back equal numbers of rebel troops, and have destroyed the salt-works along the whole line of this coast.
Great credit is due to Lieutenant-Colonel Beard for his energy and skill in the management of this expedition.
I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant,
R. SAXTON,
Brigadier-General.
Hon. E. M. Stanton,
Secretary of War.
SOURCE: United States War Department. THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Series I, Volume 14. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1880-1901.
JANUARY 23-FEBRUARY 1, 1863. Expedition from Beaufort, S. C., up the Saint Mary's River, in Georgia and Florida.
Report of Brig. Gen. Rufus Saxton.
BEAUFORT, S. C., February 2, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to forward for your information the report of Col. T. W. Higginson, First South Carolina Volunteers, of an expedition made by a portion of his regiment up the Saint Mary's River, in Georgia and Florida.
It gives me pleasure to report that the expedition accomplished every object I had in view in sending it and was a complete success. Great credit is due to Colonel Higginson for his bravery and skill in penetrating so far into the interior of a country filled with a wary, active foe, with so small a force. It foreshadows clearly the very important advantages which might result to our cause by the extensive arming of the blacks. I am laboring diligently toward this end in this department, but the limited extent of our lines renders it impossible for them to get to me in any very great numbers. The establishment of posts on the main-land would enable them to do so. No one knows better than the traitors now in arms against our Government the great element of strength which the cause of liberty and the Union has in the hearts and muscles of these loyal blacks. In my humble opinion it would be no misapplication of the best energies of the Government should they now be directed toward the arming and disciplining of every one that can be brought within our lines.
I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant,
R. SAXTON,
Brigadier-General of Volunteers.
Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
SOURCE: United States War Department. THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Series I, Volume 14. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1880-1901.
JUNE 23, 1863. -- Attack on Pawnee Agency, Nebr.
Report of Capt. Henry L. Edwards, Second Nebraska Cavalry.
PAWNEE RESERVATION,
June 23, [24,] 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to report that the Sioux (supposed to be Brules) attacked the agency yesterday, killing several Pawnees and wounding myself. I ordered First Lieut. Henry Gray to follow them with 36 men, and, if practicable, to attack them. After pursuing about 50 of them for about 15 miles, he came upon about, 400 or 500 drawn up in line ready to receive him, and upon being assured that the Pawnees, who were with him, 300 or 400 strong, would fight with him, he threw out some skirmishers, when the Sioux opened upon them with rifles, killing Sergt. Joseph Dyson, and mortally wounding Private George Osborn; also killing their horses. At the first fire the Pawnees ran, leaving our men alone. Lieutenant Gray fought them about an hour, when they retreated. Four or five Sioux were killed and several horses. I had started to his assistance with 20 men and one howitzer, which I was compelled to send back, owing to the roughness of the country. When I reached Lieutenant Gray, the Sioux were still in force about 6 miles distant; but it being nearly night, I determined not to attack them, and fell back to my camp.
To better protect the whites living at the agency, I have crossed the Beaver and established camp near the agency, where I shall remain until I receive further orders.
Very respectfully,
HENRY L. EDWARDS,
Captain Company D, Second Nebraska Cavalry.
Brigadier-General McKean, Omaha, Nebr.
SOURCE: United States War Department. THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Series I, Volume 22. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1880-1901.
SOURCE: United States War Department. THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1880-1901.
JULY 1-2, 1863. -- Engagement at Cabin Creek, Indian Territory
Report of Col. James M. Williams, First Kansas Colored Infantry.
Fort Blunt, C. N., July --, 1863.
COLONEL: I have the honor to report to you the following account of incidents occurring upon the march of my command from Baxter Springs, Kans., to Fort Blunt, C. N.:
I left Baxter Springs on the 26th ultimo, and overtook the supply train the same day. I concluded to accompany this train on the route, with the view of offering assistance in ease of an attack by the enemy, which was expected, as it was known that a large force of the enemy had been concentrated with this view.
Nothing unusual occurred until about noon of the 1st instant, when we came upon the enemy, strongly posted upon Cabin Creek, completely commanding the ford. Major Foreman, of the Third Indian Home guards, skirmished with their pickets, killing 3 and capturing 3, when they retired across Cabin Creek, to their main body. I ordered up one of the 12-pounder howitzers attached to my command, which, with the mountain howitzers of Major Foreman, opened a brisk fire of shell and canister under the fire of which the soundings of the creek were taken, and, finding it too high to cross the train, the forces were ordered into camp to await the falling of the stream, usually quite small, but now much swollen by the recent rains. That evening I held a consultation with Lieutenant-Colonel [Theodore H.] Dodd, commanding escort to the train, and Major Foreman, and it was determined to unite the different forces, as many as could be spared from the immediate defense of the train, which had been corralled upon the prairie, about 2 miles from the ford. Accordingly Colonel Dodd ordered to my support three companies of the Second Colorado Infantry [Cavalry], under command of Major [J. Nelson] Smith, and Company B, Third Wisconsin Cavalry, Company C, Ninth Kansas Cavalry, and Company B, Fourteenth Kansas Cavalry, under the command of Captain [John E.] Stewart, Company C, Ninth Kansas Cavalry, and the Indian Battalion commanded by Major Foreman, with one section of Second Kansas Battery, commanded by Lieutenant [Aristarchus] Wilson. after making a careful reconnaissance on the evening of the 1st in company with Colonel Dodd and Major Foreman, I laid the plan of attack as follows, viz: To place the two 6 pounders under command of Lieutenant Wilson on a point to the extreme left; one 12-pounder howitzer and one mountain howitzer in the center directly in front of and not more than 200 yards from the position held by the enemy, and one 12-pounder howitzer on the right, and to attempt to cross the stream under the fire of these pieces. Accordingly I formed a column of attack in the following order:
1st. One company Indian Home Guards, led by Major Foreman in person.
2nd. First Regiment Kansas Colored Volunteers, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel [John] Bowles. 3d. Battalion of Second Colorado Infantry.
4th. Battalion of three companies of cavalry, the balance of the Indian Battalion being detached guarding the river above and below.
