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A SOTJTHERN RECORD.
THE HISTORY
OF
THE THIRD REGIMENT
LOU I S IANA I N FANTRIY.
BY W. H. TUNNARD.
CONTAINING A
COMPLETE RECORD OF THE CAMPAIGNS IN ARKANSAS AND MISSOURI; THE BATTLES
OF OAK HILLS, ELK HORN, IUKA, CORINTH; THE SECOND SIEGE OF VICKSBURG,
ANECDOTES, CAMPS, SCENERY, AND DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTRY
THROUGH WHICH THE REGIMENT MARCHED, ETC., ETC.
"Let us then be up and doing,
With a heart for every fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learito labor and to wait."
LONBFELLOW.
BATON ROUGE, LA..::PI:I2T:]ED  -FOR  TII:EJ.A. TYuI-O.
1866.




Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1866,
BY WILLIAM H. TUNNARD,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Eastern
District of Louisiana.




DEDICATION.
TO THE
CHERISHED MEMORY OF THE REVERED DEAD, AND THE UNDAUNTED
GALLANTRY OF THE HEROIC LIVING,
ffitrs anbr Mtn,
OF THE
THIRD REGIMENT LOUISIANA INFANTRY
I RESPEOTFULLY DEDICATE
THIS VOLUME.








"And while adversity's chill blast
Sweeps like a besom o'er our land,
And round her bleeding form are cast
The hated tyrant's chains at last,
We still possess the glorious PastThe victories of our patriot band,
The memories of the fields of glory,
Which aye shall live in song and story,
To cheer the brave and shame the cowardBy that blue heaven bending o'er us,
By that green earth spread out before us,
By that dear fame of those who bore us,
We are not whipped, but overpowered."
PAUL CaRMsoN.








P RE FACE.
THAT "truth is stranger than fiction" is an axiom as correct as it
is trite. Thus I claim for these pages of history a strict adherence
to truthfulness in recording actual occurrences, facts garnered
from  the great and bloody drama of the late war, around
which lingers the halo  of imperishable glory, possessing  all
the fascination and interest of romance.  This record has been
dotted down on the long and weary march, in the quiet camp,
within breastworks and besieged strongholds, before and after the
fierce conflict of deadly strife-a correct record of events as they
actually occurred, they are presented to the public. I have indulged
in few fancies of the imagination, nor do I claim fbr this work any
peculiar literary excellence.  Simple in construction of sentences,
unpretending in style of composition, it is given to the public for
perusal as one of the many bloody chapters in the history of the late
Revolution, when Southerners endeavored, by force of arms, to
establish their independence and preserve untarnished the principles of constitutional liberty bequeathed to them by their ancestors,
and baptized and consecrated with their best blood, from the despotic domination of Radicalism. The attempt has most signally
failed; and while the Southern people accept the issue of the struggle as the unalterable decree of a mysterious Providence, such
records of the past, as contained in this volume, will be regarded
as priceless mementoes of heroic deeds, an imperishable epitome of
gallant achievements, fierce conflicts, determined valor and patient
and long-enduring suffering of those brave men who sacrificed their
lives, devoted their energies and efforts toward the establishment
of long-cherished principles and institutions.
Mere history can furnish only a tithe of the vivid reality of warlike scenes. Perusing its pages, the reader gleans only the record
of gallant achievements, lives in the midst of scenes befitting a
romance, and not stern realities. Thus there is a strange fascination
in such compilations.
War has existed almost since the creation of the universe, and its




X                        PREFACE.
records, from ancient days down to modern times, when Napoleon
electrified the world with his brilliant victories, possess peculiar
attractions, deep interest.  Yet the reader gathers not from  the
pages of history, with its glowing descriptions and all the attendant
pomp and glory of the struggle, its attendant horrors, the deadly
conflict, the untold agony, the accumulated trials, the unspeakable
suffering, unbearable anguish which accompany the dark side of
the brilliant, fascinating picture.'Tis well that it should be so. There are few, however, especially
in this suffering, ruined Southern land, who do not understand, ay,
know- from experience dearly purchased, what war means in the
fullest signification of the term.
This book is a chapter from its bloodiest record. It has been
compiled amid business pursuits, and the bustle and turmoil of a
great commercial city, in the still hours of the night and the gray
dawn of morn; from published letters written during the war,
private notes, and such official documents as have been preserved
from the ruin of defeat.  The author has labored under peculiar
disadvantages, being deprived of official records and documents,
and has been compelled to rely on his present experience and information, and such notes and papers as could be obtained from the
surviving members of the Regiment.
If he has failed in presenting as complete and interesting a work
as the subject demands, it is a fault not of the head or heart, but
simply as stated, because his sources for obtaining necessary information have been not only limited, but very meagre.
Few organizations during the late war gained a more enviable
reputation than the Third Regiment Louisiana Infantry.
An isolated Regiment, among other troops, its gallant men bore
their banner triumphantly through the sulphureous canopy and
thunder-voices of deadly conflicts, making, by their heroic deeds
and undaunted bravery, an imperishable record on the scroll of
time; a name that "shall live in song and story," and of which
Louisiana may well be proud. Its honored dead slumber'neath the
soil of many States; its gallant survivors, with a spirit worthy their
self-sacrificing devotion, have accepted thefinrale of the fierce con-,,test, and are now found both in positions of honor and trust as well
as the humbler stations of life, striving to regain and repair their
shattered fortunes.  I know  of no more satisfactory labor, no
pleasanter mental task, than this self-imposed work of commemorating the sacrifices of the former, and the unconquerable valor of the
latter, rendered still more distinguished by the spirit with which




PREFACE.                       xi
they have received and accepted their defeat. Our revered dead
shall live ever fresh and green in our memories, wthile the living are
united in those indissoluble bonds which bind brave spirits to each
other, cemented by common dangers and sufferings, and a stern
defence of cherished principles.
Imperfect as this record may be, it is given to the public not- for
criticism, but as a compilation of facts, exhibiting some of the innumerable thrilling scenes through which Southerners bore their banner, now furled forever-scenes in which they participated as votive
actors.
I regret exceedingly that this record is so meagre, my sources of
information so limited, but believe and know that I have written
nothing save actual occurrences, which, I trust, may meet the approval and commendation of my friends and former comrades.
W. H. TUNNARD.
BATON ROuGE, LA., August, 1866.
PERS ONAL.
I DEEM it but an act of justice to myself to state, that I have
been compelled to mention my own name, in connection with the
several occurrences in this History, not that I desire to arrogate to
myself any undue share of the fame gained by the Regiment, nor do
I wish to be considered egotistical. To others is given the privilege
of praising or condemning my actions. I was an active participator
in the battles of Oak Hill and Elk Horn; but, at the reorganization
of the Regiment, May 8, 1862, was detailed in the Commissary
Department, and followed the fortunes of the Regiment as a noncombatant. I do not desire my motives to be misunderstood, nor
my record to become the subject of uncalled-for criticism. Hence
this explanation.
THE AUTHOR.








CONTENTS.
CHAPTER 1.
History - Secession - Commencement of the War-The Provisional Government- The Author's Connection with the Army-Call for TroopsThe Pelican Rifles, of Baton Rouge-Scenes of Farewell-Arrival in New
Orleans-Camp Walker-Its Scenes, Duties, and Discipline,.. 21
CHAPTER II.
The Organization of the Regiment-Colonel Louis Hebert-Lieutenant-Colonel S. M. Hyams, Sr.- Major W. F. Tunnard-The First Review, May
17th, 1861-The Departure-Bound for Fort Smith-The Reception at
Baton Rouge, La.-The First Funeral-A Rich Joke about Guard Mounting,.27
CHAPTER III.
Camp at Little Rock -The Arsenal Gounds-Arkansas Volunteers-Flag
Presentation-Miss Faulkner's Address-Love,.            35
CHAPTER IV.
Camp Poteau, Arkansas-Arrival of Col. Hebert-The First Regimental
Court-Martial-Missouri-Marching Orders-First Detachment-Second
Detachment-July 4th, 16S1 —The March-Baston Mountain-" Them
Cammons " Springs-The Country-Neosho Captured-Arrival at Camp
Jackson-The Return of General B. McCulloch-His Stratagem and Success,... 37
CHAPTER V.
Camp Jackson, Arkansas, July 10th, 1861-Marching Orders-Bentonville,
Arkansas-Camp Stephens, Arkansas-The Storm-The Skirmish and
First Prisoner-Ladies-Music —Death-Trouble-The March into Mis- 
souri-Arrival at Keatsville, Missouri-The Heroic Lady,..   42
CHAPTER  VI.
Cassville-The Advance-Arrival at Crane Creek-Excitement —The Ambuscade-The Position - Picketing-Consultation-The Midnight Ad



XiV                         CONTENTS.
vance Surprise the Yankee Picket-Greer's Texas Regiment-An Exciting Pursuit-Wilson's Creek-Camp Again,.                        45
CHAPTER VII.
"Oak Hills"-MarchiDg Orders-Detained-August 10th, 1861-Surprised
— Going into Battle-The First Struggle-Success-Zouave TacticsLed by General McCulloch-His Coolness-Corporal H. H. Gentles's Fatal
Aim-Siegel's Battery Captured-Flanking Totten's Battery-His Escape
-Death of General Lyon- Victory-Greer's Regiment-Burying the
Dead-Regimental Official Reports —General S. Price's Congratulatory
Order=-Reports of Casualties-Dr. W. G. Kendall —Hon. W. RobsonAnecdotes and Incidents-Reports of General Price and Ben McCulloch, 50
CHAPTER VIII.
Leaving the Battle-Ground-Wilson's Springs-General Order No. 27The Missourians Depart-Trouble with the Missouri State Guard-Departure of Arkansians-Suffering and Sickness-The Yankee CampThe Battle-Field, August 24th, 1861-Return to Arkansas-Greetings on
the March-Hospital at Mount Vernon, Missouri-Visitors and a Catastrophe-Scenery on the March-Sarcoxie, Missouri-Curiosity of Ladies
-A Rich Joke on the Major-Floral Decorations-Granby and its Lead
Mines- Miss Kate Wilson-Arrival at Camp Jackson,. 77
CHAPTER IX.
Explanation of the Return-Trouble-Good News-Summary of the Campaign —" Mon Blonket,".                                        83
CHAPTER X.
Camp Jackson-Suffering and Disease-Major Tunnard Among the Cherokees-Mrs. Cunningham's Kindness-Major Leaves on Furlough-The
Appeal for Troops-Death-Monotony-The Exploding Caisson-Punishment for Theft-General Price's Success-Terrible Condition of the
Third Louisiana Regiment-The Storm,.85
CHAPTER XI.
Amusements-Foot-Ball-Clothing for Company K from Home-The Regiment Uniformed by Louisiana-A Tribute to the Campaign Sewing
Society of Baton Rouge,. 90
CHAPTER XII.
The Fall Campaign-Marching Orders-Pay-Governor Jackson of Missouri and the Regiment-A Fearful Tragedy - Neosho-Advance- Retreat-Missourians-A Distinguished Conclave —Excitement-Halt at
Camp McCulloch-Missourians Return-" Bear"-''Retrograding"-Cap



CONTENTS.                            XV
tain Brusl6 Appointed to Muster in the Indians-Departure-The Country and Farms-Fare-Water-Mr. Jones-Prairies-Tom  Starr, Moses
Riddle, Mr. Rubbs-The Smith Family at North Fork-R. Ross-Weather Creek Agency-The Spirit of War-Muster Return,.. 94
CHAPTER XIII.
Camp McCulloch-Autumn Scenery-Tennessee's Gift to General PriceVisiting-Returning the Call —A Dilemna-The Major's Return-The
Situation-Consultation-Preparations to Meet the Foe-" Shot at by a
Corn-shock " —Voting for President-The Enemy Retreat-Winter-The
Cavalry-Cleaning out Blockaded Roads-Review and Muster-General
McCulloch's Perso8nel-The Fall Races-Seizure and Confiscation of
Contraband "Goods "-Robbery-Breaking up Camp McCulloch-The, "King's English" in Arkansas,..103
CHAPTER XIV.
Camp Benjamin-At Cross Hollows, Arkansas-Winter-Quarters-Joviality and Comfort-Captain T. L. Maxwell, A. C. S.-Punishment —" Riding on a Rail "-Regimental Court-Martial —Winter Scenes and Sports
CChristmas-The Flag-Pole-Social Gatherings and Frolics-SicknessThe Hospital-Orders to Prepare for Action-Fire-The 16th Day of
February, 1861-The Ladies' "Good-Bye " —Departure,.. 110
CHAPTER XV.
The Author Leaves for Favetteville, Arkansas-Companies A and K" Civilization Again-Songs and Serenades-Another Gift from Tennessee for the Missourians-The Missouri Con federates-Winter- SceneryChristmas Toasts and Jokes-Siegel's Gun-Colonel J. McIntosh's Victory over Opothleyhola-Generals Sterling Price and Ben McCullochThe General Court-Martial, January 8th, 1862 —Startling Intelligence —
General McCulloch in Richmond-Colonel Hebert in Command-Orders
to March-A Brilliant Winter Picture from Nature —" Ducking "-Rare
Sport-Re-enlistment,.                                           115
CHAPTER XVI.
The Early Spring Campaign —Price's Retreat-The Regiment on the Road
-The Enthusiasm of the Pelican Rifles and Iberville Greys-Scenes of
Terror-Confidence in the Louisianians' Gallantry —The Skirmish-Retrcat —A Night at Cross Hollows-Suffering-General McCulloch Arrives-His Reception —Destruction of Camp Benjamin-Fayetteville —
Terrible Pictures of War-The Conflagration —The Third Louisiana
Infantry the Rear-Guard-Their Spirit —Punishing Cowardice-. February 22d, 1863 —Endurance,.                                      123




Xvi                          CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XVII.
Baston Mountain-The Cavalry Raid-Plenty and Rest-Prisoners-MajorGeneral Earl Van Dorn —The Advance-Captures-Rapid MarchingSiegel Almost Surprised —A Sharp Skirmish-Siegel Escapes-The Eve
of Battle —General B. McCulloch.. 128
CHAPTER XVIII.
Elk Horn Tavern-A Brilliant Cavalry Charge-The Indians-" No More
Boom " —Going Into Battle —Desperate Fighting —Battery CapturedSurrounded-The Enemy's Cavalry Punished-Generals McCulloch and
McIntosh Killed-Grief of the Louisianians-Colonel Hebert, Major Tunnard, and other Officers Prisoners —Our Losses-Join General Price —
His Success-Sergeant W. Kinney's Account of the Battle-Captain
Gilmore's Report-" Who was Captain Gilmore's Body Servant,".. 132
CHAPTER XIX.
The Retreat-Not Whipped —Starvation-Horrors of the Retreat-Captain
Goode-Our Officers Exchanged-Their Reception at Camp PoteauGeneral E. Van Dorn's Official R6port-A Sketch of General McCulloch
-Attack on His Operations by J. W. Tucker-McCulloch's Reply in the
Richmond Whig-His Popularity,..144
CHAPTER XX.
The March Eastward-Death of lieutenant T. R. Brunat-Abandonment of
Arkansas-Sickness-A Mournful Burial-Departure from Little RockArrival at Memphis, Tennessee-The Departure - Ovation-Arrival at
Corinth, Mississippi,....161
CHAPTER XXI.
Events at Corinth-Excitement-Picketing-Reorganization-Dissatisfaction-Fight at Farmington-Field-Officers: Colonel Frank C. Armstrong,
Lieutenant-Colonel J. B. Gilmore, Major Sam. D. Russell-Skirmishing-The Rifled Battery-A Stampede-" Who Ran?" - Betrayed-A
Prisoner-Manceuvering-Retreat from Corinth-Rain-Mud,. 165
CHA.PTER XXII.
Tupelo, Mississippi-General L. Hebert-Furloughs-Well-Digging-RoadBuilding-Reviews-Our Flag-Enthusiasm Over Victories-Colonel F.
C. Armstrong's Farewell-Bathing-Colonel Gilmore's Sorrel PonyChanging Camp-Hebert's Brigade-Scarcity of Provisions-Trouble —
Camp Sattillo-Guard-lMounting-Preaching-The "Owls" in CampThe "Peach Cobbler" - The Colonel's " Owl"  The Colonel's Artillery,... 173




CONTENTS.                          Xvii
CHAPTER XXIII.
The Advance Eastward-Arrival at Baldwin, Mississippi-SkirmishingBuilding Railroad-Proximity of the Yankees-Advance on Iuka-Its
Capture —Immense Quantity of Stores-The "Rebels" Enjoy Themselves-Feast and Fun —Picketing —Enemies-Hebert's Brigade —The
Battle of Iuka-Terrific and Deadly Fighting-The Third Regiment
Almost Annihilated-Captain W. Kinney's Report-Doctor L. P. Blackburn's Report —The Retreat-Getting the Trains in Motion-General
Price Profane-The Loss of the Flag,....               180
CHAPTER XXIV.
The Retreat to Baldwin, Mississippi-Kindness of the Ladies-Mrs. Bclcher-March Westward-Junction with General Van Dorn's Forces-The
Battle of Corinth —Success - Defeat-Desperate Contest-HeroismAlmost Surrounded-A Narrow Escape-Arrival at Holley Springs, Mississippi-Terrible Condition of the Army-Major Tunnard ArrivesMajor-Generals Van Dorn and Price's Reports,..    190
CHAPTER XXV.
Camp Rogers, Mississippi-Third Brigade, Maury's Division —Winter and
Want-The Mississippians-Division Review- Chivalry and BeautyMarching Orders —Sufferings-The Texans Remount-The Ruse for
Shelter-Colonel Witherspoon's Message-Defiance and Excitement-The
Retreat-Camp near Abbeville, Mississippi,.                   210
CHAPTER XXVI.
The Tallahatchie Breastworks-The Planter's Swine-Return of Lieutenant
Washburn-A Visit from Major Tunnard-Saluting the Bugle —The
Enemy Once More-Retreat-Warlike Scenes-Oxford, Grenada —Flank
Attack - Oakland - Yankees Punished - The Ambuscade - President
Davis and General Joe Johnston-The Review,....     214
CHAPTER XXVII.
The March to Yazoo City-Down the Yazoo-Snyder Bluff-Defences —
The Country —In the Breastworks —Operations Around the Hill CityThunder of Artillery-Review-Election-Captain C. A. Brusld on General Hebert's Staff-Excitemeut —The Gun-Boat-Volunteers to Capture
it-Execution of a Deserter —Fort Pemberton-New Uniforms —Marching Orders-Deer Creek Expedition-General Stephen D. Lee-The DewDrop-A Storm-Hilarity-A Novel Expedition-In the Swamp —Transporting Provisions-General Hebert Inquisitive-The Enemy RetreatReturn to Snyder Bluff-Gun-Boats Scouting-Disaster to the RaftGrand Levee Cut-General D. H. Maury's Departure - Scenes at Vicksburg-Our Quarters-The Attack-Skillful Artillery Shooting-Punishing,
Yankee Incendiaries -- A Lively Skirmish - Lieutenant Cottingham




Xviii                        CONTENTS.
Wounded-A Daring Feat —Mortar Shells-Preparations to Evacuate
— The Enemy's Victories - Incidents - Supplied-" Themere Meliteca"
Caught in the Act-Prize Fighting,..                           217
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Abandonment of Snyder's Bluff-Ruin and Destruction-May 17th, 1863 —
May 18th-The Position of the Third Louisiana Infantry-General lHebert's Address - The Response-The Siege of Vicksburg Begun -- The
Surrender - Charge and Repulse -- Caves -- Women and Children"' Shanghai's " Visit-Mining - Captain Gallagher and the Yankee Officer-Flag of Truce-Gun-Boat Sunk-Enfield Rifles-Yankees Curse Eng -
land-Rations Reduced-Suffering-Fire-The Spirit of the Third Regiment-Starvation-The Movable Breastwork-A Novel Destructive Missile-It Succeeds-Excitement-Rain-The Mortar,.              235
CHAPTER XXIX.
The Twenty-eighth Day-Close Shooting-The Charge-Defeat-Proximity of the Lines-The VicksburgW/Whig-The Rations-A Terrific Cannonade-A Panoramic View-A Death Scene-Amide Hebert-The Texans
Gallantry-The 100-Pounder Parrott-Horrors of War —The Explosion
of June 25th-The Third Lousiana Regiment Blown Up-Their Gallantry
-A Fierce Hand-to-hand Struggle - Hand Grenades - The Sixth Missouri Infantry "to the Rescue "-Death of Colonel Irwin, Grandson of
Henry Clay-Scenes in the City-The Soldier's Reverie-Firing on the
Catholics on Sunday-Eating Mule Flesh-Rats for Breakfast-Delicious
Fare —Undermining Again-The Shadow of Defeat —The Hospitals-The
Soldier's Burial, July 1st, 1863-The Second Explosion-Horrible I)estruction of Life-The Missourians again Sustain the Undismayed Louisianians-Scenes at the Hospitals-A Gloomy Picture-Famine,.. 252
CHAPTER XXX.
The Surrender-Indignation-July4th, 1863-Yankee Sympathy-Speculation-Heroic Women-Hospitals —'.' Contrabands"-General J. C. Pemberton-After the Surrender-Paroles-A Strange Spectacle-" Home"Departure-Demoralization - Free - Incidents - The Cob-Wagon and
Mortar Shell-The Rules of Civilized Warfare-The Wounded Shirt-The
Last Meal-" I Want Ter Go Home"-" Simon says, Wiggle Waggle"How a Commissary was done for —The Midnight Raid-Cabbaging Cabbage-Running the Gauntlet,. 270
CHAPTER XXXI.
Songs: " Our Flag "-" A Life on the Vicksburg Hills "-" Do They Miss
Me in the Trench?'? —" The Rainbow of Hope" - General F C. Armstrong's Letter-Doctor W. A. Moss-Doctor P. F. Whitehead,. 298




CONTENTS.                           Xix
CHAPTER XXXII.
EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI.
The Returned Veteran —Freedom —Home-Rest,..... 299
CHAPTER XXXIII.
Furloughs Expired-Camp near Demopolis, Alabama-Idleness-The Expedition-Lost on the Tombigbee River-The Flag from General D. H.
Maury-Enterprise, Mississippi-The Camp-" Paw like a Goat"-Obeying Orders-The Conflagration-Departure for Trans-Mississippi Department-Exchange-Consolidation-The Twenty-Second Louisiana Infantry, Company "H " —Mobile, Alabama-An Incident,                3. 00
CHAPTER XXXIV.
WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI.
The Blockade Runners-Success-A Weary March-Patriotism  at Harrisonburg, Louisiana-Alexandria, Louisiana-Hospitality of Rev. W. E. M.
Linfeld,..308
CHAPTER  XXXV.
The Parole Camp-Transportation -The Deserted Plantation —Sugar-Cane
-Scouting-A Rough Ride to Natchitoches-Grand Ecore-A Home at
Mrs. L. L. McLauren's-The Hostess-Pleasant and Halcyon Days —)octor W. B. Butler-The Birthday Dinner-The Dying Year.-Governor H.
W. Allen-The Holidays-The " Home Circle" on Tiger Island,.. 310
CHAPTER XXXVI.
Camp at Grand Ecore-The Farewell Kiss-The Third Regiment Louisiana
Infantry Assemble-Dress Parade —The Orders-The Country FrolicInterruption-".All Right "-Pay-Furloughs-Indignation-Oblivion,. 315
CHAPTER -XXXVII.
Camp near Pineville, Louisiana-The Louisiana Brigade-ItsMorale-Quietude-Exchange-Organization of the Third Louisiana Infantry-Activity-Military Executions-The Ladies of New Orleans and the Confederate Prisoners-General Polignac's Troops-A Visit from Captains Gallagher and Charles.A. Brusle.......  318
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
Ho! For Shreveport-The "Lelia"-Arrival at Grand Ecore-A Warm
Welcome-Generosity of Prudhomme Hyams - Arrival at "Lac des
Meures" Plantation-Colonel S. M.- Hyams's Generosity and HospitalityCaptain Isaacson a Prisoner - The Barbecue - "Farewell" -IUp the
River,.... 323




XX                           CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
Camp "Boggs " —Shreveport-Provost Guard-Details-Conscripts-Frost
-Concert-Governor H.W. Allen's Generosity to the Regiment-Reconstruction-Dissatisfaction-Desertions-Sufferings at Soldiers' Homes,. 326
CHAPTER XL.
The Holidays-Christmas Dinner in Camp-Festivities in ShreveportClothing at Last-Forney's Review-The Third Regiment Louisiana Infantry Honored-The Sham Battle-Reception of the Third Regiment —
General Forney Introduces them to his Division-Speeches —Good Cheer
-The Flag of the Regiment-Robberies in Shreveport-Arrival of Yankee Commissioners-Aspect of Camp-The Regiment Protects Shreveport
from Destruction, May 17th, 1865-The Missourians-Indignation-Disbanding-Farewell of the Veterans-Scenes of Destruction-The Last of
the Regiment-Darkness and Gloom,..... 831
CHAPTER XLI.
Scenes from Camp Life at Camp Boggs-Music-Preaching-The Storm"Here's Your Honey" - Our Quarters - Our Southern Women - Unmarked Graves-The Personne of the Regiment -How They Accept the
Situation,...........        339
Rolls of the Companies,.....351
Appendix,......... 395




A SOUTHERN RECORD.
CHAPTER I.
TRUTHFULNESS is the gem which gives to History its greatest
charm; the golden light which adorns it with mellow rays for all
coming time.  Hence in making History by our own deeds, or
writing them for present and future ages, we should adhere strictly
to the promulgation of facts alone. It is a lamentable circumstance
that deep-seated, ineradicable prejudices have been ingrafted into
every published record which has been given to the public concerning the late struggle. Men must be governed by fixed principles,
must adhere to cherished thoughts and feelings, and hence act, speak
and write in conformity with these controlling influences. Thus the
Northern mind thinks of the war as a gigantic rebellion to destroy
the American Government, while the South conceived it to be a
struggle for the preservation of constitutional freedom and their
peculiar institutions. No one at the present time can properly determine the truth. Justice, with her nicely-balanced scales, must wait
for historians of the next century to properly weigh facts, in order
to discriminate between the North and South, and give to the world
a correct record of events connected with this gigantic internecine
strife. Fanaticism, that foul demon of discord and strife, first reared
its hydra-head among the mountains and hills of New England.
From an insignificant birth, it grew in strength and power until its
influence extended over the whole North. The first aim and object
of this foul spirit was the eradication of slavery on this continent,
an interference with the peculiar institutions of one section by the
powerful arm of the opposing section. In opposition to fanaticism
grew up an equally malignant spirit in the South. As years passed
by, feelings of hatred and enmity first engendered, grew in intensity
and bitterness until all compromise was rejected and the sword was
unsheathed to settle the differences which existed. Of the opening
acts of the war it is needless to write. They are known by every
man, woman and child in the land, and are engraven in characters




22                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
of living light upon millions of throbbing hearts. After the election
of Abraham Lincoln by a sectional minority, the Southern States,
commencing with South Carolina, one by one severed the chains
which had bound them in loving ties to the General Government.
Banished was the starry flag which had floated so proudly over a
great and powerful nation, forgotten were the wise teachings of a
Washington, when fanatical hate, marshaling its hosts, was confronted by a spirit of stern and uncompromising resistance. Human
thought fails to express, in its conception of material objects, and
their concomitant surroundings, the' magnitude of this struggle.
Neither can human mind place the blame where it justly belongs,
without introducing amid its conceptions prejudices which, expressed, would destroy its reliability. Hence we infinitely prefer
that others discuss this question pro and con, rather than make
it a subject of conjecture and speculation in the pages of this
volume.
rn December, 1860, the General Assembly of'Louisiana met in extraordinary session in obedience to the call of the Governor, Thomas
0. Moore. After a short session acts were passed for the organization of the militia, in view of the threatening aspect of affairs between the General Government and the Southern States, and also for
a convention of representatives from the people, to assemble January
23, 1861, to determine the future course and policy of Louisiana.
At this time there was a state of feverish excitement all over the
land. South Carolina had already taken the initiative, and severed
her connection with the Federal Union, and State conventions had
been called in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, and Georgia.
Previous to the assembling of the Louisiana Convention, on January
12, 1861, the United States Arsenal and Barracks at Baton Rouge
were taken formal possession of by the State authorities, being surrendered to Gov. Moore by the officer then in command, Maj. Haskin,
of the U. S. Army. This important event was achieved without
bloodshed, although accomplished amid intense- excitement. This
victory, so important, was gained through the instrumentality of a
battalion from New Orleans under command of J. B. Walton, composed of the Crescent City Rifles, Chasseurs-a-Pied, Louisiana Guards,
Washington Artillery, Orleans Cadets, Sarsfield Rifles, and Louisiana
Grays, with a Grosse T6te Company, Delta Rifles, Pelican Rifles,
National Guards, and Creole Guards of Baton'Rouge.  By this
prompt action of seizure, an immense quantity of arms, artillery,
and munitions of war of every description, fell into the possession
of the State. On the 23d of January, 1861, the Convention as



THIRD LOUISIANA  INFANTRY.                    28
sembled, and after four days' deliberation passed the ordinance of
secession, with nearly a unanimous vote. As elsewhere, the action
of this body was received with the wildest enthusiasm, and the
State flag everywhere floated in the breeze. The whole State and
land were turned from peaceful pursuits into preparations for the expected fierce, bloody, and deadly struggle.
The arms captured at the arsenal were rapidly distributed to the
volunteer organizations, and forwarded to the forts and troops elsewhere. At Pensacola, Fla., and Charleston, S. C., the opposing forces
confronted each other, both parties preparing for the coming strife,
February 9th, 1861. At Montgomery, Ala., was formed the Provisional Government of the Confederate States, by South Carolina,
Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Louisiana, a constellation
around which clustered in radiant beauty nearly all the remainder
of the Southern States.  Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi, was chosen
President, and Alexander HE. Stephens, of Georgia, Vice-President.
After the  organization  of the  Confederate Government, scenes
(familiar now as household words) full of excitement followed each
other in rapid succession. All. attempts to settle the sectional difficulties and differences on some peaceable basis were rejected by the
Federal Government, until they at last culminated, on April 12th,
1861, into an open rupture.  The U. S. Government then attempted
to convey reinforcements and supplies into Fort Sumter, off Charleston, S. C. The attempt was frustrated by the batteries under General
Beauregard opening fire on the approaching vessel, and preventing
her entrance. A fierce conflict took place between Fort Sumter
and the Confederate States batteries. Thus the gun that bellowed
out its hoarse thunder across the waters of Charleston harbor, proclaimed the momentous fact that war had actually begun.  Peaceful
arbitration was a failure, now that the sword must determine the
issue.
In obedience to instructions from  Governor Moore, the Pelican
Rifles* of Baton Rouge (organized Noveember 25th, 1859, and of
which the author was a member) entered upon garrison duty in the
barracks, having already offered their services to the. State.  At this
* This company was organized during the excitement occasioned by the raid
of John Brown into Virginia, and in anticipation of a general insurrection
throughoutthe Southern States. Theirhbanner was manufactured out of rich
blue silk and the most costly trimmings. On one side was painted the seal of
the State, and on the reverse side the motto "Southern Rights Inviolate,"
surrounded with a golden wreath, thus proclaiming it the first Southern rights
flagr unfurled in Louisiana.




24                  A SOUTHERN RECORD.
time nearly every steamer going down the Mississippi River wa.
loaded with volunteer companies hastening to New Orleans preparatory to being organized into regiments for muster into the Confeder.
ate service. Impatiently already organized companies waited fol
the call which would permit them to hasten to the seat of war. It
came at last, in the following proclamation of the Governor:
"HEADQUARTERS LOUISIANA MILITIA,
Adjutant- General's Office, N. O., April 2t,1861. 
"The President of the Confederate States having made a requisition upon the Governor of Louisiana for five thousand infantry to
serve for twelve months, unless sooner discharged, (this force being in
addition to the three thousand already called for,) I, Thomas 0.
Moore, Governor of the State of Louisiana, do hereby proclaim that
volunteers will be received in accordance with the requisition of the
President of the Confederate States, each company to be composed
of not less than sixty-four privates, four sergeants, four corporals,
one captain, one first lieutenant and one second lieutenant. Volunteers will be received by companies, battalions or regiments. Those
offering will address Adjutant-General M. Grivot, at New Orleans,
stating the force of their command, will remain in the parish in
which they form, perfect themselves in drill, etc., and hold themselves in readiness at a moment's notice, subject to the orders of'the
Governor. The Governor appeals to the patriotic citizens of this
State to respond to this proclamation for the protection of the rights
of the State. By order of
"THOMAS O. MOORE,
"Governor and Commander-in- Chief.
"M. GRIvOT, Adjutant and Inspector- General, La."
The above order was promptly and eagerly responded to, and the
question was not who shall go, but rather who will remain at home.
Creole and American, Celt and Gaul, old and young, rich and poor,
all were ready for the fray. Southern blood had already been shed,
and Southern hearts grew strong in defence of their homes and firesides, which sheltered the. dear ones. Among the first companies
who responded to the proclamation of the Governor was the Pelican
Rifles of Baton Rouge. Its departure was marked by one of those
indescribable scenes which were just at this period so numerous in
the land, and which each survivor of our early volunteers remembers as if emblazoned in the heavens in characters of living light.
What one among the thousands who then went forth to peril life and




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                 25
limbs in defence of cherished principles, does not remember the last
farewell of loved ones, the clasp of soft arms around manly forms,
the unspeakable eloquence of tearful eyes, the hopeless despair of
whose glance followed him through long and weary campaigns, and
came back to memory amid the din, uproar, and carnage of battle?
Yet there was no flinching in those loving hearts, no appeals to
remain, and Omnipotence alone could note the wild agony ~of the
loved hnes, as, with warm kisses and cheerful words, they bade sons,
husbands, brothers and fathers go forth to the defence of their own
sunny land. Such scenes may well become a part of history, for they
exhibit the deep patriotism which actuates the human heart in the
hour of peril to the land we love.
On the broad stream of the turbid Mississippi-away from homes,
from friends-parted, "it may be for years, it may be forever;"
mingling with like brave spirits actuated by the same feelings of
patriotic devotion to country and principle. In New Orleans at last;
— the great throbbing commercial emporium  of, the State and the
South, swelling the list of companies already present. All is bustle
and activity. Ladies in countless numbers throng the galleries, and
strong-hearted men crowd the banqfiets to greet with smile and cheer
each organization as it marches with steady tread over the paved
streets.
The spot selected as a place of encampment for the rapidly arriving
volunteers is known as the Metairie Course, then called Camp Walker.
Some of the companies which were to form part of the Third
Regiment Louisiana Infantry had already arrived, and others on
the way when we reached the camp. What a scene for one unaccustomed to witness a regular encampment! In the early part of May
upward of 3,000 troops were present, and still rapidly arriving. It
was a somewhat different affair from holiday soldiering at home.
The enforcement of strict and rigid military discipline, the daily
compulsory drill, guard mounting and duty, caused many a hightoned and independent spirit to rebel against restrictions upon personal liberty. Yet the -duties imposed were bravely, and at last
cheerfully, discharged. It was a spectacle both strange and new to
see young men, reared amid the luxuries and comforts at home, whose
fair faces and white hands had never been' soiled by contact with
work, doing soldier duty, bending over the camp-fire, preparing
meals or boiling coffee, tears streaming from their eyes, caused by villainous smoke from these same camp-fires, caiTying wood and water,
and when the day's duties were completed, lying down'upon a board
or the bareground with knapsack or billet of wood for a pillow,
2




26                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
and a single blanket for a covering. Without doubt visions of soft
beds and downy pillows haunted the young soldier's first dreams in
camp. The companies present were immediately organized into
regiments, preparatory to being mustered into the Confederate States
service and proceeding to the seat of war.




CHAPTER II.
IN May, 1861, the Third Regiment, Louisiana Infantry, was organized by the selection of the following officers: Colonel, Louis
Hebert; Lieutenant-Colonel, S. M. Hyams, Sr., of Natchitoches;
Major, W. F. Tunnard, of Baton Rouge.
FIELD AND STAFF.-Quartermaster, Theodore Johnson, Iberville;
Commissary, T. L. Maxwell; Surgeon, -     Bridelove; Chaplain,
Rev. P. F. Dicharry; Adjutant-Lieutenant, J. Harvey Brigham.
The regiment was composed of the following companies:
Company "A," Iberville Greys: Captain, Charles A. Brusl6; First
Lieutenant, T. C. Brown; Second Lieutenant, T. G. Stringer; Second
Lieutenant, Jr., T. R. Verbois; Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates, 87 strong.
Company "B," Morehouse Guards: Captain, R. Ml. Hinson; First
Lieutenant, W. S. Hall; Second Lieutenant, D. C. Morgan; Second
Lieutenant, Jr., J. H. Brigham; Non-Commissioned Officers and
Privates, 124 strong.
Company "'C," Winn Rifles: Captain, David Pierson; First
Lieutenant, Asa Emanuel; Second Lieutenant, William Strother;
Second Lieutenant, Jr., W. C. Lurry; Non-Commissioned Officers
and Privates, 89 strong.
Company "D," Pelican Rangers, No. 2: Captain, J. D. Blair;
First Lieutenant, S. D. Russell; Second Lieutenant, W. E. Russell;
Second Lieutenant, Jr., S. A. Hyams, Jr.; Non-Commissioned Officers. and Privates, 77 strong.
Company "E," Morehouse Fencibles: Captain, J. F. Harris; First
Leiutenant, P. C. Brigham; Second Lieutenant, P. Brooks; Second
Lieutenant, Jr., W. D. Brigham; Non-Commissioned Officers and
Privates, 78 strong.
Company." F," Shreveport Rangers: Captain, J. B. Gilmore; First
Lieutenant, W. A. Lacey; Second Lieutenant, O. J. Wells; Second




28                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
Lieutenant, Jr., A. Jewell; Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates,
115 strong.
Company " G," Pelican Rangers, No. 1: Captain, W. W. Brezeale;
First Lieutenant, W. O. Brezeale; Second Lieutenant, G. W. Halloway; Second Lieutenant, Jr., L. Caspari; Non-Commissioned Officers aind Privates, 157 strong.
Company " H," Monticello Rifles: Captain, J. S. Richards; First
Lieutenant, W. D. Hardiman; Second Lieutenant; W. H. Corbin;
Second Lieutenant, Jr., Cy. A. Hedrick; Non-Commissioned Officers
and Privates, 107 strong.
Company "I," Caldwell Guards: Captain, W. S. Gunnell; First
Lieutenant, J. C. Evans; Second Lieutenant, L. B. Fluitt; Second
Lieutenant, Jr., T. J. Humble; Non-Commissioned Officers and
Privates, 116 strong.
Company "K," Pelican Rifles: Captain, John P. Viglini; First
Lieutenant, John B. Irvin; Second Lieutenant, F. D. Tunnard;
Second Lieutenant, Jr., F. R. Brunot; Non-Commissioned Officers
and Privates, 87 strong.
Total strength of the Regiment: Field Officers, 8; Line Officers,
40; Non-Commissioned Officers, 92; Privates, 945.  Grand total, 1085.
The various companies were mustered into the State service in
April and May, and the Regiment was formally received into the
Confederate service on the 17th day of May, 1861.
This body of stalwart men were from the country parishes, represented as follows: Company "A," Plaquemine; Companies "B" and
E," Morehouse; Company "C," Winn; Companies "D" and
G," Natchitoches; Company "F," Caddo; Company "H," Carroll; Company "I," Caldwell; and Company "K,'" East Baton
Rouge.
This Regiment, numbering 1085 men, were the bone and sinew,
some of the choicest spirits fiom the parishes which they represented,
mostly young men, with the glow of health upon their features and
the fire of a patriotic devotion and enthusiasm sparkling in their
clear eyes; men who went forth actuated by a firm conviction of
right, earnest adherents to principle; whose brave spirits met the
issue squarely, and would not quail or flinchwhen the day of danger
and trial arrived. Strange as it may seem, this organization of
robust young men were commanded by field officers whose heads
were streaked with gray-men of age and experience.
General Louis Hebert was born in the parish of Iberville, La.,
March 138, 1820. He graduated at Jefferson College, St. James' Parish,




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                  29
La., December 10, 1840; entered West Point as a cadet in June,
1841,- and graduated third in his class, in all his studies, on June 19,
1845. He was appointed Brevet Second Lieutenant in the Corps'of
Engineers, U. S. A., and served as such until February, 1846, when,
on account of sickness in his family, he resigned from the army to
superintend his father's affairs.
In 1853 General Hebert was elected State Senator, from the senatorial district then composed of the parishes of West Baton Rouge
and Iberville, for a term of four years, but only served in the session of 1854 and 1855. During the session of 1855 he was appointed
and confirmed State Engineer, which office he accepted, and resigned
his Senatorship.  He continued State Engineer (being repeatedly
re-appointed) until the office was abolished in 1859. In 1860 he
was elected a member of the Board of Public Works of the State;
but the Board was abolished by the Legislature in 1861. From
1856 to 1861, General Hebert held the commission of Colonel of
Militia of East Baton Rouge. Such is the brief outline of the history of the first colonel of the Third Louisiana Infantry. After the
fall of Vicksburg, General Hebert was stationed at Wilmington,
N. C., where he constructed fortifications which exhibited his splendid talents for engineering, an occupation in which he was skilled,
and for which he was pre-eminently fitted by education.
As an officer, he was a strict disciplinarian, punctilious in enforcing a rigid adherence to all orders; as a man, he was genial and
kind in manner and conversation. The old members of the Third
Regiment may remember now how exacting the Colonel was in
demanding a ready and close adherance to his orders, and how they
writhed under the rule of his iron hand. Yet, after all, the Colonel
became a great favorite with the Regiment, which manifested its
feelings on every favorable opportunity. As the leader of a regiment or the commander of a brigade, General Hebert was cool, and
exhibited his military training and education.
Lieutenant-Colonel S. M. Hyams, of Natchitoches, was born in
Charleston, S. C., September 16, 1813, and was a student at Chlarleston College under President Adams. He came to New Orleans in
1830, and was a student at Centenary College, Jackson, up to 1834.
Went to Natchitoches in 1834 and returned to New Orleans the succeeding year. He held the office successively as U. S. Deputy
Surveyor and Clerk of the District Court, Natchitoches. In 1846,
on the call of Governor Johnson for six months' men to serve in
Mlexico, he raised a company, and was Captain in the Fifth Regiment, Louisiana Volunteers, but was mustered out the same year




30                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
with his regiment and returned home. He was then elected Sheriff,
which office he filled for six years, and was afterward U. S. Marshal,
Western District of Louisiana, and Register of the Land Office.
He brought to New Orleans a company of fine men, showing cowr
elusively the confidence reposed in his ability as a tactician and
soldier. His military experience needed no better recommendation
than the fact that he was chosen as captain of Company " G."
As a man, Colonel Hyams is hospitable to a fault. Both lawyer
and planter, his name is known far and near for his generosity and
affability. Often have we known the Colonel to forget his position
and ranl in his feelings as a man. His men were always pleasantly
welcomed to his quarters. Though almost a confirmed cripple from
the rheumatism, the Colonel exhibited his devotion to his country
by thus braving the hardships of a soldier's life while subject to an
almost incurable disease. We never think of Lieutenant-Colonel
Hyams but what the heart grows warm with eloquent feelings.
Major W. F. Tunnard, a native of New York, born in N. Y. City
on June 17, 1809, came to the South many years ago, and was identified with it in heart, feeling and principle. A mechanic by trade,
he built up a fortune and reputation by close application to business,
gaining an enviable reputation for fairness and truthfulness in all
his business relations. Of untiring energy, activity and perseverance, firm  and resolute in his views and plans, unbending in his
prejudices and determination, of iron nerve and great activity, he
linked his fortunes to the young Confederacy, and went forth to
battle in defence of his home and the land of his choice. He gathered about him the flower of Baton Rouge, the choice spirits of
the city, mostly young men just entering the threshold of manhood.
Devotedly attached to military pursuits, with years of experience as
a tactician, he was eminently fitted to command. His voice was
trumpet-toned, clear and distinct. As a soldier and commander,
Major Tunnard was beloved by the whole Regiment, among the
survivors of which are now some of his warmest friends. He was
a strict disciplinarian, but when released from his position as commander, mingled freely with the men, often joining in their sports
and games. Like Colonel Hyams, he left family and business behind him, and, with his sons, joined the early volunteers. Colonel
Hyams had three sons in the Regiment and Major Tunnard two.
Under men of years and experience such as these, was the Third
Regiment organized for active service.
On the 7th of May there was a grand review of all the troops in
Camp Walker by Governor Moore and staff. The affair was grand




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                  31
and imposing at this early date, and attracted an immense concourse
of people, the majority of whom were our fair Southern ladies,
always present with their bright smiles and cheering words to
encourage the young volunteers. Among the participants in this
were the following companies, afterward belonging to the Third
Regiment: A, C, D, F, G, I and K. The men at this period were
becoming initiated into the mysteries of camp life, and accustomed
to its daily routine, which were by no means light. At early dawn
the reveille roused them from slumber. Roll being called, the companies were dismissed to put their quarters in order. Breakfast at 6
o'clock A. M. In the mean time ten men from each company were
detailed to serve in the main guard, to enforce discipline and guard
the camp. A police guard was also appointed, who cleaned up all
dirt and filth about the tents, brought water for the company, wood
for the cooks, and, in fact, kept everything in order and cleanliness.
During the afternoon, squad drills. Who does not remember those
squad drills, and the double-quick around the race-track? The boys
became equal to racers. Living on a race-course made the disease
for running contagious.  At sundown, company muster for roll-call
and supper. Tattoo at 9 o'clock P. M., when the men retired to
their respective tents; fifteen minutes later, three taps of the drum
compelled every light to be extinguished, and the camp was in darkness and quietude. These duties were conducted with regularity
and precision, and performed with a promptitudd and cheerfulness
surprising in men who had never known restraint, and were fresh from
the luxuries and pleasures of home. Everything necessary for the
comfort and convenience of the troops was furnished, and laugh,
jest and song attested the general satisfaction and good feeling of
the men.
On the 17th of May, 1861, the Third Regiment was mustered into
the Confederate service, by Lieutenant Pfiffer, and shortly afterward
receiving marching orders, prepared to leave for a field of active
service. All was bustle and confusion, and the men were in high
spirits, full of enthusiasm and jovialityat the prospect of the change.
To them anything seemed preferable to a longer stay in the low,
marshy grounds of Camp Walker, with its myriads of mosquitoes
and other inconveniences.  At 4 P. M., May 20th, the regiment
formed and took up the line of march for the river. There is something solemn yet soul-stirring in the solid tramp of a large body of
armed men, as they depart for some scene of deadly strife, with
ensigns fluttering in the breeze, and the strains of martial music or
the roll of the stirring drum. From Camp Walker the march of the




32                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
regiment was one grand ovation, the balconies of the houses, banquets and streets being crowded with countless thousands of men,
women and children, bidding the brave boys farewell. Many knew
that it was a last farewell to the enthusiastic and noble soldiers of
this command, and they duly appreciated the heartfelt expressions
of sympathy showered upon them, and the emotion manifested upon
many fair and lovely faces. As the regiment passed down Canal
Street, a gentleman remarked: " There goes a body of men who
will make their mark on the battle-field." Let history prove the
correctness of this spontaneous sentiment. On the arrival of the
regiment at the river, they were marched on board the steamers
Arkansas, Arkansaw, Indian No. 2 and Countess, their destination
being announced as Fort Smith, to aid in checking a threatened
invasion of our Western border. This announcement was a sad blow
to the expectations of a large mass of the regiment, as they anticipated being ordered to Virginia. " Man proposes, but God disposes."
At 9 P. M. the regiment cheered its last adieu to New Orleans. The
next evening the boats arrived at Baton Rouge. It having been
telegraphed from New Orleans that the regiment would reach Baton
Rouge early on the 21st, the population turned out en masse to give
them a reception and take a last farewell of Company K, Pelican
Rifles. The Arkansas having on board the Monticello and Pelican
Rifles and Iberville Greys alone, touched at the landing, and a half
hour was given the members of Company K to bid a final adieu to
friends and relatives. The landing was packed to its utmost capacity with citizens of both sexes; the scene that ensued beggars all
description. Language grows weak and impotent in the attempt to
portray these early parting scenes of the war.' The warm embrace,
the streaming eyes, agonizing expressions of sorrow, loving words
of cheer and advice, the whispered prayers for the loved ones' safety,
the tokens of love and remembrance are memories as ineffaceable as the.
footprints of time. Regardless in the abandonment of the excitement and deep feelings of the moment, the members of the different
companies were seized by the ladies, kissed and embraced indiscriminately. Those soft, encircling arms, and the warm pressure of loving
lips, lingers with the soldier to his dying hour, and often comes back
with irrepressible influence to the hearts of those who survive the
dread carnage of battling hosts. Many a sly joke and rich story did
the members of Companies A and H have to relate concerning their
reception at Baton. Rouge. Fair countrywomen-!'twas but the
expression of your woman's sympathy, deep affection and abiding
hope, in the cause which your loved ones had espoused. Tuesday,




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                33
May 21st, will long be remembered by those who participated in
those parting scenes. Many of those warmly throbbinghearts'now
mouldering lie'neath the green sod of distant States in the soldier's
humble grave, but the survivors cherish the memory of those by-gone
scenes with deep reverence and holy affection. At the expiration of
the given time the men promptly returned to the boat and cheered
their adieu. As the steamers passed up the river, an innumerable
number and variety of fire-works were discharged, presenting a
beautiful and exciting spectacle, the farewell offering of a large number of patriotic ladies who had collected for this purpose. Scenes
similar to this occurred at Plaquemine Lake, Providence, whereever the regiment had friends and relatives, while the river banks at
every plantation, hamlet, city and village poured forth their inhabitants to wave an adieu to the men. Such enthusiasm, unanimity of
sentiment and feeling, was never before known and exhibited. On
the 23d the boats landed opposite Vicksburg to await the arrival of
Colonel Hebert, who had been detained in New Orleans. The next
day left this city and proceeded up the river. Again a halt was
made at Napoleon, in expectation of the arrival of the Colonel. Up
to this period little had occurred to mar the hilarious spirits and
reckless joviality of the men. Several men had died on the trip,
the joint effects of a change of diet and manner of living. Here
occurred the first funeral of the regiment, being the burial of one of
the members of Company F, private Thomas ID. Smith. As the sad
and silent procession followed a comrade in arms to his final restingplace, gloomy thoughts arose in many a manly bosom. How mournful thus to die among rough but sympathizing comrades, with no
soft hand to wipe the death-damp from the clammy brow, no loved
voice to whisper words of hope and consolation to the departing
spirit! Yet such was " the beginning of the end " to many a sorrowful scene through which the soldier is destined to pass. Now scenes
of suffering and death have not blunted the feelings or familiarized
the mind with human agony, and the heart must needs go out in
tender sympathy toward the far-distant relatives of the buried
volunteer.
"WAS IT THE SERGEANT OR CAPTAIN?
When, the regiment left New Orleans, on board the steamer
Countess were Companies F, G and D, commanded by Lieutenant
Colonel S. 3I. Hyams, Lieutenant A. W. Jewell, appointed Adjutant,
and Sergeant, Kinney, Sergeant-Major of the detachment. "This
was our first starting out in search of war," says the narrator, " and
2*




34                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
to illustrate how much we knew of military matters, I will relate the
following circumstance. The boat on which we were, the Countess,
as stated, had on board three companies. We had our regular guard,
officer of the day, officer of the guard, and guard mounting every
morning. One evening, not long after leaving New Orleans, Captain
Gilmore (afterward Colonel) made the following remarks to his
Orderly Sergeant:
" Sergeant, you have put all the company on guard now, and I
think it is about time you were going on guard yourself."
" Very well, Sir," replied the Orderly, who went and seized a gun,
relieved the man on duty, and stood guard there all night, no one
coming to relieve him. In the morning the Lieutenant of the-Guard
asked the Sergeant if he was Orderly of Company F? The Sergeant
replied, "Yes, Sir."
"How comes it, then," inquired the Lieut.,  "that you are on guard?'
"Why," replied the Sergeant, "the Captain ordered me to stand
guard."
"But the Captain has no right to order you on guard," and with
this remark the Lieutenant turned on his heel and left, laughing
heartily. The Orderly goes up stairs, went into the cabin, rushes up
to his Captain, who was reading a-paper, and very quietly remarked:
" Captain, you have no right to put me on guard."
" I have, Sir," said the Captain, jumping up from his chair, " and
I wish you to distinctly understand that I am Captain of this company, and when I order a man to go on guard or do anything else,
he shall do it."
" I'll go and see Colonel Hlyams, then," replied the Sergeant.
" Very well, Sir," spoke the Captain, and sat down.
The Sergeant went to Colonel HI., who was reading in the ladies'
cabin, and asked him if the Captain could put him (the Sergeant)
on guard.
"No, Sir," replied the Colonel, "you are the man to make the
guard detail in your company."
This information tickled the Sergeant, who straightway went to
his Captain and said:..
"Captain, I am tt:e man who puts every man on guard in the
company, and I'll put you on next."
The Captain dropped his paper, jumped up and went to the
Colonel. What the conversation was between them I have not the
means of knowing, as the Captain would never speak on that subject.
Anyway, the Captain and the Sergeant never ordered each other on
guard afterward,




CHAPTER III.
LITTLE ROCK.
ON the 27th of May the regiment reached Little Rock, Ark. The
journey toward Fort Smithl was brought to a sudden termination
by a request from the authorities that the- regiment should quarter
here, as rumors were prevalent that Jim Lane, of Kansas notoriety,
was about to assail this post. The next day the command was disembarked, under the leadership of Col. Hyams, and marched to the
former U. S. Arsenal grounds, already occupied by a large body of
State troops, composed of cavalry and artillery, and a large force of
militia, armed with the formidable long-barreled rifle, which rendered the backwoodsmen of Kentucky so famed in the first revolutionary struggle. The same spirit which throbbed and pulsated in
every Southern heart animated the volunteers of Arkansas, who
hastened to the common defence, armed and equipped with every
conceivable weapon. The camp here was very comfortable. The
grounds beautifully laid out, and shaded by large and handsome
oaks. The Arsenal buildings at Little Rock are fine and of durable
construction. Here a number of the regiment- were detailed to construct cartridges for the command, which was soon amply supplied
and prepared to meet the foe. While camped here they participated
in one of those thrilling and affecting scenes which were then so
frequent, but yet always full of deep interest, being the occasion of
a flag presentation to a company of Churchill's cavalry regiment, by
one of Little Rock's fairest daughters, Miss Faulkner. The address
of the lady orator was one of peculiar force and unsurpassed eloquence. Her clear, ringing voice was -heard by all, and her manner
and words sent a thrill of enthusiasm to every manly bosom, attested
by frequent, loud and prolonged bursts of applause. As the regiment marched from the grounds each company, in passing the splendid banner, greeted it with hearty cheers, which were lustily returned
by the cavalry troop, in loud huzzas for the Louisiana regiment.
The ladies of Little Rock daily visited the encampment, and




36                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
seemed to be particularly fond of certain members of the Regiment.
Unsurpassed for beauty of person, refinement, and elegance of manners, it was not surprising that they became the objects of devoted
admiration. Could the green turf or the rustling trees o'erhead
have spoken, many would be the tales they would unfold of the soft
pressure of loving hands, and whispered words of affectionate devotion. Alas I for the forgotten charms of those fair ones, so recently
left in sorrow and tears I




CHAPTER IV.
CAMP POTEAU.
ON the 5th of June the Regiment embarked for Fort Smith. The
river having risen suddenly, rendered unnecessary a march to Fort
Smith, much to the relief of the men. They reached Fort Smith on
the 7th,-and became a portion of the Western army under the command of Gen. Ben McCulloch, the famed Texan Ranger. The camp
selected was an open field, one and a half miles south of Fort Smith,
near a stream called Poteau, on the neutral ground that separates
Arkansas from the Indian Territory. The Poteau is a deep, sluggish
stream, with rocky banks, and empties into the Arkansas River above
Fort Smith. This stream afforded a fine bathing-place for the men,
and its precipitous rocky banks, crowned with huge trees, furnished
abundant shade for those disposed to lounge beneath their protecting shelter. The men suffered severely from the heat, day succeeding day, clear and sultry, with scarcely a breath of air to stir the
leaves of the trees or cool the suffocating atmosphere. Early in June,
General McCulloch returned to Fort Smith from the Indian Nation,
where he had been, endeavoring to form an alliance with the different tribes and obtain their assistance in achieving Southern independence. His mission had proved unsuccessful, and another conference had been appointed to take place on the 20th of June. The
success of his mission was anxiously watched, as the tribes on the
Western frontier would prove powerful and desirable auxiliaries at
this'period. General McCulloch at this time did not visit the Regiment, although the men were eager to see their future leader, already
so famed as a Ranger on the Texan frontier. Rumors were prevalent
that Lane, of Kansas notoriety, was about advancing on Fort Smith.
His approach was anticipated; and his coming would have received
a warm welcome. The force encamped near Fort Smith at this period
consisted of two infantry and one cavalry regiment, and a company
of artillery.
Col. Hebert reached the Regiment in company with Surgeon Breedlove on the 16th. He inaugurated immediately a strict observance




3 8                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
of military rules and regulations.  The regiment imagined Col.
Hyams had been rigid enough as a commander, but he was surpassed
by Col. Hebert. Drills and parades, a close adherence to issued orders were required and enforced, until the regiment became equal
to regulars in the discharge of their various duties. Of course numbers complained at the rigid discipline to which they were subjected,
having scarcely gained the important knowledge as yet that the first
duty of a soldier was obedience to orders, and next, that troops were
the most efficient when most thoroughly trained. On the 19th of
June the first Regimental Court-Martial was convened, consisting of
Col. Louis Hebert, President; Maj. Tunnard, Lieuts. Evans, Lacy,
Russell, and Hyams; Capt. C. A. Brusl6, Judge Advocate;- Lieut. F.
13runot, Recorder. The measles became epidemic in camp, and several of the regiment died and found soldiers' graves. All.through
the hot and sultry days of June did the regiment remain at Camp
Poteau, watching anxiously the incipient stages of the war breaking
out in various portions of the land, destined at last to sweep with
simoom blast over the whole country. During this time Missouri
awakened from her lethargy like a giant aroused from deep slumber,
and her hardy sons began to prepare for the coming struggle. Bound
in the strong chains of military power with foes within and without
her borders, yet did she not quail, cower or shrink from the issue.
With the uprising of the Missourians, the troops of the Confederate
States began hastening to the rescue. The Third Regiment received
marching orders on the 28th of June, and began active preparations
for their first march. Generals Lyon and Lane were both reported
approaching Fort Wayne, our probable destination. Gen. McCulloch's little army was rapidly increasing in strength. His activity,
energy and determination infused life -into all the command. The
men grew hilarious over the anticipation of an active campaign, and
rejoiced at the prospect of a change from an idle camp life to scenes
more worthy the spirit which had led them thus far from home. On
the first of July the First Division, comprising companies A, B, G, D,
and F, left Camp Poteau under command of Col. S. M. Hyams, en
route for some point northward, and camped opposite Van Buren.
2nd. Crossed the river and marched four miles. 3rd. Marched
eighteen miles and camped at Natural Dam..4th. Marched twenty
miles, -crossed Baston Mountain, and camped at Evansville. To-day
Col. Hyams made a neat,- appropriate and patriotic speech, of which
no record was preserved. 5th. Marched twenty-two and one-half
miles, and camped at Cincinnati.- 6th. Marched twenty miles to
"Double Springs."  7th. Marched fourteen miles to Maysville. Dr.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                39
Kendall wa~ sent to Gen. McCulloch with a special dispatch, announcing the arrival of the detachment, and the desire to push forward and join him, if needed. He returned the next day, having
ridden 114 miles in 23 hours.
THE MARCH  TO CAMP JACKSON.
The Second Division, comprising Companies C, E, H, I and K,
under command of -Major W. F. Tunnard, left Camp Poteau on the
morning of the 4th. This was to be no holiday parade amid peaceful pursuits as in days gone by. At 2 o'clock A. M. the reveille
aroused the men from their slumbers. Knapsacks for the first time
were strapped on shoulders all unused to the burden. The shelters
which had so long protected the men from the scorching summer's
heat were given to the flames, and amid the wildest enthusiasm the
men commenced the march. What a day of severe experience it
was, all who participated therein will remember. Shoulders grew
sore under the burden of supporting knapsacks; limbs wearied from
the painful march, and feet grew swollen and blistered as the troops
marched along the dusty road. Knapsacks were recklessly thrown
by the roadside or relieved of a large portion- of their contents,
under the intolerable agony of that first march of only nine miles.
Each morning the detachment was aroused at 1 A. M., and taking a
hasty meal, consisting of crackers and a cup of coffee, resumed the
march. The country was rocky, and the road hard and precipitous.
The men, however, soon became accustomed to marching, and bore
its hardships-with fortitude and courage, keeping up their spirits with
songs and jokes as they tramped steadily forward. The myriad of
stars looked down on a strange scene indeed as this band of reckless
soldiers proceeded on their journey. -On the 6th crossed Baston
Mountain. The ascent was gradual, yet in places precipitous, the
road being a mass of solid rock, full of boulders and loose stones,
extending upward for a distance of over a mile. The Major dismounted and led the men on foot, and while they threw themselves
in perfect exhaustion on the ground to recover breath after the severe
climb,-exhibited his activity by a run and jump over some of the
prostrate forms. The descent was very precipitous, and the boys
made it at a double-quick, being unable to halt after getting under
full speed. Few are there who do not remember that rocky ascent,
and if you wished to make one of the Louisianians swear for weeks
afterward, say " Baston Mountain." It was quite sufficient to make
expletives innumerable. The detachment usually arrived in camp
between 10 A. M. and 12, thus making their marches mostly before




40                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
the heat of the day. When the day's journey was ended, the men
generally threw themselves upon the ground and slept long and
soundly ere thinking of preparing anything to eat. Just beyond
Baston Mountain is the village of Cincinnati, near which the detachment encamped. They were enthusiastically greeted by the inhabitants, and here, as elsewhere along the route, the people exhibited
their generosity by furnishing the men with milk and eatables, such
as they possessed. These acts of kindness were appreciated and
properly acknowledged. While in camp, near Cincinnati, a great,
awkward specimen of the young Arkansas backwoodsman came into
camp. He strolled among the men with.mouth and eyes wide open,
with a mingled expression of amazement, astonishment and curiosity
on his features, much to the amusement of the men. His wonder
increased the longer he looked about him, until, approaching a piece
of artillery, his thoughts found expression. Addressing a Captain
standing near by, he remarked:
"I say, meister, what is this yere thing?"
" A cannon," remarked the Captain, as the muscles of his mouth
began to twitch and his eyes to sparkle.
" A cannon, hey! What in thunder is that fur, I should like to
know."
The Captain explained.
His eyes grew yet more distended.
"Well," drawing a long breath, " that's the darndest gun ever I
seed."
Coming close to the Captain with an inquiring glance and whispered words, he asked:
" I say, meister, how much might that ere cannon cost?"
"' Oh, about two dimes like these," said the officer, pulling them
from his pocket.
"Is them ere dimes? —well I declare;" and, turning away, he
walked off muttering indistinetly the words " cannons " and " dimes."
Of course the conversation was frequently interrupted by explosions
of laughter from the circle who had gathered around this green
specimen of genus homo.
One redeeming feature of this rocky, mountainous country was the
number of cold springs. Ah! it was a delicious luxury after the
day's weary march to bathe the swollen, feverish and blistered feet
in these streams of clear, sparkling water; a luxury scarcely to be exchanged for a place in Mahomet's paradise.
While on the march information reached us that a fight had taken
place at Neosho, Mo. General McCulloch had surprised the enemy




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                 41
there, and Captain McIntosh, Adjutant-General of the Brigade,
reported the capture of eighty Federals, one hundred rifles, and
seven wagons loaded with provisions. Two of these wagons were
loaded with delicacies and provisions sent by the ladies as a Fourth
of July dinner for the Republicans. Unfortunately both the intended
recipients and their luxuries fell into the hands of the Southerners,
and the Union dinner well suited rebel appetites.
The country, as you approach Maysville, becomes more level, until
finally it merges into a fine open rolling prairie land, interspersed
with belts of timber. The detachment reached Camp Jackson at 10
A. M. on the morning of th6 9th, in fine spirits and health, having
performed their first march from Fort Smith, a distance of over 100
miles, over a rough road and in the midst of the hottest season of
the year, in five days and two hours. The first detachment were in
camp awaiting our arrival. Quite a number of troops, comprising
artillery, infantry and cavalry, had already assembled here from
Missouri and Arkansas. McCulloch arrived at the same time from his
trip to Neosho, bringing with him abundant evidence of his success.
It was here the Third Regiment had their first good look at their
leader. He was enthusiastically welcomed, and complimented the
regiment highly upon their fine military appearance and bearing. A
good story was told of General McCulloch's strategy in learning the
enemy's force and plans. Disguised as a -drover he went boldly into
the Federal camp to sell his cattle, of which he had a number. He
succeeded admirably without his rank or intentions being discovered,
and having gained all necessary information, made the attack which
proved so successful. Of undaunted courage, iron nerve and will,
never for a moment losing his self-control under the -most trying
circumstances, he delighted in such perilous adventures. The Federals at this time were in force near Springfield, and the General
went energetically to work organizing his little army preparatory to
an early move on the foe.




CHAPTER V.
CAMP JACKSON.
CAMP JACKSON, so named in honor of the Governor of Missouri,
was located about three miles east of Maysville, in a belt of woods
skirting the eastern limits of a broad expanse of prairie stretching
its bosom far away south, north and west. The prairie in front of
the encampment furnished a fine and ample parade-ground, and the
grass was not left to grow undisturbed by the evolutions of armed
men.
On the 12th the troops were once more under marching orders,
and at 8 A. M. next morning left Camp: Jackson for Bentonville,
distant 28. miles. There were about three thousand men on the
road, which was terribly dusty, and the weather, as usual, clear and
sultry. Ammunition was distributed to the troops, and everything
pointed to an early engagement. Marched fifteen and a half miles.
On the 14th passed through Bentonville, a small but pleasant village,
situated in.Benton County, on the outskirts of an extended prairie.
This was the Sabbath, yet to the soldier all days seemed alike. How
different this dusty, long march, from the quiet Sabbaths. at home,
where matin-bells summon a Christian people to the houses of worship.! i   ar is a hard task-master, and heeds not the calls of conscience. As usual, springs of cool, clear water were abundant: along
the route. Marched 12 miles. On the 15th we encamped amid the
hills of Arkansas at a spot known as Camp McCulloch, being a small
field on the level surface of one of the numerous rocky promontories
of the country. - The rain poured down in torrents, and we began
to experience some of the inconveniences of a soldier's varied
existence. The men made beds of the rails from a worm-fence close
at hand, to keep their bodies from the damp ground, covering their
rough edges with straw and shucks, which they deemed an especial
luxury, and'upon which they laid down to pleasant dreams. Receiving marching orders early the next day, the troops moved forward a
short distance and encamped on Sugar Creek, a small mountain
stream winding its tortuous way amid the surrounding hills. This




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                   43
was known as Camp Stephens, in honor of our Vice-President, being
seven miles east of Bentonville. Here Gratiot's Arkansas regiment
joined us. The weather was unusually fine, our encampment pleasant,
yet many of the extra duty men will remember the severe labor of
clearing a parade-ground where they obtained their first experience
in digging up stumps and grubbing out roots. While remaining
here a tremendous storm occurred at night, flooding the camp with
water, which flowed in a miniature river through its centre, sweeping
away pans, basins, tables, etc. Amid the lightning's vivid flash and
the deep roll of the thunder could be heard the shouts of the men,
exclamations and expletives, as they were literally drowned out of
their beds. "Knee-deep," one would shout. "Quarter less twain,"
came from another direction. " Quack! quack I quack!" answered
a third, thus displaying an indifference to their inconveniences, and
a commendable endeavor to make sport out of each other's mishaps.
The morning after the storm exhibited scenes which, under other
circumstances, would have been considered lamentable, but which
the boys called ludicrous. On impromptu elevations the men were
lying in the mud and water, oblivious to all their mishaps, curled up
like snakes, and one of them actually making a bed of the drumhead. On Sunday, 22d, one of Churchill's scouting parties had a
brisk skirmish with a like party of the enemy, whom they succeeded
in driving back, although largely superior in numbers. A few of
the Southerners were wounded, none killed, while the foe suffered
severely. A prisoner was brought into camp, and the men rushed
to obtain a view of him, as if he was some great curiosity and not a
mortal similar to themselves.
Camp Stephens was daily visited by numbers of ladies from the
surrounding country, who always had pleasant smiles and cheerful
words for the soldiers. A brass band attached to one of the Arkansas regiments discoursed most excelent music, and was a great
feature of our camp life and a source of great gratification to our
men. Soldiers, as a class, are passionately fond of music. Well do
we. remember with what deep emotions we have listened to the
harmonious strains -as they floated out on, the' air some still moonlight night, returning -in murmuring echoes from the surrounding
hills, Truthfully has the great English-bard written:
"He who hath not music in himself, and whose soul is not moved by a sweet
concourse of sounds, is fit for treason, stratagem and spoils."
An unfortunate accident occurred on the 23d, resulting in the instantaneous death of James'Howard, a member- of Company " F,"




44-                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
by the discharge of a gun through the carelessness of -    Nagt!,.
of Company " G."  Nagle became frightened, and immediately deserted. This event was the cause of great excitement, resulting in
a quarrel between the Colonel and several of the officers, who, being
reported to General McCulloch, were placed under arrest. Differences were, however, finally adjusted, and the regiment and other
troops under marching orders once more on the 26th. From this
time we were in the midst of continued scenes of excitement. On
the 28th crossed the line and entered Missouri.  While on the
march, received intelligence of the; secession of Missouri. Reached
Keatsville in the middle of the day, the roads being very dusty and
the heat almost intolerbale. It being reported that there- was fighting ahead, the regiment closed up and pushed rapidly forward with
loud cheers. The exhausted stragglers in -the rear came up at a full
run, forgetting their fatigue in the excitement of an anticipated
fight.  Churchill's regiment had  already pushed forward, and
already had a brisk encounter with the foe. On the 29th reached
Cassville, where the regiment was greeted with the wildest enthusiasm by the Missourians. Amid vociferous cheers, the thunder of
artillery and waving of banners, the regiment marched past the
camp of the State troops, eliciting numerous remarks of praise and
admiration by their steady and regular tread and their deportment
as a disciplined body of troops. An isolated regiment amid Arkansas and Missouri troops, each member felt as if in his individual
person was concentrated the honor and fair name of Louisiana-a
feeling which undoubtedly contributed largely to their subsequent
deeds of valor and unconquerable determination never to yield to
the foe. From the first, organization of the army the Louisianians
became the favorites of the other troops, between whom and themselves grew up a strong feeling of friendship, which neither time
nor any other circumstance Gould destroy.
On the 29th a lady came into camp from beyond Springfield with
important dispatches sewed up in her clothing. Her husband had
been engaged to take these dispatches, but became very ill. She
volunteered to supply his place; and leaving home and the sick
husband's bedside, successfully accomplished her mission, having
passed through the whole Federal army. Such heroism was the
theme of every tongue, and showed what Southern wdmen would
do for their country. It is to be regretted that her name was not
dotted down to adorn the pages of this history. Yet is she not
forgotten,




CHAPTER VI.
THE ADVANCE.
AT Cassville the army was thoroughly organized for an advance
on Springfield, and separated into three divisions as follows: First
Division, under command of Colonel L. Hebert, 4,000 strong, to
march on the 30th; the other Divisions, of about equal strength,
thetwo following days. On the 1st of August our army encamped
on Crane Creek, distant twenty-seven miles from Springfield, Mo.,
where we soon received intelligence that the enemy were rapidly
advancing on our position with a strong force, supposing that
McCulloch's army was weak in numbers and could be easily defeated. In fact, it was stated that General Lyons boasted that he
would drive uts back into Mexico and drowon us in the Gulf. He little
dreamed what brave and indomitable spirits he must conquer.
August 2d the camp was thrown into a state of feverish excitement by orders to arm, as the enemy was advancing. It seems, however, that our advanced guard, composed chiefly of Missourians
(mounted), had suddenly come upon the enemy, nine miles distant,
who had fired upon them, when they precipitately fled without
returning the fire or attempting to show fight. Some few Arkansas
troops, however, who were with them, engaged the enemy, and a
brisk skirmish fight ensued, our loss being only one man killed.
Captain Stanley, a brave and dashing officer of the United States
Regular Army, was killed in the fight by a negro attached to the
Missouri troops. On the 3d Churchill's Regiment of mounted infantry-a gallant, daring and dashing body of men-were sent'forward with instructions to decoy the enemy into our camp, where a
well-planned ambuscade had been prepared for their reception.
General LyQns, it seems, had discovered the strength of our forces
and the plan to welcome his arrival from a deserter out of our camp.
His men pursued only within three miles of our position.
In order that the situation of the army may be fully comprehended,
we give.the following explanation: The road ran from the valley of
Crane Creek through a ravine flanked by steep hills, where it would




46                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
be impossible for one army to attack another without suffering terribly from an ambuscade or masked batteries. The hill-sides,
extending close down to the road, were covered with a dense, almost
impenetrable growth of black jacks and hazel-bushes. The Louisianians were placed in position on the extreme right of the whole
army, and where a fight seemed inevitable, went to work with their
knives and sabre-bayonets, lopping off the branches of the trees and
bushes which obstructed a good view of the road, in order to render
their aim and fire more effective. The retreat of Churchill's Regiment was a helter-skelter flight, in accordance with previous instructions; and as they rushed by our position amid clouds of dust, the
rapid flight of -horsemen, artillery, and wagons sounded like the
roar of many waters. The men waited and watched for the foe,
compressed lips and blanched faces betokening the inward excitement, while not a man moved from his allotted place. The night of
the 3d, Companies A and K, under command of Captain Viglini,
were placed in position as sharp-shooters on the rocky hill-side, commanding a full view of the road, with instructions to support the
advance picket and keep back the enemy in case of an attack.
Directly in front of their position the road ascended a steep hill, in
a direct line, at whose base, right and left, two more roads branched
off along the adjacent valleys. The main road, directly in front of
our line, composed of white pulverized stone, stood out a bold,
clearly-defined line in the darkness, along which no living object
could travel without being instantly discovered. No moon, with its
silvery rays, lighted up the hill-tops, only myriad stars shone from
the clear heavens' above, while the cold dews chilled the forms of
the watchful soldiers. The hill on which we were stationed was
composed of small, angular, flinty rocks, on which the men reposed,
after various and sundry contortions of body to find a " soft part"
and remove their cutting acquaintance. Every other man along the
line of skirmishers slept at stated intervals, while the remainder
kept a close watch on the roads. The foe came not; and late in the
afternoon of the succeeding day the detachment of sharp-shooters
were relieved from duty and permitted to return to camp, Companies
E and I taking their places. During this time the Third Regiment was still kept in position, the remainder of the army being on
their camping-grounds.  The boys did not fully appreciate the
honor bestowed or confidence placed in them as efficient and brave
soldiers.
The next day was the Sabbath, bright, beautiful and golden. All
remained quiet until nearly noon, when a balloon was discovered




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                 47
hovering over our camp, which sailed eastward in the direction of
the enemy. All was bustle and activity, as the troops rapidly assembled in their respective quarters. A report soon prevailed that
the enemy had penetrated the left of our position, and the balloon
was a preconcerted signal for an advance on our front and flank.
It'proved a false rumor, and the army reposed in security and
quietude.
During this time the generals had assembled for consultation as to
the future movements of the army, as it was found impossible to
remain longer in its present position, the water being actually offensive from filth, and provisions for the army very scarce. We must
either retreat or advance. Desperate as was the alternative, it was
determined to advance. The order was issued to prepare to march
Sunday night, the 4th inst., at 11 o'clock Pr.. All realized the
desperation of such a move, yet not a man quailed or was found
missing from his place in the regiment. Last messages were delivered to those detailed to remain with the wagons, packages for
the loved ones at home made up, and the men laid down to what
many deemed their final living sleep, ere the march commenced.
When the hour for departure arrived, the regiment was ready and
equipped, the gallant boys on the right of the whole army, led by
Company K. Not a man free from detailed duty was absent from
his place. At 111 o'clock the whole army was in motion. In sections, six abreast, and close order, the men took up the line of march
in anticipation of meeting almost certain death, but with undaunted,
unquailing spirits. In breathless silence, with the bright and -glittering stars looking down upon them through dark and deep defiles
and beneath frowning hill-sides, marched the dense array of men,
moving steadily forward; not a whisper was heard, no sound of
clanking sabre, or rattle of canteen and cup.
Tramp! tramp! tramp! firm and undaunted, the army proceeded
on its perilous journey like a band of dark spirits, over the hard
and rocky road, accompanied by the dull rumbling of the artillery
carriages over hills, along a road skirted by dBnse underbrush and
tall trees, and through those narrow defiles the army proceeded.
That was a night that tried men's souls. Although moving forward
in momentary expectation of being attacked, nothing special occurred. As the first roseate hues of morn tinged the eastern horizon, our advance came upon the picket of the enemy, who were so
completely taken by surprise that they precipitately fled, leaving
behind them coats, provisions and utensils. Greer's Texas regiment
of cavalry joined us at this time. They were a sllendid body of




48                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
daring, dashing Texan Rangers, magnificently armed and mounted.
The army moved steadily forward, with cavalry on both flanks,
scouting the surrounding hills and woods. About 10 o'clock in the
morning, while halting near a well for the purpose of resting and
procuring water, the men were watching the general as he sat perched
on the top of a corn-crib, The head of the column had been halted
just within the limits of a woodland, ere the road emerged into an
open, rolling prairie-land as far as the eye could reach. Soon the
General was observed to look long and anxiously through his fieldglass. A wave of his hand summoned an aid-de-camp to his side,
who soon brought orders for the regiment to take position on the
right, in a dense growth of hazel skirting the road. - Every man
was ordered to conceal himself, a section of artillery run to the front,
rapidly unlimbered, loaded and pointed so as to sweep the. road.
What could it mean? Shortly, far away over the prairie, a cloud
of dust was seen to mount upward. Nearer and nearer it approached,
until a body of the enemy's cavalry was discovered in hot pursuit
of one of General McCulloch's scouts. They rode boldly to within
point blank of the concealed line of battle ere they discovered their
mistake, when, wheeling suddenly, they fled rapidly, not a: shot
being fired at them. Through the excessive heat and over dusty
roads the march was continued, the enemy retreating as we advanced.
The men suffered terribly from thirst, there being little or no water
on the route. Their sufferings became so intolerable that finally the
General marched them one and a half miles away from the road to
procure water, in order to allay their burning thirst. The army then
pushed rapidly forward in pursuit of the retreating foe, who were
reported but a short distance in advance at a spring. It was soon discovered, however, that they were still retreating. As soon as this was
known, the Missouri horsemen came rushing up from the rear, riding
heedlessly through the ranks of hot, tired, thirsty and dusty men,
almost suffocating them. The regiment, in order to protect themselves, halted, fixed bayonets, and determinedly compelled them to
quit the road. Arriving at Big Spring, the men and animals made
an indiscriminate rush for the water, which was fortunately abundant -and fine. The enemy had been gone but about three hours,
having left many things behind them in their precipitate retreat.
That night our army laid down in an open field without shelter.
The regiment had thus lain out all night previous to the march,
traveled all the succeeding night in great suspense -and anxiety, pursued a retreating enemy all day over dusty roads and in extremely
sultry weather, and the night of August 5th slept in the open air




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                  49
without blankets or food, the next morning proceeded abou two miles
and encamped near Wilson's Creek, nine miles from  Springfield.
The position was as follows: we were on a hill-side, at whose western base flowed a stream, the hill sloping away north and east, along
which ran the main road to Springfield. Opposite our encampment,
west and northwest rose in a gradual slope a succession of hills
extending as far as the eye could reach. The hillside northwest was
about three-quarters of a mile distant, the intervening space being
covered by corn-fields in the valley formed by Wilson's Creek. On
the north was a slight rise beyond the ravine, covered as usual with
a dense undergrowth of black jack and hazel, skirting a large and
open corn and hay-field.
3




CHAPTER VII.
OA E HILLS.
ON Friday, the 9th inst., the order was to prepare to march at 8
P. M. on the position of the enemy, in order to surprise them. The
post of honor and danger as usual being assigned to the Third Regiment, the van guard of the center division on the main road leading
to Springfield, Providence prevented the consummation of these
proposed plans. Early in the morning the sky became overcast with
dark, dense and lowering clouds, accompanied by thunder and lightning, and in the afternoon of the same day a light rain began to fall.
Many of the Arkansas and Missouri troops were armed with the old
fashioned flint-lock guns, carrying their ammunition in a buckskin
pouch, as is customary with the backwoods hunters. It would not
do to expose the ammunition to the elements, and thus render unserviceable the assistance of a large force of our army. At 9 o'clock
the order for an advance was countermanded, but the troops required
to hold themselves in readiness to march at a moment's notice. The
picket guards had been recalled so as to be ready-to march with their
respective commands, and in expectation of momentarily receiving
marching orders, the different regimental commanders objected to
sending them out again. It was a serious blunder, yet who was
responsible for the mistake or oversight we cannot truthfully determine. Thus all unguarded the army sank to repose, the men to
dream of home and coming exciting scenes, after bitterly expressing
their disappointment at the delay. All eager for a battle, they little
dreamed of the fearful scenes of slaughter and bloodshed. The
morning of August 10th had scarcely tinged the Eastern horizon
with the grayish dawn, and ere many of the men were out of their
tents, when the battle opened. Looking to the hill northwest of
our camp, could be seen the wagons, ambulances, and marny horsemen of the advance encampment fleeing from the coming battle
storm. The couriers and aids-de-camp, with furious speed, were
delivering orders. The Third Regiment promptly formed on the
hill, many of them minus coats in their eager haste. Scarcely had




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                 51
they formed line ere McCulloch dashed up, furious with excitement
and rage, and shouted, " Colonel, why in hell don't you lead your
men out?"  The question was not repeated. Company K had been
transferred fiom the left to the right, which, with Company A, was
under the leadership of Captain J. P. Viglini. Captain Woodruff
of Little Rock was in position with his guns commanding the valley
and adjacent hill sides. As the regiment began to move into position, a puff of smoke arose from a clump of trees northwest of our
position,-followed by another accompanied by the ugly scream of
shot and their sudden, dull thug into the ground. The men shouted
at each iron messenger as it approached, many indulging in jokes and
witticisms, such as exclaiming, " this ball music is fine for dancing."
" Here comes another iron pill."'  "Dodge, boys, but don't tumble."
But the majority were calm, pale with excitement, compressed lips,
and blazing eyes betokening the spirit of their determination. We
quickly entered the ravine north of our encampment, marching in
close columns of companies, and approached the corn field already
described. During this time the battle had opened on all sides, and
Woodruff and Totten were fighting a lively artillery duel. As the
regiment advanced through the dense undergrowth towards the open
field, a terrible and scathing fire was opened on them by nearly
double their numbers of U. S. Regulars, the flower of General Lyons'
army. The regiment rapidly wheeled into line of battle, each company taking its position with prompt celerity. Numbers of the men
had already fallen.
The enemy were securely posted behind the fence, while our position among the bushes rendered it almost an utter impossibility to
obtain a good view of them, even by our coolest and clearest sighted
marksmen. Seeking every possible protection and shelter, the fight
was maintained with a stubborn and determined valor. Not a
stone's throw from each other these lines of men, composed of old
regulars and a virgin volunteer regiment of Louisianians, were combating each other with dogged obstinacy. The fight lasted upwards
of an hour, and those who listened to the musketry declared it to
have been terrific in its volume of sound. Men were dropping all
along the line; it was becoming uncomfortably hot, when Captaoin
McIntosh dashed along the line, shouting " Get up, Louisianians, and
charge them I Do you all wihl1 to be killed?" With a.tremendous
cheer, so fearful, coming from men under fierce excitement, they
rushed on the foe with fixed bayonets, led by the field and line officers and Capt. McIntosh. The regulars fled from the deadly charge,
with but few exceptions, and as the regiment reached the fence, they




52                  A SOUTHERN- RECORD.
poured a heavy, rapid fire into their ranks, killing and wounding
large numbers, punishing them thoroughly for the damage already
inflicted upon us. - Over the fence, across the field, after the foe, did
the boys charge with loud cheers, until they once more approached
the enemy's battery within point-blank range. Beneath its protecting fire the beaten foe had taken shelter. The battery' immediately
concentrated its fire upon the regiment as it began to form a new
line of battle. Canister shot and shell were rained upon them until
it became too uncomfortable to be withstood. The order was given
to retire behind the protection of a hill immediately in the rear of
the field. It was obeyed with zealous alacrity, and the men decamped instanter, watching the flash of the enemy's guns as they
retreated, and falling prostrate on the ground permitted the iron
hail to pass over them, and then rise only to run and repeat the same
manceuvre. It was taking very practical lessons in the manual a la
Zouave. Not half a dozen men were injured in this retreat. None
killed. The officers immediately began to form the regiment, which
had become much scattered in their precipitate retreat, when Gen.
McCulloch rode up to the right of the line and, after making some
inquiries and remarks, said, " Come, my brave lads, I have a battery
for you to charge, and the day is ours!" The regiment at this time
were only partially organized, mostly from the right companies, with
some scattering men from the others. The men, however, followed
the leadership of their brave General with steady, regular tread along
the valley, crossing around the base of the hill, over the creek, where
the road took an abrupt turn westward, -and ascended a precipitous
rocky hill, to the left of which was posted Siegel's battery. At the
creek numbers momentarily halted to gulp down a few mouthfulls
of water to quench their burning thirst. It mattered little to them
that it was filthy and loathsome, that it was red- with blood, and
blackened men lined its banks and bathed their burning limbs and
torturing ghastly wounds in its waters. After crossing the creek, the
General halted at intervals, while in point blank range of the battery,
and taking a survey through his field-glass, would coolly turn in his
saddle, waive his hand, and simply utter the monosyllables, "' Come
on!"  His actions and features were a study for the closest scrutinizer
of physiognomy. Not a quiver on his face, not the movement of a
muscle to betray anxiety or emotion. Only his grey eyes flashed
forth from beneath his shaggy eyebrows a glittering, scrutinizing
and penetrating glance. As the men reached the protection of the
hill on which the battery was stationed, -and ere an order had- been
given, a man stepped from behind the shelter of a. huge oak on its




TIIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                  53
summit.  The general abruptly halted and inquired in a calm, clear
voice: "Whose forces are those?"  The reply came back, in distinct
tones: "Siegel's."  "Whose did you say?"  "Union. Siegel."  At
the same time raising his rifle with deliberate aim to fire. Ere his
purpose was accomplished, the sharp crack of a Mississippi rifle
proclaimed the flight of a death messenger on its fearful errand.
That shot was fired by Corporal Henry Gentles, of Company K. The
aim was quick and accurate, and as the man dropped heavily to the
ground without a groan, the General turned to the corporal remarking simply, " That was a good shot." The remark was characteristic
of his coolness under the most perilous and trying circumstances.
The General turned to Captain Viglini, standing close to him, and
said: "Captain, take your men up and give them hell."  The- men
scaled the rocky hill-side and came abruptly upon the enemy's guns.
With loud huzzas they rushed upon the battery, sweeping it at the
point of the bayonet, ere the amazed foe could recover from their
astonishment. They fled into a corn-field and along the road in the
rear of their lost battery, with the victors in close pursuit. In the
field upwards of 200 were killed and wounded, so close and deadly
was the fire poured into their retreating columns. This gallant
charge resulted in the capture of three 12-pounder howitzers, and
two 6-pounder field guns. Here fell Capt. Hinson, of Company B,
and his brother-in-law, Mr. Whitstone, killed by an unfortunate shot
from one of our own batteries under charge of Capt. Reed, which,
unknown to the regiment, had been pouring a heavy and destructive
fire upon these guns. The loss of these gallant men was deeply deplored, under such circumstances. The guns were rolled down the
hill-side, and the regiment, including the remainder who had arrived
under Major Tunnard, formed once more and marched about a mile
northward to attempt the capture of Totten's battery, which had
given them such a hot reception early in the day. After flanking
their position, owing to an unfortunate delay, they managed to
escape. Around these guns the fight had been deadly and furious.
The hill-sides were literally covered with the dead and wounded of
friend and foe. Here Gen. Lyon met his fate, a just reward for his
murder of innocent women and children in the streets of St. Louis.
The enemy, completely discomforted, began a precipitous flight at
about 2 o'clock P. M. The battle was over; the foe repulsed at every
point; Gen. Lyon killed; the colors in our possession, and Siegel's
battery captured. The different regiments were marched to their
respective camps. The loss of the Third Regiment was 9 killed, 47
wounded, and 3 missing; that of the army 265. killed and about 700




54                  A SOUTHERN RECORD.
wounded. The men eagerly scouted the battle-field and brought in
the killed and wounded. Our dead, dressed in their best clothes,
and with a blanket for a winding sheet, were sadly committed to
soldiers' graves by their friends. The Texans under Col. Greer won
an enviable reputation by their dashing and reckless bravery. They
pursued the foe into Springfield, killing and capturing numbers on
the road, and taking Siegel's remaining gun and stand of colors, and
planting the first secession flag in Springfield.
The loss of the enemy in this fight was estimated at about 800
killed, 1,200 wounded, and 350 prisoners, while a large number of
the most approved small arms fell into the possession of our victorious army. So hasty was the flight, that the foe threw away small
arms, blankets, coats, and knapsacks, which were strewn along the
road for miles. Their dead were deserted,- and their wounded filling
every available dwelling and building in Springfield, left to the care
of the Confederates. An officer, with a flag of truce, came for Lyon's
body, which was taken to Springfield, but even it was deserted in
their hurried retreat, and was buried by Mrs. Phillips, the wife of
the.. S. Congressman from that district. This second general battle
of'the war, fought under such disadvantageous circumstances by the
Southerners against fully equal numbers, better armed and disciplined,
was a complete, thorough victory. Yet the Northern press and
Northern historical records of the war have falsified its correct details in almost every particular.
The following are the official reports of the field-officers of the
regiment:
"'IIEADQUARTERts THIRD REGIMENT LOUISIANA INFANTRY,
Cc6mp at Wilson's Creek, M1o., August 12, 1861.
"To Brigadier Ben. XcCulloch, commanding Confedeprate States Army:
"SIR,-I have the honor to report the part that my regiment
took in the battle of Oak Hills on Saturday the 10th. Aroused by
yourself early in the morning, I formed my regiment, and following
the direction of Captain James McIntosh, Brigadier-AdjutantGeneral, followed the Springfield road for a short distance to a
narrow by-road, flanked on both'sides by the thickest kind of underbrush, and on one side by a rail fence. This road led to a corn-field.
At the moment of deploying into line of battle, and when only two
companies had reached their position, the enemy opened their fire
on our.front within five paces. Deploying the other companies, an
advance was ordered, led gallantly and bravely by Captain McIn
tosh, to whom I owe all thanks for assistance.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                55
"The enemy posted behind a fence in the corn-field. The companies moved up bravely, broke the enemy, pursued them gallantly
into the corn-field and routed them completely. On emerging from
the corn-field, the regiment found themselves on a naked oat-field,
where a battery on the left opened upon us a severe fie. The order
was given to fall back to a wooded ground higher up to the right.
The order was obeyed, but by some misunderstanding the right of
the regiment and some of the ieft were separated from the left and
found themselves under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Hyams,
who there received your order to march to attack Siegel's battery,
and command on the left of the field of battle. His report is herewith transmitted, giving an account of the operations of his battalion up to the time of my joining him. I remained myself near
the above-named corn-field, rallying and reforming the left into a
detachment of some one hundred men. I advanced towards Totten's
(enemy's) battery. I advanced to a position some five hundred
yards from the battery, where I remained before the line of the
"enemy some twenty-five or thirty minutes, when, falling back, I
again rallied some stray portions of the regiment, and marcIred, by
orders, to join the right wing on the left of the field. This I. did;
and having reformed the regiment, I received orders to move, so as
to place myself in the rear of the enemy's battery (Totten's) then
closely engaged in front.  Although moving as expeditiously as
possible, I did not reach the proper position until Totten's battery
had been drawn back in retreat. Some of the enemy still remained
on the hill and in a ravine.. I, however, hesitated to attack, having
discovered a force immediately in my rear, whom I did not ascertain
to be friends for some twenty minutes. I then ordered the advance,
attacked the enemy and put them to flight. In this the regiment
was very gallantly assisted by a detachment of Missourians and
others, whom I then supposed to be under the immediate command
of Captain Johnson. This fight ended the engagement of my regiment for the day. The Regiment was formed on the hill previously
occupied by the enemy, and, by orders, was marched back to their
camp. The first of the engagement of the regiment commenced at
6A o'clock A.M. and ended at 1h o'clock P.M., when the enemy made
their final retreat. I transmit a list of the killed, wounded and
missing, recapitulating as follows: Killed, 1 commissioned officer,
1 non-commissioned officer and 7 privates; total killed, 9. Wounded,
3 commissioned officers, 6 non-commissioned officers and 39 privates;
total, 48. Missing, 3 privates.
" Proud of the manner in which my regiment behaved in their




56'A SOUTHERN RECORD.
first fight against the enemy of our Confederate States (a fight in
which officers and men displayed endurance, bravery and determination), it is difficult for me to particularize the service of officers and
men. I will, however, bring to the notice of the Commandinga
General some cases. The whole of my staff acted with great coolness and bravery; the Lieutenant-Colonel leading a battalion, in my
absence, against Siegel's battery, and the Major assisting constantly
in the rear wing. Captain Theodore Johnston, Quartermaster, was
of invaluable service in transmitting orders, rallying tlle men and
encouraging them to stand by their colors, often exposing himself
to the fire of the enemy. Adjutant S. M. Hyams, Jr., left his horse
and fought bravely on foot. Captain Thomas L. Maxwell, Commissary, followed the regiment in battle, and assisted much in rallying
the men. The lamented Captain, R. M. Hinson, fell while gallantly
leading his company against Siegel's battery. A nobler gentleman
and a braver soldier could not have been found. Sergeant-Major J.
O. Renwick was shot down in my presence in the first fight
whilst bravely fronting and fighting the enemy. He was the first
killed of the regiment.  Dr. Geoi'ge W. Kendall, a volunteer surgeon on the field, was active and untiring in his exertions to relieve
the wounded. In the reports of Company Commanders, many acts
of bravery and gallantry by non-commissioned officers and privates
are mentioned.
"With the consent of the General, I shall seek hereafter occasions
to show that their conduct has been noticed. I cannot conclude
without saying that the conduct of Captain James McIntosh, in
throwing himself with my regiment in our first fight, and in the
attack on Siegel's battery, greatly contributed to the success of our
arms, and deserves unlimited praise.
"I must not forget also to return to the Commanding General
himself the thanks of the Regiment and myown for his presence at
the head of the right wing at the charge on Siegel's battery.
"With high respect, I remain, your obedient servant.
"Louis HEBERT, Colonel Commanding."'R'eport of Lieutenant- Colonel Hyrams to Colonel Hebert, of Third Louisiana Regiment:
"SIR, —In the morning of the 10th of August, 1861, after forming
with the regiment and marching to the thicket and corn-field, and
your command on the order of a charge in the thicket, I dismounted
and was on foot with the command in the charge. The SergeantMajor Renwick was killed, as was Private Placide Bossier, of Peli



THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                57
can Rangers, No. 1. After crossing the fencing and running the
enemy through the corn-field, where the. enemy's artillery were
showering grape and shell, with Minie muskets, I was met by
General McCulloch, who ordered the regiment to face to the right
and march by flank movement towards the creek, and sent an aid
to communicate the order to you further on the right of the regiment.
"In this first encounter in the bushes, where all behaved well, it
was impossible to designate any particular individual. Here I first
noticed the fearlessness and undaunted bravery and activity of
Captain Theodore Johnson, Quartermaster, in communicating orders
from headquarters.
"Learning from him that you was separated from the command,
he attached himself to that portion of the regiment under me,
composed of the Pelican Rifles, Captain Viglini; Iberville Grays,
Lieutenant Verbois; Morehouse Guards, Captain HIinson; Pelican
Rangers, No. 2, Captain Blair; Winn Rifles, Captain Pierson;
Morehouse Fencibles, Captain Harris; Shreveport Rangers, Captain
Gilmore;; Pelican Rangers, No. 1, Captain Brazeale; and a few of
the Monticello Rifles under Sergeant Walcott, and seventy of the
Missormi troops (who had attached themselves to my command)
under Captain Johnson. We were conducted by the gallant Captain
McIntosh across the ford to Siegel's battery where, having deployed
in line, the charge was ordered. On my giving the order and arriving on the brow of the hill, Lieutenant Lacy, of the Shreveport
Rangers, sprang on a log, waved his sword and called, " Come on,
Caddo."  The whole command pushed forward, carried the guard,
rushed to the fence and drove the enemy off. Here the gallant
Captain Hinson, in cheering his men, was killed by a shot from our
own battery taking us in flank. Private Whitstone, of the Morehouse Guards (brother-in-law of Captain Hinson), was killed at his
side by the same shot. I cannot speak in too high commendation
of both officers and men for their coolness and bravery. They had
charged and taken five guns out of six of the battery, and passed
beyond them without knowing we had them, except those companies immediately in front of the guns.
"' The standard-bearer of the regiment, Felix Chaler, of Pelican
Rangers, No. 1, behaved with great coolness and courage, advancing and bearing them to the front in every charge. Corporal Hicock,
of the:Shreveport Rangers, Private J. P. Hyams, of Pelican Rangers,
No. 1, and Corporal Gentles, of Pelican Rifles, rushed forward and
captured one cannon that was just in rear of the first guns cap3*




58                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
tured (about one hundred yards), where they killed the only man
who remained with his gun, the rest of the cannoniers having
abandoned the gun at their approach.
"Orderly Sergeant Alphonse Prudhomme is reported to have
cheered and acted with coolness. The Color Company stuck to the
colors, as did the Shreveport Rangers, and all rallied to the flag.
I cannot speak too highly of the courage and activity of all our
gallant officers and men in this charge. It is impossible to say which
company was in advance, where all obeyed orders and went so gallantly into action. But for the unfortunate casualty created by our
own battery firing inlto our flank and raking us, killing several and
wounding many, we would have had but few regrets.'Poor Hicock, having advanced in front of the regiment in driving the enemy from the corn-field round the-large white house, was
shot in the breast. Here I beg to call attention to the gallantry of
Captain McIntosh, who conducted us to the front of the attack.
Quartermaster Theodore Johnson, of our regiment, was of great
assistance, and behaved with distinguished bravery.  We rolled
their captured guns down the hill, and one cannon was conducted
with its horses to our artillery. We then marched back to the
valley below the hill, and were in line when you joined us with the
rest of the regiment. Drum-Major Patterson, of the Pelican Rifles,
left his drum, shot the first man of the enemy, after calling themselves friends, thereby stopping our fire and their treacherously firing
upon us.
4"I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,' S. M. HYAMS, Lieut.-Col. Third Regt. La. Vols."
Colonel Hyams' report contains some inaccuracies, as will be
easily discovered from the author's version of the battle. The first
detachment was led by General McCulloch in person, and not by
Captain McIntosh, who was, however, present at thle charge.
REPORT OF MAJOR W. F. TUNNARD.
" Colonel L. Hebert, commanding Third Regiment La. Volunteers 
"' SIR,-In accordance with your request I have the honor to make
the following report of events that occurred under my immediate
notice in the battle of Oak Hills:
"When the regiment was ordered to form at 6 A.M., I assisted in
getting the companies in line, and marched out of camp with the
left wing, the enemy's batteries having opened on our forces before
we left camp. We marched out -to the right, and by order of




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                59
Adjutant-General McIntosh, I assisted in deploying the regiment in
a thick oak under-brush to the left of the road, and before we were
in the field ten minutes we were fired on by the enemy, 1,800 strong,
who were ambushed in a corn-field behind a fence. After exchanging several shots with them, and a number of our men being killed
and wounded, an order to charge was given by Colonel McIntosh,
which was immediately responded to by our men with a cheer and
shout. On rushing to the fence, the enemy immediately turned and
fled in disorder, our regiment pursuing and shooting them as they
ran. In this pursuit I was with the left wing, cheering them on
until we reached an open field, where we found the enemy protected
by Totten's battery, which at once opened on us as we attempted
to form. I immediately ordered the regiment to scatter and move
to the light, where, under cover of a hill, with the assistance of
Captain Maxwell, the line was formed. While I was engaged in
getting our scattered forces together in line General 3McCulloch rode
up and led off the right to attack Siegel's battery, and I found the
left companies, with a large number of the right wing, had become
separated from the right in passing through the bushes.  We
marched on to join the right of the Regiment. In crossing the ford
in the valley, we received a discharge of grape and canister from
Siegels battery, which wounded several of the men and shot my
horse. I then led the detachment on foot, the battery having been
taken and the enemy again repulsed by the right wing and in full
retreat before we joined the regiment. The regiment being formed,
marched out under your command to attack Totten's battery. On
arriving at the point of attack, we found the battery removed and
the enemy in full retreat, except a reserve, which fired several shots
at us, which were promptly returned. This ended the battle for
the day. An accidental discharge of a musket by one of our men
wounded three of our number, one very severely.
" In each engagement our men -behaved gallantly, and under the
severe fire of -the batteries, that poured a continual shower of grape,
shot and shell, they never faltered.
"I have the honor to be, yours respectfully, etc.,
W. F. TUNNARD, Major, Third Regiment La. Vols.
The following official dispatchl speaks for itself:
"HIIEADQJUARTER.S MISSOURI STATE GUARDS,
Springfield, August 15, 1861.
"CoLONEL, — General Price instructs me to say that the discipline
and bravery which your regiment displayed in the late battle were




60                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
so marked, and your services and theirs so efficient in winning that.
important victory, that he would fail in his duty were he not to
express to you and to them his own high appreciation of the distinguished services of the Louisiana Regiment on that occasion,
and the gratitude with which the officers and men of this army and
the people of Missouri will always remember you, your Officers and
men.
"I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect,
" Your obedient servant,
" TOMAs L. SMEAD, Acting Adjutant- General.
"To Colonel L. He7ert, Louisiana Regiment."
[A true copy of the original.]
Louts HEBERT, Colonel Third Regiment, La. Vols.
War viewed from the standpoint of the peaceful home circle, with
its surroundings of happy and loved faces, and the comforts and
conveniences of life, exhibits none of that hideous. deformity which
environs its dread reality. The battle of Oak Hills enlightened
many ignorant minds as to the seriousness and fearful certainty of
the contest. It did not, however, unnerve a single arm to strike a
fresh blow, or dampen the ardor of a single heart. It proved
thoroughly the dashing bravery of the Southern soldier, contending
under every disadvantage against almost inevitable defeat, and taught
the enemy also a severe lesson of what the future contained. So
sudden and unexpected the attack, so close, terrible and obstinate
the-contest, that numbers thought the day irretrievably lost and gave
up in hopeless despair. Not so with the Louisianians, who never for
an instant felt that they were whipped. Through the thickest and
hottest of the fight, where shot and shell fell fastest, and the rifles
poured their storm of leaden hail, the regiment forced its way,
charging the foe with loud cheers, and always driving them from
their positions. For more than six hours the desperate conflict continued, beneath the cloudless sky and in the sultry atmosphere of an
August day.
When the enemy were finally repulsed and driven in dismay from
the field, an opportunity was afforded to view the result and obtain
some definite information of the slaughter.
Soon after the battle ended the enemy, under a flag of truce, commenced -attending to their dead, dying and-wounded. All the remainder of the 10th, after the conclusion of the battle, and during
the whole night, seven of their six-mule teams were busily engaged
carrying off their dead and wounded. Early Sunday morning, Serg,




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                61
W. H. Tunnard, of Co. K, was detailed as sergeant of a large force
to finish the burial of the enemy's dead. Armed with shovel, pickaxe and spade, the detail proceeded to. the principal point of the
battle-field to complete this mournful task, which the enemy, unable
to accomplish, had abandoned in despair. The ground was still
thickly strewn with- the ghastly and mangled forms. Fifty-three
bodies were placed in a single grave, all gathered within the compass
of one hundred yards. These were hastily covered with brush and
stones, when the detail precipitately departed. The effluvia from
the swollen, festering, blackened forms, already covered with worms
was too horrible for human endurance. Hundreds unburied were
left food for the worms, fowls and beast of the earth. No conception of the imagination, no power of human language could do
justice to such a horrible scene.
OFFICIAL REPOMTS OF KILLED AND WOUNDED AT OAK HILLS.
The force under Gen. Price engaged numbered 5,300; killed 156;
wounded 517. Among the casualties were the names of' a number
of gallant officers, as the following list shows:
KILLED.-Colonels R. H. Weitman and Ben. Brown; LieutenantColonels Austin and G. W. Allen; Major Charles Rogers;- Captains
Blackwell, Enghart, Farris, Halleck, and Coleman; Lieutenants
Hughes, and Haskins; Adjutant C. H. Bennet.
WouNDED.-Brig.-Gens. Slack and Clark; Colonels Benbridge,
Foster Kelly and Crawford; Captains Nichols, Dougherty, and Armstrong.
Col. McIntosh, Adjutant Gen. McCulloch's Brigade, reported losses
as follows:
Third Louisiana Regiment: 9 killed, 48 wounded, 3; missing; Lt.CQ1. McRae's Battalion: 2 killed, 6 wounded; Col. McIntosh's Regiment: 11 killed, 55 wounded; Capt. Woodruff's Battery: 2 killed,
2 wounded, 1 missing; Capt. Reid's Battery:- I wounded; Col.
Churchill's Regiment: 42 killed, 153 wounded; Greer's Regiment,
Texas Cavalry, loss not known.
Churchill's Regiment were the greatest sufferers, the first attack
being -made on this regiment, the enemy capturing their camp and
wagons, and baggage, which' they destroyed. The standard-bearer
of one company was changed four times, three being shot while carrying the colors.
Amid the early scenes and incidents of the war it was not an unusual occurrence to find men of high position in society, leaving




62             THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.
home, profession, and the pursuits of daily life, to unite their fortunes with the humblest and most unobtrusive citizens of the land.
The history of the Third Regiment and the account of its first
initiation into the scenes of the bloody drama of the war, would be
incomplete without the mention of two persons, who participated in
the' hard fought field of Oak Hills. We refer to Dr. W. G. Kendall,
and the Hon. Wm. Robson. These gentlemen were from Shreveport,
joined the regiment at Van Buren as amateur soldiers, continued
with the regiment until after the battle of Oak Hills, on which occasion they rendered most efficient service.
Dr. Kendall, a gentleman of refined manners, cultivated intellect
and high position in his profession, made innumerable friends in the
regiment by his kind and affable manner, and genial good nature.
At Oak Hills he was in the hottest of the fight, exhibiting a cool
courage worthy of one who had voluntarily attached himself to the
fortunes of one of Louisiana's most gallant organizations.  Col.
Hyams wrote under date of August 13, 1861: " Dr. Kendall was in
the fight, assisted the wounded, and occasionally took a pass at the
enemy. He rendered great service as aid to the surgeons after the
battle."
The Hon. Wm. Robson, at the commencement of hostilities, was a
member of the Legislature, but this did not deter him from uniting
his fortunes to those of the Third Infantry, and often could he be
found with a musket, doing duty as a private, in the ranks. He is
a man of undoubted bravery, calm, cool, self-possessed under the
most trying circumstances. "  W. Robson," Col. Hyams said, " acted
as aid to Col. Hebert, and was in the thickest of the fight, rallying
stragglers, and conveying orders. He showed great coolness and
bravery. "
Dr. Kendall tells the following anecdote of Robson. " The Union
men fought as guerrillas, to some extent picking off stragglers on the
field. One of these parties got near Robson and took a clear " clatter " at him at about 120 yards, one of the shots killing a negro boy's
horse alongside of R. He thought that was no place for him, bcent
down to the saddle bow and gallopped over a hill at ", double-quick."
They took the negro boy to Springfield, thinking he belonged to R.,
and said they had killed his master, and now he belonged to them.
A man by the name of Phelps, a son of the U. S. Congressman, was
the leader, and claimed the honor of killing Robson. The boy
escaped, and was rejoiced to find R. alive. He had on his person
his master's watch and $300 in gold, which he brought back with
him."




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                63
"Robson rallied the stragglers, and at one time brought up fortyfive men to where the regiment was engaged. Some were rather
inclined to remain behind, but finally, seeing that R. was not afraid
to ride through the fire, concluded to follow him. He and his sorrel
pony were conspicuous characters. He was known in the regiment
as Capt. Robson."
ADDITIONAL INTERESTING PARTICULARS.
On Tuesday after the battle the Federal prisoners were in the public square at Springfield under guard, and outside was a crowd of
Missourians, Arkansians, and camp followers generally. Directly a
party commenced singing " Dixie," a new version for the occasion.
One of the prisoners after they got through said, " Ah, well I I only
wish you had stayed in Dixie." At one time, just after the capture
of Siegel's battery, the rumor prevailed that Col. Hebert was down.
Di. Hebert anxiously inquired for him, and at that moment, far above
the crashing of the small-arms, could be heard the stern, clear tones
of the gallant colonel urging on the Louisiana regiment: "Steady,
my men-steady!" Just then Gen. Price was rallying the stragglers
of the Missouri line, urging them on to a final attack, " for in twenty
minutes the Louisiana regiment will charge again, and if we rally to
the front this battery will be taken."
Gen. Price behaved with great gallantry, exposing his own person
freely and not hesitating to send his men into danger. He was
slightly wounded. Col. Weightman, of Atchison, Mo., was in command of a Missouri brigade (infantry), with a battery which was so
badly provided with ammunition that they took iron bars one and
one-half inch square and cut them up into chunks, using them as
grape. These pieces made most horrible wounds, but were soon
exhausted. His brigade fought like heroes both here and at Carthage,
but the colonel fell early in the action, mortally wounded, and died
before the battle was over. He was formerly in the U. S. Army, and
was a very highly accomplished and able officer; his death was an
almost irreparable loss to Missouri, and cast a gloom over the whole
army.
Col. Hebert was actively employed throughout the day, and added
another chaplet to his already high reputation as an officer. At no
time were the enemy able to force any of the regiments back, and
the men would get in so close to their lines that the shot-guns loaded
with buckshot told with fearful effect, and' the much valued Mini6
gums of the foe overshot the Southerners.
Capt. Theodore Johnson (Quartermaster of the regiment) acted




64                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
as aid to Col. Hebert, and was actively engaged in carrying orders,
and showed great coolness and courage.
Lieut. J. O. Wells, of Co. F, had been on the sick-list, reduced by
flux from 159 pounds to 124, but staggered to his place and stood at
his post, bravely doing his duty throughout the whole fight.
Of the activity, courage, and valuable assistance rendered by Dr.
G. W. Kendall and Win. Robson too much cannot be said. The
former, a citizen of Shreveport, a gentleman of polished manners,
refined education, and standing high in his profession, with Wm.
Robson, Esq., then a member of the Louisiana Legislature, joined
the regiment at Van Buren as independent volunteers. Dr. Kendall
was in the fight, cool and courageous, often joining in the fray; - assisted the wounded, and rendered valuable and great assistance as
aid to the surgeons after the battle. He had a horse killed under
him during the fight.
Gen. Lyon was'killed about half-past one o'clock, while bravely
leading his men. His uniform coat was cut up into small pieces and
carried away as relics. His horse, a magnificent gray stallion, imported from England by Mr. January, of St. Louis, was also killed,
and the boys cut all the hair from his mane and tail, and distributed it.
Maj. Tunnard, of the Louisiana regiment, had his horse shot under
him.
Col. McIntosh was seriously bruised by a grape-shot in the side.
Churchill's First Arkansas Regiment fought desperately, as did McIntosh's and Gratiot's Third Arkansas, and were under a tremendous
fire for a long time from a superior force, but kept up such a furious
fire with shot-guns, flint-lock muskets, etc., that the enemy could not
be brought to charge them. McRae's Battalion won its share of
laurels. When he heard of Weightman's death, with a wild shout
for vengeance, he led his men into the fray where most needed.
When marching from Crane Creek, Lieut.-Col. Hyams was on the
sick-list, suffering intensely from rheumatism and a kick from a sorebacked Indian pony; but, at the rumored approach of the enemy,
mounted his horse, reported himself at headquarters ready for duty,
and was with the regiment on the march, in' their ambuscades, and
through the battle, coolly and calmly directing the men.
HOW THEY FLED.
After the arrival of the troops at Wilson's Creek, eight of Woodruff's artillerymen, guided by a tall Missourian, left camp to obtain
some forage for their horses. The Missourian stopped at a creek,




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                65
the artillerymen went on. The Missourian started after them, but
had not proceeded far when he met four men on horseback, with
white bands around their hats. - He inquired of them, " Have-you
seen any artillerymen ahead?"' They replied, " Oh! yes, some of the
U. S. artillerymen are in a field a little way ahead." The Missourian
replied, " You are mistaken, those men belong to Uncle Jeff."
They waited to hear no more; wheeled their horses " right about,"
and fled to the woods.
INCIDEETS PREVIOUS TO AND CONNECTED WITH THE  BATTLE OF
OAeK HELLS.
When the army reached Crane Creek, August 1, a rumor came
that the enemy was approaching.  Captain McIntosh, with that
reckless daring and dashing bravery so characteristic of the man,
dashed up the road with a detachment to see what was the matter.
About 4 o'clock a few horsemen camne down the road past- the camp,
and following on: in hot haste, came the main body of the advanceguard, mixed up with the wagons, and all coming as hard as whip
and spur could urge the horses. They went sweeping by, giving
the alarming intelligence that the enemy had advanced in great
force and cut them off and killed McIntosh. Still no message came
to McCulloch. The Sergeant-Major of the regiment, without orders,
had the," long roll" beaten, and the men " fell in" in double-quick
time. General McCulloch dashed up the road fairly foaming with
rage, exhausting his whole vocabulary of vituperation (no meagre
one) in denunciations of Rains' Missouri Cavalry, who had thus
most disgracefully stampeded without any apparent cause. Every
man was eagerly questioned-about Colonel McIntosh, and finally one
old fellow had seen a man, answering his description, as he came
by. "Well! what was he doing?"  "'Cussin' the Missourians,"
was the prompt reply. A roar of laughter, followed by a cheer,
arose, for the identification was certain and satisfactory, and all
knew that McIntosh was safe.
THE LOUISIANIANS' SPIRIT.
A rumor prevailed that General Lyon had issued firom Springfield
and was about to surround us. One of the boys suggested that " it
didn't make much difference to the Louisiana boys which side he
attacked them on, as they were so far from home that all points of
the compass seemed alike to them, and if Lyon wanted to attack
us in the rear, and he were McCulloch, he would give him a pass
through his camp and then lick himn like hell."




66                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
THE MIDNIGHT MARCH.
As the meh, in breathless expectation, cautiously moved forward,
not the sound of a voice, the rattle of a canteen or sabre to be
heard, the midnight silence alone was disturbed by the heavy monotonous tramp, tramp of the men, and the dull rumbling of the
artillery carriages. As the army defiled through gorge after gorge,
the anxiety became painfully intense. At one time, while the
column had haltedl, the colonel's orderly (Prud. Hyams) struck a
match for the purpose of lighting a segar, and as the light flashed
out in the darkness, a murmur ran through the line: "There it
comes at last;" "Now we have got it;" and many expected to
hear the roar of a gun. The stern command of an officer to " put
out that match," was the only result, and the orderly missed his
smoke that time.
TREACHERY OF THE ENEBIY.
So close and desperate was the first engagement of the regiment
in their fight with the enemy that every command and word spoken
could be distinctly heard even amid the uproar of the fight. When
the head of the regiment approached close to the fence of the cornfield, Drum-Major Patterson was in the immediate front of the
column. A United States regular got up on the fence, in plain view,
and seeing our advance, cried out, "We are friends."  His answer
was the report of Patterson's rifle, who simply remarked, as he fired,
"No you don't, I have seen you before." R. Patterson originally
belonged to this regiment, which he early left, to unite his fortunes
with those of the South. It was the first shot and death of the
battle.
A sergeant of one of the companies was standing in a small byroad intersecting the fence, a short distance to the left, when two
of the enemy climbed upon it in full view. Raising his rifle to fire,
one of them waved his hand and quietly said, "Don't shobt, we are
friends." At that moment Lieutenant Irvin, of Company K, stepped
into the road. Some one ordered the sergeant out of the road, in
the words: "Get out of that you damned fool, you'll be killed."
As he did so, one of the enemy fired at Lieutenant Irvin, seriously
wounding him in the throat, remarking, as he saw the Lieutenant
double up under the pain,;I got that son of a -"
The heroism  of many of the wounded was astonishing, who
cheered the men on as they laid on the ground, shouting for Jeff
Davis, regardless of their agony.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                67
WAITMAN'S TWO GUN BATTERY.
This battery was as famed as it was singular and grotesque in its
appointments. One gun was a small iron piece, mounted on wagonwheels and a roughly-constructed carriage; the other was a huge
long twelve-pound howitzer, known as " Sacramento," a Mexican
gun, composed of brass and silver, the ringing boom of whose voice
was peculiar, and heard above all other sounds. This battery had
taken a position within point-blank range of Siegel's guns, with the
disadvantage of being in the valley. As the Louisiana Regiment
passed this battery to charge the enemy's guns, only a single man
stood near it, his head bandaged with a red handkerchief, his face
and person blackened with powder and smeared with blood. One
gun was upset, the ammunition-wagon scattered in pieces around,
the horses lying around dead, horribly mangled, the ground trodden
down in many places, and, in others, torn up by the plunging shot,
actually crimson with gore. As the regiment passed the spot, the
man exclaimed, "Give it to them boys. They have ruined our
battery, killed our men and our ammunition is all gone." He looked
the impersonification of one of war's grim demons. That scene will
not soon be forgotten by those who witnessed it.
A DEATH NOT REPORTED IN OFFICIAL REPORTS.
When the army first left Camp Jackson on the march, a large
dark-and-tan-colored dog attached himself to the regiment, and
soon became a universal pet. When on the march he invariably
trotted along the road a few paces in advance of the van, and hence
earned the sobriquet of " Sergeant."  He seldom left his position
in front of the moving column, when the regiment was ordered
out of camp. On the morning of the battle of Oak Hills, " Sergeant" was on hand to participate in the events of the day. Amid
the storm of leaden bullets and the fierce rattle of musketry in the
first close, deadly and obstinate engagement with the enemy," Sergeant" charged through the bushes, leaping over logs and obstacles,
barking furiously all the time. He seemed to enjoy the fight exceedingly. As he passed down the line his sharp voice attracted
the attention of some of the men, one of whom shouted to him,'Get out of that Sergeant, you d    d fool, you'll be killed."
The words were scarcely uttered ere a fatal ball struck him,
and, with a long piteous whine, he rolled on the ground never to
rise. The intelligent animal fell among the prostrate forms of many
who had fed and caressed him, the victim of his own fearless
temerity.




-68                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
GENERAL PRICE'S REPORT.
HEADQUARTERS MISSOURI STATE GUARD,
Springfield, August 12, 1861.
"To his Excellency CLAIBORNE F. JACKSON, Governor of the State
of Mlissouri:
I have the honor to submit to your Excellency the following report
of the operations of the army under my command, at and immediately preceding the battle of Springfield.
I began to move my command from its encampment on Cowskin
Prairie, in McDonald County, on the 25th of July, towards Cassville,
in Barry County, at which place it had been agreed between Generals
McCulloch, Pearce and myself, that our respective forces, together
with those of Brigadier-General McBride- should be concentrated
preparatory to a forward movement. We reached Cassville on Sunday, the 28th of July, and on the next day effected a junction with
the armies of Generals McCulloch and Pearce.
The combined armies were then put under marching orders, and
the First Division, General McCulloch commanding, left Cassville on
the 1st of July, upon the road to this city. The Second Division,
under General Pearce of Arkansas, left on the 1st day of August;
and the Third Division, Brigadier-General Steen of this State commanding, left on the 2d day of August. I went forward with the
Second Division, which embraced the greater portion of my infantry,
and encamped with it some twelve miles northwest of Cassville.
The next morning a messenger from General McCulloch informed me
that he had reason to believe that the enemy were in force on the
road to Springfield, and that he should remain at his then encampment on Crane Creek until the Second and Third Divisions of the
army had come up. The Second Division consequently moved forward to Crane Creek, and I ordered the Third Division to a position
within three miles of the same place.
The advance guard of the army, consisting of six companies of
mounted Missourians, under command of Brigadier-General Rains
as at that time, (Friday, August 2d,) encamped on the Springfield
road about five miles beyond Crane Creek. About 9 o'clock A. M.,
of that day, General Rains' pickets reported to him that they had
been driven in by the enemy's advance-guard, and that officer immediately led forward his whole force, amounting to nearly 400 men,
until he found the enemy in position, some three miles on the road.
He sent back at once to General McCulloch for reinforcements, and
Colonel McIntosh, C. S. A., was sent forward with 150 men; but




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                69
a reconnoissance of the ground having satisfied the latter that the
enemy did not have more than 150 men on the ground, he withdrew
his men and returned to Crane Creek. General Rains soon discovered,
however, that he was in presence of the main body of the enemy,
numbering, according to his estimate, more than 5,000 men, with
eight pieces of artillery, and supported by a considerable body of
cavalry. A severe skirmish ensued, which lasted several hours, until
the enemy opened their batteries and compelled our troops to retire.
In this engagement the greater portion of General Rains'~ command,
and especially that part which acted as infantry, behaved with great
gallantry, as the result demonstrates; for our loss was only one
killed (Lieutenant Northcut) and five wounded, while five of the
enemy's dead were buried on the field, and a large number are known
to have been wounded.
Our whole forces were concentrated the next day near Crane Creek,
and during the same night the Texan Regiment, under Colonel Greer,
came up within a few miles of the same place.
Reasons which will be hereafter assigned, induced me, on Sunday,
the 4th inst., to put the Missouri forces, under the direction, for the
time being, of General McCulloch, who accordingly assumed the
command-in-chief of the combined armies. A little after midnight
we took up the line of march, leaving our baggage trains, and
expecting to find the enemy near the scene of the late skirmish, but
we found, as we advanced, that they were retreating rapidly towards
Springfield. We followed them hastily about seventeen miles, to a
place known as Moody's Spring, where we were compelled to halt
our forces, who were already nearly exhausted by the intense heat of
the weather, and the dustiness of the roads.
Early the next morning we moved forward to Wilson's Creek, ten
miles southwest of Springfield, where we encamped. Our forces
were here put in readiness to meet the enemy, who were posted at
Springfield to the number of about 10,000. It was finally decided
to march against them; and on Friday afternoon orders were issued
to march in four separate columns, at;9 o'clock that night, so as to
surround the city and begin a simultaneous attack at daybreak. The
darkness of the night and a threatened storm caused General McCulloch, just as the army was about to march, to countermand this order,
and to direct that the troops should hold themselves in readiness to
move whenever ordered. Our men were consequently kept under
arms till towards daybreak, expecting momentarily an order to march.
The morning of Saturday, August 10, found them still encanped at
Wilson's Creek, fatigued by a night's watching and loss of rest.




70                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
About 6 o'clock I received a messenger from General Rains that
the enemy were advancing in great force from the direction of
Springfield, and were already within 200 or 300 yards of the position,
where he was encamped with the Second Brigade of his Division,
consisting of about 1,200 mounted men under Colonel Cawthorn. A
second messenger came immediately afterwards from General Rains
to announce that the main body of the enemy was upon him, but
that he would endeavor to hold them in check until he could receive
reinforcements. General McCulloch was with me when these messengers came, and left at once for his own headquarters to make the
necessary disposition of our forces.
I rode forward instantly towards General Rains' position, at the
same time ordering Generals Slack, McBride, Clark and Parsons to
move their infantry and artillery rapidly forward. I had ridden but
a few hundred yards when I came suddenly upon the main body of
the enemy, commanded by General Lyon in person. The infantry
and artillery which I had ordered to follow me came up immediately
to the number of 2,036 men, and engaged the enemy. A severe and
bloody conflict ensued, my officers and men behaving with the
greatest bravery, and, with the assistance of a portion of the Confederate forces, successfully holding the enemy in check. Meanwhile,
and almost simultaneously with the opening of the enemy's batteries
in this quarter, a heavy cannonading was opened upon the rear of
our position, where a large body of the enemy under Colonel Siegel
had taken position in close proximity to Colonel Churchill's Regiment, Colonel Greer's. Texan Rangers and 679 mounted Missourians,
under command of Colonel Brown and Lieutenant-Colonel Major.
The action now became general, and was conducted with the
greatest gallantry and vigor on both sides for more than five hours,
when the enemy retreated in great confusion, leaving their Commander-in-Chief, General Lyon, dead upon the btattle field, over 500
killed, and a great number wounded.
The forces under my command have possession of three twelvepounder howitzers, two brass six-pounders, and a great quantity of
small arms and ammunition, taken from the enemy; also, the standard of Siegel's Regiment, captured by Captain Staples. They have
also a large number of prisoners.
The brilliant victory thus achieved upon this hard fought field
was won only by the most determined bravery and distinguished
gallantry of the combined armies, which fought nobly side by side
in defence of their common rights and liberties, with as much
courage and constancy as were ever exhibited upon any battle field.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                 71
Where -all behaved so well, it is invidious to make any distinction,
but' I cannot refrain from expressing my sense of the splendid services
rendered, under my own eyes, by the Arkansas Infantry, under
General Pearce, the Louisiana Regiment of Colonel Hebert and
Colonel Churchill's Regiment of Mounted Riflemen. These gallant
officers and their brave soldiers.won upon that day the lasting gratitude of every true Missourian.
This great victory was dearly bought by the blood of many a
skillful officer and brave man. Others will report the losses sustained
by the Confederate forces; I shall willingly confine myself to the
losses within my own army.
Among those who fell mortally wounded upon the battle field,
none deserves a dearer place in the memory of Missourians than
Richard Hanson Weightman, Colonel commanding the First Brigade
of the Second Division of the army. Taking up arms at the very
beginning of this unhappy contest, he had already done distinguished
services at the battle of Rock Creek, where he commanded the State
forces after the death of the lamented Holloway; and at Carthage,
where he won unfading laurels by the display of extraordinary coolness, courage and skill. He fell at the head of his brigade, wounded
in threeplaces, and died just as the victorious shouts of our army
began to rise upon the air.
Here, too, died, in the discharge of his duty, Colonel Benjamin
Brown of Ray County, President of the Senate, a good man and true.
Brigadier-General Slack's Division suffered severely. He himself
fell, dangerously wounded, at the head of his column. Of his regiment of infantry, under Colonel John T. Hughes, consisting of about
650 men, thirty-six were killed, seventy-six wounded, many of them
mortally, and thirty are missing. Among the killed were C. H. Bennet
Adjutant of the regiment, Captain Blackwell and Lieutenant Hughes.
Colonel Rives' squadron of cavalry, (dismounted) numbering some
234 men, lost four killed and eight wounded. Among the former
were Lieutenant-Colonel Austin and Captain Engart.
Brigadier-General Clark was also wounded. His infantry (290
men) lost, in killed seventeen, and wounded 71. Colonel Burbridge
was severely wounded. Captains Farris and Halleck and Lieutenant
Haskins were killed. General Clarks cavalry, together with the
Windsor Guards, were under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel
Major, who did good service. They lost six killed and five wounded.
Brigadier-General McBride's Division (605 men) lost twenty-two
killed, sixty-geven severely wounded, and fifty-seven slightly wounded.:Colonel Foster and Captains Nichols, Dougherty, Armstrong




72                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
and Mings were wounded while gallantly leading their respective
commands.
General Parsons' Brigade, 256 infantry and artillery, under command respectively of Colonel Kelly and Captain Guibor, and 406
cavalry, Colonel Brown, lost, the artillery, three killed and seven
wounded; the infantry, nine killed and thirty-eight wounded; the cavalry, three killed and two wounded. Colonel Kelly was wounded in the.
hand. Captain Coleman was mortally wounded, and has since died.
General Rains' Division was composed of two brigades-the first,
under Colonel Weightman, embracing infantry and artillery, 1,306
strong, lost, not only their commander, but thirty-four others killed
and -lll1wounded. The Second Brigade, mounted men, Colonel
Cawthorn commanding, about 1,200 men, lost twenty-one killed
and seventy-five wounded. Colonel Cawthorn was himself wounded.
Major Charles Rogers, of St. Louis, Adjutant of the brigade, was
mortally wounded, and died the day after the battle. He was a
gallant officer, at all times vigilant and attentive to his duties, and
fearless upon the field of battle.
Your Excellency will perceive that our State forces consisted of
only 5,221 officers and men; that of these no less than 156 died upon
the field, while 517 were wounded. These facts attest more powerfully than any words can, the severity of the conflict, and the dauntless courage of our brave soldiers.
It is also my painful duty to announce the death of one of my
aids, Lieutenant-Colonel George W. Allen, of Saline County. He
was shot down while communicating an order, and we left him
buried on the field. I have appointed to the position thus sadly
vacated, Captain James T. Cearnal, in recognition of his gallant conduct and valuable services throughout the battle, as a Volunteer Aid.
Another of my staff, Colonel Horace H. Brand, was made prisoner
by the enemy, but has since been released.
My thanks are due to three of your staff, Colonel William M.
Cooke, Colonel Richard Gaines, and Colonel Thomas L. Snead, for
services which they rendered me as Volunteer Aids, and also to my
Aid-dcle-Camp, Colonel A. W. Jones.
In conclusion, I beg leave to say to your Excellency, that the army
under my command, both officers and men, did their duty nobly as
became men fighting in defence of their homes and their honor, and
that they deserve well of the State.
I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect,
Your Excellency's obedient servant,   STEILINc PRICE.
AirJjor-General, Comnmanding XAfissouri State Guard.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                73
BEN M'CULL0OCII' REPORT.
"HEADQIJARTERS MCCuLLOCHes BRIGADE,
"Camp Weightman., near Springfield, Jlo., Aug. 12, 1861. 1
" Brig.-Gen. J. Cooper, Adjt.- Gen., C. S. A.
GENERAL-I have the honor to make the following official report
of the battle of Oak Hills on the 10th inst. Having taken position
about ten miles from Springfield, I endeavored to gain the necessary
information of the strength and position of the enemy stationed in
and about the town. The information was very couflicting and unsatisfactory. I, however, made up my mind to attack the enemy in
their position, and issued orders on the 9th inst. to my force to start
at 9 o'clock at night, to attack at four different points at daylight.
A few days before, Gen. Price, in command of the Missouri forces,
turned over his command to me, and I assumed command of the entire force, comprising my own brigade, the brigade of Arkansas State
forces under Gen. Pearce, and Gen. Price's command of Missourians.
My effective force was 5,300 infantry, fifteen pieces of artillery, and
6,000 horsemen armed with flint-lock muskets, rifles, and shot-guns.
There were other horsemen with the army who were entirely unarmed,
and instead of being a help, were continually in the way. When
the time arrived for the night march, it began to rain slightly, and
fearing, from the want of cartridge-boxes, that my ammunition would
be ruined, I ordered the movement to be stopped, hoping to move
the next morning. My men had but twenty-five rounds of cartridges
apiece, and there was no more to be had. While still hesitating in
the morning, the enemy was reported advancing, and I made arrangements to meet him. The attack was made simultaneously at halfpast 5 A. M. on our right and left flanks, and the enemy had gafled
the positions they desired.
Gen. Lyon attacked us on our left, and Gen. Siegel on our right and
rear. From these points batteries opened on us. My command was
soon ready. The Missourians, under Gens. Slack, Clark, McBride,
Parsons, and Rains, were nearest to the position taken by Gen. Lyon
with his main force; they were instantly turned to the left, and
opened the battle with an incessant fire of small-arms. Woodruff'opposed his battery to the battery of the enemy under Capt. Totten,
and a constant cannonading was kept up between these batteries
during the engagement. Hebert's regiment of Louisiana Volunteers
and McIntosh's regiment of Arkansas Mounted Riflemen were ordered to the Wront, and after passing the battery (Totten's), turned
to the left and soon engaged the enemy with the regiments deployed.
4




.74               A SOUTHERN RECORD.
Col. McIntosh dismounted his regiment, and the two marched up
abreast to a fence around a large corn-field, where they met the left
of the enemy already posted. A terrible conflict of small-arms took
place here. The opposing force was a body of regular United States
Infantry, commanded by Capts. Plummer and Gilbert.
Notwithstanding the galling fire p6ured on these two regiments,
they leaped over the fence, and gallantly led by their colonels, drove
the enemy before them back upon the main body. During this time
the Missourians under Gen. Price were nobly attempting to sustain
themselves in the centre, and were hotly engaged on the sides of the
heights upon which the enemy were posted. Far on the right Siegel
had opened his battery upon Churchill's and Greer's regiments, and
had gradually made his way to the Springfield road, upon each side
of which the army was encamped, and in a prominent position he
established his battery. I at once took two companies of the Louisiana regiment who were nearest me and marched them rapidly from
the front and right to the rear, with order to Col. McIntosh to bring
up the rest. When we arrived near the enemy's battery, we found
that Reid's battery had opened upon it, and it was already in confusion. Advantage was taken of it, and soon the Louisianians were
gallantly charging among the guns and swept the cannoneers away.
Five guns were here taken,and Siegel's cofimand, completely routed,
were in rapid retreat with a single gun, followed by some companies
-of the Texan regiment and a portion of Col. Major's Missouri cavalry.
In the pursuit many of the enemy were killed and taken prisoners,
and their last gun captured.
Having cleared our right and rear, it was necessary to turn all our
attention to the centre, under Gen. Lyon, who was pressing upon the
Missourians, having driven them back. To this point McIntosh's
regiment, under Lieut.-Col. Embry, and Churchill's regiment on foot,
and Gratiot's regiment, and McRae's battalion, were sent to their
aid.
The terrible fire of musketry was now kept up along the whole
side and top of the hill upon which the enemy was posted. Massesof infantry fell back and again rushed forward. The summit of the
hill was covered with the dead and wounded-both sides were fighting with desperation for the day. Carroll's and Greer's regiments,
led- gallantly by Capt. Bradfute, charged the battery, but the whole
strength of the enemy was imnuediately in the rear, and a deadly fire
was opened upon them. At this critical period, when the fortune of
the day seemed to be at the turning-point, two regiments of General
Pearce's brigade were ordered to march from their position (as re



THIRD, LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                  75
serves) to support the centre. The order was obeyed with alacrity,
and Gen. Pearce gallantly rushed with his brigade to the rescue.
Reid's battery was also ordered to move forward, and the Louisiana
regiment was again called into action on the left of it. The battle
then became general, and probably no two opposing forces ever fought
with greater desperation; inch by inch the enemy gave way and
were driven from their position. Totten's battery fell back; Missourians, Arkansians, Louisianians, and Texans pushed forward. -The
incessant roll of musketry was deafening, and the balls fell as thick
as hail-stones; but still our gallant Southerners pushed onward and
with one wild yell broke upon the enemy, pushing them  back and
strewing the ground with their dead. Nothing could withstand the
impetuosity of our final charge; the enemy-fled, and could not be
rallied again, and they were last seen at 12 m., retreating among the
hills in the distance. Thus ended the battle. It lasted six hours
and a half.
The force of the enemy, between nine and ten thousand, was composed of well-disciplined troops, well armed, and a large part of
them belonging to the old army of the United States.
With every advantage on their side, they have met with a signal
repulse. The loss of the enemy is at least; 800 killed, 1,000 wounded
and 300 prisoners. We captured six pieces of artillery, and several
hundred stand of small-arms, and several of their standards.
Maj.-Gen. Lyon, chief in command, was killed. Many of the officers high in rank were wounded. Our loss was also severe, and we
mourn the death of many a gallant officer and soldier. Our killed
amount to 265; 800 wounded, and 30 missing. Col. Weightman
fell at the head of his brigade of Missourians, while gallantly charging upon the enemy. His place cannot be easily filled. Generals
Slack and Clark, of Missouri, were severely wounded, Gen. Price
slightly. Capt. Hinson, of the Louisiana regiment, Capt. McAlexander, of Churchill's regiment, Capts. Bell and Brown, of Pearce's
brigade, Lieuts. Walton and Weaver-all fell while nobly and gallantly doing their duty. Col. McIntosh was slightly wounded by a
grape-shot, while charging with the Louisiana regiment; Lieut -Col.
Neal, Maj. H. Ward, Capts. King, Pearsons, Gibbs, Ramsaur, Porter,
Lieuts. Dawson, Chambers, Johnson, King, Adams, Hardista, McIvor,
tand Saddler were wounded while at the head of.their companies.
Where all were doing their duty so gallantly it is almost unfair to
discriminate. I must, however, bring to your notice the gallant conduct of the Missouri Generals McBride, Parsons, Clark, Black and their
officers. To Gen. Plice I am under many obligations. for assistance on




76                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
the battle-field. He was at the head of his force leading them on,
and sustaining them by his gallant bearing. Gen. Pearce, with his Arkansas brigade (Gratiot's, Walker's, and Dockery's regiments of infantry), came gallantly to the rescue when sent for; leading his men
into the thickest of the fight, he contributed much to the success of
the day. The commanders of regiments of my own brigade, Cols.
Churchill, Greer, Embry, McIntosh, Hebert, and McRae, led their
different regiments into action with great coolness and bravery, and
were always in front of their men, cheering them on. Woodruff and
Reid managed their batteries with great ability, and did much execution. For those officers and men who were particularly conspicuous, I will refer the Department to the reports of the different commanders.
To my personal staff I am much indebted for the coolness and rapidity with which they carried orders about the field, and would
call particular attention to my volunteer aids, Capt. Bledsoe, Messrs.
F. C. Armstrong, Ben Johnson (whose horse was killed under him),
Hamilton Pike, and Major King. To Maj. Montgomery, Quartermaster, I am also indebted for much service as an aid during the
battle; he was of much use to me. To Col. McIntosh, at one time
at the head of his regiment, and at other times in his capacity as
Adjutant-General, I cannot give too much praise. Wherever the
balls flew he was gallantly leading different regiments into action,
and his presence gave confidence everywhere.
I have the honor to be, sir,
Your obedient servant,
BEN MCCuLLOCR,
Brvig.-Gen. Commanding.




CHAPTER VIII.
TE:E day after the battle the troops marched three miles nearer
Springfield, in order to escape from the terrible effluvia occasioned
by the festering bodies lying unburied on the battle-field, camping
near Wilson's Springs, whose clear, cool water escaped in abundant
profusion from a large chasm in the rocks. This encampment was
near an open, rolling prairie, and six miles from Springfield. The
Missourians proceeded to Springfield, taking possession of the place.
The night of the 11th a severe thunder-storm arose, and the next
day it cleared off cool. Here General McCulloch issued the following congratulatory order:
" HEADQUARTERS, CAMP NEAR SPRINGFIELD, M. 
General. Orders, _No. 27, August 12, 1861.
"The General commanding takes great pleasure in announcing to
the army under his command the signal victory it has just gained.
" Soldiers of Louisiana, of Arkansas, of Missouri and of Texas,
nobly have you sustained yourselves.  Shoulder to shoulder you
have met the enemy. Your first battle has been glorious, and your
General is proud of you. The opposing force, composed mostly of
the old regular army of the Nlorth, have thrown themselves upon
you, but, by great gallantry and determined courage, you have
entirely routed it with great slaughter. Several pieces of artillery
and many prisoners are now in your hands. The commander-inchief of the enemy is slain and many of the general officers
wounded. The flag of the Confederacy now floats over Springfield, the stronghold of the enemy. The friends of our cause who
have been imprisoned there are released. While announcing to the
army the great victory, the General hopes that the laurels you have
gained will not be tarnished by a single outrage. The private property of citizens of either party must be respected. Soldiers who
fought as you did day before yesterday cannot rob or plunder.
"By order.               GENERAL MCCULLOCH.
"JAMES MCINTOSH, Captain and Adjutant- General."




78                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
In their departure from McCulloch, the Missourians carried with
them the battery taken by the Louisiana troops, by what authority
was not discovered. They claimed the honor of capturing the guns,
causing much exasperation among the men of the regiment. This
soon became a subject of serious dissension between the State
Guards and the Confederate troops, being -the foundation of the
differences, heart-burnings and jealousies which existed afterwards
and followed McCulloch to his death. The guns, however, were
finally returned stripped of almost everything movable about them.
Orders were issued to move on the morning of the 16th at 6 A. M.
The troops moved in obedience to orders, marching about seven
miles, and encamped in a pleasant spot near some fine springs. The
weather kept clear and pleasant. The Arkansas State troops here
left the brigade, having enlisted for only three months, and being
unwilling to enter the Confederate service. Thus the fruit of our
golden victory was being thrown away at the very moment when,
if properly seized, it would have resulted gloriously for the Southern
cause. The enemy were in full retreat toward St. Louis, and if a
unanimity of action had actuated all who participated in the late
battle, and the enemy been rapidly followed into Missouri, her downtrodden people would have risen en masse and thrown- aside the
chains which bound them hand and foot. General McCulloch in
vain appealed to their patriotism and bravery. Home! was the
only response. Thus the ruinous policy of organizing State troops
crippled the Confederate cause and environed our gallant commander
with difficulties, completely annulling the advantage which he had
gained, making him a victor over a foe, a leader without an army.
MIcCulloch returned from  his fruitless mission to the Arkansas
troops furious with anger at his failure. While in this camp much
dissatisfaction existed in the regiment. They were living in the
open air without blankets, tents, or scarcely provisions enough to
keep them alive, subject to all the inclemencies of the weather.
Frequent thunder storms arose to add to and increase their accumulated miseries.  The sick-list began to grow alarmingly large.
Wagons were sent out to' gather green corn to distribute as food
to the men, oftentimes three ears being the day's rations. Whcn
these wagons arrived in camp, the boys invariably indulged freely
in the propensity for fun, so proverbial among soldiers in their hour
of sorest need and most trying situation. A general outburst would
commence; "Here's your corn;" " Come up and draw your oats;"
"I say, Colonel, any fodder to-day with this corn," were a few of
the numerous expressions.  While encamped here we visited the




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                   79
deserted camp-grounds of the Federal troops.  It was situated
in a broad, rolling prairie, near a strip of woods, through which ran
a small stream. Their bake-ovens (quite models in their way), built
of stone and mud and brush-shelters, were scattered in all directions.
In a prominent position a large smooth stone was planted firmly in
the ground. On its face were traced, in quite artistic style, a pickaxe, spade and axe crossed, interspersed with the words, " Pioneer
Company A, Missouri Volunteers, July 19, 1861."  Near by, on a
large tree, was the inscription: " Headquarters First Iowa Regiment,
Company A, Captain Cummins, Lyon commanding."  This was
the regiment so terribly used up in the fight. This regiment was
mustered out shortly after the battle, and the remnant, doubtless,
carried home with them ample testimony to the desperate valor and
daring of the-" Secesh," as the Dutch called the Southerners.
On the 24th August, Captain Gilmore, Sergeant Kenney and Private
Cole, of Company F, visited the battle-ground. The dead of the
enemy were strewn all over the field unburied.  They found
150 of them. Dead horses, old clothes, broken wagons, canteens,
haversacks, were strewn over the field. - They noticed particularly
the hill that Woodruff's battery had been playing on (Bloody Hill).
Oak trees a foot in diameter were cut into by the canon-balls. More
dead men were scattered here than at any other point of the field.
Here fell General Lyon. Here the last of the battle was fought.
Some of the wounded had crawled into the shade of the trees and
died there, while others died in the ranks where they fell. The
whole scene was a mournful picture of war's desolation.
In obedience to orders, the camp in  Missouri was broken up,
August 25, and McCulloch's little army turned their faces southward. All day long the men marched in a cold, drenching rain,
reaching camp only to lie upon the wet ground, racked with pains,
and many with burning fever. The country was beautiful, being
an open, rolling prairie land, extending, as fatr as the eye could reach,
in gentle undulations. The men had little heart, however, for the
beauties of nature. Some conception may be formed of the increasing powers of endurance exhibited by the men when it is stated that,
niotwithstanding the inclemency of the weather and heavy roads,
they marched fourteen miles in four hours, halting but once. All
along the line of march the people turned out to see the Louisianians,'their name already having spread far and wide for their undaunted.courage and intrepid valor. Many a smile on fair faces, and loving
glances from: bright eyes greeted them; aye, and cheering words
also, conclusively showing how beauty appreciates valor, and that




80                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
the fair thought the brave eminently deserving of their smiles. At
Mount Vernon, Mo., one of our camping-places, the regiment was
enthusiastically greeted and honored, especially by the ladies. Ah!
the numerous kindnesses shown by the heroic women of the land
have encouraged them beyond the power of expression. The regiment remained several days at Mount Vernon, which was principally
noted for its handsome ladies, making it quite an attraction for the
boys. A hospital was here established, in which the numerous
sick men were placed. Little attention was bestowed upon them
save by personal friends, and no proper food provided for them.
Placed in rows upon hard beds on the floor of a church, these brave
men slowly wasted away from that fell disease of the soldier,
typhoid fever, finding peace at last in death, to be buried by sympathizing comrades, in a distant State, away, far away, from the dear
ones whose loving care might have snatched them from the grave.
Oh, the crying evils of these wayside hospitals! The wanton neglect and indifference shown, the wrongs practiced upon sick soldiers
all over the land, will some day meet with a fearful reckoning.
One fair afternoon some ladies made a call upon a prominent
officer of the regiment, entering his tent in all the amplitude of
crinoline. One thought to seat herself and have a cosy chat, but
hoops (oh! hoops) upset the chair, and the fair visitant suddenly
found herself (mirabile dictu) on the ground. The officer who had
been playing the host most polite from a front face, was incapaciated
from rendering any assistance, a portion of his apparel giving unmistakeablc evidence that he belonged to the "Ragged Brigade." Here
was a predicament. A gallant Captain, however, relieved both the
distressed lady and embarrassed host by offering immediate assistance.
On the 30th of August the march was once more resumed, much
to the delight and satisfaction of the men. Soldiers are proverbial
for their restlessness, and, strange as it may seem, infinitely prefer
the tedious and toilsome march to the quietude of camp life for any
length of time. The road lay through a country of alternate woodland and prairie. Some of the landscape views were exquisite in
their groupings of wood and prairie land, with their contrasts of
dark lines and smooth, emerald surfaces. Marched twenty-two miles,
and encamped at a small place known as Sarcoxie. The march was
over a dusty road, and through a country almost devoid of water.
The tired men were glad when the halt was ordered. The camp was
soon thronged with ladies from the surrounding country, eager to
get a look at the Louisianians. Questions innumerable were pro



THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                  81
pounded, many of which caused audible smiles on the part of the
men. The cannon and shells attracted particular attention, many
never having seen such curiosities before, or heard the roar of such
huge guns. All asked to have one fired off-a request lmuch easier
mlade than granted. Much to the chagrin of the men, the request
was refused. Miss Kate Wilson, a truly handsome lassie, attracted
marked attention. How many, we wonder, now remember her fair
face and handsome form, tastefully arrayed in a dark riding habit,
as, seated on her beautiful pony, she distributed her sweet smiles and
kind words.to the crowd of admirers who surrounded her. We
wonder, too, whether she ever dreamed that her kind and genial
manner to the soiled, travel-stained, yet noble-hearted soldiers, would
place her name in history.
Sunday morning, September 1, 1861, was a bright, beautiful one,
a lovely harbinger of one of those dreamy days when the soul drinks
in with intoxicating pleasure every scene of beauty. At daylight,
the men were in line ready to proceed, Colonel Hebert in command
of the brigade, General McCulloch having left him in charge of the
army and proceeded to Bentonville. We crossed in our march a
broad, open prairie, extending as far as vision could reach, an emerald sea of tall, waving grass, thickly interspersed with nature's wildflowers in rich profusion of variegated colors. Guns and hats were
ornamented with these floral beauties, which gave to the troops quite
a holiday attire, notwithstanding their soiled and tattered uniforms
and rough, bronzed features. Camped, after a march of fourteen
miles, on Black or Shoal Creek, two miles from Granby. This was a
deep stream of cold water, in whose limpid depths the men eagerly
bathed their sore and wearied limbs. The Lieutenant-Colonel, S.
M. Hyams, here played a rich joke on Major Tunnard, by spreading
the report that he was General MIcCulloch. While the Major was
washing and dressing himself, a dense throng of men gathered about
his tent, much to his discomfiture and astonishment, all eager to
catch a glimpse of-the supposed famed Texan Ranger. It was some
time before they were undeceived. Colonel Hyams loved a good
joke, indicative of the genial spirit of the man, and enjoyed the fun
hugely.
Resuming the march, the command passed through Granby. This
place is situated seven miles from Neosho, the county seat of Newton
County, with a population of 2,500, nine-tenths of whom live in log
cabins and shanties, being employed mostly in mining. It is on a
range of bare, desolate, bleak-looking hills. The miners are what
are termed " floaters," and comprised of every variety and class of
4*




82                  A SOUTHERN RECORD.
people-Irish, German: English, Scotch and "Yankees."  There were
two smelting establishments in this town, which did an extensive
business. We were informed that in 1860 there was procured from
these mines something like 7,000,000 pounds of ore, out of which
had been manufactured 50,000 pigs of lead. The mines are the
richest in the known world, the Galena' producing nine-tenths of
pure metal. Of course the possession of these mines was of the
utmost importance to the Confederates, furnishing as they did all
the "blue pills" used by the army. The inliabitants enthusiastically
greeted the troops as they passed through the town, Confederate
flags being unfurled everywhere. The troops encamped at Neosho,
the place of McCulloch's first exploit with the enemy. It is a place
of considerable size, situated in a valley surrounded by hills. The
march from this town was in the midst of constant rain, and the
men of the regiment were in a terrible condition. Large numbers
were shoeless, and the uniforms hung in shreds and tatters about
their forms after their arduous campaign. On the 5th the regiment
once, more reached Camp Jackson. As the regiment crossed the
Missouri line, and when insight of Camp Jackson, they cheered
long and vociferously. It seemed like reaching home once more,
after having traveled over 500 miles, fought a desperate battle, and
endured untold hardships and sufferings.




CHAPTER IX.
DOUBTLESS many will inquire why General McCulloch left Missouri.
The reasons are obvious and forcible. First, the disbanding of the
Arkansas troops; second, the departure of the Missouri forces under
Generals Rains and Price. Thus, with reduced forces, insufficient
supplies and clothing, it was deemed advisable, nay, was absolutely
necessary, to move to some point where the army could be reorganized, strengthened and rendered efficient for the fall campaign. The
new troops must be disciplined and drilled, and properly prepared
for a soldier's life.
Camp Jackson was the best location for these purposes. Another
cause for the movement was the treatment received at the hands of the
Missourians, and the disposition of many of their generals to arrogate
to themselves the honor of the victory gained at Oak Hills. Even the
genial, warm-hearted Sterling Price, the leader of the Missourians,
allowed his judgment to be warped by the general prejudice. In his
official report he said: "I have gained a great victory with the
assistance of a few Confederate troops."  We do not believe that
General Price intended any disparagement to the Louisiana or other
troops, for the Third Regiment, as has already been shown, received an
appropriate acknowledgment from him for their distinguished services.
Yet such statements as above, in official reports, raised a storm of
indignation among both officers and men against the MIissourians for
a usurpation of all the glory of August 10th. The Third Louisiana
Regiment performed deeds that day which gave them a name for
daring and bravery imperishable as history itself, endearing them to
the people of Missouri and Arkansas in ties cemented in blood. The
gallant Missourians who entered the Confederate service feel and
know this, for they stood side by side and shoulder to shoulder like
brothers, in many battles and campaigns afterwards. But on this
topic more anon. Early in September came information of the
declaration of the Indians in favor of the South. This nerved anew




84                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
the unflagging spirits and unfaltering energies of our troops. Four
months in the Confederate service! Four months had we been away
from home, making long and wearisome marches over rough and
rocky roads, through valleys, over hill-tops, in rain and sunshine,
dust and mud, heat and cold. Leaving tents behind to facilitate
our movements, we had encamped without shelter, making the damp,
chilly ground our couch, and the azure sky our only covering. Add
to this the tortures of hunger, want of sufficient apparel, and up to
this period not a cent of pay, all endured with comparatively little
murmuring or complaining, and it shows a spirit which nothing
could break or conquer.
" We're the sons of sires that baffled
Crowned and martyred tyranny;
They defied the field and scaffold
For their birthrights-so have we."
" MON BLONKET."
Who does not remember Johnny Crasson, of Co. K? He was a
Frenchman of undoubted descent, imperfectly versed in the English
language, yet very ambitious to learn its intricate meaning. Diminutive in person, when first in the army unusually credulous, g6odnatured, and yet loving fun, Johnny was the subject of many practical jokes. Eventually he became thoroughly initiated into the
mysteries of soldier life. His first lessons in English were obtained
fiom one more versed in profane than polite idioms of the language.
Thus Johnny could be heard at all hours practicing his lessons. We
remember his coming into camp after a fatiguing day's march, and
relieving his overburdened soul, under trials inflicted by some Confederate mules, in this wise: "Sacre tonnere! by gar! mes amis, one
tarn miyule, he com'ee to ze wagoon and eat'ee mon blonket off my
knopsock! Ze tam tevill Sacre by gar! he no satisfy to eat ze
wagoon into what you call ze scalloop, but he eat'ee ze only blonket
of one poor soldat, tam my soul!" Johnny never heard the last of
his "blonket" and his " knopsock."




CHAPTER X.
DURINa our return march and after the arrival at Camp Jackson,
the men indulged their appetites freely in the fruit everywhere so
abundant, the apples being large and mellow, the peaches luscious
and juicy. Yet many a poor fellow paid dearly by extra camp and
guard duty for eating " forbidden fruit."  On the 6th of September
commenced drilling and all the regular minutiae of camp life. McCulloch informed the men that as soon as he was prepared he would
march on the enemy wherever he could find them. At this time
provisions were poor and scanty, tents very scarce, and the men in
large numbers actually naked and barefboted. They..expressed the
very sensible opinion that they must have more shelter, clothing,
food and pay if their "idolized Ben" expected them  to render
efficient service-be ready for action. Major Tunnard was taken
sick on the 6th, and becoming rapidly worse, was finally carried to
the residence of Mrs. Cunningham, a half-breed Cherokee in the Indian Territory. At one time his life was despaired of, and but for
necessary medicines furnished from Gen. McCulloch's headquarters,
the prompt medical assistance of Dr. Cross, Brigade Surgeon, and
the unwearying kindness and tender care of Mrs. Cunningham, would
undoubtedly have died September 13th. His son takes an especial
pleasure in thus noticing the services of these kind friends in the
hour of sore need. Under Mrs. Cunningham's careful nursing he
soon fully recovered, to resume his duties as a soldier. On the 9th a
large supply of provisions and funds arrived to gladden the hearts
of the men. It was a day of general rejoicing in camp. The next
day McCulloch, having received the proper authority from the Secretary of War, published the following proclamation:
HEADQUARTERS CAMP J.ACKSON, ARx., 
September 10th, 1861.
Citizens of Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana:
Every exertion is now being made on the part of our enemies of
the North to retrieve their late disastrous defeats on the plains of




86                  A SOUTHERN RECORD.
Manassas, and the late battle-field of Oak Hills. It now becomes
necessary, in order to maintain the glorious achievements of our
arms, that a large force should be thrown into the field on this
frontier; and having received instructions from the War Department
at Richmond to increase the force under my command, I will receive
and muster into the service of the Confederate States five regiments
of infantry from each of the above-named States, by companies,
battalions and regiments, for three years or during the war. Those
from Arkansas will rendezvous at Fort Smith and Camp Jackson.
I have in my possession arms sufficient to equip two regiments of
Arkansas troops; the remaining three are required to equip themselves with the best they can procure. The forces from Texas will
rendezvous at Sherman. Those from Louisiana will rendezvous at
Little Rock. Both of the above are expected to equip themselves
with the best arms they can procure. An officer will be detailed to
muster into service the forces from  each State at their respective
places of rendezvous. The commanding officers of companies, battalions and regiments, as soon as they have been mustered into service, will procure the necessary transportation for their several commands, and march them at once to Camp Jackson, unless otherwise
ordered.  Each man will be:provided with two suits of winter
clothing and two blankets, also tents, if they can be procured. It
is desirable that the forces of the several States should be in the field
at as early a date as possible.
I call upon you, therefore, to rally to the defence of your sister
State, Missouri. Her cause is your cause, and the cause of justice
and independence. Then rally, my countrymen, and assist your
friends in Missouri to drive back the Republican myrmidons that
still pollute her soil and threaten to invade your own country, confiscate your property, liberate your slaves, and put to the sword every
true Southern man who dares to take up arms in defence of his
rights.
The principles inaugurated in this war by the proclamation of
Maj.-Gen. Fremont should warn the South of the ultimate intentions
of the North, and show them the necessity of rallying to the standard of their country (for the time specified above), prepared to fight
in defence of their homes, their altars, and their firesides, until our
independence shall be recognized and its blessings secured to our
posterity.
BEN McCCUmLOCH, Brigadier-General Comzmanding.
At the time of this proclamation several companies of Texans arrived in camp. One, Goode's Artillery, was a splendidly equipped




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                  87
company, well drilled and disciplined, and a fine-looking body of
men. They became devotedly attached to the Louisiana regiment.
Mixed amid the sweets of life are the bitter dregs. Almost daily
news reached camp of the death of members of the regiment at the
hospitals in Mt. Vernon and other places, from disease and wounds.
After the departure of the regiment the ladies of Mt. Vernon were
unceasing in their attention and untiring in their kindness to those
left in their midst. Yet notwithstanding all that these kind and
gentle hearts could do to stay the ebbing tide of life, the soldier
sank to his final rest, and sleeps quietly in the burial-ground of Mt.
Vernon, where the battle's fierce din can never reach him, until the
last reveille shall have summoned the countless dead from their narrow tombs.
The men of the regiment were united in the strong bonds of more
than brotherly affection, and when death's keen arrow found its
victim among their number, there was heartfelt sorrow. Ah! those
early graves of our first dead l What memories come back at the
thought of them!
As softly as starlight melts into day,
On pinions of angels their souls passed away.
Strong'men are bowed-in anguish they weep,
O'er the dead still so dear-in death's quiet sleep.
But ah! far away o'er mountain and glen,
Lie the homes, that they ne'er shall enter again,
Where loving ones wait to welcome in joy
Back to their sunlight their own soldier boy.
But above them now sweeps the blue azure dome,
Ne'er shall.parents or friends welcome them home;
Dear comrades, farewell, your battles are o'er,
Together in conflict we'll rally no more.
Farewell! life is o'er, earth fades from your sight,
Around you has closed death's long dreamless night.
Day after day passed away at Camp Jackson during the month of
September with little that proved of much interest. There were
morning company drills and evening parades, the latter being largely
attended by ladies from the surrounding country, to witness the
evolutions of the regiment. The fine manly appearance of the men,
their soldierly bearing, discipline, splendid evolutions, and marching
elicited the admiration of the spectators and the wonder of the
new troops. The weather, most of the time, was beautiful, the atmosphere genial and pleasant. The sun looked lovingly down on




88                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
the broad expanse of prairie lying stretched out before the camp,
while the gently stirring air through the trees which sheltered the
camp, inclined the men to gather in groups and quietly talk of home
or discuss the latest sensational item of the war.
On the 20th, Major Tunnard received a commission to proceed to
Little Rock to muster in troops, obtain recruits for the regiment, and
use his influence to strengthen McCulloch's forces. He departed on
the 21st, accompanied by the best wishes of the regiment, who were
much attached to him.
On the evening of the 25th, while the different regiments were
drilling on the open prairie, Captain Goode's Battery was also out
practicing. By some unaccountable means one of the caissons blew
up, fortunately injuring no one. The horses attached ran away with
the remains, while the Arkansas troops stampeded in utter confusion
amid the shouts and cheers of the Louisianians, who stood their
ground without a man leaving the ranks. They had already seen
" the. elephant" in all his huge proportions, and could not run from
an exploding caisson. The incident furnished food for many a
hearty laugh at the expense of the Arkansians. The men were now
suffering intensely from the.want of proper clothing, as the weather
began to change, the nights growing cold and frosty. However,
they were consoled somewhat amid their sufferings with the intelligence that the State had forwarded a fine supply of everything
necessary for their comfort. Hon. A. Talbot, of.Iberville, was appointed by Gov. Moore to have these supplies safely and speedily
transported to the regiment.
On the last day of the.month occurred the first scene of punishment witnessed in the brigade, one of the Arkansians having. been
condemned to be drummed out of camp with his head shaved for
stealing. In the afternoon the wiole brigade assembled to witness
the execution. They were formed in two lines, facing each other,
with a space sufficient to permit the criminal to march between the
ranks. At the appointed hour he was brought forth, marched down
the extended lines to the tune of the "Rogue's March," followed
by a file of men with fixed bayonets, his head shaved bare, and a
large placard attached to his back marked " THIEF." This punishment was a novelty, and was witnessed by the brigade with serious
faces and in silence. It became a frequent occurrence, however, in
the soldier's experience. The prisoner was conducted a mile from
camp, released and ordered to leave, under penalty, if caught, of
being shot. The spectacle, most assuredly, was not a very agreeable one.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                89
During this period General Price had been achieving some important successes in Missouri, having captured Lexington, with
the Federal forces there, arms, ammunition, etc. His forces had
rapidly, augmented in numbers. The people of Missouri, under thespur of Fremont's proclamation, to kill every Secessionist caught
in arms against the United States, were everywhere organizing for a
desperate armed resistance to the invading foe. Everything pointed
to the early resumption of active operations.
Captain Theodore Johnson had been appointed Brigade Quartermaster, and Lieutenant W. D. Hardiman, of Company H, filled his
post in the regiment. On the 1st October, Captain T. L. Maxwell,
Regimental Commissary, left the regiment on furlough, and Felix
R. Brunot, of Company K, was appointed in his place during his absence. Many of the men, disabled from wounds and constitutional
infirmities, were discharged. One-half the regiment were on the
sick-list, and the rest, if anything, worse off. Such was the state of
affairs in the beginning of October.
On the night of the 4th, the camp was visited by one of those
terrific storms so prevalent during this season of the year, and
which the open nature of the country rendered all the more furious
in its force and grandeur. Late in the afternoon huge masses of
clouds, inky in their darkness, gathered in the north-west. In fantastic forms, they were piled up like a succession of jagged mountainpeaks, their rough edges tinged with a pale-yellowish light. Anon
a vivid flash of lightning would dart its forked tongue athwart the
blackness, followed by the rumbling thunder's roll. The storm
drove down with furious speed upon our encampment. The men
hurried hither and thither, driving down tent-pegs and tightening
the cords. From experience, dearly bought, they knew what to
expect. It burst at last upon the camp with ten-fold fury. The
lightning's blinding flash was followed by the thunder's peal, crash
upon crash, in rapid- succession. The trees groaned and shivered
with the wind-king's mighty power. Then came down the rain,
first in large pattering drops, succeeded finally by a deluge of water
as if all the flood-gates of heaven had been loosed. Cries, shouts
and laughter were heard on all sides, according to the nature of the
men's mishaps; tents tumbled upon their occupants, from beneath
which the men would emerge like drowned rats, much to the amusemient of their more fortunate comrades. Such scenes as these were
no rare occurrence, and formed a part of the soldier's experience at
Camp Jackson.




CHAPTER XI.
AMUSEMENTS.
THE boys whiled away the idle hours of camp life with games
and amusements of every description..Racing, athletic sports,
wrestling, trials of skill and strength, pitching quoits, gymnastic
performances, and last, but not least, foot-ball. Kind reader, did you
ever witness the game? If not, we will enlighten your understanding. It is a favorite amusement with college-boys, where, if played
with roughness, yet is the game conducted according to systematic
rule. A foot-ball is usually about the size of a man's head, or a
thirty-six pound cannon-ball. It is manufactured out of four oval
pieces of leather, so shaped as to be as round as possible. An opening is left in this cover, with a tongue to cover the opening, on
both sides of which are holes, at regular intervals, so that it could
be tightly laced up. Through this opening was inserted a fresh
beef bladder, which was then blown up to the utmost capacity- of
the cover. The mouth of the bladder was then securely tied, the
end thrust inside the cover, which was tightly laced up, and the
ball is ready for the game-a light, bounding thing, to be rudely
kicked, cuffed and scrambled over. The ground being chosen; free
from all obstructions, two stakes are driven down securely, about
fifteen or twenty yards apart, at a distance of fifty or seventy-five
yards, or further if deemed necessary. Sides are then chosen, equal
in numbers, whose object is to drive the ball through each other's
base, or " home," with the foot alone. Behold, then, these weatherbeaten men, strong, active, athletic, inured to hardship,: thus arrayed.
There is to be no schoolboys' work here, but a trial of muscular
strength, united with -skill- and fleetness on foot. The scene is so
grotesque and peculiar that it would astonish and amuse our friends
at home. The players are dressed in every variety of fanciful costumes. Shirts of gaudy hues, colored handkerchiefs tightly tied
around their bodies, pants stuffed into socks, turbans, fanciful, in



THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                91
deed, formed of woolen tippets, red, blue, green and yellow, all
showing that the "boys" appreciate the "phunny" scenes of more
peaceful times. At a distance the men look like a collection of
revelers on Mardi-gras day.
A single player, with ball in hand, steps midway between the two
opposing forces, and, with a tremendous kick, "camps" it. Both
parties make a rush at the rolling, bounding plaything, in their
desperate efforts to force it through each other's base. They scramble,
fight, wrestle over it, all in good-humor. Shins suffer tremendously
in the struggle, often receiving the blow intended for the ball.. At
times two opposing players make a rush at it, and with fearful force
strike it at the same time, and, performing a flying leap through the
air, measure their full length in opposite directions on the greensward.
Captains and lieutenants and privates, officers and men, joined in
the sport, affording the privates a rare chance to repay some personal
pique or fancied wrong. Woe betide the unpopular officer who
joined in this game, for he was certain to come from it sore and bruised.
Such is an imperfect outline of this " rough-and-tumble" sport, which
was the favorite amusement at Camp Jackson.
We turn from these sports to a scene more interesting as well as
exciting. On the 5th of October several boxes arrived in camp for
Company K, containing donations of clothing, etc., from their friends
and relatives at home. Notwithstanding the day was dark, gloomy
and stormy, the air chill and damp, all turned out and gathered in
anxious expectation and excitement around the boxes. Bundle after
bundle found its way to the proper owner, amid cheers, cries and
shouts. Surely could the ladies of the "Baton Rouge Campaign
Sewing Society" have witnessed the scenes around those boxes,
heard the expressions of gratitude, and viewed the demonstrations
of joy on all sides, they would have felt that their labors were properly appreciated.  Members from the other companies, and from
McNair's and McRae's Arkansas Regiments, gathered around to
witness the delivery of the clothing, until there was a dense mass of
jostling, crowding, noisy men, of which the boxes formed the nucleus
and centre of attraction. Each uniform contained either letters,
pictures of dear ones at home, souvenirs from sweethearts, gloves
or tippets, pockets and arms being stuffed With these mementoes
Accompanying this supply of clothing was a mysterious-looking
box, the gift of a friend and citizen to the company. On being
opened it was found to contain liquors of all kinds, " rara avis" in
camp; yea! much " forbidden fruit," such as brandy, whisky, cor



92                  A SOUTHERN RECORD.
dials, etc., with ink, lemons, looking-glasses, combs, brushes, tobacco,
pipes, pickles; in fact, a perfect assortment of " knick-knacks " and
groceries. The donor was enthusiastically toasted for his munificence,
and the name of "Tony" Montau became a synonym for joviality
and fun. It was but a short time before the whole regiment received
their supply of clothing, the munificent gift of Louisiana to her brave
sons. This clothing was manufactured at the State Penitentiary,
and was 6f substantial material, known as jeans, being of a grayishblue color, with the exception of Company K, which was of a dark
brown. The outfit of the regiment exceeded their most sanguine
expectations, and infused a new feeling and spirit among the men,
and they felt that now were they fully prepared for active operations,
regardless of winter's approaching rigorous weather.
We consider the annexed tribute to the ladies of the Campaign
Sewing Society no innovation to the paves of this volume, an expression of sentiments equally applicable to other companies of the regiment, and which but few soldiers of the South did not experience at
some period of their lives in the army, for the patriotic devotion,
unceasing labors, patient toil, and heroic fortitude and self-sacrificing
spirit of our fair Southern women, in aiding and strengthening the
cause.which their sons, fathers, husbands, brothers and lovers had
espoused.
HEADQUARTERS CO. K, THIRD REGT. LA. VOLS., 1
Camp Jackson, Ark., Oct. 8th, 1861.
To the President and Members of the Ladies' Campaign Sezoing Society 
KIND FRIEns,- s-When the heart is fullest, the lips fail in giving
expression to the strength and depth of the inward emotions. Yet
such is the case as I now attempt to pen these lines. False indeed
would I be to my own feelings, did I not express to you in some manner my heartfelt thanks for the untiring zeal and energy which you
have displayed in the equipment of the Pelican Rifles for their winter
campaign.
Mere words, mere language, will not convey a tithe of the emotions
stirred within me, or the gratitude felt for your munificence. Surely
our arms will be nerved anew to strike fresh blows, and our hearts
strengthened by. this exhibition of your interest in us and the cause
of Southern Independence.
Though there may not be among you any Molly Pitchers to avenge,
at the cannon's mouth, amid the din and strife of the battle-field, a
loved one's death, or thus exhibit your interest in our country's
cause, yours is none the less a work of patriotism-more a work of








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THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                  93
love. Loved ones have departed from your midst, and many are the
vacant places at the quiet fireside and in the home circles of those
who have gone forth to aid in driving the invader and despoiler
from Southern soil. They are enduring the privations and sufferings
of a soldier's life, living in tents and the open air, braving the
dangers of the battle-field, the rigors of a severe climate. Yet, while
husbands, fathers, sons and friends are thus evincing their devotion
to the common cause, your interesting perseverance and energy, your
noble, self-sacrificing spirit and unceasing labors of love aid as
materially the success and onward march of our independence, our
freedom of thought, speech and action.
Dark clouds of battle in gloom o'er us lower;
Armed legions have gathered to join in the fight;
A despot has called his hordes to o'erpower
A people all free, now battling for right.
From workshop and counter, from lowly cottage and lordly mansion, freemen have hastened and now stand shoulder to shoulder,
regardless of former place or position, to make a despot's minions
feel the strength of freemen's arms, of freemen's daring and bravery.
You, mothers and daughters at home, are aiding the cause of "Rebellion," and so long as your patriotism lasts, evinced in such works
of love and remembrance as we have lately been the recipients of, so
long is there reason to hope for the eventual triumph- of Southern
freemen.  Woman's love, woman's patriotism  and devotion will
achieve more than armed legions, and do now accomplish- more than
aught else in aiding to turn back the tide of Northern hate and
fanaticism.
Kind' friends, what more can I say? IHow evince, to you the
thanks, the gratitude of a soldier's heart? Let deeds of future
daring and bravery convince you that soldiers are not unmindful of
the interest exhibited towards and felt in them by loved and fair
ones at home. With a prayer for blessingson your labors and the
final success of our cause,
I subscribe myself your friend,
W. H. TrsWnARD, Acting Orderly Sergeant.
In behalf of Company K.




