ill 
 
 Author 
 
 Title 
 
 Imprint. 
 
 1»— 47872-2 OPO 
 
OUTLINE 
 
 OF THE FORTHCOMING HISTORY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 Mississippi River Ram Fleet and 
 
 Marine Brigade 
 
 'ti> rCC'^i 
 
 Headquarters Marine Brigade 
 
 published Under Auspices of 
 
 Historical Committee 
 
 of the Society of 
 
 Survivors 
 
 by 
 
 W. D. CRANDALL, Historian, 
 
 200 J. 4th' Jtreet, Jt. Louis, Mo. 
 

 THIS Outline necessarily omits a multitude of minor 
 events, movements and incidents, with little men- 
 tion of persons (except leader in movement) and no men- 
 tion of cotemporaneous events, or general plans, or causes 
 of campaigns. All of which matter, with incidents, il- 
 lustrations, official extracts, anecdotes, etc., go to make 
 up the History. 
 
^ The; Mississippi River Ram Fleet. — Its Origin, Construction 
 '^ AND Manning. 
 
 NO 
 
 -s. Inception of the Ram Fleet enterprise. Charles EUet, Jr. , of Phila- 
 ^ ^delphia, and his published letters and articles on the subject. Construc- 
 
 ^^tion authorized by War Department — March, 1862 — under his super- 
 ^ vision. Instructions, orders and correspondence (March-May), under 
 which seven Ohio River steamboats were purchased by the Govern- 
 ment, and reconstructed at various shipyards, under Ellet's personal 
 direction, and made into rams. Four were side-wheel — Queen of the 
 West, Monarch, Switzerland and Lancaster, and three, stern-wheel 
 — IviONESs, Sampson and Mingo. Also two smaller stern-wheel tenders 
 — Fulton and Horner. All made solid in their prows, their boilers and 
 engines protected by heavy timbers, and pilot houses shielded with 
 boiler iron. Work on these boats pressed with the utmost dispatch, 
 at Pittsburg, Cincinnati, and New Albany, and completed in two months 
 time. Crews for each boat selected from experienced river men, and at 
 Ellet's request, a detail of six officers and fifty men from the Fifty-ninth 
 Illinois Infantry in the field, was made by an order from the War De- 
 partment, to command and defend the rams, the selection being made 
 by his brother, Captain Alfred W. Ellet Company I, who was included 
 in the detail. The command of the fleet (which began assembling at 
 New Albany, May 20) was given Charles Ellet, its projector and archi 
 tect, with the rank of Colonel of the Staff, and Captain A. W. Ellet 
 was promoted to be Staff Eieutenant Colonel and second in command. 
 The line officers of the detail were assigned, one to each vessel, the 
 Queen (flagship) and the Monarch under the officers above named. 
 The non-commissioned ofiicers and enlisted men (a picked body of 
 soldiers) distributed as boat guards. Instruction at once began by Col- 
 onel Ellet, preparing ofl&cers and men for their duties in managing and 
 fighting the rams. 
 
 At Pillow and Memphis. 
 
 Fleet reached Foote's squadron, lying above Fort Pillow, May 26. 
 Flag Officer Davis in command, urged by Ellet to attack fort, he prom- 
 ising to run by and fight the rebel gunboats. Several days of hesitation 
 and delay followed, Ellet meanwhile making daily reconnaisances and 
 executing threatening maneuvers. Evening — 4 — Ellet was within range 
 of Pillow's guns with two rams, but drew no fire, and from smoke and other 
 indications judged enemy was evacuating; and early next morning Lieu- 
 tenant Colonel Ellet went down in yawl to the fort, found it deserted, and 
 hoisted the Union flag. Colonel EUet with three rams was close at 
 hand. They at once proceeded down to Randolph, which was also 
 found hastily abandoned, and heavy guns destroyed. During the day 
 Davis' gunboats passed down, anchoring late, five miles above Mem- 
 phis. The Ram Fleet passed the night, landed — 5- at Tennessee shore, 
 about eighteen miles above the city. Very early on morning of the 6, 
 the four side wheel rams moved down (the rest, with coal barges to fol- 
 low at safe distances), and finding the gunboats at anchor, Ellet 
 rounded to, above them; but as the Queen's line went ashore, the first 
 
shot from the enemy's advancing fleet passed over her. The lower gun- 
 boats replied and Kllet immediately hoisted the battle signal on the 
 Queen, rounded out and steamed for the front, followed by the Mon- 
 arch. The SwiTzERivAND and Lancaster should have followed into the 
 action, but the latter, by some confusion in orders, was backed against 
 the bank, and rudder unshipped, and required assistance of former to 
 land her. The cannonading was now heavy from the after guns of 
 Davis' boats, and the smoke was dense as the two rams made their 
 way through them, and steamed for the advancing lin^ of the enemy. 
 The Queen singled one antagonist, and the Monarch, close after her, an- 
 other, and bore down upon them. With a deadly crash, the Queen cut 
 down the rebel Lovell, which rapidly filled and sank. A moment later 
 the Monarch struck the rebel Beauregard a glancing blow, tearing away 
 her starboard wheel and completely disabling her. The rebels pushed 
 in boldly, the Bragg and Price attacking the Monarch, but the latter 
 veered aside and the Bragg struck the Price a dangerous blow, and the 
 Monarch was soon able to add a more serious one, from which she rap- 
 idly began to sink. Meanwhile the Queen, rounding for her second on- 
 set, was struck astern by the Sumpter, so disabling her that she was run 
 to shoal water on the Arkansas side. The heavy fire of the gunboats 
 now closing in on the scene, so crippled and demoralized the remaining 
 rebels that they devoted their best efforts to escape. One only suc- 
 ceeded (the Van Dorn) though chased ten miles by the Monarch and 
 Switzerland. The fate of the other rebels was: Beauregard, blown up by 
 shot and burned; Thompson, fired by shell, burned and magazine explod- 
 ed ; Sumpter and Bragg, riddled, beached and captured , part of crews escap 
 ing; Little Rebel (Montgomery's flag-ship), run ashore by Monarch and 
 boiler struck by shell, captured. Colonel Ellet, though disabled by shot 
 in knee, being told a white flag was raised over the city (a mistake), 
 penned a note to the authorities of the city, saying he therewith sent 
 two flags by his son (Medical Cadet Charles Rivers Ellet), to be hoisted 
 over Government buildings. Signalling the Lioness (then arriving on 
 scene) alongside, he directed the commanding officer, Lieutenant W. D, 
 Crandall, to land under flag of truce at the Memphis wharf, and ac- 
 company his son, with two men, without arms, on the above mission. 
 Order executed at once, party going through dense crowds of people, 
 finding Mayor Park, and thence to United States Postoffice building, 
 followed by excited mob to upper floor. Flag raised on roof, greeted 
 with pistol shots from street. Mob held at bay an hour or more, when 
 an explosion turned mob's attention to river front, and the Lieutenant 
 quickly brought his whole boat guard under arms to the scene, guard- 
 ing the flag until relieved some hours later by troops landed to occupy 
 the city. Colonel Ellet's wound proving serious, he transferred command 
 of fleet to his brother, and after some days, his family having meantime 
 joined him, was taken on Switzerland to Cairo, where he died 
 June 21. 
 