This disposition being completed, at 8 a. m. of 2d instant I opened a brisk cannonade, with shell and canister, upon the enemy's position, which was continued for forty minutes without interruption, when the firing ceased, the enemy having apparently retired from his position, and I ordered the column forward, it having previously been ascertained that the creek had fallen sufficiently to allow a passage. As the advance, led by Major Foremen, had nearly reached the opposite shore, they were met by a violent fire of musketry from the enemy, who had concealed themselves behind logs in the thick brush which lined the opposite shore. Major Foreman was twice shot by musket-balls, his horse receiving five shots. Seeing their gallant leader fall, this advance company retired somewhat confusedly to the position formerly occupied by them, At this time the advance of the infantry had nearly reached the water's edge, and I ordered a belt, filed the three leading companies to the right, and opened upon the enemy a fire of musketry and again opened the artillery upon their position, which was continued for twenty minutes, when I ordered the two pieces on my left to cease firing, and brought Company C, Ninth Kansas Cavalry, under command of Lieut.. R. C. Philbrick, to replace the Indian company, who were directed to follow the column across. This disposition being made, I ordered the advance at the double-quick, still keeping up the fire from the three companies of infantry, formed as before stated, and the howitzers. The enemy again opened fire, but did not succeed in checking our advance, and, with the loss of but 3 or 4 wounded, I succeeded in crossing my column, the infantry wading to the arm-pits in water, and, driving the enemy from the brush, formed a line of battle directly in front of the enemy, who now formed in battle array about 400 yards in advance upon the edge of the prairie. I ordered two companies of cavalry, under Captain Stewart, to take position on my right, to prevent any flank movement that might be attempted by the enemy in that direction, and ordered the company commanded by Lieutenant Philbrick to charge the advance line of the enemy, penetrate it, and, if possible, ascertain his strength and position, which was gallantly executed by the lieutenant, who charged directly upon the center of the enemy's line, broke it, and put him to flight. Seeing this, I ordered forward all the cavalry in pursuit of the now fleeing enemy, who were pursued for 5 miles, killing many and dispersing them in all directions.
My whole loss in this engagement was 1 killed and about 20 wounded, among the latter Major Foreman, seriously, and Captain [Ethan] Earl, of the First Regiment Kansas Colored Volunteers, slightly.
The loss of the enemy is not definitely known, but, from the best I am able to obtain, I think it will not fall short of 50 killed, as many more wounded, and 9 prisoners.
The strength of the enemy, as near as can be ascertained from the prisoners, was from 1,600 to 1,800, consisting of Cols. Stand Watie's and McIntosh's Cherokee [and Creek] regiments, with detachment of 600 men from the Twenty-seventh [Fifth Texas Partisan Rangers*] and Twenty-ninth Texas [Cavalry] Regiments. My column of attack, which crossed the stream, was less than 900 men, all told.
I cannot close this communication without referring to the chivalrous and soldierly conduct of the entire command during the engagement; the whole command crossing this difficult ford, and forming in the face of the enemy, with as much ease and little confusion as if upon parade. Had there been no train to guard, so that the whole force could have been employed against the enemy, I don't know but I should have been able to capture the whole force. But as the prime object was to conduct the supply train to your commend, it was not deemed proper to cause any delay in pursuing the enemy; consequently I directed that portion of my command which had been sent me from the escort to report back to Lieutenant-Colonel Dodd, and immediately on the evening of the same day resumed, the march, arriving at Fort Blunt on the 5th instant without any further interruption.
I have the honor, colonel, to be, and remain, your obedient servant,
J. M. WILLIAMS,
Colonel First Regiment Kansas Colored Volunteers, Commanding.
Col. WILLIAM A. PHILLIPS.
SOURCE: United States War Department. THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1880-1901.
JANUARY 23-FEBRUARY 1, 1863. -- Expedition from Beaufort, S. C., up the Saint Mary's River, in Georgia and Florida.
Report of Col. T. W. Higginson, First South Carolina Infantry (Union).*
ON BOARD STEAMER BEN DE FORD,
February 1, 1863.
GENERAL: I have the honor to report the safe return of the expedition under my command, consisting of 462 officers and men of the First Regiment South Carolina Volunteers, who left Beaufort on January 23, on board the steamers John Adams, Planter, and Ben De Ford:
The expedition has carried the regimental flag and the President's proclamation far into the interior of Georgia and Florida. The men have been repeatedly under fire; have had infantry, cavalry, and even artillery arrayed against them, and have in every instance come off not only with unblemished honor, but with undisputed triumph.
At Township, Fla. a detachment of the expedition fought a cavalry company which met it unexpectedly on a midnight march through pine woods and which completely surrounded us. They were beaten off, with a loss on our part of 1 man killed and 7 wounded, while the opposing party admits 12 men killed, including Lieutenant Jones, in command of the company, besides many wounded. So complete was our victory that the enemy scattered and hid in the woods all night, not venturing back to his camp, which was 6 miles distant, until noon next day, a fact which was unfortunately unknown until too late to follow up our advantage. Had I listened to the urgent appeals of my men and pursued the fleeing enemy we could have destroyed his camp; but in view of the darkness, his uncertain numbers, and swifter motions, with your injunctions of caution, I judged it better to rest satisfied with the victory already gained.
On another occasion a detachment of about 250 men, on board the John Adams, fought its way 40 miles up and down a river regarded by the naval commanders as the most dangerous in the department -- the Saint Mary's --a river left untraversed by our gunboats for many months, as it requires a boat built like the John Adams to ascend it successfully. The stream is narrow, swift, winding and bordered at many places with high bluffs, which blazed with rifle-shots. With our glasses, as we approached these points, we could see mounted men by the hundred galloping through the woods from point to point to await us, and though fearful of our shot and shell, they were so daring against musketry that one rebel actually sprang from the shore upon the large boat which was towed at our stern, where he was shot down by one of my sergeants. We could see our shells scatter the rebels as they fell among them, and some terrible execution must have been done, but not a man of this regiment was killed or wounded, though the steamer is covered with bullet-marks, one of which shows where our brave Captain Clifton, commander of the vessel, fell dead beside his own pilot-house, shot through the brain by a Minie ball. Major Strong, who stood beside him, escaped as if by magic, both of them being unnecessarily exposed without my knowledge.
The secret of our safety was in keeping the regiment below, except the gunners; but this required the utmost energy of the officers, as the men were wild to come on deck, and even implored to be landed on shore and charge on the enemy.