CHAPTER XII.
THIE FALL CAMPAIGN.
OCTOBER 7th, 1861, was a beautiful, clear day, such as we often
experience in the Fall. Orders were issued to prepare to break up
camp and move on the following morning at 10 o'clock A. Ml. All
was bustle and confusion, the men hurrying, scampering to and fro,
packing knapsacks, etc. The order, however, was rescinded, as it was
found impossible to complete the necessary preparations to march.
Rumors began to prevail that General Price was retreating, closely
followed by Fremont with an army of 30,000 men. On the 11th,
under orders, we left Camp Jackson, and ere night had once more
crossed the line into Missouri, our destination being reported as
Carthage, camping in an open field, surrounded by dense woods.
On the 12th an election was held for officers to fill vacancies in the
various companies, Company A choosing E. Gourrier as Second
Junior Lieutenant; Company K, H. H. Gentles.
On this day also the regiment received their first pay from the Confederate States for May and June in scrip, a species of money not
very available to the soldier. The country abounded in wild fruit
and nuts, such as pawpaws, grapes, hawes, hazel-nuts, and apples
also in profusion, of which the men gathered eagerly and devoured.
13th. Camped at Scott's M3ills, on Elk River. The next day, while on
the march, the regiment met the family and effects of Governor
Jackson, of Missouri, en route for Arkansas. The meeting between
the  -overnor and the regiment, there, in the lonely woods of
Missouri, was a scene such as few can ever forget. The day was
bright and bea.1tiful; the sunbeams glancing smilingly down through
the o'ershadowing branches of the forest trees. As the Governor
approached, the regiment formed in line along the roadside and
welcomed him with three hearty cheers, at the same time presenting
arms, as he moved along the line, with head uncovered. Reaching




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                95
the extreme left of the line, Governor Jackson faced the men, and,
in tones trembling from the, depth of his agitation and emotion, thus
addressed them: "I am glad to meet you. I welcome you to
l]]issouri. You will find many warm-hearted brothers here who will
warmly, nobly greet you. I feel that Missouri is free, and hope to
announce on my return that she is legally a member of the Southern
Confederacy, even as she now is virtually. There are troops enough,
I hope, to drive every foe from her soil. We have plenty to feed
them, and if we are blessed with pleasant weather, one of our oldfashioned autumns, not an enemy will remain in the State. I hope
and expect that you will winter in the heart of Missouri, if not in
St. Louis. I have heard of you before at the battle of Oak Hills,
and for your deeds there I thank you. Once again I welcome you
to Missouri." This simple-worded address of the Gdvernor, delivered with impressive force and eloquence of manner, elicited another
burst of applause from the warm-hearted Louisianians. LieutenantColonel Hyams replied in the following expressi've language: "In
behalf of the Louisiana Regiment I would simply answer-let thleir
past deeds speai for their future."
Such is the outline of the most pleasant incident of our campaign.
The march was resumed. Camped at night on the right of an open
field, in woods, near the roadside, the spot being known as Camp
Pike. Goode's Texas Battery joined us to-day. In this camp occurred a fearful tragedy, always a matter of deep regret and sorrow,
but especially among those who should be united in the strong bonds
of unity of feeling, interest, and purpose. Two members of the
Morehouse Fencibles, Co. E, were engaged in a game of cards, when
a dispute arose, ending in blows. The result was that Mayo shot
Hays in the abdomen, inflicting a mortal wound; Hays drew a
Bowie-knife, after being shot, stabbing and instantly killing Mayo.
Hays died the next day in Neosho. Thus two valuable, lives were
sacrificed needlessly, and the regiment lost two efficient members.
On the 17th the march was resumed, the regiment passing through
Neosho, and camped eighteen miles from Carthage, on Shoal Creek.
Rumors of the enemy's approach began to be very prevalent, it being
supposed that they would attempt to gain possession of Neosho before the 23d, the day appointed for the convening of the Legislature
of Missouri for the purpose of passing the secession ordinance. The
regiment still continued to advance, arriving on the 18th at Centre
Creek. The 20th they began their retreat, Price's army, computed
at 18,000 men, arriving at Neosho and filling the whole valley in
which it was situated with the uproar, confusion and bustle incident




96                  A SOUTHERN RECORD.
to the camping of a large force, especially one in rapid ietreat from
a pursuing foe. This morning the air was chill and cold, the ground
covered with a heavy hoar-frost. Yet the day turned out clear, serene
and beautiful. It always seemed as if these quiet Sabbath-days
must mark some important event and stirring scenes! McCulloch's
Division was in the neighborhood, wild rumors prevalent, added to
which was the arrival of General McCulloch and staff Gov. Jackson,
Generals Rains, Harris, and Price, making a scene of excitement
seldom witnessed, beyond portrayal by human language. The next
morning the Louisiana regiment, after marching nearly all night,
passed through Neosho, en route for Arkansas, followed by the mounted forces. As regiment after regiment poured through the place, the
excitement became intense, and affairs began to assume a serious
aspect. The Missourians complained loudly against Arkansas for
not re-enforcing McCulloch. It did, indeed, seem strange, that the
people of Arkansas should have remained idle spectators of these
events, when their own State was threatened with invasion, and no
barrier to oppose it save General McCulloch's brave little army, and
the gallant Missourians, struggling so nobly and desperately to free
their State from the presence of the foe. This sudden retreat, however, seemed to awaken the dormant energies of the Arkansians, and
they began to organize and hasten to the rescue. Stone's Texas Regiment passed the regiment while on the retreat, uttering loud, shrill
Indian war-whoops as they dashed by at the top of their horses'
speed. They were a splendidly mounted body of men. The retrograde movement of McCulloch's forces continued through Pineville,
until the regiment once more struck camp at Cavendish Springs,
called " Camp McCulloch," two miles above Camp Stephens, in Arkansas, but a short distance from the Missouri line. Thus the men,
after an absence of fifteen days, once more found rest, much to their
relief. The weather was becoming very cold, still nothing was said
or thought about winter-quarters., In the mean time, General Price
was once more on the advance. He seemed -indefatigable in his
efforts, undaunted in his determination to keep within the borders
of Missouri.
General McCulloch's mounted forces had gone to the fiont to feel
the enemy's position, and, if possible, ascertain his strength.
Numerous laughable incidents occurred on the retreat, but we give
place only to the following good joke, told on Colonel Hebert. It
seems that at one of the camps, between Carthage and Neosho, several of the regiment found a pen full of very fine fat hogs, or, as the
boys termed them, "bear," for whose flesh they had a "lamentable"




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                 97
love. It was the work of but a few moments to kill several of the
largest and finest. A dispute arose as to whether they should scald
them or skin them, the usual modus operandi in such cases. The
Colonel, unnoticed, had approached the group, and after listening
to the dispute, quietly remarked: "Skin them, my men, skin them;
no time for scalding now."  The. boys were completely astonished,
both at the interruption and such a relaxation from the enforcement
of strict military discipline by the Colonel. However, they followed
his advice, and told the joke much to the amusement of the whole
regiment.
RETROGRADING.
Just after leaving the vicinity of Carthage, and while crossing an
open prairie, a bright light became visible, and several of the men
in their feverish excitement declared that they saw horsemen galloping by. Adjutant Hyams and several others were sent to reconnoitre
but discovered nothing. The men then began to question Colonel
Hebert eagerly as to where they were going, inquiring anxiously if
they were retreating. " Retreating?'" said the Colonel: " Oh no, my
men-only retrograding."  The regiment learned thoroughly the
meaning of the word ere they finally rested from the wearisome
march.
In the account of the battle of Oak Hills it is mentioned that
Companies A and K, Third Louisiana, were united under the command of Captain J. P. Viglini (Co. K). The following orders explain the absence of Captain Brusle on that memorable occasion:
HEADqUARTERS MCCULLOCH'S BRIGADE,
Camvp Stephens, Ark., July 21, 1861.
CAPT.-  ou will proceed without delay to the Creek Agency in
the Indian Territory, and there muster in a regiment of Creek Indians.
It appears from treaty stipulations made by Captain Pike, Commissioner, that this regiment is to be composed of eight companies of
Creeks and two of Seminoles.
It will'be proper for you, as soon as you reach the Indian Territory,
to make Captain Pike, the Commissioner, aware of your mission,
who will, no doubt, give you valuable information in regard to this
regiment. As soon as the regiment is organized and mustered into
service, an election will be held for a colonel and other field officers,
whom you will also muster into service.
Major Clark, Quartermaster at Fort Smith, will be directed toi end
to you an agent of the Quartermaster and Commissarxy Departments,
to furnish the necessary supplies. Beef and flour can be furnished
5




98                  A SOUTHERN RECORD.
in the country, or certainly from Texas. It will therefore only be
necessary to furnish the regiment with coffee, sugar, and salt from
Fort Smith, and directions will be given to that effect. A quantity
of powder and lead will also be sent from Fort Smith to the regiment.
I have the honor to be, Captain,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES MCINTosH, Capt. C. S. A. and Adjt.-Gen.
HEADQUARTERS MCCULLOCH'S BRIGADE,?
Special Orders,        JCampStephens, Ark., July 22, 1861.
No. 16.
I. Captain C. A. Brusle, of the Louisiana Regiment of Volunteers,
will proceed without delay to the Creek Agency, and muster in a
regiment of Creek and Seminole Indians, which is being organized
there.
II. Major Clark, Brigade Quartermaster at Fort Smith, will send
with Captain Brusl6 an agent of the Quartermaster and Subsistence
Departments, to furnish the necessary supplies to the different companies of the regiment as they are mustered into service.
By order General McCulloch.
JAMES MVlcINTOSH, Capt. Ca. S. A. and Adjt.-Gen. of Brigade.
Perhaps no more interesting subject could be presented than a few
items concerning the Indians, their country, method of living, and
connection with the late struggle. The part which they took in the
war seems to have been totally ignored. Availing ourself of the
privilege given by the notes of Captain Brusl6, we give a chapter on
this subject.
In obedience to the above order, Captain Brusl6 immediately proceeded to Fort Smith to carry out the object of his instructions. He
left Fort Smith July 30th, at 12 M., and reached Scullyville at 6 P. M.,
fourteen miles from Fort Smith.:The country up to within five
miles of the place resembles the wild. lands of Lower Louisiana in
appearance. The soil is very fertile, and produces large'crops of
corn, oats and wheat. There were few farms along the road, yet
these compare favorably in every respect with the best farms in
Northwestern Arkansas.
Although the land between Fort Smith and Scullyville cannot be
excelled in fertility, yet, at this period, there were but three farms to
be seen. The country beyond Scullyville is a rolling prairie, mostly
sterile. The houses on the farms are built of logs, and are not very
comfortable in appearance.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                 99
On the 31st, Captain B. gives the following bill of fare for dinner:
Corn-bread, milk and hominy, with rancid bacon; "not very palatable," says the Captain, " but I take a little to prevent from starving. Now add to this most detestable water, and a man's misery is
complete."  The scarcity and impurity of water on this route is a
noticeable fact  Traveled eighteen miles without water; found
some impossible to drink, as it smells too strong of carrion. Traveled
eight miles more and succeeded in getting some of an Indian farmer,
which I managed to drink, although smelling badly and having an
oily surface. After traveling two miles more, Captain B. stopped
at Mr. Jones' farm. He drew some water from the well, and found
it filled with those "bugs" which infest all well-traveled roads.
This caused a sudden weakness about the Captain's stomach, which
shocked his whole system. The very worthy Captain attempts to
become stoical and determined as an Indian, yet he breaks out: " I
begin to think that McCulloch ought to have sent some one else on
this mission."
Mr. and Mrs. Jones (of the Jones family) are Choctaws; live like
the other farmers; had a family-three boys and as many girls. No
fruit of any kind is to be found. A neglected peach-tree in some
corner of a yard is occasionally seen, but few water-melons even;
yet the soil is good, and capable of producing such fruit in abundance.
On the Ist August Captain B. was stopping at Mr. J. Brebb's, a
half-breed Choctaw. " His wife is a very large squaw, weighing over
two hundred pounds. Still she appears active. Their house, although of logs, was about as comfortable as any seen in the Western
country.  It is as neatly and as comfortably furnished as loghouses can well be. They own a family of negroes, who work a
goodly-sized farm for them."
"The prairies cannot be surpassed in beauty. For a distance of
ten or fifteen miles all around, you behold a rolling prairie, covered
with excellent, luxuriant grass, whose emerald surface rolls away in
long waves'neath the autumnal breeze. Even the hills are covered
with this growth of nature's covering. The whole country has the
appearance of being: hemmed in by a tall, blue, vapory wall; which
are the mountains, raising their tall summits, at a great distance,
north, south, east and west.  The sight is grand, imposing and
picturesque, filling the soul of the beholder with unexpressible emotions."
August 22d.  Saw the famous Tom Star, a Cherokee Indian,
who was rendered notorious by the perils which he encountered a




100                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
few years since while upon terms of deadly hatred against the whole
Cherokee Nation. He was not alone, however, in his opposition, for
he had fourteen brothers who all espoused his cause. For a period
of upwards of four years the Cherokee Nation was the theatre of the
most revolting scenes. Murder followed murder in rapid succession.
The Cherokees finally succeeded in killing all the Stars but Tom
and one of his brothers (both living now), who still annoyed them
to such an extent that they sued for peace. Old Tom, who had
often fled for his life and made many hair-breadth and miraculous
escapes, was now handsomely paid to cease hostilities. The old
man is very intelligent, and is very familiar with all portions of the
Indian Territory, as well as parts of Texas, Missouri and Arkansas.
These States he paid a hurried visit to while fleeing from the pursuit
of the Cherokees. He is said, at present, to be one of the most
peaceful men in the Nation. I acquired much valuable information
from him during his short stay at Mr. Rubbs'. He promised to join
us at Springfield, where he can see a " big fight."  Here I met another character in the person of a straggling Indian. His name is
Moses Riddle; is very poor; lives wherever he has an opportunity,
and is very stupid, the effects of whisky, doubtless, as he has the
appearance of a confirmed drunkard. He seems to be very anxious
to join the army, and promises to unite with the Creeks, if he can
only find his pony, who, like the chief characteristic of his owner,
is much given to straying or straggling. This man Riddle said he
bad two brothers in the army; one of them, he seemed to thlink, was
a very gallant fellow. He went on to say, "One of my brothers is
a murderer," in that exalted tone in-which a white man would have
acquainted you with the fact that his brother was colonel of a regiment or general of an army. It appears that his brother had a dispute with a Cherokee about a horse, which was the cause of his
shooting the Cherokee. His second feat was performed on the person of the Sheriff of the county, who attempted, in obedience to
the law of the Nation, to seize some whisky he carried with him.
This picture is too revolting for more particulars.  " Last night,"
continues Captain B., " I had the pleasure of sleeping in the same
room with this apologist of the crime of murder."
Mr. Rubbs is a half-breed, stands about six feet two or three
inches in his socks. His frame is well formed both for strength and
activity; seems to be very resolute, and, at the same time, kindhearted. His children are unusually badly spoiled. Indian babies
are generally the most noisy in the world except negroes.
Arrived at North Fork at 2 P. m., August 3. This place confains




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                101
about eight stores and several indifferent residences, together with a
boarding-house, kept by a half-breed Creek named Smith, who is
absent with Captain Pike, making treaties with the wild Western
Indian tribes. Mrs. Smith is nearly white, dresses quite neatly, and
is " much of a lady."  Here I was visited by a number of celebrities,
among whom were Captain W. F. McIntosh, Captain Napoleon,
Ioore and Walker.  These gentlemen show the very smallest evidence of Indian blood, are very affable, courteous and polite in manners. One would imagine he was among the most refined of the
American race, did he not know them to be half-breeds. They are
similar in dress to the Americans, and intensely Southern in feeling
and sentiments. They despise a Yankee as they would a rattlesnake, with all that deadly hatred so characteristic of the race, surpassing a Spaniard in intensity, with that tenacity of feeling which
nothing can eradicate. They were delighted at the idea of being
mustered into the service, and were proud to see Captain B., to
whom they paid every attention.
The country in this region is well settled, the crops abundant, and
the people are exultant over the defeat of the Federals at Manassas.
They say they will never rest satisfied until they invade Kansas and
pay the villains there back;n their own coin. The inhabitants are wellbehaved, orderly and moral in their habits. I have, as yet, seen no
full-blood Indians. To-morrow will leave for the Creek Agency to
meet the soldiers. Have been awaiting the arrival of the Colonel
of the regiment.
The heat here is suffocating; the thermometer stands 110~, and the
prairie breezes are as refreshing as steam from an escape-pipe.
I left Mr. Smith's at 5 o'clock A. M., August 4, and arrived at R.
Ross' place at 11~ A. M., after taking advantage of many of the shadetrees about the creeks I crossed. The distance traveled is twentythree miles.  This may look like slow traveling, but it is accomplishing a great deal when there is taken into consideration the
effect of the sun in' these large prairies, the heat being terrible. The
nights are somewhat pleasant, but the days perfectly awful with
their suffocating atmosphere.
If you wish to imagine yourself in this country, just get into a
hot oven, and if there be any difference, it will be in favor of the
oven..Had I not brought an umbrella and a pair of goggles, I feel
confident I never would have reached my destination. Saw a few
full-bloods along the road. They are exceedingly lazy and slovenly,
a thousand times more so than the negroes. The women perform
all the labor, and are more active and energetic than the men. The




102                X SOUTHERN RECORD.
majority of them speak no English, and exhibit no disposition to be
on friendly terms with the whites. They are the most independent
people in the world.
August 5. Arrived at the Creek Agency, where I met a handsome
reception from the Indians. There was a rush during the entire
day for the hotel where I stopped. Had an interview with D. N.
McIntosh, son of General McIntosh, of Red-Stick war fame. This
gentleman, with Mr. Stedham, were appointed Commissioners to
treat with the Confederate States. They are both refined and educated gentlemen, half-breeds.
It is surprising to find the number of old Indians who are anxious
to enlist for the war. Their enthusiasm is worthy the emulation of
our own people.
In the large crowd who soon congregated around me, I was
peculiarly impressed with one very old full-blood, who had seen
at least seventy summers. I indulged my curiosity by asking him,
through the interpreter, if he too was willing to fight for his country.
The reply was as laconic as it was characteristic of the race. He
replied: "I am a man."
The full-bloods dread nothing so much as to meet death in their
homes. They say it is a disgrace for a man to die at home like - a
woman. Hence they are rejoiced at the opportunity to distinguish
themselves on the battle-field, or of meeting an honorable death.
Among the companies eventually mustered into service were
William F. McIntosh's, hideously painted with all the insignia about
them, to proclaim that the hatchet had been dug up; D. N. McIntosh's,
James McHenry's, Samuel Miller's, Thlar Keta's, William McIntosh's,
Herrod's, Sam Chicotah's, Uchee and Cusetah.
Having accomplished his mission, Captain Brusle returned to
Camp Jackson late in August, when h'e was furnished with a leave
of absence for sixty days, at the expiration of which period he reported to the regiment at Camp McCulloch.




CHAPTER XIII.
CAMP MIVCULLOCII.
CAMP MCCULLOCH was situated on a rough rocky hill, almost surrounded by valleys. On the east was a deserted field, well adapted
to the exercise of drilling. Of course camps were always selected
in view of such very agreeable contingencies. The first order issued
for the enforcement of the rules and regulations of camp was on the
28th October, which the men considered as equivalent to being informed that, for some time, at least, there would be no more marching. Thus once more commenced the regular routine of camp-life.'Twas the season of the "sere and yellow leaf." The forest, for
some times had been clothed in crimson and gold; all those varied
and gorgeous hues of nature's painting, which have made the
Autumns of the North so famed in the poet's song. During the
march from Missouri, through the deep valleys shut up by high
hills, some of the most beautiful landscape views that the eye of
man ever gazed upon, greeted the vision. The golden sunlight
glancing along the hill-sides, lighting up the tree-tops ornamented
with a multiplicity of various-colored leaves, while the valley beneath slumbered in shadows, formed pictures of such rare and
exquisite coloring that few of the way-worn and weary soldiers failed
to appreciate by expressions of enthusiastic admiration.  The
weather duirng this period was delightful. The days bright and
beautiful, the atmosphere mild and pleasant, but at night cold and
frosty.
Thanks, however, to the labor and love of fair ones " far awa',"
we were abundantly supplied with warm and comfortable clothing,
and prepared to- bid defiance to the approach of white-bearded
winter. On the  1ist there was a grand review of the regiment,
muster, and general policing the parade-ground. The regiment also
saw the munificent gift of Tennessee to General Price pass the encampment. This present from the "Volunteer State " consisted of
fourteen wagons loaded with camp equipage and munitions of war,




104                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
and twelve pieces of artillery, six and twelve-pounder guns. Everything about them perfectly new and in the most complete order.
The.horses were superb-looking animals. These guns were the finest
that had yet come to the Western army; each one has point and
breech sights. We thought, as we gazed at them, that Tennessee
would soon hear something pointed from these messengers of war,
whose arrival was most opportune, and would be greeted with wild
demonstrations of joy by the gallant, noble, and patriotic men under
General Price.
NTovember 1st dawned clear and pleasant. Being All-Saints' day,
the usual drills, etc., were omitted, and many of the men went to the
houses of the surrounding farmers to visit fair acquaintances. It
was wonderful with what rapidity the men ingratiated themselves
into the favor of these same sturdy farmers and the good graces of
their fair daughters. Yet so it was, and they were frequent visitors
to the camp, enjoying the scenes of a soldier's life, as well as their
lively sallies of wit and small talk. Many amusing incidents arose
from this intercourse, one of which we here chronicle as too good to
be lost. We have already stated that the men visited the farmers'
dwellings, whose chief charms concentrated in some fair, bright-eyed
lassie, thus exhibiting that fondness for feminine society and companionship which characterized them when at home. A worthy
corporal of one of the companies, with his" chums," comprising an
entire mess, had been frequent visitors at a lowly cot near the encampment, where two really handsome young ladies resided. Rising
one day from an agreeable t6te-,-t6te over the dinner-table, two or
three of the men considered it nothing more than an act of politeness to invite the farmer and his family to take dinner with them
the following day. " I shall certainly do so with pleasure," was the
reply. - Nothing more was thought of the invitation until the next
morning near the dinner hour, when who should make their appearance in camp but the farmer, wife, daughters, and small members of
the family (as he had promised), to dine with the " boys."  There
was nothing prepared, and, worse than all, no provisions on hand
with which to prepare a suitable dinner. The joke was soon known
all over camp. The men strolled negligently about the unfortunate
victims in groups to enjoy and add to their discomfiture, and sly
jokes, witticisms, and suppressed laughter greeted them on all sides
as they escorted their visitors through the encampment. They determined not to be made the subject of fun for the whole regiment.
So, " nil desperandum," with commendable zeal a portion of the mess
made preparations for dinner, while the remainder "played the




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               105
agreeable." By dint of borrowing and begging a really nice meal
was served up. The mess, for once in the history of the company to
which they belonged, were excused fiom drill that day, and a fashionable meal eaten in the encampment.
One of the most agreeable features of Camp McCulloch was the
immense flocks of wild pigeons that roosted near this spot. The
boys killed large numbers of them, and feasted " right royally" on
their flesh, to them a great delicacy after living for months on fresh
beef and salt pork. They were broiled, stewed, roasted, baked in
pies, in fact, prepared in every conceivable variety of style which
the ingenuity of the men could devise, and let the reader be informed
that a soldier's ingenuity in the culinary line was by no means to be
made sport of.'
The Major rejoined the regiment here on the 2nd, and was most
cordially, enthusiastically, and warmly greeted by the men. He
brought with him funds in specie to pay off Company K for services
rendered in the State previous to entering the Confederate service.
Of course to this company his arrival was a source of great rejoicing,
aside from their love for him as their first commander. At this period General Price's army was at Cassville, while IcCulloch's Division
were scattered between Camp McCulloch and Springfield, awaiting
the movements of the enemy. Here the General issued. another
stirring appeal, calling the Arkansians "to arms," in view of the
threatened invasion. On the 6th, Generals McCulloch and Price and
Governor Jackson held a consultation at-Keatsville to determine the
future movements to be made. All was excitement and anxious expectation in view of approaching hostilities. Colonel McIntosh's
commtand, from this date, were actively engaged in devastating the
country between our position and the enemy.  Everything that
would or could aid them was destroyed-cornm fodder, oats, hay and
wheat-stacks-while the roads were thoroughly and completely'
blockaded by felling timber across them. It showed how imminent
the danger-was considered. A good joke was told on a sergeant
who was very active in this work of destruction. Entering one day
a larige corn-field near a dwelling, he exhibited his usual zeal in applying the torch to the grain. As he was setting fire to a corn-shock
the owner exclaimed, " Look out, there's a gun in there!" The words
were scarcely spoken, when the gun exploded in the stack just behind him, the ball whizzing by in dangerous proximity to his head,
Dropping his torch, he turned to Col. McIntosh near by, exclaiming,
"Look here, Colonel, I don't mind being killed by a Dutchman, but
I'll be hanged if I want to be shot at by an infernal corn-shock"
5*




106                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
The enemy were constantly annoyed and harassed by the cavalry,
their trains captured, their pickets driven in, and their army kept in
constant commotion, in anticipation of an attack from the Confederates.
On the 6th the regiment cast 518 votes for the President and VicePresident of the Confederate States; proper returns were made out
and forwarded to Louisiana. Orders were also read out for all lights
to be extinguished at 8 o'clock, and the men prepared to fall in, no
noise in camp, the'  long roll " to be beaten in case of firing. The
excitement caused by these orders was too intense to allow any rest
that night. Stone's, Greer's, and two Indian regiments left for Kansas. The Indians were half naked-in all the hideousness of their
war paint, and armed with long rifles, tomahawks,'and scalpingknives, apparently as savage and untamed as when, in years long
passe(l, they alone inhabited the American continent.
The enemy precipitately left Springfield about the' middle of November. This sudden and unexpected move disappointed the expectations of the troops, as it was hoped to have led them among
the hills of Arkansas, and, turning upon them, utterly to have routed
them.
The regiment was in splendid health and spirits, more so than at
any time during its formation. The men passed their idle hours in
foot-racing, wrestling, jumping, singing, and dancing. They entered
with- keen relish into all kinds of mischief. One would scarcely
have supposed that they had just been facing a powerful foe, anticipating a fearful and deadly combat. To all intents and purposes our
fall campaign was finished, although little was said about winterquarters. The night of November 16th there was a light fall of
sleet; General McCulloch left to-day for Springfield with 4,000 cavalry; the 17th was a dark, cloudy, gloomy day, but not cold. We
anticipated now the opening of winter weather; cold, rain, sleet,
and snow. How rejoiced would the men then have been could they
have been transferred to some field of active service, instead of remaining inactive and confined to winter-quarters during the coming
months! Inured to hardship, brave and daring, the men of the Third
Regiment would have infinitely preferred an active campaign to a
winter of idleness. But as the fates willed so must its destiny be
accomplished. They had "learned to labor," but not to wait while
there was work to do, or a blow to be struck for the independence
of their country. On the 18th, Major W. F. Tunnard, at the head
of 150 men, departed at 12 o'clock at night, with three days' rations,
to clear out the blockaded roads leading to Springfield. Making a




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               107
march of ten miles, they halted, and commenced the task assigned
them. The men worked with the same alacrity and perseverance
which always characterized themn. Whether work, play or fight, they
entered into it with a zeal and energy truly commendable. Having
accomplished the duty assigned them, they returned to camp on the
afternoon of the 20th. The weather at this time was very wintry;
tremendous storms arose, followed by bitter cold weather. Everything became frozen solid and hard. The men suffered from the
weather, tents being-very insufficient protection against the penetrating air, and noW began to look forward to more comfortable
quarters. Advices from General McCulloch reached the command,
giving information that Siegel was at Rolla with a portion of the
Federal forces, and Hunter at Sidalia with the remainder. General
Price was marching, with his army largely reinforced, upon the
latter, while General McCulloch, using Springfield as a base of operations, was making a demonstration on Rolla, to prevent Siegel from
reinforcing Hunter. Such was the condition of affairs at this date.
On the 24th, Major Theodore Johnson and Captain Brus16 reached
the regiment. The weather continued too cold to permit the men
to engage in their customary drills, and they passed the time principally by indulging in their favorite amusement, foot-ball. The
weather was fine for the violent exercise of this rough game. November 25th was a marked day in the army. On this day the Infantry Division was reviewed by Colonel L. Hebert. Although there
were present no "knights of the quill " to write about the manly
appearance and military bearing of the men; no fair ones to wave
cambric handkerchiefs and lend the charm of their beauty and
presence to the scene, yet was the display none the less creditable to
all concerned. The soiled and worn uniforms of the men, with their
determined features, unshaven beard and unshorn locks, spoke of
war in all its grim reality, and proclaimed the review no light
pageantry or holiday festival. On this same day a musical club was
organized in the regiment, for the purpose of enlivening the coming
winter evenings with " strains of harmonious melody."  The instruments were two flutes, a piccolo, violin and guitar. The artillery
and cavalry passed camp, en route for their winter-quarters. On the
27th, General McCulloch arrived in our camp, en route to Richmond,
Va. The personnel of this remarkable character was striking. His
face was nearly concealed with brown beard and moustache. Keen
gray eyes looked with piercing glance from beneath the overshadowing eyebrows; a brown felt hat placed firmly on his head; black
and white checked overcoat, pants of blue army cloth, the inside




108                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
half of the legs being lined with buckskin, and hands incased in
soiled buckskin gauntlets, with not a mark or ornament visible to
betoken his rank or attract attention. An observer would little have
supposed him to be the famed and dreaded Ben McCulloch.
Though late in the season, the fall races took place on this day, an
event of much excitement and fun among the men. The race-track
was a lane about a quarter of a mile long, near the camp, level and
smooth. Bets were freely offered and taken, the first entry being
Dr. Hebert and Captain Richards, two noted racers, in a single
dash of a quarter. Behold, then, the scene. The chosen judges at
the stand; the fences lined with excited, eager men; the riders
stripped, and handkerchiefs tied about their heads. The start was
made, and Richards, amid shouts and cheers, won the race by four
feet exact measurement.  The next race was between Adjutant
Hyams' filly and Richards, a dead heat. The race being repeated,
Hyams' filly won by six inches. The fourth and last race was
between two ponies, Brigham and Hedrick, the latter being successful. Such was one of the scenes of November 27th. We chronicle
another. A mysterious-looking wagon drove up to the encampment,
which seemed to immediately attract great attention, the men
thronging around it in numbers. The Argus-eyed officers were on
the alert, and soon made a descent upon the contents of the wagon,
when,'oh, lud " it was discovered to contain a keg of whisky.
How could the boys discover such stuff, we wonder? Passing
strange, indeed. The contents were immediately seized and confiscated by Lieutenant-Colonel S. -M. Hyams, as contraband of war.
The Lieutenant-Colonel did not, then and there, spill the whisky.
Not he. He had too keen an appreciation of what was good for a
soldier on a cold day, if not taken in too large doses. The men were
forthwith summoned to his quarters, and every one given a drink of
the forbidden nectar. He was vociferously cheered for his kind
remembrance of the soldiers' wants.
On the evening of the 28th a daring robbery was committed in
camp. While Quartermaster Hardiman was eating his supper, some
person or persons unknown succeeded in abstracting from his
quarters his trunk containing all the funds belonging to the regiment,
and papers. It contained about $5,000. The theft was quickly
discovered, and details immediately made to scour the surrounding
country, and an edger, energetic search instituted for the capture of
the thief and recovery of the money. The trunk was soon discovered by a squad from Company K, in the woods, back of the Quarterrmaster's tent, broken open; but so hot and close had been the




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                109
pursuit, that the robber only succeeded in partially rifling the trunk
of its contents. He obtained about $2,100, which was in an envelope,
leaving behind a package of Confederate bills, and some silver,
amounting to nearly $3,000 more. The perpetrator of the deed was
never discovered. It was evidently committed by some person who
knew the Quartermaster's habits and the place where he kept his
funds for paying the teamsters, as this fund alone was taken.
Orders were issued at this time for the men to go into winterquarters. The morning of November 29th was cold, the sky overcast, as the regiment bade adieu to Camp McCulloch. They marched
off in fine spirits, and soon accomplished the journey of sixteen
miles, stepping it off at a lively pace. On arriving at Cross Hollows
the quarters were found unprepared for their reception, and so they
were once more encamped in the open air, exposed to the inclemency
of the weather. Crosst Hollows was a deep valley, running east and
west, shut in by high acclivities. The country here is a succession
of high, rocky hills, anad deep, dark and narrow defiles. Surrounded
on Iall sides by these frowning hills, the camp was protected from
the cold, piercing wintry winds, yet it also seemed like imprisoning
the men to winter them here, far distant from any society or regular
communication with friends at home. The country abounded in
wild game of all kinds, such as bear, deer, quails, pigeons, ducks,.
turkey, while White River, distant about two miles, furnished a fine
place for fishing and skating. Thus, to those so inclined, amusements could be found to while away the wintry days. The people
in the neighborhood were rough specimens of the backwoods Arkansians, and spoke a -language peculiarly their own-a language that
would puzzle one deeply versed in all the idioms of the King's English; as for instance: " We'ens is going to-morrow; is you'ens -all
going?" Quartermaster H. asked an old farmer if he had any forage.
" No," he replied, "I hev spore all I kin spare."




CHAPTER XIV.
CAMP BENJAMIN.
THE quarters of the Louisiana Regiment were situated in one of
the valleys of Cross Hollows, protected from the chilly, wintry winds
by high, rocky hills, covered with a heavy growth of timber. They
were substantial wooden buildings, constructed of tongued and
grooved planks placed upright, with roofing of the same material.
The flooring was the very best, and would have been a credit to the
handsomest of private residences. Each building was 36 by 20 feet,
divided into two rooms by a partition meeting in the centre at the
chimney, constructed of brick, with a fire-place in each room, with
a smooth brick hearth. The privates' quarters were in two parallel
rows facing each other, while the officers' ran perpendicular to them,
forming a square at one end. The men were not too much crowded,
and slept in berths placed one above the other, similar to those in a
state-room of a river steamer. The utmost contentment and good
feeling prevailed among the men, and all seemed determined to enjoy the days of the winter months. With abundant material for the
purpose, they soon manufactured chairs, tables, shelves, and mantlepieces over the, fire-places. Most agreeably were they disappointed
at their situation and surroundings. They soon gathered about
them all those little comforts and conveniences which so materially
contributed to the happiness of a soldier's precarious existence.
The buildings were soon named according to the inclination of the
occupants, and a stroll through the quarters exhibited to the view
grotesque lettering, telling of all kinds of "Dens," " Retreats," and
"Quarters," while you could easily discover " Bull Run," " Leesburg,"
"Belmont," and other streets. " Manassas Gap " opening into " Capital Square," the officers' quarters.. Companies A and K were ordered
to Fayetteville as provost-guard for that place during the winter
months, and left Camp Benjamin December 4th.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                111
Behold now these war-worn, yet jovial soldiers, preparing to pass
the winter months! On the 11th of December the scene in Camp
Benjamin was one of peculiar activity and bustle, for the announcement had been made that the buildings were ready for occupation.
They were apportioned to the companies, and the men eagerly and
zealously proceeded to fit them up forpermanent residences. The
day was a fine one, the atmosphere cool and bracing. Halloo, song,
and laughter echoed along the valley, and over the hill-tops, while
from a grist-mill near by came the monotonous splash of its huge
water-wheel, mingled with the clank of machinery and the peculiar
whirr and-rumble of its mill-stones. The frowning hill-sides there
never looked down upon such a scene of bustle, activity, and
hilarity.
Thus the regiment became established in- their winter-quarters,
surrounded with nearly every comfort a soldier's heart could desire.
There was a sad deficiency, however, in the Medical Department,
and numbers of the men on the sick-list with diseases so dangerous
to -those unaccustomed to such a rigorous climate. These sons of
a sunnier clime felt most acutely the piercing wintry air, and from
exposure and negligence in providing against the constant atmospheric changes, made themselves victims to the approach of insidious diseases.
Captain T. L. Maxwell, A. C. S., arrived in camp on the 12th. He
was most cordially greeted by the men. There was not a single
member of the regiment who did not love Captain Maxwell. His
constant geniality of disposition, general kindness and affability,
won every heart. He had a smile for all, was fond of a good joke,
loved the bright and sunny side of existence. In time of need and
danger he was always found at his post, a true soldier, a brave man.
No wonder he found firm friends in the regiment, and was highly
respected deep in the hearts of the noble men whose wants he supplied.
To-day Captain M. is the same affable, polite, courteous, smiling,
warm-hearted man, and loves nothing better than to meet some of
his old comrades and chat over the days of " auld lang syne."  On
this same day overcoats, sent to the regiment by Governor Thomas
0. Moore, arrived, and were distributed. Louisiana seemed never
to weary in supplying the necessities of her gallant sons.
At this period the regiment was commanded by Major W. F. Tunnard, Colonel Hebert being in command of the brigade, with headquarters at Fayetteville, and Lieutenant-Colonel- Hyams absent on
furlough. The Major instituted a system of the strictest discipline.
Of unbending determination and strong will, as already stated, he




112                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
never flinched from the prompt execution of every order which he
pronmulgated. He meant what he said.
On the 14th Private L. Devlin, of Company E, was drummed out
of the regiment for stealing. He had disobeyed orders. It was the
first punishment in the regiment. The next day a man from Fayetteville was detected in selling liquor to the men, and swindling them
out of their money by some gambling device. He -was turned over
to the tender mercies of the boys. Ready for every species of mischief, they did full justice to the subject thus furnished. They so
worked on the man's fears that he imagined he was about to be hung,
drawn and quartered. Most piteously did he beg to bVe released.
His tormentors were obdurate, and every appeal was answered with
threats and scowls.
A sharp rail was procured, upon which he was mounted, with feet
tied'together. As they dangled beneath, two stalwart men raised
it on their shoulders, while one man, on each side of the victim, with
fixed bayonet pointed at him, prevented the possibility of the victim
losing his balance, and away they all went.  The bearers were
rough trotters; very, indeed; and amid shouts, laughter and jeers,
mingled with the groans of the victim, he was rode through the
whole encampment. Such " a ridin' on a rail" no mortal ever got.
It is needless to state "that man never visited the Louisianians
again."
On the 21st a court-martial was organized for the trial of petty
offences. President-Captain O. E. Hull; Members-Lieutenant S.
D. Russell and Lieutenant Brigham; Judge-Advocate-Captain J.
S. Richards.
The next day there was a heavy fall of snow.  A scene of uproarious mirth ensued. There was a general " ducking" of all, irrespective of rank, and fierce battles with snow-balls. It was hazardous
for any one to venture in sight, as he would be most unmercifully
pelted with snow.
On the 24th Lieutenant J. H. Brigham was appointed A. A. Q. M.,
in place of Captain Hardiman, absent on furlough. At this period
Lieutenant W. M. Washburn, Company B, was the Acting Adjutant,
S. M. Hyams, Jr., having received the appointment of AdjutantGeneral of the brigade.
Christmas Eve, the.holiday festivities, and foaming bowls of eggnog, with raw liquor, seemed as plentiful as the spring water near
by. Uproarious hilarity prevailed, the absent were toasted in many
a cup, and songs sung with eventually discordant chorus.  The
next day was Christmas. Soldiers loved to dispense hospitality,




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                113
consequently there were numerous gatherings of convivial spirits,
and egg-nog was drank with all the  Iclat and formality of a drawing-room assembly, or hilariously tossed off with a jovial toast and
upraised cups.
The 1st of January witnessed a new spectacle in camp-life. A
tall pole was formally raised in front of Major Tunnard's quarters,
and the regimental flag flung to the breeze. The Major made a
terse, neat, appropriate and stirring speech -to the men on this interesting occasion, which was enthusiastically and vociferously
cheered.
At this time the boys were having gay times, going to parties
given every night in the neighbors' houses. Doubtless to this day
the buxom Arkansas lasses in that vicinity remember the Louisianians, with their manly bearing, good looks, polished ease and
elegance of manner and graceful movements. The majority of these
men were gentlemen, once moving in refined society at home, and
nothing more delighted them than to exhibit their accomplishments
before the astonished gaze of these same plain, honest, country
people.
On the 11th of January the regiment was paid off.
On the 24th the mumps broke out in camp. The Major had
instituted a regimental hospital, which he daily visited, and used
every exertion to have the sick properly cared for. This wise measure was highly appreciated by the men, and such kindness for their
welfare and comfort implanted in their strong hearts -imperishable
feelings of gratitude and respect. Dr. Lowther here officiated as
physician. He was an efficient physician, and, as a man, was unsurpassed for his kindliness and affability.
On the 25th orders were received from headquarters for the regimental commanders to have their respective commands thoroughly
prepared and organized for marching immediately. The last day
of January found the ground covered with a heavy fall of snow,
and the anticipation of an early campaign subsided.
February 7. Orders read at dress parade for company drills, four
hours each day. There was a very alarming increase of the sick.
Drill! What i and give up all other schemes? Verily, no I The
life of ease and pleasure which had made the hours pass so smilingly away, had, undoubtedly, incapacitated the men from doing
soldier's duty.  Was it really so?  Let us see how the sequel
proves.
February 11. General McCulloch forbids the granting of furloughs
or leaves of absence -under any circumstances.




114                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
On the 12th an order was received to have all the mules shod and
the wagons repaired with the quickest possible dispatch, and for
the troops to hold themselves in readiness to move immediately.
14th, about 12 o'clock at night, the camp was alarmed by the cry
of fire. A fearful scene of' excitement ensued, and the men indiscriminately rushed en ddshabille into the open air, regardless of the
biting wintry weather. The sentry-box in the rear of the hospital
had, by some means, caught fire, and was burned up. No other
damage done. We leave imagination to picture that night-scene, as
mere word-painting could not do the subject full justice.
The 16th of February was a memorable day at Camp Benjamin.
That day, at 1 o'clock, an order was received to cook six days'
rations, and to be ready to move in one hour.
A large number of ladies assembled to witness the departure, and
as the regiment moved away, " Good-bye," " God bless you," was on
the lips of all. Marched up the telegraph road and reached Price's
Camp, at Trat's store, at 9 o'clock P. M. The enemy's camp-fires
were visible four miles distant.
Few of the men took either blankets or clothing with them, little
dreaming of the events which were about to occur. As they lay
aound their camp-fires, they thought of the happy days at Camp
Benjamin; how halcyon hours, all brimming with pleasure, had
winged their swift flight; of festivities within and without their camp;
of hunts, rambles into the country; of the abundance and plenty
which Surrounded them there. Ah I those scenes of the past, surrounded with the frame-work of winter sports, had fled forever, and
now a reality, to contain horrors never before experienced or dreamed
of, hovered over them with its restless, sable pinions. Camp Benjamin, a long, a last farewell bade we to thee I




CHAPTER XV.
WINTER AT FAYETTEVILLE.
AWAY once more on the tramp, with a single companion as company. That night we laid under a hay-stack and slept till morning. The next day the detachment reached Fayetteville early in the
morning, and were given the college building for quarters. This
was a fine edifice-the main building extending east and west, with
two wings on the north and south sides. The grounds around it
were beautfullv laid out, and interspersed with fine oak-trees.
Here, then, we must rest for a time. The boys seemed to find
Fayetteville a pleasant little town, and becoming acquainted with
the lassies of the place, entered with keen relish and peculiar zest
into all the amusements of the season. Balls and parties were no
rarity, while the young men exhibited, by their attention to the
ladies, the fact that a soldier's rough experiences Had in nowise
blunted their refinement of feelings or polish of gentlemanly deportment, or that the charms of women were not as powerful to
attract as in " days of yore."  The days succeeded each other
In rapid succession, with little to vary their monotony save such
excitement as the boys manufactured themselves. There was the
usual guard-mounting for the day's duties, roll-calls, and evening
parades. At night the men usually gathered in their quarters to
laugh, talk and joke over occurring events, often ending with
an uproarious " stag-dance." The members of Company A had among
them a fine glee-club, and often would they serenade the young ladies
of the place, or, gathering in front of the quarters during the pleasant
evenings, fill the quiet air with their harmonious voices, the pleasant
songs floating away in the quietude in soft echoing refrains. It was
not an unusual occurrence to have their vocal music returned by the
appreciative young ladies of Fayetteville, who would come to the
fence surrounding the quarters and charm the soldiers' senses with
exquisite songs, warbled in the clear bell-like tones of woman's rich
(115)




116                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
voice. The fair singers were never rudely interrupted or disturbed
in their efforts to show their appreciation of the compliments paid
them; but when the song was finished the men could not refrain
always from expressing their admiration and gratification by a burst
of applause.
During this month another battery of six guns, and seventy-two
wagons loaded with supplies, passed through the place, en r'oute for
Price's army.  Two of these guns were long, rifled cannon, very
old, and said to have played a prominent part in the battle of Yorktown-a very doubtful supposition. Siegel, in his return towards
Springfield, attempted to capture these supplies, but General Price
learning his intentions, by forced marches, reached Springfield
twenty-four hours in advance of him, and thus frustrated his designs. General Price having received a commission as a general in
the Confederate service, soon organized out of the State Guard a
large force-men who, like all the first volunteers, went into the
army actuated by principle, in the firm  belief that -the cause
they espoused was right and just. This was the nucleus of that
splendid body of men who became so famed; who seemed to
be strangers to fear, and with reckless daring and undaunted
bravery fought all through the war, never quailing in the hour
of most imminent peril.  Between these troops and the Louisianian Regiment grew up an attachment cemented in bonds.of
blood, and which no dissensions, trials or danger could ever sunder.
The Louisianians will ever keep green in their memory their association with the first Missouri Volunteers, and admire their heroic
deeds as brave men should.
On the 21st December we were visited by a cold, freezing rainstorm, which at night changed into snow, and the next morning we
arose to find the ground hidden'neath winter's white mantle, while
the light feathery flakes were rapidly descending from the dark
clouds o'erhead. The sun rose the next day on a wintry scene of
dazzling beauty, such as the eye seldom gazes on. The air was
sharp and biting, the ground beautiful in its smooth whiteness,
while the limbs, twigs and boughs of the trees glittered and glistened as the sun shone upon their crystal covering of ice as if incased in diamonds. It was one of winter's most magnificent pictures, calling forth unbounded expressions of admiration from those
who had never witnessed such a spectacle.  It was, indeed.
something new to those who had been accustomed only to the
softly-smiling skies and balmy atmosphere of a land filled with
orange groves and budding blossoms. Thus gathering around him




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               117
gorgeous wintry scenes of nature's unrivaled paintings, the old
year was rapidly passing away. Christmas was generally observed
and celebrated by the detachment. Early in the morning the bell
over our quarters commenced a rapid tintinnabulation not customary
to it, accompanied by the dread cry of " Fire I" "Fire!" There
was rolling, tumbling and jumping out of one, two and three-story
berths; a general scramble for clothing, intermingled with all kinds
of cries and exclamations. "Where are my shoes?" "Who has
my pants?" " Where in the devil is my coat?" etc., etc. We went
out of the only door, from which a flight of steep steps led to
the ground, at the imminent risk of broken necks, and limbs, some
clothed, others in dishabille, hatless and shoeless —a motley crowd,
indeed —only to find a pleasant moonlit -morn and nothing astir.
We had been incontinently " sold" by some soldier who remembered
it was Christmas morning and loved a practical joke. Many enjoyed the fun, while others commenced the day by using the king's
English ih a manner not taught in the Bible.
The men were consoled, however, by an early invitation to Captain
Viglini's quarters, where they drowned the remembrance of their
early disturbance in a " smile" of delicious, fragrant, all hot, piping
hot egg-nog, " nidding and nodding" at each other over the favorite
beverage of the holidays.
Of the many toasts drank, we give the following: " Our first
Christmas in the Southern Confederacy. When bright-winged peace
shall have dispelled the dark gloom of war, may we each sit down'neath the shadow of his own vine and fig-tree to relate the incidents of the Western Campaign, remembering this as one of the
most pleasant." An admirer of himself abroad and the ladies
at home, gave " Company K-first in peace at home, first in war
abroad, and first in the hearts of the ladies."  The conceited ragamuffin I+
Permission having been obtained, during the morning one of
Siegel's captured six-pounder pieces was dragged from the arsenal
and made to thunder forth its deep-toned voice in honor of the
occasion. When last we heard its tone it spoke only to proclaim
the coming storm of death and ruin which it was sending amid
battling hiosts. Now it caused the hills and villages to re-echo in
honor of the glad tidings borne from heaven to earth by angels proclaiming " Peace on earth, good-will to men." Then its thunder
proclaimed war; now it spoke of peace. How strange the contrast I
The soldiers on duty were not forgotten, for some kind lady friends
sent them a repast of all manner of dainties and substantials, and




118                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
once again they feasted most sumptuously and royally. The festivities of the day ended in a large ball at the court-house, where
assembled the beauty of Fayetteville-the gay laddie and fair
lassie-who' tripped it on the light fantastic toe" until the "wee
sma' " hours of the succeeding morn. The boys enjoyed their Christmas, although not greeted by the smiling faces and cheerful voices
of " loved ones at home."
The weather was usually very cold, but the year went out in mildness and serenity. The gray-haired'61 was laid in the grave of the
Past, and from its ashes, Phoenix like, sprang into existence the newborn'62. The past year had been freighted with momentous events —
the ruin of the greatest of republican governments being the chiefest. The mind in vain attempted to grasp futurity as we stood upon
the threshold of the new year; in vain endeavored to penetrate its
hidden folds and gather there the record of our future destiny. No
light came from its obscurity, and weak man must go blindly forward, and with his pany arm and impotent strength carve out the
inevitable decrees of fate. The new year opened bright and promising for the success and hopes of the Young Republic, born under
such a fierce baptism of blood. Yet the war was only in its incipiency, only the beginning of the tremendous proportions which it
afterwards assumed. Missouri was in a deplorable condition, filled
with scenes of violence and dark crime, and her people at this period
were pouring through Arkansas in a continuous stream, moving with
their household goods, negroes and stock to Texas, where they expected to find homes, security and peace.
Col. McIntosh commenced the new year by gaining a decisive victory over some disaffected Indians, under the leadership of a chief
known as Opothleyhola. This decisive victory was gained by the
combined cavalry forces of McCulloch's Brigade, comprising Texans,
Arkansians, and Indians. A general court-martial was also in session
nearly all the winter, disposing of the numerous cases brought for
trial for various offences against military regulations and discipline.
This court-martial was convened in accordance with the following
order:
HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE,
Special Order,                   December 13th, 1861.
No. 7. 
A general court-martial is hereby appointed to meet at Fayetteville,
Ark., on the 26th day of December, 1861, or as soon thereafter as
practicable, for the trial of such persons as may be brought before it.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               119
DETAIL OF THE COURT.
Colonel McRae, of McRae's Regiment; Major Matheson, of Colonel
Rector's Regiment; Captain J. S. Richards, of Third Regiment
Louisiana Infantry; Captain W. T. Hall, do.; Captain J. B. Gilmore,
do.; Captain McCulloch, of Colonel McNair's Regiment; Captain
Provence, of Provence's Battery; Captain Hawkins, of Whitfield's
Battalion; Captain W. R. Bradfute, Chief of Artillery; Captain
Griffith, of Colonel Rector's Regiment; Captain Swaggerty, of Colonel Hill's Regiment; Lieutenant Davis, of Goode's Battery.
Captain Charles A. Brusl6, of the Third Regiment Louisiana Infantry, is hereby appointed Judge-Advocate of the Cburt. No other
officers than those named can be assembled, without manifest injury
to the service.
By order                     COLONEL Louis HEBERT,
S. M. HYAMS, Junr.,       Commanding Second Brigade.
Adjutant Second Brigade.
The author was.the provost marshal of this" court, and made many
long rides to Bentonville, Camp Benjamin, and Fort Reagan, in carrying out the bequests of the court.
The 8th of January was celebrated by the detachment firing a
national salute. The day is enshrined in every Louisianian's heart,
and we could not pass it by in silence.
The Major having received money on the 9th to pay the troops
for four months, and being appointed paymaster, visited our quarters
both to see the men and instruct the officers to prepare pay-rolls.
The intelligence was most joyfully received, for the men were all
sadly in need of funds. At this time there existed a great deal of
ill-feeling regarding the future leadership of the army. General
Price's claims were advocated by a portable paper which went with
the Missouri forces and was edited by J. W. Tucker, a bitter, uncompromising opponent of General McCulloch. This called into
existence a paper named the " War Bulletin," edited by J. H. Brown,
Esq., a talented gentleman, well known in Texas, and an enthusiastic.
devoted friend of General McCulloch. It was a matter to be regretted that these differences arose, or that the Southern press should
impugn the' motives of General IcCulloch, attacking his character
as a man and a General. We do not intend or desire in this History
to enter upon the merits or demerits of this controversy., Yet we
cannot refrain from stating in behalf of McCulloch (who now fills
a soldier's honored grave), that he was generally beloved, nay, idolized, by the Louisianians and Texans, and the volunteers under him




120                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
"had undiminished confidence in his heroism, skill and ability,
having been with him and witnessed his indefatigable perseverance
and labors in the face of a thousand difficulties." Let this controversy end as it would, the men then felt that it was a matter of small
moment who commanded, so that the brave and chivalrous sons of
the South, be they Texans, Louisianians, Arkansians or Missourians,
were united heart and soul, determined to drive the Northern invaders out of Missouri. General Price was doing a noble work in
Missouri, enlisting her sons in the Confederate service, thus forming
a permanently organized army, which, becoming drilled and disciplined, would be better prepared to meet the foe. McCulloch's Division in the latter part of January was composed of fourteen regiments, three battalions, one independent company, and four light artillery companies, all in excellent health and splendid spirits. Such
was the condition of affairs when rumors began to circulate pointing
to an early, active Spring campaign, and the men became feverish
with excitement. General Price was reported to have received the
appointment of Brigadier-General. General McCulloch was to return
to the command of his old brigade, and all differences merged in the
leadership of Major-General Earl Van Dorn. On the 23d of January
General Price sent a messenger to Fayetteville, that the enemy were
advancing upon him in large force; that he was unable to hold his
position. The Federals had been concentrating their forces for some
time previous to this date, but it was scarcely anticipated that they
would open the campaign so early, ere the winter had begun to break
up. His dispatch, therefore, was astounding, yet not altogether unexpected. The intelligence was immediately telegraphed to General
McIntosh, and orders issued by Colonel Hebert to the troops to prepare to move at an early date. The news was received by the men
with much enthusiasm at this prospect of once again meeting the
foe, though it required them to leave their comfortable winter-quarters, and make a long, tedious march in the inclement weather.
While in expectation of receiving marching orders, Providence most
opportunely interposed its mysterious hand to stay the fierce tide of
war. It was a fortunate circumstance both for the comfort as well
as safety and health of the troops.; For several days previous to the
28th it had been dark, damp, and cloudy weather; on this day it
commenced raining briskly, and continued all day until night, when
it suddenly turned cold; the rain froze on the ground as it fell, then
turned into sleet, and eventually into a heavy blinding snow-storm.
The next morning the white flakes still descended, until the ground
was covered to the depth of fifteen inches. It was winter indeed




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                121
now, and all hopes of an expedition into Missouri ended, as the
roads were rendered impassable for many days to come. Perhaps a
more grand, gloomy as well as beautiful picture of winter scenery
was never witnessed than after this storm. The sky had been obscured by heavy gray clouds in bold outline, against which were defined the delicate tracery of limbs and twigs of the trees, covered
with an incrustation of ice, and filled with long, pendant icicles,
while the black trunks stood out in fine contrast with the white
mantle of snow covering the earth beneath. The sun shone out
brightly, making the scene a picturesque one truly. The trees glittered with their crystallization, reflecting the rays with innumerable
sparkles and prismatic coloring, while the undulating hills presented
the appearance of burnished silver. Of course the Louisianians had
an immense amount of sport out~of this snow-storm, to many of them
an entirely new spectacle. They snow-balled each other with desperate energy, and finally gathering into a strong band, commenced
an indiscriminate " duckingm" of every one with whom they came in
contact. This process consisted in seizing the victims and rolling
them in the snow, completely covering them with the light substance.
Perhaps such a scene of winter sport was never witnessed in Fayetteville, as then occurred. Colonels, majors, captains, lieutenants, merchants, lawyers, doctors, and citizens, all alike shared the same fate.
It was something rare and amusing to see a squad of privates in full
chase after a colonel with shouts and laughter, or dragging a major
from some hiding-place, only to give them a good rolling in the snow.
It was a useless undertaking to attempt to escape. The men respected neither persons nor places in their uproarious sport. Gray
hairs alone saved the victim. They even made a descent upon
Colonel (now acting General) Hebert's headquarters. They found
the house closed, but they were not to be cheated out of a single
victim. The Colonel's dignity and position could not protect him
now. He held a parley with the leaders, and finally compromised
the matter by inviting the whole party into his fine quarters and
giving them some "refreshments," very acceptable, indeed, to the
boys, after their violent exercise, and wet as they were from the snow.
Every one joined in the sport with perfect good-humor. General
McCulloch's whole staff shared the fate of every one else. Doubtless
many years will roll away ere the good people of Fayetteville will
forget this winter-day frolic of the Louisianians.
There was no certainty now of an early campaign. The enemy
had returned to Rollas, having suffered intensely from the cold
weather. The roads were impassable, and would be so for many
6




122                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
days to come. Below they were almost completely blockaded with
trees, broken down by the weight of ice which had accumulated on
them. A strong appeal was made to the Third Regiment to re-enlist
at the expiration of their approaching term of service; but the men
expressed the determination of returning home rather than serve iu
a campaign in this tsection. There was a general desire and disposition to serve the country, but they wished a different field of operations. The regiment' already had a reputation that extended from
the Missouri River to the most distant boundaries of the Confederacy,
and the brave spirits who composed the organization felt no desire
to remain idly at home while their country needed their strong arms
and stout and willing hearts. Their campaigns had already been
severe, and they felt as if they needed rest and the companionship
of friends and relatives fiom whom they had so long been separated. The' course of events, however, determined their destiny,
without any action of themselves, as the sequel will show.




CHAPTER XVI.
THE SPRING' CAMPAIGN, 1862.
EARLY in February rumors were in circulation that General
Price was in full retreat from Springfield, closely pursued by a
large and powerful foe under command of General Hunter.
On Saturday, the 15th of February, these rumors were confirmed,
as courier after courier arrived asking for assistance.
General Price was really in the State of Arkansas, daily fighting
the enemy's advance-guard like a tiger at bay.  0   Saturday
afternoon the detachment left Fayetteville to join Price's army,
marching all night, and joining the regiment early the next morning. They crossed Cross Hollows at a double-quick, lustily cheering as they hastened towards the foe. Everything was in confusion at winter-quarters, the troops having left behind everything —clothing, etc.-in their sudden departure and eager haste.
Along the road leading to Fayetteville was a scene that beggared
description. Long trains of wagons, loaded with army stores, provisions, arms, tents, utensils, etc:; carriages and buggies filled with
women and children, whose blanched faces betokened their fears;
horsemen, footmen, little children and delicate young women hastening away from the simoom blast of war's desolation. The scene
was heightened as we encountered Price's army. Mc(ulloch's infantry on hand at this trying juncture consisted of the Louisiana
Regiment, McRae's and McNair's Arkansas regiments, who joined the
retreating army only to be turned back by the retrograding column.
All day Monday we fell back slowly, but in good order. In the
afternoon the advance-guard of the enemy made a rush on our rear,
and for nearly an hour a desperate fight ensued, in which artillery
was freely used on both sides. A line of battle was formed, in anticipation of a general engagement. The Confederates succeeded in
repulsing the enemy, our loss being three killed and seventeen
wounded; enemy's about forty. The dash of the Federal cavalry
was so impetuous that they became intermingled with our troops,




124                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
and there was a free use of sabres and small-arms. They could not
stand, however, the deadly fire of the Missourian shot-guns. Monday our forces reached their winter-quarters, to spend the night,
while Price's army occupied Cross Hollows, distant two and a half
miles. Young's Texas Regiment arrived, and camped with the
regiment. The next day we marched to Cross Hollows and camped
in- an open field in the valley, shut in by the high hills. This day
Rector's and Mitchell's Arkansas Regiments joined the army. The
latter regiment had marched forty-five miles in twenty-four hours
without halting.  General McCulloch also arrived, and was met
with such a storm of enthusiasm as seldom greets any man. Such
a deafening cheer as the Louisianians gave him attested their sctisfaction: They were wild with joy, throwing up their hats and
elevating them on the points of their bayonets in their enthusiasm.
General McCulloch bared his head, and while his eagle eye lighted
up with an unw onted fire, remarked, " Men, I am glad to see you;"
a greeting which was responded to with a heartfelt burst of applause. The men, on account of the suddenness of-the demand for
their services and hasty departure from their quarters, were without
tents, blankets and provisions. That night they laid down on the
frozen ground, around huge fires, to snatch, if possible, a short
sleep while expecting the enemy. To adtd to the hardships which
they had encountered, it commenced a cold, freezing rain, which
continued nearly all night. Some few, fortunate in the possession
of blankets, slept through it all, their covering becoming a mass of
ice, from which they had to be released by the assistance of their
friends; but the majority of the troops gathered, in shivering
groups, around their camp-fires. A line of battle, under General
McCulloch's energetic supervision, was formed, and soon every hillside glistened with bayonets, and batteries frowned upon every
avenue of approach. While thus awaiting the enemy's approach,
they suddenly appeared in Bentonville, on our extreme left flank,
taking possession of the quarters of Rector's regiment. Two of
their scouts were also captured on White River, on our extreme
right, indicating a design to flank our position. Of course they
destroyed the greater portion of the clothing, etc., of Rector's men,
besides killing some of the citizens and committing other outrages.
On Tuesday morning, very early, our army began to retreat, in the
midst of a bitter cold storm of sleet and snow. The road was a
mass of solid ice, slippery and as hard as rock. Yet the Louisianian
Regiment began the march with buoyant spirits, joking, laughing
and singing as they tramped over the slippery road., All day long




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                 125
the weary march continued, while the beards of the men became
white with their frozen breath, even the water in the canteens turning into ice. Weary, foot-sore, hungry and cold, they arrived at
Fayetteville on the night of the 19th, only to find nearly every house
deserted by the women and children, while every man had shouldered
his rifle for the deadly strife. The Northern heavens, lighted up
with a reddening glow, telling the men that their winter-quarters
had been given to the flames, to prevent their occupation by the
enemy, proclaiming also the destruction of their clothing, utensils
and equipage. The scene was by no means a consoling one, under
such reflections.  Thus, as these fine and comfortable quarters
melted away into ashes, it entailed on the regiment the loss of
nearly everything they had, besides a large quantity of quartermaster
and commissary stores and forage. The regiment remained -at
Fayetteville on the 20th, the detachment composed of Companies A
and K occupying their old quarters, while Price's trains, artillery, infantry and cavalry poured through the place in a continuous stream.
The scene in Fayetteville beggared all description. Stores broken
open and rifled of their contents, private residences left unoccupied,
invaded and pillaged, while commissary stores were scattered in
wanton profusion in every direction. Upwards of 500,000 pounds
of pork-bacon, shoulders and hams-were distributed among the
retreating and half-starved troops. Every man and horse had a
share of the burden, while it was scattered in every direction over
the streets and on the side-walks. The. men even made fires of it to
warm their chilled and freezing bodies. But why dwell on this
gloomy picture of war? The destruction entailed on individual and
Government property was occasioned by a want of transportation.
General Price had conducted a masterly retreat, protecting, as he
did, a train of 3,500 wagons, and moving over 50 pieces of artillery
without loss. Through icy streams, over rough roads, in the midst
of winter, and pursued closely by a powerful and victorious foe, had
he fallen back, step by step, over the plains of Missouri, among the:
hills of Arkansas, with complete success. When the Louisiana
Regiment reached the retreating column they were-greeted on all
sides with enthusiastic acclamations by the Missourians.  " Here's
the-Louisiana Regiment,;" "It's all right now;" "Give'em h-11,
boys," etc., were some of the expressions used, while the fatigued
troops seemed to gather new strength and energy from their arrival.
It spoke volumes for the confidence reposed in the regiment, the
reputation the* had gained for untiring energy, unfaltering nerves
and distinguished bravery.




126                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
The enemy had one of the largest, best disciplined, and equipped
armies yet sent into the field, and the object of our retreat was to draw
them as far from their base of supplies as possible among the hills
of Arkansas, and give them battle inll a position of our own choosing.
The immense number of horses in the army, and the scarcity of
forage, rendered it necessary that the Southern army should fall back
so as to obtain access to supplies more conveniently, and to gain a
position where the enemy could not penetrate to the rear. Baston
Mountain was looked upon as the stand-point, the proper position,
where the undisciplined troops of the command would be more than
a match for the superiority of the foe. The weather grew milder,
and the frozen roads became a mass of sloppy mire over ankle deep,
ere the army resumed its march. On the 20th we were once again
in motion. The sky was overcast with lowering, grayish clouds, indicating rain, while the roads were almost impassable on account of
the mire and mud. Soon after departing from Fayetteville, a glance
backward revealed one of those spectacles attendant on war, which
arouse indescribable emotions of sorrow and indignation. Lurid
flames, with their forked tongues, began to appear in several places,
until a sea of fire, leaping heavenward, accompanied with a dark
volume of smoke, rolled over the town, proclaiming the destruction
and ruin left behind us. As the cloud rolled away northward, it
must have spoken volumes to the foe of the sullen determination
which animated the Southerners. The men tightened their grasp on
their rifles, while the muttered curse, contracted brows, and blazing
eyes plainly betokened the spirit aroused in them by this scene -of
ruin and destruction. The Commissary and Quartermaster buildingsi
containing stores, arsenal, mills, together with several residences, including a large quantity of provisions, ammunition, and some arms,
were destroyed. Nothing was left behind that could in any manner
contribute to the comfort or support of the enemy. However much
this wholesale destruction was to be deprecated, as a military necessity no one could question its wisdom and justice who at all comprehended the situation of affairs. - It was no time, in the face of a
powerful and pursuing foe, to query into the motives and policy of
a course of procedure, prompted by dire necessity, the salvation of
the army, and the ultimate good of the country. All day long the
retreat was continued, and a camp selected at night, only that the
men might lie down on the saturated ground, in a cold and drenching rain, as usual short of provisions, and with little or no shelter.
The Third Regiment, as usual, was the rear-guard of the whole army.
Perhaps nothing could more forcibly demnonstrate the spirit that




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                127
animated the Louisianians than an incident that occurred on their
arrival at Fayetteville. One of the regiment, who showed the white
feather at Oak Hills, and had been taken violently ill every time there
was a prospect of a fight, was found in hospital here. "The boys"
called on him, sympathized with hinm, regretted exceedingly that he
was so unfortunate, but they had determined that no member of the
Third Louisiana should be taken alive by the Yankees, and producing
a rope with a running noose, threw it over his head, around his neck,
and apparently were about to apply the "Hemp Practice."  His recovery was instantaneous, and his protestations that the cure was a
permanent one were very emphatic.
Saturday, February 22d, 1862, was a day which those who composed the Army of the West will not readily forget. Amid a terrific
storm of rain and hail the men once more- journeyed on, sinking
ankle deep in mud. Yet cold and drenched as they were, the Louisianians marched cheerfully forward, shouting forth with stentorian
voices the chorus of the "Bonny Blue Flag," and other patriotic
songs. It seemed as if they were determined their spirits should not
succumb to their accumulated sufferiugs, hardships, and trials. It
appears almost incredible that men could exhibit such reckless indifference, such strength of will and determination, after such a week
of bitter experiences as these men were taught. The war, however,
developed and decided some strange theories as to the amount of
physical powers which the human frame contained-powers of enduring fatigue, hunger, thirst, heat and cold, which would scarcely
have been believed before, if asserted. The troops arrived at their
destination on Baston Mountain late at night, the 22d inst., with
provisions so scarce that bread was hoarded as a miser hoards his
gold, and dealt out in very limited quantities. Provisions, however,
soon arrived, the weather changed to bright, clear, and pleasant
days, tents sufficient to shelter, and blankets to make the men comfortable, soon being supplied. Few of those at home who celebrated
the 22d of February amid scenes of festivity and rejoicing, from
mere description and word-painting, can ever realize how the Western Army of the South spent this natal day of our loved Washington,
the first inauguration-day of the young Confederacy.




CHAPTER XVII.
3ASTON MOUNTAIN.
GENERAL MCCULLOCH'S Division camped on the main or telegraph
road leading to Van Buren,, while Generfal Price's army occupied a
position on Cane Hill road, some three miles further west, defending
the road over Baston Mountain. The strength of the position, together with much-needed rest and a good supply of provisions, soon
placed the army in splendid fighting trim, and the enemy's approach
was quietly awaited.
Our cavalry were out between our position and the enemy watching their movements. On the 23d a picket guard was scattered
about Fayetteville, when they were surrounded' by a large cavalry
force of the Federals, who surprised them. Several were killed,
wounded and taken prisoners, in their attempt to escape. A scout
killed a Federal at Mud Town, a place between Baston Mountain
and Fayetteville. He was out foraging on his own responsibility;
he was ordered to surrender, which he refused to do, when the Texan
killed him, as he drew his revolver to fire.
The days passed away without materially changing the relative
positions of the two armies. A large force of cavalry were sent out
to penetrate to the enemy's rear, cut off their supplies, and destroy
their trains. The expedition proved eminently successful. The
Federals reported that their trains had been destroyed and mules
killed by JMissouri Jay7hawkcers. The army knew who "struck Billy
Patterson," as the Texans returned on the 24th, bringing with them
ten prisoners. They destroyed a sutler's train, attacked 300 of the
enemy, killing 27 without having a man injured, penetrating as far
as Keatsville,~ Mo. One of the prisoners brought in, an officer, stated
that he had seen considerable scouting in the bushes, but the Texans
beat the Devil for reckless riding in the woods. His uniform was
in rags, almost torn from his person, by contact with the bushes.
The raiders never struck a road in their expedition, but kept to the




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                129
woods, nearly altogether. The Federals soon retreated from Fayetteville, and took up a position at Cross Hollows, announcing their determination not to attack the Confederate forces among the hills of
Arkansas. Colonel Churchill's regiment dismounted on the 25th,
consenting t6 this step only on condition that they should have a
position next to the Louisiana boys. The regiment was now supported by McRae's and Churchill's regiments, all animated by a
spirit of emulation as to which would most distinguish themselves
in the coming battle for deeds of daring and bravery. February
closed with clear and pleasant weather. There was a general muster,
review, and inspection on the last day. The troops were in excellent
health and spirits. The discipline was very rigid at this time, and
orders very strict. The closest guard was kept around the camps,
and on the roads, so that it was an utter impossibility for either soldier or citizen to travel without a correct permit. In a practical
degree, martial law prevailed. On the evening of March 2d, MajorGeneral Earl Van Dorn arrived, and was welcomed by salutes from
nearly all the Missouri artillery. He at once assumed command, and
immediately issued orders to prepare to march on the enemy. Impetuous, at times rash and reckless, brave and daring to a fault, with
his usual spirit, he was about to hurl his army on the-foe. The men
felt that there was to be no more retreating, no more waiting. The
two forces having at length been united, he hesitated not a clay as
to his course. All extra clothing, baggage, tents, etc., were ordered
to be left behind. Provisions (such as were on hand) were prepared,
and all was once again bustle and excitement. The army took up
the line of march on the 4th, left in front, as follows: Price's army,
with strong flankers, on the left. Next came McCulloch's Division,
as follows: Rector's, Hill's, Mitchell's, McNair's, McIntosh's (dismounted), Whitfield's Battalion (dismounted Texans), McRae's Arkansas Regiment, Province's Battery, Churchill's Regiment (dismounted), Hart's Battery, and Third Louisiana Regiment, with
Goode's Battery in front. Then the trains of the various regiments.
On the night of the 4th, the College buildings in Fayetteville, occupied by Companies A and K as winter-quarters, were fired by some
incendiary, supposed to be a signal to the enemy of our occupation
of the place.
The army arrived at Elm Springs, fifteen miles north of Fayetteville, on the evening of the 5th, to find the enemy gone. Here two
spies sent out by Siegel were captured. A more ragged, forlorn,
dirty, miserable-looking couple could not possibly have been found.
They were splendidly rigged for the occasion, and did credit to the
6*




130                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
inventive genius of the Deutsche General Siegel. The cavalry also
captured seven forage wagons, and thirty-eight Federals, out hunting
forage. The next morning ten more were added to the number.
They evidently had not been informed of our advance, and were surprised most completely. During this time the weather was very
cold, and we were visited with several snow-storms, and making
forced marches every day. It seemed as if General Van Dorn imagined the men were made of cast-steel, with the strength and powers
of endurance of a horse, whose ~mettle he was testing to its utmost
capacity and tension. Scarcely time was given the men to prepare
food and snatch a little rest. On the 6th we started very early, and
arrived at Bentonville soon after noon. The army looked spendidly
as the long line marched across the open prairie with their flags
fluttering in the breeze. We reached Bentonville just in time to see
Siegel's Division, who had been west of this place, disappear with
his column en route for the main body of the enemy. An hour sooner
and he would have been cut off. On what slight events do the fate
of armies depend! General McIntosh made a dashing charge upon
the rear of the retreating column, plunging into the midst of a large
force of infantry and in face of a battery, with Greer's Texas Regiment, ere he was aware of the peril of his position. There was a
fierce rattle of musketry, mingled with the roar of artillery, for a
few moments, proclaiming how sharp was the skirmish. Although
obliged to retire, he killed a number of the foe, captured forty prisoners, and one piece of artillery, knocked into pi by a well-directed
shot from one of Price's rifled pieces. Our loss two killed and eight
wounded. That night we laid down once more in Camp Stephens,
only to resume the march after a two hours' rest. We were being
rushed upon the foe like a thunderbolt. But they were prepared for
our coming. Ere morning our army was slumbering within three
miles of the enemy, while General Price had penetrated to their
front, cutting off their retreat towards Missouri. He had succeeded
in cutting out a blockaded cross-road, leading to the main road'in
front of the enemy, without being discovered or molested. When
we halted on the night of the 6th fires were built with rails from an
adjoining fence. General McCulloch came among the men of the
Louisiana Regiment, and sitting down on a rail near one of the fires,
commenced chatting with the officers and men, who gathered thickly
around him. He was dressed in a complete suit of beautiful dark
and heavy. velvet. One of the men approached the fire, and, not
observing who the General was, tapped him on the shoulder with a
bundle of sticks which he had in-his hand, remarking, " I wish you




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.              131
would put these in that fire and give me a light." The General,
without moving his position, quietly took the splinters and thrust
them into the fire. As soon as they were lighted he took them out,
and turning to the private, quietly said: " Here my good fellow, is
your fire." The man was dumfounded, confused, when he saw who
it was that he had treated so familiarly, and, muttering an apology,
hastened from the spot. His astonishment and confusion created
much laughter among the men who witnessed the incident. Aftei
chatting quietly and calmly for some moments as to the issue of the
approaching battle, he energetically exclaimed: " I tell you, men, the
army that is defeated in this fight-will get a h — of a whipping!"
Was it prophecy? Did the unseen Angel of Death, which threw the
shadow of its dark wings over his brave spirit, whisper to his soul
his approaching doom? We know not, yet that night the. men all
remarked how different he seemed from his nsuai manner. He was
unusually reticent, and spoke in a quiet, subdued voice, so unlike
his customary energetic, determined actions and speech.




CHAPTER XVIII.
THE BATTLE OF ELK HORN.
WEARIED, hungry, and broken as the men were from their rapid
march, the loss of rest and want of food, early on the morning of
March 7, 1862, they were marched on the position known as.Pea
Ridge, near Elk Horn Tavern and ravine, about thirty miles north
of Fayetteville. The road towards Missouri led through a deep
and narrow defile, darkened with the shadows of the overhanging
hills. The division started to join Price, but were soon turned back
as the enemy were making a demonstration in our rear. The morning was bright and beautiful, the air fresh, pleasant and bracing.
Soon the deep boom of a single gun echoed over the hills and along the
valleys, followed by another and another, until the sound became a
continuous roar. General Price had opened the fight. While marchillg towards the enemy's position, Hart's Battery in front, supported
by the Louisianians, along the east end of an open corn-field extending far down the valley, the enemy opened a battery of rifled
guns on the moving column from a cluster of trees near the centre
of the field. Our cavalry, under the leadership of the intrepid and
dashing McIntosh, were in this field, close to the right of the infantry. The ground sloped very gently towards the position taken
by the Federal battery. As soon as the guns opened, the cavalry
commenced manoeuvring until they formed a half circle, extending
the whole width of the field. The shells began to pass in dangerous
proximity with their shrill scream, when suddenly a hundred bugles
pealed forth the charge, their clarion notes rising clear and distinct
above the din of battle. With shrill whoops, and yelling like demons, upwards of 5,000 painted Indians and Texan Rangers,
under the lead of the gallant McIntosh, swept down like a whirlwind on the doomed battery. So impetuous, so sudden was the
charge, that no time was given the foe to meet the rushing host of




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               133
horsemen. In less than five minutes the battery was captured, the
infantry force supporting it shot down, ridden over and scattered
like chaff before a whirlwind. It was a gallant charge-a brave
feat seldom occurring, and, once witnessed, never to be forgotten.
Napoleon's Life Guards never swept upon a foe with more impetuosit.y and gallantry than did our cavalry in this charge. The uproar
died away in spattering shots, and then ceased altogether.
These guns were given in charge of the Indians, to whom such
huge guns seemed not only a mystery, but endowed with supernatural powers. Their use:Was a new feature in warfare, to which
they were totally unaccustomed.  TThey immediately took to the
bushes; then, suddenly darting out, shot down the horses, at the
same time uttering a guttural "Boom!" They next piled rails on
the carriages and put fire to them. When it was reduced to ashes,
and the guns lay useless on the ground, they expressed their satisfaction by saying, "No more boom"-'" Good!" They shot at every one
having on a blue coat, whether friend or foe, using their scalpingknives in the same manner-some of the Confederate dead having been
found subjected'-to this barbarous custom of these untutored savages.
The half-breeds were better trained, and practiced no such barbarities.
After the capture of this battery, the infantry was marched to the
top of a high cone-shaped hill, overlooking the valley extending
westward.' They were soon discovered and opened on by another
battery. Here they laid down, the shot passing harmlessly over
them with their shrill, ugly scream. The surrounding country was
covered with dense underbrush and heavy timber, interspersed with
open corn-fields, surrounded by high, rocky hills. In company with
Mitchell's, McRae's and McNair's Arkansas regiment, the Louisianians were led to meet the foe. As the line of battle cautiously
felt its way through the dense undergrowth, the whole line was
opened on with a fire so- close and deadly that they wavered and
staggered before the storm in somle places, being thrown into great
confusion. Quickly rallying, under the lead of Colonel Hebert,
commanding the brigade, and Major Tunnard at the head of the
regiment, with loud cheers we rushed on the foe, driving them back
in confusion. Five times they rallied, and five times were they
charged and routed. It seemed as if nothing'could withstand the
reckless, furious courage which animated the men. The foe retreated
within cover of a masked battery which was planted in a thicket
skirting a corn-field. So close and hot was our pursuit that no opportunity was given to use the guns. As the men caught sight of
these guns, they rushed upon them with deafening cheers across the




134                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
open corn-field, driving back the foe with irresistible fury. Around
these guns the contest raged fearfully; the musketry was close,
heavy and deadly. But the men held their position, and once more
defeated the foe, fighting a largely superior force. The line was, in
great confusion at this time. Captain Gunnels, of Company I, assisted by other officers, made an attempt to form a new line, in
which he partially succeeded, as the men were so wild with excitement as to be almost uncontrollable. This new line was immediately
in front of the captured guns in the open field, just outside the
skirting woods. Another battery suddenly opened on our right,
far down the field, while a regiment of cavalry made a dashing
charge through a gap in the fence upon our left and rear. With
our forces in confusion, tired and worn down with their long marches,
hard fighting and eager pursuit of the enemy, without our leaders
(Major Tunnard, Colonel Hcebert and many officers having disappeared), the men turned upon the cavalry like tigers at bay. So
close and deadly was the concentrated fire of the line upon the head
of the charging squadron, that scarcely a man who entered the field
in the charge escaped. Men and horses rolled in death upon that
blood-stained field. The remainder of the cavalry wheeled away in
rapid flight. Thus surrounded, not reinforced or aided by cavalry
ortinfantry, the order was given to fall back, which was accomplished
in good order under a heavy fire from the enemy's artillery. The
battery captured and then abandoned belonged to Siegel's division
of the army. With sorrow and dismay was it then learned that
Generals McCulloch and McIntosh had both fallen early in the daythe former killed while reconnoitering the enemy's position; the
latter while leading a charge at the head of his old regiment.
Hence the inactivity of our cavalry and reserved infantry forces,
who impatiently awaited, where they were stationed, orders from
the generals to enter the arena of strife. The Louisiana Regiment
fought with brave, reckless' desperation, and suffered very severely.
The growth of underbrush on the battle-field was so dense that
the field officers were compelled to dismount. Thus the Major, with
a sword in one hand and a flag in the other, rallied and cheered on
the men until he sank upon the ground completely exhausted. He
attempted to find his horse, but failed to do so, on account of his
helpless condition. We. extract from his private diary the following particulars of his capture: "I remained lying on the ground
more than an hour, not knowing where our forces were, or whether
we were victorious or defeated, when I was startled by the approach
of a regiment. On discovering me, one company fired a volley at




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               135
me, the balls striking all around me, but fortunately none hitting
my person. I at once waved my handkerchief in token of my helpless condition.  Lieutenant Gale, of the Forty-forth Illinois Regiment, rode up to me and demanded my arms, which I handed him.
On discovering my complete physical exhaustion, he sent for a horse,
which I mounted, and was escorted to their camp."
During the fight, McRae's and Mitchell's Regiments being thrown
into confusion, fell in the rear of the Third Regiment. Major Tunnard, assisted by Lieutenant Humble, of Company I, and Lieutenant
Johnson, besides other officers, made the most strenuous exertions
to form them into line, but without effect. They dropped hehind,
firing upon the Louisianians from the rear, doing a great deal of mischief. This was caused by undisciplined "Minute-men," who had
joined the different regiments for the battle.  Private Caton, of
Company E, and one of Company C, were thus shot from the rear.
Colonel Hebert fought bravely throughout the battle, leading the
men gallantly in every charge. While attempting to lead a portion
of the troops, including some sixty of the regiment, from the field
of battle, they were surrounded and taken prisoners. Besides
Colonel Hebert, the enemy captured Captain Viglini, Company K,
Lieutenant Washburn, Company B, and Lieutenant Emanuel, Company C. The death of Generals McIntosh and McCulloch undoubtedly lost the battle. The enemy were completely beaten at every
point, and had our reserve forces been ordered up at the proper
moment, the victory would have been most signal.
When the Louisianians learned the certainty of their idolized
chieftain's death, many of these lion-hearted men threw themselves
in wild grief upon the ground, weeping scalding tears in their bitter sorrow. It is a fearful spectacle to see a strong-hearted man
thus give way to his feelings. It demonstrated the devotion felt
for General McCulloch, and showed how deeply he was enshrined
in these brave souls. The sun went down amid the roar of artillery
and the rattle of musketry. We slept on the field of battle, burrowing amid heaps of dry forest-leaves, to, in some measure, protect our weary frames from the chilling mountain air. A deep
gloom settled over the spirits of the men, and they were nearly
disheartened.
At 1 o'clock A. M. we were aroused from our weary, restless slumbers, and ordered to join Price's command. This brave general had
also driven the enemy from every position, capturing seven pieces
of artillery, a large number of prisoners, the enemy's camps, etc.
Early on the merning of the 8th the battle recommenced with re



136                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
doubled fury. The cannonading was terrific-the thunder of the
guns reverberating among the hills in a continuous roar. As McCulloch's Division approached the line of battle, the men stripped
for the-fight, throwing aside their few remaining blankets and overcoats, and evincing their eagerness by hastening forward at a doublequick. A line of battle was formed immediately in the rear of the
engaged forces, near an open field, and the menwere once more
within range of the enemy's shot and shell, which passed harmlessly
over them. While the struggle went on, several of our batteries
were ordered to a point of one of the hills. It was in point-blank
range of a concentrated fire of the enemy's batteries, and our guns
were successively silcnced, with fearful loss. Here Captain Clark,
the gallant commander of one of Price's most effective and distinguished batteries, lost his life. A gun of one battery was brought
out by a single cannoneer, all his comrades having fallen, the last
one being killed as he was hooking the sponge to the carriage.
The subjoined official report of Captain Gilmore, commanding
Company F, and a letter written by Sergeant W. Kinney, Company
F, furnish some interesting particulars of the battle, and portray
not only the desperate valor of the members of Company F, but
also. of the remainder of the regiment who fought with them:
SERGEANT KINNEY'S ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE.
VAN BUREN, Mfarch 16th, 1862.
A few words.of the great battle may be interesting. We left
Baston Mountain on Tuesday, March 4th, and camped near Fayetteville; General Price's command in advance. Wednesday morning
we passed through Fayetteville, our train being left behind; we
camped for the night at Elm Springs, tweive miles from Fayetteville.
It snowed heavily all day, making the roads almost impassable. We
learned next morning that the enemy was at Bentonville, about
13,000 strong, and we took up the line of march for that place. The
weather was piercing cold. Our advance-guard engaged the enemy,
who were in full retreat, one mile north of Bentonville, and fought
them all the way to Camp Stephens, a distance of seven miles. I
have not learned the loss of the enemy; ours was three wounded.
We saw two of the enemy dead and one wounded on the roadside.
The woods all along the road were strewn with dead horses. We
arrived at Camp Stephens about dark, almost frozen and starved,
having only one biscuit for breakfast that morning, and no prospect
of supper. We built fires, and sat around them waiting for the
wagons to arrive. Just as they came up we were ordered to march,




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               137
We left camp at ten o'clock that night without supper, or blankets
to keep off the damp night air. We marched about seven miles,
when we were ordered to rest, which we needed very much, having
marched twenty-six miles that day and night. We made fires of
fence-rails, and laid around them until morning.
It was impossible to sleep, for the night was bitter cold; no one
will ever know how much we suffered from cold and hunger; no
tongue or pen can paint it. Friday morning, March 7th, came at
last, and with it the order, "Fall in!"
The Rangers "fell in" to a man, but such a worn-out set of men I
never saw. They had not one single mouthful of food to eat. We
marched about five miles and countermarched three miles; General
Price had opened the battle on the Telegraph road, near the Elk
Horn Tavern, at 10 A. M. The enemy had possession of the hills
between the Telegraph and the road we were on. All the infantry
and cavalry of McCulloch's Division were drawn up in line; Third
Louisiana was sent forward to open the engagement on our side.
While we were marching through a lane, with some Texas and Indian
cavalry on our right, we were suddenly fired on by a masked battery
about 300 yards distant; not expecting an attack. so soon, we were
thrown into considerable confusion, from which, however, we soon
recovered, to witness one of the most brilliant charges of the campaign by Young's and other Texas cavalry. As soon as the battery
opened on us the cavalry bugles sounded the charge. Like a flash
of lightning the columns of cavalry dashed out, completely surrounding the battery, and capturing it in less time than it takes to
write it.
The enemy's infantry and cavalry who were supporting the battery
fired one round and ran.
We now marched in a south-easterly direction. Major W. F. Tunnard, commanding; Captain Hart's Battery in advance.
We had marched about one mile, when we were fired on by a
mountain howitzer, stationed on a high hill on our right. The
enemy made some very close shots; fortunately not one of our boys
was injured by them.
Colonel Hebert came riding down, and was requested by the mei
not to leave them. This was the highest compliment our regiment
could bestow. His response was, "I will not leave you, my men,
this day."
We then countermarched and passed under the foot of the hill on
which the howitzer was planted, with McRea's and McNair's Regiments and Greer's Texas on the hillsider. Rested a few miniutes until




138                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
heavy firing of small-arms was heard in front, and order came for us
to march in the direction of the firing.
We had not proceeded far when we were fired upon by the enemy's
infantry, who were posted in a thicket on our left. We instantly
charged them, and drove them back, when we were fired on by a
battery about two hundred yards distant on our right.
We charged the battery with McRae's and McNair's Regiments,
gallantly led by Colonel Hebert, taking it and driving them from
their guns. In this charge the three regiments became mixed.
About this time Colonel Hebert and Major Tunnard were cut off and
taken prisoners.
The enemy on our left opened a heavy fire on us. We charged
and drove them off with a heavy loss to them. We then discovered
the enemy's cavalry were flanking us on the right. Captain Gunnell,
the senior officer in command, ordered us to take the fence, as a
heavy body of the enemy's cavalry were flanking us on the right.
We had scarcely taken the position when the cavalry made a bold
and daring charge, and were repulsed with a heavy loss. At this
time it was discovered that a large body of infantry were flanking
us on the left. Captain Gilmore was immediately ordered to the left
to meet the enemy in the thicket. Here a desperate fight ensued, the
enemy having been thrown there in a large body. The Louisiana
and Arkansas troops fought like bull-dogs, and drove them back
with great slaughter.
This portion of the command then became separated from the
balance. The men requested Captain Gilmore to take command,
which he did. As he was forming the men in line, we were again
flanked on the left. We charged, and drove the enemy back with
heavy loss. Captain Gilmore then secured a flag, placed it front, and
with the assistance of Lieutenants Gentles, Pelican Rifles, Morse,
Pelicans No. 1, and Hobbs, of McRea's Regiment, succeeded in forming them in line. These young officers showed- great bravery and
coolness.
This command was from 300 to 500 strong, and was the left of
McCulloch's Division. They secured a guide, and made for the point
from which they first started, determined to cut their way out, but
had but one slight skirmish with the enemy on their way out, and
were the last to leave the field. This command picked up all the
stragglers on the way out, and came out with 800 or 1,000 men.
Generals McCulloch and McIntosh fell early in the action, and Colonel Hebert was taken prisoner, and Major Tunnard.
The regiments engaged withdrew to the opposite side of a large




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               139
corn-field, and laid on their arms for the night. A number of regiments were not engaged, but were held in reserve. McCulloch's Division was ordered to General Price at 3 A. M. I will here mention
the cool gallantry of Captain Gunnell in rallying the men through
the whole engagement.
Arrived at General Price's camp near daylight. Soon after, our
artillery and the enemy's commenced a heavy duel. Churchill's Arkansas Regiment and Whitfield's Texas engaged their infantry on
the right. Our regiment, McRea's, McNair's, Hill's, and Mitchell's
regiments were on a hill on the left of the Telegraph road, within
250 yards of our batteries. The cannonading was said to be one of
the grandest sights ever witnessed, and lasted for four hours, when
General Van Dorn ordered the troops to be withdrawn, on account
of a want of food and.sleep. The Rangers fought bravely through
the fight of the 7th, both officers and men. A great many of the
regiments were completely exhausted for want of food and sleep,
and wandered off on the night of the 7th in search of food, and were
unable to rejoin their companies on the morning of the 8th. Our
train was on the Elm Spring road to the Baston Mountain, and the
army on the Frog Bayou road, falling back to this place. It would
be impossible to picture the suffering of our army on this retreat.
When the army arrived at White River, our gallant little Captain
J. B. Gilmore gave out; he was placed in a wagon, and soon after
fainted, having eaten nothing for four days. The men were eating
new corn; some would shoot a hog and eat the raw meat without
salt.
The enemy lost in killed six to our one, and a greater number in
proportion wounded. We turned two of their batteries, and came
out of the fight with four guns more than we had when we went in.
We have between 500 and 600 prisoners; having more than they
have of ours. Have saved all our trains. The enemy burnt a large
number of their wagons to prevent their falling into our hands. The
army is now encamped seven miles from here, on the Frog Bayou
road. The Louisiana Regiment stationed here for the present.
Casualties in Shreveport Rangers: Private John Craig supposed to
be killed; Frank Cane wounded, not dangerously; M. F. Miller, L. J.
Singer, J. F. Jus, D. S. Duval, and C. Wols, prisoners; J. Kimball,
missing. All the rest are here, rather badly used up. If the Rangers
have not seen hard service now, they never will. An exchange of
prisoners will be made in a day or two.
Itoping, etc., etc.,                         W. KINNxY.