 Ram Fleet Under Lieutenant-Colonel A. W. Ellet. 
 
 The Queen laid up for repairs, and with balance of fleet, the new 
 commander proceeded below, stopping to ascend and reconnoiter St. 
 Francis and White rivers, finding no river craft. Leaving White river,. 
 
June 21, proceed down to Island No. 103, where Lioness and Mingo 
 were stationed with the coal barges, remaining rams reach Milliken's 
 Bend — 24. From a citizen of Vicksburg (taken in a skiff) Ellet learns 
 of arrival of Flag Officer Farragut's gulf squadron, below Warrenton 
 batteries, and sends a party of four volunteers, headed by Medical Cadet 
 Charles Rivers Ellet, which made its way through swamps and bayous 
 and rebel scouts to Farragut's fleet, returning next day with an escort 
 from the Commodore, and dispatches for Ellet and Davis, advising of 
 his intended attack upon the Vicksburg batteries, suggesting Davis' 
 co-operation, and requesting Ellet to guard lower Yazoo and interrupt 
 communication with Vicksburg. Fulton sent with the Farragut's dis- 
 patch to Davis, meets him below Memphis. Monarch and IvAncaster 
 push up the Yazoo sixty-fivemiles tothe rebel raft, and as they approach, 
 the Van Dorn and two transports (Polk and Livingston) set on fire 
 and turned adrift by rebels, obliging the rams to retire to avoid the con- 
 flagration. On June 28, Farragut, with nine vessels, passes the Warrenton 
 and Vicksburg batteries engaging the whole line, with no appreciable 
 effect from his heavy guns, but suffering some injury to vessels, and 
 losing several killed and wounded. At Farragut's desire, Lancaster 
 sent to Memphis with request for troops to co-operate in attacking 
 Vicksburg. Three transports were loaded, but order countermanded 
 before starting, and Lancaster returned without them. Davis' fleet 
 arrives and he and Ellet maintain joint patrol of lower Yazoo during 
 next two weeks. Meantime Ellet receives ten brass field pieces which 
 are mounted on ram forecastles. Three fleets at anchor and fires low (to 
 save fuel) morning, July 15. Yazoo patrol that day. Gunboats Caron- 
 delet and Tyler and ram Queen, each with detail of riflemen aboard. 
 Lieutenant J. M. Hunter, the officer on Quebn. Ten miles up the 
 patrol encounters rebel ram Arkansas coming down. Tyler and Queen 
 turn their guns on her, but Queen fails to ram, from inexperience of 
 commanding officer. Carondelet engages her at close range, and suffers 
 severely, falling in rear, disabled, while Queent and Tyler, finding her 
 invulnerable, make their way out in advance, firing on her as they run. 
 At their approach, half of guns of whole squadron trained in succession 
 upon the rebel as she steamed past, and she is subjected to a ttrriffic 
 cannonading, unharmed, unlil nearly out of range below, when a 
 shell from Hartford entered a rear port, inflicting a grf^at slaughter. 
 Many of her shots were effective — one penetrating steam-drum ot 
 Lancaster (as she was rounding out after the rebel to ram her) scalding 
 a number of men and disabling boat, which had to be rescued from river 
 current. One of her shells exploding on Tyler, early in engagement, 
 killed an officer and five men. On 22, under concerted arrangement of 
 Flag Officers, Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet attempted with the Queen to ram 
 the Arkansas as she lay at the wharf under the guns of Vicksburg, and 
 succeeded in striking her a severe but not destructive blow, while sub- 
 jected to raking fire of all guns of upper batteries, yet escaped without 
 loss of life, though not supported by the Essex and Sumpter as expected. 
 Queen sent to Cairo for repairs, the Switzerland becoming flagship. 
 Lioness (Lieutenant Crandall) returning from trip to Memphis, with 
 dispatches from General Sherman, is fired upon by rebel battery on river 
 bank near Greenville, one man killed; rounds to and shells and sil- 
 ences their guns. Farragut again runs the Vicksburg batteries, and 
 
 3 
 
Davis and EUet move up to Helena, for supplies and health of men 
 among whom was much sickness. Expedition of four rams (Switzer- 
 land, EiONESS, Monarch and Lancaster), three gunboats, and two 
 transports with two regiments of Infantry, section of Artillery and bat- 
 talion of Cavalry, under General Wood, down from Helena, — August 
 16 — captures the Fair Play at landing in Milliken's Bend, loaded with 
 arms for Little Rock; also camp, horses, mules and equipage for one 
 _ thousand men, the force in charge having abandoned them in haste; 
 also forty prisoners. Thence the lighter draft rams and gunboats, each 
 with a company of infantry on board, ascended the Yazoo to Haines' 
 Bluff, there capturing number of heavy guns, field pieces, ammunition 
 and stores, in transit — enemy kept at distance by gunboat fire. Fleet 
 could only reach mouth of Sunflower, on account of shoal water, but 
 EUet sent Lioness and Sampson twenty miles up that stream. On re- 
 turn to Mississippi river, the Monarch remained with the Bragg on 
 guard to prevent communication via the Yazoo with Vicksburg. Expe- 
 dition returned to Helena, August 23, sighting a body of enemy near 
 Greenville, dispersed by few gunboat shells. Queen returns to fleet, 
 and on September 19, (Medical Cadet C. R. Ellet, commanding) was 
 convoying two transports with troops under Colonel Lippincott, and 
 was fired upon in bend above Bolivar, by three gun battery supported 
 by infantry, but being on lookout and ready. Queen's guns and ar- 
 tillery on transports quickly silenced the enemy, and the infantry fire 
 drove them to shelter. Queen lost one man killed and one wounded ; two 
 were killed on one of the transports. Colonel A. W. Ellet, with Switz- 
 erland and one or two other rams to be repaired, arrives at Cairo, 
 September 28. The Queen, and other rams as fast as repaired, sent to 
 cooperate with naval fleet (now under Acting Rear Admiral Porter) 
 above Vicksburg. Company K, Eighteenth Illinois Infantry (Captain 
 Conner), assigned by order War Department to Ram Fleet, and placed 
 on Switzerland. [Colonel A. W. Ellet now promoted to be Brigadier- 
 General, and authorized to raise, equip and command a Marine Brigade, 
 of which the Ram Fleet is to be a subordinate part.] 
 
 Ram Fleet Under Colonel Charles Rivers Ellet. 
 