Nobody knows anything about these men who has not seen them in battle. I find that I myself knew nothing. There is a fiery energy about them beyond anything of which I have ever read, except it be the French Zouaves. It requires the strictest discipline to hold them in hand. During our first attack on the river before I had got them all penned below they crowded at the open ends of the steamer loading and firing with inconceivable rapidity, and shouting to each other, "Never give it up." When collected into the hold they actually fought each other for places at the few port-holes from which they could fire on the enemy. Meanwhile the black gunners, admirably trained by Lieutenants Stockdale and O'Neil, both being accomplished artillerists, and Mr. Heron, of the gunboat, did their duty without the slightest protection and with great coolness amid a storm of shot.
This river expedition was not undertaken in mere bravado. Captain Sears, U. S. Army, the contractor of Fort Clinch had urged upon the War Department to endeavor to obtain a large supply of valuable bricks, said to remain at the brick-yards, 30 miles up the Saint Mary's, from which Fort Clinch was originally supplied. The War Department had referred the matter to Colonel Hawley. who approved my offer to undertake the enterprise. Apart from this, it was the desire of Lieutenant Hughes, U. S. Navy commanding U. S. steamer Mohawk, now lying at Fernandina, to obtain information regarding a rebel steamer, the Berosa, said to be lying still farther up the river, awaiting opportunity to run the blockade. Both objects were accomplished; I brought away all the bricks and ascertained the Berosa to be worthless.
I have the honor to states that I have on board the Ben De Ford 250 bars of the best new railroad iron, valued at $5,000, and much needed in this department This was obtained on Saint Simon's and Jekyl's Islands, Georgia, from abandoned rebel forts, a portion of it having been previously blown up and collected by Captain Steedman, of the Paul Jones. I have also eight large sticks of valuable yellow-pine lumber, said to be worth $700, which came from Saint Mary's, Ga. There is also a quantity of rice, resin, cordage, oars, and other small matters suitable for army purposes. On board the John Adams there is a flock of 25 sheep from Woodstock, Fla.
I have turned over to Captain Sears about 40,000 large-sized bricks, valued at about $1,000, in view of the present high freights. I have also turned over to Judge Latta, civil provost-marshal at Fernandina, 4 horses, 4 steers, and a quantity of agricultural implements, suitable for Mr. Helper's operations at that location.
I have seen with my own eyes, and left behind for want of transportation (and because brick was considered even more valuable), enough of the choicest Southern lumber to load steamers like the Ben De Ford--an amount estimated at more than 1,000,000 feet, and probably worth at Hilton Head $80,000. I also left behind, from choice, valuable furniture by the houseful -- pianos, china, &c., all packed for transportation, as it was sent inland for safe-keeping. Not only were my officers and men forbidden to take any of these things for private use, but nothing was taken for public use save articles strictly contraband of war. No wanton destruction was permitted, nor were any buildings burned unless in retaliation for being fired upon, according to the usages of war. Of course no personal outrage was permitted or desired.
At Woodstock I took 6 male prisoners, whom I brought down the river as hostages, intending to land part of them before reaching Fer- nandina and return them on parole, but in view of the previous attack made upon us from the banks this would have seemed an absurd stretch of magnanimity, and by the advice of Colonel Hawley I have brought them for your disposal.
At the same place we obtained a cannon and a flag, which I respectfully ask for the regiment to retain. We obtained also some trophies of a different description from a slave-jail, which I shall offer for your personal acceptance -- three sets of stocks, of different structure, the chains and staples used for confining prisoners to the door, and the key of the building. They furnish good illustrations of the infernal barbarism against which we contend.
We returned at the appointed time, although there are many other objects which I wish to effect, and our rations are not nearly exhausted; but the Ben De Ford is crowded with freight and the ammunition of the John Adams is running low. Captain Hallett has been devoted to our interests, as was also, until his lamented death, the brave Captain Clifton.
Of the Planter I have hitherto said nothing, as her worn-out machinery would have made her perfectly valueless but for the laborious efforts of Captain Eldridge and her engineer, Mr. Barger, aided by the unconquerable energy of Captain Trowbridge, of Company A, who had the command on board. Thanks to this they were enabled during our absence up the Saint May's to pay attention to the salt-works along the coast.
Finding that the works at King's Bay, formerly destroyed by this regiment, had never been rebuilt, they proceeded 5 miles up Crooked River, where salt-works were seen. Captain Trowbridge, with Captain Rogers' company (F) and 30 men, then marched 2 miles across a marsh, drawing a boat with them, then sailed up a creek and destroyed the works. There were 22 large boilers, 2 store-houses, a large quantity of salt, 2 canoes, with barrels; vats, and all things appertaining.
I desire to make honorable mention not only of the above officers but of Major Strong, Captain James, Company B, Captain Randolph, Company C, Captain Metcalf, Company G and Captain Dolly, Company H. Indeed, every officer did himself credit so far as he had opportunity, while the cheerfulness and enthusiasm of the men made it a pleasure to command them.
We found no large number of slaves anywhere; yet we brought away several whole families, and obtained by this means the most valuable information. I was interested to observe that the news of the President's proclamation produced a marked effect upon them, and in one case it was of the greatest service to us in securing the hearty aid of a guide, who was timid and distrustful until he heard that he was legally free, after which he aided us gladly and came away with us.
My thanks are due for advice and information to Captain Steedman, U. S. Navy, of the steamer Paul Jones; to Acting Master Moses, U. S. Navy, of the bark Fernandina; to Acting Lieutenant Budd, U. S. Navy of the steamer Potomska, for information and counsel, and especially to Lieutenant-Commander Hughes. U. S. Navy, of the steamer Mohawk, for 20 tons of coal, without which we could not have gone up the river.
I may state, in conclusion, that I obtained much valuable information, not necessary to make public, in regard to the location of supplies of lumber, iron, rice, resin, turpentine, and cotton, and it would afford the officers and men of this regiment great pleasure to be constantly employed in obtaining these supplies for the Government from rebel sources; but they would like still better to be permitted to occupy some advanced point in the interior with a steamer or two like the John Adams and an adequate supply of ammunition. We could obtain to a great extent our own provisions, could rapidly enlarge our numbers, and could have Information in advance of every movement against us. A chain of such posts would completely alter the whole aspect of the war in the sea-board slave States, and would accomplish what no accumulation of Northern regiments can so easily effect.