140               A SOUTHERN RECORD.
CAPTAIN GILMORE'S REPORT.
HEADQUARTERS SHREVEPORT RANGERS,
THIRD LOUISIANA VOLUNTEERS.
Captain Gunnell, commanding Th/ird Louisiana Volunteers:
Si, -On the morning of the 4th of March, I left camp on Baston
Mountain with my company, numbering sixty-three rank and file,
and camped that night within three miles of Fayetteville.
Resumed the line of march with the regiment in the morning,
camping that night at Elm Spring. The men very much fatigued,
and many of them with their feet badly blistered. Resumed the
line of march on the morning of the 6th, halting at Sugar Creek
for a short time late that evening. Resumed the line of march that
night, arriving three miles north of Camp McCulloch at about 2
o'clock on the morning of the 7th, remaining there until 7 A. M.
The men were very much worn out, having had but little to eat since
leaving Baston Mountain. The weather being very cold, and the
men without blankets, they had but little sleep, and were, in consequence, in a poor condition to resume the march that morning.
When the call was made to fall in, the Rangers fell in promptly.
We marched within a short distance of the Telegraph Road, when
we were countermarched three miles. We turned off to the left, and
while marching through a lane, we were fired on by a masked battery, about three hundred yards' distance on our right. The company was thrown into a little confusion, not expecting an attack
from that quarter, but from which they soon recovered.
We were then marched a short distance up the lane, when we
were fired on by a mountain howitzer stationed on a hill on our
right. We then filed to the right, and marched upon the side of a
hill, where we halted.
Soon heavy firing of small-arms was heard in front. The regiment was then moved forward, the company in its place, in line.
We had not proceeded far when we were fired on by a body of
the enemy's infantry from a thicket on our left. We moved in the
direction of the enemy, when heavy firing ensued on both sides.
Owing to the thick undergrowth, we could not advance in regular
line of battle, and became somewhat mixed up by other troops rushing through our ranks. After the enemy had been driven back we
were fired on by a battery on the right.
We were then ordered and led by Colonel Hebert to charge the
battery. Here the Rangers became mixed up with the other companies of the regiment and some Arkansas troops, and I was unable
to get the entire company together again during the day.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               141
After the battery was taken, we were fired on from the woods to
the left of the battery.  Here considerable confusion ensued in
every company, caused by members of other companies and some Arkansas troops getting mixed up with them; but showed great
bravery in driving the enemy back to the thicket.
I here made an effort to re-form the company, but had only partly
succeeded, when it was discovered that a large body of the
enemy's cavalry was flanking us on the right.
We moved in that direction to a fence. The cavalry made a
charge on us at this point, but were repulsed with considerable loss.
I was here ordered. by Captain Gunnell, the senior officer in command, to go to his left into the thicket, to meet a large body of the
enemy's infantry who were advancing upon us from that direction.
I had not advanced far when a heavy fire of small-arms was opened
upon us. Here a desperate fight ensued; but we succeeded in driving them back with great loss. Here the men showed the greatest
bravery-the coolest and most determined fighting I ever witnessed.
At the flash of the enemy's guns the men would rush madly on
them, routing them from behind logs, stumps and trees, shooting
them at almost every step. In this fight were about 250 Louisiana
and Arkansas troops engaged, and in the fight had become separated from the rest of the command.
I being the senior officer present, the men requested me to take
command, which I did; and at once commenced to form a line,
with the assistance of Lieutenants Gentles, Pelican Rifles, Morse,
Pelican Rangers, No. 1, Hubbs, of McRea's Regiment, but had
gotten but few of them in line when we were flanked by a body
of infantry on the left. We instantly charged them, driving them
back with considerable loss on their side and but little on ours-the
above-named officers acting with great bravery and coolness. I particularly noticed the conduct of Lieutenant Henry Gentles. At
times I saw him in the front ranks, using his gun with deadly effect
upon the enemy, and at other times rallying the men and cheering
them on. I then got a flag, and secured a guide-we having become
lost in the thicket-and placing the flag in front, formed the men
in line and started for the field we had left in the morning.
On our way out we had one slight skirmish with the enemy, picking up all our men who had become broken down in the fight.
When we reached the field, we numbered 500 or 700 men, composed of various regiments engaged in the fight that day.
Here I sent the men to their respective commands, taking the.




142                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
Louisianians who were with me. I joined the remainder of the
regiment at the hospital on the road. My men at this time were
badly used up-some were unable to go along with the regiment;
others went in search of food, and could not get back to the company in the morning.
I never saw men so completely worn out from hunger and fatigue.
We slept on our arms that night until 3 o'clock A. Ai., when we
marched to General Price's headquarters on the Telegraph Road.
We were ordered on a, hill to the left of the road, and remained
there during a heavy cannonade between our batteries and the
en emy's.
We were then ordered to march off the field, which we did in
good order.
The missing of my company are as follows: Wounded-Frank
Cane, severely (not dangerously); missing-M. F. Miller, James
Kimball, Julos F. Jus, Charles Wols, John Craig, L. J. Singer and
Daniel S. Duval.
I have the honor, Captain, to be your obedient servant,
Q. B. GILMOnE,
Captain commanding Shreveport Rangers;   Third La. Vols.
wno WAS CAPTAIN GILMORE'S BODY SERVANT?' Old Jeff" was a great favorite in the regiment. When his young
master joined the company to go off to the war, Old Jeff was nearly
"beside " himself, especially when he was informed he could go.
He was an old campaigner, and it was amusing to listen to his tales,
when he and " Ole Massa" fought the Indians down in Florida. Of
course he knew more about war, and how it should be conducted,
than any darkey in the regiment. He was a splendid forager, and
his mess never suffered for the need of " good things."
We had just eaten breakfast on the morning of the battle of Oak
Hills; Jeff was putting away his dishes when the enemy opened fire
on our camp. Of course everything was in commotion; the regiment was forming to take its position on that bloody field. The
care of the company's (F) baggage devolved on Jeff, and most faithfully did he guard his charge, until the'shells came crashing and exploding over the camp. He could not stand that, nor did he understand it. " They did not throw such things in the Indian fights."
He forgot his charge, and hastened to discover some place of concealment; he ran and ran until he was completely exhausted; he
knew not where to go. He laid down behind a log-a shell exploded
near the spot-that was no safe place. He espied Reid's Battery




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               143
busy at work handling their guns, and thought that would be a good
place for protection. After reaching the spot he discovered that it
was all but safe. In hunting about he found a place to hide' inglory! Alas! he found one of his fellow-servants stove into the
hollow log so firmly, that he was unable to extricate himself. Poor
Jeff! for six long weary hours he was running from place to place.
Nowhere could he find a spot free from those awful bombs that followed him with such pertinacity. Evcrything must have an endthe battle closed —Old Jeff found himself safe and sound, and rendered a great deal of assistance to the wounded.- He often afterwards -remarked, "that if there were any more battles he would stay
out of the way of the bombs."
Months rolled away; the army was once again on the eve of
another battle, camped on the road near Elk Horn Tavern. On the
morning of the battle of that name, while the army was manceuvring,
Old Jeff, who had camped about six miles distant, rode up on a
spirited horse with breakfast for his mess. He had two chickens
nicely fried, about a dozen biscuits, some coffee, and a large coffeepot strapped to his saddle. He rode into a large'open field where
the Texas cavalry were drawn up in line, and made inquiry where
his command could be found. Scarcely had he spoken, when he
was answered by the enemy (who had a masked battery about 300
yards distant) with a salute of four guns. Old Jeff, of course, was
terribly frightened. Before the thunder of the guns had died away,
General McIntosh ordered the cavalry to charge-the bugles sounded
the charge-away they went as only Texans can ride. Where was
Old Jeff? He tried his best to charge in the opposite direction; his
horse, however. did not relish it, and took it into his head to follow
his companions.
It was, indeed, a "grand spectacle" to see Oldl Jeff gallantly
charging a four-gun battery, with an old coffee-pot and two chickens
dangling from his saddle. It was nobly done-Old Jeff brought up
between two guns-the battery was captured. His blood was up;
as soon as he got control of his horse he wheeled him about, put
him-in full gallop, and never pulled up until he arrived at the place
where he camped the night before.. He brags- to this day of the
gallant charge that he made. His mess, however, did not relish such
gallantry, for they went through that long and tiresome day without
eating, and had already been fasting three days previously.




CHAPTER XIX.
THE RETREAT.
AT 9 o'clock, while the battle was still raging in all its fierceness,
the order was given to retreat, when thousands of our men, eager to
meet the foe, had not fired a- shot. The troops were astounded.
They left the field of battle, giving vent to their burning thoughts
in bitter words and deep curses. The infantry had not been whipped.
Wherefore the retreat? It is a mystery which has never been satisfactorily explained. Our dead and wounded were left behind, to
the care of the enemy. The retreat was an acknowledgment on the
part of our leaders of their inability to successfully cope with the
foe, and to all intents and purposes we were whipped. During the
whole battle General Van Dorn remained with General Price's wing
of the army. His presence at the head of McCulloch's Division, to
lead and direct the movements of these troops, would have enabled
them to regain all the ground which they had lost. The loss of the
Louisiana Regiment was 16 killed, 37 wounded, and 60' taken prisoners. The loss of the enemy in this desperately contested battle
was computed at upwards of 3,000-800 more than covered the
number of killed and wounded of the Confederate forces. The
enemy precipitately left Arkansas the day after the battle, not attempting to pursue the Confederates, who were likewise rapidly
retreating southward.
A review of the battle shows, perhaps, that more desperate fighting was never done during the whole campaign, than that of ltelert's
Brigade. They charged and routed successively three brigades of
the enemy; fought three and a half hours, unsupported, against a
largely superior force, driving them back over a mile, and only desisted because completely exhausted and worn out. The battery
charged and held so long belonged to Siegel's brigade, whose men
were all armed with Colt's revolving rifles, every man having an
extra cylinder loaded and prepared to replace the discharged one.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               145
We killed outright forty-seven of the enemy's cavalry, who charged
into the open field, not wounding a man. The Ninth Iowa Regiment
lost forty-seven men killed, and two hundred and thirty-seven
wounded. Among the killed were four captains. One of the prisoners informed us that, when we first fired on their forces, out of a
company sent forward as skirmishers, ten were killed and forty
wounded. Such are a few of many facts demonstrating the desperate character of the fighting, and the unerring precision and deadly
skill with which the Louisianians used their arms. This regiment
emerged from the fight covered with new laurels. The foe could
not be convinced that it was the only Louisiana regiment in the
army, and frankly acknowledged the desperate valor with which
they fought.
From the 8th of March the Confederates, scattered and disorganized, steadily retreated towards Van Buren. Every by-way and highway, cottage, mansion, and cabin was filled with men seeking something to appease their starving and famished condition. They ate
everything that they could obtain-raw corn, potatoes, turnips, etc.
If one was fortunate enough to obtain a few morsels of ham or bacon,
it was generously divided with his comrades, and ravenously devoured raw. The army reached Van Winkle's mills (where the
lumber for winter-quarters was procured) to find the place deserted,
and everything left behind. Every living biped and quadruped was
immediately killed and eaten. At the door of the house stood a
slop-barrel, nearly full of refuse provisions. It was upset, and the
men scrambled for the decayed contents like a drove of hogs. From
this statement some conception may be formed of the starving condition of the troops. The corn-bins along the road were seized by
General Rains' cavalry to feed the stock, sentinels being placed
around them to prevent their seizure by other forces. Such was the
case at Van Winkle's. One of the captains of the Louisiana Regiment-observing this, went among the men and said: "Boys, I am
going to have something to eat, if I have to fight the whole d —d
army. Who will go with me?" X A number volunteering were ordered to get their guns and-follow him. He marched the squad to
the corn-bin, when the following colloquy took place: "W Those corn
is this?"  "General Rains'," replied the sentry. "What are you
going to do with it'?"  "Feed the stock.'"  "Well, by G -d," replied the captain, " I have had nothing to eat for four days, and I
intend to have some of this corn. Stand aside, and let me pass."
The sentry must have seen the ravenous hunger shining from the
captain's glittering eyes, as well as known the desperation evinced
7




146                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
by his manner and tone of voice. He permitted the captain to help
himself, which he did, turning to the men and saying, " Here, boys,
help yourselves. I have got my rations." The men did so, and
quietly returned to their camping-place. One evening, Hart's Battery, with several of the Louisianians, halted on the roadside near a
house and encamped. They were wild with hunger. Foraging
parties went out to see what could be found that was eatable. They
brought back a quarter of a yearling, some turnips and cabbage,
piece of bacon, a turkey and a goose. Their success was the source
of great rejoicing.  The' difficulty occurred to them, How could
they cook these provisions without utensils? "Nil desperandum,"
they immediately instituted a search, resulting in the discovery of
one of those large iron kettles so common in the country, used to
boil clothes in on washing-days. Without troubling themselves with
cleaning it, they carried it to camp, set it on stones, and built a huge
fire under it, first nearly filling it with water. Into this was put
beef, turkey, goose, bacon, turnips, and cabbage, all cut into small
pieces. The men then each made a wooden spoon. The pot boiled,
bubbled, and sputtered with its heterogeneous mass of meat and
vegetables, while the men stood around it with eager gaze, watching
the process of cooking. It was permitted to become thoroughly
done, and when the signal was given, the scalding food was " bolted"
down as only starving men can eat. Giving the experience of one
of that party, we can bear testimony that it was considered one of
the most delicious repasts ever eaten —sweeter, far, than the divine
ambrosial of the immortal gods!
When the battle was lost, the train, left near the vicinity of Camp
McCulloch, immediately returned by the same route which we advanced on. Hence the lack of. provisions. It was well guarded by
our cavalry, who repulsed several attempts of the enemy to capture
it. To add to the horrors of the retreating army, tremendous rainstorms occurred, making Frog Bayou; along which the road ran and
frequently crossed, a deep stream, which the men swam and waded
innumerable times, many losing their guns in it, and sometimes almost their lives. The regiment arrived at Van Buren in straggling
squads, tired, hatless, barefooted, hungry, dirty, and ragged. They
had been in rain-storms, climbed steep mountains along narrow and
rugged footpaths, waded deep and cold mountain streams, starved,
slept without tents or blankets on the wet and frosty ground; in fact,
endured untold hardships and horrors. The retreatwas more disastrous than a dozen battles. The Louisiana Regiment had only two
hundred and seventy men in a body on the retreat; other regiments




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                147
in the same proportion. Our physicians, wounded, and nurses were
taken prisoners, and the ambulances sent for the wounded seized.
The army reached Van Buren terribly demoralized, bringing with
them five hundred Federals and eight pieces of artillery captured.
When the army began its retreat Captain Goode, of the First Texas
Battery, was not apprised of the movement, being in charge of a
large number of guns. When he discovered the fact it was too late
to follow the army. He immediately started for Missouri, with the
long train of guns following him.
After traveling some distance, he left the main road, turning
eastward towards White River. Down this stream he proceeded,
following rough by-roads, reaching Van Buren in safety. Had the
enemy been apprised of his retreat, unprotected as he was, they
would have captured all these guns. As it was, Captain Goode's
persevering energy and success in saving them immortalized his
name in the army. On the 14th of March a flag of truce was sent
to the enemy with two lieutenant-colonels, to be exchanged for
Colonel Hebert and Major Tunnard. On the evening of March 24
these officers, accompanied by Captain Viglini, arrived at Fort
Smith, where the army was encamped. Their return was greeted
with heartfelt demonstrations of joy by all the regiment, indicative
alike of the feelings of the officers and men, as well as the high
estimation in which they were held. They all looked sadly debilitated and worn out, having been much exposed, as well as scantily
fed during their stay among the enemy, who, like the Confederates,
were short of provisions.
BATTLE OF ELK HORN.
Official Report of General Van Dorn.
HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MISS. DISTRICT,
JACKSoNPORT,ARK.,  fiarc 27, 1862. 1
COLONEL,- I have the honor to report that, while at Pocahontas,
I received dispatches on the 22d February informing me that
General Price had rapidly fallen back from Springfield before a
superior force of the enemy, and was endeavoring to form a junction
with the division of General McCulloch in Baston Mountain.
For reasons which seemed to me imperative, I resolved to go in
person and take command of the combined forces of Price and
McCulloch. I reached their headquarters on the 3d of March, and
being satisfied that the enemy, who had halted on Sugar Creek,
was only waiting large reinforcements before he would advance, I




148                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
resolved to attack him at once. Accordingly I sent for General
Pike to join me with the forces under his command, and on the
morning of the 4th of March moved with the divisions of Price and
McCulloch by way of Fayetteville and Bentonville to attack the
enemy's main camp on Sugar Creek.
On the 6th we left Elm Spring for Bentonville, and from prisoners
captured by our scouting parties on the 5th, I became convinced
that, up to that time, no suspicions were entertained of our advance,
and that there were strong hopes of our effecting a complete surprise and attacking the enemy before the large detachments encamped at the various points in the surrounding country could
rejoin the main body.  I therefore endeavored to reach Bentonville, eleven miles distant, by a rapid march; but the troops moved
so very slowly that it was 11 A. M. before the head of the leading
division (Price's) reached the village, and we had the mortification
of seeing Siegel's Division, 7,000 strong, leaving it as we entered.
Had we been one hour sooner we should have cut him off with his
whole force, and certainly have beaten the enemy the next day.
We followed him, our advance skirmishing with his rear-guard,
which was admirably handled, until we had gained a point on Sugar
Creek, about seven miles beyond Bentonville, and within one or
two miles of the strongly-intrenched camp of the enemy.
In conference with Generals McCulloch and McIntosh, who had
accurate knowledge of this locality, I had ascertained that, by
making a detour of eight miles, I could reach the Telegraph Road,
leading from Springfield to Fayetteville, and be immediately in rear
of the enemy and his intrenchments.
I had resolved to adopt this route, and therefore halted the head
of the column near the point where the road by which I had proposed to move diverges, threw out my pickets, and bivouacked as
if for the night. But soon after dark I marched again, with Price's
Division in advance, and taking the road by which I hoped, before
daylight, to gain the rear of the enemy. Some obstructions which
he had hastily thrown in our way so impeded our march that we did
not gain the Telegraph Road until nearly 10 A. M. of the 7th. From
prisoners with forage-wagons, whom our cavalry pickets brought in,
we were assured that we were not expected in that quarter, and that
the promise was fair for a complete surprise.
I at once made dispositions for attack, and directing General
Price to move forward cautiously, soon drew the fire of a few
skirmishers, who were rapidly reinforced, so that before 11 o'clock
we were fairly engaged, the enemy holding very good positions, and




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               149
maintaining a heavy fire of artillery and small-arms upon the constantly advancing columns which were being pressed upon him.
I had directed General McCulloch to attack with his forces the
enemy's left, and before 10 o'clock it was evident that, if his division could advance or even maintain its ground, I could at once
throw forward Price's left, advance his whole line and end the battle.
I sent him a dispatch to this effect, but it was never received by
him. Before it was penned his brave spirit had winged its flight,
and one of the most gallant leaders of the Confederacy had fought
his last battle.
About 3 Pr.M. I received by aids-de-camp the information that
Generals McCulloch and McIntosh and Colonel Hebert (incorrect)
were killed, and that the division was without any head. I nevertheless pressed forward with the attack, and at sunset the enemy
was flying before our victorious troops at every point in our front,
and wlien night fell we had driven him entirely from the field of
battle. Our troops slept upon their arms nearly a mile beyond the
point where he made his last stand, and my headquarters for the
night were at the Elk Horn Tavern. We had taken during the day
seven cannon and about two hundred prisoners.
In the course of the night I ascertained that the ammunition was
almost exhausted, and that the officer in charge of the ordnance
supplies could not find his wagons, which, with the subsistence train,
had been sent to Bentonville. Most of the troops had been without any food since the morning of the 6th, and the artillery horses
were beaten out. It was therefore with no little anxiety that I
awaited the dawn of day. When it came, it revealed the enemy in
a new and strong position, offering battle.
I made my dispositions at once to accept the gage, and by 7
o'clock the cannonading was as heavy as that of the previous day.
On the side of the enemy the fire was much better sustained; for
being freed from the attack of my right wing, he could now concentrate his whole artillery. Finding that my right wing was much disorganized, and that the batteries, one after another, were retiring
from the field, with every shot expended, I resolved to withdraw the
army, and at once placed the ambulances, with all of the wounded they
could bear, upon the Huntsville road, and a portion of McCulloch's
division which had joined me during the night, in position to follow-while I so disposed of my remaining forces as best to deceive
the enemy as to my intention, and to hold him in check while executing it.
About 10 o'clock I gave the order for the column to march, and




150                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
soon afterwards for the troops engaged to fall back and cover
the rear of the army. This was done very steadily; no attempt was
made by the enemy to follow us, and we encamped, about 3 o'clock
P. M., about ten miles from the field of battle. Some demonstrations
were made by his cavalry upon my baggage trains and the batteries
of artillery, which returned by different routes from that taken by
the army; but they were instsatly checked, and, thanks to t'he skill
and courage of Colonel Stone and Major Wade, all the baggage and
artillery joined the army in safety.
So far as I can ascertain, our losses amounted to six hundred
killed and wounded and two hundred prisoners and one cannon,
which, having become disabled, I ordered to be thrown into a
ravine.
The best information I can procure of the enemy's loss places his
killed at more than 700, with at least an equal number wounded.
We captured about 300 prisoners, so that his total loss is nearly
2,000. We brought away four cannon and ten baggage-wagons,
and we burnt upon the field three canon taken by Mcintosh in his
brilliant charge. The horses having been killed, these guns could
not be brought away.
The force with which I went into action was less than 14,000 men;
that of the enemy variously estimated at from 17,000 to 24,000.
During the whole of this engagement I was with the Missouri
Division under Price, and I have never seen better fighters than
those Missouri troops, or more gallant leaders than General Price and
his officers. From the first to the last shot they continually pushed
on, and never yielded an inch they had won; and when at last they
received the order to fall back, they retired steadily and with cheers.
General Price received a severe wound early in the action; but
would neither retire from the field nor cease to expose himself to
danger. N1o successes can repair the loss of the gallant dead who
fell upon this well-fought field. McCulloch was the first to fall. I
had found him, in the frequent conferences I had with him, a sagacious, prudent counselor, and a bolder soldier never died for his
country.
McIntosh had been very distinguished all through the operations
which had taken place in this region; and during my advance from
Baston Mountain I placed him in command of the cavalry brigade
and in charge of the pickets. He was alert, daring, and devoted
to his duty. His kindness of disposition, with his reckless bravery,
had attached the troops strongly to him; so that, after MIcCulloch
fell, had he remained to lead them, all would have been well with




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               151
my right wing; but after leading a brilliant charge of cavalry and
carrying the enemy's battery, he rushed into the thick of the fight
again at the head of his old regiment and was shot through the
heart. The value of these two officers was but proven by the effect
of their fall upon the troops. So long as brave deeds are admired
by our country, the names of McCulloch- and Mcintosh will be remembered and loved.
General Slack, after gallantly maintaining a continued and successful attack, was shot through the body; but I hope his distinguished services will be restored to his country. A noble boy,
Churchill Clark, commanding a battery of artillery, and during the
fierce actions of the 7th and 8th, was conspicuous for the daring and
skill which he exhibited. He fell at the very close of the action.
Colonel Rivers fell mortally wounded about the same time, and was
a great loss to us. On a field where were many gallant gentlemen,
I remember him  as one of the most energetic and devoted of
them all.
To Colonel Henry Little my especial thanks are due for the coolness, skill and devotion with which for two days he and his gallant
brigade bore the brunt of the battle. Colonel Burbridge, Colonel
Rosser, Colonel Gates, Major Lawther, Major Wade, Captain McDonaid, and Captain Shaumberg, are some of those who attracted my
special attention by their distinguished conduct.
In McCulloch's Division, the Louisiana Regiment, under Colonel
Louis Hebert, and the Arkansas Regiment, under Colonel McRae, are
especially mentioned for their good conduct. Major Montgomery,
Captain Bradfute, Lieutenants Lomax, Kimmel, Dillon, and Frank
Armstrong, A. A. G., were ever active and soldierly. After their
services were no longer required with their own division, they joined
my staff, and I am much indebted to them for the efficient aid they
gave me during the engagement of the 8th. They are meritorious
officers, whose value is lost to the service by their not receiving rank
more accordant with their merit and experience than that they now
hold. Being without my proper staff, I was much gratified by the
offer of Colonel Shands and Captain Barret, of the Missouri Army,
of their services as aids. They were of very great assistance to me
by the courage and intelligence with which they bore my orders;
also Colonel Lewis, of Missouri.
None of the gentlemen of my personal staff, with the exception
of Colonel Maury, A. A. G., and Lieutenant C. Sullivan, my aid-decamp, accompanied me from Jacksonport, the others having left on
special duty. Colonel Maury was of invaluable service to me, both




152                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
in preparing for and during the battle. There, as on other battlefields where I have served with him, he proved to be a zealous patriot and true soldier. Cool and calm under all circumstances, he
was always ready either with his sword or his pen. His services and
Lieutenant Sullivan's are distinguished; the latter had his horse
killed under him while leading a charge, the order for which he had
just delivered.
You will perceive, Colonel, from this report, that although I did
not capture, as I hoped, or destroy the enemy's army in Western
Arkansas, I have inflicted upon it a heavy blow and compelled him
to fall back into Missouri; this he did about the 16th inst. For
further details concerning the action, and for more particular notices
of the troops engaged, I refer you to the reports of the subordinate
officers which accompany this report.
Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,
EARL VAN DORN, Major. General.
CoL W. W. MACKALL, A. A. G.
BRIGADIER-GENERAL BEN M'CULLOCH.
General Ben McCulloch arrived in Texas from his native State,
Tennessee, just in time to command a portion of the artillery on the
plains of San Jacinto, April 21st, 1836, over thirty years ago. He
was then barely twenty-one years of age, but won general admiration
from that band of heroes. That was the opening of his military
career. For the ten succeeding years he resided upon the exposed
Indian fi-ontier of the infant republic, and so fully was his time given
to the Indian wars that he followed no other business. His time
passed in a succession of hardships and dangers such as few men
have seen, in which he displayed undaunted courage, indomitable
will, and the highest characteristics of the scout, the captain, the
strategist, and iron-nerved fighter. HIe was never outwitted or defeated by the wily savage, which is saying a great deal. When the
Mexican war broke out, McCulloch, refusing the command of a regiment, took the field as captain of General Taylor's spy company. In
that capacity his services were of the most dangerous and important
character; and we have General Taylor's authority for saying he
performed every act well and thoroughly. He succeeded in every
enterprise, and at Monterey gained unfading laurels, especially in
storming the Bishop's Palace, where his friend Gillespie fell. He
continued in the same arduous service until the close of the war,
always enjoying the highest confidence of the veteran General, who
intrusted enterprises to him that he would commit to no one else.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                153
McCulloch was the first to notify Taylor of the approach of Santa
Anna with five times his number, and to advise him to fall back
from Encarnacion to the stronger position at Buena Vista, in all of
which none can deny he saved our army from surprise and consequent destruction. On that bloody field he received the public
and official thanks of General Taylor for his heroic conduct and
valuable services.
General McCulloch served in the Texan Congress of 1839, and the
Legislature of 1845, the only political positions that he ever heId.
In 1846, when war was upon us, and he in Mexico, he was unanimously elected Major-General of all Western Texas. In 1849 he
went to California, and was at once elected Sheriff of Sacramento.
For the last eight years prior to secession he was United States
Marshal for Texas, and in that time was sent as Commissioner to
Utah, and next to Arizona. He was twice offered the governorship
of territories, and was appointed Major of U. S. Cavalry, all of which
he declined.
The moment Lincoln's election became known, McCulloch identified himself with Texas as an unconditional secessionist, and repaired
to Texas to take part in any movement that might grow out of the
presence of over 3,000 U. S. troops in that State. He was unanimously selected by the Committee of Public Safety to raise the men
necessary to compel the surrender of San Antonio, with its arsenal
and the neighboring forts, four or five in number.
Within four days he had traveled one hundred and fifty miles,
and stood before San Antonio with eight hundred armed men, his
old comrades and neighbors. His mission succeeded. Texas looked
to him with confidence as one of her strong pillars in case of war.
She sent him abroad to procure arms; but before he had fully succeeded the President appointed him Brigadier-General and assigned
him to the command of the Indian Territory, without men, money,
arms, or munitions.
He reached Fort Smith late in May, his only companions being
Major Montgomery and Colonel McIntosh. He immediately proceeded with his customary energy to organize an army, and, above
all, secure the co-operation of the Indian tribes. Thus in June, 1861,
he was on a mission among the Indians, resulting in laying the
foundation of their final adherence to the Confederate cause.  Ie
next turns up as the hero of the brilliant exploit at Neosho, Mo.
Next we find him organizing that gallant little brigade composed of
Arkansians, who so gallantly distinguished themselves at the battle
of Oak Hills.
7*




154                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
Disrobed of the Arkansas troops after this battle, and left with
three or four reduced regiments, he took position at Camp Jackson,
in order to recruit and drill an almy, collect supplies and munitions,
and endeavor to prepare for effective operations against the enemy.
It was at this period that letter-writers, and great minds, who never
saw an army, attacked his character as a General, knowing more
about his resources and strength-when, where, and how he ought
to move-all about his duties and responsibilities, than himself.
Still he heeded not the clamor raised against him. Sickness ravaged
his band to an astonishing degree (the Third Louisiana was a fair
specimen of the condition of the men at that period); recruits, for
two months, did not come at all; the Arkansas River was very low;
the Indians, in part, were surly and doubtful; the Jayhawkers of
Kansas were tampering with them and menacing Northwestern Arkansas, and finally the splendid regiments that served to give him a
goodly army arrived too late for a fall campaign.
The army started on a9 expedition against Kansas, but was turned
back by the advance of the Federals under Fremont pursuing the
forces under Gencral Price. His plans were changed to meet this
emergency, and his forces co-operated with those of General Price
to check Fremont's advance. How assiduously General McCulloch
labored to annoy the enemy it is needless to state. The blockaded
roads, the expeditions of the cavalry, led by himself, attest his
ceaseless activity, untiring energy, and sleepless vigilance. After Fremont's retreat, General McCulloch went to Richmond on a mission
connected with his department.
While absent on this trip, an address, written by J. W. Tucker,
in behalf of the Missourians, "To -the people of the Confederate
States," dated Springfield, Mo., December 24, 1861, was published
in the Ar7kansian, a Fayetteville (Ark.) paper. In that address occurred the following passage: " With the exception of the battle of
Springfield, not a sword has been drawn for the release of Missouri
save by her own sons. At that memorable battle (Oak Hills) the
Confederate commander was asked for the-assistance of three regiments to pursue a defeated and disorganized foe, where 7,000 men
and $1,000,000 worth of property were within our reach; but General
Price asked in vain.  So his requests were responded to when
he went to fight the. battles of Dry Wood and Lexington. Not
aided, not supplied with a single precussion-cap, for the want of
which latter article he was compelled to fall back two hundred
miles with an army of 20,000 men. During this trying period, within
which the State could have been disenthralled, our Confederate allies




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               155
have maintained their camp on our Southern border in inglorious
inactivity, not even protecting Missouri from Kansas Jayhawkers.
We know these allied troops are as brave men as ever went to battle,
and that they chafed like a caged lion to join the Missourians in
their well-sustained resistance; but these troops had no orders to
move. Can this be explained? There was no enemy to fight in
Arkansas, and the army of Missouri was in every action and
movement guarding the gates of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas."
To this attack on his motives, plans and movements, General Ml'cCulloch published the following reply in the Richmond Whig:
GENERAL 3MiCULLOCH'IS REPLY.
To the Edcitor of the Richmond Whig:
In your issue of yesterday there is a communication signed " J.
W. Tucker," in answer to which I think proper to make the following reply, which you will please give a place in your paper:
Your correspondent says: " With the exception of the battle of
Springfield not a sword has been drawn for the release of Missouri
except by her own sons."  On the 4th of July General Pearce, of
Arkansas, and myself, with all the forces we. could command,
marched to aid the Governor of the State in cutting his way through
his enemies, capturing over 100 of the enemy at Neosho, a point
where we expected to attack Siegel with his whole command.
So much for his first assertion. He further says, speaking of the
battle of Oak Hills: " The Confederate Commander was asked for the
assistance of three regiments to pursue a defeated and disorganized
foe, when 7,000 men and over $,100,000 worth of property were
within our reach; but General Price asked in vain."
Immediately after the battle was over, and, in truth, before all my
forces had returned from the pursuit of the enemy, orders were
issued for the wounded to be brought from the battle-field, the
dead to be buried, and the army to be ready to march after the
enemy that night. We did not march for the want of ammunition.
Several of my officers informed me (when they heard the order)
that some of their men had fired their last cartridge at the enemy, as
we had only twenty-five rounds to the man before the battle began,
and no more within hundreds of miles. After a conference with
General Price, it was thought best to "let well enough alone."  As
to being asked for three regiments, I have- no recollection of any
such request.
So much for his second assertion.
Now for his third assertion, in which he wishes to convey the




156                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
idea that I had not, nor would not aid Missouri with a man, a gun,
or a percussion-cap, and that I wouldl not even protect Missouri
against the Arkansas Jayhawkers. At the time General Pearce, of
Arkansas, and myself first entered Missouri on the 4th df July, we
loaned General Price some six hundred and fifteen muskets. When
our forces formed a junction at Cassville, Colonel Hebert, of Louisiana, at my request, loaned a Missouri officer about one hundred
muskets. I have several times since given the Missourians the last
cap I could spare from my own command. Let those officers say
how many of their muskets were returned. General Pearce, I learned,
recovered ten, while Colonel Hebert was only able to get a portion
of those he loaned. Besides, it is a well-known fact that the arms
of our dead and wounded were taken from the battle-field; nor did
we get any of the small-arms left by the enemy.
As to the Kansas Jayhawkers and our inglorious idleness! My
mounted men gave protection to the whole country on the borders
of Missouri-for one hundred miles north of the Arkansas line from
immediately after the battle of Oak Hills until in October, when
General Price retreated from Lexington to that section of the State.
So much for these charges.
It will be remembered that I was assigned to the command of the
Indian Territory, with orders to defend it from invasion from any
quarter; consequently, my participation in the battle at Oak Hills
was upon my own responsibility, with a reliance of being sustained
by my own Government.
As to my men chafinglike a caged lion to join the Missourians,
I must say this is new to me. It might be supposed that the Louisiana Regiment was exceedingly anxious to march, exposed to the
sun and rain, with men covered with ninety-five tents taken from
themselves by order of a Missouri general. These tents had the
extra clothing of the men rolled in them, and were stored with a
merchant in Cassville at the time we marched upon Springfield,
and were taken out of his possession by order of Brigadier-General
Parsons, conveyed on the same road with that regiment, and not a
word of them or their contents mentioned to me afterwards by any
Missourian.
If this was not enough to make the gallant Louisiana Regiment
chafe like a caged lion to go with General Price, they only had to
refer to his official report of the battle of Oak Hills to see how completely they had been deprived of the glory of taking Colonel Sie-gel's battery, which they did at the point of the bayonet.
As to the troops from Arkansas, they were likely to " chafe- like a




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               157
caged lion " because they were not permitted to go with their country rifles and shot guns, and see how they handled the muskets they
borrowed and would not return.
Then there are the Texans! They " chafed like a caged lion" because they could not have the opportunity to capture another flag
and piece of artillery to be appropriated by the Missourians, whilst
they (the Texans) were continuing to pursue the enemy.
Perhaps all these gallant men were likely to chafe like a caged
lion because they could not march with men who took possession of
every mill and every blacksmith-shop in the surrounding country,
and at the same time placed a guard over every stole in Springfield,
taking what they contained and applying it to their own use; thus
depriving these men of the' chance of obtaining a change of linen, a
pound of breadstuffs, or a horse shod until after their wants were
supplied.
I greatly fear the effort of J. W. Tucker to disparage the gallant
soldiers of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas, and to deprive them of
their just share of the glory of the battle of Oak Hills, will add
little to the good feeling which every true patriot should desire to
see prevail among the soldiers of the different States at this time.
I have not thought proper, heretofore, to notice any of the misrepresentations going the rounds of the newspapers. First, because
they had no responsible endorser, and secondly, because I hoped, for
the sake of a common cause, that there should be no war of words
among ourselves, when the enemy were to be met with the sword.
This hope has failed, and ITam compelled to notice this publication lest my silence be construed as an admission of the truth of Mr.
Tucker's statements-it being well known that I was in Richmond
at the time his communication was published.
In conclusion, permit me to warn my countrymen, and to beg of
them, not to put too much reliance in sensation articles written and
published for effect. Up to the present time the country knows
nothing of what has been done in Missouri.
I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
Richmond, January 17th, 1862.           BEN McCuJLLocR.
"General McCulloch," says a correspondent, writing from Camp
Jackson, Arkansas, September 30th, 1861, " has been at his post all
the time. He is as vigilant as a tiger. Every day at some time a
man, dressed in dark clothes, wearing a brown hat, with thin flowing locks, may be seen galloping across the prairie. One evening
last week, as we were out on regimental (Third Louisiana) drill, just




158                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
before sun-down, a vast multitude of spectators belonging to the
various companies, battalions, etc., having come out, a horseman was
seen approaching at a fast gallop. Every person knew him. It was
General McCulloch. He rode up to the left wing and spoke kindly
and familiarly to Captain Viglini, and then said' Good evening,'
politely. and cheerfully, to all. Lieutenant-Colonel Hyams being
busy making some remarks, the General rode up to the Adjutant, and
remarked,'Why are you not on duty, are you sick?''Yes,' was
the reply. After conversing a few moments he said,'I must go and
see the Colonel.' The Colonel by this time had the line at a shoulder arms. As the General passed,'present arms!' was the command. The General of course acknowledged it in his own unique
and immortal style. Perhaps the character of none of our public
men is so much misunderstood as that of General McCulloch. He is
a Tennesseean by birth and a Texan by adoption. He is a border
man, an Indian fighter, and a ranger. Is this all? I had fancied
him a perfect devil, a backwoodsman, a ruffian, an unpolished desperado.
" General McCulloch is a medium-sized man; perhaps he might
be called a small man, with brown hair and whiskers. He doubtless
has been handsome, and is still good-looking for a man of his age.
"A nice boot, well fitted to his foot; close, trim-made clothes, and,
as before mentioned, a brown hat, neither high nor low, but of the
planter style, with very clean, nice vest, short, sleek boots, gloves,
and spurs, are the characteristics of his dress. His person is very
neat and pleasant, slim, thin, and a small roundness of shoulders.
He is as fine a horseman as ever sat in saddle. Age has left its mark
on his countenance. His face is weather-beaten and brown from
exposure; numerous crow-feet creep out from his somewhat sunken
eyes. I think he would weigh about one hundred and forty pounds,
and I would take him to be fifty years old, judging from his looks;
and he is all that he has ever been represented-a bold, graceful
rider, a desperate fighter, a reckless charger, a border man, and an
Indian fighter of the highest type.' Had he lived in the days of
chivalry, he would have been a knight of the most superior class.
More than this, General Ben McCulloch is a great man. Mentally
he is of the sanguine-bilious temperament-a perfectly positive man.
There is no half-way ground about him, no medium decision, no
compromise, no- guessing. It is, or it is not, with him. It can, or it
cannot be; and if the world should decide against him, or all the
officers in his Division, I believe his own conscientiousness would
prompt him to say, as would Jackson,' I'll take the responsibility 1'




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                159
One of the strongest features in his mind is its precision, its clearness. Individuality is strongly marked. He is not a talkative man,
and consequently not a very sociable one. He seems to be separate,
self-existant, independent, original. I do not think any one ever
knows his plans. He is an indefatigable student and thinker, and
never loses any time. Of whatever subject his mind is directed to,
he has very exalted ideas. He seems desirous of bringing his troops
to the very highest point of discipline and military power. He detests stragglers and loafers. He loves order and decency. The first
time the command was ever called out in line of battle at Crane
Creek, about August 1st, as we were formed, the 1" long roll " beating
vigorously, and our backs being toward a ravine, down which the
enemy's cannon balls were expected, this command passed down the
line, viz.:'Steady, men, General McCulloch is loading the cannon
himself.' On the next day General Rains attacked the enemy, and
as we were formed on a hillside to protect our battery, vast numbers
of stragglers came in, thundering past us. Finally, Captain McIntosh, with one hundred and fifty scouts, came, in, endeavoring to
draw the enemy after them and to us on the hillside. It seemed as
if the enemy would arrive immediately, but General McCulloch came
in finally with two companies, the very last man. As he passed- us
he said,'The enemy have stopped to take dinner, come on, boys, we
will go and take dinner too.' He has a very fine rifle which he
always carries. This is his only weapon or soldierly insignia. On
the morning we left Crane Creek General McCulloch exhibited the
greatest coolness. In person he would go three miles over the prairie
with his staff in search of the enemy."
Such is a most perfect pen sketch by a Missourian (J. H. Robertson), of McCulloch as Confederate leader of the Western Army in
1861. It was his individuality, reliance on his own personal observations, regardless of extraneous assistance, which led him to needlessly expose himself at Elk Horn. Forbidding his staff to follow
him, he departed to make personal observations and reconnoitre the
enemy's position, ere ordering the mass of his troops into battle.
Already the Louisianians were desperately engaged, and their fierce
volleys and wild cheers told that they were accomplishing the work
cut out for them. But McCulloch came not back. He was shot
through the heart by a concealed marksman of the enemy, finally a
victim to his fearless temerity. As a leader, McCulloch was idolized
by his troops, and almost worshipped by the Louisianians, and his
death was bitterly lamented as only lion-hearted, brave men can
lament over the fall of an idolized chieftain. General McCulloch's




160                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
body was conveyed to Little Rock and there interred, surrounded by
a vast concourse of citizens and soldiers. Undoubtedly his death,
so quickly followed by that of General Mcintosh, occasioned the loss
of the battle, as no more of his division were ordered to the support
of those few regiments who fought so desperately and successfully
on that blood-stained field.
Multiplied words can add nothing to his fame. It is as eternal
as the granite hills. His body moulders in a soldier's grave. The
Emerald sward, and doubtless sweet flowers, planted there by loving
hands, cover his honored remains. Of all the martyr graves that
dot Southern hill-sides and valleys, none contain the remains of a
nobler soul, a more fearless and chivalric spirit, a more efficient commander, a more idolized chieftain, than that which holds the mortal
portion of Brigadier-General Ben McCulloch.
BRIGADIER-GENERAL M'INTOSH.
General James McIntosh was a native of Virginia. He graduated
at West Point, and was Colonel in the United States service at the
commencement of the war, commanding a regiment of cavalry
on the Western frontier, at Fort Smith, when hostilities first began.
With the secession of Virginia, and that chivalrous spirit worthy of
his native State, he linked his fortunes to those of the Confederatcy. He soon raised a fine regiment of cavalry in Arkansas, and
joined McCulloch's little army; was appointed Adjutant-General
of McCulloch's Brigade, and eventually received a commission as
Brigadier-General of Cavalry a short period previous to the battle
of Elk Horn. At the battle of Oak Hills he first met his old regiment. So much had he become endeared to this body of regulars
that nearly a whole company deserted and linked their fortunes to
the Confederate cause, becoming General McCulloch's,body-guarda company of stalwart, efficient and brave men. General McIntosh
was a fearless rider, a reckless fighter, a dashing horseman  He was
beloved by the whole army. In his death the Confederates lost one
of their most gallant officers. The records written of him in this
work are true criterions wherewith to judge his character and efficiency. His gallant charge at the head of his - brigade at Elk Horn
was one of the most brilliant incidents of the war. General McIntosh was a medium-sized man, with keen, black eyes, raven hair
and whiskers. Without doubt, he was descended from Indian stock.
Many claimed that he was a Cherokee by birth-an erroneous supposition. In his death the Confederate States lost an officer who
would have made a brilliant record.




CHAPTER XX.
THE MARCH EASTWARD.
AFTER a short stay at Van Buren, when the different commands
had become reorganized and recuperated somewhat from their exhaustion, the regiment left for Fort Smith. From this point they
departed eastward in the latter part of March, their destination
being Little Rock. On the march, Lieutenant F. R. Brunot, of
Company K, died, and received a soldier's burial amid the wilds of
Arkansas. Frank, generous to a fault, a lively companion and brave
soldier, his loss was severely felt, especially by the members of the
company to which he belonged. A lawyer by profession, he possessed talents of no ordinary character.  Lieutenant 0. J. Wells
appointed A. C. S. of Regiment, March 21, 1862. The whole army
was now on the move, concentrating toward the Mississippi Valley.
Fort Smith and our Western border was being abandoned. To
many this seemed an uncalled-for movement, and complaints loud
and bitter were uttered. The movement was easily and satisfactorily
explained. There was, then, no danger to be apprehended from an
invading army. Why? Simply because Southwestern Missouri
and Northwestern Arkansas were a desolate waste, having been
stripped of nearly everything calculated to supply an army. Even
with a friendly country in the rear, it was found impossible to
supply the Confederate army with the necessary means of subsistence. Hence, it was argued, it would be impossible for the enemy
to subsist an army so far removed from their base of operations as
they would be by invading Arkansas, among a people too hostile to
them, with destruction constantly threatening, not only their supply-trains, but also their pickets and foraging parties. The enemy
were well aware of these facts, and hence moved rapidly northward
after the battle of Elk Horn. They were nearly starved out while
in the State, both before and after the battle.
Everything at this time indicated a tcrrible and desperate contest




162                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
for the possession of the Mississippi Valley, and troops from both
sides were rapidly concentrating for the fearful struggle.  The
regiment was now attached to the Second Brigade of General
Price's army, under command of Colonel Hebert, who was reported
as having received a commission as bligadier-general. Assuredly
no officer was more worthy of such distinction than the brave and
skillful Colonel of the Third Regiment.
The sick-list of the regiment was very large-the result of late
hardships. They had, however, comfortable hospitals both for the
sick and wounded at Little Rock, whose patriotic ladies were untiring in their endeavors to ameliorate the sufferings of the brave
soldiers thus brought to their beautiful little city.
It is a mournful spectacle to see so many once strong and robust
men wasting away'neath the ravages of disease, far from home and
friends, uncared for save by a few rough comrades. No soft hand
soothes the fevered brow; no loving face bends over the attenuated features as the angel of death sets his seal there. The soldier
can gaze unmoved on the fearful scenes of a battle-field - tread uncaringly over the dead and dying; remain untouched by the spectacle of mangled limbs and ghastly wounds; but the sight of a
soldier dying from disease, with an accompanying thought of home
and the loved ones there, will unnerve the stoutest heart. There
will ever remain the remembrance of a scene witnessed on the Arkansas River.
A steamer on a bar fast aground, the ruddy glare of a pine-torch
glittering, glistening, and dancing on the eddying stream, united
with the hoarse whisper of the steam-engine mingling with the
voices of men and the rattle of the capstan as the huge spar was
made to perform its work. Silently two coffins were lowered into
a yawl, followed by three or four soldiers. We watohed it recede
into the darkness. Soon a lantern's feeble rays, like the fire-fly's
transient light, appeared on shore, then vanished in the gloom and
darkness of night.
Not long was it ere two rough boxes were lowered into newmade graves and fresh mounds of earth marked the spot where, on
on the banks of the lonely river, reposed two of the sons of liberty.
These humble graves of patriots, buried in an unmarked spot, are
still remembered.
" By fairy hands their knell is rung;
By forms unseen their dirge is sung;
Their honor comes-a pilgrim grayTo bless the turf that wraps their clay.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               163
And Freedom shall awhile repair
To dwell, a weeping, hermit there."
The regiment left Camp Poteau, Ark., on the 28th of April. A long,
weary march was before them, notwithstading their recent terrible
sufferings and exhaustion.  Day by day they toiled through the
swamps. Oftentimes the wagons would not arrive. Heavy storms
constantly arose; there were no tents or shelter; the mud was kneedeep; the streams swollen-often waded. Roads were repaired and
bridges built; then they were water-bound. It seemed as if all the
tortures and sufferings of years were being poured out in one huge
vial of wrath upon these heroic spirits.
On the 13th most of the First Brigade arrived near the forks of
Citron Creek, some distance above Little Rock. Here McDonald's
celebrated Missouri battery was attached to the Third Louisiana.
The regiment reached Little Rock on the 16th and were warmly
welcomed. With five days' rations cooked, the regiment left Little
Rock for Beaureguard's army at Corinth, on board the steamers
Louisville and Kentucky. The ladies of Little Rock gathered on
the banks of the river, and there was the flutter of innumerable
handkerchiefs as the boats steamed away down the stream. The
men were in high spirits over the change in their mode of traveling.
Major Tunnard, on account of bodily infirmities resulting from
the horrors and hardships encountered in Arkansas, obtained a furlough at Little Rock. Thus the regiment was left in command of
a senior captain. Down the river-out once more upon the broad
Mississippi-how the heart went out in warm throbs towards the
loved ones; how the spirit yearned for a journey down the stream.
But no I Up the river the boats proceeded, and the regiment was
disembarked at Memphis on the 27th, and proceeded to encamp in
the upper portion of the city, immediately on the river bank.
Reported to General Van Doran.
The discipline enforced among the men here was very rigid.
Dress parade twice daily, and roll-call five times, much to the annoyance of the troops. Memphis was alive with forces hastening towards Corinth, Miss., the threatened point of attack. Against Fort
Pillow above, and Forts Jackson and St. Philip below, powerful
fleets were in operation, and the dark gloom of disaster hung like a
funeral-pall over the land.
On the 30th of April the regiment once more was on the move.
They were in splendid spirits, and marched through the streets of
Memphis with firm and regular tread. They attracted universal




164                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
attention, and received a perfect ovation-the streets being crowded
with men and fair ladies, who greeted them most enthusiastically.
On their way to the depot of the Mississsippi and Ohio Railroad
they passed a seminary where a bevy of handsome young ladies had
congregated-a rare bouquet of nature's most beautiful flowers.
There was the fluttering of innumerable handkerchiefs, and each
company returned the greeting in loud cheers as they passed this
galaxy of beauty. Several of the ladies gave the men their delicate
little cambric handkerchiefs as souveniers.
Left Memphis in company with five other trains, all loaded with
troops; and reached Corinth on the first day of May. The country
around this place was low and marshy, the water impure and unhealthy.




CHAPTER XXI.
EVENTS AT CORINTH.
TiE regiment now belonged to General G. T. Beauregard's Army
of the West. A tremendous army was congregated here. Entrenchments thrown up on all sides, protected by heavy abattis of felled
timber, and frowning with artillery of every description and calibre.
Skirmishing with the enemy was a daily occurrence; but the Confederates felt hopeful and confident of success when the issue should
be made.
On the 8d our pickets were driven in, and on the morning of
Sunday, the 4th, the regiment left camp very early and proceeded to
the intrenchments, where they remained until the afternoon, in a
heavy rain, drenching all to the skin. The whole army was in motion this day, but nothing important transpired. The men were
kept in a state of feverish excitement and anxious expectation, confronting, as they were, a powerful force of the foe, with whom we
were daily skirmishing, and being under orders to move at a moment's notice.
On the 6th, news reached the army of the fall of New Orleans. It
was astounding intelligence to the army, and caused intense excitement. Orders were issued for a reorganization of the regiment, by
the election of field and company officers, as our term of service was
about expiring. For many days the men had been discussing the
question of their discharge, looking joyfully forward to a reunion
with the loved ones at home, and forming plans for the future. But
they were in the power of strong military authority, and could not
leave the army without- being immediately seized and forced to return under the late Conscript Act of Congress. The excitement and
dissatisfaction was intense. General Price issued an order promising furloughs to the regiment if victorious in the approaching
battle, and closing his order with a fine tribute to the gallantry
of the:regiment. Outside of the question of their discharge, the




166               A SOUTIERN RECORD.
men were in high spirits. Orders were read to move early in the
morning. The men were under arms at 3 A. M. on the morning of
the 7th, and at 8 o'clock in motion.  They marched about six
miles, and formed line of battle in a strip of woods iimmediately. in
the rear of an open field, on the right of the whole army. The
country was rolling ground. The road ran parallel to the position,
and then abruptly turned off at a light angle leading between two
large open fields skirted by a belt of timber. Beyond these fields
were the enemy's pickets. Thus the outposts of the two huge
armies confronted and watched each other's motions. The enemy
were reported as only two miles distant. This might be the day
beforethe great battle. The sun looked lovingly down upon this
scene of spring beauty. The breeze sighed in murmuring, softened
whispers amid the emerald foliage of the trees, while the subdued
sound of voices and suppressed laughter of the men died away on
the morning air. O'er the soul swept memories of boyhood's years;
the picture of a cottage home embowered in trees; the vision of a
mother's and sister's loved forms. It was a day for reveries and
dreamings, even amid all the surroundings of grim-visaged war.
The next day the election for officers was ordered. The old excitement revived, and a large number of the men positively refused to
have anything to do with the reorganization. In many instances
officers were elected by a minority vote of the members of the companies. In the choice of officers there was almost an entire revolution in the regiment. The old officers were thrown aside and privates
chosen to command the different companies —men who had shown
themselves worthy of the confidence thus reposed in them. After
the election of company officers, those chosen assembled to vote for
field officers. While the voting was in prbgress, orders were received to move immediately, and soon the whole army was in motion. We marched about three miles and laid down on the-ground
without blankets or shelter, the roar of artillery being the music
that lulled the men to sleep.
On Friday the 9th, Price's army was aroused early, and soon on
the march. Under the direction of General Van Dorn the division
pushed forward in a south-east direction from Corinth; and after
crossing swamps, marching in line of battle through dense underbrush, over hill-tops, and across deep -valleys, we halted to rest. At
12 M. four guns fired in rapid succession gave the signal to push forward. The object was to penetrate, in an easterly direction, to the
north of Farmington, where the enemy were in force, and cut off
their retreat towards Eastport on the Tennessee River; while the main




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               167
body of the army attacked them in front. Company K was thrown
out as skirmishers in front of the regiment. -After a long and
wearisome advance, we suddenly came upon the flank of the enemy,
whom our forces had engaged in front, when they precipitately-retreated to prevent being surrounded and captured. We took Farmington, the bridge they had constructed across the swamp, a large
supply of clothing, etc. The bridge was destroyed, also a large
gin containing cotton. Farmington is situated in the centre of a
succession of large, open fields. The fight lasted four hours, resulting in few casualties on our side. The regiment obtained a large
number of letters, which furnished some information and a great
deal of amusement to the boys. Some of these letters were rich
specimens of orthography and penmanship, and not very flattering
to the morals in certain portions of the North. This sharp engagement caused much enthusiasm among the troops, and the Third
Regiment regained their old spirit and determination under the
prospect of an early fight with the foe.
On the 10th the balloting for field officers was resumed, resulting
finally in the selection of the following officers:
Roll of officers elected -on the reorganization of the Regiment,
May 8, 1862: Colonel, F. C. Armstrong; Lieutenant-Colonel, J. B.
Gilmore; Major, S. D. Russell; Surgeon, P. F. Whitehead; Quartermaster, John IHanna; Commissary, F. Gallagher; Chaplain, A.
Dicharry; Adjutant, J. H. Brigham.
Co. A.-J. Kinney, Captain; W. Babiu, 1st Lieutenant; J. Ramouin, 2d Lieutenant; J. S. Randolph, 2d Junior Lieutenant.
Co. B.-D. C. Morgan, Captain; J. Davenport, 1st Lieutenant;
W. P. Renwick, 2d Lieutenant; T. L. Beauchamp, 2d Lieut., Jr.
Co. C.-N. M. Middlebrook, Captain; A. Emanuel, 1st Lieutenant; A.-W. McCain, 2d Lieutenant; W. T. Fagan, 2d Lieutenant, Jr.
Co. D.- W. E. Russell, Captain; S. M. Hyams, Jr., 1st Lieutenant; B. O. Morse, 2d Lieutenant; G. L. Frichel, 2d Lieutenant Jr.
Co. E.-O. Brashear, Captain; R. C. Iolt, 1st Lieutenant; J. C.
Turpin, 2d Lieutenant; —. 2d Jr. Lieutenant.
Co. F.-W. Kinney, Captain; L. M,.D-undon, 1st Lieutenant; J.
O. Clark, J. Horn, 2d Lieutenants.
Co. G. —W. B. Butler, Captain; F. Gainirie, 1st Lieutenant; P.
L. Prudl-omme, J. Paul Bassier, 2d Lieutenants.
Co. H.-J. S. Richards, Captain; C. Hedrick, 1st Lieutenant;
A. W. Carroll, J. M. Stuart, 2d Lieutenants.
Co. I.-J. E. Johnson, Captain; J. E. Hanna, 1st Lientenant; T.
Mc B. Meredith, 2d Lieutenant; J. R. Ccttingham, 2d Jr. Lieut.




168                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
Co. K.-H. H. Gentlis, Captain; J. B. Irwin, 1st Lieutenant; J.'
D. Williams, 2d Lieutenant; A. B. Payne, 2d Jr. Lieutenant.
Who does not remember the handsome, gay and dashing Frank
Armstrong? The same gallant officer who afterwards, undter General
Forrest as Major-General of cavalry, gained an enviable name for
bravery and efficiency in this arm df the service. Colonel Armstrong
was an old army officer, hence a strict disciplinarian. Of fine personal appearance and commanding bearing, he looked what he really
was, every inch a soldier. When the men were on duty he required
and expected a strict observance of every military regulation and
order. There must be no laxity in any particular. Yet when the
men were free from duty they could approach Colonel Armstrong
with the assurance that they would be treated as gentlemen and
equals. He was always affable, kind, and courteous in his intercourse
with the men. Colonel Armstrong appreciated the position of the
early volunteers. He knew that a majority of them were men of
refinement and education, of high social position previous to their
becoming soldiers, hence in his intercourse with them there was no
assumption of unapproachable superiority. Some idea may be
formed of the estimation in which he was held when it is stated
that the men, when speaking of him to each other, invariably called
him Frank Armstrong, It was a rarity for any of them-to prefix his
title to his name. Such was the officer chosen to lead the regiment.
One whom the men learned to honor for his soldierlyqualities, and
love with an idolatry second only to their devotion to the lamented
McCulloch.
Lieutenant-Colonel Gilmore was born in Jefferson County, Kentucky, in 1827, and came to Shreveport in 1849. He was one of the
first captains of the regiment; is a man of nervous excitability, with
a temperament that flashed up like gunpowder when fire is applied
to it. He was with all his excitability a fearless officer, always at
his post in the hour of danger. The Major, S. D. Russell, a spare
made man, with hair and whiskers slightly tinged with gray, was
almost the opposite of Colonel Gilmore, being slow in motion, seldom losing command of his temper, or becoming unduly excited.
He was calm and dignified in his bearing, firm, steady, and courage,
ous in battle.
On Sunday, May 11th, Company   -was sent out on picket, and
afterwards relieved by Company A. Skirmishing was a daily occurrence, and the roar of artillery was such a common sound as to attract little attention. The camp of the Third Regiment at this time
was in an open woods, rolling ground, outside of Corinth. While




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                16
here they received a supply of tents. What shelters! They looked,
when stretched, as if an army of rag-pickers had encamped there,
and these tents were put up as signs of their occupation. In appearance, however, the men were little superior to their shelters.
Almost constantly under arms or on duty, little time or opportunity
was given them to attend to their apparel or cleanliness of their
persons. Hence they were ragged and filthy. Their fare at this
time was crackers and salt meat, not very wholesome diet assuredly.
On the 12th our Adjutant, S. M. Hyams, Jr., left the regiment, having
been appointed to the command of the Fifth Arkansas Regiment.
On the 13th the regiment was still on picket in the position previously dlescribed. The morning was clear, the sun shining with
pencilled rays through the o'erhanging branches of the trees, decked.,in their tender Spring foliage. Birds carolled their matin songs,
while in the direction of Corinth arose the sound of the morning
drum and the clarion voice of the bugle. A dash on the lines was
momentarily expected, and the men were watchful and quiet. The
di-ums and brass bands of the enemy could be distinctly heard from
our position. Truly it was a strange spectacle. Two armies within
sound of each other, the line of pickets on opposite sides of the
same field, the men standing looking over the fence with eager,
searching gaze, or leaning listlessly on their loaded pieces, watching
for the foe, determined to take human life if an opportunity offered.
Thus affairs remained until late in the afternoon, when an unexpected
visitor in the form of a six-pound rifle shell dropped among the men.
The scream and explosion of this missile were heard ere the report
of the piece from which it was discharged echoed over the field.
This missile was followed by others in rapid succession. Several men
were wounded and bruised both by the shells and the falling limbs
cut off from the trees overhead. The regiment was ordered to fall
back into a ravine in the rear of their position. The order was misunderstood. Now occurred one of those scenes which cannot be
accounted for, and which frequently happens among the bravest
troops. There was a hurried rush by the whole regiment to the
rear, resulting almost to a panic, many of the men running at the top
of their speed across the adjacent hills. The pickets, however, stood
their ground, owing to the determination of the captain, H. H.
Gentles, commanding them. Through the strenuous exertions of the
officers, the regiment was soon rallied and advanced to their original
position. It was laughable then to hear the men blame each other,
and saying they didn't run. Oh, no! Distinguished for gallantry
and bravery they felt ashamed and mortified at their conduct, which
8




1T70                 A SOUTHERN -RECORD.
after all was only the result of a misunderstanding of orders.  Previous to the opening of the battery an old negro man attempted to
pass the lines and was arrested and sent back to headquarters and
released.  He returned with a pass and was allowed to proceed
towards the enemy's lines.  In a very few moments he came back,
and on being asked if he had seen any soldiers replied, " Lots of men
coming on foot and on horses.  They wasn't Yankees.  Oh! no, but
friends."  The black scoundrel, it was afterwards believed, had betrayed our position, as the battery had fired with a precision of
range conclusively showing that they were not shooting at random.
Could the men have caught the dark hued rascal, there would have
been a case of lynch-law, as their exasperation was very great. A
large body of cavalry and infantry had approached our position,
driving in the Confederate cavalry, who - precipitately fled through
the line, leaving the regiment alone to picket between the two huge
armies. A portion of their cavalry made as dash on the line, but
were driven back. One, however, was taken prisoner. He belonged
to the First U. S. Regular cavalry, whom he abused as cowards in
no very complimentary language.  He refused to dismount when ordered, saying he " never had walked in his life, and he'd be d-   d
if he was going to now, for all the rebels in Christendom."  He was
speedily taught a lesson of obedience to orders by the men, not prescribed in Tlardee's Tactics.
The regiment was relieved from picket on the 14th, and marched
to a new camp in an open fielc south-east of Corinth, near a'spring
of fine, cool, clear water.  Tents sufficient to protect the men were
furnished. There was a general cleansing of clothes and persons,
and all felt better and refreshed after their continued duties, hardships and excitement. Here they once more received pay. Lieutenant J. Harvey Brigham, of Company B, was appointed Adjutant,*
*After Lieutenant Washburn was captured at Elk Horn, Lieutenant J. Harvey Brigham was made Adjutant of the regiment, and continued to act as such
until the re-organization, and was then regularly appointed as such and commissioned under Act of Congress, allowing the appointment of' others than of
line officers. At the beginning of the war this office was filled by some lieutenant appointed from the line officers. Lieutenant Brigham was second lieutenant of Company B. Adjutant Brigham lost the use of his right hand from
a wound received at the battle of Iuka (September 19th) after which period
Lieutenant A. W. Currie, Company H, was made Acting Adjutant, while Lieutenant Brigham was on detached service on general court-martial in Richmond,
Va., but still holding his commission as Adjutant until he resigned (September
21st, 1864) in consequence of disability. After this no one was adjutant by
commission, but only by appointment.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               171.
Lieutenant J. Hanna, Company I, Regimental Quartermaster, and
F. Gallagher, Commissary. One day succeeded another fill of excitement and expectation of the great battle. On the 18th, nearly
the whole army were outside of the fortifications around Corinth
lying in line of battle in a huge semi-circle. The regiment was on
the right of nearly the whole army. Far to the left was heard the
sharp rattle of small-arms and the sullen roar of artillery, betokening
heavy skirmishing, perhaps the prelude to a general engagement.
The enemy Were again repulsed with considerable loss. The next
day was a repetition. of the same scenes of desultory fighting by the
skirmishers and out-posts. Yet amid the sound of spattering rifle
shots and an occasional roar of a field-piece, the regiment presented
a strange appearance, characteristic of the reckless indifference of
men accustomed to danger.  There were groups playing poker,
swearing and laughing over their cards, others were engaged in the
interesting game of "mumble the peg."  Some eating "hard-tack"
and "salt junk."  Others reading newspapers, engaged in discussions, telling jokes and yarns amid uproarious laughter, or lying in
lazy attitudes'neath the shade of the trees. There was suddenly
the quick, imperative command to " fall in," a rush and scramble for
arms and equipments amid great excitement, showing the tension to
which the nerves of the men were strung beneath all their apparent
indifference. They were only ordered to return to camp.
The weather now became stormy, rain falling almost incessantly,
yet orders were issued to cook three days' rations and be prepared
to move. On the 21st the army was once more on the march, accompanied by trains of commissary stores. Proceeding.cautiously eastward we halted about seven miles from Corinth on the Memphis and
Charleston railroad. Here the regiment was passed by Hardee's Division, composed almost entirely of Arkansas volunteers, a hardy,
rough-looking body of men, full of fun and life. We were feeling
the enemy's position, with the evident design of giving battle. Tho
expedition was fruitless, as they could not be found. The army
commenced moving back on the 22d. That night many of the
troops, batteries, and trains remained in the swamps, the roads
through them being impassable in the black darkness of a cloudy
night. The situation was by no means an agreeable one. Major
Tunnard reached the regiment on the 25th, and was once more
warmly. welcomed. Having procured a discharge from the service,
he bade a final adieu to the regiment on the 26th of May, followed
by the good wishes of the men who had served so efficiently under
him.




172               A SOUTHERN RECORD.
On the 28th the trains of the whole army were in motion southward., The army made a feint on the enemy's position. There was
some heavy skirmishing and artillery fighting. The Third Regiment
was not engaged, and was among the last to leave Corinth. The
army slowly fell back along high ridges covered with pine, then
through swamps, boggy with mire and almost impassable. The men
felt gloomy, sad, and dispirited at this abandonment of their stronghold. Not understanding or appreciating the consummate skill and
strategy of General Beauregard in, thus safely retreating in face of a
powerful foe without losing arms, ammunition, guns or stores. They
did not then know that great victories could be gained without
fighting tremendous battles. On the 31st the regiment reached
Baldwin, Miss., and encamped on a ridge among the pines, west of
the N. O., J. and G. N. railroad. Here the troops remained until
the 6th, when the retrograde movement was continued. The railroad bridges and culverts were destroyed in the rear. The enemy's
cavalry were very active in making raids on the road, attempting to
destroy the track in front of our trains. But the splendid cavalry
of Price's Division were equally energetic in foiling their attempts.
Over hills and through gloomy swamps the regiment marched, sometimes knee deep in mud.




CHIIAPTER XXII.
TUPELO.
ON Sunday, the 8th of June, a clear, beautiful Sabbath day, the
regiment reached Tupelo and were marched'about two miles east of
this place and an eligible camp selected on- a hill and near a small
spring. The country here was rolling land covered with open woods.
Here they remained encamped without incident worthy of note until
the 16th, when the members of the regiment taken prisoners at Elk
Horn arrived. They were greeted and welcomed as brothers meet
after a long separation. They were surrounded by their comrades,
all eager to learn something of life in Northern prisons, and the
treatment of prisoners, overwhelming them with questions. Their
statements were anything but flattering to our foes, and in some particulars horrible in their details.
General Hebert also arrived and established his headquarters on
the ridge adjacent to the one occupied by the regiment. When the
re-organization of the command was perfected at Corinth, the men
were promised furloughs for sixty days. After their arrival at
Tupelo, an application was made for the fulfilment of this promise.
It was refused, and when the fact was announced to the regiment on
the 16th of June, 1862, there was much excitement and dissatisfaction in camp. After long months of severe service, enduring untold
hardships and trials, fighting several battles with a courage and
bravery which had made their name everywhere distinguished, the
only boon asked, the only favor which could have been conferred
on them as a recompense for their deeds, was refused. Now they
could look forward only to a life in the army until the termination
of the struggle. The disappointment was most bitterly felt, and it
is not surprising that it found expression in still more bitter words.
The scarcity of water rendered it necessary to dig wells, and the men
went to work with their customary energy at this new occupation




174                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
They soon had deep wells dug, neatly planked up to prevent their
caving in, and water was found in abundance and very good. At
this period camp discipline was very strict and daily drills very
severe. Beside these duties there were heavy details for the purpose
of cutting out and building roads through the swamps, labor which
even to those accustomed to it is not considered light. Heavy timber was first cut, then carried by sheer physical strength to its proper
place, as a foundation over swampy ground; this was filled in with
brush and dirt. Such work was performed in mud and water knee
deep-mentioned here only to show some of the duties of a volunteer.
On the 20th orders were read assigning General Van Dorn to the
command of Eastern Louisiana and Southern Mississippi, and the
Division was now under the supreme command of General Price.
On the 20th there was a review and general inspection, the occasion of unfurling a beautiful battle-flag presented to the regiment by
Governor Jackson, of Missouri. This flag was made of the very
finest material. It was red silk, with a strip of yellow silk around
the edges. In the upper left hand corner was a crescent with "Third
Louisiana " worked in it, surrounded by thirteen silvered stars. In
the centre of the red ground was a scroll in blue, with the words
" Oak Hills," and "Elk Horn," inscribed thereon, indicating that
the regiment had distinguished themselves on those battle fields.
This banner was one of the handsomest in the army, and, coming
from such a distinguished source, was greatly admired by the men.
They appreciated highly the compliment thus paid to their gallantry
and heroism. On the 26th of June an order was read app ointing
the regiment as sharp-shooters for the brigade, a position which
would place them in front in every battle, another tribute to their
efficiency. They acknowledged the compliment, but did not much
relish the.situation.
The latter part of June was clear and hot. The camp was unusually quiet until the arrival of the news from Virginia, which was
received with enthusiastic cheers by the troops amid much excitement. The official confirmation of the success of General Lee in
defeating McClellan's army, was the occasion of firing salutes in every
brigade of General Beauregard's army. As the guns pealed forth
the tidings over the slumbering hills, the army grew wild with excitement and joy. Everywhere success seemed crowning our efforts.
At Vicksburg the enemy in vain attempted to open the blockade of
the Mississippi. The opposing forces were confronting each other
at Chattanooga, and the news from Northern Mississippi and Ar



THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                 175
kansas encouraging. It seemed as if the day of success was once
more breaking, after the gloom of a long night of disaster.
Colonel F. C. Armstrong received an appointment as BrigadierGeneral of Cavalry on the 6th of July. His loss to the regiment
was a subject of general regret, although the men were glad to see
their favorite commander thus elevated to a position for which he
was eminently fitted and in which he would perform efficient service.
In taking leave of the regiment he issued the following order:
HEADQUARTERS THInmD LOUISIANA INFANTRY,
General Orders l Camp near Priceville, Miss., July 6th, 1862.  (
No. 7. 
Having been promoted and assigned to the command of a brigade
of cavalry, the unde —,igned, with feelings of regret, relinquishes the
command of the Third Louisiana Infantry. Well tried Veterans I
distinguished not only for their daring gallantry on the battle-field,
but for their soldierly and military bearing on all occasions, and the
alacrity and willingness with which they have always borne the
many privations and hardships they have had to undergo. Farewell! fellow soldiers I and remember that I will ever feel proud that
I was chosen to command the Veterans of Oak Hills and Elk Horn I
the pride of the Army of the West, the gallant Third Louisiana.
F. C. ARMSTRONG, Brigadier- General.
On the 15th of July about sixty privates left the regiment, being
released from military service under the provisions of the first Conscript Law of the Confederate Congress. This was another serious
blow to the regiment, as they were deprived of the services of a
number of their most steady, efficient and gallant men. About this
period there was a general review of the division by General Price.
The old veteran looked as fine and pleasant as ever, the geniality of
his character shining forth in every lineament of his pleasant features. He saluted the regiment in a marked manner as they marched
by him with firm and solid tread. A large number of ladies were
present at this review, much to the astonishment, as well as pleasure,
of our men. They had not seen any ladies for many weeks, and had
begun to-imagine that their existence was some strange phantasy of
the brain, or, perhaps, connected with some strange dream; or, as
one remarked, connected with their existence " when they were on
earth before."
Reviews in July seemed the order of the day. A general one took




176                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
place on the 24th, at which were present Generals Bragg, Hardee,
Price, Lyttle, Hebert, Green, Maury, Phiffer, J. Perkins, jr., and
other distinguished personages.
Troops were continually departing for different points, until only
the Army of the West were left near Tupelo, under command of
General Price, who had charge of the department, comprisingNorth Alabama, West Tennessee and Northern Mississippi. There
was a fine bathing-place near our camp, which furnished the men
with a great amount of amusement. One member of the regiment
was drummed out for cowardice-the execution of the sentence
being witnessed by the men without.regret, as they considered the
punishment deserved.
There was very little to occasion sport while in this camp, and
hence they seized upon every little incident to indulge their witticisms and good humor.
After the departure of Colonel Armstrong J. B. Gilmore became
Colonel by promotion, S. D. Russell, Lieutenant-Colonel, and J. S.
Richards, of Company H, MaXjor. Colonel Gilmore was indefatigable-untiring in drilling the regiment. He usually rode on these
occasions a small sorrel poney, which was very lazy. He would give
an order for some manceuvre, and then " cluck" very energetically
to his pony, using hands and heels in his endeavor to get him to
the proper position as the men performed their evolutions. Hence,
after these drills, you could hear all over camp many men shouting
some order, followed by a sharp cluck! cluck! cluck! - as they imitated the energetic manner of Colonel Gilmore. This pastime never
failed to elicit shouts of laughter.
On the 29th the camp near Priceville was abandoned, the troops
moving four miles above Tupelo to a position occupied previously
by a portion of General Bragg's troops. From this camp the regiment moved in detachments to Saltillo, Miss., on the railroad; in
close proximity to a spring, where General Andrew Jackson once
camped with his troops during the second American war. As usual,
the regiment was camped in an open field, skirted, and, in places,
shaded with trees. This was a pleasant camp-ground, and water
abundant, and fine for all purposes.
On the 4th of August orders were issued to be ready, at any momenlt,to move, in anticipation of the enemy's advance.
The brigade, commanded by General Hebert, was composed entirely,of dismounted Texans, comprising the Third and Sixth
Cavalry, and Whitfield's Legion, and the Third Louisiana. These
Texans, gallant, brave, daring and dashing men, were devotedly




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                17T
attached to the Third Regiment in those ties which always bind
brave men together.
At Saltillo the rations were very scant and the men in a starving
condition, not because there were no supplies to be had, but because they had failed to reach the Commissary-General. The Texans
refused to do further duty unless properly fed, and there was great
dissatisfaction in the Louisianian Regiment. Feed and clothe a
soldier and he is always ready for anything. These things so necessary to his health and comfort make up the sum of his existence.
Deprive him of them and he is discontented, dissatisfied and prepared to commit any kind of insubordination. The days were
unusually hot and clear, flies, mosquitos and gnats in myriads, which,
added to hunger, made the life at Saltillo anything but agreeable.
However, provisions soon arrived, removing the chief cause of dissatisfaction.
On the 9th General Armstrong visited the camp and was most
enthusiastically welcomed. It seemed to rejoice the men exceedingly to once more see his familiar features and learn something concerning his numerous adventures as a cavalry officer.
Here a system was instituted of excusing from guard-duty two
men of the detail who had the cleanest guns. The arms were thus
kept in splendid order —burnished like a new silver dollar-without dirt enough about them to soil a clean cambric handkerchief.
The arms of the guard every morning thus presented a splendid
appearance.
The weather lduring the whole month of August was clear and
intensely hot, much to the discomfiture of the troops. It was too
warm for any kind of sport or fun. A revival occurred here among
the Missouri troops, and preaching was a nightly occurrence. The
scene at one of these gatherings was very impressive.  A huge
shelter protected the assembly from the night dews. Rough seats
made of logs, covered the space beneath this shelter. Stands, on
which were built fires from pine-knots, shed a lurid light over the
vast concourse. The hymns sung would rise in rich cadences, floating away on the evening air in solemn, harmonious strains, followed
by an earnest prayer arnl an impassioned, eloquent discourse. It was
a strange spectacle to witness. These rough, bronzed soldiers, inured to danger and hardships, making bloodshed the chief aim of
their lives, exposed to the evil influences of a soldier's dissipated
and reckless existence, thus striving to seek a " home not made with
hands, eternal in the heavens.".. 
At Saltillo the " Owls" were very destructiye, esplecially among
8*




178                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
the Arkansians, whose camps were but a short distance from the
Louisianians. The usual morning greeting was-" Hillo! Arkansas,
did the Owls catch any of you'ens last night. We'ens is all here."
The reply generally showed that some one had disappeared. Every
soldier knows what being caught by the "Owls" means; but for
the information of the ignorant reader we state that this was a term
applied to desertion......
Peaches were very abundant here, and the men enjoyed the treat
exceedingly, becoming perfect gourmands in their appetites for this
fine fruit. One day a mess, composed of four men, determined to
have what soldiers termed a "square meal."  They purchased a
bushel of peaches, which were duly prepared for cooking. After a
diligent search, they procured a huge oven. Having flour and lard
they next made a crisp crust, with which the pot was lined. Into
this was put all the peaches, overlaid with another crust of dough,
and properly baked. In due course of time a fragrant, really delicious peach-cobler was ready to be devoured. Behold, then, these
four men at their noon-day meal, with meat, bread and a bushelcobler. It was devoured at a single sitting; but the gourmands
were unfit for duty the remainder of the day. Verily, soldiers have
delicate appetites.
THAT OWL.
On the ever-memorable retreat from Corinth in 1862, we camped
close by a mill not far from Baldwrin, after a long and tedious day's
march. Night set in, and with it a slight drizzling rain. The camp
was gloomy indeed. Our poor fellows were tired after the day's
toil, and, of course, wished a dry spot to lay their weary heads on.
The Colonel had his tent stretched on the banks of the creek, and
those who had no tents to shelter them from the inclemency of the
night crowded into the Colonel's until it was" filled up."  It was
not many hours ere the whole camp was as still as death, save the
solitary tramp of the sentinel as he marched back and forth on his
beaten path, or changed the tiresome musket from shoulder to
shoulder. About the " wee sma'" hours of the morning one of those
loarv-headed owls settled himself on a tree opposite the Colonel's
tent, across the creek, and poured forth one of his most melodious
midnight hymns. Any kind of noise was, of course, prohibited in
camp after tattoo.
The music of the big-eyed warbler disturbed the Colonel in his
dreams, and, about half wake, he shouted: " Stop that noise, sir."
The owl, not understanding such a peremptory order, sung forth




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                179
one of his sweetest refrains. Before the last note had died away,
the Colonel, in a stentorian voice that aroused everybody from his
slumbers, shouted, " Stop that noise instantly, sir."
Not being afraid of military law at midnight, the owl put forth
his protest against the order of the Colonel in a higher key. By
this time the Colonel was excited, and, in his loudest tones, called
for the guard. The guard came rushing toward the tent. He was
sitting straight up in bed. The guard rushed in almost out of
breath-" What's the matter, Colonel."  "Arrest that mran immediately who is making that noise." The guard looked astounded.
One of the boys who was sleeping in the tent with the Colonel
understood the whole matter and quietly said: " Colonel, it is nothing but an owl."
The Colonel dismissed the guard, laid down and went to sleep.
From that day to this he never said " owl."  If any one is spoiling
for a fight, let him go to Shreveport; go to the Colonel's store and
say owl just once.