 Charles R. Ellet, commissioiied a Colonel of the line, and given com- 
 mand of the Ram Fleet, with his cousin, John A. Ellet, Lieutenant- 
 Colonel, and second in command. Queen, Captain E. W. Sutherland — 
 December 12 — is with four gunboats, trying to ascend the Yazoo to clear 
 it of torpedoes, when gunboat Cairo is sunk by one, and her crew rescued 
 by Queen. Lioness, under personal command of Colonel C. R. Ellet, 
 prepared with torpedo-grappling rake, to lead the gunboats in ascending 
 to attack the batteries on the Yazoo, December 3, in co operation with 
 land attack, but latter abandoned, and boats recalled. Monarch (Col- 
 onel C. R. Ellet), on January 9, with Porter's naval expedition, up Ar- 
 kansas River to take Fort Hindman. Passed fort, and cut off retreat of 
 enemy on river road, shelling woods several miles up, and causing 
 \ capture of many rebels attempting to escape after fall of the fort. 
 ^.^ Queen (C. R. Ellet), under Porter's order, successfully runs the bat- 
 teries at Vicksburg, February 3, 1863, pausing to ram the steamer 
 Vicksburg, at the wharf, and fire her with turpentine balls; thence mak- 
 
 4 
 
ing her way down amidst heaviest fire possible, to place of safety below, 
 without loss of a man, though struck by twelve shells and innumerable 
 musket balls. After a few hours she proceeds past Warrenton batteries, 
 and down to near mouth of Red River, and captures the steamer Baker, 
 loaded with sugar and molasses, and two hours later the Moro Castle, 
 with pork for Vicksburg. Prizes taken into the Atchafalaya to be left 
 with guard, when the Berwick Bay, laden with molasses and cotton, was 
 also captured and held with the others— with which Ouehn starts to re- 
 turn to Vicksburg. Want of fuel compelled the destruction of the 
 prizes, whose crews had been released on parole; the ten rebel officers 
 retained, being sent past the Warrenton batteries, with guard on op- 
 posite shore, all reaching landing at lower end of canal, February 6. 
 Next four days occupied in coaling (from barge floated down to her) 
 and preparing De Soto, a small tender (captured in a bayou, a shorttime 
 before), to accompany her on second trip to Red River. A twenty- 
 pound Parrott, furnished by General Sherman (who visited Oueen be- 
 fore she left), mounted on each vessel. Then the two sped safely by 
 Warrenton, and on to Atchafalaya. Cruising along the Queen comes 
 upon a rebel wagon train, shells and captures and destroys it. At Sims- 
 port, captures a quantity of army supplies ready to ship. Rebels plenty, 
 but keep at distance in daylight. Returning, citizens fired on Oueen 
 at dusk, mortally wounding Master Thompson. Next morning Ellet re- 
 turned, and in retaliation, burned mansion, sugar mill and all buildings 
 in vicinity. Queen, with De Soto enters Red River and meets and cap- 
 tures Era No. 5, laden with army supplies for Port Hudson. De Soto, 
 (Captain Conner) in charge of prize, leaves her at anchor with guard, 
 and follows Queen to within five miles of Fort Taylor, which Queen 
 approaches at dusk, pilot running her hard aground, just in range of its 
 guns. The fire of fort riddled her, cutting steam pipe, scalding many 
 and driving all from lower decks. Colonel Ellet and part of his men 
 escape in yawls and on cotton bales and boards, floating down and 
 picked up by De Soto and her yawl. The wounded and few of crew, 
 in care of Surgeon Booth, fell into hands of enemy, who boarded 
 and took possession of Queen a few hours later. During the night 
 rebel gunboat Webb, arrived, and at once started in pursuit, and picked 
 up some of the Queen's crew that had not been rescued. Meantime, the 
 DeSoto unshipped her rudder and became unmanageable. Ellet trans- 
 ferred his men to the Era, and destroying the De Soto, steamed for the 
 Mississippi, lightening the Era as they went, to facilitate her escape. 
 Making their way out in a dense fog they turned up the Mississippi river 
 and soon met the Indianola (of Porter's fleet) which had run the Vicks- 
 burg batteries, and while with her, obtaining coal for the trip up, the 
 rebel Webb made her appearance in pursuit, but she was quickly put to 
 flight by the Indianola's heavy guns. After a day or two the Era resumes 
 her way alone, passing field batteries at Ellis' Cliff, Palmyra Island and 
 Grand Gulf, and also the fort at Warrenton, arriving midnight, February 
 20. [The Queen towed by rebels next day to Alexandria, to be repaired, 
 the injured were removed (Master Thompson dying of his wound) and 
 not long after most of the prisoners were exchanged at Port Hudson. 
 Career of the Queen as a rebel, ended shortly after, in her destruction.] 
 Crew of the Queen (escaping) assigned to Monarch and Switzerland. 
 IviONESS and Fulton with the Yazoo Pass Expedition — March 8 — of 
 
 5 
 
gunboats and transports with troops. Overhanging trees, and narrow and 
 tortuous channel render progress slow and difficult, and overflow prevents 
 troops acting ashore. Way finally blocked by sunken boats and rebel 
 fort, proved too strong for gunboats (Porter's light drafts] and compelled 
 abandonment of expedition, after a few hours cannonading. [On March 
 22, the Marine Brigade arrived above Vicksburg. Colonel C. R Ellet 
 in command of the Infantry regiment, and the Ram Fleet thereafter 
 commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel John A. Ellet, and its operations are 
 given in connection with those of the Marine Brigade, of which it was a 
 part. J 
 
 The Mississippi Marine Brigade Authorized, Formed 
 
 AND BROUGHT TO THE FrONT. 
 