No officer in this regiment now doubts that the key to the successful prosecution of this war lies in the unlimited employment of black troops. Their superiority lies simply in the fact that they know the country while white troops do not, and, moreover, that they have of temperament, position, and motive which belong to them alone. Instead of leaving their homes and families to fight they are fighting for their homes and families, and they show the resolution and the sagacity which a personal purpose gives. It would have been madness to attempt, with the bravest white troops what I have successfully accomplished with black ones. Everything, even to the piloting of the vessels end the selection of the proper points for cannonading, was done by my own soldiers. Indeed, the real conductor of the whole expedition up the Saint Mary's was Corpl. Robert Sutton, of Company G, formerly a slave upon the Saint Mary's River, a man of extraordinary qualities, who needs nothing but a knowledge of the alphabet to entitle him to the most signal promotion. In every instance when I followed his advice the predicted result followed, and I never departed from it, however slightly without finding reason for subsequent regret.
I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. W. HIGGINSON,
Colonel, Comdg. First Regiment South Carolina Volunteers.
Brigadier-General SAXTON,
Military Governor, &c.
*In February 1864, the designation of this regiment was changed to the "Thirty-third United States Colored Infantry."
SOURCE: United States War Department. THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Series I, Volume 14. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1880-1901.
JULY 1-2, 1863. -- Engagement at Cabin Creek, Indian Territory
Report of Col. William A. Phillips, Third Indian Home Guards, commanding at Fort Gibson.
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES,
Fort Blunt, July 7, 1863.
SIR: I have sent the reports of Colonel [J. M.] Williams and Major [John A.] Foremen, of the late engagement at Cabin Creek.
I sent Foreman with a howitzer and 600 men, all I could mount, to Baxter Springs, to meet the train. Several delays occurred with the train, which I regret, as my command was in a suffering condition. I sent scouts to watch for Cabell, who was threatening to effect a junction from the east. Infantry [was sent] up to re-enforce them; but Grand River and Spring River were up very high, and I knew he could not cross.
The engagement at Cabin Creek was spirited, but I regret that there had not been a greater effort to push the broken enemy. A desire to lend everything to the safety of the train restrained it.
Colonel Watie, with 2 men, fled from his forces when they broke, and reported to General Cooper, in dismay. that he was defeated and broken, he having swam both Arkansas and Grand Rivers. Colonel McIntosh also fled; but [J. W.] Wells, Cooper's adjutant, who did the work, I expect, remained and held the force of the enemy as long as possible.
The plan of the enemy was undoubtedly to hold the strong natural position at Cabin Creek until Cabell re-enforced them. These the condition of Grand River prevented, and their judgment was unwise. I have reason to believe that Wells was killed or badly wounded.
By the scouts I sent on the east side of the river, I learn that Cabell came in from Arkansas with (said to be 2,000 men), I think, about 1,200 and three pieces of artillery. He passed close to Hildebrand's Mill, and through Long Prairie to Grand Saline. From Grand Saline he returned eastward last Saturday. My scouts followed him to within 5 miles of Hilldebrand's Mill, when Cabell took the left-hand road to Fort Wayne. They returned. A few men are following, watching his movements, and will report to me.
I sent back the force directed with the train, and a heavy additional force, with one howitzer, under Colonel [George] Dole. Fearing from my last dispatches that Cabell might swing round from Maysville, I am sending after the train 500 more infantry and a section of Hopkins' battery.
I regret the wound of Major Foreman in the late affair, but hope he will recover. I learn that the other troops behaved very well. The Ninth Kansas made a gallant charge, sustaining some loss, and the negro regiment fought well and managed their two guns well. All the troops behaved gallantly, as I am informed.
Part of the enemy's men and horses got drowned trying to escape by fording Grand River. The dead men and horses floated past Fort Blunt.
Respectfnlly,
WM. A. PHILLIPS,
Colonel, Commanding.
Major-General Blunt.
SOURCE: United States War Department. THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Series I, Volume 22. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1880-1901.
NOVEMBER 3-10, 1862 -- Expedition along the coasts of Georgia and East Florida.
Report of Lieut. Col. Oliver T. Beard, Forty-eighth New York Infantry, commanding expedition.
BEAUFORT, S. C., November 10, 1862.
General: I have the honor to report that, as directed by you, I have tried a portion of the First South Carolina Volunteers (negro regiment).
On Monday, November 3, with the steamer Darlington, having on board Captain Trowbridge's company of colored troops (62) I proceeded up Bell River, Florida, drove in the rebel pickets below Cooper's, and destroyed their place of rendezvous; thence proceeded and destroyed the salt-works, and all the salt, corn, and wagons which we could not carry away, besides killing the horses; thence we proceeded to Jolly River, and destroyed two salt-works, with a large amount of salt and corn; thence proceeded to Saint Mary's, and brought off two families of contrabands, after driving in the enemy's pickets.
On Tuesday, November 4, I proceeded to King's Bay Georgia and destroyed a large salt-work on a creek about a mile from the landing, together with all the property on the place. Here we were attacked by about 80 of the enemy, of whom we killed 2.
On Thursday, November 6, landed on Butler Island and brought off 80 bushels of rice; also landed at Darien and captured 3 prisoners and some arms.
Friday, November 7, accompanied by the gunboat Potomska, Lieutenant Budd commanding, proceeded up Sapello River. The gunboat could proceed no farther than King's. Lieutenant Budd came on board the Darlington and proceeded up the river with us to Fairhope. At Spaulding's we were attacked by 80 or 90 of the enemy who were well posted on a bluff behind trees. At this point the channel runs within 50 yards of the bluff. We killed 2 of the enemy and had 1 colored man wounded. At Fairhope we destroyed the salt-work, some tan-vats, corn, and other things that might be of use to the enemy.
On return past Spaulding's we were again attacked by the enemy in greater force. We effected a landing and burned all the buildings on the place and captured some arms, &c. Five of the enemy were killed; we lost 3 wounded. We were greatly aided here by the Potomska, which from a bend below shelled the woods. Under the guns of the Potomska we landed at Colonel Brailsford's, drove in a company of pickets from his regiment, and destroyed all the property on the place, together with the most important buildings.