CHAPTER XXIII.
THIE ADVANCE.
ON the last day of August there was a general review and muster
of the troops. Before it was finished, orders were received to prepare to march on the enemy. Six tent flies and one wagon allotted
to every hundred men. There was the usual bustle and confusion
attendant on breaki'ng up camp. Soon the army was in motion
northward once more, and reached Baldwin, Miss., that night.
This place, which we had left only a few days previously, had been
visited by the enemy; the simoon-blast of war had swept over it
and left only ruins behind.
THE COLONEL'S ARTILLEHY.
About two weeks previous to the battle of Iuka we encamped
near Baldwin. Our regiment, with -a section of artillery, was ordered
on picket duty, about ten miles north of Baldwin, on the railroad.
The regiment was under the command of Colonel Gilmore. The
Colonel, on our arrival, ordered the regiment to camp in an old cornfield, and also stationed the section of artillery in the same cornfield. A little log-cabin across the road stood directly in range of
these two guns. This little cabin was occupied by a widow lady
and her three children. The widow was a beauty, and many of
the regiment were lovers of the beautiful, and, of course, would
-hover around the cabin. Among those admirers was the Colonel.
The fact was, the Colonel would rather have his right arm torn off
at the shoulder than that any lady should suffer the least injury from
any order of his. To prove this, the Colonel (the second or third
morning after we arrived) went over to the cabin, when lie explained
the object of his mission in this wise: " Good morning, madam."' Good morning, sir."  " Madam, I came over this morning to state
to you that I am here with my regiment on picket duty; and also,
madam, that my artillery is bearing directly on your front, and, if
the enemy should come, I shall certainly bombard it."  "Law me,




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               181
Colonel, is there so much danger?" "There is, madam. My bombardments are terrible."  "Sakes alive! I will leave right away."
It is needless to state that the Colonel left.
Our advance-guard had a sharp skirmish with the enemy the day
of our arrival at Baldwin, compelling them to fall back.
The next morning the regiment moved three miles up the road,
and encamped with one section of King's battery. The object of
this move was to protect workmen engaged in repairing the destroyed portions. of the railroad previous to a general advance by
the whole army. The men labored zealously at the new task assigned them. It seemed as if they were to learn every rough branch
of industry while in the army. Dirt, roads, graves and welldigging, and now railroad building. At such labor they did not appreciate the old aphorism, "Variety is the spice of life."'
On the 6th of September the regiment moved three miles farther
up, camping in an open field near the railroad, five miles from
Boonville. The enemy were- but a short distance in front. The
First Brigade arrived to strengthen our position. The enemy were
within three-quarters of a mile, but the men were cool and camp
very quiet.  The weather still continued very warm, the roads
ankle-deep with dust. The nights were beautiful, the soft moonlight bathing the earth with its flood of silvery rays. Yet the men:failed to appreciate its loveliness, or feel the tender influences of its
witching spell.
On the 10th, the regiment broke up camp and moved back to
Baldwin, carrying once more their knapsacks. The the next day
the camp was rife with rumors of an active move against the enemy.
The regiment took up the line of march very early, leading HIebert's
brigade, which was in front of the army. After a hot, dusty march
of fifteen miles, encamped in a valley watered by a babbling stream
of clear, cool water. The army at this time were marching in an
north-easterly direction from Baldwin. On the 12th, the army reached
Bay Spring Mills; General Armstrong was in advance with his dashing brigade of cavalry, and in close pursuit of the retreating enemy.
On the 13th, the regiment was in line at 3 A. M., and soon pushing
rapidly forward, marching steadily until 5 P. M. The trains did not
reach the regiment until very late at night. The tired and hungry
soldiers had awaited their coming ere thinking of sleep. Having
partaken of their meal of beef and corn-bread, they thought to rest.
Vain delusion! Scarcely had they thrown themselves upon the
ground, when, at 10 o'clock at night, the drum beat the call to
"fall in." Knapsacks were left behind, and another night-march




182                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
commenced, with the expectation of soon meeting the foe. The men
were in good spirits, notwithstanding tired limbs and hunger,
Amid the darkness of the night and the sombre shadows of the
forest trees, the army moved forward in the direction of Iuka, where
it was known the enemy were in force. When within one and a half
miles of town, the army was formed in column of brigades, and the
Louisiana regiment sent forward. General iebert rode up to Colonel
Gilmore and said: "Great things are expected of you to-day."
About sunrise, as the army approached this place, the news came
that the foe had evacuated the town without a struggle, and General
Armstrong was in possession. The men marched eagerly and rapidly
onward, reaching Iuka about noon. The army captured about
$200,000 worth of stores, consisting of arms, ammunition, and commissary supplies of every description, including such luxuries as
coffee, tea, sugar, condensed milk, cheese, mackerel, canned fruit and
preserves, brandy,.. lager beer, whisky, Claret and Catawba wines,
etc. The ragged and half-starved soldiers feasted on " good things "
for once, and had more than a " square meal." Among other things,
the regiment found some hand-cars, which the men would push up
the road, an up-hill grade,.and, getting on-them, come down at
break-neck speed. Iuka is situated in a valley, on the Memphis
and Charleston Railroad, and is quite a pretty.place. It is noted for
its fine mineral springs, and was a fashionable resort previous to the
war. The people received the Southern troops with every demonstration of joy; the ladies especially, of which there were large
numbers residing here, and handsome ones at that.
The soldiers feasted, frolicked and were in high glee and spirits
at the sudden change in their condition. On the 15th they were on
picket on the Byrneville road north of Iuka. On the next day the
brigade was in line of battle on the Baldwin road south of Iuka,
the first brigade occupying the position of the previous day. Rumors prevailed that the enemy had received re-enforcements and were
advancing to give battle. The regiment continued in line of battle
until the 19th, when they returned to camp, to remain only a short
time, being ordered out on the Byrneville road once more. While
on this road, Sept. 19th, news arrived that the enemy, under command of General Rosecrans, was advancing on the Baldwin road.
General Hebert received orders to proceed with his brigade at a
double-quick to meet them. The command, at almost a full run for
nearly three miles, hastened forward. Over the railroad, through
Iuka, and out on the Baldwin or, Bay Springs road; when about a
mile:from Iuka, the brigade was formed into line of battle. Imme



THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               183
diately in their front was a valley; in fact, the whole country was a
succession of valleys and hills of irregular formation, covered by a
dense undergrowth. In a fcw moments the battle opened. Although
greatly outnumbered, this brigade steadily drove back the enemy's
line, and, gaining sight of a nine-gun battery from Cincinnati, O.,
charged it with desperate fury, notwithstanding it poured into their
ranks a most destructive fire, the guns being heavily loaded with
buck-shot. The fighting was of'the most desperate character on
both sides, the Confederates being opposed by the flower of Rosecrans's army, the early volunteers from the West, men accustomed to
the use of arms, and of undoubted courage. For the third time
during the war the Louisianians met the Fifth Iowa regiment, a stalwart body of men-heavy infantry. They were nearly cut to pieces
in this battle. At times both lines would stand and pour destructive volleys into each other's ranks; then the Confederates would
rush forward, with tremendous yells, invariably driving back the foe
in their impetuous charge. The fight was mostly with small-arms.
The battle continued until after dark, an incessant, prolonged roar
of musketry. The captured guns were seized and run to the rear.
The battle commenced a little after 4 o'clock P. M., and the stubbornness with which the Third Louisiana fought, is proven by the fact
that, in less than three hours, out of two hundred and thirty-eight
men who went into the fight, one hundred and fifteen were killed
and wounded. Darkness put an end to the battle, and the men laid
down on their arms in the full expectation of renewing it early in
the morning. As the sable mantle of night fell upon the field of
strife, thickly strewn with the dead, dying, and wounded of friend
and foe, the First brigade arrived, with loud cheers. The loss in
officers by the regiment was fearful. General Lyttle was killed,
Colonel Whitfield wounded. Among the killed and wounded of
the regiment were Colonel Gilmore, Adjutant Brigham, Captains
Gentles, Kinney and Pierson, Lieutenants Irwin, Johnson, Trichel,
Renwick, Hedrick and Ramora; prisoners, Lieutenants Babin and
Washburne. The principal part of the fighting was done by the
Second brigade of Lyttle's division of Price's army, and General
Hebert received merited praise for the masterly skill and gallant
manner in-which he led his brigade into action. It is unnecessary
to state that:the Louisiana regiment fully sustained its blood-earned
reputation; and this was by far the hardest-fought battle they had
yet participated in, and the number of killed and wounded fully
attest the truth of the statement, and the part they took in the affair.
The astonishment of the:men was indescribable when, early the




184                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
morning after the battle, orders were received to evacuate the place.
Soon the long line of infantry was filing through the streets of Iuka,
leaving the dead and wounded in the hands of the enemy. We
carried off all our trains and artillery, including the greater portion
of the captured stores of Iuka. The trains had all been prepared
to leave previous to the battle. The night after the desperate
struggle, the cars were heard all night bringing up re-enforcements,
and probably General Price leariied that the enemy were too strong
to be successfully encountered.
The following interesting and additional account of the battle is
from the pen of a member of the regiment:
" After General Herbert made disposition of his brigade for battle,
the Third Louisiana being on the extreme left of the line, Colonel
Gilmore ordered forward as skirmishers the left wing of his regiment.
Company F, being on the right, came in contact with the enemy,
and fired the first gun at Iuka. This little skirmish lasted about
fifteen minutes, the enemy losing four or five men killed. I must
state a circumstance that occurred during the affair. Two of the
enemy took shelter behind a large tree directly in front of Company
F. The tree, however, was not large enough to protect the two, one
of whom was instantly killed by private Hudson; the other begged
for his life most piteously, which would undoubtedly have been
granted him had he relied on the word of a rebel. He was ordered
several times to come to the company and his life should be spared,
but he was afraid to expose his person. During the conversation
between him and the captain, private J. Jus, it seems, became rather
restless, left his position in the line, and slipped aroun'd until he came
in view of the Yankee, then raised his gun and shot him through
the head, at the same time remarking, " Damned if I don't fetch
him." The Federal proved to be a lieutenant. The skirmishers
were soon after recalled, and had scarcely taken their position in the
regiment when we heard the enemy's order to advance, in loud tones,
"Forward-guide centre, marc h!" Hardly had these words died
away, when the same command, loud and clear, came ringing on our
ears from our commanding officer. Colonel Gilmore immediately ordered forward Company K, Captain Gentles, as skirmishers. This
company rapidly threw themselves in front of the regiment, and advanced double-quick up the hill, followed closely by the regiment.
Directly in our front was one of those long, sloping hills peculiar to
the country around Iuka% This hill-side was covered with large
trees, with very little underbrush. The enemy's line soon appeared,
and were immediately warmly received by the skirmishers, who




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               185
nobly held their ground until the regiment came to their assistance.
The fire immediately opened from both lines like a sudden clap of
thunder, and continued without abatement for over two hours. At
the commencement of the firing our boys dropped down on their
knees, the best thing they could have done, as the greatest portion
of the enemy's fire flew harmlessly over-their hleads, while their fire
had telling effect on the enemy. The firing was fearful-the smoke
enveloped both lines, so that they became invisible to each other.
The lines could be distinguished only by the flash of the guns. The
evening was one of those damp, dull, cloudy ones, which caused the
smoke to settle down about as high- as a man's head. This terrible
fire continued about half an hour, when the enemy were ordered to
charge down the hill, but were so warmly received that they staggered. Instantly our boys received the order to charge, and, with
their old battle-yell, they rushed upon the foe and drove them from
the hill. On the hill the regiment suffered. A new line of the enemy
opened fire on them. One -of our regiments in our rear, by some
mistake, threw their missiles of death in among us; this, indeed,
was a terrible momnent.
Major Russell rode to this regiment and stated that they were
firing on their friends. About this time the Colonel's horse was shot
under him, and he was wounded in the shoulder. The Colonel, now
on foot, ordered a charge down the hill, and led it in person. Here
the fighting was desperate; a number of our men were wounded,
and a large number killed.
Night quickly set in, the flashes of the opposing guns almost met,
prisoners were taken and retaken, no one could distinguish friend
from foe, the leaden hail flew in every direction. Still our boys
pressed on. Our Colonel was wounded; also Adjutant J. Harvey
Brigham, and his horse killed. Major Russell came near losing his
life by' giving orders to a company of the enemy, mistaking them for
one of our:own. Sergeant White captured the enemy's flag; scarcely
had he done so, when he was captured, was again re-captured, and
finally captured. Our regiment was finally relieved by a Missouri
brigade. We then marched back to where the battle first began,
and slept on that bloody field that night. The Louisiana regiment
never fought better, was well and easily handled, and were justly
proud of the work so heroically performed in one of the hardestfought battles of the war.
Dr. Luke P. Blackburn, aid to General Price, who was with him
at Iuka, made the following statement:
" General Price was thrice ordered by General Bragg to move his




186                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
army across the Tennessee River at Eastport or Iuka. On Thursday
morning, the 11th, he moved his army of less than 14,000 men from
Guntown toward Iuka. By rapid and forced marches he arrived
within three miles of Iuka at daylight on Sunday morning. There
he was informed by a courier from General Armstrong's command,
whose cavalry had attacked the enemy on Saturday, that re-enforcements were being sent from Burnsville. The men, being very much
fatigued, were ordered to rest and sleep in line thirty minutes. General Price knowing that Captain Saunders, with his company of one
hundred and twenty men, had possession of the road between Iuka
and Burnsville, and having implicit confidence in that officer, he
had no fear of re-enforcements from Corinth until he should have
captured the forces at Burnsville and Iuka. The column was put in
motion; on reaching. the. edge of the town he was astonished to
learn that the enemy, 2,000 strong, with 2,000 negroes, and a large
train, had fled at 1 o'clock the night previous. He took possession
of the place. The enemy came up again on Monday in small force,
but soon retreated.
"Colonel Wirt Adams and Hieman's cavalry captured and burned
a -train of cars five miles from Iuka. There was no farther demonstration until Friday, when Colonel Ord sent a flag demanding the
unconditional surrender of General Price's army, stating that the
army of General Lee had been destroyed in Virginia, Longstreet and
Hill, with their entire divisions, captured, that the war was now
virtually closed, and, as he wished to prevent the useless shedding
of blood, he demanded an unconditional surrender. That he (General Price) was completely surrounded by an overwhelming force,
and could not escape.
"General Price replied that whenever the independence of the
Southern Confederacy was acknowledged, her rights respected, and
the Vandal hordes of the North were driven firom her soil, that then,
and then only, would he and his army be willing to lay down their
arms.
"' General Price, in obedience to orders from General Van Donl,
and being almost destitute of forage, unable to cross the Tennessee
River, prevented from passing down toward Corinth by the unfavorable condition of the country, the enemy having possession of
Yellow Creek, determined to fall back to Baldwin and there unite
with General Van Dorn.
" The order to fall back was issued Friday morning, at 9 o'clock,
when no one dreamed of an attack. On Friday evening, at 2 o'clock,
the enemy, in line of battle, approached our outpost. Heavy skir



THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               187
mishing ensued. At 3 o'clock General Price ordered up the Fourth
Brigade. When they reached their position, they found the enemy
in line of battle, holding a good position on a hill. The order was
given to charge them, which charge drove the enemy back two huncdred yards, into a ditch formed by the road from Fulton to Eastport,
and directly under their cannon, which were masked. General Price
ha;d: now reached the field. The firing-had almost ceased. General
Hebert and Colonel' Martin, commanding brigade, with Whitfield's
Legion, being all the force in line. General Price ordered up Gregg's
and Green's Brigades, to form on the left, charge the enemy, and
press them down on General Maury's Division, he being on the right.
Before the arrival of their brigades, General Price ascertained that
the enemy were lying in the road sheltered from our artillery. They
were firing but one gun, and that on our right. The gallant and lamented General Lyttle suggested that, as they seemed to have but one
gun in position, if the line Would move forward the battle would
soon be won. The order was given; our men emerged from the underbrush in line. They were then met by as terrific a fire from
masked batteries and concealed musketry as was ever encountered.
But the invincible Third Louisiana, Third Tennessee, and Thirtyseventh Alabama stood like statuary. When the order to charge
was given, they rushed headlong through this sheet of fire and lead,
and drove the enemy from their guns, Whitfield's Legion pressing
on the right; the enemy would resist and fall back, until they were
driven half a mile, losing nine guns.
"It was now dark. Generals Green and Gregg arrived, but too
late to enter the fight. One hour of daylight, and the entire Yankee
Division would have been captured. We held the field all night,
brought in the wounded, and evacuated the place in accordance with
the order issued in the morning. Our loss in killed, wounded, and
missing, 482. That of the enemy, over 800. General Price brought
off his entire train and captured stores. General Maury covered the
retreat. General Lyttle fell while conversing with General Price."
INCIDENTS.-GETTING THIE TRAINS IN MOTION.
As the enemy held the Baldwin road, the retreat was conducted on
a road east of it, known as the Fulton road. There was some confusion in starting. General Price came riding up among the teamsters furious with anger. He was dressed in a many-colored shirt,
well known by every soldier in the army as the dress he assumed
when there was work to be done. A slouched hat covered his head,
and -a sabre was buckled around his portly person. We never re



188                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
member to have heard General Price swear, only on this occasion,
and he was not choice in his language at this time. He ordered the
teamsters to drive on, adding, " If one of you stops, I'll hang you, by
G-d."  The trains went out of Iuka at a fulll run, the teams being
urged to their utmost speed. When the loads became too heavy,
clothing, tents, blankets, and bundles were thrown out on the roadside. If a wagon broke down, the mules were unhitched and a torch
applied to the useless vehicle. There was no time to stop or think
of saving the contents of these disabled wagons.
GENERAL S. PRICE.
This incident of General Price was no true index to his character.
An incident that occurred at Elk Horn was more indicative of his
real disposition. When the retreat commenced, the Author, being
sick, obtained a seat on the caisson of a battery. Immediately in
the rear of this battery was General Price and staff, with a portion
of General McCulloch's staff. As the retreating column passed
along the road, it overtook a soldier badly wounded in the leg, who
was limping along, regardless of his excruciating agony, in his endeayors to escape the foe. He was observed by General Price, who
halted the battery, and thus addressed the man: "What is the
matter, my good fellow?"  " I am shot in the leg, General," was the
reply. " Here, my man, get up on one of these guns. I'll lose every
piece of artillery in the army but what I save my men." It was a
noble action, showing General Price's true character, his love for the
men of his army, and attention to their wants and comfort. His
fatherly kindness and almost womanly tenderness of heart, evinced
in just such incidents, were the foundation of the love which his
soldiers felt for him.
THE PROXIMITY OF THE FORCES.
So close were the lines to each other at the termination of the
battle, that the opposing' forces unknowingly walked into each
other's lines and were forcibly seized and taken prisoners, in many
instances resulting in hair-breadth escape, with the loss only of arms.
THE LOSS OF THE FLAG.
In the battle of Iuka, Drum-major Patterson carried the colors of
the regiment. During the progress of the battle he advanced in
front of the regiment too far, discovering which, he began to fall
back to his position in the line. The movement was observed by
Lieutenant U. Babin. of Company A, who imagined R. Patterson




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                 189
was retreating with the colors. Rushing forward, the Lieutenant
seized the colors, shouting, "Follow me, boys!!' and ran rashly into
the midst of the enemy's line. He was captured, with the colors, by
the foe. It was one of those deeds of reckless bravery and rash
daring which men often commit in the excitement of battle. No
one ever questioned the drum-major's bravery, for he had exhibited
already a strength of nerve beyond questioning. Lieutenant Babin
exhibited a reckless disregard to danger, worthy a better fate than
that which befell him. A story was told about this flag worthy of
note. After its capture, an officer of the Federals gave it to an orderly, with instructions to convey it to General Rosecrans's headquarters. While attempting to execute this mission he was killed, and
the next morning these beautiful colors were found on the field of
battle, amid the dead and wounded, beside the-cold and silent form
of the Federal soldier. The regiment felt bitterly the loss of their
flag, as only brave men can feel such a misfortune.




CHAPTER XXIV.
THE RETREAT.
ON the 20th of September, the- army retreated twenty-seven miles,
closely pursued by the Federals. In the early part of the day our
forces in the rear were much harassed by the enemy's cavalry, but a
well planned and executed ambush at the end of a lane, resulting
in fearful slaughter, deterred them from pressing the pursuit, and
by night it had ceased altogether. Early the next morning the army
was back at Bay Springs. The bridge across the stream gave way
as the last of the train was crossing it, causing the loss of one wagon,
which was precipitated on the rocks below. The damage, however,
was soon repaired. The retreat continued on the 21st and 22(1, and
on the 23d the regiment reached its old camping ground at Baldwin. Too much praise -cannot be bestowed on Mrs. Belcher, an
estimable lady of Baldwin, and other patriotic and kind countrywomen, for their attention to the wounded of the command. Colonel Whitfield, of the Texas Legion, Adjutant J. H. Brigham, andothers, were received into her dwelling and nursed as if they were
brothers and not strangers. It was but the manifestation of the patriotic devotion of our fair ladies for the cause which their friends
and relatives had espoused. A devotion universal, as well as unparalleled in the annals of history. The Louisiana Regiment reached
Baldwin with two hundred and seventy-five men, all told.
The troops rested but two days, when orders were issued to cook
two days' rations and prepare to march.
On the 26th, a pleasant but cloudy morning, the army was once
more in motion, this time proceeding westward.  Owing to the
roughness and hilly nature of the road, but eight miles were marched
on the first day.
On the 27th the army marched fifteen miles, and encamped five
miles from Ripley, Miss. The army was visited here by heavy rains,
much to the discomfiture of the men.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                191
On the 29th the regiment marched into Ripley and encamped.
This is a small place, situated in a level plat of ground, and distinguished for no particular beauty, either of location or buildings.
On the 30th the march was resumed, the army proceeding thirteen'miles, the weather being very warm, and encamped near a spring of
fine water, wbich had been very scarce on the road.  Passing
through a small place called Ruttsville, a large number of ladies
collected on the road-side to see the troops. A great many sharp
witticisms passed between this fair assembly and the tired troops.
Apples, grapes and peaches were abundant along the line of marchdelicacies which the men made the most of, and greatly enjoyed.
On the 1st of October the regiment proceeded fifteen miles, and
encamped within one mile of Pocahontas, forming a junction with
the forces under Major-General Earl Van Dorn.  The regiment
encamped in an old corn-field, without shelter or protection of any
kind.
The next day the army was once more in motion, leaving their
trains behind, to camp between the Tuscumbia and Hatchie roads,
prepared to move on either as circumstances might determine. A
demonstration, was made towards Bolivar, where the enemy were
intrenched. They burned the bridge over the Hatchic, in front of
our advancing troops. It was speedly rebuilt, and the army pushed
rapidly forward toward Corinth, their true destination and point
of attack. The men remembered the fortifications around this intrenched position, strengthehed under the energetic  labors of the
enemy, and protected by heavy abattis of felled timber, and their
hearts misgave then as to the final result when it was known where
they were going into. battle.
On the 3d of October, as the reveille sounded, the roar of artillery
echoed over the land, disturbing the silence of the morning air, indicating that the advance-guard had commenced the attack on
Corinth. It was not long before General Hebert's brigade, led by
the remnant of the Third Regiment, were in motion, making a
forced march, reaching Corinth about 4 P..' On every side were
beheld evidences of the fierce conflict, in which the Southern troops
had thus far been victorious  General Hebert's Brigade was held
as a reserve., At night the men laid down on their arms, and soon
the quietude and silence of the gloom brooded over the armed hosts
of the two armies.
The troops had achieved wonders, charging the enemy's breastworks over the fallen timber with desperate valor, driving them
from their intrenchments, and capturing several: pieces of artillery.




192                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
The success achieved was dearly bought, by the loss of many valuable officers and hundreds of brave men.
At daylight, on the morning of the 4th, the regiment was aroused
from its slumber. The brigade was first marched to the right of
the railroad, Company K, of Third Louisiana, being sent forward
as skirmishers. After the lapse of an hour the brigade was marched
back, and formed in line of battle to the left of Corinth. A charge
was made over a succession of small hills, defended with artillery,
supported by infantry. The men gallantly rushed on the first line
with loud cheers, under a scathing fire, and drove it back.  By
this time so many had fallen, that no further progress could be made
against the overwhelming forces of the enemy. It would have been
madness to have made the attempt, and the brigade was compelled
to retreat. The regiment lost about thirty killed and wounded,
being about one-third of the number in the fight. The right of the
army succeeded in penetrating into Corinth, and even planted the
Confederate flag on the Tishimingo Hotel. The depletion in the
ranks of the different regiments was lamentable.  The forced
marches, the terrible hot weather, want of food, and need of rest, so
completely exhausted the troops that large numbers of them did not
enter the fight, having failed to reach their commands.  As the
regiment hastened from the field of battle, the remnant was formed
into companies, and the retreat commenced, marching ten miles
ere halting. Among the wounded were Colonel Russell, Lieutenant
Williams, Company K, and Lieutenant B. Morse, Company D.
The army had fought with a desperation and valor unequaled —
unprecedented in the annals of warfare —only to leave hundreds of
brave men stiffening corpses on the field of battle, sleeping their
long, last sleep beneath the frowning muzzles of the enemy's batteries.
The annexed official reports of Generals Van Dorn and Price furnish
full accounts of the fearful struggle around and in this stronghold.
We saw, on the 4th, an instance of heroism seldom witnessed,
even in the army. A lieutenant of the Thirty-seventh Alabama had
his arm broken badly in the first day's fight, yet gallantly led his
company all day with it in that condition. At night it was amputated. The next day, after marching twenty miles, he passed the
spot where the trains were encamped, whistling "Dixie," and looking as calm and undisturbed as if nothing had occurred to ruffle his
mind or cause bodily pain. The empty sleeve, hanging loosely by
his side, united with his quiet exterior, spoke volumes for his, fortitude in enduring the agony of excrutiating physical torture.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               193
Sunday, October 5th, the army was once more on the retreat. It
was a bright and beautiful Sabbath-day, but its holy loveliness was
marred by the bloody features of grim-visaged war.  Guns were
bellowing forth their hoarse thunder in front and rear-in front,
where the enemy disputed the passage across the Halchie; in the
rear, where General Lovell's Division heroically held at bay the pursuing foe, gallantly covering and protecting the retreating army.
A very sharp fight took place at Hatchie Bridge, demonstrating the
fact that it would be impossible to retreat by the same route on
which the army had advanced. The only avenue of escape lay in
the direction of Bone Yard road. -The sun sank beneath the horizon
on the night of the 5th amid the thunder of guns on flank and
rear. All night long, in the darkness and gloom, both of nature
and spirit, the retreat continued, the army succeeding in crossing
the Hatchie over a temporary bridge hastily constructed on an old
dam at Crumb's Mills. The troops halted not until within five miles
of Ripley, when they began to feel and realize that they had really
escaped from a perilous position. They had marched twenty consecutive hours without halting, and were nearly famished with
hunger.
On this retreat, lost thirteen wagons, which, overturning and
breaking down, were destroyed. On the 6th and 7th the retreat still
continued, the enemy continually pressing and harassing the rear.
Large numbers of the men had straggled off in small squads, making
their way toward Holly Springs, the destination of the army. They
were worn out with fatigue, sadly depressed, almost demoralized.
On the 8th, passed through Roxbury, marching rapidly on the Oxford
road. A halt was made for a short time at a place called Hickory
Flats, and then pushed on, camping late at night, and up long before
daylight, only to resume the retreat. On the 9th, passed through
Connersville, and across the Tallahatchie. Thus, day after day, the
retreat continued, in sunshine and storm, heat and cold, until Holly
Springs was reached on the 11th, where the scattered forces rapidly
concentrated and were reorganized. The Third Regiment was in a
terrible condition. Worn out with fatigue, sick, ragged, filthy, and
covered with vermin, it was not strange that even their brave spirits
should give way. under the accumulated disasters, sufferings and
hardships which had so radidly befallen them. Human endurance
is not composed of cast-steel, and they felt, as well they might, depressed in spirits, disheartened in mind, prostrated in body.
Hebert's Brigade was detached from Price's army at Holly Springs.
The regiment was encamped in an open field east of the town,
9




194                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
skirted by woods. The country is hilly, an alternate succession of
ridges and valleys, near this place.  Previous to the war, Holly
Springs, Miss., must have been a beautiful city, but now sadly marred
by the desolating scourge of war. Troops rapidly concentrated at
this point for a last and final struggle.
Major Tunnard once more visited the regiment on the 12th. When
he saw the deplorable, pitiable condition of the remnant of that
gallant band of men whom he had left but a few months previously
in high spirits and health, and strong in numbers, unbidden tears
dimmed his eyes, and strong emotion filled his soul and choked his
voice, as he returned the warm greeting of his old comrades.
REPORT OF MAJOR-GENERAL EARL VAN DORN.
HEADQ-UARTERS ARMY -OF WEST TENNESSEE,
_Holly Springs, Miss., Oct. 20, 1862.
GENERAL, —I have the honor to make the following report of the
battle of Corinth:
Having established batteries at Port Hudson, secured the mouth
of the Red River and navigation of the Mississippi River to Vicksburg, I turned my especial attention to affairs on the Northern portion of my district.
On the 30th day of August, I received a dispatch from General
Bragg, informing me that he was about to march into Kentucky,
and would leave to General Price and myself West Tennessee.
On the 4th day of September, I received a communication from
General Price, in which was inclosed a copy of the dispatch from
General Bragg, above named, making an offer to co-operate with me.
At this time General Breckenridge was operating on the Mississippi
River, between Baton Rouge and Port Hudson, with all the available force I had for the field, therefore I could not accept General
Price's proposition. Upon the return, however, of General Breckenridge, I immediately addressed General Price, giving my views in
full in regard to the campaign in West Tennessee, and stating that I
was then ready to join him with all my troops.
In the meantime, orders were received by him from General Bragg
to follow Rosecrans across the Tennessee River, into Middle Tennessee, whither it was then supposed he had gone. Upon the receipt
of this intelligence, I felt at once that all my hopes of accomplishing
anything in West Tennessee with my small force was marred. I
nevertheless moved up to Davis's Mills, a few miles from Grand Junction, Tenn., with the intention of defending my district to the best
of my ability, and to make a demonstration in favor of General




A SOUTHERN RECORD.                    195
Price, to which latter end, also, I marched my whole command, on
the 20th day of September, to within seven miles of Bolivar, driving
three brigades of the enemy back to that place, and forcing the
return from Corinth of one division (Ross's) which had been sent
there to strengthen Grant's army.
General Price, in obedience to his orders, marched in the direction
of Iuka, to cross the Tennessee, but was not long in discovering that
Rosecrans had not crossed that stream. This officer, in connection
with Grant, attacked him on the 19th day of September, and compelled him to fall back to Baldwin, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad.
On the 25th day of the same month, I received a dispatch by courier,
from General Price, stating that he was at Baldwin, and was then
ready to join me with his forces in an attack on Corinth, as had
been previously suggested by me. We met at Ripley on the 28th
of Septbmber, according to agreement, and marched the next morning toward Pocahontas, which place we reached on the 1st of October.
From all the information which I could obtain, the following was the
".situation " of the Federal army at that time: Sherman at Memphis, with about,6,000 men; Iurlburt, afterward Ord, at Bolivar,
with 8,000; Grant (headquarters at Jackson), with about 3,000;
Rosecrans at Corinth, with about 15,000; together with the following
outposts, viz.: Rienzi, 2,500; Burnsville, Jacinto and Iuka, about
6,000. At important bridges, and on garrison duty, about two or
three thousand, making in the aggregate about 42,000 men in West
Tennessee. Memphis, Jackson, Bolivar and Corinth are in the arc
of a circle, the chord of which, from Memphis to Corinth, makes
an angle with a due east line about fifteen degrees south. Bolivar is
about equi distant from Memphis, and Corinth somewhat nearer the
latter, and is at the intersection of the Hatchie River, and the Mississippi Central and Ohio Railroad. Corinth is the strongest, but most
salient point.
Surveying the whole field of operations before me calmly and dis.
passionately, the conclusion forced itself irresistibly upon my mind,
that the taking of Corinth was a condition precedental to the accomplishment of anything in West Tennessee. To take Memphis would
be to destroy an immense amount of property, without any adequate
military advantage, even admitting that it could be held, without
heavy guns, against the enemy's guns and mortar-boats. The line
of fortifications around Bolivar is intersected by the Hatchie River,
rendering it impossible to take the place by quick assault, and re-enforcements could be thrown in from Jackson by railroad; and, situated,
as it is, in the angle of the three fortified places, an advance upon it




?196               A SOUTHERN RECORD.
would expose both my flanks and rear to an attack from Memphis
and Corinth.
It was clear to my mind that if a successful attack could be made
upon Corinth from the west and north-west, the forces there driven
back on the Tennessee and cut offt Bolivar and Jackson would easily
fall, and then, upon the arrival of exchanged prisoners of war, West
Tennessee would soon be in our possession, and communication with
Bragg effected through Middle Tennessee. The attack on Corinth
was a military necessity requiring prompt and vigorous action.
It was being strengthened daily under that astute soldier, General
Rosecrans; convalescents were returning to fill his ranks; newlevies
were arriving to increase his brigades, and fortifications were being
constructed at new points; and it was very evident that, unless a sudden and vigorous blow could be struck there at once, no hope could
be entertained of driving the enemy from a base of operations so
convenient; that in the event of misfortune to Bragg in Kentucky,
the whole valley of the Mississippi would be lost to us before winter.
To have awaited for the arrival, arming, clothing and organization
of the exchanged prisoners, would have been to wait for the enemy
to strengthen themselves more than we could possibly do. With
these reflections, and after mature deliberation, I determined to
attempt Corinth. I had a reasonable hope of success. Field returns
at Ripley showed my strength to be about 22,000 men. Rosecran-s,
at Corinth, had about 15,000, with about 8,000 additional at outposts
from twelve to fifteen miles distant. I might surprise him, and carry
the place before these troops could be brought in. I therefore
marched toward Pocahontas, threatening Bolivar, then turned suddenly across the Hatchie and Tuscumbia, and attacked Corinth without hesitation, and did surprise that place before the outpost garrisons were called in. It was necessary that this blow should be
sudden and decisive, and, if unsuccessful, that I should withdraw
rapidly from the position between the armies of Ord and Rosecrans.
The troops were in fine spirits, and the.whole army of West Tennessee seemed eager to emulate the armies of the Potomac and of
Kentucky. No army ever marched to battle with prouder steps,
hopeful countenances, or with more courage, than marched the army
of Tennessee out of Ripley, on the morning of the 29th of September,
on its way to Corinth.
Fully alive to the responsibility of my position as commander of
the army, and after mature and deliberate reflection, the march was
ordered. The ground was well-known to me, and required no study
to determine where to make the attack. The bridge over the Hatchie




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                  197
was soon reconstructed, and the army crossed at 4 o'clock A. M. on
the 2d of October. Adams's brigade of cavalry was left to guard
this approach to our rear, and to protect the train which was parked
between the Hatchie and Tuscumbia. Colonel Hawkins's regiment
of infantry, and Captain Dawson's battery of artillery, were also left
in the Bone Yard road, in easy supporting distance of the bridge.
The army bivouacked at Chewalla, after the driving in of some
pickets from that vicinity by Armstrong's and Jackson's cavalry.
This point is about ten miles from Corinth.
At daybreak on the 3d the march was resumed, the precaution
having been taken to cut the railroad between Corinth and Jackson
by a squadron of Armstrong's cavalry. Lovell's division, in front,
kept the south side of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. Price,
after marching oli the same road about five miles, turned to the left
and formed line of battle in frost of the outer line of intrenchments,
and about three miles from Corinth. Lovell formed line of battle,
after some heavy skirmishing (having to construct a -passage across
the dry bed of Indian Creek for his artillery, under fire), on the right
and in front of the same line of intrenchments.
The following was the first order of battle: The three brigades
of Lovell's Division, Villepegue's, Bowen's and Rust's in line, with
reserve in rear of each; Jackson's cavalry brigade on the riglt, in
echelon. The left flank of the division on the Charleston Railroad;
Price's Corps on the left, with the right flank resting on the same
road; Maury's Division on the light, with Moore's and Phiffer's Brigades in line; Hebert's Division on the left, with Gates's and Martin's
Brigades in line; Colbert's in reserve; Armstrong's Cavalry Brigades
on the extreme left, somewhat detached and out of view. Hebert's
left was masked behind a timbered ridge, with orders not to bring it
into action until the last moment. This was done in hopes of
inducing the enemy to weaken his right by re-enforcing his centre
and left, where the attack was first to be made, that his right might
be forced.
At 10 o'clock all skirmishers were driven into the intrenchments,
and the two armies were in line of battle confronting each other in
force. A belt of fallen timber, or abattis, about four hundred yards
in width, extended along the whole line of intrenchments. This
was to be crossed. - The attack commenced on the right, by Lovell's
Division, and extended gradually to the left; and by half-past 10
o'clock tihe whole line of outer works was carried, several pieces of
artillery being taken. The enemy made several ineflectual efforts to
hold their ground, forning line of battle at advantageous point~,




198                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
and resisting obstinately our advance to the second line of detached
works. I had been in hopes that one day's operations would end the
contest, and decide who should be the victors on this bloody field;
but a ten miles' march over a parched country, on dusty roads, without water, getting into line of battle in forests with undergrowth,
and the more than usual activity and determined courage displayed
by the enemy, commanded by one of the ablest generals of the
United States army, who threw all possible obstacles in our way that
an active mind could suggest, prolonged the battle, until I saw, with
regret, the sun sink behind the horizon as the last shot of our sharpshooters followed the retreating foe into their innermost lines. One
hour more of daylight, and victory would have soothed our grief
for the loss of the gallant dead who sleep on that lost but not dishonored field. The army slept on their- arms, within six hundred
yards of Corinth, victorious so far. During the night, three batteries
were ordered to take position on the ridge overlooking the town
from the West, just where the hills dip into the flat extending into
the railroad depot, with instructions to open on the town at 4 o'clock
A. M. Hebert,-on the left, was ordered to mass a portion of his division on his left; to put Cabell's Brigade in echelon on the left; also
(Cabell's Brigade being detached from Maury's Division for this purpose), to move Armstrong's Cavalry Brigade across the Mobile and
Ohio Railroad, and, if possible, to get some of his artillery in position
across the road. In this order'of battle he was directed to attack
at daybreak with his whole force, swinging his left flank in toward
Corinth, and advance down the Purdy Ridge. Lovell, on the extreme
right, with two of his-brigades in line of battle and one in reserve,
with Jackson's Cavalry on the extreme right on College Hill, his left
resting on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, was ordered to
await in this order, or to feel his way along slowly with his sharpshooters, until Hebert was heavily engaged with the enemy on the
left. He was then to move rapidly to the assault, and force his right
inward across the low grounds south-west of the town. The centre,
under Maury, was to move quickly at the same time to the front, and
directly at Corinth.. Jackson was directed to burn the railroad
bridge over the Tuscumbia during the night. Daylight came, and
there was no attack on the left. A staff officer was sent to Hebert
to inquire the cause. That officer could not be found. Another
messenger was sent, and a third, and, about 7 o'clock, Hebert came
to my headquarters and reported sick.  General Price then put
General Green in command of the left wing, and it was 8 o'clock
before the proper dispositions for the attack at this point were made.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               199
In the meantime the troops of Maury's left became engaged with
the enemy's sharpshooters, and the battle was brought on and extended along the whole centre and left wing; and I regretted to
observe that my whole plan of attack was, by this unfortunate delay,
disarranged. One brigade after another went gallantly into action,
and, pushing forward through direct and cross-fire, over every obstacle,
reached Corinth and planted their colors on the last stronghold of
the enemy. A hand-to-hand contest was, being enacted in the very
yard of General Rosecrans's headquarters, and in the streets of the
town. The heavy guns were silenced, and all seemed about to be
ended, when a heavy fire from fresh troops from Iuka, Burnsville
and Rienzi, that had succeeded in reaching Corinth in time, poured
into our thinned ranks. Exhausted from loss of sleep, wearied from
hard marching and fighting, companies in regiments without officers,
our troops (let no one censure them) gave way. The day was lost I
Lovell's Division was at this time advancing, pursuant to orders, and
was on the point of assaulting the works, when he received my
orders to throw one of his brigades, Villepigue's, rapidly to the
centre, to cover the broken ranks thrown back from Corinth, and to
prevent a sortie.
He then moved his whole division to the left, and was soon afterwards ordered to move slowly back and take position on Indian
Creek, and prevent the enemy from turning our flank. The centre
and left were withdrawn on the same roaat on which they approached,
and being somewhat in confusion on account of loss of officers,
fatigue, thirst, want of sleep, thinned ranks, and the nature of the
ground, Villepigue's Brigade was brought in opportunely, and covered the road to Chewalla.
Lovell came in the rear of the whole army, and all bivouacked
again at Chewalla. No enemy disturbed the sleep of the weary
troops. During the night I had a bridge constructed over the Tuscumbia, and sent Armstrong's and Jackson's cavalry, with a battery
of artillery, to seize and hold Rienzi until the army came up, intending to march to and hold that point; but after consultation with
General Price, who represented his troops to be somewhat disorganized, it was deemed advisable to return by the same road that
we came, and fall back toward Ripley and Oxford. Anticipating
that the Bolivar force would move out and dispute my passage across
the Hatchie bridge, I pushed rapidly on to that point, in hopes of
reaching and securing the bridge before their arrival; but I soon
learned, by courmers from Wirt Adams, that I would be too late. I
nevertheless pushed on, with the intention of engaging the enemy




200                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
until I- could get my train and reserved artillery unparked and on
the Bone Yard road to the crossing at Crumb's Mills. (This road
branches off south from the State-line road, about two and a half
miles west of the Tuscumbia bridge,running south, or up the Hatchie.)
No contest of long duration could be made here, as it was evident
that the army of Corinth would soon make its appearance on our
right flank and rear. The trains and reserve artillery were therefore
immediately ordered on the Bone Yard road, and orders were sent
to Armstrong and Jackson to change their direction, and cover the
front and flank of the trains until they crossed the iatchie, and then
to cover them in firont until they were on the Ripley road. The
enemy were then engaged beyond the Hatchie bridge by small fragments of Maury's Division as they could be hastened up, and were
kept in check sufficiently long to get everything off. General Ord
commanded the forces of the enemy, and succeeded in getting into
position before any number of our travel-worn troops could get into
line of battle. It is not surprising, therefore, that they were driven
back across the bridge; but they maintained their position on the
hills overlooking it, under their gallant'leader, General Price, until
orders were sent to fall back, and take up their line of march on the
Bone Yard road, in rear of the whole train. At one time, fearing
that the enemy, superior in numbers to the whole force I had in advance of the train, would drive us back, I ordered General Lovell to
leave one brigade to guard the reserve to Tuscumbia bridge, and to
push forward with the other two to the front. This order was
quickly executed, and very soon the splendid brigades of Rust and
Villepique made their appearance close at hand.
The army corps of General Price was withdrawn, and Villepigue
filed in and took position as rear-guard to the army against Ord's
forces. Rust was ordered forward to'report to General Price, who
was directed to cross the Hatchie at Crumb's Mills and take position
to cover the crossing of the teams and artillery. Bowen was left at
Tuscumbia bridge, as rear-guard against the advance of Rosecrans
from Corinth, with orders to defend that bridge until the trains
were embarked and on the road; then to cross the bridge and burn
it, and to join Villepigue at the junction of the roads. In the execution of this'order, and while in position near the bridge, the head
of the Corinth army made its appearance and engaged him, but was
repulsed with heavy loss, and in a manner that reflected great credit
on General Bowen and his brigade. The army was not again
molested on its' retreat to Ripleyi nor on its march to this place. The
following was found to be our -loss in the several conflicts'with the




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                201
enemy, and on the march to and from Corinth, viz.: killed, 594;
wounded, 2,162; prisoners and missing, 2,102. One piece of artillery
was driven in the night by a mistake into the enemy's lines and captured. Four pieces were taken at the Hatchie bridge, the horses
being shot. Nine wagons were upset and abandoned by the teamsters on the night's march to Crumb's Mills. Some baggage was
thrown out of the wagons, not amounting to any serious loss.
Two pieces of artillery were captured from the enemy at Corinth
by Lovell's Division, one of which was brought off. Five pieces
were also taken by General Price's Corps, two of which were brought
off. Thus making a loss to us of only two pieces. The enemy's
loss in killed and wounded, by their own accounts, was over 3,000.
We took over three hundred prisoners; most of the prisoners taken
from us were the stragglers from the army on- the retreat.
The retreat from Corinth was not a rout, as it has been industriously represented by the enemy, and by the cowardly deserters from
the army. The Division of General Lovell formed line of battle,
facing the rear, on several occasions, when it was reported the enemy
was near; but not a gun was fired after the army retired from the
IHatchie and Tuscumbia bridges. Nor did the enemy follow, except,
at a respectful distance. Although many officers and soldiers, who
distinguished themselves in the battle of Corinth and in the affair
of Hatchie bridge, came under my personal observation, I will not
mention them to the exclusion of others who may have been equally
deserving, but who did not fall under my own eye; I have deemed it
best to call on the different cominanders to furnish me with a special
report, and a list of the names of the officers and soldiers of their
respective commands who deserve special mention. These lists and
special reports I will take pleasure in forwarding, together with one
of my own, when completed'; and I respectfully request that they
be appended as part of my report. I cannot refrain, however, from
mentioning here the conspicuous gallantry of a noble Texan, Whose
deeds at Corinth are the constant theme of both friends and foes.
As long as courage, manliness, fortitude, patriotism, and honor exist,
the name of Rogers will be revered and honored among men. He
fell in the front of the battle and died beneath the colors of his
regiment, in the very centre of the enemy's stronghold. He sleeps,
and glory is his sentence!
The attempt at Corinth has failed, and, in consequence, I amn condemned, and have been superseded in my command. In my zeal for
my country I have ventured too far with inadequate means, and I
bow to the opinion of the people whom I serve. Yet I feel,. if the
9*




202                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
spirits of the gallant dead who now lie beneath the batteries of
Corinth could see and judge the motives of men, they do not rebuke
me, for there is no sting in my conscience. Nor does retrospection
admonish me of error, or of a disregard of their valued lives.
Very respectfully, sir, I am
Your obedient servant,
EARL VAN DOR, Major-Gteneral.
REPORT OF MAJOR-GENERAL PRICE, OF THE BATTLES OF CORINTH
AND DAVIS'S BRIDGE.
HEAD-QUABRTERS, ARMY OF THE WEST,l
Holly Springs, October 20th, 1862.
MAJOR: —I have the honor to submit the following report of the
operations of this army connected with the several engagements at
Corinth and Davis's bridge, of the 3d, 4th, and 5th instants. Having
arranged with Major-General Van Dorn to unite my forces with his
for active operations, I joined him at Ripley, on the 27th ult. My
force at this time consisted of effective infantry, 10,498; effective
cavalry, 2,437; effective artillery, 928 men, and forty-four guns, including two 24-pounder howitzers, and four rifled pieces of three
and five-eighths calibre. The infantry was divided into two Divisions, commanded by Brigadier-Generals Maury and Hebert.
Maury's Division consisted of three brigades, commanded by Brigadier-General Green and Colonels Martin Gates and Colbert. The
cavalry, except such companies as were on detached service, was
under command of Acting Brigadier-General. Armstrong. The artillery was appointed as follows: with Maury's Division, Hoxton's
Battery, Lieutenant Tobin, commanding; Bledsoe's Battery; McNally's Battery, Lieutenant Moore, commanding; Lucas's Battery, and
Songstack's Battery. Hoxton's and Brown's Batteries, and Songstack's Battery were held as reserves, under command of Lieutenant
Burnett, Acting Chief of Artillery of the Division. With Hebert's
Division were Wade's, Landis's, Guibo's, Dawson's and King's. The
cavalry force under General Armstrong reported to the Major-General commanding the combined forces, and afterward acted under
direct orders from him.
On the morning of the 30th ultimo, we took up the line of march
in the direction of Pocahontas, which place we reached on the 1st
instant, and from which we moved on the enemy at Corinth, bivouacking on the night of the 2d instant at a point nearly opposite to
Chewalla, having left one regiment of infantry and a section of artillery with the wagon-train as a guard.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               203
At 4 o'clock, on the morning of the 8d instant, we resumed the
march, my command moving on the main Pocahontas and Corinth
road, in rear of General Lovell's. At a point about a mile and a
half from the enemy's outer line of fortifications, my command made
a detour to the left, with instructions to occupy the ground between
the Memphis and Charleston and Mobile and Ohio Railroads. This
done, my line-Maury occupying the right and Hebert the left, with
Coball's and Colbert's Brigades in reserve —fronted the enemy's
work in a south-easterly direction, the right resting upon the
Memphis and Charleston Railroad. While these dispositions were
making, General Lovell engaged the enemy upon our right. All
being now ready for the attack, my line was ordered forward at
about 10 o'clock A..  Almost simultaneously with the movement,
the opposed armies became engaged in desperate conflict along the
whole extent of my line. My command had scarcely cleared the
position of its first formation, when, entering an abattis of more
thlant three hundred yards, it became unmasked before.a position
naturally exceedingly formidable, and rendered trebly so by the extent of felled timber through which it must be approached, and
the most approved and scientifically-constructed intrenchment, bristling with artillery of large calibre, and supported by heavy lines of
infantry.  My troops charged the enemy's position with the most
determined courage, exposed to a murderous fire of musketry and
artillery. Without faltering, they pressed forward over every obstacle, and, with shouts and cheers, carried, in less than twenty
minutes, the entire line of works-the enemy having fled, leaving
in our hands many prisoners and two pieces of artillery —one a 4-inch
Parrott gun, the other a 24-pounder howitzer. Our loss in this
attack was comparatively small. This is attributable to the impetuosity with which the charge was made and the works carried. It
becomes my painful duty, in this connection, to revert to the distinguished services of two gallant officers who fell in this engagement-Colonel John D. Martin, commanding a brigade of Mississippians, and Lieutenant Samuel Farrington, of Wade's Battery.
Colonel Martin fell mortally wounded while leading the charge
against an angle in the enemy's works, exposed to the fire of enfilading batteries. The gallant bearing of this officer on more than one
bloody field had won for him a place in the heart of every Mississippian, and the admiration and confidence of his superior officers.
Lieutenant Farrington was struck and instantly killed by a shot
from a rifled gun, while bringing one of the guns of his battery into
position. This gallani soldier, and courteous and chivalric gentle



204                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
man, forgetful of personal interest, and mindful of the necessities
of the service, resigned a lieutenant-colonelcy in the service of.his
State for a lieutenancy in the Confederate service, and gave up his
life, a glorious sacrifice upon the altar of his country's honor, in the
seventh of the battles in which he has been conspicuous for cool;
determined, and effective bravery. Though young, his country
mourns no more valiant defender, his command no abler commander,
his friends no worthier recipient of their affections. The outer
works being in our possession, my line moved forward in pursuit of
the retreating enemy until within one mile of Corinth, where the
enemy was encountered in position and in force. The necessary dispositions being made, my whole line again moved forward to the
attack about 3 o'clock P. M. Here the fighting was of unparalleled
fierceness along the whole extent of my line. The position of the
enemy along the whole extent of his lines was covered by fehcing,
heavy timber, or underbrush, while portions of my troops advanced
through open fields exposed to a deadly fire of batteries operating
over the enemy's line of infantry. Here, as in the assault upon the
outer works, we had little artillery in action, it being impossible to
procure such positions for my batteries as would enable them to cooperate effectively with the infantry. After continuous and most
desperate fighting along the whole extent of my line, of nearly two
hours' duration, the enemy, notwithstanding his lines had been
trebled by reinforcements, was driven from his position, and forced
to take refuge in his innermost works in and around the town.
The troops of my command, having nearly exhausted their ammunition in their heavy fighting through the day, were withheld
from immediate pursuit, and the delay in procuring the necessary
supply of ammunition forced me to close the fight for the day. My
troops were withdrawn for cover, and laid on their arms during the
night in the position from which the enemy had been driven.
About 4 o'clock on the morning of the 4th, three batteries of my
command were placed in position, and opened fire upon the town,
under the immediate orders of the Major-General commanding.
About daylight, orders were received to advance my whole line. In
the execution of the order, a delay was occasioned by the illness of
Brigadier-General Hebert, commanding a division. He was necessarily relieved from duty. The command devolved upon BrigadierGeneral Green, who moved forward as soon as he could make the
necessary disposition of his troops. It was after 9 o'clock when
my line became generally and furiously engaged with the enemy in
his innermost and most formidable works, from which his infantry




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               205
and artillery could jointly operate against my troops. Here, as in
the.previous actions, my artillery could not be brought effectively
into action, and but few of the guns were engaged. The fighting,
by my command, was almost entirely confined to the infantry. My
men pressed forward upon the enemy, and, with heavy loss, succeeded in getting into the works, having driven him from them,
capturing more than forty pieces of artillery, and forcing him to
take refuge in the houses of the town, and in every place that could
afford protection from our galling fire. He was followed, and diiven
from house to house, with great slaughter. In the town were batteries in mask, supported by heavy reserves, behind which the retreating enemy took shelter, and which opened on our troops a
most destructive fire -at short range. My men held their positions
most gallantly returning the fire of the enemy with great spirit,
until a portion of them exhausted their ammunition and were compelled to retire. This necessitated the withdrawal of the whole line,
which was done under a withering fire. The attack was not resumned, and we fell back to our supply-train, the men being almost
exhausted from exertion and the want of food and water. General
Villepigue's Brigade moved over to our assistance, but did not
become engaged, as the enemy was too badly cut up to ibllow us.
We fell back, in order to obtain water, some six miles from Corinth,
where we bivouacked for the night, bringing off all our artillery
and arms, save one rifle-piece, which had been inadvertently dliven
into the enemy's line while going into battle before daylight in the
morning, and had been left. We brought off, also, the two guns
captured at. the outer line of fortifications on the 8d. It is impossible for me to do justice to the courage of my troops in these
engagements, nor can I discriminate between officers and commands
where all behaved so nobly. This is the less necessary, as the operations of my command were under the immediate observation of the
Major-General commanding. For the minute details of the actions,
especially of the artillery, of the 3d and 4th instants, I beg leave to
refer the Major-General commanding to the reports of the commanding officers, herewith inclosed.
On the morning of the 5th instant we resumed the march in the
direction of Pocahontas, my command moving by division, Maury's
in front, each in rear of its ordnance and'supply train, except
Moore's Brigade, which constituted the advance-guard. After crossing the Tuscumbia, Moore's Brigade was hurried forward to protect
Davis's bridge across the Hatchie, which was threatened by an
advance of the enemy.




206                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
It being found that the enemy were in force, the remainder of
Maury's Division was ordered forward, and finally I was ordered to
move up my whole command. Moore's Brigade, with a section of
the St. Louis Battery, and Songstack's Battery, were thrown across
the Hatchie, but the enemy having possession of the heights commanding the crossing, as well as the position in which these troops
were placed, and it being found that he was in very heavy force, it
was deemed advisable to cross the Hatchie by another road, and these
troops were withdrawn, after serious loss, to the east side of the
Hatchie, where, being joined by Cabell's and Phiffer's Brigades, and
assisted by the batteries of McNally, Hogg, Landis, and Tobin, they
effectually checked the advance of the enemy. Green's Division,
which had been delayed in passing the wagon train that had been
unparked near the Tuscumbia, arriving on the ground, was formed
in line of battle; but the enemy making no further effort to advance,
the whole of my command was moved off by another route, General
Lovell's command being in our rear.
This was our last engagement with the enemy. In this last engagement we lost four guns by the killing of horses. Our whole
train came off without molestation or loss, except of. a few wagons,
that were broken down and had to be abandoned.
The history of the war contains no bloodier page, perhaps, than
that which will record this fiercely-contested battle. The strongest
expressions fall short of my admiration of the gallant conduct of the
officers and men of my command. Words cannot add lustre to the
fame they have acquired through deeds of noble daring, which, living
through future time, will shed about every man, officer, and soldier,
who stood to his arms through this struggle, a halo of glo-ry as imperishable as it is brilliant.
They have won to their sisters and daughters the distinguished
honor set before them by a General, of their love and admiration
upon the event of an impending battle, upon the same fields, of the
proud exclamation, -"My brother, father, was at the great battle of
Corinth I"  The bloodiest record of this battle is yet to come. The
long list of the gallant dead upon this field will carry sorrow to the
hearth-stones of many a noble champion of our cause, as it does to
the hearths of those who are to avenge them. A nation mourns
their loss, while it cherishes the story of their glorious death, pointing out to their associate officers in this mighty struggle for liberty
the pathway to victory and honor. They will live ever in the hearts
of the admiring people of the government, for the establishment of
which they have given their lives. Of the field officers killed were




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                 207
Colonels Rogers, Second Texas Infantry, who fell in the heart of the
town, of eleven wounds; Johnson, of Twentieth Arkansas, and
Daly, of Eighteenth Arkansas. Lieutenant-Colonels M3aupin, First
Missouri Cavalry, dismounted, and Leigh, Forty-third Mississippi.
Majors Vaughan, Sixth Missouri Infantry, Doudell, Twenty-first Arkansas, and McDonald, Fortieth Mississippi. Many of my ablest
and most gallant fieldc-officers are wounded, several mortally. Of
this number are Colonels Erwin, Sixth Missouri Infantry, Moore,
Forty-third Mississippi, and McLean, Thirty-seventh Mississippi;
Lieutenant-Colonels Pixler, Sixteenth Arkansas, Hedgespeth, Sixth
Missouri Infantry, Serrell, Seventh Mississippi Battalion, Lanier,
Forty-second Alabama, Hobson, Third Arkansas Cavalry, Mathews,
Twenty-first Arkansas, Cambell, Fortieth Mississippi, and Boone;
and Majors Senteny, Second Missouri Infantry, Keevir, Thirty-eighth
Mississippi, Staton, Thirty-seventh Alabama, Timmins, Second Texas,
Jones, Twenty-first Arkansas, Russell, Third Louisiana, and Yates
and McQuiddy, Third Missouri Cavalry. For other casualties in
officers and men, I beg leave to refer to lists inclosed. I cannot close
this report without recognizing the eminent services and valuable
assistance of Brigadier-Generals Maury, Hebert (whose services I regret to have lost on the morning of the 4th by reason of his illness),
and Green, commanding divisions. I bear willing testimony to the
admirable coolness, undaunted courage, and military skill of these
officers, in disposing their respective commands, and in executing:their orders. Through them I transmit to Brigadier-General Moore,
and acting Brigadier-Generals Cabell, Phiffer, iGates, and Colbeit my
high appreciation of their efficient services on the field.
Their skill in manceuvering their troops, and promptness and gallantry in leading them through the most desperate conflicts, elicit
my highest admiration. And of my troops, as a body, I can say no
juster or more complimentary words than that they have sustained,
and.deepened, and widened their reputation for exalted patriotism
and determined valor. To my personal staff I return my thanks fbr
their promptness in the delivery of my orders, and their gallant
bearing on the field.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
STERLING PRICE, Major- General.
MAJOR M3. M. KIMMALL,
Assistant Adjutant- General, Army of West Tennessee.




208                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
THE PRESENT APPEARANCE OF THE BATTLE-FIELD.
A recent explorer of this bloody battle-field thus speaks of its
present appearance:
" Not the least memorable of the'pitched battles' of the late war
was that which was fought in front of this grand' intrenched camp'
that we call Corinth, on the 3d and 4th days of October, 1862.
"During the past two days, a portion of my sojourn here has been
spent as a partial exploration of that part of the battle-field which
lies in the north-western angle formed by the crossing of the Memphis and Charleston, and Mobile'and Ohio Railroads. The sights
that I saw of vast numbers of Confederate' bones'-whole skeletons
and parts of skeletons —lying exposed, and bleaching on the field,
in the bushes, and on the hill-sides, under logs, and on stumps; of
the neatly-inclosed and well-marked graves of the Federal soldiers,
all buried at the proper depth; and of the forest trees in all. directions rent and torn by shot and shell, and all the' storm of the furious
war,' and of many separate and distinct desperate conflicts, hand to
hand and muzzle-all the'sights,' I say, are well worthy a brief
record. Besides, I have another object in calling attention to the
battle-field of Corinth apart from the gratification of public curiosity,
and that is, to urge upon our people the propriety of collecting the
bones of-their dead brethren at some suitable spot near the place,
and giving them a decent interment. It is estimated by an intelligent citizen of Corinth that, upon the two fields of'Shiloh' and'Corinth,' in the vicinity, there are not less than 12,000'Confederate
dead,' whose bones, for the most part, are bleaching above the
ground.
"Of all the Confederate dead on this field, Colonel Rogers is, I am
told, the only one who was properly buried deep enough to prevent
the rains from washing the dirt away and exposing the bones. He,
it is said, was buried under the immediate supervision of General
Rosecrans.
"In the north-western angle, formed by the crossing of the railroads, from Corinth out to and beyond the outer works, three and a
half miles distant, the whole of this great battle-ground is dotted
here and there-in some places thick as meadow mole-hills-with
the graves of Federal and the exposed remains of Confederate dead.
The Federal dead were all neatly interred in the usual way, with
head and foot boards in every instance, and in most cases, I believe,
were inclosed with wooden palings.  The Confederate dead, it
clearly appears, were merely covered on the ground where they fell.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                 209
I saw but one Confederate tumubus where the bones-generally the
skulls-were not more or less exposed, and scattered in all directions.
At the outer line of intrenchments, where a portion of Maury's Division made the assault, I saw two human bones, one pelvis and
two jaw-bones, lying on a stump, with no trace of a grave or tumulus
nearer than fifty or a hundred yards. In front of the outer breastworks, not far from the same spot, were two tumuli,:where six or
eight Confederate dead had been covered up on the side of a hill.
IHere several skulls, and the feet of the most of the bodies, had been
uncovered by the action of the elements, and were lying scattered on
the ground, already bleached perfectly white, and, of course, rapidly
crumbling to decay. The condition of these tumult is a fair specimen of all the rest. In one place, the bodies of two or three Confederates were placed by the side of a log (to save labor) and a little
dirt thrown upon them; the dirt had all washed away, and there
the skeletons lie wholly exposed and uncared for,'like the beasts
that perish.' "
Little dreamed the gallant Price, when he wrote that the silent
dead "-would live ever in the hearts of the admiring people of the
government for the establishment of which these heroic men gave
their lives," that ere'four years had elapsed from the date of that
fearful struggle, such a record would be published as the above.
Among those bleaching bones lie all that remains of those heroic
spirits who, undaunted, battled against a powerful foe, who once
stood in all the pride and glory of their fearless manhood among
the gallant men of the Third Louisiana Infantry, as they stormed
the enemy's batteries and intrenchments. By their side lie the sons
firom the far-off plains of Missouri, and the hills of Arkansas; from
Mississippi, and the " Lone Star " State, martyrs in the same cause,
animated by the same spirit in serving the country for which they
sacrificed their lives.




CHAPTER. XXV.
CAMIP ROGERS.
WHILE encamped at Holly Springs, the days of October passed
quietly away without incident worthy of-note. It was weeks before
the men fully recovered their old elasticity of spirits, and the regiment finally settled down into the old routine of a soldier's existence.
On the 22d of October, orders were once more received to move, and
early on the morning of the 23d the regiment was traveling southward. They were not overburdened with packs, as both clothing
and blankets were scant. After proceeding a few miles from Holly
Springs, the regiment was encamped at a spot known as Camp Rogers. Here a line of bills dip into the valley extending southward
from Holly Springs. The camp was a pleasant one, on the hills,
amid the shadows of large oak-trees. In front of it were wide extended fields, formerly cultivated in cotton, now covered with corn
stubble. In the rear, westward, was a cotton-gin, and another uncultivated field, on the surface of the range of hills here quite level,
and used as a drill ground. At this camp the regiment was assigned
to the Third Brigade, Second Division, of General Maury's troops.
The first night of their arrival was inaugurated by a heavy white
frost, followed by bitter cold weather, and snow on the afternoon of
the 25th. The men suffered very much, being scantily supplied with
clothing, and insufficiently sheltered, their chief protection consisting
of tent flies. Fortunately their propensity for foraging, together
with large quantities of sweet potatoes brought into camp, in addition to their regular rations, kept them well supplied with provisions, an offset to their other wants. Hence they gathered in
groups around their camp fires, roasted potatoes in the ashes, and
amused themselves by indulging in soldiers' rough witticisms with
the Thirty-sixth Mississippi, encamped on their left. This regiment
was commanded by Colonel Witherspoon, whom the boys quickly
nick-named " Pewterspoon," for reasons best known to themselves.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               211
There was the usual discipline here, drills, police, etc., varied by an
occasional scout after "Bear," and chickens, resulting usually in
complete success, or songs at night while gathered around the camp
fires.
On the Ist day of November there was a division review, and the
men were in high spirits once more. This was followed by a general
review on the 3d, at which were present large numbers of ladies
from Holly Springs and the surrounding country; also, Generals
Van Dorn, Price, 3Maury, Bowen, Green and others. The day was
clear and cold. The imposing array of men, with their guns glittering in the cold November sunlight, the assembly of fair ladies, the
galaxy of dashing and distinguished officers, formed a brilliant and
imposing spectacle. It was a combination of the beauty and chivalry
of the country. Far away stretched the valley, hemmed in on one
side by the undulating hills, and on the other by a dark line of
forest, whose Autumn foliage had assumed the dark-brown hue of
Winter's coloring. The occasion, display and scenery combined,
made up a scene of warlike aspect, such as was seldom witnessed
even in those days of bloodshed and strife.
On the 5th, the sun was obscured by heavy clouds; the atmosphere was hazy and cool. Orders were issued to cook three days'
rations and be prepared to move. The men packed and shouldered
their knapsacks, and loaded the wagons in anticipation of an early
move. They were in uproarious good humor, pelting each other
and the Mississippians with sweet potatoes, of which they had large
quantities.  The regiment was moved a short distance from the
camp and halted. The valley was filled with long trains of wagons
moving rapidly southward, and the whole army was in motion amid
great excitement. The enemy were evidently on the advance, in too
powerful force to be successfully resisted.
The Texans attached to our brigade had been promised the return
of their horses, which were only a few miles distant; and, when
there seemed a probability of moving without them, they positively
and most determinedly refused to march. They were addressed by
General Maury and Colonel Whitfield, in stirring speeches, all in
vain. Have their rights they would, in spite of the whole army and
all its commanders. The consequence was their horses were speedily
hurried up and delivered to their owners. The scene that ensued
beggared description. Mounting, they dashed off at full speed, in
squads and singly, over ditches, fences and every obstacle, into the
valley, yelling like demons released from the bottomless pit. In the
saddle once more, these dashing Texans felt at home, and exhibited




212                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
their joy in all manner of extravagant performances. Their ardor
soon cooled down, and they formed and left for the rear to watch
the foe. The Louisiana Regiment were sorry to lose these gallant
comrades, who had fought with them through some of the bloodiest
battles, exhibiting a clashing bravery as infantry worthy the laurels
which they had gained in the cavalry service. Ere the day passed
away, the wind rose almost to a gale, filling the air with dust and
smoke, completely blinding and almost suffocating the troops. Heavy,
dark and lowering clouds, like a funeral-pall, hung over the earth,
which made the scene a gloomy and wintry one. That night the
men slept in Camp Rogers, around the fires, and in pens built of
brush and rails, on cotton procured from the gin near by. They suffered intensely, however, from the cold, being without blankets,
which had been packed in the wagons and sent away.
The Mississippians had taken possession of the cotton-gin, and
numbers of them were snugly enscoused in these comfortable quarters
amid the cotton. Some of the Third Regiment learned the fact,
and a guard was formed, properly officered, apparently, who proceeded to the gin and authoritatively ordered the Mississippians out
of the building, saying they had been sent there by the General to
protect the cotton and place. The orders were obeyed. It is needless to say that a large number of the Louisianians enjoyed an excellent sleep that night, the guard being the suggestion of some
sharp-witted privates, and a ruse to oust the Mississippians. So
much for the experience of veterans.
The next day, November 6, the regiment were out or the paradeground, fully armed and equipped, with their knapsacks on their
backs, actually going through the evolutions of drill. Artillery and
infantry were passing, and soon the slumberiing echoes of the valley
were awakened by the dull, heavy roar of artillery, far away toward
Holly Springs. Still the drill went on as if no enemy was pressing
the rear-guard of the army now in rapid retreat. It was, indeed, a
strange spectacle. They were finally marched back to camp for inspection. Guns were cleaned out, and there was quite a fusillade as
the men tested their cleanliness. This excited the ire of Colonel
Witherspoon, who sent orders for it to be stopped. The Louisianians
paid no attention to the order. They expected to fight soon, and
were determined to be thoroughly and properly prepared.  Soon
an aid-de-camp arrived at regimental headquarters with the order
that, if the firing was not stopped, Colonel Witherspoon would bring
his regiment to the spot and fire into tle men. This message spread
like wild-fire through camp, the men tightened their belts, brought




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                 213
their cartouche and capboxes to their proper places for service,
threw off their knapsacks, at the same time shouting all kinds of
messages to the aid, such as "Tell Colonel Pewterspoon to send his
regiment down here and we will give them a turn. Hav'n't got many
cartridges, and just as leave expend them in fighting Mississippians
as the Yankees." The men were actually exasperated, in the fullest
signification of the word. They had been touched on their tenderest
point-their 7orror. Whether Colonel Witherspoon actually sent this
order was never clearly ascertained; but that one of his aids did, unthinkingly, deliver this message to Major Richards, then in command
of the regiment, is an incontrovertible fact. This was an unfortunate circumstance, as it created an ill-feeling between the regiment
and the remainder of the brigade which could never be eradicated.
Colonel Witherspoon showed himself to be a chivalrous gentleman,
an efficient and brave officer on numerous occasions.
On the retreat to Abbeville, General Hebert came into the camp,
and was immediately surrounded by the men, who complained bitterly that they were put in a conscript brigade. The General replied: " Never mind, my men; never mind. You will soon make
good soldiers of them all." The compliment thus delicately paid
to the efficiency of the regiment did not soothe their irritated and
discontented feeelings.
The brigade, at this time, was composed of the Thirty-sixth,
Thirty-seventh, Thirty- eighth, Fortieth and Forty-third Mississippiregiments organized under the Conscript Act. The Third Louisianians did not take into consideration that, although volunteers
and disciplined veterans, they had reorganized under the same act
of the Confederate States.
These items are not pleasant records, yet adherence to truthfulness
compels their insertion, as a portion of the actual occurrences connected with the regiment.
The army retreated steadily southward until it reached Abbeville,
a short distance south of the Tallahatchie, on the Mississippi Central
Railroad. Here the regiment encamped on a level plat of ground
east of the railroad, between the Tallahatchie and Abbeville. The
camp was beautifully shaded by oak-trees.




CHAPTER XXVI.
ON the 14th of November, the regiment was suddenly ordered to
the breastworks. These fortifications were solidly-constructed earthworks, on the north side of the Tallahatchie, near where the railroad
crossed the stream, also, spanned by a rough bridge. They commanded a good view of the country; stretching away in firont of
them, a level plain of uncultivated cotton-fields. Confined in these
works, the men passed the time as best they could. They were fall
of life and mischief. Their provisions were daily cooked in camp,
and carried to them by details made for this purpose.
On the 16th a countryman came to the bridge with a drove of fine,
fat hogs. which;seemed adverse to crossing. The kind and obliging
Louisianians eagerly volunteered to aid him. By some unaccountable
means numbers of the swine were driven into the water, and, swimming down stream, never were found. Perhaps the boys did not
relish a good supper of " bear" meat that night!
On the 17th, the regiment returned to camp, the weather being
cold and stormy, continuing for two days, and then cleared off, with
a biting wind from the north-west.  The men frolick    anced,
sang and gambled at night, drilled during the day, and performed
the -duties of a regular camp-life while waiting for the appearance
of the enemy. Lieutenant Washburn, taken prisoner at Iuka, returned again to the regiment at this place, and resumed his duties
as Adjutant.
Major Tunnard once more visited the regiment at Abbeville on
the 25th, and was joyfully welcomed. On this day there was a
review of General iMaury's Division, making a very creditable display. The days continued clear and cold, infusing an unusual
quantity of activity and life into the men, who never grew weary
in attempting some kind of mischief. The morning bugle was
greeted with hoots, yells, and cries of every description, at last becoming so- furious that a whole regiment was ordered on drill at daylight for indulging in this noisy pastime. The'example had a salutary effect on the rest of the troops.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                215
On the night of the 28th, at 10 o'clock P. x., the regiment was
again suddenly ordered out to the breastworks.
The next day three days' rations were cooked, all extra baggage
ordered to be sent off, and the trains prepared to move. The roar
of artillery proclaimed the approach of the enemy and heavy
skirmishing in the vicinity of Waterford. In this skirmish several
men were wounded, a piece of artillery dismounted, but not lost, as
the brave troops tied a rope around it, and, hitching in a team of
horses, triumphantly dragged it from the field in safety. The army
was compelled to abandon the intrenchments, and the first day of'the winter months found them again retreating along the line of
railroad, in a cold and drenching storm, and over roads knee-deep
in mud andc mire. The enemy pursued closely and persistently,
making frequent dashes upon the rear-guard.
In Oxford, the scene almost beggared description. Long columns
of troops, tired, wet and soiled, poured through the town, accompanied by carriages, buggies, and even carts, filled with terrorstricken, delicate ladies —whole families ~carrying with them their
household goods and negroes. The scene was one of indescribable
confusion and excitement-one of those gloomy pictures of war so
distressing in all its circumstances.
The retreat was continued in the midst of a furious rain-storm,
the roads being in a terrible condition, on through Water Valley,
Spring Valley, Coffeeville, and to Grenada.
On the 3d, as the trains were pushing rapidly, forward, the thunder of artillery was heard directly west of the retreating army. It
seems that the enemy were attempting to reach Grenada in advance
of the Confederate army, by the way of the Mlississippi and Tennessee Railroad, which forms ajunction with the Mississippi Central at
Grenada, in order to destroy the trains, and cut the railroad in the
front of the retreating army. They were met, however,- at Oakland
by the fearless and gallant Texans, several regiments of whom dismounted and acted as infantry, much to the astonishment of the
foe. This skirmish was a severe one, resulting in the enemy finally
withdrawing their troops, with the loss of many men and two
pieces of artillery. On the same day there was a brisk skirmish at
Oxford, and a precipitate retreat from that place, many of the men
having very narrow escapes from capture by the Yankees, who made
a gallant dash into the town on the very heels of our army. Thus
the retreating columns retrograded, day after day, in the hdrenching
rain, amid the roar of artillery and unprecedented sufferings.:
On the 5th, Rust's Brigade, formed and executed a well-planned




216                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
ambuscade, by which the Federals were severely punished for their
temerity in pushing too closely the retreating columns.
On the night of December 5, the regiment encamped at Grenada.
The weather suddenly became intensely cold, and, the morning of
the 6th, frost and. ice were plentiful.  Numbers of the men, exhausted and worn out with their constant marching; exposed to such
inclement weather, were sick-some of them dangerously so, from
typhoid fever and pneumonia. This retreat planted the seeds
of disease in many a noble form, resulting in their sinking into
early graves.
On the 7th, the regiment was encamped some distance west of'
Grenada, endeavoring to recuperate from their physical prostration.
On the 17th, moved camp once more to the vicinity of Grenada.
On the 23d, President Davis and General Johnston arrived at
Grenada, creating many surmises and speculations as to the object
of their visit at this time. Grenada was well fortified along the
Tuscahoma and Yallabusha rivers, and a warm reception prepared
for the foe.
On the 25th, there was a grand and imposing review at Grenada,
at which were present President Davis, General Johnston, and other
celebrities. News reached the army, also, of General Van Dorn's
successful attack on Holly Springs, capturing 1,600 Federals, and
$1,500,000 worth of stores of every description.
On the 28th, the regiment broke up camp, and left for Vicksburg.
This had now become the great theatre of action, and desperate attempts were being made to capture this stronghold, in order to open
the navigation of the Mississippi River. In December, the enemy
made a landing, and stormed the breastworks commanding the
Yazoo valley north of Vicksburg. They were terribly defeated by
the Twenty-eighth Louisiana Regiment. Here Major Humble, formerly a lieutenant of Company I, Third Louisiana, lost his life. He
was a fearless and gallant officer.