 Military situation on the Mississippi in fall of 1862. Need for a dis- 
 tinct command afloat, to defend river traffic against Guerilla warfare. 
 Correspondence and incidents leading to authorization of a Marine Brig- 
 ade, and promotion of Col. Alfred W. Ellet, from command of Ram 
 Fleet to be Brigadier General, to raise and command it. Staff appoint- 
 ments, and orders of War Department for organizing and equipping one 
 regiment of infantry, one battalion (four companions) cavalry, and one 
 light (six gun) battery; also the purchase and fitting up of seven large 
 steamers as permanent quarters for the command. Establishment of re- 
 cruiting headquarters at St. Eouis, (October '63) with rendezvous for 
 men at Benton Barracks. Purchase and outfitting of the Autocrat, 
 Diana, Baltic, Adams, Raine, Fairchild Woodford, (Ohio 
 and Mississippi river steamers) at various shipyards on the Ohio, and 
 enlistment of crews therefor. Recruiting for Brigade authorized of men 
 ready for duty, in convalescent camps and hospitals, and command 
 ready to embark on arrival of six steamers at St. Eouis, March 5. One 
 week effecting location of men in quarters, supplying stores and equip- 
 ments, and fleet sailed for Vicksburg March 13, 1863 — Raine remaining 
 a few davs for some belated recruits. Fleet arrived above Vicksburg 
 — 22 — Ellet reporting to General Grant in person. On request of Rear 
 Admiral Farragut — 23 — who had just arrived below. Gen. Ellet decides to 
 send Switzerland and Lancaster past batteries to co-operate in an 
 attack upon the Warrenton batteries, and aid in holding lower river 
 against the rebel rams Queen and Webb, which had come out of Red 
 River and destroyed the Indianola On morning of 25, SwrTZERLAND, 
 Colonel C. R. Ellet commanding, leading, and Lancaster, Lieutenant 
 Colonel Jno A. Ellet, following, each manned by smallest possible num- 
 ber of volunteer crews, passed the Vicksburg batteries, encountering a 
 terrific fire, and both struck many times. A shell in center boiler dis- 
 abled Switzerland, which floated down out of range, and was rescued / 
 by Farragut's Albatross. At nearly same time Lancaster received a \^ 
 shot in steam drum, compelling immediate abandonment of vessel, 
 which had been shattered in the hull by other shells, and was sinking, 
 and soon after capsized and was lost. Crew, including wounded, (Pilot 
 Kitson lost leg) escaped in yawls— except one soldier drowned. Three 
 negroes on Switzerland badly scalded, and one on Lancaster. 
 Switzerland's boiler speedily repaired and with her own crew, Lieu- 
 tenant Colonel Jno. A. Ellet commanding, ready for duty in three days, 
 and on — 29 — accompanied Farragut's Hartford and Albatross below, 
 
 6 
 
and engaged for some time in Red River operations with Farragut's 
 fleet. 
 
 With Expedition to the Tennessee. 
 Brigade ordered up the Tennessee in co operation with Dodge and 
 Rosecrans, reaching Cairo April 10, where Colonel Streight's command 
 with transports joined expedition under convoy of Ellet's fleet, passing 
 Fort Henry 17th, and reaching Eastport— 19— communicating with 
 General Dodge near Corinth. Low water prevents Marine fleet going 
 further, and — 21 — compels return below. Marine Cavalry, under Major 
 Hubbard, sent out from several points, going and returning, to destroy 
 mills and lumber. Morning of 26 was attacked below mouth of Duck 
 River by a three gun battery on bank of river, supported by sixth Texas 
 Rangers (Major White). Fire replied to from Boats, and whole force 
 landed and pursued enemy twelve miles, inflicting a loss of ten killed 
 and many wounded, and prisoners, (including Major White). Ellet's 
 loss two killed, one seriously and eight or ten slightly wounded. Ram 
 Monarch with expedition. Tug Cleveland arriving, sunk by accident, 
 but recovered. Hospital boat (Woodford) now joins fleet. Marine fleet 
 returns to the Mississippi and enroute down fired on by Guerilla force 
 at dusk (May 24) at Austin. Land early next morning and force sent 
 out Hubbard's Cavalry in advance, attacked in rear, on Beaver Dam, 
 six miles out, by a superior force, and a severe battle ensued, enemy 
 charging and demanding surrender, several times, but repulsed, each 
 time. Arrival of General Ellet's Infantry caused enemy to draw off. 
 Our loss two killed, one seriously wounded (Couden) and eighteen or 
 twenty others injured, and several horses killed — enemy's loss quite as 
 great. Fleet at Helena, detained to aid its defense from threatened at- 
 tack — not made — and thence — 26 — to mouth of White River. Scout- 
 ing parties out bring in horses, cattle and mules. Reach Milliken's 
 Bend — 29 — to find Grant has surrounded Vicksburg. 
 
 Operations Above Vicksburg. 
 At Haines Bluff, May 30. Up to Memphis to bring troops (from 
 Corinth) to Grant. Cavalry scout opposite Memphis (while waiting) 
 and captures of prisoners and contraband goods. Reach Haines Bluffs 
 with troops, June 11. Party of exiles from North, sent down on our 
 boats, from Memphis, by General Hurlbut, forwarded by Admiral Porter 
 up Yazoo to Satartia. Rebels in force about Richmond, and Marine 
 Brigade lands at Milliken's — 15 — and moves out joining Mower's Brig- 
 ade from Young's Point. Sharp encounter — drive enemy beyond bayou. 
 Losses and captures. Opposite Vicksburg — 17 — night details of in- 
 fantry under Colonel Currie begin work planting battery of Parrots in 
 levee, directly opposite city, and casemating same with railroad iron — 
 completed third night, and effectively operated by Captain Groshon, 
 doing good execution, and drawing concentrated fire from Vicksburg 
 batteries. (Vigorous and effective firing kept up by relays of our men 
 from this battery during remainder of siege.) Frequent scouting by 
 our cavalry, and skirmishes from points above, as rebels were threaten- 
 ing negro garrison at Goodrich's. Fleet there — 26— and whole force 
 out, meeting enemy strongly posted. Brief encounter and enemy re- 
 tired beyond bayou, burning bridge. Captain Wright mortally wounded 
 in this engagement. 
 
 7 
 
After Vicksburg's Surrender. 
 
 Fleet cruised, and force scouted — July 6 to 20 — between Young's 
 Point and mouth of White River. Raid from Ashwood — 21 — Fleet car- 
 ries troops from Haines Blnff to Helena — 24-7 — and — August 2 — took 
 Slack's Brigade from Vicksburg to Natchez. At General Ransom's re- 
 quest three companies^of our cavalry remain a Natchez while boats make 
 second trip for troops — August 5 — and then fourth company left also 
 while boats make third trip, taking troops on to Fort Hudson — 8-9 — and 
 a fourth trip taking troops to New Orleans — 13-16 — Returning, fired 
 on by guerrillas at Bayou Sara — landing — pursuit — arrests, etc. Cav- 
 alry aboard at Natchez and fleet reach Vicksburg August 20 Autocrat 
 with recruiting details sent to Cairo, August 22, arriving — 26 — Colonel 
 Currie left in command of fleet below. Woodford up for repairs Sept. 9. 
 Raine, — 19 — and Diana — 20 — each returning as soon as repaired. 
 Death of late Colonel Chas. Rivers EUet. (who had resigned) at Bunker 
 Hill, 111. — 30 — ^Switzerland and Raine reach fleet at Goodrich's, 
 November 13. 
 