I am greatly indebted to Lieutenant Budd for the success of this day.
The colored men fought with astonishing coolness and bravery. For alacrity in effecting landings, for determination, and for bush fighting I found them all I could desire--more than I had hoped. They behaved bravely, gloriously, and deserve all praise.
I started from Saint Simon's with 62 colored fighting men and returned to Beaufort with 156 fighting men (all colored). As soon as we took a slave from his claimant we placed a musket in his hand and he began to fight for the freedom of others.
Besides these men we brought off 61 women and children. We destroyed nine large salt-works, together with $20,000 worth of horses, salt, corn, rice, &c., which we could not carry away.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
O. T. BEARD
Lieut. Col. Forty-eighth New York Vols., Comdg. Expedition.
Brig. Gen. Rufus Saxton,
Military Governor, Department of the South
SOURCE: United States War Department. THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Series I, Volume 14. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1880-1901.
NOVEMBER 13-18, 1862. -- Expedition from Beaufort, S. C., to Doboy River, Ga.
Report of Lieut. Col. Oliver T. Beard, Forty-eighth New York Infantry, commanding expedition.
Beaufort, S. C., November. 22, 1862.
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that, as directed by you I proceeded on the 13th instant, on the U. S. steamer Darlington, with 160 of the First South Carolina Volunteers (colored regiment) in quest of lumber and other articles needed for the department. The steamer Ben De Ford, ordered by yon to report to me at Doboy Sound, did not, owing to the heavy fogs and adverse winds, reach that point until the 19th instant.
On the 18th, accompanied by the U. S. gunboat Madgie, I proceeded to the mills located on Doboy River, Georgia. On reaching the mills I found it necessary to reconnoiter the land adjacent thereto. To do this it was necessary to cross a narrow causeway, leading from the mill through a swamp to the main highland, a distance of about 450 yards. This highland was heavily wooded, except on the summit, which was cleared and occupied with houses. My men (34 in number) had no sooner passed across the causeway and through the wood to the clearing beyond than they were fired on by the enemy who were posted in the thicket in front and on both sides. At the first fire one man was dangerously wounded and a momentary panic seized the men; but it was only momentary. They speedily rallied and opened a brisk fire on the places occupied by the concealed enemy. This fire they kept up with great regularity and coolness until ordered by me to retire to the end of the causeway. They retired, firing as they went with a slowness and deliberateness that could not have been surpassed by veteran troops. Three others were severely wounded while they were retiring. When my men reached the end of the causeway I had the bow gun of the Darlington directed on the wood, after which the fire of the enemy ceased, though numbers of them were seen during the two days and nights we remained.
I succeeded in loading the steamers Ben De Ford and Darlington with from 200,000 to 300,000 feet of superior boards and planks, besides securing a number of circular and other saws, belting, corn-mills, and other property, which I was directed by you to obtain for the use of your department.
When it is remembered that these men never had arms in their hands until four days before they started on the expedition I think you cannot fail to give them great praise for standing a galling fire from a concealed enemy so bravely and for holding the causeway referred to during the two days and nights required for loading two large steamers with valuable property in the face of an enemy. To do this, my men worked day and night without intermission; and, though short of provisions, I heard not a murmur.
On the last expedition the fact was developed that colored men would fight behind barricades; this time they have proved, by their heroism, that they will fight in the open field.
Captain Trowbridge aided me greatly. Captain Crandel, of the Darlington, I found a trifling, childish pest. Captain Meriam, of the gunboat Madgie, rendered me valuable assistance.
I cannot forbear to make honorable mention of Captain Hallett, of the Ben De Ford. With a man of less nerve and less capacity I would not have dared to take so large a steamer to such a place, hence I could not have obtained so valuable a cargo.
I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
O. T. BEARD,
Lieutenant-Colonel Forty-eighth New York Volunteers.
Brig. Gen, RUFUS SAXTON, U. S. Vols., Mil. Gov., Dept. of the South.
SOURCE: United States War Department. THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Series I, Volume 14. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1880-1901.
HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Camp near Vicksburg, June 2, 1863.
COLONEL: I have the honor to report that Maj. Gen. B. M. Prentiss, on the 23d ultimo, sent the steamer Pike on an expedition down the river for the purpose of obtaining recruits for the Second Regiment Arkansas Volunteers, of African descent, under command of Lieut. Col. George W. De Costa, of that regiment, with detachments of the First Indiana Cavalry and Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry, and 25 men of the Second Arkansas Regiment, with one howitzer.
The expedition proceeded to a point on the Arkansas side 1 mile from Napoleon, Ark., and returned on the Mississippi side, making frequent marches into the country; in some instances to a distance of 6 or 7 miles.
General Prentiss bears testimony to the soldierly conduct of the soldiers, both white and black, as reported by the commanding officer.
Near Island No. 65 the Pike was fired into by a party of about 150 rebels, and brisk firing was kept up for some time, the enemy having two pieces of artillery, one of which was silenced by the howitzer on the Pike.
Captain [Benjamin J.] Waters, of the Second Arkansas Regiment, was severely wounded in the leg, and 2 colored soldiers were mortally wounded.
The enemy are supposed to have lost 10 or 15 killed and wounded.
The conduct of the colored soldiers was highly creditable, fighting with hearty good will and doing good service.
The expedition was eminently successful, capturing 75 mules, 8 horses, and subsistence for the whole force.
The colored population hailed with joy the appearance of the colored soldiers. One hundred and twenty-five recruits were obtained on the expedition. The regiment is rapidly filling up, and it is hoped it will be full in a few days.
Your most obedient servant,
WALTER B. SCATES,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.
Lieut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Report of Brig. Gen. Elias S. Dennis, U.S. Army, of attack (7th) on Milliken's Bend and action (9th) near Lake Providence.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE,
Near Vicksburg, Miss., June 16, 1863.
GENERAL: Herewith I have the honor of inclosing Brig. Gen. E. S. Dennis' report of the battle of Milliken's Bend, La., fought on June 7, together with a list of casualties.
In this battle most of the troops engaged were Africans, who had but little experience in the use of firearms. Their conduct is said, however, to have been most gallant, and I doubt not but with good officers they will make good troops.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
U. S. GRANT,
Major-General.