CHAPTER XXVII.
SNYDER S MILLS.
TEE regiment proceeded across the country to Yazoo City. Their
reception at this place was very enthusiastic, especially by the ladies,
who seemed untiring in their endeavors to supply the wants of the
men. Here they embarked on boats, and proceeded to Snyder's Mills,
on the Yazoo River. During this period the men were without their
baggage, and very few had blankets, having left their knapsacks,
tents, and bundles at Varden, thus enduring the weary march exposed, without shelter, to the sudden changes of the variable wintry
weather.
After their first failure in the attempt to capture Vicksburg, the
Federals had suddenly decamped, only to return once more in the
latter part of January to renew the attack. From Vicksburg to
Snyder's Mills is a line of abrupt hills, commanding the Yazoo valley,
which had been fortified along the whole distance, some twelve
miles. At Snyder's Mtills the Yazoo strikes the bluff, and then turns
almost abruptly westward for some distance, ere flowing southward.
On this bluff were batteries of heavy guns in close proximity to the
river, manned by the Twenty-second Louisiana. Just above these
formidable and frowning batteries was a solidly-constructed raft of
huge logs, completely blockading the stream. Thus this position,
naturally formidable, was rendered doubly strong by the labor and
ingenuity of man. The country back of this line of bluffs is a series
of high hills, intersected by deep and narrow ravines, all covered
with a dense undergrowth of cane, and heavily timbered, from whose
huge branches drooped the pendent moss, and whose trunks were
covered with clinging vines, all forming the luxuriant growth of
nature peculiar only to a tropical clime. Almost immediately in the
rear of the batteries commanding the Yazoo River, was the encampment of the regiment. In the absence of tents, the men excavated
houses on the abrupt hill-sides, forming the roofs of rough shingles,
10




218                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
firmly supported by posts-erecting, in fact, those rude shelters with
a celerity truly astonishing, and for which soldiers are proverbially
famed. The regiment had scarcely reached Snyder's Bluff, ere they
were ordered into the intrenchments, in anticipation of an expected
attack. Defending, as they were, the most distant northern point
of the fortification that protected Vicksburg, they were nerved to a
determination which they had never before experienced, and, notwithstanding the need of many conveniences to make their position
comfortable, were full of life and fun. The stake now being played
for was a tremendous one, being the possession of the Mississippi
River, involving the destiny of its whole valley, and the vital life
and safety of the country. This occurred as another New Year began its cycle, the regiment reaching Snyder's Bluff on-the 2d day: of
January, 1863.
The month of January passed away with little to attract- att.t&ion
or create any serious apprehension of an early attack from the foe,
who seemed to have concentrated all'their energy and -ingenuity in
an attempt to cut a canal across the elbow'of land- directly in front
of Vicksburg, at which point the river makes an abrupt turn, flowing almost north-east until it strikes the bluff upon which Vicksburg
is situated, and then turns abruptly south, inclining a little westward. The object of the enemy:was to make -the canal across the
neck of land, formed by the peculiar course of the stream, large
enough to float their steamers through, thus completely isolating
Vicksburg, and obviating the necessity of running the gauntlet of
the heavy batteries crowning the hill-sides and lining the banks.
On the 28th of January, the enemy's boats came into the Yazoo,
but without approaching our point of'defense..At this time, the
heavy roar of guns in the direction of Vicksburg was a daily occurrence, the batteries either shelling.the workmen on the canal, or engaging in a lively artillery duel with; some formidable'iron-clad,
when venturing within range of the guns- on a reconnoitering expedition. The regiment was almost constantly kept-under orders, and
thoroughly prepared to meet the foe at any moment.'
On the 11th, there was a general review of the troops by MajorGeneral Maury, and the regiment occupied a position in the line of
intrenchments. General Maury had become a great favorite with
the men, who had every confidence in his ability and power to successfully defend the point committed to his charge..
On the 13th, there was an election in the various companies to fill
vacancies, occasioned by the resignations and deaths- of several officers, resulting in the choice' of the following 2d Junior Lieutenants:




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                 219
Thomas Gourrier, Company A; W. Middlebrook, Companyi C; -' 
Thomas, Company E.
On the 13th, Captain Charles A. Brusl6 once more visited the regiment.t He was appointed on GeneralHebert's staff, by the following
general order:
General Orders,           HEAD-QUARTERS, SNYDER'S MLLS, 
No. 18..                   February 24th, 1863.
"Extract."
II. Charles A. Brusl6, late a captain of the Third Regiment Louisianainfantry, has been appointed Aid-de-camp, with the rank of
first lieutenant, to date from February 7th, 1863. He will be obeyed
and respected accordingly.
By order of Brigadier-General Hebert.
W. D. IHARDEMAN, A. A. G.
Thus, after having resigned from the Confederate service on account of physical inability to stand the severities of a soldier's existence, Captain Brus16 once more returned to the army, and the
vicinity of his old company and regiment.
On the 18th, there was quite an excitement in the regiment, created
by the report that a Yankee gun-boat had succeeded in reaching the
Yazoo above, by coming tlhrough what is known as the "Pass."
Volunteers were called for to. go on a boat, protected with cotton,
and capture the audacious visitor by boarding. lNearly the whole
regiment volunteered, but only sixty were chosen, under the command of Captain H. H. Gentles, and Lieutenant Cy. Hedrick. Of
this number only fourteen were finally selected for the expedition, in
order to give other regiments a chance to share in the anticipated
fight. The report proved false, and the whole expedition returned
without havingfound the enemy. At this time the batteries were
continually-bellowing forth their hoarse thunder at Vicksburg, and
events of thrilling interest and excitement were occurring.
On the 22d, a national salute was fired by the batteries in honor
of the natal day of George Washington. The weather was very
disagreeable, raining almost continually, and the rations were very
poor; the men scantily clothed, after their numerous retreats and
shortening baggage on the road.
On the 25th, the regiment was ordered out on picket, in the midst
of a heavy rain.
Mlarch,. generally so stormy, opened with a bright and smiling sky,
and an invigorating, refreshing atmosphere. The men were full of




220                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
life, and passed their evenings in dancing, interspersed with music,
both vocal and instrumental. Their new situation seemed to agree
with them most wonderfully. On the 6th, the whole brigade attended the execution of a deserter from the First Louisiana Heavy Artillery, who had been captured in Federal uniform. His bearing was
firm, and he met his death most courageously.
Some time in the middle of March, the enemy attempted to reach
Yazoo City from above, but were most signally repulsed at Fort
Pemberton. On the 20th, heavy and rapid firing above our position
drew numbers of the men to their eyeries on the hill-tops commanding a view of the Yazoo valley. The cannonading, rapid and heavy,
was in a north-westerly direction, and a cloud of white smoke could
be distinctly seen to rise into the clear morning air, from the dark
bosom of the trees. - The enemy were attempting to force a passage
into the Yazoo through the Sunflower, but were gallantly met and
most signally repulsed by Featherstoue's Brigade.
The regiment received a new uniform, which they were ordered to
take, much against their expressed wishes. The material was very
coarse, white jeans, "Nolens volens."  The uniforms were distributed to the men, few of whom would wear them, unless under
compulsion, by some special order. On the 22d, orders were issued
to cook three days' rations, and be prepared to move ere daylight the
succeeding morning. The weather was gloomy and rainy, the roads
in a terrible condition. Some of the men suggested the propriety
of wearing the new white uniforms on the approaching expedition,
which, it was known, would be among the swamps of the Yazoo
valley. The suggestion was almost universally adopted, affording a
rare opportunity to give the new clothes a thorough initiation into
the mysteries of a soldier's life. Thus the regiment assembled the
next morning arrayed as if for a summer's day festival. The rain
was falling steadily, and the roads were deep with mud, as they
began the march towards Hayne's Bluff, a short distance above
Snyder's Mills, and the points where the steamboats landed. This
place was also fortified, and the river protected above by b'atteries
of heavy siege-guns, commanded by Captain John Lumon.  The
men were in high spirits.-  The expedition was commanded by
Brigadier-GeneraL S. D. Lee. On the night of the 23d, the regiment
slept on board the steamer Peytona, and the next morning were
transferred to a very small, side-wheel boat, called the Dew Drop,
not a misnomer by any means. On arriving at the mouth of Deer
Creek, the expedition was visited by a tremendous storm - of wind
and rain, compelling our little craft to seek shelter amid the over



THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                221
hanging branches of the trees which drooped over the stream. The
storm, with its accompanying hurricane, soon passed away, and the
expedition proceeded on its way. The water was very high, and
the flood covered the whole expanse of the country, with only here
and there a patch of land visible, like some oasis in the great, sandy
desert. What an expedition this was, comprising a perfect fleet of
flats, flat-boats, skiffs, canoes, and every conceivable small floating
craft. The men were wild with excitement and fun, and made the
swamps re-echo with their shouts and laughter. They preceded the
little steamer in their flotilla of small craft, cutting down trees, whose
interpolated branches obstructed the passage. Arrived at Mr. Wilson's, on Deer Creek, at 12 o'clock P. M., on March 25th, where the
regiment disembarked and sought rest on thc low, marshy ground,
in the fence corners, and on some old timbers of a defunct flat-boat.
The men were immediately detailed en masse to construct earthworks and obstruct the river. They labored with a hearty goodwill and energy truly commendable, in the water and mud. General
Lee was present in person to superintend the construction of the
works, and was not afraid to share the severe toil. His actions and
manner, so pleasant and affable, soon won for him the deep admiration and heartfelt esteem of the whole regiment. If he had orders
to give, he delivered them in person. No neatly-dressed aids-decamp, with their foppish airs and tones of authority, were deemed
necessary to carry instructions. We distinctly remember the appearance of General Lee, as he stood conversing with Colonel Russell, on
the deck of the Dew Drop, as the boat steamed slowly along Deer
Creek. A huge, rough overcoat enveloped his form, below the knees,
pants thrust carelessly into his high, military boot-tops, while his
fine, manly features lighted up with smiles beneath his slouched
hat as he watched the hilarity and mischief among the men in the
boats, remarking as he did so, "Colonel, your men seem to be full
of life." General Lee was always sincerely respected by all who
served under him, as he was thoroughly practical in all he did, and
never required what he would be unwilling to perform himself. The
Twenty-second and Twenty-eighth Louisiana Infantry joined the
Third Regiment in their labors and hadships. Details were daily
made from the regiment, who proceeded to Snyder's Mills in skiffs,
and transported all the provisions thence to the scene of operations.
It was both a dangerous and laborious undertaking.
The boats of the detail generally proceeded across the country,
through lanes and along roads, which considerably shortened the
distance to camp. Often they were compelled to get out of the




222                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
boats and push them by main strength along the rapid streams and
over shallow places. On the 27th, one of these expeditions was
proceeding up the Yazoo, with their boats loaded nearly to the gunnels with provisions. The wind was very high, almost a gale, and
the river was very rough. In attempting to cross it, the boats shipped large quantities of-water, threatening destruction to their loads
and a thorough ducking to tihe crews. It was something amusing
to witness the rapidity with which the men stripped off their clothing for a swim, although the situation was so perilous. The journey,
fortunately, was made in safety. On one occasion the Commissary
Sergeant was proceeding to the landing with a wagon- load of provisions. General Hebert was standing, bareheaded, looking over
the gate in front of his quarters, close to the roadside, when he
observed the wagon. Calling' the sergeant, the following colloquy
occurred:
"What have you in that wagon?"
"Provisions, General, for the regiment."
"How many day's rations.?"
"Two, sir."
" How are you going to get them there?"
"I have two skiffs at the landing."
"Y' ou cannot carry them in those. You'll sink the boats."
" Oh, no, General; I have made the trip before; besides-"
"Never mind; go along, my man; go along," and the sergeant
was-dismissed with a dignified wave of the hand, as the General
pointed up the road, and resumed his journey, wondering what
object the General had in view in his scrutinizing questioning. Suffice it to say that the sergeant's understanding'was never enlightened.
The enemy abandoned their attempt to penetrate to the Yazoo by
the way of Sunflower and Deer Creeks, doubtless considering it a
perilous undertaking, in view of the.stern and desperate resistance
which they would meet in every foot. of their advance.
On the 28th, the regiment was ordered to return to camp; so,
boarding their numerous crafts, they-once more- moved down the
creek. varying the monotony: of the journey with numerous races,
resulting in much amusement and excitement. As they passed
General Hebert's quarters, at Snyder's Mills, each company saluted
the General with loud and- prolonged cheers, evincing their good
feeling for their old commander. The compliment was pleasantly
and gracefully acknowledged.
The regiment reached camp sadly soilea in their external appearance, only to find that some persons unknown had " out-Heroded




THIRD. LOUISIANA INFANTRY.              223
Herod" himself, and their tents had taken legs and walked off during their absence. Verily there was much profane language used
when the " situation" was fully comprehended.
Captain Butler, of Company G, Lieutenant Payne, of Company K,
and several other officers, were furloughed to obtain recruits for the
regiment, whose depleted ranks proclaimed most forcibly the fearful
desperation with which, up to this period, the command had served
their country.
March went.out, amid frost and very cold weather, without incident worthy..of note. J. G. Perry, of Company K,'and George
Effiert of: Company F, were sent out to reconnoitre the country along
Deer Creek, and discover whether the enemy had abandoned all intentionss of reaching the Yazoo valley through this route.  They
departed on their hazardous enterprise in a small canoe, taking their
arms with them.
The advent of the second Spring month was heralded by a genial
atmosphere, and deep-blue skies overhead. These bounteous gifts
of nature —blessings much enjoyed-were gratefully received by
men who had lived through the recent stormy wintry, months,
scantily supplied with shelter, almost constantly in motion, and
lately watching and waiting for an active and vigilant foe in their
anticipated attack upon the long line of defenses which protected
the city of hills —heroic Yicksburg.
The 1st day of April was marked with much excitement, breaking
up the. usual monotony of camp life, by the intelligence that the
enemy were approaching. The troops were speedily under arms,
and soon the deep roar of a signal-gun proclaimed the truth of the
report, while the troops eagerly responded to its summons, and
hastened to the line of defenses. Repairing to the brow of the
hill commanding a view of the valley, many anxiously watched
the manceuvres of the approaching foe.  A  cloud of black
smoke, rolling above the..tjee-.tops, marked the advance of the
enemy's boats. Soon a transport, accompanied by three gun-boats,
landed at Blake's plantation, a short distance below the bluff. The
transport almost immediatQly returned down the river, while the
iron-clads moved slowly. up, and, sheltered by a strip of woods immediately in front of our position, commenced shelling the breastworks and hills. The missiles were badly aimed, and.passed harmlessly. over the men, exploding in the air, without injuring a single
man. One boat, becoming emboldened by the silence of our frowning batteries, and the apparent stillness of the whole place, steamed
up toward our guns, in full view fiom the bluffs, but carefully




224                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
screening herself behind the adjacent bend, was wise enough to keep
out of sight of our huge guns.
After a short reconnoissance the gun-boats departed, having thrown
about twenty shells without eliciting any reply. No clue could be obtained as to the purport of this sudden visit, terminating without
any material design.
The enemy seemed very restless over their prolonged operations
against Vicksburg, evidenced by innumerable expeditions into all
the adjacent bayous, lagoons, creeks, and the expenditure of ammunition in shelling the silent woods and deserted, barren fields. At
this period, they seemed to have abandoned all hopes of reaching
the Yazoo via Deer Creek, as our scouts returned, after penetrating
nearly to the Mississippi River, reporting not having seen or heard
of a single enemy in the valley.
On the 3d, a large number of recruits arrived for Company G, and
also Lieuteant-Colonel Russell.
On the 6th of April, the Yazoo began to rise very rapidly, being
the effects of cutting the Grand Levee of the Mississippi by the
Federals, for the purpose of flooding the Tallahatchie valley and
driving our forces from the vicinity of Greenwood, to prevent their
operating against the gun-boats and transports of the Yankees, as
well as afford them better facilities for expeditions by water. This
rise extended to the adjacent creeks and bayous, completely innundating the whole valley. With these apparent advantages, the
increased flood actually placed a more efficient barrier to any land
attack on the defenses protecting Vicksburg.
This new idea of the foe, together with a concentration of all
their valuable means of attack, indicated an early, simultaneous and
vigorous attack on some point of the line of defenses. Our troops
were hastening up the Yazoo, to prevent the enemy's approach from
the north.
On the 10th, Fort Pemberton was evacuated, after a most heroic
defense. Several days passed away most quietly at Snyder's Mills,
with little to relieve their monotony. Not a ripple of the waves of
war, that thundered with such angry fury against the fortified hills
of Vicksburg, disturbed the quietude of the lines.  Several boats
had succeeded in getting below Vicksburg in safety, notwithstanding
the storm of iron hail poured upon them. It was the beginning of
their final success. This occurred on the night of April 17. The
terrific cannonading aroused the whole camp, and the flashes of the
explosions could be distinctly seen.
After a pretended desertion of the siege, the enemy returned, only




A SOUTHERN RECORD.                     225
to increase their exertions for the capture of our stronghold. They
imagined, perhaps, that their pretended abandonment of the siege
would cause our troopsto be withdrawn, and thus weaken our position,
when, by a sudden return and an unexpected assault, he could gain
possession of the place. This ruse de guerre failed most signally,
and they returned only to find us still prepared, and his. designs
understood.
The days thus passed away, the roar of artillery at Vicksburg
reverberating in sullen echoes over the adjacent valleys, and usually
attracting little notice.
On the 16th of April, the raft which blockaded the Yazoo at
Snyder's Mills gave way under the tremendous pressure of the accumulated flood of waters. This event was considered, at the time, a
great misfortune. General Smith and other military celebrities soon
assembled at the point of disaster, and held repeated consultations
as to the best method of repairing the evil. The anxiety was intense. An unsuccessful attempt was made to recover the portions of
the raft which had floated away, by sending the steamer Acadia
below after them. The immense flood of water, and the rapid current, rendered the attempt of rebuilding the raft a fruitless one.
Heavy siege-guns were immediately forwarded to this point, and
placed in position as speedily as possible. Whatever human ingenuity and skill could invent to strengthen the position, was immediately put in practice. Thus the hill-sides commanding the
river soon were thickly dotted with frowning batteries of heavy
siege-guns.
On the 19th, Major-General Maury left the division for a new post
in Tennessee. His departure was the subject of general regret. In
his farewell address to the officers and soldiers of his division, he
said that to their chivalry and valor did he owe much of the praise
and honor bestowed upon him. Each officer and soldier of his command felt that, to the efficiency, discipline, and gallantry of their
leader, they owed, in a great measure, all that had contributed to
win them a name for bravery and daring. To his new field of operations, General Maury carried with him unanimous and heartfelt
wishes for increased success, as well as those deep; undying feelings
of friendship and admiration which united the soldiers of Napoleon
to their idolized Emperor, and made them invincible in battle. No
soldier was there in General Maury's command too humble for his
notice, as well as the highest officer in his division. Understanding
and appreciating the position and feelings of the Southern volunteers, his intercourse with them was such as to gain their unbounded
10*




226                 A SOUTHERN: RECORD.
admiration, and entwine round each soldier's heart those tendrils of
affection and devotion which death only could sever. Oftentimes
have we seen General Maury dashing along the road, followed by
his staff, when, meeting some soiled and uncouth-looking private,
wearily marching along the dusty road, he would bend forward
gracefully in his saddle, and, lifting his hat from his brow, salute the
soldier with all the polished ease and elegance of manner so indicative of the high-toned gentleman, and with a soldierly politeness,
worthy a superior, and not as if-the object of his deference and
marked attention was the private soldier of his division. No wonder the men loved him and disliked to part with him.
We had seen him on the fierce field of battle
Firm as the granite, while the musket's sharp rattle,
The cannon's deep roar, the charge of the foes,
Told where thickest the fight, where fiercest the blows.
We had seen him on march, long, toilsome, and dreary,
Encourage the men, travel-worn, weak, and weary;
Amid the quiet of camp, on the showy review,
Always affable, kind, brave, courteous and true.
Ever cherished, remembered, wherever thou mayst go,
Brave Dabney H. Maury we bade thee adieu.
On the 21st, the whole regiment was armed with Confederate
Mississippi rifles, having sabre bayonets, making a fine appearance.
These rifles were, however, almost worthless, as the sequel of their
fate will show.
On the 23d, five transports and one gun-boat succeeded in getting
safely past the batteries at Vicksburg, thus considerably augmenting
the strength of the fleet below the city, and causing some anxiety
to be felt as to the success of the designs of the enemy, which began
to develop themselves. This success of the Federals in running the
gauntlet of the heavy batteries caused considerable comment, and
the press published some strange accounts of neglect and inattention
on the part of the officers in charge at Vicksburg. Whether correct
or not, certain was it, that the enemy had accomplished their object,
despite the heavy fire poured into their steamers from the batteries.
Their escape from  destruction was assuredly miraculous. Thus,
while these stirring scenes were daily transpiring at Vicksburg, the
Third Louisiana Regiment was quietly encamped on the Yazoo,
surrounding themselves with soldiers' comforts, and enjoying themselves in varied amusements. Summer-houses, built of cane closely
entwined together, and covered with shingle roofs, occupied much




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               227
attention, and gave the camp quite a picturesque appearance. These
airy structures were very pleasant during the warm days, and afforded ample protection and shelter in stormy weather. The days of
April, however, were usually clear and pleasant. The valley in front
of the hills was mostly open fields, and where timber once stood
was a heavy abattis of felled trees, intersected with lagoons and
ditches. These were swarming with cray-fish, and the men not only
found amusement in catching them, but also a very palatable article
of food. They were caught in immense quantities, all the tackle
necessary for their capture being confined to pieces of meat tied to
strings. They could be drawn out of the water almost as rapidly as
three or four of these simple lines could be pulled up, sometimes five
and six cray-fish clinging to a single bit of meat. It required but a
very few moments to fill a bushel bag with these ravenous shell-fish.
Cray-fish soup was no rarity in camp. The Mississippians looked
with great amazement and much disgust at the keen relish with
which " them ere Cre-owl Louisianians " devoured this species of
food. They could not appreciate such a peculiar taste.
On the 29th day of April, the long-anticipated attack on our position was commenced. The thundering echoes of war, which had
so long disturbed the quiet of the Mississippi valley, at last found
an answering echo from the emerald hills and peaceful valley of the
Yazoo. Early on the morning of this day a huge cloud of smoke,
rolling its dark volume over the valley below, admonished us that
the foe were approaching in considerable force. Making Chickasaw
Bayou (the scene of their first repulse in an attempt to reach Vicksburg by land from above) a rendezvous, they remained quietly in
that vicinity all night. Our camps were filled with rumors that
they were attempting to effect a second landing at this point. These
rumors proved incorrect. About 9 o'clock A. nM., April 30th, the fleet
ascended the river and approached our position. The troops were
promptly in their places in the intrenchments. While the transports,
some eight in number, kept at a safe distance, three gun-boats ran up
within range of our batteries, and opened the fight. A terrific cannonading immediately followed.  The iron-clad Choctaw ran up
within easy range of our upper guns and opened fire on them. They
responded at once, and with a skill and accuracy in handling the
guns worthy of old cannoniers. The Choctaw was struck fifty-three
times during the engagement, which lasted nearly five hours. Her
flag-staff was shot away, and, as much hammering was heard on
board of her after the firing had ceased, it was thought that she was
seriously crippled. The casualties at our batteries were two men




228                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
badly wounded, and the cracking of a hand of one of the 32-pounder.
rifle guns. While the Choctaw was engaging the upper batteries,
the other gun-boats ran up within easy range of the whole line of
trenches, and opposite the lower batteries, and shelled the lines most
furiously. Although the bombardment was fierce and protracted
(their shells exploding in every direction), yet, strange as it may
appear, no casualties occurred save the killing of a horse in one of
the light batteries. The bombardment ceased for this (lay at 3-i.. M.
Late in the afternoon, the fleet was augmented by the arrival of more
boats, so that it numbered fifteen transports, three mortar-boats, and
six gun-boats. During the progress of the first day's fight, the Third
Louisiana Infantry occupied a position near Blake's upper quarters,
in the valley, near the Yazoo, and later in the day in the marshy
ground, directly in front of the fortifications at this point. Taking
advantage of the sheltering protection of the levee on the river bank,
they obtained a position in close proximity to the Choctaw, and fired
into her port-holes whenever opened.
During the progress of the fight the enemy perpetrated one of
those acts of Vandalism, so common in war, by setting fire to Mr.
Blake's deserted quarters. They supposed that the valley was free
from Confederates, as they had seen them  apparently leaving this
place. Retributive justice was summarily visited on the perpetrators of this incendiarism. The left of the regiment was close at hand;
and, as the flames issued from the buildings, the sharp reports of their
unerring rifles caused several of the enemy to bite the dust, while
the remainder incontinently "skedaddled " to their boats. One officer was shot while standing on the deck of the iron-clad making
observations. In the skirmish with the squad from the gun-boats,
who succeeded in effecting a landing without the knowledge of the
picket, Lieutenant J. R. Cottingham, of Company I, was thrice
wounded, and taken prisoner by the enemy. The whole picket narrowly escaped capture, some of the men actually screening themselves
from observation by jumping into the river, and concealing themselves under the banks. There were no other casualties in the regiment. The scream of shells, the deep roar of heavy artillery, made
Snyder's Mills a lively spot on the last day of April, and gave birth
to numerous ridiculous incidents, notwithstanding the seriousness of
the cause. During the night the trenches were occupied, and a line
of pickets thrown out to watch the enemy's movements.
The morning of May 1st, 1863, the day usually devoted to scenes
of festivity in honor of the Goddess of Flowers, dawned clear,
bright, and beautiful; showing the Federal fleet lying opnosite Blake?s




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.:229
lower quarters, beyond the range of our batteries. In front of our
lower battery was a large field under cultivation. Near its centre,
between the line of fortifications and the Yazoo, is a depression in
the surface of the lands extending down the valley, then covered
with water.
-Before the war, a large levee shut out the overflow arising from
the freshets in the Yazoo. The enemy placed a picket on this levee,
in full view and within easy range of our field-pieccs.  With perfect
sang froid they paced to and fro along their elevated beat, regardless
of the close proximity of our artillery. Operations commenced by
a battery opening on this picket, resulting in no harm beyond driving
them from the top, behind the sheltering protection of the embankment. Early in the day, a party of some forty. or fifty, following
the banks of the river, and sheltering themselves behind the levee
and woods, suddenly appeared in close proximity to our upper batteries, where the river strikes the bluff, evidently bent on reconnoitering the raft. The heavy guns immediately opened on them with
an unerring precision of aim, that Compelled them to beat a precipitate retreat, with a loss of several of the party. Their next manceuvre
was on the opposite side of the river, some distance below, in considerable force. As they were observed dodging among the trees
and running, across an old field, the gallant boys of the Twentysecond Louisiana gave them another lesson of their skill in managing
siege-guns, and quickly drove them back once more. During these
operations, the gun-boats remained quietly anchored in the stream.
About half-past three o'clock P. i., they took position directly in
front of our lower battery on Grave Yard Hill, and directed a concentrated fire on it from three of their boats, while two others shelled
our headquarters; the mortar-boats sending their huge missiles into
the valleys directly in rear of the intrenchments. The cannonading
was terrific on both sides; the guns being handled with great skill.
The ground in the vicinity of our lower battery was actually ploughed
up by the heavy, plunging shot. The parapet was repeatedly struck,
the shells often exploding within the works. The firing continued
incessantly for over four hours; yet, strange as it may appear, there
was not a single casualty among our troops.
After the cessation of -the fight, considerable hammering was heard
in the direction of- the enemy's boats, which, taken in connection
with their refusal to engage our upper batteries, proves conclusively
that they must have sustained considerable damage. During the
night of the first, the Yankee fleet- quietly departed, and the next
morning not a boat was to be seen.




230                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
A DARING FEA.T.
About 4 o'clock P. M. on the first, while the gun-boats were firing
on the lower batteries, a daring and successful feat of desertion
occurred. The deserter belonged to an Illinois regiment, but was a
Kentuckian, representing himself as General Sherman's orderly, and
giving his name as William Hammond.  He had been sent to the
outposts with dispatches. Reaching these, he swam his horse around
the cuts in the levee, and successfully passed the Federal pickets,
emerging. in full view of both armies, from the bushes in the swamp
land. into the cultivated field. As his intentions became apparent,
he was fired on, but spurring his horse into a headlong gallop, he
turned towards the picket, fired his pistol-, in derision, and arrived
safely in our lines, amid the loud cheers of the men. The boys were
wild with excitement, jumping from the ditches upon the top of the
breastworks, and along the hill-sides, regardless of the danger, in
their eagerness to witness the race. As the deserter reached the lines,
he threw his pistol from him, at the same time exclaiming, "Hurrah
for old Kentuck."
He gave the information that the enemy were not strong enough
to assault our works, and that the movement was a mere feint to
keep our forces occupied, and to prevent their reinforcing the army
at Grand Gulf, where a formidable demonstration was being made
by General Grant to land his troops.  The information was not
credited at the time, although its correctness was clearly demonstrated
by-subsequent events.
FIRST VISIT FROM MORTAR SHELLS.
Up to this period, amid all their experience in warlike missiles,
the members of the regiment had never been under a visitation from
mortar shells. Several of these huge visitors descended into the
camp of the regiment, spoiling the appearance of the ground, and
making pi generally of everything within their vicinity. The camp
guard and details thought to find protection within the shelter of
their houses in the hill-sides, but a view of the tremendous force and
powers of destruction of the huge iron balls, soon drove them into
the open air, as by far a greater shelter than caves, with the probability of a burial alive. The reserve artillery and-infantry sought
shelter from the flying shells, beneath the protection of an almost perpendicular hill. Imagine their surprise, when one of these shells,
exploding over them, sent its fragments directly into their midst,
considerably startling them from  their dreams of security, doing,




THIRD'- LOUISIANA' INFANTRY. -           231
however, no damage beyond killing a horse attached'to one of the
batteries.
PREPARATIONS TO LEAVE SNYDER'S MILLS.
On the 3d of May the regiment received orders to keep three days'
rations cooked, and be ready to march at a moment's notice.
Stirring news began to reach us from below. During the attack
on our-position, the enemy had succeeded in effect ing a landing at
Grand Gulf., In consequence of the overwhelming numbers of the
Federals, this place was evacuated after spiking the guns. The gallant Missourians of Bowen's Brigade fought most desperately, but
wer-e: -compelled to give way before -the overwhelming numbers
opposed to them.  Our little army retreated to Port Gibson, where,
bieing reinforced by Tracy's and Green's Brigades, another desperate
conflict occurred, but again being outnumbered, were compelled to
give way. Among the killed at Grand Gulf was Colonel Wade, of
the Missouri Brigade, a man universally esteemed for his gallantry as
a soldier, and his unvarying kindness toward all with whom he
came in contact.  At Port Gibson another able commander fell.
Brigadier-General Tracy was one of the most efficient brigade commanders in the army, and his loss' was irreparable. Disasters followed each other in rapid succession, the enemy successfully driving
back our forces by their overwhelming numbers, unsuccessful attempts
being made -at Raymond and Big Black to check their steady advance.
The threatening aspect of affairs east of Vicksburg filled our camp
with innumerable conflicting rumors, and the men were full of excitement and enthusiasm. On the 16th, reports reached us of the
capture -of Jackson. On the 17th, the success of the enemy was
confirmed by the sound of heavy guns east of our position, indicating
severe fighting in the vicinity of Big Black. Kelton, formerly
a private of Company E, Third Louisiana Infantry, but then attached
to a battery, arrived in camp during the day, covered with dust and
blackened with powder. - He reported all the guns of his battery
lost, except one. A portion of our troops precipitately retreated on
the appearance of the enemy, without firing a gun, abandoning the
artillery in their haste to place Big Black between themselves and
the victorious foe. It is needless to record the fact that the gallant
Missourians fought like tigers at bay, successfully withstanding the
assaults of the Yankees, and escaping capture only by the most determined bravery, when the other troops gave way. They added
new lustre to the laurel wreath which already adorned their names
and fame, for distinguished valor and undaunted bravery. Thus the




232                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
fierce storm of war, which had so long thundered in impotent fury
against our young Gibraltar, was descending with fearful force upon
our stronghold and its devoted defenders.
INCIDENTS OF LIFE AT SNYDER'S MILLS.
The Third Regiment had never been more pleasantly situated than
at Snyder's Mills, constantly subjected, as they were, to active service. With a skill, perseverance, and ingenuity truly commendable,
they had erected comfortable quarters, and gathered about them all
those little conveniences which become actual luxuries to the soldier.
Within easy communication with all parts of the country, daily
papers reached them, furnishing full particulars of the progress of
the war throughout the land, while Vicksburg was sufficiently near
to enable them to procure such necessaries as they needed, or were
able to purchase.
SUPPLIES.
Immense quantities of supplies of every description were transported down the Yazoo on steamers, and discharged at the landing
above our camp. Thence they were carried in wagons to a depot
commissary near at hand, or to Vicksburg. Thus a large amount of
stores for subsistence accumulated at this point.  Of course, the
veterans of the regiment could not restrain their propensity for
foraging, especially when the beef issued them was not only very
poor, but actually, at times, offensive, the cattle often dying in the
butcher-pens ere they could be slaughtered. The boys eagerly volunteered to load the supplies, and it was not an unusual occurrence
for wagons to reach their destinations much lighter than when they
started. It was unaccountable how fine hams would fall out of the
wagons, along the road-side, and still more strange how squads following the train would find these hams, and carry them, not whence
they were lost, but into camp. Eggs and chickens were plentiful,
and a breakfast of broiled ham, fried eggs, and chickens, was no
rarity. Yet about the quarters there was no appearance of a superabundance of supplies; but, when the encampment was broken up,
the mystery was explained, as every mess in the regiment uncovered
underground store and smokehouses, most ingeniously constructed,
with an eye both to concealment and the preservation of their contents. Verily, soldiers are queer bipeds. Major T. W. Scott, Brigade
Commissary, and his clerks, Niolin and W. Johnson, could some
wondrous tales unfold of the mysterious disappearance of their
supplies, even when thoroughly guarded and watched by argus-eyed
sentinels.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               233
THEM ERE iMELITIA."
Near the regiment was an encampment of Mississippi militia, composed of men of good intentions, but most wofully ignorant of
tactics and discipline. Their attempts at drilling and maneuvering
gave rise to some rich, racy, and laughable scenes. Of course this
afforded a never-ending source of amusement to the disciplined veterans of the regiment, and an opportunity for indulging their propensity for fun. Thus the drill of the'militia was always the occasion
for outbursts such as the following: "Now, men, mind you stand
up straight, and form line like a ram's horn." "Now mind, I'm
going to fling you into fours."  "Into fours-git."  "Into twosgit."  "Now I'll swing you like a gate."  "Swing like a gate —git."
This new style of issuing orders was always received with uproarious
mirth, and so confused the amateur soldiers as to completely incapacitate them for performing any evolutions. They were actually
compelled to change their quarters to escape the sport made of them
by "them ere cussed Cre-owl Louisianians."
A COMPROMISE WITH A COLONEL.
Colonel Witherspoon, of the Thirty-sixth Mississippi, was often
in command of the brigade, and whenever he passed the camp was
almost certain to be made the subject of some rude joke, as the men
had never forgotten the incident at Camp Rogers. On one occasion
he detected two of the regiment in the very act of flaying a hog,
which they had killed, a flagrant breach of military orders, and subjecting them to severe punishment. Here was an opportunity for
the Colonel to repay some of the sport constantly made of him.
Approaching the culprits, the following colloquy ensued: "Well,
men, I have caught you in the very act of transgressing positive orders. There is no denying this fact."
"Yes, Colonel, we plead guilty, and have no excuses to make."
"I hardly know what to do with you. However, I will compromise with you. If you will agree to cease calling me'Pewterspoon,' I'll promise to say nothing about this matter."
The boys eagerly made the agreement, shouldered their "game,"
and arrived safely in camp, and related their adventure. The story
soon went the rounds, and the men showed their appreciation of the
forbearance and general good-humor of the Colonel to their comrades by refraining from making him the subject of their fun. A
simple act of kindness won immediately their esteem and good will.
Whether true or not, there are few of the regiment who do not re



234                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
member this story as here related, and the cessation of all hostilities
thereafter, toward Colonel Witherspoon.
PRIZE-FIGHTING.
When the regiment first entered the service, there was, as is usual
among a large number of men, numerous personal encounters. On
such occasions the officers used their authority, and immediately
prevented any serious collision.s. The consequence was, that quarreling became almost a daily occurrence, the men seeming to feel
satisfied that no serious consequences would result fiom it. At Snyder's Bluff a new order of proceeding was established, and by a tacit
agreement whenever two men felt disposed to, have a sparring-match
they were permitted to do so, provided they went out of camp. On
one occasion two fine-looking, stalwart members of Company A
quarreled. The officer in command ordered them to cease wrangling,
and go fight it out if they desired to. He was taken at his word,
and the two men went up one of the narrow defiles, unattended by
seconds or friends. None offered to follow them. In a few moments
they returned to the company together, one having a badly-bruised
face, and the other minus some of his front teeth. No explanations
were vouchsafed, and the antagonists were friefids, after having
fought it out on their own line. This method of settling disputes
made the men -live harmoniously together, and almost entirely
checked the propensity for indulging in personal encounters.
These are but a few of the numerous incidents of camp life at
Snyder's Mills.




CIOA L2TER XXV III.
VICKSBURG.
THE 17th of May dawned clear and warm. The bright, smiling
skies seemed not as if they canopied events which would decide the
destiny of a great nation. Yet beneath their azure clearness the
fierce passions of man were at work, making fearful records for the
historian's pen, and writing in letters of blood the instability of all
earthly plans.: The serene atmosphere was early disturbed by the
dull, heavy reports of distant artillery. Orders were soon received
to prepare to march toward the theatre of strife. Amid the most
intense excitement, preparations to leave were begun. There was no
transportation for clothing, stores, cooking-utensils, or camp-equipage. Provisions, accumulated for months, were brought from their
hiding-places, and each man selected what he could conveniently
carry. Knapsacks were filled to their utmost capacity with all the
soldier's most valuable and treasured articles. Extra blankets, robes,
clothing of -all descriptions, tents, utensils, etc., were indiscriminately
heaped together in the quarters and abandoned. The heavy siegeguns were either spiked, or loaded so as to burst them, a detail
being left to accomplish this design, after the army had departed;
also to blow up the magazines, and destroy the depot-commissary,
containing an immense supply of provisions. The troops left Snyder's Bluffs for aye late at night, and proceeded toward Vicksburg,
an intermingled line of wagons, artillery, and infantry. The night
was very dark, yet the men pushed forward as rapidly as possible
along the valley, wading streams and sloughs on the route. Notwithstanding the gloom which overshadowed their future, and the
losses which they had sustained by their sudden abandonment of
their recent position, as well as the proximity of the foe in such
overwhelming force, they were in most excellent spirits, and very
enthusiastic. They considered Vicksburg an impregnable stronghold, and experienced a peculiar pride in the prospect of defending
it during the approaching struggle.
On the morning of May 18th, 1863, the regiment reached the Hill




236                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
City, and were immediately placed in the intrenchments. These
intrenchments were constructed on the crests of a line of hills, extending in a semicircle completely around the city, and about a mile
in its rear. The whole country was a succession of abrupt hills,
intersected by deep, narrow defiles. The regiment was placed near
the centre of the line, on the left of the Jackson road, as it emerges
from a deep cut through a hill. On the right of the road were the
Twenty-first and Twenty-second Louisiana Regiments, consolidated,
and on their left the Mississippi Regiments, comprising the remainder
of Hebert's. Brigade. General Hebert informed the men that they
held the key to the city, on the most exposed portion of the line.
The regiment responded that they would sustain their blood-earned
reputation, justify the confidence reposed in their bravery, and perish to a man ere they would relinquish their position to a million
foes. Perhaps no body of men were actuated by feelings of more
determined courage, and a spirit of resistance even unto annihilation.
In the position which they occupied, the left of the regiment was
very, much exposed, no intrenchments being constructed on that
portion of the line.  Self-preservation, the first law  of nature,
admonished the men of their peril. Procuring spades and pickaxes,
they went to work with a desperate energy, which rapidly constructed
works on the gap in the line. Rumors and particulars of the disasters
which had befallen our troops, poured in on our men as they took
their respective positions along the lines. Numbers had fallen into
the enemy's hands, and many pieces of artillery had been lost. Yet
our brigades, fresh from camp, felt no despondency, and the shadow
of defeat darkened not their brave spirits as they quietly waited for
the foe. On the afternoon of the 18th the skirmishing began some
distance outside of the line of works. Our forces were steadily
driven back, until they reached the protection of our guns. The
enemy hesitated as they reached the line of woods skirting- the
cleared ground in front of the breastworks. It was only momentary,
however, and the spattering reports of the small-arms approached
nearer and nearer. The next day was clear and warm. The enemy
succeeded in establishing their position, and the siege commenced
in earnest. About 1 o'clock P. M. the cannonading became terrific,
the musketry deadly and heavy. The enemy charged the intrenchments on a portion of the lines, and were driven back with fearful
slaughter, our own loss being very light.  The Third Louisiana
began to suffer from the enemy's sharpshooters at the very inception
of the siege. Regardless of the unerring precision with which the




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                 237
enemy's sharpshooters used their splendid, long-range guns-fearless
to a fault, they suffered severely for their temerity in their reckless
exposure of their persons. Afiong the killed and wounded of May
19th, were N. Schlade and L. D. Blanchard, of Company A. Noble
soldiers of one of our best companies.
May 20th, at 1 A. m., the silence of the starlit night was broken
by the roar of heavy guns. A huge iron-clad approached from below,
and commenced a furious bombardment of the city, which was
rapidly responded to by our heavy batteries. Below lay the fleet of
the enemy, and above, the river was dotted with a huge fleet of
transports and war vessels. On the peninsular the white- tents of
the enemy's encampment were plainly visible. Such was the panoramic view in front of Vicksburg on the third morning of the siege.
At early dawn the mortar fleet of Commodore Porter opened fire on
the beleaguered city, adding to the tremendous din their hoarse bellowing, accompanied with the fearful screams and tremendous concussions of their huge, exploding missiles. ~ The place was a perfect
pandemonium from early dawn. The hoarse bellowing of the mortars, the sharp report of rifled artillery, the scream and explosion of
every variety of deadly missiles, intermingled with the incessant,
sharp reports of small-arms, made up a combination of sounds not
such as described by the poet as being a " sweet concord."  A trip
through Vicksburg.exhibited some strange spectacles.
Huge caves were excavated out of the precipitous hill-sides, where
families of women and children sheltered themselves from the hurtling shot and the descending fragments of exploding missiles. Fair
ladies, in all the vigor and loveliness of youth, hurried with light
tread along the torn up pavements, fearless of the storm  of iron
and lead, penetrating every portion of the city, as they attended to
the necessities of their brave, wounded and dying protectors. The
annals of history can furnish no more brilliant record than did the
heroic women of Vicksburg. during this fearful siege. Regardless
of personal danger, they flitted about the hospitals or threaded.the
streets on their missions of love, utterly forgetful of self in their
heroic efforts to relieve the sufferings of those who so gallantly defcnded their hearth-stones. Many, very many heroic spirits, bade
farewell to earth amid the thunder and din of the siege, feeling the
soothing pressure of soft hands upon their clammy brows, and the
glance of tender, pitying eyes gazing into the failing light of their
glazing orbs, as these ministering angels hovered about the lowly
cots of the. dying soldiers. No pen can describe in sufficiently glowing colors; no human language find words brilliant, forcible enough




.238                A. SOUTHERN RECORD.
to do jdustice to the unwearying attentions, tender compassion, soulfelt sympathy, unvarying kindness, and unceasing labors of love, of
the tender-hearted, heroic and fearless ladies of Vicksburg, toward
their suffering countrymen. The Third Regiment suffered severely
this day, losing nine men killed and wounded;  yet, not for an
instant failing in their spirits and enthusiasm.
May 21st. The firing continued rapid and heavy all day, the mortar-shells tearing the houses into fragments, and injuring several
citizens, including one lady.. The enemy, in front of the Third
Regiment, were slowly but surely-contracting their lines, and the
fire of their sharpshooters was particutarly accurate and deadly.,Their batteries concentrated their fire on every one of our guns that
opened on their lines, and speedily dismounted them. A splendid
piece of ordnance, protected by cotton bales, was thus dismounted
by the skillful fire from the enemy's rifled pieces, their balls striking
the bales, upsetting them on the gun carriage, setting fire to them.at the same time, and thus burning them to the ground. -It was a
bfool-hardy piece of business to expose.the-least portion of the-person.above the breastworks, as a hundred rifles immediately directed their
missiles upon the man thus showing.himself. No less than five cannoniers were thus shot, in an attempt to apply a lighted fuse to the
vent of a loaded gun.
The members of the Third Regiment suffered severely in, their
reckless exposure of their persons to the fire of the enemy's sharpshooters, and the list of casualties rapidly increased.
In conversation with the enemy (then a common occurrence, from
the proximity of the lines), a. member-of Company E, by.the name
of Masterton, a Missourian, of huge dimension, and familiarly known
in the regiment as "Shanghai," found some acquaintances, and was
invited into the enemy's lines,. with the assurance that he -would be
allowed to return. The invitation was immediately accepted, and
he. trusted himself to the honor of the foe. He was cordially welcomed, and:all the delicacies Sand substantials, which the Federals
possessed in such profusion, were. furnished him. After- a feast, accompanied with.a sociable chat and several drinks, he was, permitted
to return, very favorably impressed with the. generosity of the
Yankees. The evening chats, after the day's deadly sharpshooting,
revealed the fac+t that there were. members of both- armies who were
personally acquainted, and, in one instance, two members of the
Third Regiment found a. brother in the regiment opposed to them.
Such instances, not uncommon during the war, were not calculated
to make persons of the same family and blood feel over. comfortable.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.              -239
22d. The bombardment continued unabated from all sides of the
beleaguered city, and was more rapid and furious than heretofore.
Nearly all the-artillery along the lines was dismounted.- The report
of a single gun within the breastworks was the signal for a concentrated fire of -the enemy's batteries, which poured a perfect
storm of solid shot and shell upon the fated point, resulting, usually,
in the destruction of the battery, and killing and wounding numbers of the artillerymen.
To the list of our killed and wounded were added the names of
Leonard, St. Amant, Guidici, Ellis, Chastant, Druett, Company A;
Finley, Company B; Murray and Arnaud, Company G; Duffy and
Brandenstein, Company K. The fire was terrific, and the fearful list
of casualties.in the regiment much depressed the spirits of - the men.
The.enemy made an assault on the right of the line, but were repulsed with terrible slaughter, and two hundred of them taken
prisoners. This creditable affair was due to the unflinching bravery
of the Second Texas Infantry-a gallant and noble regiment.- About
10 o'clock A. It., four gun-boats steamed up the river from below, and
engaged our batteries. -They were soon compelled to retire, badly
damaged, with but few casualties among our skillful artillerists.
23d.- The morning dawned cloudy and lowering; a light rain
fell during the night, and summer showers during the day. The
shadows of night, falling over the beleaguered city, brought with it
no repose to the weary soldiers.. Heavy details were made to rebuild and repair those portions of the works ploughed up and torn
down. by the heavy firing of the enemy's batteries during the day.
It was no light task, after fighting all day beneath the rays of the
summer's sun, thus, amid the shadows of night, to use pick-axe,
spade, and shovel,-carry heavy sand-bags, strengthen the torn-down
breastworks with heavy, timbers and cotton-bales, in order to be
protected during the approaching day's combat. Rations, at this
period; were plentiful, and were distributed to the men, already prepared, by details made for this purpose. General Grant sent in a
flag of truce, asking permission to — bury his dead, which were lying
unburied in thick profusion outside of the intrenchbments, where the
enemy had assaulted the lines.: General Pemberton refused to grant
the request, replying -that the battle was not yet decided.  The
Federal trains and troops were observed moving away from the
camps, while rumors prevailed that Johnson was fighting their rear
at Big Black. Yet.no definite news of succor reached the besieged
army.
Among- the casualties in the regiment this day were: Lieutenant




240                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
J. S. Randolph, S. Kohn, Company A; Corporal Scanlan, Corn.
pany F; Aleck Garza, Lieutenant P. Bassier, Company G; J.
McCowen, L. P. Simps, Lieutenant J. Stewart, Company H; J.
Dunn, Corporal P. Lawson, W. A. McQuatters, M. V. Ray, Company
I; S. P. Russ, Company K.
24th. Sunday dawned clear and beautiful, yet its holy quiet was
disturbed by the fierce storm of war, which swept over the city of
hills, and thundered in angry surges around its whole circumference.
The houses of worship were deserted, and women and children
sought shelter from the exploding shells in their underground habitations. The enemy had succeeded in establishing themselves directly
beneath one of our parapets, above which stood the undaunted and
heroic men of the Third Regiment. They immediately commenced
undermining this portion of the line, with the intention of blowing
it up. As the sound of their voices could be distinctly heard, our
brave boys began to annoy them, by hurling upon them every species
of deadly missle which human ingenuity -could invent. 12-pounder
shells were dropped over the breastworks among them, and kegs,
filled with powder, shells, nails, and scraps of iron. A more deadly,
vindictive, and determined species of warfare was never waged.
The chief aim of both combatants seemed to be concentrated in the
invention of apparatus for taking human life.
25th. Another clear and hot day, and a continuation of the usual
music along the lines; In the afternoon, a flag of truce was sent
into the lines, requesting a cessation of hostilities for the purpose of
burying the dead. The effiluvia from the putrefying bodies had become almost unbearable to friend and foe, and the request was
granted, to continue for three hours.
Now commenced a strange spectacle in this thrilling drama of
war. Flags were displayed along both lines, and the troops thronged
the'breastworks, gaily chatting with each other, discussing the issues
of the war, disputing over differences of opinion, losses in the
fight, etc. Numbers of the Confederates accepted invitations to
visit the enemy's lines, where they were hospitably entertained and
warmly welcomed. They were abundantly supplied with provisions, supplies of various kinds, and liquors. Of course, there were
numerous laughable and interesting incidents resulting from these
visits. The foe were exultant, confident of success, and in high
spirits; the Confederates defiant, undaunted in soul, and equally
well assured of a successful defense. The members of the Third
Regiment found numerous acquaintances and relatives among the
Ohio, Illinois, and Missouri regiments, and there were mutual regrets




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                241
that the issues of the war had made them antagonistic in a deadly
struggle.  As a general rule, however. the Southerners were the
least regretful, and relied, with firm confidence, on the justice of their
cause.
Among the numerous incidents that occurred, none seemed to
afford more amusement than the one related of Captain F. Gallagher, the worthy commissary of the regiment. The Captain had
been enjoying the hospitalities of a Yankee officer, imbibing his fine
liquors, and partaking of his choice viands. As they shook hands,
previous to separating, the Federal remarked: " Good day, Captain;
I trust we shall meet soon again in the Union of old."  Captain G.,
with a peculiar expression on his pleasant face, and an extra side
poise of his head, quickly replied: " I cannot return your sentiment.
The only union which you and I will enjoy, I hope, Will be in kingdom come. Good-bye, sir."
At the expiration of the appointed time, the men were all back in
their places. The stillness which had superseded the fierce uproar
of battle seemed strange and unnatural.  The hours of peace had
scarcely expired ere those who had so lately intermingled in friendly
intercourse were once again engaged in the deadly struggle.  Heavy
mortars, artillery of every calibre, and small-arms, once more with
thunder tones awakened the slumbering echoes of the hills surrounding the heroic city of Vicksburg. The. casualties in the regiment
were: Wounded, A. J. Powell, Company E, Sergeant E. Jolly, Company K.
26th. Clear and warm. The fight opened very early and kept
up very steadily all day. In the city several ladies were killed and
wounded by mortar shells. Sergeant W. W. Gandy mortally
wounded.
27th. Clear and very warm. The firing was very brisk.- About 11
o'clock A. M., the gun-boats approached our batteries, both from
above and below, while all around the lines a tremendous, rapid
cannonading began. The roar of artillery was terrific in its volume
of sound. The Cincinnati, one of the finest iron-clads in the enemy's
fleet, boldly approached our upper batteries, but was repeatedly
struck, and compelled to return. As she turned in the stream a ball
penetrated her hull, and she was only able to reach a sand bar in the
bend, when she went down. This combat was witnessed by hundreds of ladies, who ascended on the summits of the most prominent
hills in Vicksburg. There were loud cheers, the waving of handkerchiefs, amid general exultation, as the vessel went down. Notwithstanding, positive orders prohibiting the fair ladies from needlessly
11




I42                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
exposing    selve  to the  ing  missiles, they femarlessly sought
some prominent position to witness combats whenever an opportunity presented itself. Many despondent soldiers gained renewed
courage from the example thus given them by the heroic women of
the Hill City.
This disastrous termination of the gun-boat fight seemed to satisfy
the enemy in front, and they were quiet during the remainder of the
day. The intention of this attack was for the gun-boats to engage
and silence our upper batteries, while General Sherman assaulted the
works on the extreme left of the line, from the direction of Snyder's
Bluff. The whole plan failed most signally. A large number of
articles from the sunken boat were picked up in the river, including
hay, clothing, whisky, a'medical chest, letters, photographs, "etc.
We often wonder if the.surgeon of the Cincinnati, who so comfortably penned a letter to his affectionate wife as the boat neared our
batteries, escaped unhurt. His missive never reached its' intended
destination, but fell into rebel hands to be perused and passed
around. It was both well written and interesting. W. Smith;
Company C, wounded to-day.
-28th. Still clear and warm. A courier succeeded in reaching the'ci:d  with- 18,000 caps which were much needed. Heretofore, the
thi&d'-r;Louisiana were armed with the Confederate Mississippi rifles
furnished them at Snyder's Mills.  These arms were almost worthless, often exploding, and so inefficient that the enemy boldly exposed
themselves, and taunted the men for their unskillful shooting. On
this' day, however, the regiment was supplied with Enfield rifles,
English manufacture, and Ely's cartridges, containing a peculiarlyshaped elongated ball, of the finest English rifle powder.  These
guns had evaded the blockade at Charleston, and had never been
unboxed. Beside the rifles, every man was furnished: with a musket
loIadedwith. buckshot, to be used in case of an assault and- in close
quarters. The men: were so elated at the change in their weapons
that'they began a brisk fire in their'eagerness to test their quality.
The foe soon discovered the change,'and there was a hasty retreat to'
the shelter of their rifle-pits,; and the' protection of thei' earthworks.
They wished to know where in the devil the men procured these
guns, and were by no means choice in the language which they used
against England and'English manufacturers.  Not a single casualty
o'-ccurred in the regiment.'As night approached there was' the usual
essati'on of hostilities, and interchange of witticisms' and general
conversation between' thebelligerents.:The mort'ars seldom ceased




THIRD LOUISIAN:A -INFANTRY.             -2,43
their work all day, and:through the still hours of the night; spoke
their thunder voices; and the concussions of their explosions shook
the buildings to their very foundations.  There was a strange fascination in watching these huge missiles at night, as they described
their graceful curves through the darkness, exploding with a sudden
glare, followed by the strange sounds of their descending fragments.
The spectacle to the eyesight was quite agreeable, but to the other
senses anything but pleasant. Casualties, wounded, T. D. Downey,
Company E; P. L. Pennery, Company F.  The day closed with a
spring shower.
29th. Clear and warm. The cannonading was again very heavy and
continuous. A gun-boat engaged the lower batteries without any
material results. There were no casualties in the regiment.
3.0th. The day was clear and unusually warm. The constant daily
fighting, night work, and disturbed rest began to exhibit their effects
on the men.  They were physically worn out and much reduced in
flesh. Rations began to be shortened, and for the first time a mixture
of ground peas and meal was issued. This food was verv unhealthy,
as it was almost impossible to thoroughly bake the mixture so that
both pea flour and meal would be fit for consumption. Yet these deficiences were heroicly endured, and the men succeeded by an ingenious application of the culinary art in rendering this unwholesome
food palatable, calling the dish" Cush-cush."  Another messenger
arrived with despatches and a supply of percussion-caps. While
the news from without seemed cheering, not an item of intended
succor reached the undaunted soldiers who so heroically defended
Vicksburg against the overwhelming forces of the enemy. J. N.
Hewitt, killed, Company B. Wounded, R. Quinn, Company E.
31st. The last day of May, the month of smiling skies and budding
flowers. There was a clear blue sky overhead, the usual struggle
around the works.  Sunday brought with it no cessation of hostilities. Fourteen long days and wearisome nights lihad passed away
and still no prospects of relief to the defiant troops.  The mortar
fleet concentrated their fire on the court-house, near the central portion of the city. The building was occupied by a company of Mississippi militia. One of the huge bombshells finally penetrated into
the building, and ekploded with tremendous force, killing -two men
and wounding several others. The militia incontinently "skedaddled"
from such hot quarters to a more secure position.
The wreck —of the Cincinnati was boarded by a daring party of
Confederates, who set fire to the exposed: portion of the boat. ~This
gallant exploit was accomplished without any loss. Wounded, S.




244               A SOUTHERN RECORD.
Allain,' Company A; D. Shoemaker, Company B. Up to this date
the killed and wounded of the regiment numbered fifty.
June 1st was a clear and unusually warm day. The men sought
shelter from the sun's scorching rays beneath the shade of outstretched blankets, and in small excavations and huts in the hill,
sides. It seemed wonderful that their powers of physical endurance
did not succumb to the accumulated horrors and hardships to whichl
they were exposed.  But they faltered not, either in spirit or determination. A deadly shell exploded in the midst of Company F,
killing Sergeant J. Roberts, and wounding L. J. Singer, P. Sheridan,
J. Charlton, and F. A. Davis.
2d. Dawned clear and warm. Last night a large fire occurred in
the city, the result of incendiarism, destroying several buildings.
The sky was overcast with dull, leaden clouds, the glare of the conflagration, the bombs' meteoric course through the air, the heavy
concussions of the mortars, the sharp reports of rifled-guns, and the
shrill scream of the shells, made up a grand and gloomy scene of
warfare, during a siege such as is seldom witnessed. Captain J.
Beggs, appointed Chief of the Fire Brigade, was promptly on hand
directing the operations which soon stayed the progress of the
flames. There was the usual heavy cannonading at early dawn, and
dusk. During the hottest portion of the day the enemy seemed
content to seek shelter from the sun's scorching rays, but in the
morning they exercised their skill by pouring a rapid and heavy fire
into the breastworks.
Killed: A. Carro, F. Escobeda, Company G; wounded: J. 0.
McCormick, Company I.
3d. The day opened with the usual music of sharpshooting and
cannonading.  Seventeen days and nights the fierce conflict had
continued, and still no definite news of succor reached the undaunted
troops who held at bay the powerful forces of the foe. True reports
reached the besieged, that General J. Johnston was concentrating
troops at Clinton, with a view of succoring the heroic garrison of
Vicksburg, yet it seemed a slender thread of hope. The Third
Regiment was becoming sadly decimated in numbers, yet the survivors fought swith the same determined, unconquerable, valorous
spirit that had always distinguished them. They had promised to
hold that portion of the lines intrusted to them, and accumulating
disasters unnerved not a single brave spirit or filled a single soul
with despair. The tremendous storm of iron and lead continually
poured- upon them, was received with an indifference to danger
worthy the heroic self-sacrificing -devotion that distinguished the




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                245
Spartans at Thermopolhe. Though their thinned ranks required an
increased amount of exertion and labor, and consequently augmented the burden of their accumulated hardships, there were no complaints, a reckless disregard to peril, and a spirit of heroism manifesting itself by the men composing and singing, with harmonious
voices and enthusiastic chorus, songs regarding their situation.
What a strange spectacle I These unsheltered, half-fed men, amid
the din and uproar of a furious siege, thus manifesting a spirit of
reckless disregard for their perilous surroundings. The sweetest
strains of the poet's song, the most brilliant record of the historian's
pen, the most forcible and elegant language ever coined from the
English vocabulary could in no wise do justice to the spirit that
animated the souls of this gallant body of Louisianians. From the
plains of Missouri to the dashing waves of the Gulf, from the
mountain ranges of Virginia to the broad prairies of Texas, their
fame had gone over the land, and they were determined that no
stain should now mar the fair escutcheon of their bravery. The day
was cloudy, and the sun sank below the western horizon behind a
bank of clouds.
Wounded: J. W. Blankenship, Company B.
4th. Heavy firing, as customary. Day clear, and very warm. The
ration furnished each man was: peas, one-third of a pound; meal,
two-thirds of five-sixths of a pound; beef, one-half of a pound, including in the weight bones and shanks; sugar, lard, soup, and salt
in like proportions. On this day all surplus provisions in the city
were seized, and rations issued to citizens and soldiers alike. To
the perils of the siege began now to be added the prospect of famine.
The gaunt skeleton of starvation commenced to appear among the
ranks of the brave defenders.
It seemed wonderful that- human endurance could withstand the
accumulated horrors of the situation. Living on this slender allowance, fighting all day in the hot summer sun, and at night, with
pick-axe and spade, repairing the destroyed portions of the line, it
passed all comprehension how the men endured the trying ordeal.
Wounded: A. Wrinkles, Company G.
5th. Warm and clear. The day passed as usual. A citizen and a
little girl killed in the city by a Parrott shell from the breastworks.
The gun-boats above and below remained quietly anchored in the
stream, evidently indisposed to make any demonstrations after the
warm receptions which they had already received. Not a- rumor
was afloat,' for a wonder.
Wounded: C. Castex, Company G.




246:  A SOUTHERN RECORD.
6th. The morning dawned quite clear..A few summer clouds
floated lazily across the azure. sky, and the, day eventually became
one of the hottest yet experienced.: The city was rife with rumors,
among which was the report of Johnston approaching with succor.
The story almost gained full credence by the report of cannon being
heard toward Big Black. The welcomesounds were received. with
shouts along the whole line. Long, anxiously, eagerly had the. men
been listening for the welcome signal, and now felt as if relief had
assuredly come. Ah! on what a slender thread' does an expectant
soul hang its feeble hopes. There was much stir among the enemy's
troops, and large numbers began to move toward their rear, plainly
indicating that danger menaced them at some point. The Federals
appeared in numbers on the opposite side of the river, firing into
the city with long-range rifles, and also with several Parrott guns
planted behind the levee. This addition to the means of annoyance
by the enemy, made it a very dangerous undertaking for the pedestrian to travel along the streets. Our river batteries immediately
opened on the foe, shelling in turn the woods and embankment on
the opposite side, everywhere in range of the guns. The Yankees
were thus compelled to become very wary in exposing themselves.
The artillerymen armed themselves with Enfield rifles, and, repairing
to the river bank, kept up a sharp fight with them across the turbid
waters of the stream. There were no casualties resulting from this
harmless long-range amusement.
The casualties in the regiment up to this date numbered sixty-five.
Wounded: M. Bossac, Company. A; T. N. Dill, Company F; J.
Connor, Company A.
7th. Very hot, and clear. The. mortars, after several hours' silence,
opened fire again, very lively. This Sabbath-day finished the third
week of the siege, and still no hopes of relief. The men did not
lose heart, but still kept in fine spirits. The members of the, regiment fought to-day with renewed vigor, and a reckless exposure of
their persons, killing and wounding a large number of the enemy.
Heavy firing was heard west of the Mississippi, afterward ascertained
to have been an attack on the Yankee forces at Milliken's Bend by
the troops of the Trans-Mississippi Department.
Wounded: N. Mora, Company G.
8th. Clear and warm. The struggle raged with unabated fury.
The enemy's lines were slowly but surely approaching nearer to our
own breastworks, and the - struggle was, daily becoming more fierce
and deadly. The Federals procured a car-frame, which they placed
on wheels, loading it with cotton-bales. They pushed this along the




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.  247
Jackson road in front of the breastworks held by the Third Regiment. iProtected by this novel, movable. shelter, they constructed
their works with impunity, and with almost the certainty of eventually reaching our intrenchments. Rifles had no effect on the cottonbales, and there was not a single piece of artillery to batter them down.
They were not a hundred yards from the regiment, and the men
could only quietly watch their operations, and anxiously await the
approaching hand-to-hand struggle.  There was no shrinking or
quailing. Danger bad long since ceased to cause any fear, and fighting was a recreation and pastime with the majority of the men.
Exploding shells and whistling bullets attracted but little notice.
Even.death had become so familiar, that the fall of a comrade was
looked upon with almost stoical indifference; eliciting, perhaps, a
monosyllabic expression of pity, and most generally the remark, "I
wonder who will be the next one."  Men are not naturally indifferent to danger, nor do their hearts usually exhibit such stoical indifference to human agony and suffering; yet the occurrence of daily
scenes of horror and bloodshed, through which they passed, the
shadow of the angel of death constantly hovering over them, made
them undisturbed spectators of every occurrence; making the most ot
to-day, heedless of the morrow. Though constantly threatened with
death, they pursued with eagerness limited occasions for amusement.
The song and jest went around, fun actually being coined from the
danger which some comrade escaped, or attempted to nimbly dodge.
Wounded seriously, J. M. Burke, Company B.
9th. Clear:and pleasant. All night long the fight was kept up.
The movable. breastwork in front.of the:intrenchments of the Third
Louisiana, became a perfect annoyance to the regiment, and various
plans were proposed for its destruction, only to be declared unavailable. Some of the men actually proposed to make a raid on it, and
set it on fire, a plan which would have been the he height of madness.
Finally, a happy invention suggested itself to the mind of Lieutenant W. M. Washburn, of Company B. He. thought that if he
could fill the cavity in the butt of the Enfield rifle balls with some
inflammable material which would ignite -by being fired from the
rifle, the great desideratum would be obtained. Thus, procuring
turpentine and cotton, he filled the ball with the latter, thoroughly
saturated with the former. A rifle was loaded, and, amid the utmost
curiosity and interest, fired at the hated object. The sharp report.wasfollowed by the glittering ball, as it sped from the breastworks
straight to the dark mass of cotton-bales, like the rapid flight of a
fire-fly. Another and another blazing missile was sent on the mission
firefly., A other and anotl                  on~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




248                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
of destruction, with apparently no satisfactory results, and the
attempt was abandoned a-mid a general disappointment. The men,
save those on guard, sought repose, and all the line became comparatively quiet. Suddenly some one exclaimed, " I'll be d    d if
that thing isn't on fire!" The whole regiment was soon stirring
about, like a hive of disturbed bees. Sure enough, smoke was seen
issuing from the dark mass. The inventive genius of Lieutenant
Washburn had proved a complete success, and the fire, which had
smouldered in the dense mass of cotton, was about bursting forth.
The men seized their rifles, and five companies were immediately
detailed to keep up a constant and rapid fire over the top and at
each end of the blazing mass, to prevent the enemy from extinguishing the flames. They discovered the destruction which threatened
their shelter, and made impotent attempts to extinguish the fire with
dirt and water. But as the light increased, the least exposure of
their persons made the unwary foe the target for a dozen rifles, handled by skillful marksmen.
The regiment were in darkness, while the blazing pile brought
into bold outline every man of the enemy who thoughtlessly exposed
himself within the radius of the light.
The rifles of the regiment sang a merry tune, as the brave boys
poured a constant shower of bullets above and around the great
point of attraction, which was soon reduced to ashes and a mass of
smouldering embers. How the men cheered and taunted the foe,
can better be imagined than described. The achievement was a
source of general satisfaction and rejoicing. The Yankees could not
understand how their movable breastwork was thus given to destruction, under their very eyes.
Edmonson, Company D; T. McFee, Company B, and E. J. Benton,
Company K, were killed during the day. The night was unusually
warm and cloudy.
10th. Ere the gray dawn it began to rain, and soon poured down in
torrents. There was no- cessation of the rapid and heavy firing
around the lines. Sunshine and storm were alike impotent to stay
the progress of the fight, or prevent the hail of deadly missiles from
being poured upon the heroic defenders of the besieged city. All
day long the rain fell, filling the trenches with water, and thoroughly
wetting the exposed, unsheltered troops. The scenes at the breastworks beggared description. In the mud and water the men fought
on, as if Heaven did not add to their sufferings the inconvenience
and horrors of their situation. As usual, they made sport of each
other's sufferings. At night the storm culminated into a terrific and




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                249
concentrated fury. The long weeks of heat, and the constant and
heavy. cannonading, had impregnated the whole  atmosphere with
electricity,. which, now burst forth with' tenfold fury. Lightning,
with. its jagged edges and forked.tongues, darted fromi the dark
masses'of clouds upon the city, followed by the deep, sullen and
heavy roll of Heaven's. sublime. artillery, mingling its volume of
sound with the scarcely less. voluminous and heavy t-hnder which
rolled its incessant waves around the fortifications. A scene' of such
sublime and soul-stirring grandeur, linking together man's fierce passions and.Heaven's dark:frowns, could scarcely be imagined, much
less described.  The Yankees added to the many rumors afloat, by
shouting to our mmen tie following information  "You had to get
England to. assist you after'all. The mouth of the Mississippi is
blockaded, and Price is' in possession of Helena, Ark. We have
enough men at Milliken's Bend to keep Kirby Smith in check, and
after we capture Vicksburg, we will soon drive Price out of his comfortable quarters."'  The men only hoped the half of the information
was correct. while they defiantly scoffed at the idea of Vicksburg
ever surrendering, as thus proclaimed so confidently by the enemy.
A number of the regiment visited Vicksburg and' the camps, to
obtain stove-pipes and tin-gutters to sharpshoot through, by planting
them in the intrenchments.. -
Wounded —P. Grillet, slightly; Company D.
11th. Morning dawned cloudy. The day cleared off cool and
pleasant. Below the city two gun-boats floated lazily at anchor,
while above not a vessel was in sight. In front of the Third Louisiana the enemy planted two ten-inch Columbiads, scarcely as hundred
yards distant from the. lines.   These terrible missiles, with their
heavy scream and tremendous explosion, somewhat startled the boys,
being a new and unexpected feature in the siege, and necessarily increasing the already accumulated dangers of their situation. After
knocking the. breastworks to pieces, and exhibiting their force and
power, the enemy commenced a systematic method of practice, so as
to'imake the shells deadly'missiles' of' destruction.'
So skillful and expert did they soon become in handling these
huge siege-pieces, that they loaded them with'powder, producing.force suffcient' to only propel the shells over the breastworks, and
they rolled among the men, producing a general scramble to escape
the force and danger of their explosion. Frequently they rolled
some distance down the hill-side ere exploding. One of these shells
entered one of the shelters excavated in the hill side, where a group
was assembled, composed of Colonel Russell, Lieutenants Daven



250                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
port and Washburn, and several members of Company B. Ere the
party could escape, the terrible missile exploded. Strange as it
may appear, but one of the party was killed outright, while all the
remainder were wounded and bruised, with but one single exception.
Several were severely burned by the large grains of powder with
which the shell was loaded, making torturing but not dangerous
wounds. The mere idea of forcing powder into a fresh burn will
afford some conception of the agonizing, excruciating pain of this
species of wounds.
Among the casualties this day were-Killed: Sergeant B. Brice,
Sergeant T. Howell, Company B. Wounded: Lieutenant-Colonel
S. D. Russell, Lieutenants J. Davenport, W. lVl. Washburn, J. M.
Sharp, Company B; A. Girod, Company I; --- Cole, Company F.
Seventy-five killed and wounded to this date.
12th. Clear and pleasant. The siege-guns were particularly destructive, especially among the right companies of the regiment.
To-day, our troops succeeded in getting a mortar in position, in a
ravine in the rear of the line of fortifications, but did not use it then.
No prospects of assistance, and provisions were becoming very
scarce. Fresh beef had long since been used up, and, also, a large
number of sheep, and the troops were now living on rations of
bacon. The labor of keeping the works repaired was increased by
the tremendous power and destructive force of the shot from the
siege-guns. Yet the brave men did not despair, or give way in
spirit, under these trying circumstances.
Wounded: Captain N. M. Middlebrook, Lieutenant Fagan, Company C;      Hubbard and C. Quinelty, Company G.
13th. Clear and pleasant. We give the following synopsis of
rumors daily-circulated, as a fair specimen of the means used to
buoy up the spirits of those inclined to despair in the midst of the
gloom, horrors, and hardships'of the siege: Generals Forrest and
Featherstone destroy nine transports in the river loaded with provisions; General Price captures two gun-boats above, three transports, and had crossed the Mississippi River; General Johnson was
at Clinton, Miss., with 25,000 troops, and positively asserted that he
was approaching to succor the garrison. Such were the reports
constantly circulated, and usually received, with a large margin of
allowance for their falsity. Our mortar opened on the Yankees late
in the evening. As the shell marked its graceful curve in the air, and
suddenly fell into the enemy's lines, the troops cheered most vociferously. They enjoyed, to the fullest extent, the astonishment and
consternatlon of the Yankees. But a few shells, however, were fired




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                251
ere the enemy concentrated upon the point whence came the dangerous missiles, the fire of every gun within easy range pouring such
a storm of shell upon the offending mortar as caused its speedy
abandonment. It was almost certain death to remain in its vicinity.
This mortar was used only a short time, and then the attempt to
render it effective given up. A heavy siege-gun, planted near the
extreme point of the peninsula, above the mortarfleet, opened fire
on Vicksburg, but with inaccurate range, rendering its missiles
harmless visitors. Nine transports came down the river loaded with
troops.
No casualties in the regiment.




CHA PT, ER  XX IX.
SIEGE CONTINUED.
JUNE 14th. Clear and warm. The cannonading and musketry
continued unabated. Another courier reached the city with a large
supply of percussion-caps. The, enemy were daily reinforcing their
already tremendous army, thus increasing their available strength,
while every man disabled inside of the lines added to the weakness
of the defenders. General Grant's facilities for prosecuting the siege
to a successful termination were thus increased to an almost certainty, and he could afford to prolong the contest, and accomplish,
by starvation and a lengthened attack, what he could not obtain by
either stratagem, skill, or brute force. A successful general he certainly was; yet the accomplishment of his plans was purely the
result of having at his command all the available means and strength
of the most powerful nation on the face of the globe. Not a circumstance transpired within our lines that the foe did not know,
and they were informed of the true condition of affairs, knowing
full well, and confidently expecting, that the gaunt skeleton of
famine, then seizing the besieged forces, would ultimately prove the
conqueror. They needed but to wait, while they kept up, with unabated fury, their daily and nightly attack on the place. All around
the city the firing was very lively and continuous, even from the
sharpshooters on the opposite, side of the river. Thus closed the
twenth-eighth day of the siege, adding to our list of wounded and
killed the names of William Mc Guinness, Company A; S.W. Sanders,:
Company B; and W. Burns, Company H.
Our upper river batteries exhibited some excellent skill in firing
on the wreck of the Cincinnati, to prevent the enemy from working on it and moving the guns, which they were attempting to
accomplish.
W. McGuinness, mentioned among the wounded to-day, was shot
through the right eye as he was looking through one of the pipes
planted in the earth-works to observe the effects of his shooting. He




THIRD: LOUISIANA  INFANTRY.                  2-53
w a.s seen -by- one. of the eiei)my,:.who fired at him iwith deadly aim.
This incident is given.to,-show ho..:close:: the combatants were..to
each, other, and with-what certainty'each party used their rifles upon
the smallest-sized object exposed- to their aim. McGuinness recovered, but lost his eyesight' and a:piece of the bone from the side of
his face;  The escape- from death was. miraculous..:.Sth.'Day   cloudy and. threatened:rain.   The firing was very
rapid,:and shot and shells flew into and over-the place in every direction.::.The.enemy seemed to feel in a particularly lively.humor.
They made a charge on the' breastworks held:by the Twenty-seventh
Louisiana Infantry, on the left of the position occupied by the Third
Louisianiauns, in-:::a:mass, four:columns;deep. They were repulsed,
and terribly: slaughtered.. A small:rifle-gun,: planted on the side. hill,
immediately in the rear of the:Third Regiment, enfiladed their advancing columns, making great gaps in the ranks-as..the balls. literally ploughed a passage through their dense array of men.:This
episode, in the usual monotony of the: siege, infused, new life and.spirit::mto -the Confederates..-They felt:in the.humor for a desperate hand-to-hand conflict, knowing that they would'.have an.opportunity of effectively:returning.some  of the.blows. dealt them. But
the daily loss of friends.and comrades,. whose fall they were powerless: to:avenge, rendered.their feelings add situation anything.but
agreeable..............;  Heavy ecanonadingg was heard toward Snyder's Mills and outside of the lines, thus once more. arousing a general hope of speedy
relief.::'- -'::...
Killed: Silas Crane, Company E; Edward Douglas, Company I.
Thec:.lose of the day threatened rain, which was not a desirable
visitor to the men.........
June -16th. Dawned pleasant, light.summer clouds floating gently
across. the empyrean.  The firing'had continued all night,' and there
was no diminution: in its rapidity and volume. The place, as usual,
was full of rumors of succor.. The rations furnished the. men were
still good; sufficientto ke.ep way actual starvation, but not to satist
the voracious appetites of the troops. R;Eow- the othertroops felt, we
know: not, but the boys.. of the Third Regiment were. always hungry.
Theyhad:-always: possessed- somewvhat:'fastidious: tastes, and were
quite: epicurean in Itheir appetites,'which they had'heretofore indulge d to their fullest extent..Imagine, then, the deprivation which
they suffered, the great self-denial practiced by.them. in thus receiving. the scant rations daily dealt out to them, without murmuring
over their condition.  True,: there was yearning after the forbidden




254                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
flesh-pots of "Egypt," but no -possibility or probability of their
desire after forbidden meats being satisfied.
17th. Morning cloudy, but did not indicate rain. Cannonading
brisk and very rapid, in fact, terrific in the afternoon. The day was
unusually sultry. Another columbiad opened on the regiment at
close range, and the enemy's lines were now so near, that scraps of
paper could be thrown by the combatants into each other's ranks.
Thus, a Yankee threw a " hard-tack" biscuit among the men of the
regiment, having written on it " starvation." The visitor was immediately returned, indorsed as follows, "Forty days rations, and no
thanks to you."
Despair held no rule in the brave spirits who defended this portion
of the work, and the tremendous mass of iron poured upon them
no terrors for their unflinching souls. Another building was destroyed by fire, caused by the explosion of a shell.
Killed: Tom Cobb, Company D.
Wounded: L. Flores, Company G.
18th. Cloudy and very warm. The "Vicksburg Whig" published
an extra, containing a few items concerning the siege of Port Hudson.
This paper, published at intervals, was printed on one side of wall
paper, taken from the sides of rooms. it was very small, and a
great curiosity in the w1Ay of a relic. It was decidedly an "illustrated" sheet, not exactly after the style of " Frank Leslie" and
"' Harper " pictorials. The river began to rise, and the boats below
had disappeared. At this time the enemy became imbued with the
mania for setting fire to the city, and, as the shells exploded, a stream
of liquid fire descended from them. At night they presented a beautiful spectacle, notwithstanding their destructive mission. No serious consequences resulted from this new species of warfare.
Wounded: J. Brenning, Company F; J. Gueton, Company G.
19th. Clear and warm. The firing was comparatively light. The
rations issued at this time were: flour, one-quarter of a pound;
rice flour, one-quarter of a pound; peas one-quarter of a pound;
rice, sugar and salt, in equally small proportions. Tobacco and
bacon, one-quarter of a pound. It was a small allowance for men to
sustain life with, exposed to the horrors of the siege, and almost constantly occupied. Yet the troops were unusually healthy. The
Parrot guns kept up an annoying fire on the city, from the opposite
side of the river. Our batteries opened on them with little effect, as
they were concealed and well-protected by the levee. One of these
guns produced no smoke nor report, and the only intimation of
danger would be the shrill scream of an ugly shell. It was generally




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               255
believed to have been fired with gun-cotton. No serious injury resulted friom this annoyance, save to brick walls and frame buildings, few of which escaped the missiles so constantly showered upon
the place.
20th. Clear and warm. At early dawn every gun along the line
suddenly opened, keeping up a rapid and continuous fire. All concurred in the opinion that such a tremendous cannonading had never
been equaled in their experience, and the volume of sound surpassed
anything yet heard. It seemed as if heaven and earth were meeting
in a fearful shock, and the earth trembled under the heavy concussions. The gun-boats approached from below, but ere reaching the
range of our batteries, retired with their flags at half-mast, causing
much speculation as to the meaning of this manceuvre. The cannonading was kept up steadily all day. The men were in unusually
fine humor. They seemed to care little that a powerful enemy was
within arms-length of them, and that their flag was flaunting its
folds in their very faces.
A glance over the breastworks would exhibit a panoramic view of
a large portion of the adjacent works, the puffs of smoke curling
upward from the guns, used with such dexterous skill, or the light,
vapory cloud arising from the discharged rifles of the sharpshooters.
Such a glance must be taken very hastily, as the whiz of a Minieball, or the shrill scream of a shell, admonished the spectator that he
was seen and already made a target of. The view, under such circumstances, was perhaps more pleasant to the eye than comfortable
to the other senses.
During the day, one of the enemy climbed up to the parapet of
the Third Louisiana works, and boldly looked over, no doubt with
the very laudable intention of having a good view of affairs within
the forbidden ground. He paid a fearful forfeit for his temerity,
being shot and instantly killed by one of the regiment standing near
the spot where he exposed himself. The attempt was considered an
unusually bold and fool-hardy one. The combatants watched for
each other with the keen-sightedness of an eagle, and the ferocity
and vigilance of a tiger seeking prey. Consequently, the least exposure was instantly discovered, and as quickly brought a bullet to the
spot. Perhaps volumes could be filled with the incidents of this
siege; its grotesque and mournful scenes. On this day J. Lee, of
Company B, received his death wound, being shot through the head
with a Miinie-ball. He was carried down the hill-side, and laid
upon-the ground, near the spring where the men came for water.
Comrades were passing to and fiom the lines, laughing, talking




256                  A }SOUTHERN RECORD.
and joking with each other, all unmindful of the dying soldier.
Bullets whistled by, and-huge shells screamed his requiem, or
thundered his dirge in their fearful explosions, as his spirit departed
amid the din of the fierce conflict. Yet, su6h-a scene was a common
occurrence, and men whose souls- once thrilled; with all the finer sensibilities of the human nature, looked on with stolid, stocial indifference. With a blanket for a, widing-sheet, and in his soiled and
battle-stained garments- the: brave soldier was placed in the hastilydug grave, and left to rest in peace.
No useless coffin -inclosed his breast;- i
Nor in sheet nor in -shroud we bound him;
But'he lay like a warrior takiing his:rest, -:
With his tattered blanket around him.
Killed: J. Lee, F. M. Howell, CompanyB; J. W. Na. ff, Company G.
21st. Cloudy and warm. The day's observations* resulted in discovering little apparent  change, in the situation. On the right hand
bank, up the river, the: enemy's trains were. seen on a sand-bar. At
a, distance they looked like a hive of busy bees, and were;doubtless
engaged in conveying stores to their troops.:The Parrott guns still annoyed the.city, and were heavily fired on
by our batteries. The wreck of the Cincinnati was again shelled,
the enemy being discovered at work on it, but were speedily driven
away by our skillful gunners. Lieutenant Holt, of Company E,
lying in a tent sick in the commissary camp, was shot in the leg, and
badly wounded by a ball shot fr. om a Belgian rifle, nearly a mile distant. A courier arrived-with dispatches and caps. He had floated
down the Yazoo, through the fleet, on a plank, and was taken out
of the water completely exhausted. His name, unfortunately unknown, assuredly deserves a place in the history of these daily events
for his daring and determination in reaching the beleaguered. city.
The day passed without any unusual occurrence, and no light, as yet,
glimmered through the dark cloud which hung like a funeral pall
over the heroic defenders of the Hill City.
Killed:- L. Stewart, Company,.; Corporal Martin, Company. H;
wounded: Lieutenant U. Babin, Company A; Lieutenant R. C. Holt,
Company E;  Sergeant George Miller, Company E.. 2d. Clear and warm. The sharpshooting very lively. Artillery
comparatively quiet. No special- change in the aspect of affairs.
Two regiments on the right, Texans, we believe, charged upon the
enemy outside thelines, capturing — a colonel, a lieutenant-colonel, a




A SOUTHERN RECORD.                   257
captain, and eight privates, one hundred and fifty stand of arms,
spades, shovels, etc.; killed and wounded forty, losing only eight
men. This little episode of the siege caused much excitement and
enthusiasm along the whole line. The day closed clear and cool.
Killed: Charles Dupuy, Company A.
23d. Cool, clear, and pleasant. The activity of the enemy increased. They opened fire on the city from a 100-pounder Parrott
gun, planted on the peninsula, upward of three miles distant.
Between this gun and our lower batteries a fierce duel occurred, exhibiting some splendid skill in handling heavy artillery.
A feverish excitement and expectation prevailed of hearing something definite from General Johnston, and, as day after day passed
without any reliable information of succor, the anxiety became intense. The constantly decreasing rations admonished the men that
the siege must terminate disastrously if succor did not soon reach
them.
Wounded: S. Kohn, Company A; Alexander Garza, Company G.
24th. Commenced raining in the night. A dark and lowering
morning. About 12 M. at night a heavy skirmish commenced on
the right. The mortars bellowed forth their hoarse thunder, and
four rifled batteries kept up a continual fire on' the city from the
front. On the lower river batteries a heavy concentrated attack was
made, resulting harmlessly. The enemy across the river were very
busily engaged at their usual sport. The balls from their long-range
rifles penetrated to Washington Street, killing one, and wounding
two men. The evening was beautiful, and the moon shed its soft
effulgence over the embattlements of the beleaguered city. The
wearied mind of the soldier, with all the surroundings of grimvisaged war, could not but yield to the witching influence of the
spell, and dream of home and the loved ones, and speculate on the
probable destiny that awaited him. Of the inward soul-struggle of
these heroic soldiers the world will never know. The hours of dark
despair, succeeded by the presence of bright-winged hope, the
treasured thoughts and pleasant dreams of the future, the bitter
agony of perishing expectations, all the inward struggles of light
and darkness, are as a sealed book to the probing gaze of the world.
But one mission was theirs; to defend to the last extremity the city
wherein centred all their pride. Whether they did so, let History
record, and the world determine.
25th. Warm and hazy. The heavy Parrott gun on the peninsula
kept up a destructive fire on the lower portion of the city, doing
terrible execution on the buildings. Along the lines it was corn



258                A: SOUTHERN RECORD.
paratively quiet early in the day. Poor Amide6Hebert, of Ccmpany
A, was brought to the hospital early in the morning, terribly mangled
by a rifled 24-pounder shell. He was conversing with some friends
in the Twenty-second Louisiana Regiment, when the ball struck-him.
It took off one leg at the hip joint, and stripped the bone of the
other of all flesh to the knee, where it was torn away.. Horribly
mangled as he was, he conversed in.cheerful tones with, his friends.
As he was carried into the hospital, he said to Dr. Whitehead, the
regimental physician, "Wouldn't it surprise you, Doctor, if I should
recover?" Brave fellow, the terrible shock to his nervous system
rendered him oblivious to: all pain. He lived.for more than an hour,
and then fell asleep, from which there is no waking, adding one more
to the list of noble comrades who had sacrificed their lives in defense
of cherished principles. A more.shocking spectacle of war's butchery. was never witnessed than the mangled living body of Amid6
Hebert presented.
Just after noon the enemy sprung the mine beneath the Third
Regiment, which they had been so; long preparing. Six Mississippians, working in the counter-mine, were buried alive in the earth.
This counter-mine counteracted the force of the explosion. The
enemy immediately charged in heavy columns the gap made in the
works, when a fierce hand-to-hand struggle ensued.. The heroic and
brave men of the regiment, sadly depleted in numbers as they were,
nndauntedly faced the foe, using their muskets and rifles with deadly
effect upon the close columns of the Yankees.
While desperately fighting the fearful odds opposed to them, succor arrived. The Sixth Missouri Regiment, of Bowen's Brigade,
led. by Colonel Erwin, suddenly reinforced the regiment. Well the
Louisianians knew their old comrades. Shoulder to shoulder had
they stood together on many hard-fought fields, unmoved, unconquerable. These. heroic spirits from Louisiana and Missouri loved
each other as brothers, for they were united in bonds cemented -by a
fierce baptism of blood. They rushed into the desperate melee unfalteringly, and after a short struggle succeeded in repulsing the
enemy with terrible loss. Colonel Erwin needlessly and rashly exposed. himself by jumping on the top of the intrenchments, and
calling to his men,  " Come on, my brave boys,  don't let the Third
Regiment get ahead of you 1"; They were his last words, for he was
killed almost instantly by' the deadly aim of the enemy's sharpshooters. Colonel Erwin. was a grandson of Henry Clay, and a more
noble, gallant, or braver man never led a regiment. He was universally beloved, especially by the heroic troops whom he. commanded,




THIRD- LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               259
and his death was bitterly mourned. Hand-grenades' were freely
used in this fierce struggle. These missiles weigh about a pound,
are an oval-shaped iron shell, a little larger than a hen egg, and filled
with powder. In one end is a small cylinder, at the bottom of which
is a gun tube, on which is placed a common percussion cap. Into
this cylinder is inserted a small rod, having a' fat piece of circular
iron on the end, about the size of a half dollar. This rod is drawn
out to its full length, and held in its place by a light spring pressing
on it. The reverse end of the shell has a wooden rod inserted in it,
about six inches long, and feathered. This guides the shell. When
thrown, the grenade usually falls on, the bottom attached to the rod,
which is forced on the cap,,exploding the missile. These shells were
thrown in immense quantities, and with considerable effect. Many
were caught or picked up when not exploding, and hurled back
upon the- foe. Numbers struck the men, exploding, and making
fiqghtful wounds. This struggle was a-severe test upon the courage
of the Third Regiment. but they met the Federals with their usual
determined valor, aided by the gallant Missourians, whom they loved
and honored as fit compeers to stand by their side in the deadly
breach. The loss of the regiment in this brief struggle summed up
thirty men, of which the following is an imperfect list:.
Wounded: Major D. Pierson.
Killed:: B. Berry, Co. A; J. Breaux, Co. A; Sergeant J. T. Sharp,
Co. B; J..C. May, Co. B; — Masterton, Co. E; F. Ray, Co. I;
Corporal A. Kelly, J. L. Vaughan, Co. I.
Wounded: P. C. Wills, Co. A; Lieutenant W. P. Renwick, J. M.
Smith, G. Vaughn, Co. B; G. C. Spillman, R. Cole, Co. C; J.
Merritt, R. C. Hammett, Co. D; J.:Myers, Co. E; George Effner, W.
Hudson, Co. F; E. Escobeda, Lieutenant Paul Bossier, Co. G; Oorporal J. C. Rice, Corporal G. P. Mouran, H. C. Rough, J. Haines, G.
T. McFarland, M. P. Cartwright, M. Sandridge, Co. I.
A large number of the wounded were injured by the hand-grenades. While this encounter was raging, the: enemy's batteries in
front and rear kept up a fierce cannonading. The day was very
warm, and the sun sank below the horizon looking like a great ball
of fire through the bluish haze-as if- ashamed to shine blight andclear upon such a scene of butchery and bloodshed.
-26th. Clear and warm. The firing:was kept up very lively, as usual.
During the night the members of the regiment repaired the damage
to Fort Beauregard, and were ready for the foe once more, with
spirits as determined and undaunted as ever. The enemy succeeded
in enfilading the ditches, and compelled the men to leave a portion




260                  A SOUTHERN RECORD.
of the works, while they fired into them. The Fifth and Sixth
Missouri Infantry were close at hand, held as a reserve in case of
another attack. The Louisianians needed no better assistants. In
front, the Parrot guns were used with some effect, killing and wounding several gentlemen and ladies in the city.
Wounded: Captain W. E. Russell and W. Badt, Company D.
27th. Cloudy and very warm, and the place full of rumors. At
this period, the fortieth day of the siege, Vicksburg presented a fearful spectacle, having the appearance of being visited with a terrible
scourge. Signs wrenched from their fastenings; houses dilapidated
and in ruins, rent and torn by shot and shell; the streets barricaded
with earth-works, and defended by,artillery, over which lonely sentinels kept guard. The avenues were almost deserted, save by
hunger-pinched, starving and wounded soldiers, or guards lying on
the banquettes, indifferent to the screaming and exploding shells. The
stores, the few that were open, looked like the ghost of more prosperous times, with their empty shelves and scant stock of goods,
held at ruinous prices. " Ginger beer," "sweet cider," "beer for
sale," glared out in huge letters upon placards or the ends of barrels, seeming the only relief to the general starvation. It would
have puzzled a scientific druggist to have determined what were
the ingredients of this decoction called" beer."  Palatial residences
were crumbling into ruins, the walks torn up by mortar-shells, the
flower-beds, once blooming in all the regal beauty of spring loveliness, trodden down, the shrubbery neglected. No fair hands were
there~to trim their wanton growth; no light footsteps to wander
amid nature's blooming exotics, or lovely forms seen leaning confidingly on some manly arm, while rosy lips breathed soft words of
affection and trust. Ah! no; such scenes were the hallowed memories
of halcyon days gone by. Fences were torn down, and houses pulled
to pieces for fire-wood. Even the enclosures around the remains of the
revered dead, were destroyed, while wagons were parked around the
grave-yard, horses tramping down the graves, and men using the
tombstones as convenient tables for their scanty meals, or a couch for
an uncertain slumber. Dogs howled through the streets at night;
cats screamed forth their hideous cries; an army of rats, seeking
food, would scamper around your very feet, and across the streets,
and over the pavements. Lice and filth covered the bodies of the
soldiers. Delicate women, and little children, with pale, care-worn
and hunger-pinched features, peered at the passer-by with wistful
eyes,. from the caves in the hill-sides. Add to all these horrors, so
faintly portrayed, the deep-toned thunder of mortars and heavy guns,




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                  261
the shrill whistle of rifle-shot, or the duller sound of flying mortar-shells; the crash of buildings torn into fragments; the fearful
detonation of the explosions shaking heaven and earth; the hurtling
masses of iron continually descending, and you may form  some
conception of the condition of the city. Human language is impotent to portray the true situation of affairs. Yet such in reality
were some of the scenes of the siege. At the breastworks were the
tried heroes. Without flinching or faltering, our brave troops confronted the foe, swearing, with unquailing spirit, never to surrender,
and rather to die among the ruins of the devoted city than give up
the place. Such a spirit, defiant from first to last, was worthier a
better fate than that which eventually befell the heroic garrison.
The brave men, growing daily weaker under their increasing labors
and starvation, began to complain at the long delayed succor, so frequently announced as near at hand. They would not stop to reason
on the subject. Their courageous souls could perceive no brilliant sun
of hope breaking through the dark clouds of disaster which canopied
them. They dreamed not of the difficulties which environed the
young Confederacy, and that an all-powerful enemy was contracting
the cordon of its strength around it on all sides, threatening it with
speedy annihilation. Even with such a leader as General Joe Johnston, it required time; long weeks of constant, unwearying labor to
organize an army sufficiently powerful to successfully attack the
enemy, securely posted within strong intrenchments. Already, six
weeks of unceasing battle had passed away -six weeks of such fighting as the world had seldom witnessed; yet the enemy, with all
their material and appliances for conducting the siege to a speedy
and successful termination, had most signally failed in every attempt.
The Spartan band of Southern heroes held their position, utterly
regardless of the furious storm of grape, canister, shell and shot
poured upon them by the overwhelming forces of the Federals.
With the demon of famine gnawing at their heart-strings, they still
daily shouted their defiance to the assailants, and their rifles were as
activelyihandled, as skillfully aimed, as if nearly half their number
were not disabled, and many sleeping peacefully beneath the green
turf, above which rose the scream of shell, all the horrid din and
saturnalia of the fierce conflict. The undaunted soul would ask,
Ought we not to succeed? Are all these horrors, sufferings and
fearful sacrifices to bring forth no fruit, no strength and hope for
coming days? Ah   a mysterious fate had issued its decree, and
mortal vision could not see the result of its decision.
Wounded: F. Hargrove, Company HI.