 Scouting and Captures Above Vicksburg. 
 Meantime fleet under Colonel Currie resumes operations from White 
 River to Vicksburg and below. Opposite Napoleon a scout of three 
 companies — September 8 — captured a stage with rebel paymaster, 
 and three officers and escort of fifteen men, with a large sum (two and 
 one-half million dollars) of Confederate money enroute to Little Rock. 
 All sent up on Raine to Cairo — 12 — and thence to Washington. Scouts 
 from various landings, and — 25 — at Vicksburg. Troops sent into 
 camp and boats occupied two weeks in carying troops to Memphis. 
 Command aboard and fleet at Goodrich's — October 19 — to support Gen- 
 eral Hawkins in expected attack, Fleet at Grifiin's — 26 — and scout in 
 Deer Creek country next day by Captain Brown's cavalry company, 
 making a forty-five mile circuit, and capturing a rebel captain and pur- 
 chasing officer, with $12,000 Confederate money, and sergeant and six 
 men of the Sixth Texas Cavalry. On November 1, Colonel Currie took 
 all his force out to Deer Creek, and camped in rain. Next morning sent 
 infantry by one route back to Griffin's, and the cavalry down the creek, 
 encountering a force posted at bridge to dispute his passage. After 
 short skirmish enemy retired, and Currie's men crossed bridge and fol- 
 lowed them several miles. On way returning Currie took drove of fat 
 hogs bought just before by his prisoner — Captain Price. On 4, the 
 Monarch (Captain Connor), on information Currie obtained on this 
 raid, sent to intercept supplies in transit at Catfish Point, captured a 
 stock of salt and destroyed two large flat-boats found hidden. Raid into 
 Lake Village, Ark. , from Sunnyside — 5 — under Major Tallerday, captur- 
 ing an ofiicer and five men of 23rd Alabama Infantry on conscript and 
 cotton burning service. Scouts from various points, both sides of the 
 river, during ensuing two weeks, by parts of Brigade under Tallerday 
 and Hubbard, and many captures of prisoners, mails, dispatches and 
 stock made. Learning from crew of Allen Collier, burned by guerrillas 
 opposite Laconia the day before, that it was the work of Montgomery's 
 men, Curry landed at Beulah — 10 — and with small force went out to 
 Montgomery's plantation, and in retaliation for his acts, burned the 
 mansion, cotton git and all buildings but negro quarters, and issued 
 
 8 
 
warning of similar treatment of property of others engaged in attacking 
 unarmed steamers. Two days' expedition by whole Brigade from Good- 
 rich's — November 22-3 — to Floyds. Cruising and scouting for ten days 
 from Napoleon down, reaching Vicksburg, December 4. 
 
 Operations Between Vicksburg and Natchez. 
 
 Marine Boats and several transports at once loaded with troops, and 
 proceed on an expedition, under General Gershom, to Natchez. Rebel 
 General Wirt Adams near, and threatening that place. General Ellet 
 with Autocrat, arrives from Cairo, rejoining Brigade at Natchez, De- 
 cember 6. Brigade ashore marching with Gershom's forces, and co- 
 operating in several movements from Natchez and from Ellis Cliffs — 6 — 
 under Gershom's orders, but Adams avoids battle, and eludes pursuit. 
 Couple of mountain howitzers added to cavalry equipment. Orders re- 
 ceived for mounting Marine Infantry. Change of quarters, infantry as- 
 signed to Diana, Baltic and Adams, cavalry to Woodford and Raine 
 — Autocrat to carry supplies. Cavalry out — 9 — an all day scout from 
 Natchez. Orders from Washington to recruit Brigade to maximum. 
 Two rams building for our fleet at New Albany, are turned over to 
 Navy. Mounted scout under Tallerday — 10 — from Waterproof to L. 
 St. Joseph. Brigade out from St. Joseph — 12 — in pursuit of reported 
 wagon train of rebel arms and ammunition, but it had gone on to Tensas 
 some days prior. Autocrat made trip to Vicksburg and returned — 13 
 — to fleet at St. Joseph, where a rebel signal station had been captured. 
 On — 14 — command out, mounted infantry on one road and cavalry an- 
 other, former via Rodney to Fayette, capturing rebel officer and mail. 
 Cavalry to Oakland, swims a bayou and takes several prisoners, having 
 a sharp skirmish ; one rebel killed. Whole command out — 16 — from 
 Rodney, Colonel Currie in command, scouting all day; no force met. 
 Next day rebel scouting party fired on squad of our men near picket 
 post in edge of Rodney, killing one man and a horse. All boats wood- 
 ing opposite St. Joseph — 18— teams hauling it to landing. Adams up 
 to Vicksburg with prisoners and dispatches. Cavalry out to Daniels' 
 plantation — 20 — bring three rebel officers and three men found there. 
 Major Hubbard, with four companies cavalry go up by night to watch 
 crossing five miles above, with no results. Force from Baltic and 
 Adams out — 21 — from St. Joseph, on scout, hear of Harris' rebel 
 force (believed to be guarding artillery pieces in transit) and whole 
 Brigade ordered in readiness for a raid next day, when on dispatch from 
 General Gershom, plan changed and Brigade marched early under Cur- 
 rie — 22 — from Rodney to join his force at Fayette. Monarch guard- 
 ing mouth of Bayou Pierre. Rebel force of three hundred come in rear 
 of Currie and followed out, overtaking and engaging his rear just as he 
 reached Fayette and Gershom's cavaly, whereupon rebels retreated in 
 hot haste, losing two (one an officer) wounded prisoners, and horses, 
 small arms, etc. Adams ordered ready and started — 23— to Cairo, tak- 
 ing prisoners north, and with recruiting details aboard. Early morning 
 — 24 — Brigade picket post at Rodney surprised and captured (one killed, 
 two wounded and eight prisoners). Command out — 26 — from Grand Gulf, 
 two companies getting across Bayou Pierre dashed into Port Gibson, 
 having a sharp encounter, and followed back, with rear skirmishing; no 
 losses. Jan 4, 1864, Fairchild starts on trip to New Orleans for Gen- 
 
 9 
 
era! McPherson. Monarch and Switzerland with fleet at Natchez — 
 5 — Raine aground ten miles above, helped off by Baltic. On— 7 — 
 mounted force and howitzer out two days in co-operation with General 
 Gershom's forces, several rebel scouts taken; no encounter. At Bruins- 
 burg — 11 — mounted infantry out under Tallerday to Oakland College, 
 returning via. Rodney with two prisoners. At same time one cavalry 
 company sent out on opposite side to destroy skiffs on Bruin's I,ake, 
 took two or three prisoners. Fleet at St. Joseph early — 12 — and 
 whole force out to Jackson, and thence infantry to Van Buren Church, 
 and cavalry around via. Watson's to Young's, the object being to inter- 
 cept rebel escort of quantity of small arms, in transit. (Learn that they 
 were crossed and sent ahead two days before.) Brigade returned, 
 bringing many captured horses and mules to complete infantry mount, 
 for which Adams brought saddles and bi idles from Vicksburg 
 last trip. Fleet lands opposite St. Joseph — 14 — and whole force out to 
 bluffs. Infantry down through Rodney, and out to Fayette. Captured 
 a lieutenant and mail. Cavalry to Oakland and return by Rodney; 
 brought in fifteen prisoners. Daylight — 15 — Autocrat and Raine at 
 Grand Gulf, and cavalry out on scout to Grindstone ford. Fuel scarce 
 again and obtained with difiiculty. Autocrat to Vicksburg — 16 — Major 
 Hubbard left in temporary command. Fleet remained wooding; teams 
 protected by patrol, fired on by rebels, and two companies cavalry under 
 lyieutenant Kirk out to defend them, are ambushed and the advance 
 charged by small rebel force, Kirk and two men wounded, and advance 
 checked. Rebels pursued four miles, but got away. 
 