Brig. Gen. LORENZO THOMAS,
Adjutant-General of the Army.
JULY 1-2, 1863. -- Engagement at Cabin Creek, Indian Territory
Report of Maj. John A. Foreman, Third Indian Home Guards.
FORT BLUNT, July 5, 1863.
SIR: In compliance with your instructions, I joined your supply train from Fort Scott, at Baxter Springs, on the 24th of June, instant [ultimo]. On the 25th, began the march with the train for this place. arrived at Hudson's Ford, on the Neosho River, the 26tb instant [ultimo], where we were obliged to remain until the 29th by high water, when we succeeded in crossing the train. On the 30th, we discovered a trail. I immediately detached Lieutenant (Luke F.] Parsons, of the Third Indian Regiment, with 20 Cherokees, to ascertain what had made the trail, as it was fresh. Parsons followed the trail about 4 miles, when he found 30 of the enemy, who proved to be Stand Watie's advanced picket. He gallantly attacked and defeated them, taking 3 prisoners and killing 4. On the 1st of July we arrived at Cabin Creek, where we found the enemy in force, concealed in a thicket on the south bank of the creek. I immediately deployed my command on the right and left of the ford. Lieutenants [David A.] Painter, of the Second, and Parsons, of the Third Indian Regiments, on the right; Lieutenant [Fred.] Crafts, of the First Indian, and Lieutenant [Benjamin H.] Whitlow, of the Third, on the left., Captain Armstrong, with one section of his battery, and Lieutenant [Jule C.] Cayot, of the Third Indian Regiment, with a mountain howitzer, coming promptly into position in the center. We opened a brisk fire upon the enemy in the thicket on the opposite bank, which we continued for half an hour. By this time the enemy's fire had nearly ceased so we moved forward into the stream, which proved too deep to ford, and we were obliged to fall back.
On the morning of the 2d, one section of Blair's battery took position on an eminence about 900 yards to the left of the ford; one section of Armstrong's battery obtained a commanding position on the right; the main column, consisting of the Indians and five companies of the First Negro Regiment, were stationed in the center. after obtaining this position, we opened fire. The firing was continued about twenty minutes, when I received notice from the lookouts that the enemy were in disorder (not being able to see their movements from the creek, I had stationed a lookout or picket in some trees near Armstrong's battery). I ordered the firing to cease, and the main column to move forward. When nearly across the creek, I was wounded, and obliged to go to the rear. The column pushed on, under Colonel Williams, of the First Colored Regiment, and drove the enemy from their position. They were hotly pursued by Captain Stewart and his company, of the Ninth Kansas Cavalry. Our loss is 3 killed and 30 wounded. The enemy's loss is 9 prisoners. The number of their killed and wounded is unknown, but must be heavy.
As discrimination is impossible where all are brave, I return my heartfelt thanks to the officers and men of that command for their gallantry, energy, and perseverance on that trying occasion.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN A. FOREMAN,
Major Third Indian Regiment.
Col. WILLIAM A. PHILLIPS,
Commanding Forces in the Field.
SOURCE: United States War Department. THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Series I, Volume 22. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1880-1901.
SOURCE: United States War Department. THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1880-1901.
OCTOBER 29, 1862. -- Skirmish at Island Mound, Mo.
Report of Maj. Richard G. Ward, First Kansas Colored Infantry.
DEAR SIR: I hereby respectfully submit the following report of the part taken by that portion of your command which accompanied me to Missouri:
By order of Maj. B. S. Henning, I started from Camp William A. Phillips Sunday, October [26], with 160 men and 6 officers, joining Capt. H. C. Seaman and command, comprising some sixty-four men (colored) and a small party of white scouts, and moved by the way of Mound City and Camp Defiance to the Dickey's Crossing of the Osage, in Bates County, Mo., at which point we arrived Monday afternoon. Shortly after crossing the stream me were made aware of the presence of the enemy in force by their scouts and by information from citizens, who stated that Cockrell, Campbell, Hancock, and Turman had concentrated their forces on Osage Island, and that their combined force amounted to some 700 or 800 men, all splendidly mounted. We immediately took possession of old man Toothman's house (a noted rebel guerrilla) and commenced skirmishing with the enemy's scouts and pickets, we trying to draw them off the island and the enemy trying to draw us to the bushes. Tuesday we were engaged all day in desultory skirmishes, but the wind was so high were unable to injure them with our sharpshooters, they taking good care to keep a respectful distance. At night, after a consultation with Captain Seaman, we concluded to send runners to Kansas for a force of cavalry sufficient to aid us in dislodging the enemy. accordingly we sent three, one to you at Fort Lincoln, one to Fort Scott, and one to Paola. Wednesdsy morning I detached Captains Armstrong and Crew, with a force of some sixty men, to engage the attention of the enemy, while Captain Seaman, Captain Thrasher, of his command, and Lieutenant Huddleston, with a force of some fifty men, foraging, as we were entirely out of food with the exception of beef end parched corn. Captain Armstrong found a force of the enemy some two miles from camp, and immediately threw out his skirmishers, under command of Orderly Sergeant Smithers, of Company B, who immediately moved forward to the attack and drove the enemy from position to position until they had been driven some four miles from camp, the enemy shouting to the boys to "come on, you d----d n----rs," and the boys politely requesting them to wait for them, as they were not mounted. We succeeded in placing seven men hors de combat, with no loss on our side, and the boys felt highly elated on their return at their success.