262                 A~ SOUTHERN RECORD.
28th. Another Sabbath morn.  The golden sunlight mellowed
with its brilliant light the. hill-tops and the dark-green. foliage. of
the trees. Birds caroled their matin songs, as if war was not holding its high carnival within and around the besieged city. The
mind would forget the unceasing din of battle, and soar away into
the realms of fancy. The hill-sides have a soft carpeting of emerald
sward, upon which the soldier casts his-wearied body. He has forgotten his surroundings, is oblivious to tflie screaming -shells and
singing bullets.  A smile flits across-his bronzed features, as memory
exhibits one of the beautiful pictures of.the past. The. light of
lustrous blue eyes is beaming upon him with a-soft tenderness beyond
portrayal.: Look, weary'soldier, into the liquid depths; gaze once
more upon the ex'quisite loveliness-of the: fair face so beautifully
shaded by a profusion of glossy, dark' curls.' See again those coral
lips breaking into a loving smile, rippling in laughing wavelets over
the whole face; -recall again their soft pressure upon your own lips:;
drinkin with deep inspiration all the beauty of' the picture which
imagination now paints from the realities of the past. Dream  on,
oh heroic spirit, for ere the sun sh-all have reached the Western horizon, thou shalt fill a hero's: honored grave; while her you have been
dreaming about shall weep with uncontrollable anguish over thy
fate, or, perchance, in days hereafter, come with flowers and strew
them over thy humble tomb, or plant them  there to flourish as a
token of her remembrance and constancy, their rich fragrance filling
the air with sweetness, above the lowly mound where reposes thy
earthly remains I
The brilliant morn soon settled into a noon of unusual warmth.
One of the lower batteries in front succeeded in silencing a Parrott
gun across the river, and a lively shelling in the woods compelled
the sharp-shooters to beat a hasty retreat.
The Catholics of the city held services in their Cathedral, notwithstanding the danger of such a proceeding. As the congregation was emerging fiom the building, the Argus-eyed enemy- across
the river discovered the unusual number of people in the streets,
and instantly opened on them with a Parrott gun. As the shells
came screaming wickedly through the streets, exploding or entering
the building, men, women - and'children hastily sought shelter to
escape the danger. Several persons were struck by fragments of
shells, but,' fortunately, no one killed.  Such an: unheard-,of, ruthless
and barbarous method of. warfare. as training a' batterly of'ifled
cannon upon an assembly o f unarmed - men- and worshiping women,
is unparalleled in the annals''of- history.'




THIRD LOU-ISIANA- INFANTRY.                263
ea t  this period became- exhausted, and orders were issued to
select: the finest and fattest mules within the lines, and slaughter
them, for the purpose of issuing their flesh as food to the troops;
a half pound: per man was the ration of this new species of flesh.
Several Spaniards belonging to the Texas regiments were also busily
occupied in:jerking this meat for future consumption.
This meat was aso supplied to the citizens from the market, and
sold for'fifty cents a pound. The first meal which we remember to
have: eaten of:mule-flesh was - at the house- of Mrs.- Robert'Henderson, whose husband- commanded one of  the heavy batteries on the
river. We assure the ignorant reader'that the food was consumed
with a keen relish worthy the appetite of a gourmand, or an epicure
over the most dainty repast.'  Mule-flesh,'if:'the -'animal is in good
condition, is coarse-grained and darker than beef, but really delicious, sweet' and, juicy; at least such has' experience in testing its
quality:proven it to be. Besides this meat, traps were set for'rats,:which were:consumed itn such numbers that, ere the termination of
the' siege, they actually became a scarcity.:Hunger will demoralize
the most-:fastidious tastes,:and quantity, not quality of food, becomes
the great desideratum.;                          -
Mortally: wounded: L. J. Benton, Co. K.- Severely wounded':
Sergeant J. A. Derboune, Co. G.29th.:Very warm`;  floating clouds overhead.  The author made a
hearty breakfast on friecl rats, Whose flesh he found very good, and
fully equal to that of squirrels.' The thought of'such food may be
actually nauseating to maniy'of the readers- of this record, yet, let
starvation with its' skeleton form visit them, and all qualms would
speedily vanish, and' any food,' to satisfy hunger, be voraciously
devoured, and considered as sweet manna. It is a difficult matter
for persons surrounded with abundance to realize the feeling produced by extreme'hunger; no pen-picture, no grouping of words in
all their forcibleness and power, can convey to those who have not
experienced the sensation produced by this'gaunt visitor. It  must
be felt to be realized; and if once felt, the idea of eating dogs, cats,
rats, or even human flesh, would contain nothinfg repulsive or'repugnant to the feelings.'..:;:
The firing on' the lines'was':nt so brisk: as usual. The -enemy
were once more undermining the works held by the Third Louisiana
Infantry, mand the' men- went spiritedly -at work digging a countermine.- The laborers were so near each other that the strokes of'the
pilckaxes &could be'dist'mctly heard, as well as'the sound: of the voices.
Thus'the deadly struggle' went on, thiebrave boys n'ever once'h eai-n




264                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
ing of despairing or giving up, although fighting over a volcano
which at any moment might burst forth and ingulf them in a generalruin. The men of the regiment knew not what fear meant, and
would not relinquish their position or falter in their defence of this
place intrusted to them, though the whole earth beneath was a huge
powder-magazine, requiring only a spark of fire to hurl them into
eternity. Theirs was a spirit of unfaltering bratery, which no terrors could for an instant make quail. Dauntless, their spirits soared
towering above the accidents, the uncertainties of their existence.
What more could be required of mere men, subject to all the chances
and changes of mortality, calmly slumbering on the verge of a fearful
precipice of destruction?
A large number of skiffs were constructed and conveyed to the
lower portion of the town. Speculation became rife as to the meaning of this new movement. What could it possibly mean? The
conviction seemed finally to settle on every mind that a desperate
attempt would soon be made to cross the river with the army, and
escape into the Trans-3Iississippi Department. Whatever may have
been the intention in building these boats, it was never divulged,
and the accomplishment of such a design never carried into effect, or
even attempted. It would have been an insane enterprise in the
presence of the enemy's gun-boats and troops.
The Federal sharp-shooters very impudently wished to know how
we liked mule-meat, proving conclusively that they were constantly
informed of every event which occurred within the lines. Their
question, however, was responded to in not very flattering or complimentary language. Thus affairs daily grew darker, and the men
actually raved at the idea of surrendering, after their long, gallant,
and heroic defence. Their spirits were unconquered-unconquerable. The nights were brilliantly beautiful, with their flood of moonlight silvering the embattlements and hill-sides-such nights as the
poets make immortal, and kindred spirits meet to whisper fond
words of love. Yet here how different! The silvery radiance only
rendered more fatal the rifle's deadly aim, or darkened the flitting
light of the huge bombs, as they described their graceful curves
through the air on the mission of death and destruction.
Mortally wounded: D. Echols, Company K. Slightly wounded:
HI. Finlay, Company K.
30th. The last day of June. The sun shone brightly, while groups
of summer-clouds floated gently across the heavens. The sharpshooting was slow but constant-unceasing all day. The gun-boats
approached the terminus of the lines below, and poured a concen



THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                265
trated fire of shells into the intrenchments, doing little damage or
injury. Across the river, the peninsula looked lonely and deserted.
The general apathy in fighting appeared ominous, and a dull, leaden
weight unaccountably oppressed the mind, and gave a gloomy hue
to every object. The hospitals were sad scenes of agony, suffering,
and death, with their numerous occupants. Ah! how the heart
grew mournful with heavy feelings; how the soul filled with tears
as the spectator wandered slowly through the rows of rough cots,
and gazed upon the suffering, dying occupants I Misery, such as one
cares seldom to witness, was seen on all sides-these heroic men,
slowly wasting away under disease, the agony of torturing wounds,
augmented:by the need of proper nourishment and medicines. In
a tent, on the outskirts of the hospital grounds, lay a dying soldier.
His brother had passed away to the unseen shores of eternity but a
few days previously. An unconsolable grief filled the heart of the
survivor, and the fatal shell which struck him knelled his own deathdoom. Sympathizing friends gathered around him, and with soft
words soothed his dying hours, as he incessantly talked of the brother
gone before him.  Ah  those touching scenes in the hospitalsl
What pen shall fitly portray them? Wlio shall give life by words
to the groups of sorrowing faces, gathered near some dying soldier,
as they conversed about the agony of the gray-haired father and
mother far away, or the wild grief of some doting sister? Then
the humble burial! A rough pine coffin, made of boards, torn from
some old building or fence, wherein the remains are placed. Some
comrade gently severs a lock of hair from the tangled mass, saying,
as he places it in the bosom of his soiled, gray jacket, " I will carry
this home to the loved ones there; it will be a treasured relic for
the grieving relatives." After long months that relic reaches its
destination-a memento of a comrade's faithfulness to his feelings
when he stood over the silent form of his fellow-soldier.
The humble grave is dug; the coffin reverently placed therein by
comrades, with uncovered heads; then filled up, the hurtling shot,
screaming shells, and booming guns being the only service for the
dead. A plain board, roughly lettered, is placed at the end of the
freshly-made mound, to mark the spot where, "after life's fitful
fever," sleeps one of the heroes of Vicksburg. Ah! how many such
scenes have we witnessed! How vividly do they return in all their
mournfulness and distinctness, with the accompanying dirge of war's
feafuil requiem!
July 1st. The month made famous in the annals of American history. In the present century, rendered still more noted by some of
12




266                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
the most glorious, as well as most mournful, events connected witl
the late desperate struggle. Could the framers of the Constitution
of the Western Republic have gazed upon the scenes transpiling in
the land, their hearts would have despaired of the final success of
their patriotic endeavors. But the end is not yet. This dawning
of a new month still found the billows of angry strife thundering
in foaming crests around the heroic city. A clear sky was overhead,
and the sun poured down a golden flood of intense, suffocating heat
upon the combatants. Again the gun-boats below opened a lively
cannonading upon the intrenchments. Elsewhere around the lines
everything was comparatively quiet. At 2 P. M. the enemy exploded
the mine beneath the works occupied by the Third Louisiana Infantry. A huge mass of earth suddenly, and with tremendous force
and a terrible explosion, flew upwards, and descended with mighty
power upon the gallant defenders, burying numbers beneath its falling
fragments, bruising and mangling them most horribly. It seemed as if
all hell had suddenly yawned upon the devoted band, and vomited
forth its sulphurous fire and smoke upon them. The regiment, at
this time, was supported by the First, Fifth, and Sixth Missouri
Infantry, and upwards of a hundred were killed and wounded.'Numbers were shocked and bruised, but not sufficiently to more than
paralyze them for a few moments. The scene that followed beggared
description. At first there was a general rush to escape the huge
mass of descending earth. Then the survivors, without halting to
inquire who had fallen, hastened to the immense gap in the works to
repel the anticipated assault. The enemy, taught by a dearlybought experience, made no attempt to enter the opening, not
daring to assault the intrepid defenders. An immense number of
12-pounder shells, thrown from wooden mortars, descended among
the troops, doing fearful execution. The fire was tremendous, rapid.
and concentrated, yet there was no flinching among those brave
Southerners. The undaunted Missourians stood shoulder to shoulder
with the intrepid Louisianians.  These heroes of Oak Hills, Elk
Horn, and Corinth could not flinch under the most scathing fire.
They had already been tried in the refining crucible of danger, and
found composed of the purest metal of bravery. Steel hearts and
avenging arms knew no fear.
The wounded and dying were speedily conveyed to the hospitals
for attendance. The spectacle was horrible in the extreme. Stretched
out on the green-sward, with no shelter save the overshadowing trees,
with the bright sunlight peering in tremulous rays through the intervening foliage, lay these men, suffering from every conceivable




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.:267
wound known in war. Some writhing in the agonies of death,
others bruised, torn, mangled, and lacerated by shell and shot, while
others were blackened and burned from the effects of the explosion.
Gazing upon this scene of human agony and suffering, the emerald
trees, green-sward, smiling skies, and golden sunlight seemed a fearful mockery. Surgeons, with sleeves rolled up to their elbows, hands,
arms, and shirts red with human gore, hastened hither and thither,
or were using their keen-edged instruments in amputating some
shattered limb, extracting balls and fragments of shells from the
lacerated bodies, or probing some ghastly wound of the sufferers.
Men, fearfully mangled in body and limbs, groaning with agony,
some clutching the green-sward in their death-struggles, others with
crushed, bruised bodies lingering in speechless torment! Such were
the scenes of war on this hot July afternoon. It seemed as if some
avenging Nemesis must descend and curse the land where such
scenes were enacted, saving an heroic people from the relentless pursuit of the avenging hand of fate. Yet the end was not yet. What
a record for the opening of a new month! The sun sank in the
west in a cloudless sky, and quiet reigned over the besieged city.
The moon rose majestically in the eastern horizon, tinging the turbid
waters of the Mississippi with its bright, silvery sheen, while the
taunts of the foe echoed across its eddying surface, as Night once
again spread her dark mantle over the earth.
Killed: -Robert Hammett, Co. D; B. F. Hickman, Co. K; John
Reese, Joe Bird, Co. -H; L. Flores, Co. G.
Wounded: Captain J. Kinney, M. O'Brien, Co. A; H. Kelly, J. H.
Johirson, J. Totle, F. M. Worley, M. Higginbotham, A. Williams, Co.
B; J. M. McBride, W. J. Carson, W. Evans, J. Tedley, N. Moody,
Co. C; H. Duke, J. McDaniel, J. Fonteneau, Co. D; --    ovin,
Co. G; Captain Joe Johnson, P. Smith, D. Bliss, Co. I.
2d. The morning dawned clear amid the roar of guns, the explosion of shells, and the angry scream of solid shot. The- enemy
opened very briskly from mortars, columbiads, and Parrott guns, and
kept up a hot fire on the city and lines. Provisions were very scarce,
and murmurs of discontent began to be heard, but only among a
few, whose -patriotism and devotion gave way under the accumulating horrors and the gnawings of hunger.  The majority of -the
troops were as eager, undaunted, and unconquered as when the enemy
first appeared, expressing a willingness and determination to hold
the place as long as- a mouthful of anything eatable remained to -sustain life. It was the hour that tried the souls of men. The dark
cloud of disaster hovered over the devoted garrison, and fianned




268               -A SOUTHERN- RECORD.
their courageous souls with the shadow of its sable, restless pinions.
Would it envelop them in its gloomy folds, and surrender become
a reality, became a painful question. A few fleeting days must determine for succor and freedom, or defeat and capture. Provisions
were becoming a rarity, and mule-flesh Was freely issued, and ravenously devoured. The approaching national anniversary was looked
forward to as a day of fearful strife. The boys laughingly inquired,
"We wonder who will be best satisfied with the grand celebration?"
The guns on the peninsula poured a rapid fire on the city; the
100-pounder Parrotts doing terrible execution on the buildings,
about sunset. Our batteries were very quiet.  The question was
Frequently propounded, in view of an expected surrender, " Why not
expend our large supply of ammunition -in firing upon the enemy,
rather than permit it to pass into their hands, to swell the list of
their captures?" Echo questioned "Why?"
The sun dipped beneath the western horizon amid the thunder
of guns. Storm-clouds hung low in the heavens, athwart whose
darkness the forked lightning played in fitful -gleams.  A fierce
southeast wind swept shrieking by; not a star or gleam of blue sky
was visible through- the leaden canopy of clouds. The scene was
gloomy in the extreme. It seemed as if the spirits of those who
had fallen along the lines were visiting the doomed garrison, warning them, amid gloom and darkness, of their coming doom. We
laid down to sleep, while the mortars still fired rapidly upon the
city, and soon forgot all care in the land of dreams, regardless of
the exploding bombs, red glare, and the hum of their descending
fragments. Thus passed another day.
Killed: Lieutenant J. Horn, Co. F; F. J. Brosi, Co. F, wounded.
3d. The morning was clear. The cannonading was terrific, and
a storm of iron hail was poured upon the city, and the hospitals
seemed a special mark for the enemy's shot and shell. In the afternoon a heavy storm-cloud gathered in the north and northeast,
hanging like a funeral pall over the city. AR flag of truce went out
to the enemy's lines, and rumors began to prevail that the place was
about to be surrendered. The brave garrison indignantly denied
such a contingency, yet scarcely knew what to believe.. Affairs
looked very gloomy. The night was clear and quiet, and the spirit
of disaster once more fanned the air with its sable pinions ere a final
descent upon the city. Out on the realms of mind soared swiftwinged thought, reviewing the events of the past forty-eight daysdays of such suffering, horror, and carnage as the soul shuddered to




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.              269
contemplate. Then the soul would be filled with sad memories of
the spirits gone, the mouldering bodies, sleeping in peaceful quiet
beneath the newly-made mounds of earth. Yet amid all the zephyrous-winged thoughts the glittering stars looked smilingly down
upon the quiet city and its slumbering hosts.




CHAPTER XXX.
THE SURRENDER.
JuLY 4th, a day memorable in the annals of American history,
was destined once again to be made memorable as a day both of rejoicing and humiliation to those who had besieged and defended
Vicksburg. Early in the day it became known that negotiations
were pending for the surrender of the Southern stronghold. A perfect storm of indignation burst forth among the troops. What,.
surrender, and that, too, on the 4th of July, above all other days?
Impossible! Alas, it became too true! The following order was
early promulgated:
HEADQUARTERS, FORNEY'S DIVISION,
July 4th, 1863. 
I am directed by the Lieutenant-General commanding to inform
you, that the terms for the capitulation of Vicksburg and garrison
have been completed, and are as follows:
The officers and men will be paroled at once, retaining their private baggage; commissioned officers their side-arms, and mounted
officers one horse each.
At 10 o'clock, A. M., to-day, each brigade will be marched out in
front of its respective position, stacking arms; it will then return,
and bivouac in rear of the trenches until the necessary rolls can be
completed.
You will please state to your troops that these terms are concurred
in by the general officers, and you will caution your men not to avoid
being paroled, as it is to their advantage to have their papers properly made out.
So soon as the order is received you will cause white flags to be
displayed along your lines.
I am, General, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Official:          J. H. FORNEY, Major- General Commanding.
W. D. HARDIMAN, A. A. G.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                 271
The receipt of this order was the signal for a fearful outburst of
anger and indignation, seldom witnessed. The members of the Third
Louisiana Infantry expressed their feelings in curses loud and deep.
Many broke their trusty rifles against the trees, scattered the ammunition over the ground where they had so long stood battling bravely
and unflinchingly against overwhelming odds. In many instances,
the battle-worn flags were torn into shreds, and distributed among
the men as a precious and sacred memento, that they were no party
to the surrender.
When the appointed hour, 10 A. M., arrived, the surrender was
effected in conformity with the published order. The troops were
marched outside the trenches, along whose line fluttered white pen.
nants, arms were stacked, and, in sullen silence, they returned within
the lines, and sought convenient camps in the -rear of the intrenchments, where they might give free expression to their pent-up feelings. Soon along the entire line Federal soldiers paced where so:
recently arose the sulphurous smoke and deafening din of fierce
battle.
The siege of Vicksburg was at last ended. Thus, forty-eight long
days and nights, twenty thousand Southerners, decreased finally to
a mere handful, had successfully resisted the combined assault of
120,000 Federals.* Such a siege was unparalleled in the annals of
American history for duration, and not surpassed in any land for
violent assault, and the number of missiles hurled at the assailed.
The Federals who marched into the place had more the appearance
of being vanquished than the unarmed Confederates, who gazed
upon them with folded arms, and in stern silence, a fierce defiance
on their bronzed features, and the old battle fire gleaming in their
glittering eyes. This was when the Federals first appeared. During
all the events of the surrender, not one had been seen, and afterward
no word of exultation was uttered to irritate the feelings of the
prisoners. On the contrary, every sentinel who came upon post
brought haversacks filled with provisions, which he would give to
some famished Southerner, with the remark, "Here, reb, I know you
are starved nearly to death." They knew that nothing but this
gaunt skeleton had compelled their opponents to capitulate, and
even then the honors of war claimed had been granted them. Moreover, the terms of capitulation were as favorable as could have been
expected. The officers expressed great astonishment at the place
being held so long behind such feeble, illy-constructed works as
* A fact stated by General Herron, U. S. A., to Lieutenant Fowler, of General Forney's staff.




272                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
those around Vicksburg-works that were a sad commentary on the
skill of any engineer calling himself such.
At noon on the day of surrender the fleet approached the city,
decked with innumerable flags, and the thunder of artillery proclaimed the exultation of the conquerors. It was a sad spectacle for
the ragged, emaciated, yet heroic Confederates, who had sd stubbornly endeavored to retain possession of this stronghold.
SCENES AFTER THE SURRENDER.
During the siege of Vicksburg, there was a class of non-combatants who distinguished themselves in a marked manner. These were
the speculators, embracing nearly every merchant within the limits
of the city, without distinction of nationality. These bloodsuckers had the audacity to hold their goods at such prices that it was an
an utter impossibility to obtain  anything from them. Four hundred
dollars was the price of a barrel of flour; coffee was ten dollars per
pound, and everything else in like proportion Some of these,
worse than villains, refused to sell to the soldiers at any price,: and,
consequently, were not objects of special love by the brave men.
When the Federal soldiers entered the city they mingled freely.
with the Confederates, and expressed their sympathy with their deplorable situation by every possible means in their power. They
were now no longer deadly combatants, but mortals of similar feelings. A retributive justice speedily descended upon the speculators,
as the Federals broke open their stores, completely plundering them.
The Southerners looked on this work of destruction with feelings
akin to satisfaction, and felt as.if a portion of their wrongs were
avenged.  Wines, for which the sick had pined in vain, were
brought to light; luxuries of various kinds were found in profusion.
The Federals brought them into the streets, and throwing them
down, would shout, "Here, rebs, help yourselves, you are naked and
starving and need them." What a strange spectacle of war between
those who were so recently deadly foes! Such generosity was no
rarity, and softened down much of the deadly animosity and bitter
feeling experienced by the vanquished for their foes. Many found
fiends and relatives, and the Third Regiment had more than its
share amlong the Federal troops. They met with cordial greetings;
yet each adhered most tenaciously to their political sentiments and
discussions; furious and warm were the special order of the day.
Aside from the speculators was a class of citizens in Vicksburg,
who did their duty nobly. Let it be known, everywhere written in




THIRD LOUISIANA: INFANTRY..273
ineffaceable characters upon the pages of history; traced with golden
letters upon the scroll of Time; stamped with an indelible impression
upon every manly Southern heart, that the LADIES Of VICSBnURG
were as true as steel, charitable to a fault upon every occasion, when
thleir services were needed. Flittering like ministering angels about,the hospitals, giving aid and comfort to the sick and.wounded; hovering with tearful eyes over the dying soldier; threading their way
along the torn-up streets amid the scream of shot and shell, and the
storm of descending iron on missions of love and mercy, they exhibited a heroism and devotion beyond portrayal by human language.
The rememberance of her deeds there come back to us now with
a force which mere words can give no expression to. Devoted women of Vicksburg I to-day, when the storm of war has passed away
and bright-winged peace once again smilingly sits on the thresholds of our homes, the heroes of thy city still remember thee with
an imperishable love, eternal, undying as the soul itself.
Could human language furnish expressions sufficiently strong and
beautiful, then would thought soar amidst its intricacies, and pluck
-therefrom its choicest words and transcribe them on these pages,
that they might shine with radiant splendor here, a feeble tribute to
thy kindness, love, and patriotism.
THE HOSPITALS.
To the diary of Captain Charles A. Brusl6, an officer on General
iHebert's staff, we are indebted for the substance of the following records:
"There were two classes of hospitals in Vicksburg: those for the
sick, and those for the wounded. A week after the siege, Washington Hospital contained three hundred sick; the average deaths daily
being from five to eight. During the siege the number of patients
reached.. nearly eight hundred, and the deaths were proportionately
greater, footing up eighteen or twenty daily. In this hospital very
few wounded were admitted, so that, although much suffering.was
depicted upon the countenances of the poor inmates, yet were the
scenes not so heart-rending as those exhibited by a visit to the hospitals containing the wounded. In the latter could be seen men
with both legs off; some with an eye out, others without arms, and
again, some who could once boast of manly beauty and personal
attractions, rendered hideous by the- loss of the nose or a portion of
the face, so as to be unrecognizable by their nearest and dearest kindred. If one wishes to view the havoc of war next to the.battle-field,




i274               A SOUTHERN RECORD.
this is the place to witness it. So fearful, so horrible are -the scenes,
that, long after you have left the place, perhaps haunting you to the
verge of life, the screams of the wounded, the groans of the dying,
or some form cold and stiff in death's icy embrace will ring in your
ears and be present to your mental vision. One more picture and the
tableau is complete  the burial of the dead. During the siege,
trenches fifty feet long and three feet wide were dug, to receive
the bodies of the brave men and officers. They usually contained
about eight bodies. It was seldom a coffin could be procured, and
the brave defender of his country had to be wrapped in his blanket
and lowered into the cold earth which was hastily heaped above his
mortal remains."
TIHE  CONTRABANDS."
Of course, large numbers of the officers had their negro servants
with them, and the disposition to be made of them became a matter
of great anxiety.
The following order from Major-General James B. McPherson, to
Lieutenant-General John C. Pemberton, relative to negroes belonging
to officers, was first received:
HEADqUARTERS, PAROLED PRISONERS, |
VICKSBURG, July 6, 1863.
Cfircular: —The following is published for the information of all
concerned:
HEADQUARTERS 17THr ARMY CoRPS, 
VICESBURG, July 6, 1863.
Lt.- General Pemberton, Commanding C. S. A. Forces, Vicksburg,
GENERAL:-In relation to the question of servants, I am authorized to say that each commissioned officer, can send in the boy
whom he wishes to take with him with a pass, stating the fact to
my Provost Marshal, Lieutenant-Colonel Wilson, who will question
him as to his willingness to go, at the same time stating to the boy
that he is free to do as he likes. If the boy or servant says he
wishes to go, a pass will then be issued to him.
General officers will not be permitted to take with them mounted
men for couriers. Major-General Grant furthermore directs me to
say that he cannot permit you to send a courier with dispatches to
your Government to-day, but will do so as soon as the public interest
will permit.
Two teams will be allowed for your headquarters; one team for




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                2765
Division Hteadquarters; one four mule-team for Brigade Headquarters; one four-mule team for each regiment; one team for Major
Orme, Chief Quartermaster. Very respectfully your obedient servant,                   JAMES B. McPHERsoN, Major General.
By order Lieutenant- General PEMBERTON.
R. W. MEMMINGER, A. A. G.
Official: S. CROM, A. A. G., to Brigadier-General HEBinRT, Comnmanding Brigade.
In conformity with the above order, large numbers of negroes immediately sought Lieutenant-Colonel Wilson's quarters, and seemed
so eager to leave Vicksburg with their former masters and employers,
that Major-General McPherson thought best to send the following
letter to General Pemberton:
GENERAL: —I am constrained, in consequence of the abuse of the
privilege which was granted to officers to take out one private servant each (colored), to withdraw it altogether, except in cases of
families, and sick and disabled officers.
The abuses which I speak of are, first, officers coming with their
servants here, and intimidating them instead of sending them by
themselves to be questioned; second, citizens have been seen and
heard in the streets urging negroes, who are evidently not servants,
to go with the officers; third, negroes have also been brought here
who have been at work on the fortifications.
Very respectfully your obedient servant,
J. B. McPHERsoN, Major-General.
These letters need no comment at the present time. They are
inserted here as connected with events transpiring at Vicksburg, and
as forming an important portion of the history of the late unnatural
war.
Numbers of the negroes attached to the Third Louisiana Infantry
stayed with it, and attempted to leave with their former employers,
but were detained. The parting between them at the lines often exhibited very affecting scenes.
COM1ENTS ON THE FALL OF VICKSBURG.
*When the city fell, and was surrendered on the 4th of July, the
men broke forth in bitter denunciation of Lieutenant-General Pemberton, boldly proclaiming that they had been sold to the enemy.
Surrender on the 4th of July! Why should that day, of all others,




276                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
be chosen for their humiliation? They preferred dying-a thousand times more preferable —than making the National Anniversary
a thrice: memorable natal day, and give to the United States a new
impulse for prosecuting the war. Would it not be received as a
good omen, and infuse a new spirit into the efforts of the foe for
their subjugation? Such were some of the fierce denunciations
used, whether justly or not the world has never discovered. Yet it
seems scarcely probable or possible that General Pemberton could
have been actuated by such perfidious motives.
That General Pemberton was not altogether blameless, is a fact
known to the public generally; yet that he should be made to bear
the whole of that disaster is wrong. We resume, in connection with
this subject, extracts from the diary already mentioned. LieutenantGeneral Pemberton was guilty of gross neglect of duty in two ways:
1. In not fortifying Vicksburg so as to resist an attack from the
rear with the least possible loss of life.
2. In not procuring supplies for the garrison sufficient to make a
protracted defence in case of a siege.
This is the great and chief cause of complaint. Notwithstanding public or private opinion regarding this subject, starvation was
the actual cause of the sturender, as the records of these pages
plainly demonstrate. Communications were received from the Yazoo
Valley giving information that immense supplies could be obtained
form this source. Yetno efforts were made to-obtain these supplies or
transport them to Vicksburg, although it was known that General
Grant was making strenuous exertions to cross the riverand attack
Vicksburg from the rear, and might succeed at any moment. Again,
the large quantity of supplies which accumulated at Snyder's Mills
were allowed to remain there, and were eventually destroyed for the
want of transportation, which should have been furnished at all
hazards, regardless of the loss of camp equipage and clothing.
These are indisputable facts, and are placed on record as necessary to the completeness of the history concerning the siege and
fall of Vicksburg, and not with a view of casting undue reflections
upon the course pursued by Lieutenant-General Pemberton, who
afterwards nobly served the Confederacy as a colonel of artillery.
AFTER THE SURRENDER.
July 5th. Rations for five days were issued to the Confederates
from the Commissariat of the Federals. These rations consisted of
bacon, hominy, peas, coffee, sugar, soap, salt, candles and bread.
HIow the famished troops enjoyed such bounteous supplies it is




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                277
needless to state. For once the brave boys were the objects of their
enemy's charity. They-grew jovial and hilarious over the change in
their condition. The Yankees came freely among them, and were
unusually kind. They asked innumerable questions, and were horrified at the fact of the men eating mules and rats, and openly expressed their admiration for the unfaltering bravery of the Confederates.. The men of the Third discussed the events of the siege, and
the probability of soon being paroled. Visions of home and the
loved ones there rose in rainbow tints before their imaginations,
and many plans were formed for the period of their freedom from
military service until their exchange. Rained very hard during the
afternoon.
7th. Clear, and very warm.  Vicksburg presented a strange yet
animated scene. Immense numbers of steamers crowded the landings.  The streets were thronged with crowds of citizens and
soldiers, the Yankees eager to inspect the effects of the siege-the
C(onfederates equally as curious to view the gun-boats, steamerswhatever was new and strange to  them. On this day the work of
paroling was commenced.
The men were paroled separately, and subscribed to the following oath:
VrcKSBURn, MISS., Jitly 7, 1863.
To all wlNom it may concern ~
Know ye, that I,, a private, Company -,- Regiment - Volunteers, C. S. A., being a prisoner of war in the hands of the United
States forces, in virtue of the capitulation of the City of Vicksburg
and its garrison by Lieutenant-General John C. Pemberton, C. S. A.,
commanding on the 4th day of July, 1863, do, in pursuance of the
terms of said capitulation, give this my solemn parole, under oath:
That I will not take up arms again against the United States,
nor serve in any military police or constabulary force in any fort,
garrison or field-work held by the Confederate States of America,
against the United States of America, nor a guard of prisons, depots
or stores, nor discharge any duties usually performed by officers or
soldiers, against the United States of America, until duly exchanged
by the proper authorities.
Sworn to and subscribed before me, at Vicksburg, Miss., this 7th
day of July, 1863.              JomB O. DUER,
Captain 40th Illinois Regiment, and Paroling Oeicer.
A new spectacle to the brave boys of the Third Louisiana was to



2'78               A SOUTHERN RECORD.
day witnessed in Vicksburg, which was the fiee intermingling between the Yankees and negroes on terms of equality. The author
saw a United States officer walking through the streets with a negro
woman leaning on his arm. He carried an umbrella, doubtless to
shelter his lady firom the sun, and prevent the bright light from
tazning her ebony compleTion. How such a scene affected a Southerner
then can better be imagined than described. Now, it would scarce
elicit a passing glance.
Thus affairs progressed from day to day, with little change. The
Confederates crossed the river in numbers, being permitted to do so
by the Federals, who well knew that it was a most effectual method
of demoralizing and destroying the efficiency of the army.
On the 11th the army was formed in proximity to the road leading
to Jackson, preparatory to having their baggage examined, and bidding a final adieu to the scene of their heroic valor. The Third
Regiment were alone honored with a row of sentries completely
encircling them. None were allowed to enter or pass beyond this
line, unless by special permission. Whether the Yankees still feared
some outbreak from the brave Louisianians,who had fought them with
such desperation and courage, or whether it was a precaution adopted
by the officers to keep the men together, was not discovered. At
this time it was well known that the attempt was about to be made
to march the entire army to some point in the Confederacy, and keep
them in camp until finally exchanged. They were determined to see
their homes and relatives. Expostulations, threats and commands
were words wasted, and a child might as well have endeavored to
move a mountain with its puny arm, as for any officer to change
their fixed purpose.
At 11A o'clock A. M., July 11th, the army bade a final adieu to
Vicksburg. They marched out of their stronghold with a proud
step, and a stern defiance on their faces. The roadsides and embankments were crowded with Federals, to take a farewell glance at the
troops who had fought them so stubbornly and desperately. Not a
word of exultation or an outburst of any feeling was manifested by
the foe. Honoring the heroic garrison for their bravery, they would
not add to the humiliation of their surrender, by a single taunt.
As the Third Regiment passed out of the works which they had defended with such obstinate bravery, they saw a large detail actively
engaged in filling up the approaches which they had dug to the
intrenchments occupied by the regiment. The old spirit of defiance
broke forth in words, as they witnessed the scene.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               279
"Oh! yes," said one, "shovel dirt, d — n you. It is all you are
good for. You can do that better-than fighting."
"Dry up," retorted a Federal; "you rebels have grown wonderful
sassy on Uncle Sam's grub."
It was a home-thrust, and the boys journeyed by in silence.
The day was a scorching hot one, and the men yet weak and all
unaccustomed to marching. Yet, under these disadvantages, they
tramped steadily forward, making fourteen miles, and encamping
on the east side of Big Black. Their whole line of march was
through the United States forces, who gathered in large numbers
along the road to see the captured army. The Confederates, during
this first day's march, began to exhibit a terrible state of demoralization. There was no regular organization of either companies,
regiments or brigades, and large numbers of the men were constantly
leaving for home. The Third Regiment had only a handful of men
left, comprised mostly of those whose homes were within the enemy's
lines. On the 12th we reached Raymond, marching a distance of
twenty-one miles. At this place the ladies stood on the streets with
refreshments for the wearied, weak troops, whom they welcomed
with every demonstration of joy, and many kind, encouraging words.
The next day, at 12 M., the troops arrived at Pearl River, where
they met the outposts of the Confederate army. An attempt was
made at this stream to prevent the men from crossing, except in
organized bodies. It most signally failed, as they constructed rafts,
above and below the regular crossing, and ferried each other over.
The troops proceeded about twelve miles east of Pearl River, ere
they halted. General Pemberton rode in advance, and endeavored
in vain to halt those who had left the main body. They either paid
no attention to his commands, or left the highway for some less public road. That night a large number of the Third Regiment encamped near a corn-field, some distance from the main road. They
had but a single frying-pan, as cooking utensil for the whole body.
It was used in succession by squads of three and four, and then
passed on. Corn was prepared and devoured on this occasion in its
simplest form, yet with keen relish and in quantities sufficiently
large, to have killed men with the usual digestive organs. A Georgian did actually die from eating too much of this new food, finishing nearly two dozen ears, He was buried near the road-side, and a
large placard pasted on a tree, giving his name and regiment, and
setting forth the fact that he died from " the effects of eating too
much green corn." No one, however, heeded the warning contained
in this singular obituary notice.




280                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
How strange the contrast between their present situation and that
of a few days previously'! Then they were living amid the'uproar
and excitement of a fierce and deadly conflict; now they were unarmed wanderers over the.land. Regular sentinels watched, while
the remainder of the party' slept soundly, most sweetly, with no
screaming shells or thundering explosions to rudely disturb ~their
slumbers.
The night was dark and cloudy, and the sentinel on guard must
be his own time-keeper, for no stars shone in the sky to guide his
judgment. All around was the silent woods, dark and gloomy, disturbed save by the chirrup of insects and the katydid's not unnmusical voice.  How strange seemed the situation I
The next morning, the 14th, at 3 A. M., started once more on the
journey, reaching Brandon.at 12 M., a travel of twenty miles in a
half day. There were fifty of the Third Regiment left as a nucleus.
They were hungry, tired and sore, and, although praised as being the'brave defenders of Vicksburg, could not then appreciate the compliment, as it did not satisfy their wants. The roar of artillery was
heard' all day, indicating -fighting between the forces of General
Johnston and the Federals at Jackson.
Succeeded in drawing some rations on the 15th. At this point
General Pemberton ordered Adjutant Curry to make a detail from
the regiment, to guard some commissary stores on the railroad.
Captain Gentles, of Company K, was- detailed, with several men, who
all most positively refused to do such duty, as being in violation of
the provisions of their paroles. Captain Gentles was ordered under
arrest, and here the matter remained for the time being. This episode
created great excitement, and resulted in some queer discussions as
to the full meaning and extent of the parole. At this period the
men, however, exhibited a disposition to interpret it in its literal and
closest signification.
On the 16th, the party started on the road leading back to Pearl
River, to endeavor to find the regimental wagon. After proceeding
nearly three miles, they were halted and turned back, now marching
on the road to Enterprise. Meeting a few of the regiment, they reported this organization as having melted into a myth, the wagons
in the woods almost deserted. A very few of the regiment reached
Enterprise, and were immediately furnished with the following furloughs, for thirty days:
Special Orders,      HEADQUARTERS THIRD LA. INFANTRY, 
No. -                  Enterprise, Miss., July 21, 1863.
In compliance with Division Circular Order of this date, to me




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                281
directed, I hereby furlough  for (30) thirty days. to take effect
from the 23d July. Members of companies raised on the east bank
of the Mississippi River will rendezvous at Demopolis, Ala., or such
other places as may be hereafter designated by the War Department.
Menmbers of those companies raised on the west bank of the Mississippi will rendevuous at Alexandria, La., to march to Demopolis,
Ala., or to such other point as may be hereafter designated by the
Secretary of War.
Transportation will be furnished to, to and from his home, to
the place of rendezvous.
SAMUEL D. RUSSELL,
Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding Thicrd Louisiana Infantry.
Previous to this period the mass of the regiment had already left
the army, and, crossing the Mississippi River wherever this object
could be successfully accomplished. had made their way homeward
in small squads. The greater portion of the command resided in
parishes:west of the Mississippi River. The receipt of furloughs
by the few who reached Enterprise was the signal for a general
scattering of the men over the different States, wherever they had
friends and relatives. The conduct of the Third Regiment in thus
voluntarily disbanding was not the exception, but the general rule
in.the army. The men who' had fought so long and bravely, and
who had suffered so severely, felt, after their capture and paroling,
as if they were not only exempt from all military duty, but privileged to go where they pleased, and do as they pleased, until exchanged. They sadly needed rest and recreation, and sought their
homes, as being the most favorable places to obtain these most desirable objects. Thus melted away the gallant army of Vicksburg,
and the Confederacy lost the services of some of her bravest, most
heroic, and truest defenders. General Grant could not have employed a more efficient method of. disbanding and disorganizing an
army than the very course he pursued. It was as effective as if a
scourge had swept them from his path. How joyfully the bronzed
and weather-beaten veterans of the Third Regiment were welcomed
home by friends and relatives after years of absence amid peril, we
leave the reader to imagine. Yet in many homes there were aching,
sorrowful hearts, and tearful eyes for the loved one who came not
back, whose voice was hushed forever, whose rmouldering body
quietly rested beneath the hill-side sod of the fallen city, leaving
behind a name for heroic devotion and undaunted bravery, which
would be inscribed on the scroll of time, and live in song and story.




282                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
INCIDENTS. —T-HE COB-WAGON AND THE MORTAR-SHELL.
in the early part of the siege, all the negroes belonging to the
regiment were used as cooks to prepare food for the men in the
trenches, under the superintendence of the Commissary Sergeant and
proper details. They had a perfect horror of shot and shell, and
the proximity of one of these missiles would stampede the whole
band from the vicinity of the fires and utensils, to seek some shelter
beneath the hills. The first cooking camp was in the'rear of Vicksburg, almost in direct range of the shells from Commodore Porter's
mortar fleet. The place eventually became so warm that it was an
utter impossibility to keep the cooks -about the fires. Hence a move
was rendered necessary. A spot was chosen south of Vicksburg, in
a deep valley. There was not a sign of any unwelcome visitors
having reached the sequestered vale. Fires were speedily built, and
the negroes were hilarious over their work, feeling secure in their
new position. A small one-horse wagon was sent to the grist-mill
near at hand to procure a load of cobs to facilitate the process of
baking. It was driven up near the fires. Rude jokes and uproarious
laughter arose on all sides as the ebony-hued cooks indulged in their
coarse witticisms. One of the detail was unhitching the horse, while
a young fellow by the name of Stephens, a member of Company I,
had just taken out the hind gate of the wagon, and was standing
about three feet from the end of the vehicle. The sullen roar of a
mortar had been heard but a moment before. No notice was taken
of the accustomed miniature thunder. Suddenly the ominous scream
of the huge missile was heard as it cleft a swift passage through the
air. Every one intuitively ceased laughing and talking, and intently
listened to the increasing voice of its approach. Nearer, yet nearer i
the mad rush of the iron mass. Shriller, more hideous its fearful
scream. The negroes stood with trembling limbs, and dilated, distended eyes, as if fascinated, spell-bound.  "Look out, boys,"
shouted one accustomed to the sound, "it's coming among us." The
voice roused some few, who started off at full speed. "" What's the
use of running?" said a young fellow standing near Stephens; "you
will probably only rush into danger." It took but a few seconds for
all this to occur, while the shell was still descending. With a scream
like the concentrated shout of a thousand demons, down, down it
came, into the very centre of the camp, just missing the end of the
wagon, and descending with tremendous force into the earth.
Stephens was seen to fly backward through the air, performing a
feat of gymnastics not usually a part of any programme. "Hurt




THIRD' LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               283
any, Stephens?" shouted one of -the boys. Stephens sprang nimbly
to his feet, replying, " Not much; bruised some; but I'll be —, boys,
if that wasn't what I call a narrow escape." A loud burst of
laughter greeted the response. Six inches vamiation in the descent
of the: missile would have caused his instantaneous death. The
shell, fortunately for all, failed to explode, but made a hole in the
ground fully fifteen feet deep, and sufficiently large for a man to
crawl into. It was used for many days afterward as a receptacle for
trash, although the boys jocularly remarked, that they preferred
digging holes themselves, as being far preferable to Porter's very
striking and forcible method. The tremendous power and force of a
mortar-shell must be seen to be appreciated. It is almost incredible
how far one of these missiles will penetrate into the solid earth.
THE RULES OF CIVILIZED WARFARE.
Al History teaches us that during modern times, no matter how
fierce and deadly the struggle between nations appealing to arms for
a settlement of differences and difficulties, the hospitals for the sick
and wounded were considered as sacred spots. Where fluttered the
yellow ensign, insignia of the purpose for which a building was
used, it was regarded as an emblem of safety, and unapproached by
the storm of war. Yet in this nineteenth century, and to the American race, was reserved the spectacle of disregarding every law
which should govern a people engaged in a deadly struggle. The
siege of Vicksburg furnished no more terrible commentary upon the
inhuman warfare waged during the recent strife, than the fact that
the Confederate hospitals were selected as the special targets for the
Federal guns. There the flag furnished no protection to the mangled'
and helpless inmates. The city hospital was a large building, standing in a prominent position, and visible for miles. Yet day after
day the fire of Commodore Porter's mortars was directed upon the
spot. The building itself was crowded with wounded, while the
grounds around it were filled with tents, containing the maimed
soldiers. To the physical agony of their wounds was added the
constant mental dread of the missiles- which fell among and around'
them, or, bursting in the air overhead with thundering detonations,
descended in hoarsely screaming fragments among them. What
mattered it that there were congregated there hundreds of maimed,
suffering men! What mattered it that they were helpless bodies,
animated by heroic spiritsl Was not the avenger abroad, and a
malignant spirit of warfare which gave no heed to their fears or
complainings? Oh! the terrible picture of that hospital, with its




284                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
brave sufferers, and the exploding shells above the -spot.' It -is
painted ineffaceably upon the tablets of memory as then often seen,
and the horrors of the picture mar now,'as then, all the serene
beauty of the Summer sky. Several shells penetrated the building,
injuring many of the occupants, already crippled and wounded.
One huge shell descended through the roof in an oblique direction,
to the ground floor, exploding'almost within the surgeons' room.
The hoarded and scanty supply of medicines were almost totally
destroyed, and the chief surgeon lost a leg. In the centre of the
city the Washington Hotel was used for:hospital purposes. Yet the
enemy's Parrott guns were directed, by, what malignant spirit God
knows, upon the spot, although the hospital flag floated above it,
In the southern portion of the city was -another large building used
for a similar purpose. This place became the particular target for
the columbiads planted on:the peninsula opposite the city. These
are not imaginary statements, but, stern facts, unimpeachable, and
able to be substantiated by reliable, valid authority.'Whether the
wrongs thus perpetrated were intentional, cannot be known, but the
fact of their existence is sufficient, and properly belong to a truthful
record of events, that transpired during that memorable siege.
Comment is considered unnecessary.
WOUNDED, BADLY.
A member of Company F was severely wounded, being  shot
through the body. After recovering somewhat -from the first -shock
of the wound, he broke forth in bitter invectives against the' Yankees, completely exhausting the whole English vocabulary of vituperation in his denunciations.
" What in all creation is the matter. George?" asked a friend.
" Don't you see, I have just put on a clean, new shirt, the last one
I have, and that d —d Yankee has shot it full of holes? My skin
will get well, but the apertures in this- garment never will heal up."
This comical idea of -the wounded veteran caused a general laugh.
The very thought of so much solicitation about a shirt, regardless
of the wounded body, was something ridiculous beyond-what had
yet occurred.
"I WANT TO GO HIOME.'"
One day, toward the close of the siege, a Mississippian, a tall,
awkward specimen of the,. country regions of that State, suddenly
broke forth in loud lamentations, the tears actually streaming - down
his face as he incoherently sobbed, "Boo-boo I.boo-hool! I wish they




THIRD LOUISIANA. INFANTRY.              285
would-boo-hoo I-,-stop fighting, or surrender, or' something else, I
want ter go home and see my ma I boo-hoo!' "Stop your d —d
blubbering, you ninnyvhammer," said one of the Third. Then "I
want ter go home" was shouted down- the line amid uproarious
mirth. It became a bye-word for the remainder of the siege.
L SIMEON, WIGGLE WAGGLE.)'
Just on the slope of the hill-side, behind the intrenchments, one
afternoon, sat one of the men on a stump. A natural wit, he was
amusing his comrades lying around him, by a perfect fusilade of
" small talk " and sharp- witticisms. The right hand lay negligently,across his lap, the other grasped the stump. Phiz I zip! "Boys,
some d —d Yankee' is making a target of me. But let him go
ahead, if he thinks there is no hereafter." The words were scarcely
uttered, ere a Mini6 ball struck him, carrying away the thumb of
the right hand, and entering the fleshy part of the thigh. Groaning
with pain, he was helped away, and sent to the hospital. A friend
soon called to see him: -'Well, Dave, how do you feel? I am sorry
to see you here. Not seriously wounded, are you?"
"No; I guess not. Only a flesh-wound."
He was calm and seemingly unconcerned now. Suddenly he remarked:':.-:..
"' Look here, Will, there is one thing that troubles me terribly. I
don't know what to do," looking troubled.
" Well, what is it? Anything I can do for you?":" You see that thumb?'' holding up the hand: minus such a portion. "No you don't, for it is gone as clean as a whistle. Well, I
have been thinking for some time of a very serious matter."
" What is it?"
"How shall I play Simeon, wiggle waggle? Simeon says up,
Simeon says down. Can't come-it with this hand. Ha I ha! ha!":His love of fun overcame his physical agony, and he indulged the
propensity at the expense of his- own ufferings. He never recovered;
but now fills a soldier's grave' on the hills of Vicksburg; the last
man of the: regiment buried there ere the troops left the place. Rest
in peace, friend Echols, till the last reveille summon you forth from
the tomb.
THE LAST MEAL.
The provisions had all been distributed. The meagre meal of
bread and meat was voraciously consumed at once by some, while
others ate but sparingly, carefully laying away the remainder for some




286                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
other time. A soldier sat -amid his comrades, who were laughing
and chatting over their food in high spirits. Jovial, light-hearted,
fond of a good joke and sport in any form, he was always creating
mirth. Moroseness and ill-humor could not linger where he was.
Consequently, he was a great favorite among his comrades. On this
occasion it was noticed that he did not eat his food. Looking at
the scanty store with a comical expression on his manly face, he remarked:
" I say, boys, isn't this some for a hearty, strong man?  General
John C — is training us like thorough-bred racers, knowing that
too much food is not good for the wholesome. I am nearly reduced
to the proper fighting weight, and think I can toe the mark about'
right. What do you think of it, boys? Let's put up a sign,'Prize
Ring I Training done in the most thorough and scientific manner.'
But I am' devilish hungry. But I believe I'll save my food until
morning."  Hesitating a moment, he resumed, "No; I'll be hanged
if I do. Suppose I get shot, then I'll lose all the pleasure of eating.
my meal. So here goes." The food disappeared, when the soldier
jumped to his feet and seized his rifle, remarking:  "I'll have a little
sport sharp-shooting." In less than five minutes he was a corpse, a
bullet having penetrated his brain. Poor Ed. Benton, we wonder if
some spirit did whisper his doom to him, as he resolved to eat that
last meal! We know not, yet this is an authentic record.
HOW A COMMISSARY WAS "DONE FOR."
One gloomy evening, several forms could have been seen stealing
away from the intrenchments occupied by the Third Regiment, as if
bent on some mysterious mission. Not far distant, a commissary of
one of the other regiments had snugly ensconced himself in a secure
position near some deserted cabins. Some of the Argus-eyed boys
discovered that his quarters contained more provisions than the.
"regulations" allowed. It required only a few moments for the
discoverer of this fact to gather a few choice friends from the groups
of hungry men, to make a raid on the hoarded treasure. Like a
spirit, we follow their footsteps as they approached the victim of
their-wiles. They soon surrounded his quarters, and watched his
movements.  He was preparing his supper.  Savory bacon, and,
actually, "slap IC.;acs " made of flour, with molasses to give them an'
additional flavor. Had he peered into the' darkness, while thus cooking his fine meal, he would have seen eyes, glittering in the darkness
like a fierce tiger's, glaring at him-eyes brilliant with the fires of
starvation and hunger. All unconsciously, he completed his cooking,




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                 287
ate a portion of his food, then carefully placed the remainder safely
away for his morning meal. Alas I for the uncertainty of human
expectations. After arranging everything to his entire satisfaction,
the occupant of the tent laid down on his humble couch, to seek
repose. Without no one was astir, and only an occasional shot
along the lines broke the silence. Hark! was that distant thunder?
No; for bright constellations of stars glittered in the clear sky overhead, with no storm-cloud to mar their clear brilliancy. Again that
sound swells upon the air. What does it mean? Watchers near
recognized in it the deep voice from the land of slumber. The
sleeper was snoring! Dark forms, like spirits of evil, arose from the
earth where they had so long lain motionless, and with noiseless
Ibotsteps glided toward the tent, entering its opening front. Soon
they emerged, laden with the spoils, which were-found quite abundant and of great variety. Assembling in a dark group, one at last
broke the silence, saying, "By George, boys, what a breakfast we
will have! But I am devilish hungry; let's go back and finish the
Captain's supper." A general assent was given, and they returned,
and, seating themhselves coolly, ate the remaining cakes and fried
meat, without rousing the unconscious sleeper from his slumbers.
The last sweetened morsel disappeared within the hungry jaws of
one of the party, who, wiping the molasses from his lips with the
sleeve of his gray jacket, remarked, " There'll be h- 1 to play in
the morning about this affair; but mum's the word, boys. Let's be
going."
Imagine the surprise of some of the Mississippians the next morning, when they beheld the Louisianians bountifully supplied with
delicious biscuits and bacon. Their astonishment found vent in bitter words of complaint, that " them ere Louisianians had plenty to
eat, while they were nearly starved to death."  The boys of the:
Third Regiment had not become veterans in the service to be starved
as long as anything eatable could be obtained, and had learned some
accomplishments, which their less experienced comrades of the Mississippi regiments never-dreamed of.
HOW THEY DID IT.
The teachings of moral philosophy have no potency over the
human mind under certain contingencies. If a man is actually suffering for the need of some particular object, yet is assured in his
own mind that the perpetration of a wrong will supply his necessity, he seldom lingers to moralize over the nice points raised by his




288                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
own conscience. Hunger, gaunt famine, with its pallid, sunken
eyeballs, is, perhaps, the very worst demon with which the human
will can contend. Innumerable facts, with all their horrid and
thrilling details, attest the truth of this assertion. A starving soldier
is the very worst of all moralists, and it is as useless to expect the
habitual robber to desist-from plundering, when gold is placed in his
way, as to anticipate that a hungry soldier will not steal food when
other resources fail him.
At Vicksburg, every one knew that the depot contained a large
supply of breadstuffs, meal, rice, flour, etc., put up in bags. These
supplies were guarded day and: night by faithful sentinels, whom
neither persuasion, threats nor gain could make false to their duty.
The southern end.of the building was securely barred by heavy oak
timbers, nailed over the windows and doorway. In this end of the
building was a room used as a stable, probably for some quartermaster's or commissary's horse.. A single doorway led out of this
room into that portion of the building used as a store-room for the
supplies. This doorway was blockaded with a sugar-hogshead.
Such were the means used, to prevent access to the treasure from the
rear, while in front stood the Argus-eyed sentinels, with loaded guns
and fixed bayonets, ready to give any intruder a warm reception.
One stormy night, five members of the regiment quietly came into
the camp where the food was cooked, and aroused two slumberers
from their repose. A hurried,. low-toned explanation was given in
answer to the inquiries as to what was wanted, and the whole party
moved out of the camp toward the river. Up the adjacent hillside, past the hospital, where the maimed and dying soldiers lay,
through a deep cut in the road, until they reached the railroad, like
flitting shadows passed the hurrying forms.  Boldly proceeding
down the road, they soon reached the depot. Without hesitationwith a skill and rapidity which would have shamed a scientific
burglar, the heavy timbers were removed from one of the windows,
until a sufficiently large aperteu.r, for the purpose was made. Into
this clambered a portion of the party, using a comrade's shoulder as
a stepping-stone. Where was the guard, did you say? Innocent
questioner! What little noise that was made was lost amid the
storm and the roar of guns. Those who entered the room as noiselessly and successfully, removed -the — only obstacle. that intervened
between them  and the coveted: prize.. It required. extreme caution to remove the heavy bags; yet it was accomplished. A. form
appeared at the opening and lifted out: a huge, white bundle. It was
instantly seized and shouldered by one of the party, who staggered




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                289
away with his burden. A second, third and fourth performed the
same task, until only a single man remained. He likewise obtained
his load, but stirred not. The mystery was soon explained. Receiving two more bags, he aided his comrades within- to descend,
when they all hurried from the scene of their exploit. Meeting at
an agreed rendezvous, the party, with great demonstrations of joy,
exulted over their success. A portion of the precious burdens was
deposited in a secure place, while the remainder was conveyed to
the intrenchments-a distance of over two miles. It seemed incredible that weakened, starving men could thus carry a load averaging
from one hundred to one hundred and fifty pounds. Yet so it was.
The very desperation of their hunger gave them an unnatural
strength, just as a physically weak man becomes endowed with
supernatural muscular powers under circumstances of imminent
peril. A successful "foraging" party was always welcomed with
great demonstrations of joy, for supplies thus procured were generously distributed among their comrades. Liberality toward each
other was one of the features that marked the conduct of the Louisianians, and a mean, niggardly man among them was as heartily despised and as rare as a cowardly one.
Such incidents are, perhaps, not very flattering to the morality
of the regiment, but they are none the less matters of fact, and will
serve to explain how the" boys," at times, had an abundance, while
their less venturesome and wondering comrades of the Mississippi
regiments suffered the pangs of extreme hunger.
STEALING VEGETABLES.
One Sunday evening two of the non-commissioned staff of the
regiment were returning to camp from the intrenchments when the
following colloquy occurred:
"Sergeant," says one to the other, " wouldn't you like some vegetables, especially some good cabbage?"
"Major," was the reply " as a Yankee would say, I rayther reckon
as how I would. Vegetables! what a luxury! Where can they be
found, and what do you mean?"
"Aisy, now, as the Irishman would say. I have been reconnoitering lately, and have found a large garden of cabbages; but the
owner of the place is very watchful, and swears that he will shoot
the first soldier he catches in his garden. I have discovered a picket
loose at the bottom. It is on our route, and suppose we make a
raid and " cabbage' a mess of something green."
"Agreed, with all my heart. But, Major, what shall be the mod'us
operandi?"
13




290                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
"Well, you watch at the opening in the fence, and I will go inside. If anything suspicious should happen, whistle and I will
know what it means."
The two plotters were soon arrived at the scene of operations.
It was a large garden, extending eastward down a gentle slope to a
small rivulet, or rather ditch, running north and south. The opening was soon found. Major instantly entered, and proceeded in a
course directly westward, and then his form disappeared in the
murky gloom of the night. Sergeant sat down by the fence, and,
thrusting his head into the opening made by shoving aside the bottom of the picket, became all ears and eyes in his watchfulness.
Out toward the breastworks came the sound of the sharp-shooters'
rifle-shots, with the occasional roar of a piece of artillery. Lights
glimmered in some of the houses. Mortar-shells, with blazing fuses,
described graceful curves through the air in their flight into the besieged city. The atmosphere was calm, the stars looking out from
the clear sky overhead as if angel eyes gazing upon the din, uproar and carnage of battle below. What wonder that the soldier
fell into a reverie, and lived once more amid scenes far away. What
wonder that -. Phiz! Zip! What was it? Only a stray Minieball, that made a close passage to his scalp, cutting the hair from
his head. A rude awakening from his pleasant thoughts; yet still
he changed not his position. He was on guard, and could not desert his post. The minutes seemed ages. 5WVhat could Major be
doing? Assuredly not going to carry off the whole cabbage-bed!
Yet he was gone sufficiently long to accomplish such an undertaking. He'd be hanged if —. The shrill scream of an approaching shell fromn a rifled gun this time cut short his new train of
thought. Knowing, from the peculiar sound, that he was nearly in
range, he looked in vain for some sheltering protection.  The
ground was smooth and level, not a single indenture to protect the
smallest object. Action must be instantaneous, and he threw himself close alongside of the bottom board of the fence. With an
exultant scream the shell tipped the pickets above his prostrate
form, and descended into the garden in the exact direction taken by
Major. The sergeant jumped to his feet, and a shrill whistle broke
upon the air. Breathlessly, intently he listened. No answering
signal penetrated the darkness and disturbed the reigning silence.
Again and again the signal was given. Still no response. Running
rapidly along the fence a few yards, he was about to climb over
when Major came hastily to the spot, a mountain of perambulating
cabbage.




TH'IRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.              291
The tension to which the nerves of the sergeant had been strung
relaxed in invectives.
"Why in the devil, Major, didn't you answer my signal?  I
thought that shell had killed you, and one of the Third -Regiment
would be found dead in a citizen's garden, slain in the very act
of stealing. What a disgrace for a veteran to be caught stealing I
People would have proclaimed'retributive justice,' and'served
him right."'
"By the way what were you doing when that last customer so
unceremoniously and uninvited visited us?"
" Well, you see, sergeant, the ground is very hard, and the cabbage
strong-rooted, and I was stooping down, with a good hold on the
stalk with both hands. You can imagine the position: about to
give it a' strong pull, a long pull; and a pull altogether,' when I
heard that    shell coming, and immediately threw myself upon
the ground."
" How close did it strike, Major?"
"It went into the ground, about a foot from my head, and nearly
buried me alive."
" I should judge so, from your personal appearance, covered as you
are with dirt, from your head to your heels. Why, you look like an
Irish grave-digger. Let's leave this place, as the Lord has warned
us both -that'thou shalt not steal,' more forcibly than pleasantly."
The two men traveled off at a "double-quick," carrying their
"greens" with them.  Arriving in camp, they soon forgot their
narrow escape, as they laughed and talked over a huge dish of boiled
cabbage, which was consumed with a voraciousness and keen relish
commensurate with the danger braved in procuring it.
RUNNING THE GAUNTLET.
The history of the manners and customs of the aborigines of
America furnishes some thrilling narratives of the practice of treating prisoners in accordance with the heading of this article. It was
reserved to a later and more civilized people to furnish an ordeal
more trying to the nerves than the one instituted among the savages.
Every evening the provision detail went from the camp south of
Vicksburg to the intrenchments, a distance of over two miles. The
provisions prepared during the day were placed in a four-mule
wagon, and proceeded to the regiment every evening about sundown, accompanied, usually, by a man from each company, the commissary-sergeant and several negroes. The road through Vicksburg
was comparatively safe, but on arriving at the upper portion of the




292                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
city, where it branched off in a north-easterly direction, the party
were in direct range of the mortar-shells. As soon as the danger
became imminent, they would halt, listen for the dull roar of the
mortars, and wait for the passage of the terrible missiles. Their
descent or explosion was the signal for a hot race, ere the next messenger of death was launched upon the city. Men, mules and wagon
stampeded in a hot race along the road, for life and death was probably the issue of their speed. There were no spare moments for
shouting or laughter then. Arriving about half way to the trenches,
the party would take a good breathing spell, ere again proceeding to
confront a new danger, from which there could be no escape. Yet there.
was no shrinking, as they faced the flying bullets and rifle-shells
from beyond the line of works. The rifle-balls would cut up the
dirt in the road, or shrilly whistle through'the air, in their rapid
flight. Accustomed as men may become in braving danger during
moments of intense excitement, it required a steadiness of nerve and
firm resolution to quietly proceed along a road, into which bullets
were constantly dipping, or over which they were flying from an
enfilading fire. Such, however, was the case with the provision detail of the Third Louisiana Infantry. There were innumerable hairbreadth escapes and laughable occurrences attending their daily
journey to and from the intrenchments; yet, during the whole siege,
not a man among them received the slightest injury. The Tong races
from flying shells and descending bombs in those hot June days are
indelibly impressed upon the memories of all of that band. They
braved the dangers of the siege without any of the excitement that
buoyed up the dashing bravery of those who occupied the intrenchments. Though often with flying feet spurring the dust of the road
to escape threatening death, no one would question their courage.
Theirs was a cool, dispassionate courage, worthy the fame and heroism which made the regiment notorious. As non-combatants it was
somewhat laughable to observe with what earnestness and care they
selected the safest route to escape the line of fire. Boys, do you remember it all now without the aid of this notice?  TWe do, distinctly
and most emphatically.




CHAPTER XXXI.
SONGS.
Tim men often indulged their propensity fbr song-writing, and if
their productions did not exhibit splendid poetical talent, the sentiments of these songs manifested the spirit which animated them,
their reckless disregard to danger, and their propensity to make
mirth out of their sufferings. It was no unusual occurrence to hear,
amid the battle's fierce din, the choruses of these songs shouted forth
with stentorian voices, or their strains at night softly floating away
over the intrenchments on the quiet air.
OUR FLAG.
BY W. 3M. WASHBURN, CO. B.
Air: "Her bright smile haunts me still."
I.
There is freedom on each fold,
And each star is freedom's throne,
And the free, the brave, the bold,
Guard thine honor as their own.
Every danger hast thou known,
That the battle's storm can fill;
Thy glory hath not flown;
We proudly wave thee still.
II.
Floating in the morning light,
Freedom's star will shine afar
Floating in the murky night,
All shall see thee, freedom's star.
For "sic semper" thy refrain;
And thy motto e'er shall be,
Let tyrants wear the chain;
I am, I will be free.




294               A SOUTHERN RECORD.
III.
O'er the land and o'er the seas,
Where the howling waves are torn;
In the calm, the storm, the breeze,
Be thy standard proudly borne.
For there's freedom on each fold,
And each star is freedom's throne;
The free, the brave, the bold;
Thy glory is their own.
A LIFE ON1 THE VICKSBURG HILLS.
BY A. DALSHEIMER, CO. K.
Air; " Life on the Ocean Wave."
A life on the Vicksburg hills,
A home in the trenches deep,
A dodge from the Yankee shells,
And the old pea-bread won't keep.
The bread-the breadAnd the old pea-bread won't keep.
Like a rebel caged, I pine,
And I dodge when the cannons roar;
Butgive me corn-dodger and swine,
And I'll stay for evermore.
Once more in the trench I stand,
With my own far-ranging gun;
Should the fray come hand to hand,
I'll wager my rations I run.
The trench is no longer in view;
The shells have begun to fall;'Tis a sound I hate-don't you?
Into my rat-hole I'll crawl.
The bullets may whistle by,
The terrible bombs come down;
But give me full rations, and I
Will stay in my hole in the ground.
Oh! a life on the Vicksburg hills,
A home in the.trenches deep,
A dodge from the Yankee shells,
And the old pea-bread won't keep.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               295
DO THEY MISS ME IN THE TRENCH.
BY J. W. NAFF.$
Air: " Do they miss me at home."
Do they miss me in the trench, do they miss me?
When the shells fly so thickly around?
Do they know that I've run down the hill-side
To look for my hole in the ground?
But the shells exploded so near me,
It seemed best for me to run;
And though some laughed as I cray-fished,
I could not discover the fun.
I often get up in the trenches,
When some Yankee is near out of sight,
And fire a round or two at him,
To make the boys think that I'll fight.
But when the Yanks commence shelling,
I run to my home down the hill,
I swear my legs never will stay there,
Though all may stay there who will.
I'll save myself through the dread struggle,
And when the great battle is oe'r
I'll claim my full rations of laurels,
As always I've done heretofore.
I'll say that I've fought them as bravely
As the best of my comrades who fell,
And swear most roundly to all others
That I never had fears of a shell.
THE RAINBOW  OF HOPE.
BY w. M. WASHBURNr, CO. B.
Air: " Life on the Wave."
There's the rainbow of Hope in the moonlit sky,
Man the works-fling trembling away, my boys,
The breeze is soft. our God is on high,
He will shield us, if we are still true, my boys.
We have slept in the calm, we have laughed in the storm,
We will sing by the bomb's red glare, my boys;
Should the foe come on, with a strong heart and arm,
And a keen blade, we'll send him away, my boys.
K* illed the day after writing this song.




296                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
And the rainbow of Hope, while it lingers still,
We will strike for the dear ones of home, my boys.
We will trust to our blades, and to God's good will,
And fling ever fear to the winds, my boys.
We will bear every hardship, or peril, or pain,
For our loved ones are trusting to us, my boys,
And we'll proudly return to greet them again,
Or as proudly fill a soldier's grave, my boys.
Light hearts we bring to rescue our land,
Though a shadow has hung o'er her of late, my boys.
We will strike for our homes with a steady hand,
And a smile for whate'er be our fate, my boys.
Though some may sleep'neath the hill-side sod,
Though none go back to their homes, my boys,
Yet the hearts that are true to their country and God,
Will all meet at the last reveille, my boys.
The following letter needs no comment:
HEADQUARTERS, ARMSTRONG'S BRIGADE, 8
Athens, East Tennessee, July 22d, 1863. 
SIR-General Armstrong desires to know the casualties in the
Third Louisiana Infantry in the campaign from Grand Gulf to the
capitulation of Vicksburg, and the part taken by that regiment in
heroic defence of that place. He feels confident that: they have sustained their former blood-earned reputation, and, as a source of
gratification, he desires to know its conduct and its losses.
He offers his sincere congratulations upon its prospect of soon resumina the field, and, notwithstanding its depleted numbers, hopes
the war-cry of the "Bloody Third" will be heard loudest in the
battle-din soon again.
He tenders his respects to his many friends in the regiment.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
A. BURWELL, A. A. G.
Officer commanding Third Louisiana Infantry.
P. S.-Let the memory of Ben McCulloch nerve them to even
more heroic deeds in future.               F. C. ARMSTRONG.
OUR SURGEONS.
Dr. Moss,,who was appointed surgeon of the regiment, was a private in the ranks of Company I. He was born in Wilkinson County,




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                 297
Miss., March 19, 1837. He- graduated in the Medical Department of
the University of Louisiana in March, 1861, with great credit to
himself and his class.  He was among the first to answer his
country's call.  The absence of all official documents and dates
makes it impossible to give the exact period of his appointment as
assistant surgeon, and finally as surgeon of the regiment. He endeared himself to every member of the regiment by his unvarying
kindness and attention to the sick and general affability. His was
a heart as tender as a woman's  He was surgeon of the regiment
at its final dissolution in Shreveport in 1865. Returning home, full
of bright hope and youthful vigor, skilled in all the branches of
his profession, he found an early grave. He died August 3, 1865,
aged 28 years and 4 months. He needs no eulogy from the author's
pen, as he lives fresh and green in the heart of every brave soldier of
the Third Louisianians.
Dr. P. F. Whitehead is a native of Kentucky, and had been a
resident of the State of Missouri a year previous to the war. He
was appointed surgeon of the First Regiment, Missouri State Guard,
that was organized.
Continuing with Price's army, he was eventually appointed surgeon of the Third Louisiana Infantry shortly after its reorganization.
He remained with the regiment all through its long, wearisome
marches and desperate battles, until it was eventually confined
within the intrenchments of Vicksburg.
Dr. Whitehead was most thoroughly skilled in every branch of
his profession. He soon endeared himself to the men by his untiring efforts to relieve their sufferings, and his unvarying politeness of
manner and genial affability. Of fine personal appearance, refined
and polished in manners, it is not surprising that the men learned
both to admire and respect him. No higher compliment can be
paid to his skill as a surgeon-no statement attest the confidence
placed in that skill —than the mention of the fact that, at Vicksburg, every member of the regiment requiring the amputation of a
limb, or some delicate surgical operation, would allow no other
physician to operate on them  except Dr. P. F. Whitehead. Innumerable scientific and skillful operations have we witnessed performed by him. All through  the eventful siege he was untiring,
unceasingly occupied.
After the fall of that place he became Senior Surgeon of Scott's
Louisiana Brigade, which position he retained until the commencement of General Johnston's famous Georgia campaign, when he
138*




298                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
was assigned to duty as chief surgeon of Loring's Division.  He
occupied this situation until the close of the war, and was surrendered with the army at Greensboro, N. C., April 26, 1865. Dr.
P. F. Whitehead is now practicing his profession in Vicksburg-the
scene of some of his most arduous labors during the war.




CHAPTER XXXII.
EAST OF THE MIISSSSIPPI.
WHO of the war-worn veterans of the Third Regiment, Louisiana
Infantry, does not remember the first return home from the army,
since the inception of the war, after that memorable siege of Vicksburg? How the heart throbbed quick and strong, as the soldier
approached the well-known homestead!  His footsteps, though
spurning the earth in quick strides beneath his hastening feet, kept
not pace with his eager spirit. Very often he unexpectedly reached
his hearth-stone. What a welcome does he receive! The clasp of
loving arms around his form, and the imprint of warm lips, again
and again upon his own browned and bearded face, Then there
were innumerable questions showered upon him, and the thrilling
recital of the siege rehearsed, with all its horrors and heroism.
Then he must needs have his long hair shorn, and his face subjected
to'the tonsorial' art; change his faded and soiled gray uniform for
the garments of a quiet citizen at home; and behold the rough
veteran metamorphosed into the good-looking, respectable gentleman at home. Who would ever dream that this pleasant, sociable
man was, but a few days previously, the reckless soldier, standing
where bullets filled the air like drops of summer rain, ready for
any species of danger or rascality? Truly the changes of life are
wonderfully strange! How unnatural did it seem to be free once
more; free in the full meaning and acceptation of the word; no
more prompt obedience to military orders; no more following the
beck and nod of some officer! Is it a dream? Free! to go and
come as he pleases!  It is incomprehensible. Wake up  shake
yourself, man, for it is a reality. Those halcyon days at home!
They were the golden sunbeams that shed a flood of soft radiance
over the whole soul of the paroled soldier. Now commenced a
life of enjoyment, while the days of probation existed, for it was
uncertain when they would again be summoned to take up arms.
Social gatherings, balls, parties, fishing and hunting were freely indulged in, as the inclination or situation of the soldier made necessary. They were scattered over the State in city, town, hamlet and
country, and made the best possible use of their freedom..




CHAPTER XXXIII.
DEIMOPOLIS, ALA.
THE halcyon days of the furlough have expired, and the men
once more begin to congregate at this point, in obedience to published. orders.
In the latter part of August, 1863, a few members of the Third
Regiment were assembled in camp. These were men whose homes
generally were within the enemy's lines, and who were too true in
their devotion to the Southern cause, too uncompromising in their
spirit of hostility to seek their homes, thus situated, only, perhaps,
to subject themselves to restrictions on their freedom of word and
action.
The camp at Demopolis was in an old, uncultivated field, beneath
the shelter of some huge oak-trees. The Confederates were without tents or cooking utensils. They constructed some rude bunks
and shelters beneath the overshadowing branches of the trees, and
accepted the "situation" with a truly commendable spirit. The
whole command did not number twenty-five men. Near the spot
selected were the quarters of General Hebert.  Of course, he was
always to be found near the Third Louisiana Infantry, whom he had
so often led in battle, and who respected and honored him for his
soldierly qualities. Without the shadow of a doubt, the men and
the General mutually admired and respected each other, although
the one would frequently complain, in no- very choice language, of
the strict discipline enforced by the other, or his seeming spirit of opposition to their wishes and denial of their frequent requests. The
men had nothing to do at Demopolis save eat, drink, sleep, read
and make merry over their haps and mishaps. "Idleness," we are
told, "is the devil's workshop,"-a saying often verified by these
veterans. They wandered over the country around Demopolis on all
kinds of expeditions. Not a house, or highway or by-way but was
explored and well known. The Tombigbee River, close at hand,
was very convenient for bathing and expeditions in boats, both of




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.'     301
which were frequent occurrences.  The evening was usually the
signal for a general gathering at the camp, and an indulgence in
scenes of uproarious mirth and frolics-dancing and singing being
the chief amusements. No one interfered with their hilarity, and
they were allowed to make as much noise as they wished. No. one
was near to be disturbed by it.
One day four members of the regiment started out on an exploring expedition, and to visit a distillery some miles from-camp. They
traveled nearly all day without accomplishing their object, and
finally became lost in the swamp. Here was a predicament. Spreading out, at short distances, like a line of skirmishers, they pushed
forward in expectation of discovering some road.  They were
eventually successful, and finally reached the Tombigbee, many long
miles above camp. There was a crossing at -the place, where they
struck the river; but the boats were on the opposite side. What
was to be clone?  After a short consultation two of Sthe party
stripped, plunged into the broad stream and boldly swam across.
It required but a few moments to unmoor a boat, obtain the remainder of the party, and row rapidly down the stream. They
were now in high spirits, and awoke the slumbering echoes along
the shores with shouts and songs. As they descended, they stopped
at several landings and purchased water-melons, until they had a
full cargo on board. The party arrived in camp during the "wee
sma'" hours of the night, completely worn out with fatigue. The
melons were sold the next day, netting a profit of seventeen dollars
in Confederate money.
On the 30th of August a flag reached camp, being the gift of
General Maury, our old division commander. This token of esteem
and remembrance on the part of a general whom the men had
learned to love and respect was highly appreciated. The flag was
a Beauregard battle-flag, having inscribed on it —Oak Hills, Elk
Horn, Iuka, Corinth and Vicksburg.: It was soon gayly floating on
the breeze, above the quarters of the regiment.
On the 2d September camp was transferred friom Demopolis, Ala.,
to Enterprise, Miss. The detachment had a lively trip to the latter
place.: The encampment selected at Enterprise was in the pine
woods, about a mile from the town. Some system was observed
here, and each regiment had its:own quarters in regular succession.
About twenty-five of the Third Regiment and four hundred of the
brigade were in camp on the 14th of September.:
On the 15th it was reported that 15,000 of the Vicksburg prisoners
were exchanged, and that the Louisiana regiments were to report




302                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
to General II. W. Allen, at Shreveport. Of course, such a statement
created great excitement, especially among the band of the Third
Louisiana Infantry represented at Enterprise. Many of them were
eager to unite their fates with. the fortunes of the regiment, while
others talked of joining the cavalry.  Yet no permissions were
granted-for the men east of the Mississippi to join their comrades
in the Trans-Mississippi Department.  It was an idle, lazy life
which the paroled troops led in camp, with no duties to perform,
or anything to occupy their time and attention. Of course, they
must have some excitement.
One night very late several of the regiment came into camp very
noisy, from having imbibed, what they termed, too much "torchlight procession."  The occupants of the various bunks were unceremoniously roused from their slumbers and pulled out of bed.
A tall, droll member of Company K (J. Barrat), who looked much
like an Indian, concluded he would have a menagerie performance
out of a certain member of Company H. Every one remembers J.
R. Nash.  He was a strong, stout-built man, hailed from  the
mountain regions of Tennessee, and was as good-natured as he was
powerful. The Company K man went to Nash's bunk, rudely shook
him, and shouted:
"Get up Nash, and paw like a goat, and I'll give you a drink."
Nash obeyed; a ring was formed; he pawed up the ground with
one foot, spit and spluttered like a goat, ending the performance
with a'" Baa-a-aa" that would have shamed the veritable king of
the tribe. It is needless to state that the ridiculous performance was
received with loud shouts and laughter by the crowd of witnesses,
and the promised reward instantly handed to him. The next morning an order was received from General Hebert, whose headquarters
were near by, that there must be less noise in camp. Was it obeyed?
Nearly all the pines in and around camp were blazed, and the resinous substance which oozed from the wood would burn readily and
fiercely. That night, suddenly, every pine-tree broke into a brilliant
blaze, while all the sheds and shelters as unaccountably caught fire.
"Fire! fire!" was shouted, with the full power of stento:Man lungs,
when a voice would shout, " Stop that noise. It's against orders.
No noise in camp. General Hebert will arrest you all."  It is quite
needless to state that no notice was taken of this strict obedience to
orders, while General I;Iebert is reported to have remarked, "It is
useless to notice the boys; they will have their fun, despite military
rules and regulations."
On the 22d General Allen arrived at Enterprise, and was eagerly




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               303
sought by many of the members of the regiment, who wished to
cross the river. He gave them no definite encouragement, but said
that he would like to have them with him, and thought that no
harm would result from their joining their commands, provided they
could get through the lines. Ah, there was the rub! Major H. F.
Springer, formerly a member of Company G, was running the blockade of the Mississippi with Government dispatches and ammunition.
He needed teamsters, and wished to obtain them from the regiment.
His request was refused. However, several volunteered to go at 7
P. M. On the night of the 26th, five men left camp with their knapsacks on their backs, bidding their comrades good-bye, who jocularly remarked, " We expect to see you back, in charge of the cavalry, in three or four days."  The next morning, at 8 A. M., this same
party reached Shubuta, after marching all night, and making thirtyfive miles. They were soon in charge of Major Springer's teams and
wagons, bound for the Trans-Mississippi. Captains Richards and
Middlebrooks succeeded in obtaining permits to join their companies,
and had left some days previously. Captain Gentles, held under
arrest by General Pemberton's orders, had tendered his resignation
to the War Department, but it was not then accepted. He eventually became the leader of a party of mounted scouts. The regiment
could not boast of a braver, more daring or efficient officer than H.
H. Gentles. The officers eventually remaining in camp were Captain
Brashear and Lieutenant Thomas,- Company E; Lieutenant A. B.
Payne, Company K; W. T. Fagan, Company E.
Some time in December, 1863, the paroled prisoners were declared
exchanged, and were armed and equipped, the detachment of the
Third Regiment doing some duty in Enterprise.  After General
Polk superseded General Hardee in command of the paroled troops,
he issued an order for the consolidation into one regiment the men
of the Third, Seventeenth, Twenty-first, Twenty-second, Twentysixth, Twenty-seventh, Twenty-eighth and Thirty-first Louisiana Infantry, who were on the east side of the river. They were divided
into companies, the men being allowed the privilege of selecting
their company officers from any of the officers of these regiments,
not absent without leave. The -Third Regiment formed one company, designated as Company H, with the following officers: Captain, C. H. Brashear; First Lieutenant, J. P. Parsons, (Seventeenth
Louisiana); Second Lieutenant, W. T. Fagan; Second Jr. Lieutenant, A. J. Thomas. First:Sergeant, C. Hurley; Second do., A. B.
Booth; Third do., J. Roddy; Fourth do., T. Williams. First Corporal, W. E. Walker; Second do., J. F. Chambers; Third do., W.




304                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
B. Sheffield; Fourth do., R. J. Galloway. The members of the
Twenty-seventh, Twenty-eighth, and Thirty-first selected Lieutenant
A. B. Payne as Second Sr. Lieutenant of their Company F. The
officers retained the same rank in the Twenty-second Louisiana Infantry as in their old regiments. The company officers selected the
following field officers: Colonel, J. W. Patton; Lieutenant-Colonel,
-    Landry; Major, Washington Marks.  Early in January, 1864,
this organization, known as the Twenty-second: Louisiana Heavy
Artillery (the greatest number of men being from that regiment),
was ordered to Mobile, and stationed in the redoubts and forts around
the city. "The little squad comprising Company H," says an officer,
"was recognized as the Third Louisiana Infantry, from the Secretary
of War down to the particular friend of the regiment, General Louis
Hebert."  " The remainder of the regiment were always reported as
absent without leave." Until the consolidation, orders were always
addressed to Captain     or Lieutenant -, Commanding Third
Louisiana. A few officers and men remained on the east side, because
it was in exact conformity to orders, and because they believed that
their services were more needed there than in the Trans-Mississippi
Department. Many, perhaps a majority, were influenced by mixed
motives, their homes and friends being on the east side of the Mississippi. There " was.always a deep longing for a reunion with their
old comrades, with whom they had shared so many dangers and
privations."  It was this same magnet of homes and friends that
led the mass of the regiment across the Mississippi River, afterwards
followed by those who wished to link their fate with the final fortunes of the regiment. Of the organization of the regiment and its
-final destiny, this work will give full particulars.
In the spring of 1864, nearly all the troops at Mobile were sent to
reinforce General Johnston's army. The Twenty-second Regiment
was sent across the bay to Pollard, a station on the railroad, from a
point opposite Mobile to Montgomery. The summer passed away
very quietly. Only on. one occasion were the enthusiasm and hopes
of the men excited; by the regiment being sent across the line into
Florida, to repel a raid of the enemy from Pensacola. The object
of the expedition was.accomplished without fighting, -save by the
cavalry. When Farragut attacked the forts below Mobile, the regiment was ordered to Fort- Gaines. The steamboat which was first
sent broke some of hermachinery. Another was-sent, and the command arrived in the loweir bay, just in time to witness the close of
the naval engagement.: An hour earlier, and the regiment would
have been in the fort, thus narrowly escaping cualture by making:a




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               305
hasty -retreat to Mobile. Soon after, Company H was ordered to
Battery Tracy, in the bay; Companies A, D and F, to Spanish Fort.
Here, during the fall and winter, all the men were sick with chills
and fever, Lieutenant Thomas being the only exception to the general
rule.
In February, 1865, Canby, with 70,000 men, attacked Spanish
Fort and Blakely. At Tracy and other batteries in the bay, there
were from one to three companies of heavy artillery, of the First
and Second Louisiana, etc., in all about 5,000 men. A stubborn
fight ensued, continuing for two weeks. The soldiers, who so desperately fought the foe behind the intrenchments of Vicksburg, did
not quail or tremble under the heavy fire poured upon them.'Twas
only a-rehearsal of anealready familiar drama.
On the 7th of April the fort.fell, most of the garrison escaping to
Tracy and Blakely. The next day this place also fell, and Tracy
was evacuated a few days afterwards. The evacuation and surrender
of Mobile quickly followed the fall of the forts. When the boat, on
board of which was Company H, backed out from the landing, the
Federals were seen in the streets of the city. Ml. C. Aldrich, Frank
Goodwin (a member of Company D, shot in the ankle) and Lieutenant A. B. Payne, were the only members of the old Third Regiment in Spanish Fort, the remainder being at Tracy. During the
most of the fight, they were under a severe fire from the enemry's
guns, firing over Spanish Fort, and also from the vessels in the harbor. How did these bronzed, yet youthful heroes of Vicksburg and
other hard-fought engagements, stand the trying ordeal? As only
brave men will, with an unflinching bravery, a heroic devotion and
patient endurance, such as only:noble, unconquerable spirits can
exhibit in times of danger. The roll of this company, annexed, contains the names of some of the best and truest soldiers of the Third
Regiment. After the evacuation of Mobile, the regiment proceeded
to Meridian, and remained at that point and its vicinity until the
final surrender of the troops under General Taylor to General Canby.
Like their comrades in the Trans-Mississippi, they were among the
very last to leave the waning star of the Confederacy, sinking into
the gloom of a long night.
AN INCIDENT.
On Monday, May 25, during the flag of truce, following the general
charge upon our lines, while the troops of each army were out on
neutral ground, W. B. McGinness, of the Iberville Grays, met an
old Dutch'fiend from Missouri who belonged to a Missouri (Federal)




306               - A SOUTHERN RECORD.
regiment. After exchanging compliments, etc., the Federal politelA
invited McGinness to his camp to take supper, get some papers, anc
last, but not least, to join him in a social drink. McGinness wastoo modest to refuse the kind and liberal invitation of his Dutch
friend, and not selfish enough to partake of the luxuries which
arose before his. mental vision (a rarity to a rebel appetite) by himself; so he kindly extends the invitation to several of his friends.
Octave Bevin, of Iberville Grays, Company A; Sergeant C. Hurley,
of the Pelican Rifles, Company K; and Louis Eddons, of Monticello Rifles, Company H, who willingly acceded to McGinness's request to accompany him, went to the Dutch friend's camp, were
kindly received by the Yankees who belonged to regiments that had
fought ours (Third Louisiana) at Oak Hills. *Met John Nagle, who
had deserted from the regiment at Camp Creek and joined the
Northern Army. The party imbibed several drinks, and then sat
down to supper, which was unceremoniously interrupted by the appearance of a lieutenant and guard, with orders to arrest the party
for being within the Yankee lines. They were marched to General
Quimby's headquarters.' The General was perplexed what to do
with them, whether to retain them as prisoners of war or to send
them back; to their command. While here, McGinness entered into
conversation with Captain Barton, of New York, A. D. C. to the
General, and soon discovered that he (VcGinness) knew a number of
the Captain's friends in California. The Captain became interested
and sympathetic-proposed to the General to permit him to take
the "rebels" to Major-General [cPherson's headquarters and let
him dispose of them.  The Generel consented.  Captain Barton
relieved the guard and took the men to McPherson's headquarters.
He informed the General of the circumstances of the party coming
into their lines. The General onsideratetly consented to send them
back.  He ordered Captain Barton and the lieutenant to escort
them to their lines.
These boys of the Third Louisiana were particularly indebted to Captain Barton  for their release.  He informed them
that, if they were detained as prisoners, he would write to their
command, stating that they were prisoners and had not deserted,
and he would have the letter endorsed by the General and sent over
by flag of truce.
After their release, the Captain gave the men coffee, all the late
papers, and a canteen of whisky each. The captain and the lieutenant then accompanied them to the lines, which they reached
about 8 o'clock at night, some two hours after the flag of truce had




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               307
people then residing at that place. They finally obtained lodging
expired. Before parting, they emptied the canteens of the captain
and lieutenant, by drinking each other's health. The consequence
was, all were somewhat " elevated." They parted the best of friends,
to endeavor to kill each other, if possible, the next day.
Morning came. Hurley was considerably demoralized; Eddons
very sick; Bevin and McGinness feeling as if they had pillowed
their heads upon a ten-inch Columbiad when it was fired.
Such are the outlines of an incident which was a frequent occurrence during the war. The "rebels" never met their foes thus that
they were not the recipients of great kindness and many polite attentions. Yet, after this interchange of courtesies, they would fight
each other as fiercely and stubbornly as if they had never met. The
haps and mishaps of war are often very strange, exciting and interesting.