 Major Hubbard's force out — 18 — from Grand Gulf encounters enemy 
 and has sharp fight, one man wounded and three prisoners lost (B. Sigel 
 among the latter), one rebel captured. Brigade out scouting to Bayou 
 Pierre — 20. Autocrat and Fairchild with rest of fleet wooding and 
 foraging between Grand Gulf and Bruinsburg. Monarch detached — 24 — 
 and sent for use of Colonel Millen, special agent of treasury department 
 at Natchez. Death of Lieutenant Kirk — 25 — from his wound. Yawl 
 expeditions under Captain Newell by night — 27 — down to crossing cap- 
 tures two rebel officers, three horses and equipments — repeated next 
 night, taking one rebel officer and one man; Switzerland bringing 
 party back. Small-pox on Diana, and sent — 29 — to establish pest hos- 
 pital below St Joseph. Two rebel lieutenants taken by squad of Ma- 
 rines — 30 — seven miles out. Orders from 17th, A. C. Headquarters to 
 proceed above and patrol between Milliken's and Greenville. Switzer- 
 land left to cruise iDetween Hard Times and Waterproof. Fairchild re- 
 turned — 31 — from New Orleans, and all boats wooded for a day or tsvo 
 at best landings available. Fulton arrived with coal February 2. 
 Fleet proceeds above, leaving Fairchild at Vicksburg for a few days, 
 arriving at Goodrich's — 4 — Scouting from there — 5 — and from Lake 
 Providence and Skipwith's, finding no enemy, though they are raiding 
 and burning plantations which Government is trying to protect. Scouts 
 
 — 7 9 — returning to fleet at Worthington's, and — 10 — sighted rebel 
 
 force near Lake Village in evening. Command out in force in same di- 
 rection — 10 — under Tallerday and met flag of truce party with proposal 
 to join us in driving Quantrell's Guerrillas out of that country, which 
 offer Major T. declined. No encounter. Also scout — 12 — with no re- 
 sults, and — 13 — three prisoners taken. Much sickness in fleet, es- 
 
 10 
 
pecially on Diaxa. Fleet sent below Vicksburg, cruised and scouted 
 with few encounters of any importance during balance of February. On 
 28, Diana sent with General Sherman and staff on trip to New Orleans, 
 returning March 6. 
 
 With Bank's Red River Expedition. 
 
 Fleet assembled at Vicksburg, coaled and loaded with troops, under 
 Major General Smith, to accompany a large number of transports with 
 troops and fleet of Porter's gunboats to join Bank's Expedition up the 
 Red River. Our light bittery, also all horses and mules, left in care of 
 details at Vicksburg; also Adams and Fairchild left. Monarch to 
 cruise above and below Greenville, Switzerland about Grand Gulf, 
 all other Brigade boats, crowded with troops, start March 10. Join Ex- 
 pedition assembled at mouth of Red River, and move up — 12 — to Sims- 
 port. Slow advance — 14 — to Fort DeRussey, already captured by Gen- 
 eral Smith's land force, with its ten siege guns and three hundred pris- 
 oners. Marine Brigade furnishes quota of large detail to destroy two 
 forts — 16 — 17 — during which occurred the disastrous magazine ex- 
 plosion. Proceeded — 18 — to Alexandria. Enemy in large force ahead. 
 Bank's army arriving — 21. Baltic sent down to bring another 
 load of troops from the mouth of Red River, returning — 23 — with dis- 
 abled wheel. Forward movement of land forces — 26. Our tug "Cut- 
 ting," arrives. Orders from General McPherson recalling Marine Brig- 
 ade to resume service on district above Vicksburg, and — 27 — from Gen- 
 eral Banks relieving boats from his service, except Hospital Woodford, 
 under Surgeon Robarts, and the four Marine boats start for the Mis- 
 sissippi River. ~ Cutting, (Master Granger) dispatched to Vicksburg, met 
 with accident to steam gear, disabling her. Fleet reached Vicksburg — 
 30 — 31 — joined by Monarch and tug Cutting, later. General McArthur 
 succeeds to command of department. 
 
 Under General McArthur. 
 
 Two companies cavalry sent as guard to party repairing telegraph 
 lines at Haines Blufi. Order received April — 2 — disorganizing our ar- 
 tillery company — horses to be turned over. Mounted infantry sent to 
 Haines Bluff — 3 — no enemy. Raine sent up Sunflower to break up 
 crossings. Diana and Adams resume patrol duty about Goodrich's — 4. 
 General McArthur directs reconnaisance up Yazoo, and Colonel Jno. A. 
 Ellet with Switzerland and Monarch sent — 5 — up the Yazoo to learn 
 strength and position of enemy; return — 8. Baltic and Raine (now re- 
 paired) with Autocrat proceed up — 9 — and join boats at Carolina Land- 
 ing. Rams remain subject to immediate orders of McArthur. Diaxa 
 and Adams sent to patrol below Vicksburg — 10 — and rest of fleet pro- 
 ceed, landing at Greenville — 11 — and sending cavalry out on scout to 
 Deer Creek, and again next day. Under department orders, Ellet ar- 
 rests numerous small steamboats found in this vicinity engaged in con- 
 traband trade, contrary to order.«!. At Grand Lake — 14 — where Baltic 
 day before had surprised and taken two cotton boats and party of citi- 
 zens and rebel soldiers trading. Whole command out from Ford's — 16 
 — scouting — no enemy. Rams pass up, enroute to report for duty to 
 General Hurlbut, at Memphis. Cavalry scout — 19 — from Lake Provi- 
 
 11 
 
dence to Bayou Mason. Baltic left to cruise between Greenville and 
 Lake Providence, Autocrat to Vicksburg — 20 — General McArihur 
 wanted convoy for Henry Eames (loaded with stores) up to Yazoo City, 
 and Diana and A dm as ordered up — 21 — from Carthage, and start with 
 her. News of stranding of Woodford on shoals above Alexandria. Fair- 
 child arrived from St lyouis — 22 — Diana and Adams returned — 23 — 
 the trip having been abandoned, because of loss of Gunboat No. 5, cap- 
 tured and destroyed by rebel force below Yazoo City. Boats returning 
 brought negro garrison from T^iverpool to Haines Bluff (our cavalry 
 marching). Marine guard sent — 24 — on arrested trader Belfast, to 
 Memphis. Diana. and Adams sent up — 25 — to Baltic (Colonel Currie 
 in command) to cruise, patrol and arrest traders. Raine and Fairchild 
 (Major Crandall in command) to patrol river below, with like orders. — 
 26 — Cavalry companies on Autocrat transferred to Fairchild, and sup- 
 plies from that boat to Autocrat. Lioness with Lieutenant Howell, A. 
 D. C, dispatched — 27 — to Red River, to try and get the Woodford 
 afloat. Scout of Currie's men from Johnson's to Bayou Mason — 28 — 
 Two or three trading boats arrested and sent to Vicksburg. Orders 
 announce General Slocum in command of District of Vicksburg. 
 