While at dinner the enemy made a dash at our pickets and ran them into camp and then drew off. Suspecting that they were concentrating troops behind the mound south of us, we threw out a small party of skirmishers to feel toward them and ascertain their force and retake our picket ground. The boys soon drove the enemy over the hill, and the firing becoming very sharp, I ordered Lieut. Joseph Gardner to take a force of some twenty men and proceed to rally the skirmishers end return to camp, while I placed Captain Armstrong's force (consisting of detachments from Companies A, B, E, H, and G) under arms. I here found that Captain Crew and Lieutenant Huddleston had left the camp and had gone toward where our skirmishers were engaged. Becoming uneasy at the prolonged absence of Gardner and the skirmishers, I marched Armstrong's force toward the firing and placed them behind the bluffs, and went forward myself to reconnoiter the position of affairs. I found a detachment of the enemy posted on a mound immediately south of me and some of our scouts occupying a mound west of me, on the right. I sent Adjutant Hinton to that point to ascertain where our force (Gardner's) was. He returned with the information that they were at a house some 800 yards south of the mound and were making preparations to return, feeling confident that the enemy would attempt to cut them off. I ordered Armstrong to move by the right flank and gain a position in rear of the mound, and dispatched a messenger to camp to inform Captain Seaman of the position of affairs and requesting him to place other forces under arms and to be ready to move immediately. No sooner had this happened than the enemy charged with a yell toward Gardner's little band of twenty-five men. The boys took the double-quick over the mound in order to gain a small ravine on the north side, but while they were on the north slope the enemy came upon them. Nothing dismayed, the little band turned upon their foes, and as8 their guns cracked many a riderless [horse] swung off to one side. The enemy cried out to the men to surrender but they told them never. I have witnessed some hard fights, but I never saw a braver sight than that handful of brave men fighting 117 men who were all around and in amongst them. Not one surrendered or gave up a weapon.
At this juncture Armstrong came into the [fight] like a lion, yelling to his men to follow him, and cursing them for not going faster when they were already on the keen jump. He formed them in line within 150 yards and poured in a volley. The enemy charged down the slope and were met by a volley from Captain Thrasher's command, who had just been posted by Seaman. They swung to the right in order to out-flank Armstrong and gain his rear. I immediately ordered a detachment of men under Lieutenants Dickerson and Minor across the open angle between Thrasher's and Armstrong's, which was executed with promptness. The enemy finding themselves foiled, wheeled their force and dashed np the hill. The brave Armstrong saw them through the smoke (they, the enemy, having set the prairie on fire) charged his brave lads through the fire, and gave them a terrible volley in the flank as they dashed by. This ended the fight, although they had re-enforcements arriving, estimated by some of our best judges to be from 300 to 400 strong. They did not wish "anymore in theirs." They had tested the n----rs and had received an answer to the often mooted question of "will they fight." Here commenced the most painful duty of the day, the removal of the killed and wounded. On that, slope lay 8 of our dead and 10 wounded, among the former the brave, lamented, and accomplished Captain Crew. He fell as a brave man should fall, facing the foe, encouraging his men never to yield, and casting defiance at the enemy. Three of them rode up to him and demanded him to surrender, saying that they would take him to their camp. He told them never. They said that they would shoot him then. Shoot and be d----d," was the reply of the heroic soldier, and set them the example by running backward and discharging his revolver at them, but almost immediately fell, pierced through the heart, groin, and abdomen. Among the wounded was Lieutenant Gardner. He fell shot in the thigh and knee by a heavy load of buckshot. While in this situation, unable to move, one of the cowardly demons dismounted, and making the remark that he would finish the d---d son of a b---h, placed his revolver to his head and fired. The ball, almost by a miracle, did not kill him; striking his skull and glancing around his head came out on the other side. He will recover. It is hard to make distinctions where every man did his whole duty, and I hereby return my thanks to every men and officer of the expedition for their splendid behavior. Captain Armstrong having called my attention to the good behavior before the enemy of Private Scantling, of Company B, Private Prince, of Company E, I hereby make honorable mention of them in this report. Captains Armstrong, Pearson, and Seaman also highly commend Orderly Sergeant Smithers, of Company B, for his coolness and assistance before the enemy. There are undoubtedly numerous instances of men being as meritorious as these, but I have not space in this already long report to particularize. Accompanying this you will find a list of killed and wounded, heroes all, who deserve the lasting gratitude of all the friends of the cause and race.* Thursday the enemy fled and nothing of interest occurred until you arrived and took the command.
I have the honor to be, sir, respectfully, your most obedient servant,
R. G. WARD,
Captain company B.
Col. J. M. Williams,
Commanding First Regiment Kansas Colored Volunteers.
*Nominal list (omitted) shows 1 officer and 7 men killed, 1 officer and 10 men wounded.
SOURCE: United States War Department. THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Series I, Volume 53. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1880-1901.
CAMP FIFTY-FIRST REGT. U.S. INFANTRY (COLORED),
Goodrich's Landing, La., March 26, 1864.
LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit the following report of an expedition sent out under my command from this point on the 22d instant:
I embarked with three companies of the Fifty-first U.S. Infantry (colored), and one company of the Sixty-sixth U.S. Infantry (colored), at about 4 p.m. on that day, on board a tug lying at this place, with instructions from Colonel Frohock to attempt the capture of a party of guerrillas said to be raiding the plantations on the Mississippi side of the river, 5 miles below this point. Immediately upon de-barking I marched into the country back of the river 2½ miles to Dr. Langley's plantation, where I expected to find the enemy, arriving there about 6 p.m.
While on the march, about dusk, I discovered a force coming toward me on the road, and I immediately threw my men in ambush behind a house and back of the levee, and awaited their approach. The enemy had a few men in advance, with the main force in the rear, driving between 40 and 50 mules and a wagon loaded with provisions and stores, just captured from a plantation leased by Slater and Perkins. As they came in front my men fired and killed the man in advance, who appeared to be an officer, and also a negro guide, and wounded 4 or 5 others. The remainder wheeled and broke in confusion, retreating into the woods.
Owing to the hastiness of one of my men in firing before ordered, the surprise was not as complete as could have been wished. I captured all the mules and provisions, which I returned to the owners, took 4 horses belonging to the enemy, 1 Sharps carbine, and 2 Colt revolvers. Three shotguns were also captured, but were so injured as to be worthless.
After the affray I deployed one company as skirmishers and started in pursuit, for a mile or more, when, darkness coming on, I encamped for the night.
At daybreak in the morning I started on my return, and, marching 8 miles to a point opposite Goodrich's Landing, returned to camp about 9 a.m. on the 24th instant. The captured horses I was obliged to leave on the other side of the river for the want of transportation across.
WILLIAM S. AKEN,
Major Fifty-first U. S. Infantry (colored).
Lieut. E. P. REICHHELM,
Adjutant Fifty-first U.S. Infantry (colored).
HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Vicksburg, Miss., March 17, 1864.