 Under General Slocum. 
 
 Autocrat with infantry boats at Ashton, May 1. Whole force out 
 across Bayou Mason on all day scout. Few rebels seen, but no encounter. 
 Autocrat to Vicksburg — 2 — and Raine and Fairchild ordered up, arriv- 
 ing below — 4 — to be sent up the Yazoo to cooperate with General Mc- 
 Arthur's land forces, now in rear of Yazoo City. Colored troopssent on 
 Raine and Fairchild for Satartia, starting — ^ — Autocrat accompany- 
 ing to Haines Bluff, the others pushing on to Liverpool, and next day to 
 Yazoo City. Cavalry out daily, scouting under Major Crandall. and 
 occasionally communicating with McArthur's scouts. Currie's mounted 
 infantry occupied meantime in patrol and scout duty from Greenville 
 and various points below. At Grand Lake — 7 — his command out 
 eight miles beyond Bayou Mason. Captured lot of Q. M. stores and 
 two prisoners, and one company had sharp skirmish with party attack- 
 ing from ambush — no loss. Autocrat joins boats at Yazoo City — 13 — 
 McArthur's wagon train nearing city, and our cavalry out to meet it; 
 but failed to connect, being on another route. Switzerland arrived 
 up Yazoo, Infantry scout in force from Columbia — 14 — across Bayou 
 Mason and to Lake Village. Dashing in unexpectedly, captured a 
 number of rebel soldiers and some officers hiding in the houses. Mc- 
 Arthur's advance reach Yazoo — 15 — Switzerland patrolling, and 
 protecting boats on Yazoo, constantly being fired on from wooded banks. 
 McArthur's transportation taken on our boats, and our cavalry start re- 
 turn march to Vicksburg — 18 — with his expedition, arriving — 20 — 
 Lioness returns from Red River, reporting Woodford a total loss. Di- 
 ana down to Vicksburg for supplies — 21 — and artillery and cavalry boats 
 sent to AsTHON Switzerland sent — 24 — to St. Louis for repairs. 
 Diana returning found cotton boat "Lebanon" captured and burned be- - 
 low Greenville, and on — 24 — encountered a rebel battery planted be- 
 hind levee, and engaged it over two hours, receiving nine shots, one 
 killed and two wounded; enemy retired. Diana and Baltic engaged 
 
 12 
 
same battery at another location, next day, driving it from the field. 
 Currie's command out from Greenville all day — 27 — some skirmishing 
 (two prisoners), but encountered no strong body, Marmaduke is 
 reported with considerable force not far away. 
 
 Fleet at Greenville — 29 — and men of Diana and Adams out on 
 scout. Six transports loaded with troops, en rouie to Memphis, land 
 here The Rocket, with General Thomas and staff aboard, having 
 been fired into, by rebel battery at Ivelaud's. Diana went to scene at 
 once, but the rebels had disappeared. Boats patrolled river — 30 and 31 
 — at both Columbia and Greenville; Autocrat arriving from below with 
 supplies and Monarch (relieved from duty by General Hurlbut at Mem- 
 phis), also arrived, and joined in cruising about Sunnyside, June 1, and 
 shelling levees wherever enemy appeared. Cavalry boats called up to 
 Vicksburg by General Slocum, and colored troops sent on them up to 
 Milliken's. Baltic became unseaworthy, and put under orders for St. 
 Louis for repairs. Rebel field battery at Columbia — 2 — attacks Gun- 
 boat No. Z2, and the Henry Ames held above, and Missouri arrives up, 
 awaiting convoy.- Monarch and Adams sent on this duty, and they take 
 the Missouri up and bring the Ames and James Watson back, hotly en- 
 gaged with the battery both ways. Adams' upper deck riddled, thirty- 
 six shots striking her, and having three men killed and one badly 
 wounded. No one hurt on the other boats. Baltic got away at night, 
 accompanied past Columbia by Monarch. At Skipwith's and Good- 
 riche's — 3 — where orders met fleet to repair to Vicksburg. Leaving 
 Adams to bury her dead, fleet proceeded to Vicksburg, finding Raine 
 and Fairchild and large number of transports at wharf, loading with 
 troops. Expedition under General A. J. Smith s'arts up — 4 — ac- 
 companied by Diana, Adams, Raine and Fairchild, Colonel Currie com- 
 manding, reaches landing below Sunnyside — 5^ — in evening, and disem- 
 barks. Marine Cavalry out to reconnoitre, find outposts of Marmaduke's 
 forces near. Early morning — 6 — General Smith's forces, with Marine 
 Cavalry in advance, move out, and find enemy posted and soon hotly 
 contesting their advance. Infantry, in line of battle, pushed ahead, and 
 soon enemy fall back slowly. Artillery dislodged enemy from second 
 position, and, and in a severe battle ensuing, drove enemy with heavy 
 losses from the shelter of the bayou Here they had held a six-gun bat- 
 tery (on the opposite bank) till Smith's infantry came close upon them, 
 in a galling fire. Enemy driven from field — pursued to lake Village] 
 where Smith camped for the night; moving force to Columbia next day. 
 no enemy left in vicinity, except many wounded and dead. Smith's 
 loss, thirty-five killed and one hundred wounded — enemy's qute as 
 large. June 7 — Enemy having gone to the interior, General Smith's 
 command re-embarked and went on (being en route to Memphis). Ma- 
 rine Fleet down to Greenville — 8^ — and next day. early, landed some 
 miles below, and whole command and four campanies Second Wiscon- 
 sin Cavalry out for an expedition to the Sunflower, Crossed the Bog- 
 falaya on a raft, carrying twelve men; leaving three companies there to 
 guard crossing, pushed on through swamp, camping ten miles further 
 on. Hear of dance three miles away, and Captain Newell and his men 
 neatly capture whole party, which included twelve rebel ofiicers and 
 soldiers, held as prisoners. Reached Garvin's Ferry, on Sunflower, 
 forenoon — 10 — and thence up the river to McCloud's, where the steamer 
 
 13 
 
"Mear" was found scuttled and secreted. Destroyed her and returned, 
 camping on opposite side of bayou from our guarding party. All day- 
 ride — 11 — over same route to boats, gathering horses and mules and oc- 
 casional exchange of shots with rebel scouts following us in. Flag of 
 truce received early — 12 — offering exchange of prisoners, and one man 
 (lost first day) was received in exchange for one of twenty- two, cap- 
 tured by us. Fleet thence- 13 — to Vicksburg. On — 15 — Lieutenant 
 Howell, A. D. C. sent with flag of truce party to rear of Vicksburg to 
 negotiate for exchange of prisoners with Wirt Adams. Monarch sent 
 — 16 — to cruise between Gaines' Ldg. and Sunnyside. Adams sent — 17 
 — with party from General Slocum up Old River looking for timber. 
 Repairs to Diana — 18 — and part of Autocrat's engine sent to New Or- 
 leans for repairs. Response from Wirt Adams and one man tendered 
 and exchanged. Raine sent — 21 — with General Slocum's transport up 
 Yazoo for timber, and again — 23 — convoyed the "Cheek" up the Yazoo 
 with supplies (returning — 26 — ), Lioness sent — 24 —to Cairo with 
 dispatches from General Canby. Monarch reporting down — 29— 
 ordered to cruise between Young's Point and Milliken's. July 2 — Fleet 
 embarked two negro regiments opposite Vicksburg and proceeded to 
 Rodney, landing early — 3 — and whole force out under General Kllet; 
 light skirmishing; camp at Red Lick Church, on Coleman's plantation. 
 Early — 4 — Marine Infantry moved on Port Gibson Road, cavalry on 
 Fayette Road, negro infantry remaining at camp. Cavalry encountered 
 enemy and had sharp fight, one killed, one negro regiment going to its 
 support, and Marine Infantry recalled and hurried up, when enemy re- 
 treated. Command moved to last night's camp ground, and soon picket 
 firing on Fayette road indicated renewal of fight. Negro regiment met 
 enemy and in a hot fight repulsed the attack. Meantime, a larger rebel 
 force attacked from the Rodney road and was met in a reckless charge, 
 by Marine Infantry, supported by the other negro regiment, and re- 
 pulsed with severe loss Command now started return march, and 
 small parties of enemy began annoying attacks on front and flanks, and 
 later made dashes up in rear, and were several times ambushed and 
 severely punished. Reached boats at midnight; colored troops bivouac- 
 ing ashore The loss of the day was one killed and eight or ten 
 wounded; about twenty negroes killed and wounded, and as many more 
 taken prisoners, straggling from the ranks The rebels left eight dead 
 on field in first fight, and must have met even greater loss in later fight- 
 ing. Fleet at Rodney — 5 — and Grand Gulf — 6 — and next day Brigade 
 out to bayou, on Port Gibson road, where negroes remained; mounted 
 force crossing bayou, and two companies charged into the town, having 
 a sharp skirmish with scattered enemy; lost one man, and took two 
 prisoners. At Grand Gulf — 8 — returned to Vicksburg — 9 — disembark- 
 ing negro troops. July 10 — Whole Brigade on an expedition from 
 Vicksburg, joining General Slocum on Big Black River. Crossed river 
 next morning, and started march, mounted force (about 4,000), includ- 
 ing Marines, taking Jackson road. Light skirmishing by advance dur- 
 ing day. Camped on Port Gibson road that night. Moved toward 
 Utica morning of — 12 — encountering enemy in considerable force, but 
 they avoid battle. Infantry to join us here, and we await its arrival. 
 Rebel company charged on picket post, whose support, a company of 
 civalry, met them and drove them in confusion across an open field in 
 
 14 
 
hot chase, using revolvers and sabres, killing three and taking four pris- 
 oners, and lost one man. Camped there; infantry force within six 
 miles. Moved on through Utica — 13 — joining infantry, which had 
 marched across direct to the Port Gibson road, and camped at Rock 
 Spring, across Pearl River. Marched to Post Gibson — 14 — our ad- 
 vance having a brush with enemy, and went into camp about a mile 
 south of town. Enemy active and picket firing frequent during the 
 night. Prepared for an attack, but none made. Infantry division 
 started morning — 15— for Grand Gulf, eight miles distant, cavalry to 
 follow in afternoon. Shortly after, a cavalry picket post (a company of 
 Second New Jersey) was dashed upon by a rebel force and badly cut up, 
 several killed and wounded and nearly all the rest captured. A force 
 thrown to the front was so hotly pressed that it was forced back at first, 
 but the enemy evaded a general battle, and the command moved in. At 
 the bayou a sharp skirmish was had at the rear, and this was repeated 
 several times on the way in, the enemy receiving two or three murder- 
 ous ambuscades. Baltic at Grand Gulf occupied — 16— moving Gen- 
 eral Slocum's troops up to Davis' Plantation---Marines ashore with 
 troops not yet moved, when early on mornirg"-17"-the rebels came up- 
 on us in force, driving in our pickets and charging up to our lines, 
 which were ready for them, and delivered a deadly fire at close range, 
 from which they withered and fell back, leaving twenty-five dead and 
 four prisoners in our hands, one being Major Wood, commanding at- 
 tacking party. We had two wounded and several horses killed; re- 
 mainder of troops and M. M. B. thence to Vicksburg. Fleet up to Mili- 
 liken's---19--putting whole command into camp, to use beats in carry- 
 ing troops to Memphis. Camp moved---21---by help of Switzerland, 
 to Omega. Marine boats and transports loaded with troops, passed up, 
 (Wreck of the B. M. Runyon occurred that night---snagged and sunk 
 in five minutes, Diana rescuing a large part of her passengers and crew; 
 many drowned.) On an alarm sent from Goodrich's, the Brigade made a 
 forced march- -24— up there and out to Lake Providence and around a 
 fifty mile ride, finding no enemy. Autocrat here from Vicksburg with 
 supplies. Diana on return trip from Memphis, passed down- 27--re- 
 porting rebel battery had been seen at Columbia. Other boats passed 
 safely, but Adams and Fairchild, in rear, were attacked; latter receiv- 
 ing twenty-seven shots (no fatality), the Adams one shot and one 
 killed. Diana loaded with troops---29— takes them to Morganzia ard 
 returns to Vicksburg— 31. All the fleet at Omega, August 4 Policing 
 and repairs completed and command aboard--?. Brigade inspection by 
 General Dana. Autocrat to Vicksburg, returning— 9 ■- with General 
 Slocum. Colonel Currie (resigned) left for home, Captain Groshon's 
 company out foraging. Fleet at Vicksburg--10--receive General Canby's 
 order disbanding Brigade and directing formation of a Marine Regiment 
 from its ofiicers and men (Supernumeraries to be mustered out. ) This 
 was accomplished, though with much opposition from men who main- 
 tained that they were entitled to discharge. Property transferred, troops 
 ashore and in camp--27-one company temporarily in arrest for non- 
 compliance with orders. Camp and post service of Marine Regiment at 
 Vicksburg and vicinity during fall and winter of 1864-5, and final dis- 
 charge of the men effected during last week in January, 1865. 
 
 15 
 
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