Col. A. W. WEBBER,
First Mississippi Infantry, A.D., in command of Forces
assigned to the protection of Goodrich's Landing:
COLONEL: The following instructions are issued for your guidance in the disposition of the troops of your command in the occupation of the country designed to be protected from the inroads of the enemy: First. You will proceed with your own regiment, the Fourth Mississippi, and Second Louisiana Battery (four guns), to Milliken's Bend, where you will disembark five companies, under command of a competent field officer. Second. Thence you will proceed to Goodrich's Landing, disembark the remainder of your command, and send a strong reconnoitering force out to Bayou Macon to discover if there be any enemy in the vicinity. Third. You will also send a force of at least a regiment up to Lake Providence to reconnoiter the country in that region, with instructions to throw up intrenchments to be occupied by five companies, which you will leave there under a competent field officer. Fourth. While you will afford protection as far as possible to the plantation interests, all your operations will be conducted and dispositions of your forces made with a view to a strictly military occupation of the country. You will see that your troops are not permitted to straggle or small parties placed in positions where they can be successfully attacked by the raids of guerrillas or any scouting force of the enemy.
At the earliest practicable moment you will make a detailed report to these headquarters, showing the results of your reconnoitering parties and disposition of your troops.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. B. McPHERSON,
Major-General.
Siege Of Vicksburg.--January 20-August 10, 1863.
Report of Mr. Charles A. Dana, special commissioner of the United States War Department.
BEHIND VICKSBURG, MISS., June 8, 1863---10 a.m.,
VIA MEMPHIS, June 10...5 p.m.
I have just returned from the vicinity of Mechanicsburg, whither I went with a party of cavalry from Haynes' Bluff yesterday. There were no signs of any considerable force of the enemy, though Kimball had retreated from there the day before in a semi-panic. No doubt Johnston has moved some of his troops this side of the Big Black, but his main force yet stays at Canton. The idea of operating in that direction, both for devastation and for more direct military objects, General Grant has by no means abandoned. His intention has been to put C. C. Washburn in command there, but I now think he will send Sherman with a force of from 15,000 to 20,000 troops, including 2,500 cavalry. The country is like the rest of this peninsula--broken, wooded, unpopulous, with few streams. It still has many cattle, but the corn is pretty thoroughly cleared out. Johnston cannot move through it without bringing all his supplies with him.
Advices from Port Hudson to the 4th instant were brought yesterday by Col. J. Riggin, of General Grant's staff. The siege has not reached a decisive point. General Banks thinks if he had 10,000 troops more he could reduce the place in a few days, but we have not facts enough to understand the grounds of this opinion. So far as it is possible to judge at this distance, a regular siege is as indispensable there as it is here. The reason General Banks gives for not cooperating with General Grant is that he could not spare more troops from his own army and still hold New Orleans safe against any possible attack; then he would, by giving up the siege, liberate the enemy to join Johnston.
Milliken's Bend and Young's Point were both attacked day before yesterday by a body of rebels reported at about 1,500. At Milliken's Bend the negro troops at first gave way, but hearing that those of their number who were captured were killed, they rallied with great fury and routed the enemy. The white troops at Young's Point also repulsed him decisively.
C. A. DANA.
Hon. E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
Siege Of Vicksburg.--January 20-August 10, 1863.
Report of Mr. Charles A. Dana, special commissioner of the United States War Department.
REAR OF VICKSBURG, June 10, 1863--7 a.m.,
VIA MEMPHIS, June 16---10.30 a.m.
(Received June 23--1.30 a.m.)
General Grant has finally sent Washburn to Haynes' Bluff, and he will direct Operations there for the present. Joe Johnston, with his main force, still remains at Canton, and Breckinridge at Jackson. The fortifications at Haynes' Bluff are now completely laid out. No great work will be required to render it easy to defend the place effectually. Our intrenchments there are calculated for 30,000 to 50,000 troops. The siege here has not yet reached fortifications of the enemy. Sherman's approach, though conducted through the most difficult ground, is nearest of all. His sap was within 50 feet of the rebels' front at 9 p.m. yesterday. McPherson is at about 80 yards or more. Both Sherman and McPherson have abandoned the idea of mining, and intend to crown the enemy's parapet with their artillery. It is now certain that the enemy have constructed a new interior line of defense within the main works, which Sherman is attacking. A violent fire of musketry was heard within Vicksburg yesterday afternoon. No doubt it was mutiny, as we know that disaffection has long existed among their troops, and that on the day of our attack (May 22) both Tennessee and Georgia regiments refused to fight.
A portion of W. S. Smith's division has arrived at Haynes' Bluff. I have from Dennis the particulars of the fight of the 7th instant at Milliken's Bend. There was no fighting at Young's Point, Captain Townsend, commander of convalescents, having drawn up his men so cunningly that the rebels, who were within sight in line of battle, thought themselves greatly outnumbered and withdrew. At the Bend, the battle began soon after daybreak and lasted about three hours. The rebel force was a division of Texans, about 2,000 strong, who marched from Pine Bluff April 30, and arrived at Alexandria after General Banks had left there, and were then ordered this way. They were commanded by General J. G. Walker, with Generals H. E. McCulloch, J. M. Hawes, and Randal under him. They had no artillery. Our forces, who also had no artillery, consisted of Ninth [Eleventh] Louisiana (colored), Col. E. W. Chamberlain, and Twenty-third Iowa, Col. S. L. Glasgow, in all about 1,000 men. General Dennis describes the battle as the hardest he has ever seen. It was fought mainly hand to hand. After it was over, many men were found dead with bayonet stabs, and others with their skulls broken open by butts of muskets.
The Ninth Louisiana lost 62 killed and 130 wounded; the Eleventh, 30 killed and 120 wounded; the Twenty-third Iowa, 26 killed and 60 wounded; the Ninth has also a great number missing. Of the rebels, we buried 130. General McCulloch died on the field from the effects of a wound.
"It is impossible," says General Dennis, "for men to show greater gallantry than the negro troops in this fight." He does not know whether it is true that the rebels murdered their negro prisoners.
Col. H. Lieb, who was wounded, behaved admirably; Colonel Chamberlain badly.
General Grant has ordered Mower, with his brigade, to Milliken's Bend, and the enemy there will be cleared out beyond Tensas and in the neighborhood of Monroe.
C. A. DANA.
Hon. E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.