CHAPTER XXXIV.
WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI.
ON the morning of October 21, a small party of men appeared on
the banks of the Mississippi River, about equidistant from Waterloo, La., and Rodney, Miss. The party had two'wagons; heavily
loaded, and a skiff. The evening previous they had bivouacked
in the grounds around Oakland College. This party consisted
of Captains B. W. Clark and Fontleroy, Majors Springer and
Lasalle, and the following'members of the Third Louisiana Infantry:
J. Webb, Company C; J. R. Nash, Company H; A. J. Perry, Company I; F. D. Tunnard and W. H. Tunnard, Company K. A_ heavy
fog hung, like a cloud, over the stream, completely shutting out a
view of the river. The boat was launched with a celerity and dispatch perfectly marvelous, baggage and dispatches hastily loaded
into it, and swiftly rowed across the river. An ambulance, mules
and horses were soon ferried across, and hastily left the dangerous
vicinity. The blockade was successfully evaded. Major Springer
drove rapidly away from the river, leaving behind him the squad
of Louisianians, with their heavy knapsacks. Behold them on this
October day, wearily traveling along an unknown road, in close
proximity to posts of the enemy, and hiding behind the embankment, to prevent being discovered by the enemy's gun-boats patroling the river. They were- already travel-worn and completely exhausted for want of rest; yet many long miles must be footed ere
they reached their destination (Alexandria).  Two of the party
were quite sick.
The next day they passed through Tensas Swamp, along Choctaw
Bayou; crossed the Tensas and Bayou Louie; also, the Ouachita
River. They were cordially welcomed and hospitably entertained
by the residents on Sicily Island. That night they reached Harrisonburg, after marching twenty-six miles, and were actually refused
permission to sleep on the galleries of the houses by the very patriotic




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               309
in the cabin of a very poor man, about three miles from Harrisonburg. This hospitable man was named Daly. The cabin was a
very rough structure, with only a single room; yet here slept the
man and his wife, another woman, a young girl, three children, and
the five Louisianians.
The next morning they bade their warm-hearted host adieu, after
tendering compensation for their accommodations, which was refused. A cold, drizzling rain was falling, yet the road through the
dreary pine-forest was good, and the party traveled twenty miles.
That night they stopped at Mr. Baker's, and were kindly treated.
The next morning was very cold, yet the party traveled merrily
along through the silent and gloomy pine-woods, entertaining each
other with jokes and all manner of witty fusilades. Crossed Little
River, and stopped at a lady's house by the road-side, having
traveled twenty-four miles. Learned to-day that the Third Louisiana
Infantry were ordered to assemble at Grand Ecore, November 10.
The next day (25th) reached Alexandria, and obtained transportation to Natchitoches; but, ere. continuing on their journey, they
met Colonel Crow, of the Twenty-sixth Louisiana Infantry, who informed them that he was authorized to establish a parole-camp
near Alexandria, and had already selected a deserted plantation, a
short distance above the town, for this purpose. During their short
stay in the place they were hospitably entertained by the Rev' W.
E. M. Linfield and lady. M3r. Linfield was, at that time, the Methodist minister at Alexandria. He kindly allowed the party of
wandering and homeless Louisianians the use of his unfinished
study between the church and parsonage.
It is needless to relate how the rough boys enjoyed their comfortable quarters. To Mrs. Linfield's kind-heartedness were they indebted for many little luxuries, to which they had long been strangers. Everything in and around Alexandria was in a state of confusion.
Families gathered up their household goods, and rapidly departed,
in anticipation of an early advance of the enemy.




CHAPTER XXXV.
ON the 30th, the nucleus for the future Third Louisiana procured
requisitions for cooking utensils, provisions and transportation. After
innumerable difficulties, they finally succeeded in procuring two skillets, one without handle or lid. They next turned their attention to
the transportation.  Proceeding to the Government stables, they
found a number of "frames," once, doubtless, properly called mules.
The harness was in pieces, but was soon tied together with innumerable pieces of string. Asking for the wagon, they were pointed to
one of those veritable plantation cane-carts, which made its own
music when driven. Three mules were speedily selected and hitched
to this original vehicle. The men mounted into the cart, two seized
the lines, and the rest plied the moving skeletons of animals with
blows from heavy rods. Away they went, in high glee, through the
centre of Alexandria, bound for Camp Crow, two and a half miles
above the town. Arriving at the plantation, they selected the most
comfortable building in the long rows of negro cabins, and prepared
to live as best they could. The mules were put in a stable near by,
benches and bunks soon constructed, and camp formally established.
Such was Camp Crow, on the first day of November.
South of these quarters was a large field of waving cane, standing
untouched, on the broad and cultivated acres, a sad commentary on
the desolation and destruction produced by war. It was almost a
daily task for the party to go into this field with their cart and fill
it with cane, and driving it back to their quarters, unload it into one
of the rooms. For the remainder of the day they contentedly sat
upon the gallery and ate sugar-cane. It was a somewhat strange
spectacle, to see these Louisianians out in the cane-field, a small,
solitary band of reckless, indifferent soldiers, cutting cane only to
gratify their own fondness for the nutritious juice. Not in days gone
by were such laborers wont to work on those broad acres. Theirs
was a more sable hue of complexion, and their hearts were light and
gladsome, breaking forth upon the evening air in strains of that
rude yet exquisite melody peculiar to negro voices and songs,'and
which the Southern planter loved to hear. It was a lazy and lonely




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                311
life which the men led on this place, as no more troops reported at
Camp Crow. Their rations were very indifferent, their utensils consisting of two skillets, one broken, one tin cup, two tin plates, no
knives or forks. Their situation became unbearable, and a scout
was projected in order to better their condition.' One dark night
two of the party left the quarters, and returned about 12 x., bringing
with them a skillet, broom, bucket, musket and ammunition. They
grew hilarious over their success, as usual. To add to their privations and annoyances, rats were innumerable, and flies and mosquitoes troublesome beyond description.
On the 3d of November, General H. W. Aller's orderly was about
to leave for Natchitoches, with the General's ambulance horses. He
asked one of the Louisianians to accompany him, and ride the spare
horse. It was readily agreed to. Neither saddle nor bridle could be
procured. The soldier was not to be deterred from the journey by
such disadvantages, so boldly mounting, bare-back, he started on his
travels. Ere he had completed the journey to Natchitoches, a distance of some eighty miles, he was most thoroughly impressed with
the fact that a ride of fifty miles a day, on a horse without saddle or
stirrups, was a much more trying ordeal than fighting a battle. ~ The
remainder of the party reached Grand Ecore some time near the
middle of November, and found very comfortable and pleasant
quarters. The residence of Colonel Russell was in this place, and
the men were the recipients of innumerable kindnesses from the
Colonel and his estimable lady.
On the 17th there was an informal meeting of the regiment at
Grand Ecore. Quite a number reported, of whom a list was taken,
and the men were permitted to return home, with instructions to
report every two weeks.
The squad who had been in camp at Alexandria still formed a nucleus
for the regiment, being without any homes or friends. Soon, however,
two of the party, F. D. Tunnard and brother, discovered friends, and
eventually found a home, Mrs. L. L. McLauren's. This lady's residence
was on the banks of Red River, four miles east of Natchitoches, on an
island known as Tiger Islands Red River, during its high stages of
water, completely surrounding it, flowing through what was formerly
the channel of the river, and known as Old River. L. L. McLauren
was. Colonel of the Twenty-seventh Louisiana Infantry, and fell at the
nmemorable siege of Vicksburg. A man of undaunted bravery, and
a gallant officer, he was idolized by his men, a fit leader for that
noble and heroic organization. Mrs. McLauren's residence was a
general rendezvous for numbers of theparoled soldiers. They always




312                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
found a cordial welcome. She was generous to a fault, a lady of
unswerving devotion to the Southern cause, unusually fond of having
young people about her, and making them feel perfectly at home
and enjoy themselves to'the full bent of their inclinations. Consequently, her house was constantly thronged with gay soldier ladsand beautiful, lively, entertaining lassies, the fairest flowers among
Louisiana's lovely exotics. A short residence in this mansion entirelyobliterated all formality, and Mrs. McL. was known by no other
name than " Auntie."  " Auntie " became endeared to many a manly
heart by those associations which: are an indestructible part of the
human soul, and lives yet fresh and green in numbers of strong
hearts and brave spirits. Every expedient known to social gatherings was here resorted to in order to make the time pass pleasantly,
and such scenes of hilarity as here occurred, crowded one upon
the other in rapid succession, are seldom witnessed and experienced.
Hunting, fishing expeditions into the woods, quilting parties, cards,
practical jokes of every description, music and romps were some of
the amusements indulged in. Such was Tiger Island during the
fall and winter of 1863, and such the home the wandering Louisianians found. Truly their "lines had fallen in pleasant places."
Those were halcyon days, whose memory is ineradicable. Freed
from the conventionalities which clog society in social circles, the
time sped away, bringing on its golden pinions joy, fun and life in
its brightest- colors.
On the first of December there was another gathering of the Third
Regiment at Grand Ecore, about twenty-five being present, mostly
members of Companies D and G, and another adjournment for a
week. Many pleasant days were spent at Dr. Butler's, the father of
Captain W. B. Butler, of Company G. The people on Red River
never flagged in their efforts to make the paroled prisoners happy
and contented. There was quite a party of the Third at Dr. Butler's
on the occasion of Captain Butler's birth-day, December 6th, among
whom were Lieutenant-Colonel Pierson, Lieutenant Emanuel, Company C; Captain Haley, Twenty-seventh Louisiana, and several unobtrusive privates. That was-more than a square meal. "Turkey,
fresh pork, sausage, turnips, lettuce, salad, chicken salad, peas, hominy, roast eggs, sauces, bread, butter, milk, pies, preserves, pound
cake, egg-nog, claret, champagne cider, etc., formed a regal feast
for those terrible war times."
Thus day by day slipped away into the irrevocable past days
spent in the quiet social circle; trips into the country in pursuit of
pleasure, or to the camp at Grand Ecore; days of cold and sleet,




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.'313
then mild and balmy, alternate succession of clouds and sunshine.
December 11th was such an one. Early the rain fell rapidly, then
there was a lull in the storm. The sun shone bright and golden
through the rifted clouds, whose dark and jagged edges looked
threatening and strong. How emblematical of a soldier's varied
existence! Life with him  then was but a storm-cloud, through
whose gathered gloom, occasionally shone the sun of hope and happiness. To some it was almost a nonentity, creatures of circumstances; at times it-was a quiet calm full of remembrances of the
Past, uninfluenced by the Present, looking not for aught from the
Future. Again it was a storm, upon whose surging billows he tossed
amid a sea of excitement. Then the glimmer of some uncertain
hope would shine mellow and golden upon his heart, making, with
its uncertain light, dancing pictures of future joy and happiness.
On the 15th, General H. W. Allen addressed the people of Natchitoches in one of those noble, stirring appeals, so characteristic of
the man. The building was crowded to its utmost capacity to listen to the idolized and revered chieftain and statesman. Perhaps,
no man has ever been so deeply enshrined in the hearts of Louisianians as is Governor Allen; the true and tried soldier, the uncompromising patriot; the kind and affable Governor; the soldier's and
widow's friend. His memory will be kept bright and green in
thousands of warm and loving hearts long after the war and its incidents have been forgotten, or only recalled as some strange dream of
the past.
On the 16th of December an order was issued for the regiment to
assemble permanently in camp at Grand Ecore on the 5th of January, 1864.
The holidays passed away without incident worthy of note. In
camp, the boys had a merry time quaffing rich and royal egg-nog,
and partaking of a regal repast, the munificent gift of Mrs. Colonel
S. D. Russell. On Tiger Island were assembled a large party of
lively spirits at the hospitable mansion of Mrs. McLauren. The assembly consisted of Widows E. Sleade and Cole, Misses Frank Penny,
Allie Tucker, M. J. Barlow, Captain F. Avery, aid-de-camp to General Hays, Sergeant-Major O. Penny, J. Macey, Lieutenant Dunkermann, 27th Louisiana, and the two members of the Third Louisiana.
There were card parties, mock marriages, attended with a regular
chevarri from all the children on the plantation, both white and
black. The scenes were rich and racy indeed, and attended with
uproarious mirth.
The year of'63 went out amid a blustering storm. The wind
14




314                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
blew almost a hurricane, shrieking forth a wrathful requiem over the
dying year, while snow-flakes, descending thick and fast, filled all
the wintry, biting air. The gloom was indicative of the dark stormcloud of war, that hung like a funeral-pall over the land, bringing
sorrow and woe to thousands of once happy households. The mind
involuntarily winged a thought towards the coming year, and sadly
questioned, " Will 1864 still find the land the scene of bloodshed
and fierce strife? " It trusted not, and looked forward to the dayspring of a brighter hope. The Confederate soldiers, the patriot
sons of the South, were thought of amid their terrible sufferings in
Tennessee and Virginia, as they nobly endeavored to roll back the
swift tide of invasion.




CHAPTER XXXVI.
THE new year opened bitter cold, the mercury in the thermometer
indicating six degrees above zero at six o'clock A. M. It froze all
day.
On the 5th of January, the two Louisianians, after a warm parting
with their hospitable friends, were once more on the road with their
knapsacks strapped to their shoulders, en route for Grand Ecore and
the rough experiences of camp life. As they jonrneyed on, they
were overtaken by a carriage containing two ladies and acquaintances, who insisted on their riding. Of course no objection was
made to such a proposition. Arriving at the landing opposite Grand
Ecore, the soldiers parted from their kind-hearted friends, after
pressing warm kisses upon their soft, rosy lips. As one of the men
turned his back upon the carriage, a sweet-toned voice called to him,
"Will, come back, I want to tell you something." Approaching the
carriage, a lovely face bent close down to the lowered window of
the door, a pair of fascinating blue eyes gazed into his own as he inquired, " Well, what is it?"  He was under a mystic spell, as that
same musical voice uttered in low tones, "Oh I nothing, only I want
to kiss you again." There was a long, lingering pressure of lips upon
each other, and then -  the carriage disappeared around a bend in
the road; and the soldier trod light-hearted over the sands on the
river's shore.
About thirty men assembled on the 5th, and proceeded at once to
establish themselves in the comfortable quarters. The weather was
very cold, and the men poorly supplied with blankets, yet they were
in high spirits. It seemed as if no change of circumstances could
ever break the brave spirits of the members of the regiment, who
easily and quietly adapted themselves to every phase of a soldier's
life. On the 6th, Company C arrived. W. HI. Tunnard was appointed
and acted as Commissary and Quartermaster. Wagons and rations
were procured in Natchitoches, and Grand Ecore became a regularly




316                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
established camp. The days slipped away with little worthy of
note. The weather was usually stormy, and the road to Natchitoches terribly muddy, almost impassable; making the daily trip of
five miles and back anything but agreeable.
On the 19th of January there was a dress parade of the regiment; about seventy-five men present. Orders were issued strictly
prohibiting the men from leaving camp more than half a mile,
without a written permit. The days of January passed away pleasantly with mild, balmy spring weather. The men enjoyed themselves as best they could, and were continually engaged in mischief of somle kind. On the 6th of February, a large party properly
mounted, went to Winn Parish, a distance of fifteen miles, to a frolic.
It consisted of Adjutant Currie, Lieutenants Clark, Company F, and
Meredith, Company I, Sergeants Derbonne and J. Norris, Company
G, the Commissary Sergeant and J. Sompeyrac, 27th Louisiana.
Arriving at the appointed place, they found a large number of beautiful girls present. The dancing commenced as the sun was dipping'neath the western horizon, continuing without intermission until
six A. M. the next morning, when the last sett left the floor. During the night the house was surrounded by cavalry; who stationed
armed men at every outlet. The Captain came to the doorway and
demanded the papers from the men. Not one among the party had
any. Lieutenants Clark and Currie said they could vouch for the
men, who belonged to the Third Louisiana Infantry, and had only
left camp for the purpose of enjoying the frolic. He was not satisfied. Some warm words ensued, when the Captain was informed
that the boys "would see him and his buttermilk cavalry d-d
before they would have their fun interrupted." Arms were drawn;
the old fighting spirit of the Third Regiment was aroused, and affairs began to look serious. The ladies screamed, or sat in pale
groups around the room. After some cool reasoning the matter was
finally adjusted by the men being formed in line and duly inspected by the Captain, who remarked, as lie finished his task,  I
have been looking for a deserter, and expected to find him here; I
do not wish to interfere with your amusement. Good-evening, gentlemen;" bowing himself out of the room. For once in his life, he
had found men who were neither afraid of leveled rifles, nor to be
intimidated by a game of " bluff."
On the 8th, Major Lasalle, Department Paymaster, visited Grand
Ecore, and paid off all men to whom the Government was indebted,
up to September, 1863. Now ensued the usual scenes of gambling,
to which the soldiers were so much addicted.  On the 14th, all the




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               317
men in camp were furloughed for fifteen days, to be renewed every
two weeks until they were exchanged.  The boys were in high
spirits over this good luck, wJtile the officers were furious with anger,
declaring that the whole proceeding was a scheme, concocted to destroy the, organization of the regiment.
On the 15th of February, Grand Ecore was lonely and deserted,
and parole camp a myth, the soldiers having eagerly and rapidly
left for their homes.  Thus, with the furloughing of the men, the
bright star of reorganization that had risen and shone so brilliantly
upon the gathering members of the regiment, went out once again
in the gloom of the uncertain future.  Growing restless under their
protracted inactivity, numbers joined scouting parties in the Mississippi Valley, others formed bands and hovered within and around
General Banks' army. Many remained quietly at home enjoying the
society of friends, while still others, who were homeless wanderers,
aided the planters in saving their stock, household goods and negroes
from the approaching desolation of war. Thus, for a period of five
months, the curtain of oblivion conceals the regiment.




CHAPTER XXXVII.
CAMP NEAR PINEVILLE.
JULY 4th, 1864, the curtain rises upon a new scene-in the drama of
war. A year has elapsed since the fall of Vicksburg. The fierce
and protracted struggle around the stronghold, ending at last in
disaster, had spread a gloom over the whole South. The brave and
patriotic Confederates who had struggled so tenaciously, so fiercely
for its preservation, who endured the tortures of hunger, the constant fatigue, unrelieved in the trenches, the burning summer sun
during the day, the heavy, penetrating dews at night, the drenching
storms, standing undismayed, unbroken in spirit amid the storm of
bullets, hurtling shot and hissing shells, exhibited a spirit similar to
that which animated the Spartans at Thermopyla.  Going forth on
parole after the fall of their stronghold, they had scattered to their
homes and friends, over the length and breadth of the Confederacy.
At this period, numbers had already been exchanged and were once
again confronting the foe, exhibiting their devotion to their country
by deeds of heroic valor amid the thunder roar of battle. The
majority of the Louisianians captured at Vicksburg were still, however, up to this period, unexchanged. They comprised the following
regiments: Third Detachment of Twelfth, Seventeenth, Twenty-sixth,
Twenty-seventh, Twenty-eighth, Thirty-first, and a portion of Miles's
Legion, forming a brigade, under the command of Brigadier-General Allen Thomas, formerly Colonel of the Twenty-eighth Regiment.
Under the pressure of stringent orders then promulgated, the men
rapidly assembled in camp near Pineville, preparatory to being exchanged, thoroughly organized, equipped, and put once more into
active service.  The morale of the troops of this brigade was such
that it was anticipated on future battle-fields they would obtain a
glory bright and untarnished, a fame wide-spread and imperishable,
adding new laurel-wreaths of patriotism, devotion, and valor to the
chaplets already encircling the brow of Louisiana.
The summer days, hot, hotter, hottest, fleeted rapidly away, while




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                 319
the men employed the time as best they could, lying'neath the
shadows of the pines, indulging in speculative fancies, yet interested
spectators of the fierce struggle for supremacy between the contending hosts. - otwithstanding their bitter experiences, they desired to
plunge once again into the whirling vortex of strife, and aid their
patriot brethren in their struggles for homes, country and freedom.
Not an event of interest occurred to vary the monotony of their idle
existence. Exchange was the theme of speculation, the chief topic
of conversation, yet, like a" Jack-o'-lantern," was an unapproachable,
-uncertain reality, a doubtful question of the still more doubtful
future.  Thus unchanged, the days passed away, while the solemn
pines, in whispering voices like the far-off murmuring of the ocean
waves on a sanded shore, hymned the requiem of their passing
hopes and lost opportunities. It was not always thus, however. The
gentle summer air would swell into thunder-tonedl voices, borne from
the mountains and valleys from Virginia and Georgia, mingled with
triumphant -shouts of victory. Aye, victory, radiant, triumphant,
would poise like the incarnation of beauty upon the Southern banner, a point to the obscurity which shrouded the future as if it contained the germs of white-winged peace and final success. The
rainbow of Hope, with every tint of its exquisite coloring, would
stand out in bold relief against the dark war-cloud that hung over
the land, and was fast sinking into the horizon of the past; its dark
setting rendering all the more beautiful the soft hues. It seemed
then as if the sun of peace was tinging with its parting beams, the
jagged edges of the storm-cloud as with a silver lining. Thus it
seemed as if the Southern hosts were striding forward towards the
goal of their hopes, the prize for which they contended so stubbornly, and gave so freely the priceless treasure of their rich, red blood.
Thus, while the men indulged in their speculations, they were
actually suffering both for want of provisions and shelter. The
rations consisted chiefly of corn-meal and beef, and not in large
quantities.  They were without tents, and usually slept on rough
beds built in the open air, protected from the night-dews only by
shelters of brush.  They generally congregated around some rough
log-cabins in the woods, whose shelter they sought in rainy weather,
but found the flees more intolerable than a good drenching.
On the 23d of July the following order was read to the troops:
General Orders        HEADQUARTERS TRANS-MTSS. DEPT. |
No. 56.               Shreveport, La., July 21, 1864.
All officers and men captured at Vicksburg, who have reported at




320                A SOUTI-ERE  RECORD.
Enterprise, Demopolis, Vienna, NTatchitoches, Shreveport and Alexandria, at any time prior to April 1st, 1864, have been declared exchanged by the Commissioner of Exchange.
All those in this Department who arc embraced in this list will
immediately rejoin their commands in the field.
By command of
GEN. E. KIRBY SMITH.
S. S. ANDERSON, A. A. G.
Such was the order which finally proclaimed the exchange of the
Vicksburg prisoners. This notice of exchange was read to the
troops on the 23d day of July. Once more they belonged to the
Confederate army, to become active participators in its future fields
of operations. This notice of exchange created much excitement in
camp. The reality of the situation was, however, acknowledged
and realized by the men being once more put into active service.
The Third Regiment was rapidly approaching a complete organization. Its existence as a regiment was acknowledged by the War
Department, commissioning Lieutenant-Colonel Russell as Colonel,
Major Pierson as Lieutenant-Colonel, and Captain J. S. Richards, of
Company H, as Major.
Thus, notwithstanding Company H,' of the 22d, claimed to be the
only true representatives of this organization, reporting the majority
of the members thereof as absent without leave, it here exhibited a
wonderful vitality, and stood in the brigade of gallant Louisianians
as one of its most gallant regiments. At this time, Companies B,
C, D, E, F, G,, I and K, had representatives in the camp. The
period had now arrived when absentees must report to their several
commands.  Stringent orders and measures were promulgated
and adopted to compel their attendance. As patriot sons of Louisiana, as true soldiers desiring once more to confront the foe side by
side with the comrades with whom they had fought upon many
hard-contested and bloody battle-fields the majority of the absentees
came willingly and voluntarily into the camp near Pineville.
More than a year of inactivity! a year surrounded by the comforts
and blessings of home in the companionship of its dear and loved
ones! The memory of this year nerved anew each strong arm and
stout heart, especially when such marks of wars desolation as Red
River Valley, Alexandria, Compte, Grand Ecore, and other places exhibited, proclaimed the vindictive barbarity and fiendish malignity of a foe, rivaling in cruelty the ancient Goths and Vandals of
Europe.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                321
Unusual activity and energy, displayed in every department, proclaimed a determination to organize, arm and equip the brigade as
speedily as possible. The name and fame of these Louisianians, as being among the most heroic defenders of Vicksburg, gave great hopes
that they would soon win more brilliant and imperishable laurels
upon future battle-fields.
About this period two members of the 27th Louisiana were shot
for desertion. This necessity for taking human life to* compel obedience to orders was sadly deplored by all. Yet such a necessity
often existed during the war. The first duty of every soldier is
obedience to orders. If right, it is just; if wrong, the blame rests
where it properly belongs-with those promulgating them. This in.
stance is mentioned to exhibit the determination of those in authority to compel obedience to orders, which was but right, if calmly
and dispassionately considered.
On Sunday, the 24th instant, 1,100 troops belonging to the department arrived from New Orleans, in exchange for Federal prisoners
recently sent below. They arrived filled with admiration and enthusiasm, for the ladies of the Crescent City, unconquerable in spirit,
enthusiastic worshipers at the shrine of the Confederate cause, undismayed by the presence of implacable foes —these fair patriots, with
untiring zeal and energy, ministered to the wants and necessities of
every Confederate soldier who reached New Orleans during the war.
Fame can wreath no brighter chaplet; history contains no fairer
page; memory retain no more beautiful impression than was furnished by the devotion and patriotism of Southern women during the
recent fierce, internecine struggle. To them should be reared a
moniument more durable than brass, more pure and polished than
the finest Parian marble. They will live ever unforgotten in the
hearts of the South's brave sons.
On the last day of July General Polignac's Division arrived and
encamped a short distance from the regiment, but the next morning were gone. These troops were like the shadow of some fleecy
summer cloud, lingering but an instant, to flit by and then disappear.
At this period there was an unprecedented lull in the storm of war.
The paroled, or rather exchanged prisoners, arrived rapidly in camp,
and the brigade was growing in numbers. At this time, many of
the men were nearly entirely destitute of clothing, going in rags, and
barefooted. There were some such cases in the Third Regiment.
This state of affairs was unavoidable. Many men in the regiment
were long miles fiom their homes, perhaps in the hands of the enemy, and were dependent on the charities of friends both for clothing
14*




322                A SOUTHERN RECORD..
and food. The ladies, however, were ever foremost in supplying the
wants of the destitute and suffering, and many a noble soldier treasured, and still retains in his patriot heart, memories ineffaceable of
the daughters of the Sunny South. Words were but. feeble instruments to express all the debt of gratitude, manly affection and admiration felt by the Southern soldier for the fair ladies. In history
is now transcribed, inscribed on every page in bright and glowing
characters, their deeds of devotion, patriotism, suffering, heroic endurance and daring.
On the 8th of August, Captains Gallagher and Brusle arrived in
camp, and were most cordially greeted by the men. - Captain Gallagher had always been a favorite with the regiment, being considered
the best Commissary who had ever catered to the ravenous appetites
of soldiers. Most assuredly, Captain Gallagher took advantage of
every favorable opportunity for supplying the men with, not only
everything eatable which the Commissary. Department furnished,
but also many articles not properly belonging to a soldier's rations.
He never took advantage of his position to appropriate any luxuries
or delicacies that happened to fall into his hands, but divided them
with an honesty and exactness among the men, which was known
and highly appreciated by the recipients of his favors. The same
statement could not be made concerning the majority of the Commissaries in the army.  The peculiar side-poise of Captain Gallagher's
head on his shoulders, and the twinkle of his eyes, his abrupt manner, and, when excited, stammering method of speech, gave rise to
innumerable jokes and witticisms at his expense. Brave, fearless,
always present during times of danger, Captain Gallagher discharged
his duties most faithfully, and was universally esteemed by the organiiation with which he was connected.




CHAPTER;' XXXVIII.
HO!: FOR SHREvEPORT.
O N.Tuesday_ evening, the: 9th instant, orders were received in camp,
near Alexandria, for a portion of the Third LouisianaInfantry to be
prepared to move early the next morning for Shreveport, to relieve
the Crescent Reginment, then doing post duty at that place. After
numerous delays incident: to the leisurely embarkation of: troops, at
noon on the: 10th instant the first-detachment of the regiment,%numbering 110 officers. and men, exclusive of 18- Yankee prisoners, were
snugly packed on board the small steamer " Lelia," bound for a new
destination. Reader, have you ever traveled up Red River on board
one of these ":kick-up-behind'" crafts in low water? If not, you
have missed one of the pleasuures of navigation. Just imagine one
of rthese small boats, indiscriminately crowded with:horses, mules,
negroes, soldiers, officers, white men, gentlemen at large, baggage
and wagons, and you may form  some conception of the freight on
board the " Lelia."
During the passage storms daily arose; and if the boat had been
bhilt of sieves, it could not have leaked worse. However, a ducking is one:of the least of soldiers' mishaps. On the 12th instant the
boat arrived at Grand Ecore, amid lowering clouds and driving raini.
Yet here numbers of ladies from Natchitoches and the: surrounding
country, assembled: to welcome the regiment. Mysterious bundles,
containing clothes and comforts for the outer and inner man, found
their way aboard the boat. Vociferous cheers attested the heartfelt
farewell of the boys as the steamer departed, while amid general
hilarity and good-humor, the. " good things" were opened and freely
partaken of. What mattered it that the boat ran " kerchug" against
a sand-bank! It only brought forth a full chorus of cheers.
A member of the regiment was sitting on a barrel-head, with a
sympathizing companion by his side, conversing in low tones. They
were hundreds of miles from, friends and relatives, and the scenes
which they witnessed at Grand Ecore and on the boat, after its de



324                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
parture, made them feel lonely and homesick. They bewailed the
fate which separated them from homes far away, as they glanced at
the happy groups scattered about the deck discussing the contents
of numerous freshly received packages. Suddenly a voice broke in
upon the conversation, exclaiming, "Come, boys, and eat some cakes."
Forgotten was home; -finished all reverie, and conversation laid
aside-memory of friends. Shades of corn-meal, defend us I Cakes!
Simon-pure flour cakes! I They quickly descended from the elevation of their observatory, and were soon discussing the excellences
of some fair lady's culinary skill. Thanks to the generous kindness
of Prue Hyams, the homeless were not forgotten.
Nothing occurred of special interest on the way up, until arriving
at Colonel S. M. Hyams's plantation, Lac des Mures. Here the boat
stopped to land a passenger. Imagine the general surprise when
Captain Isaacson, the kind, obliging and gentlemanly commander
of the boat, was invited on shore, and no sooner arrived at the Colonel's residence than he was forcibly seized and detained by the
Colonel in the following manner: The Colonel appealed to the men,
his old command, to sustain his authority, while he proclaimed a
feast in preparation for the whole regiment. Of course, he was upheld in his summary proceeding. The Captain was indiscriminately
stuffed with a bushel of peaches, washed down with some excellent
"fire-water" from a Confederate distillery; then followed a cartload of melons, grapes ad infinitum, milk, fine gumbo, barbecued
pork, beef, mutton, etc.-the men being likewise provided for.
They bowed most gracefully to the exacting demands of the Colonel,
and a scene of hilarity, joy and freedom from  restraint ensued
such as was seldom witnessed during the late warlike times.
Lieutenant-Colonel S. M. Hyams was formerly an officer of the
Third Louisiana Infantry, disabled by disease from following and
participating in the fortunes of his old command. Yet he remembered his former companions-in-arms with not less warmth and
generous hospitality than they cherished for one of their first fieldofficers, and appreciated this token of his kindness and remembrance. His welcome to them was as the oasis in the desert to the
fainting traveler-a golden sunbeam descending from a rift in dark
storm-clouds.  Veteran troops of the Confederacy, the regiment
never experienced a more genial welcome, a more hospitable reception, than that given them by Lieutenant-Colonel S. M3. Hyams, his
estimable lady, fair daughter, and near relatives, on the 13th day of
August, 1864. Sufferer from the inroads of a Vandal foe, he appreciated the protecting power of the troops, and out of the abund



THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                325
ance of his generous impulses welcomed them, and bade them Godspeed on their way, feeling thrice blessed by his kindness. With
many regrets, the men bade adieu to their kind-hearted host and
hostess, making the shores and woods re-echo to their vociferous
cheers, as the boat proceeded up the river. Nightly the men disembarked. With bundles of blankets thrown over their shoulders,
they would frantically rush from the boat, over a single plank, as if
spirits loosed from Pandemonium, and seeking the contiguity of
some sheltering bush, tree, or shade, build fires, and soon, amid
oblivious slumber, forget all life's cares, harrowing thoughts, etc.,.ed bugs, ticks and mosquitoes permitting. Thus, with an occasional
thug into the bank, stoppage on a sand-bar or some hidden snag,
the detachment arrived in Shreveport, without serious accident, at
9 o'clock A. M., August 16, after a trip of six days.




CHAPTER XXXIX.
CAMP BOGGS.
Ox the arrival of the regiment at Shreveport, they immediately
disembarked, and proceeded to the camping-ground previously
occupied by the Crescent Regiment, about one and a half miles south
of Shreveport. This camp was situated in an open -field, regularly
laid off in avenues and cross-streets, along which the tents were
ranged in lines, or rows, parallel with each other. The ground
slopes gradually away on every side, being a knoll or rolling ground.
On the west and north was a small stream, half encircling the camp,
where springs furnished an abundant and refreshing supply of cool
water. To the south and east were woodlands, a growth of huge
pines, red and white oaks, and an undergrowth of every variety.
Almost an unobstructed view northward was furnished by the
cleared space outside the line of fortifications which circumvented
Shreveport to the hills which overlook the valley, formed by the
junction of Red River and Twelve-Mile Bayou, where nestles the
city, with its daily life and activity; the throbbing heart, that sent
its pulsations, its life-giving power through every artery of the
Trans-Mississippi Department. Fortifications I HIow the sight of
earth works recalled Vicksburg, with its scenes of horrors, suffering and starvation, making even the veteran soldier shrink from
their contiguity!
One unacquainted with Shreveport at this period, as the great
central point, the nucleus of all military operations, could scarcely
imagine the activity which prevailed there; the influx and egress
of all grades of military officials; the arrival and departure of
steamers and trains, shipment and receipt of stores, etc. Yet outside of military circles there was nothing enticing or attractive
about the place, and the mere drone of society would soon tire of
its monotony-seek in vain for some amusement to while away the
listless hours.
Thus, through all the days of August, time sped on in its noiseless flight, while the nations of earth were working out their ap



THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                32T
pointed destinies-nations as varied in their forms of government,
as there are differences in human language, color and races. To the
careful peruser of history, it would be a difficult task to determine
which is the best adapted form of government-conduces most to
the happiness, prosperity and security of the governed.  Not an
example adorns the record of the pads and present of a nation which
hias not seen revolution, crime and bloodshed; many, indeed, having disappeared in the gloom of an Egyptian night, never again to
gain a position among the nations of the earth. At this period, it
seemed as if the republican form of government was a failure. The
history of Rome, Sparta, Athens, Switzerland and Poland, all down
the vista of years, proclaimed this system a failure- The American
Republic, the last and latest' of th'e earth,'seemed about to disappear
amid such convulsions as the world had'never witnessed. Yet this
disproved not'the perfection of a free'government-its claims to
pre-eminence among civilized nations. -Fanaticism, with its deadly
poison, pervaded every branch of the National Capitol, and ignoring the provisions and safeguards of the Constitution, upon which
rested the whole strength of the American Government —the sovereignty of States; freedom of thought, speech, and action had
plunged the land into the vortex of civil strife. After nearly four
years of a fearful struggle, every valley and hill-side were dotted
with the graves of its victims-Northmen and Southmen slept together in calm repose. Yet the struggle continued undiminished,
while the patriot sons of the South still heroically battled for the
preservation of their rights and independence. Alas! how fallen
seemed this once proud and powerful nation I
Shortly after the arrival of the Third Regiment at Shreveport,
the men were furnished with good shoes, hats, a few blankets,
and were promised, ere long, a substantial uniform.
Strange as it seemed, up to this'period this veteran regiment had
been furnished with but little clothing in two years, and not a single
substantial uniform by the Confederate Government. The State furnished a handsome uniform while the regiment was at Camp Jackson, Ark., under Brigadier-General Ben McCulloch, during the first
year of the war. Now, however, the men seemed hopeful of better
treatment.
As a matter of some interest, the following list of the prices of
vegetables and fruit are given for reference: Butter, $5 per pound;
eggs, $5 per dozen; beans, $2 50 per quart; apples, 25 to 50 cents
each; melons,: $1 to $5 each. It' was a great mystery how poor
people managed to live.




328                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
On the last day of August the regiment in camp numbered 150
men. On this day a provost guard was also sent to town, and heavy
details made for the different departments, Government workshops,
arsenals, etc. thus reducing the number of men in camp, and making
duty very onerous. Besides the several guard details in town, a heavy
guard was employed at the Yankee prison, near camp. This prison
was an inclosure, formed by heavy oaken timbers, firmly nailed together, and set some distance in the ground. This inclosure was
square in form, and covered an acre or two of ground.  Here
both Southern delinquents and Northern prisoners were alike confined.
On the 3d of September the second detachment arrived in camp.
increasing the available strength of the regiment to about 300
men. This detachment was composed chiefly of members of the
Eighth Battalion Louisiana Heavy Artillery and Twelfth Louisiana
Infantry. Besides these men, the regiment was rapidly being filled
with recruits, making it stronger in numbers than in efficiency. The
arrival of a squad of conscripts in camp was the signal for a general
assemblage of the veterans, who were not at all choice or backward
in pouring forth a perfect fusilade of jokes. " Give me the little
man with the big, two-story hat."  "I want the man with the
wooden leg."  "Get out; he's my choice."  "I wonder if they have
any marks about their legs,"' etc., were some of the expressions used.
Thus, through all the hot days of September, the regiment remained at Camp Boggs, regularly and monotonously performing
their duties of guard-mounting, morning drill, policing camp, and
evening parade. Such were the days. A roseate hue would tinge
all the western horizon, or light clouds flit lazily across the sky
overhead, and camp-fires glittered among the long rows of snowwhite tents; shouts, laughter, the hum of voices, mingled with songs,
sentimental and religious, would float away on the still evening air.
Such were some of the employments and duties of this veteran regiment at this period.
Thus the days slipped away into the irrevocable past. The fierce
storm-cloud swept in its fury over Virginia, Georgia and Missouri.
The result of the elections in several Northern States proclaimed
the probability of no change in the political status of the land.
On the night of the 8th of October the first frost visited the
country, while the flight of migratory birds southward, proclaimed
the approaching advent of cold weather. The men were, however,
in high spirits, having a good supply of tents and neatly constructed
log-houses, with good fireplaces and chimneys. Thus prepared to




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                 329
meet the coming winter months, they laughed in derision at approaching cold.
On Saturday night, the 15th, a grand vocal and instrumental concert
was given by the Shreveport Glee Club, at the request of Governor H.
W. Allen, for the benefit of the Missourians serving in the Trans-Mississippi Department. This club had but recently been organized, and
was composed of gentlemen residing in Shreveport, officers belonging to the army, several members of the regiment, in all seventeen
persons, possessing more than the ordinary musical talent of amateurs. The concert was complete, both as to its success and the
entertainment. The music was excellent, and the large theatre hall
crowded. The proceeds resulted in the handsome amount of $5,000.
After the performance, the audience was addressed by a Missouri
officer present, who paid a glowing tribute to the sympathy of
Louisianians for their sister State, in which the Third Louisiana Infantry was warmly eulogized for past services in the State of Missouri.
Governor Allen, in behalf of the performers, made a few appropriate
remarks in reply. This incident is worth recording, as furnishing a
pleasant episode to warlike scenes, and exhibiting the feeling which
animated Louisianians, always ready to extend the hand of fellowship to her suffering sister States. The latter part of October went
out amid storm, frost and ice. The forests changed their emerald
hue for the manifold coloring of autumn. Icy winter, with his chilling breath and hoary locks, was upon us. The majority of Southern soldiers were at this time still in the field doing their duty nobly,
unflinchingly, notwithstanding the wintry season added greatly to
their hardships and suffering. They needed warm  clothing, especially socks and gloves. It seemed as if the old days of Valley
Forge, with its horrors, would be re-enacted. The Third Louisiana
Infantry, but recently returned from firesides and homes, were perhaps better supplied than most regiments, yet were actually in need
of warm clothing. The Government, up to this period, had furnished
nothing save a few blankets and shoes.  Fortunately, they had
plenty of shelter-both tents and cabins.  Louisiana's noble and
-warm-hearted Governor, H. W. Allen, one who knew a soldier's
wants from personal experience, furnished the men of the regiment
with a number of suits of clothes, comprising pants and shirts,
homespun, and entirely cotton. Inadequate though it might be to
keep out the chilling, wintry air, heartfelt expressions of gratitude
were bestowed on him, for his remembrance of one of Louisiana's
veteran volunteer regiments. Strange as it seemed, this old regiment, with its scarred veterans and depleted ranks, its wide-spread




330                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
reputation, had'never been properly clothed since its organization,
save by the State. The mother is always most solicitous for the
welfare and safety of her children.
Nearly the whole month of November was cold, stormy and
gloomy, and consequently the men suffered in proportion.  The
Northern election gave rise to fierce political discussion among the
Confederates, who seemed to anticipate some species of relief from
the election of McClellan. Lincoln's return to office by a large and
increased vote put an end to the discussion which agitated the
Southern mind.  Reconstruction, and General McClellan's peace
measures founded thereon, all disappeared. The general sentiment
among the soldiers was satisfaction at the result of the Presidential
contest. Lincoln's plans and purposes were known, and the only
hope of defeating them seemed in a persistent and determined armed
resistance. Yet there were numbers greatly dissatisfied, and openly
proclaimed their sentiments. It mattered little to them that the
South had resolved to succeed or perish amid the ruins of the magnificent temple she was endeavoring to rear amid a baptism of the
richest blood of the people. They were disappointed and suffering.
Forbearance against existing abuses and patriotism were ceasing to
be virtues, hence constant and frequent cases of desertion occurred.
Thus dissatisfaction and demoralization pervaded the army, while
among the people at home speculation and extortion ruled affairs.
Letters from the army said:  "It is no wonder men desert, for
scarcely a letter comes from their homes that does not tell of grim
want and pinching hunger standing at their- thresholds. Those at
home, whose duty it should be to protect and provide for poor
families of men who are in the army, are deaf to the calls of duty."
The Third Regiment was not exempt from the prevailing contagion,
and numerous desertions occurred, principally among the recruits.
It was a hard matter for a man to know that his wife and little
ones were suffering at home, and he not permitted to relieve their
wants. Every fierce blast of the wintry wind that shrieked around
his tent or log-hut brought vividly before him his own home circle,
a picture of squalidness, suffering and want.  The voice of nature
would be heard as it tugged at his heart-strings. Around that home,
centred and clustered all the bright hopes and aims of his life. What
wonder, then, that duties were forgotten, and only the warm and
loving impulse of his own nature followed!




CHAPTER XL.
THE monotony of camp was seldom disturbed during the winter
months, save by some practical joke or foray at the expense of the poor
conscript. The weather was unusually rainy and stormy, yet happy,
very many happy hours were spent in those rough log-huts, despite
storms without. Christmas Day, 1864, was a cloudy, raw, disagreeable one, yet the boys were early astir, and seemed disposed to enjoy
the occasion to the full bent of their inclinations and means.  Eggnog seemed a prevailing beverage, while towards the dinner hour,
various and sundry savory and unusual dishes were to be found in
course of preparation.
At one tent, a party consisting of Major Richards, Lieutenants
Emanuel, Company "' C," and Washburn, Company " B," Sergeant
F. D. Tunnard, Company "' K," Sergeant R. Brennan, Company'"F,"
Sergeant W. H. Tunnard, A. C. S. Department and Corporal J. R.
Nash, Company "H," sat down most cozily to dinner, consisting of a
fine roast turkey, light bread and butter, potatoes, pies, cake and
coffee. They enjoyed the repast most royally, laughing and chatting
over their dinner, eaten friom tinware, as if it had been a regal feast,
daintily prepared and partaken of from dishes of the most costly
and exquisite porcelain. - It was undoubtedly enjoyed as if such had
really been the case.
The new year dawned clear and pleasant, with the thunder of war
echoing over the land. The year 1865 witnessed one of the most
fierce desperate and bloody struggles that the world ever saw. The
holidays passed away with little of interest transpiring. Of course
Shreveport was the theatre of many gay and festive scenes among
the post officers. To the private soldier they differed little firom
other days.  He had the same round of duties to perform, without relaxation or relief. Ah! how he missed the joyous scenes
and festivities of more peaceful times, when he mingled in gay
throngs, or participated in the pleasant reunions around the home
altarI Such memories were of the past, while the present was full




332                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
of clouded realities, and the future seemed to contain no olive-branch
of peace for the land.
On the 8th of January the regiment received a complete outfit of
clothing, consisting of hats, shirts, drawers, shoes, socks, blankets,
and a fine suit of Confederate gray cloth. Of course the excitement
and rejoicing were great over such good fortune, and Captain
tHanna's Acting Quartermaster' s tent was encircled by a perfect dense
wall of living, jostling, boisterous and rude men. It was an unusually pleasant and agreeable scene.  During the past week there
had been an unusual advent of military celebrities in Shreveport,
consisting of Generals Price, Buckner, Forney and Polignac.  Men
began to speculate as to whether it did not portend early active
operations.  On the 11th troops were moving through Shreveport,
going below.
January was very rainy, and contained little of interest beyond
the agitation of the question of peace.  Constant and accumulated
disasters falling upon Southern arms, made the hearts of the people
as sad and gloomy as the dark stormy days.
On the 15th of February, notices were published, tendering an
ovation to General Forney's Division by the citizens of Bossier and
Caddo Parishes.  General Forney remembered the gallant regiment
which once served so heroically under him, and sent an invitation
to the veterans of the Third Louisiana Infantry, proposing to pay
them marked and special honors. Upon this distinguished occasion
tile invitation was most cordially accepted. Now  began active
preparations for this important event.  All the veterans of the
regiment were daily drilled, arms, equipments, and clothing duly
inspected. The number of old members present was 150.  It
seemed something like former times to witness the evolutions, firm,
even tread, erect carriage of this battalion of stalwart, bronzed
veterans.
In accordance with previously published notice, the grand festival
and barbecue occurred on Saturday, February 18th, 1865. The day
was one of peculiar loveliness-a bright blue sky, golden sunlight, and
a fresh, balmy spring atmosphere. It seemed as if Providence was
smiling with lavish bounty upon the scene. At 9 o'clock A. M., the
detachment of the Third, preceded by General Forney's Division
band, proceeded to the place for the review. At 10 o'clock the
division was drawn up in line of battle in a large open old field,
west of Colonel Watson's residence, facing and parallel with the
Marshall road, about two miles from Shreveport. They were first
inspected by Lieutenant-General E. Kirby Smith, attended by Major



THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                 333
Generals Magruder and Forney, followed by their respective staffofficers.
At an early hour an immense concourse of fair ladies from far and
near, together with citizens, soldiers and negroes, had assembled
upon the ground, giving to the scene an appearance of great festivity.  After the inspection, the regiments wheeled into columns by
companies, and marched in review before the general officers, posted
in front and centre of the line.  As far as the eye could reach was
this moving mass of men, their arms glittering like burnished silver
in the morning sunbeams, while in front, along the whole line, was
the assembly of Louisiana's fair daughters and gray-haired men,
gracing with their presence the warlike scene. The review being
finished, the lines were formed, advancing in columns of attack, preceded by a line of skirmishers, and then retreating in double-quick,
the regiments formed into columns of companies, making two opposing lines of battle after breaking to the rear. They then changed
front to the rear on the left of the first line, advancing to the attack.
First was heard the scattering fire of the skirmishers, seen the small
puffs of white smoke of the rifles'extending from left to right far
into the woods skirting the field.  This was soon followed by the
roar of a piece of artillery, then another and another, mingled with
volleys of musketry as the line advanced.
A battery in front belched forth its thunder, and clouds of sulphurous smoke mounted into the air, and rolled away on the morning breeze. This was answered by a fierce volley of musketry and a
charge by-the line, who with fierce yells rushed on the guns, gallantly led by the color-bearers.  The whole scene was a fine representation of one of those bloody dramas which had so frequently deluged
Southern soil with a crimson stain, and sent a thrill of joy or woe
from the centre to circumference of a struggling people.  Yet- this
was devoid of the horrors attending an actual battle.  Still, so exciting and impressive was the scene, that some fair ladies fainted,
others screamed, while down the -blanched yet handsome features of
others coursed the tears caused by some sad memory thus- ividly
brought to light of similar scenes of stern reality, where, far away
on bloody battle-fields, fell the loved ones.
The division now formed in columns of regiments near the reviewing
officers, for the purpose of being presented to that gallant band; the
veterans of the Third Louisiana Infantry, who were present by special
invitation, and as the honored guests of the occasion. This organization, preceded by a strong field-band, was now marched on the
ground, malking a fine appearance in their new uniforms, burnished




334                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
rifles, and a beautiful banner floating above them. They were inspected by General Forney, who then rode to their front and saluted
them, which was responded to by three hearty cheers from the men.
Marching close to the division, General Forney then introduced
them as follows:
"I have the honor of introducing to you that gallant band, the
veterans of the Third Louisiana. They are birds of the same feather
as yourselves. I do not speak unadvisedly when I tell you they are
true and tried, soldiers. For forty-eight consecutive days did-this
gallant band stand amid shot and shell as thick as hail. Though
thinned in ranks and few, yet, like yourselves, does each one feel- as
if he was a host in himself. I propose three cheers for the veterans
of the Third Louisiana Infantry."
The cheers were given with a wild enthusiasm, exhibiting the
high appreciation in which the "veterans " were held by their fellow-soldiers.  The division presented arms, banners were waved
amid strains of music from the band. This compliment was returned
by the regiment. The arms were then stacked, and, mingling together, the troops attended the speaking. This was the first ovation
to this Veteran Louisiana Regiment, and as such, to-day forms the
brightest chapter in their history, and is remembered with feelings
of deep gratitude, and added yet greater incentive to the high respect entertained by them for their old commander, Major-General
Forney. Addresses, concise, pointed and stirring, were now delivered to the vast concourse of people by Colonel Louis Bush, Colonel
George Flournoy, and Colonel R. R. Hubbard. Governor H. W.
Allen, though absent, sent a letter of welcome to the hospitalities of
Louisiana to this war-worn division of Texans. After the addresses
were finished, all repaired to the tables, where a bountiful and substantial repast sufficient for all was spread. Here, the Louisianians
were again specially honored by having tables exclusively set apart
for them. The utmost harmony, cordiality and good feeling prevailed, and not an incident occurred to mar the festivities. The regiment made a fine appearance. The banner, it was stated, was a
new one, very beautiful. It attracted great attention, and was constantly surrounded by crowds of admirers.
It was a red field bordered with yellow, with a deep, heavy gold
finge. In its centre are two blue scrolls, almost in the form of an
X, having embroidered on them, with yellow floss silk, the mottoes:
Oak Hills," " Elk Horn," "I uka," and " Corinth."  In the upper




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                 335
right-handl corner is a cross of white silk, with twelve stars set thereon
of yellow gold thread, bordered with black velvet cord. The flag is
of fine silk the trimmings being of the finest and costliest materials.
It was manufactured by Mrs. T. L. Maxwell in South Carolina, previous to the fall of Vicksburg. It was presented to the regiment by
Captain T. L. Maxwell, formerly regimental A. C. S., at that time
post A. C. S. at Jackson, Mississippi. It escaped the misfortune of
ever entering Vicksburg by mere accident, and reached the regiment when they began to assemble in Parole Camp at Enterprise.
This flag was successfully carried across the river by Captain M.
Middlebrook, Company: C, and was exhibited for the first and last
time on this occasion of distinguished honor paid the Veteran Louisiana Regiment. The 18th of February will not soon be forgotten
by the immense concourse assembled near Shreveport. Upwards of
15,000 people were present on this occasion.
This incident seemed to be the ending of any excitement, until towards the first of April, when depredations and robberies began to
be so prevalent in and around Shreveport, that a special patrol under commissioned officers, mostly picked men, guarded the city. It
became dangerous for even General Smith or any staff officers to be
caught in the streets at night.  Consequently, some ridiculous
scenes occurred, between the veteran patrols and the post officers.
rOne night the guard was inspected and drilled in the streets by an
officer duly belted with sabre and sash. Another night an old Captain was arrested for not allowing a staff officer to interfere with his
instructions, which he assumed he knew better than the Captain.
These episodes caused much sport as well as indignation among the
men. At this period much- excitement existed over the constant reverses befalling the Confederate armies. Sherman's successful march
through Georgia and the Carolinas the final surrender of General
Lee, caused a culmination in the excitement. Commissioners from
General Canby to Genieral E. Kirby Smith, reached Shreveport early
in May. Confusion, worse confounded reigned everywhere among
troops and citizens. On the 10th of May Camp Boggs presented a
strange spectacle. The men were gathered in groups everywhere,
discussing the approaching surrender. Curses deep and bitter fell
from lips not accustomed-to use such language, while numbers, both
officers and men, swore fearful oaths never to surrender. It was
such a scene as one seldom cares to witness. The depth of feeling exhibited by compressed lips, pale faces, and blazing eyes, told a fearful story of how bitter was this hopeless surrender of the cause for
which they had fought, toiled, suffered for long years. The humili



386                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
ation was unbearable. Paper money became worthless; rations were
issued in large quantities; such as coffee,. and other delicacies.- The
weather kept clear and pleasant, as if in mockery to the general
gloom and despondency. Sunday the 13th, Shreveport was quiet.
Troops began to leave for home, openly and unmolested; yet the'Ihird remained. The 15th was cloudy and rainy. Shreveport was
crowded with citizens. Ammunition was loaded into wagons and
sent away.
On the 16th, rumors were in circulation in camp that Shreveport
would be set on fire that night and plundered. This report implicated members of the Third Regiment, but to their honor it was
subsequently discovered that this report was false. That night some
one stole the drum and beat it in camp. No one could be found who
knew anything of the matter. Doubtless it was a practical joke
played by some fun-loving member of the regiment on the strength
of the general excitement. Be this as it may, the whole camp was
aroused and orders issued for the regiment to promptly fall in. The
order was quickly obeyed. Colonel Pierson, in command, made a
few stirring remarks, telling the men " that Shreveport was about to
be plundered and destroyed; that he expected every man to do his
duty as a soldier, and the people of the town were looking to them
for protection. They must not, should not be disappointed. He
hoped the men would uphold their former honor and reputation,
and be as firm and true as steel." Ammunition was issued to the
regiment, then came the commands, "Right face, forward by file left
-march," delivered in clear, deep-ringing tones; and the regiment
was off for Shreveport. That night they bivouacked in the CourtHouse yard; and -the city remained quiet and undisturbed, save by
the patrols firm footsteps in their rounds.
The next day was the 17th of May. For four- long years had the
Third Louisiana Infantry battled for the South, homes and freedom;
four long years of horrors, suffering, toil and bloodshed. They had
trod the soil of Arkansas. Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, and left
their heroic dead upon the hills and plains of those States; and, now
once more in their native State, were to witness the final overthrow
of the Confederacy. They must relinquish arms and see their
proud banner trailed in the dust, never more to be raised by mortal
hands. What a torturing reality for their brave and noble spirits I
This day camp was formally established in the Court-House yard.
A division of Missourians arrived also.
On the 18th they were informed that the Missourians had come to
relieve them. They became indignant and furious, and threatened




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                337
to leave en masse. A delegation of prominent citizens besought
them to remain. Governor Allen addressed them most feelingly.
All in vain. That day a Missouri Colonel addressed his regiment,
and informed the men that they had been sent there to guard the
Louisiana Regiment. Such, at least, was reported to them. That
afternoon they were relieved, and sentinels placed around them, who
officiously told the men they were stationed there to guard them. Injured in feeling, wounded in pride and spirit, the brave boys carried
out their threat.
The morning of the 19th found the majority of the regiment gone,
or preparing to leave. They were allowed to take Government horses,
mules and wagons, and leave the place.- Clothes, linen, cotton,
thread, buttons, leather, etc., from the Quartermaster's Department,
were issued to them in such quantities that they were unable to carry
them away or dispose of them. The condition of affairs was terrible, awful, heart-rending.
On the 20th the men were all furloughed by the Confederate
authorities, or, more properly speaking, formally discharged from
the Confederate army. Numbers left, declaring they would take
neither furlough, discharge nor parole. Many went down the river
in pontoons. The officers staid with the men until the finale. Major
Richards left on the 20th, and Lieutenant-Colonel Pierson on the
21st. The parting among the veterans was most affecting. Many
put their arms around each other and sobbed like children; others
gave the strong grasp of the hand, and silently went away with
hearts too full for utterance, while still others would mutter a huskily
spoken "good-bye " or deep oath. Such were some of the farewell
scenes. Together in battle or camp, in sunshine and storm, in suffering and pleasure, in sorrow and joy, on the weary and toilsome march!
No wonder that their hearts were linked together in bands of steel,
with ties unspeakable, inexpressible. No wonder the parting, perhaps for years, perhaps forever, wrung their souls with torturing
agony.
Sunday, the 21st, was hot. The streets were thronged with people.
All the Government stores were thrown open.. Then began a scene
which beggared description. Government stores, of every imaginable description, were seized, the streets filled with goods, official
papers, etc., scattered everywhere. It was awful, terrible beyond
portrayal. Large quantities of these goods were eagerly bought for
silver by rapacious speculators. To the honor of the Missourians
be it recorded, that they soon restored order, seized the goods from
the speculators, and stored them in the Court-House.
15




338                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
At this period'Confederate officers disappeared very suddenly;
the stars and bars mysteriously departed, but citizens infine apparel
became quite numerous. Passing strange! 
This same evening, as the sun sank below the western horizon,
tinging the waters of ILed River with a roseate hue, two pontoons
lcft the wharf at Shreveport, and went down the river. Those pontoons contained the last departing members of the regiment. In one
were Captain N. Mi. Middlebrook, Company C; Captain W. B. Butler, Company G; Captain Curry, Company It; Sergeant F. D. Tunnard, Company K; Sergeant W. H. Tunnard;    - Trichel, Company D, and one private of Company C. The other pontoon contained Captain T. Gourrier, Company A, and six privates of the
same company..
Such was the -finale of the regiment, whose members had done
their duty nobly from their first organization to the period of their
dissolution. Their name for deeds of daring and heroic sacrifices
was proverbial, and was known from the hills of Virginia to the
plains of Texas. For patient endurance, silent suffering and sacrifice, unconquerable bravery and stubborn, desperate fighting, they
had no superior among the many gallant regiments of the Confederacy. Let the veil of obscurity fall over the deeds of those who
often were misled during moments of excitement, or blindly followed
their own wishes in preference to military orders. The curtain falls
upon the bloody drama of war; the foot-lights have been extinguished; the actors have all departed; the audience of the world's
wpndering nations turned to other scenes. The pen which has dotted these reminiscences through long and weary months is laid aside,
as white-winged Peace, all radiant with joy, settles down once more
upon the land of Columbia.




CHAPTER XLI.
SCENES FROM CAMP LIFE AT CAMP BOGGS.
TEAT MUSIC.
"Oh, were you ne'er a school-boy!
And did you never train?"
THESE lines were forcibly brought to mind by an unusual sound
being heard in our camp this Sunday evening, October 2, A. D. 1864;
being no less than the music of a full band, bass and tenor drums
and fife. So unusual an occurrence soon brought together a large
circle of admiring spectators, who interspersed the performance with
remarks both polite and profane. What mattered it that novices,
yea! verily, the greenest of amateurs, essayed their first efforts! I
Was it not music? Did not the heart expand under its revivifying
influence? The forms of some drew up to their full height, as with
martial tread they marched off with firm military step. The great
spirit of Shakspeare haunted not the hearts of the musicians, proclaiming from his mouldering dust these forcible words:
" He that hath not music in himself, and whose soul is not moved
by sweet concord of sounds, is fit for treason, stratagem and spoils."
Soldiers naturally love music, yet have we heard them curse,'' long,
loud and deep," at the roll of a tenor drum, calling them from morning sleep or to daily drill. The introduction of so much musical
material into the Third Louisiana Regiment, however, is a novelty,
even to the veterans, and well worth recording.
PREACHING IN CAMP.
Preaching to soldiers in these times of war and bloodshed is
oftener the exception than the general rule; especially had such
been the case during our experience of nearly four years' campaigning. Perhaps other commands have been more blessed in this respect
than the one to which I am attached; -true is it, however, that the
rank growth of vice and sin has been permitted to spring up and
flourish unchecked in our midst, under the demoralizing influence of




340                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
war's fierce blast. An occasional warning voice has been heard in
our midst, yet Christianity has few supporters, and very seldom is
the heartfelt hymn or prayer heard. Yet the expounder of truth
always finds a respectable and attentive audience in the regiment.
But a few days since a preacher came into our midst and exercised
the peculiar privilege of his vocation.'Twas night. The pale crescent moon wrapped the earth in an uncertain light. The stars looked
down from the far -off realms of space like the sleepless eye of
Omnipotence.  Gathered in one of the avenues of the camp were a
number of the men, quietly, attentively listening to words which fell
from the lips of a speaker standing in their midst; a dim  candle
lighted the scene; its feeble flame flickering in the evening air and
making dancing shadows around the group. It was the picture for
the pencil of a Rembrandt, or the pen of- a Goethe. The speaker,
with his gray locks and wrinkled brow, showing the footprints of
time, standing in the midst of that group of eager listeners-men just
entering the threshold of life, yet whose vocations placed their feet
upon the verge of the grave-the rows of tents, the black groupings
of adjacent shelters, all made an impressive scene. Occasionally,
mingling with the speaker's words, came laughter firom some group
assembled around a camp-fire near by, or a shout of some unthinking, free-hearted stroller about camp. Words, rich with eloquent
meaning, rolled from that aged speaker's lips, like rippling waves
of ocean, successively, rapidly breaking upon a sanded shore; the
light of a hidden power burned in his eyes, as he pleaded, warned
and urged his hearers of the life to come, and the consequences of an
unprepared condition for its hidden realities.  The exhortation finished, a closing hymn was sung, rolling its waves of pure melody
out upon the night's still air, over the adjacent hills and valleys, the
benediction pronounced and the audience dispersed to discuss, some
in serious, others in jocular vein, the subject-matter of the discourse.
Such is one of the occasional, more impressive scenes from our
camp life.
THE STORM.
On the morning of November 1st clouds gathered in heavy masses,
shutting out the light of the sun's golden rays, obscuring all the
heavens. Northward they sped, with their fleecy vapors, flitting by
with arrowy speed, towards the distant north. Anon they discharged
their gathered moisture, with steady fall upon the dying earth.
The drops fell with regular rapidity upon the canvas roofs of our




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                 341
sheltering tents like the pattering footsteps of many feet. Snugly
ensconced beneath their several tents, the soldiers whiled away the
tedious hours of their confinement with song, story and anecdote.
There came a lull in the storm, a stray gleam of sunlight fell across
the earth from a rift in the clouds o'erhead.'Twas but a momentary delusive lull.  Soon in the north and west gathered a long line
of inky blackness athwart, which  gleamed with vivid light the
lightning's brilliant flash, followed by the deep and muttered roll of
the jarring thunder. Gleam followed gleam in rapid succession,
accompanied by deeper, louder roar of the crashing roll of heaven's
artillery.  Nearer, yet nearer, came the black shadow of the stormking; Boreas, in all the fierceness of wrathful power preceded his
approach.  In all its fury it burst upon our exposed encampment.
Fiercely descended the wind in powerful, fitful gusts, accompanied
by a deluge of descending rain. What a scene was there-a hurrying
to and fro I Loud shouts and laughter of the imprisoned men rising
high above the storm's deep-toned roar. Tents, released from their
fastenings fell in ruins upon their occupants. Flies flew upward like
a huge white-winged bird, their ropes and tackle streaming out from
their sides. Luckless victims to the storm-king's sport emerged like
drowned rats from the shrouds of their tents amid the shouts and
laughter of their more fortunate comrades. No respecter of persons
is the storm in its wrath, and officers suffered equally with privates.
Tent after tent, shelters and sheds bowed before the inexorable monarch, until the camp presented a woeful picture of desolation and disaster. The sergeant-major assisted by the adjutant, each convulsively
clutched the poles of their local habitation, and tenaciously clung to
them with the desperation of despair, yet convulsed with laughter as
the storm swayed them to and fro like the steps of a drunken man. Our
surgeon, in fiery haste arrived from Shreveport to escape the threatened storm, and hurriedly darted beneath the shelter of his tent, and
inwardly congratulated himself on his fortunate escape from a ducking. Alas! for the imaginary security of frail mortality. The first
blast of the storm brought his tent around his ears, completely burying him beneath its ample folds, from which, after various struggles
and contortions, he emerged, a veritable water-fowl. The commissary
sergeant fared little better; with naked feet and bared shoulders, and
long hair streaming -in the air, he emerged from his reeling tent, like
a veritable spirit of the storm.  The fly blew loose, the tent-pins
pulled up. Ably assisted by aid within, he convulsively clutched a
corner rope of the fly, braced his feet in the sandy soil, and held on
with the energy of despair. Finally releasing his hold, with axe in




342.              -   SOUTHERN RECORD.
hand, he flitted around the tent here, there, everywhere, driving
down pins, tightening the loosened cords, etc. He saved his tent,
but received a complete baptizing from the cold, chilling northern
storm.~ Such are some of the incidents of this stormy November
day. Cries and shouts of all kinds helped to fill up the measure of
the confusion worse confounded. " Hoop 1 hoop I hurrah!"  "Bring
on your whisky."  "Here's your mule!"  "Quarter less twain."
"Knee deep-no bottom!" "Farewell, my sheltering snow-bird; fare
ye well forever."  "Hoorah i Doc., got plenty of diluted medicines
for the ailing of humanity?" "Just a-going, a-going; how much for
a tent, gentlemen? Just a-going-gone, by Jupiter I" Language, however, fails to do justice to such a scene. On all sides there is fun and
laughter at the haps and mishaps, and scarcely a single word of complaint, such is the stoical indifference with-which such casualties are
met by the soldier. The more fortunate, dry and comfortably sheltered, find an inexhaustible fund of merriment in the mishaps. of their
comrades, and enjoy their unenviable condition in many sly jokes
and witticisms which are received as given with great humor.
"E HERE'S YOUR HONEY.)?'Twas one of those beautiful. autumnal days when a quiet hush
seems to pervade all nature;.the sun looked down bright and
golden from the deep azure sky;, the air, balmy and:pleasant, disturbed not a whispering leaf. on the:autumnal-clothed trees; even
camp, so usually the scene of constant activity and bustle, was
almost death-like in its quietude. The sun was sinking to its repose
in the west, casting long shadows athwart the earth, when a strange
life and activity arose in camp. The men emerged from their tents
like a nest of hornets aroused by some invader of their domains,
all attracted towards a central point, which seemed a seething
volcano of cries, rude jokes, a laughter high above all, where there
arose the cry of "Here's your honey."  We followed the bent of a
natural curiosity, and soon discovered the cause of the uproar to
be a "' little old man," with a cap on his head and stick in hand,
under the- escort of one of the valiant captains of the regiment,
earnestly and eagerly searching the camp for some stolen honey. As
he proceeded from tent to tent, ransacking old boxes, pulling nicelyarranged beds into heaps of disorder, the uproar and crowd increased.
Unmercifully they made the intruder the subject of witticisms and
sly jokes, making honey the theme of it all, until he could stand
the -assault no longer. Turning upon his persecutors with- a lugiubrious expression: of features, laughable to behold, and raising




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                 343
his stick aloft, he exclaimed: " Gentlemen, some one took a basket
containing three bottles of honey from my place. I care not for the
honey, only give me back my basket! Men, that basket belonged
to my brother. He's in the army, and I hate to lose it. Give me
my basket."  " No- you don't, old fel," said a voice; " you want
some one to bring back the basket and then take him up for stealing your honey. No yer don't.'Lasses is sweet, but honey am
sweeter.".Stooping:to enter a tent, he was assaulted by a full dose of flour
from the mischievous occupant. As he suddenly. emerged, sputtering and blowing the white powder from mouth and nostrils, a seriocomic spectacle, a new uproar greeted him. " Take him out," said
one; " hunting honey is a pretence; he is trying to steal some one's
flour." -Thus this seeker after lost sweetness was assailed on. all
sides;with a thousand absurd suggestions how to find his honey,
until, almost crazed, he fled from the camp, followed, as long as
visible, by the loud vociferations of the men, " Here's your honey.".
OUR QUARTERS.
We have read descriptions of palaces, with their marble colonnades,
tesselated floors, ceilings frescoed and embellished with, carved and
curious figures, adorned, ornamented and' furnished. with.all the
richness and elegance which art and genius could devise, or the skill
of man produce; yet no such picture intrudes its glare and glitter
upon us this cold, wintry day. The heart, wearied with long years
of suffering, danger and hardship, amid the stirring and eventful
scenes of our struggle for national independence, naturally turms to
an humbler scene, with its fond associations. " Home, sweet home,"'
is a theme which melts the heart of the sternest of our scarred veterans. Many times have we seen the tears steal down the. bronzed
cheeks of those who have passed unmoved amid the horrors of the
battle-field, as the strains of this cherished refrain came- from some
saddened heart, gushing its melody from a sweet-toned voice or instrument.  We remember the cottage home embowered in trees,
with the rose and honeysuckle clambering over the trellis at the
ends of the porch, and the jessamine, with its sweet-scented flowers,
perfuming all the summer air.. We remember, too, with intense
yearning, the social family gathering -in the evening, the fondlyloved sister and brothers, the adored mother and revered father,
now exiled from that cottage home, or battling in the ranks of our
country's patriots. Ah  how these memories throng to, the mind
and bring forth long-dormant reminiscences of the past! But what




344                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
have these thoughts to do with " Our Quarters?"  Nothing, dear
reader, save as a reverie of camp-life..The winter wind is whispering a sighing requiem  through the
pine-boughs which form a shelter near my present home. Its breath
is sharp and biting. What matters? Does not a tent, with its
canvas roof, and its sides closely pinned and sodded down, keep
old Boreas at bay? Moreover, there is a comfortable fireplace at one
end, with its mud chimney outside, where the fire crackles and the
ruddy flame leaps joyfully upward, as if defying all old Winter's
fierce attacks. We sit (my companions and self, I mean,) around
this cozy fire, and laugh and chat away the laggard hours as if stern
war was not a bitter reality, and life had no aim save the enjoyment
of its flitting hours. Soldiers are proverbial for their light-heartedness and reckless joviality under the most trying circumstances.
The tent-poles at either end are ornamented with knapsacks, the
relics of many campaigns and long marches, while from a pole,
which is swinging overhead, hangs our scanty wardrobe of soiled,
tattered, and threadbare garments. On one side of the tent is a
broad bed, tastefully made up, with, perhaps, knapsacks or some
buniles for pillows. At its head is a shelf, upon which is ranged
our tinware and cutlery, a small box of sugar and a jar of molasses;
at its foot is a table, on which is a portfolio containing the treasures
and writing materials of "Beta Omega," an inkstand, brushes,
combs, rules, box of tacks, books in the shape of a history of the
French Revolution, Hardee's Tactics and a Bible, an old tin cup full
of corn-meal, with a piece of candle rising froml its midst, and a simple
camp candlestick; on the opposite side is a single bedstead, minus
an occupant,. barrel of meal, saddle and bridle. Under each bed
can be found mess-boxes containing our daily sustenance, old boots
and shoes, a bag of potatoes, skillets and pots for cooking, tin pans,
etc. The floor is covered with boards, making it appear neat, and
comfortable, almost home-like; several stools'are scattered about in
negligent disorder, while, to finish the picture, a small black and
somewhat savage and decidedly ugly terrier is playing about the
floor, or lazily sleeping before the fire.
Such is the picture of our quarters this windy winter's day, where
we pass our idle hours, regardless of sunshine or storm, contentedly
smoking our pipes, or discussing the latest news items. A soldier's
tent is parlor, kitchen and bedroom, and contains within its small
and circumscribed limits all the conveniences of his existence. How
seldom do we imagine what man can endure and still continue hope.
ful, healthy and joyous! Such is a soldier's life.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                345
OUR NOBLE WOMEN.:-:No published record or portion of the history of the war could
possibly be complete without some tribute to the fair ladies of our
land. The gallant men''of the Third Regiment have cause to remember them on innumerable occasions.
President Davis, in one of his appeals to the'people of the Confederate States, closes with these sentiments: " I conjure my countrywomen-the wives, mothers, sisters and daughters of the Confederacy-to use their all-powerful influence in aid of this call; to add
one:crowning sacrifice to those which their patriotism has so freely
and constantly offered on their countrys' altar; and take care no one
who owes service in the field be sheltered at home from the disgrace
of having deserted their duty to their families, to their country, and
to their God."
In these days of civilization and Christian enlightenment, woman's
influence is not only acknowledged, but properly appreciated, by
man —not only in the quiet home-circle, but as also bearing upon
the destinies of nations. The above appeal from the model statesman, the chief executive of the infant Confederacy, is a most glorious
tribute to the influence of our fair women. What a record for the
pages of its history! President Davis acknowledged it as controlling the destiny of a convulsed people, even as it moulds, forms
man's individual character and aspirations. Truly woman's influence over the destiny of a nation was never more earnestly proclaimed, or sincerely acknowledged and felt, than during the late
struggle.
As >the thirsty and tired wayfarer gains renewed strength and
freshness at the fountain where the cool and glistening waters,
with their diamond.spray, form rainbow hues in the sparkling sunlight, so man draws new hope, inspiration and vigor' from woman's
encouraging smile, and gentle,- loving words. From time immemorial-when Mary watched before the.tomb of a Divine Saviour;
through the stormy scenes of the ancient republics; in the midst
of the exciting events of the Crusade; through every great era in
the world's changing history, down to the late eventful strugglewomen have occupied prominent positions where works of love,
kindness and tenderness were to be performed, or sacrifices made
for the weal of mankind. Steadfast has she ever proven herself in
hours of danger and toil, ever ready to meet, with heroic fortitude
and cheerful hope, the rough storms of life, and, with cheering words
of encouragement, rouse the desponding spirit, of man's stronger,
15*




346                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
yet frequently less hopeful, nature. Hers has been a proud station
in the midst of the late revolution-sending forth the loved and dear
ones of her household to meet the ruthless invader; laying these
precious jewels on the altar of her country; hiding the torn and
bleeding tendrils of her affections by unwearying labors for the
welfare and comfort of the absent one; enduring privations at
home little dreamed of; with words of hope and encouragement
for the desponding, sometimes despairing soldiers; waiting and
watching by the wayside and public thoroughfares with comforts
for the sick and wounded as they were sent from the scene of active
strife; visiting hospitals; giving aid and necessaries to captive
friends amid insolent foes; facing the horrors of the battle-field;
ever on her mission of love and mercy within the walls of besieged
cities; at home, abroad, everywhere exhibiting a devotion and unwavering constancy for the country's good, which should have
caused a blush of shame to mantle the cheeks of many who called
themselves men-men, forsooth, who, with ashen lips and trembling
knees, prated of the dangers they dared not encounter.
Oh! glorious the record of the noble women of the Sunny South!
Not a Southern soldier but has cause to remember thee. The recollection of thy deeds of love, thy gentle words of hope, strengthened
anew their brave hearts and strong arms to strike new blows in thy
defence.
The image of some bright face, the music-tones of some voice in a
far-distant home, implanted in the Southron's heart a new aspiration
for deeds of daring and valor, with an influence beyond the power
of expression. Southern chivalry is gathering up the broken fragments of the temple of their perished hope, and will yet erect a mausoleum glorious and beautiful, with its colonnades, dome and arch.
It will be the Mecca which they will come to worship. Inscribed on
its highest pinnacle, in letters of living light, shall be thy names,
oh i daughters of the South! proclaiming to the world thy sacrifices
buried'neath this glorious edifice, the shadow of that more beautiful temple, for which thy sons, fathers, husbands and brothers so
fearfully toiled, so lavishly and freely sacrificed and poured out their
lives, treasure and blood.
Amid the overshadowing gloom of the country's peril, thy allpowerful aid was invoked to illume, with its bright influence, its
dark hours; to strengthen its weakness, and bring success out of
disaster. Nobly was it answered, but all in vain. What a glorious
mission was thine! Gentle woman! the bulwarlk of a nation's success,
a nation's freedom!  Worthy art thou of our smiling skies, the




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                347
South's broad and fertile valleys, its beautiful mountain scenery and
great streams! Heroic women, worthy daughters of a land of flowers, sunshine and brave men. How her sons worship at the shrine
of thy beauty and worth, and proudly proclaim thy heroic deeds of
self-sacrificing devotion, when no light gleamed through the jagged
clouds of war, as the storm swept over the land like a besom of destruction I
All-glorious, all-radiant are these records; worthy the poet's sweetest strain, the painter's most beautiful conception, the musician's
most glorious symphony, the orator's loftiest flights of eloquence,
the historian's most brilliant records, every Southerner's deepest
homage and love.
UNMARKED GRAVES.
DEDICATED TO THE WOMEN OF THE SOUTH.
I.
Bring flowers, sweet flowers, from the South's sunny plain;
Plant their rich beauty o'er the graves of the slain —
Let their fragrance so pure, like incense of old,
Perfume the soft air, as some censer of gold,
Swung to and fro in cathedral dim and lofty,
Where strains of rich music floating out softly,
Fill the soul with emotions so calm and so deep,
Where worshipers kneel in adoration so sweet.
II.
Let Beauty's soft tears, like the dews of the night,
Or the diamond's bright rays, reflecting the light,
Fall on these lonely graves; love's tokens so pure,
Which memory green keeps, while Time shall endure.
While Fame shall proclaim, with his deep, brazen voice,
Names of heroes, who, in the land of their choice,
Fell in the strife on the field of their gloryTheir lives an offering to song and to story.
III.
In hearts true and tender, monuments shall stand,
More polished in beauty than aught in the land;
Than e'er Greek Demetrius, with his skill wondrous,
Chiseled from marble so rough and so pond'rous.




348                A -SOUTHERN RECORD.,
Monuments pure and rare, deep watered with tears,
Time cannot destroy with the long lapse of years;
Or memory true from its tablets efface
A glory and beauty in patriot blood traced.
IV.
Laid'neath the droop of the lone weeping willows,
Laid where the surge of the ocean's dark billows
Thunder their requiem on the bright sanded shore,
Nature's fit anthem of mystical power.
Unmarked graves, in shadowy vale and dense wood,
Where, fiercely fighting, patriot soldiers once stood,
Ling'ring falls the light on each emerald mound,
With a halo of Beauty, golden, profound.
Natchitoches, Louisiana, January 24th, 1865.
THE" PERSONNEL " OF THE REGIMENT AND HOW THEY ACCEPT THE
"SITUATION.In events of unusually startling nature, the mind naturally investigates causes, reasoning fiom these to the effect produced. Thus
in reading the history of this gallant organization, the peruser inquires, " Who and what were these men?"  Let us answer. The
members of the Third Louisiana Infantry were principallymen of
high social standing at home; intelligent, refined, young, the fires of
youth glowing in their stalwart forms. Voluntarily offering their
services to their country, they were actuated by a firm conviction of
the justice of their cause. From workshop and counter, fromc ottage
and mansion, from the lordly plantation and the crowded city, they
came, standing side by side in defence of a common cause. Look at
them; the fire of a fixed determination glowing in their clear,
blight eyes, the strength of a settled purpose evinced in their firm
tread and upright carriage.
No wonder that they distinguished themselves on the battle-field,
covering themselves with an imperishable glory. There is not today a man living who ever doubted the courage and gallantry of the
whole regiment.  Thus they fought through the stirring scenes of
the whole war, and when the inevitable decrees of fate decided
against them, they accepted the issue as brave men only could.
If they were gallant soldiers, now are they good citizens, and can
be implicitly trusted in their fealty to the:Government. They feel




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                349
that they have been overpowered, and accept the situation as brave
and honorable men. Such men as the Gourriers C. D. Craighead, F.
Roth and brother, Landry and brother, William Johnson, Pierre
Richard, Alexander Hebert, C. Nicholls, H. Le Blanc and brother,
J. Richard, A. Jolly, N. Gayard, H. Guidici, P. Slaven, AM. Coughlan,
N. Richard, and many others of Iberville; Major W. F. Tunnard,
F. D. Tunnard, Bentons, Waddell, Gentles, Bells, Jolly, Booth, Alexander, Aldrich, Hardy, Heroman, Knox, Hackett, etc., of Baton
Rouge; Brighams, Washburn, Davenport, Evans, Hinson, Whitstone, Holt, Brashear, Harris, Carters, Quipin, etc., of Morehouse;
Hyams, Breazeales, Blair, Russells, Walmsleys, Airey, Morse, Espy,
Levasson, Trichels, Butler, Prudhommes, Derbonne, Bossiers, Charlevillis, Cloutiers, Hallers, Murphy, Norris, etc., of Natchitoches;
Lacy, Wells, Kinney, Gilmore, Kendall, Robson, Clark, Cole, Effner,
etc., of Shreveport; Pierson, Emanuel, Middlebrook, etc., of Winn;
Hedricks, Richards, Guy, Young, Tompkins, Currie, Page, Bradley,
Eddins, etc., of Carroll; Gunnells, Evans, Humbles, Broadway,
Smith, Moffits, Fluetts, Dunns, Hannas, Cottinghams, Grays, Johnsons, Killeys, Masons, McFarlands, Merediths, Moss, Sandridge, etc.,
of Caldwell, are considered the most trustworthy of citizens. Yet
were they the first to answer to the bugle-call. These are all true men.
In financial and commercial circles, in workshops, at the bench and
counter and in the fields, are they striving to rebuild their fallen fortunes, striving to regain the loss inflicted by war. They are neither
despondent nor despairing, but work with alacrity and cheerfulness
to repair the many ravages of the conflict. Such are the positions
of men who gave fortunes, staked their liveson the issue of war.
The heroism displayed in accepting their defeat is not less praiseworthy than their undaunted bearing in the deadly battle-field.








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THE following rolls of the Companies composing the 3d Regiment
La. Infantry are necessarily incomplete, being compiled from notes,
without the aid of any official documents. All the records of the
Regiment were destroyed; first, when Vicksburg was surrendered,
and again when the army was finally disbanded. This statement is
considered necessary, in order that no complaints may be made for
any errors which may occur in these lists:
ROLL OF COMPANY A, IBERVILLE GREYS.
Captain Charles A. Brusle. Wounded, Vicksburgh, May, 1863.
Pritchard, J. A., 1st Lieutenant. Resigned, May 3d, 1861.
Brown, T. C., 2d Lieutenant.  Promoted May 3rd. Resigned, June,
1861.
Verbois, T. R., 2d Junior Lieutenant. Promoted 2d Lieutenant,
June, 1861. Wounded at Oak Hills, August 10, 1861.
Goodwin, F. W., 1st Sergeant.
Ramoin, J. B., 2d Sergeant.  Elected 2d Lieutenant, May 8, 1862.
Killed at Iuka, September, 19, 1862.
Babin, U., 3rd Sergeant.  Elected 1st Lieutenant, May 8, 1862.
Wounded at Vicksburg.
Chastant, J. M., 4th Sergeant. Killed at Vicksburg, June 22, 1863.
Terrel O., 1st Corporal.
Bevin, O., 2nd Corporal.
Browne, H. S., 3rd Corporal. Discharged, N. O., May 3, 1861.
Arceneaux, E. A., 4th Corporal. Discharged, N. O., May 3, 1861.
Arceneau, M., Private.
Allain, S., Private. Wounded at Vicksburg, May 31, 1863.
Amoin, T., Private.
Allsbach, J., Private. Discharged, Sept., 1861.
Aucoin, S., Private. Discharged, June 28th, 1861.
Brawn, C. H., Private.
Breand, S., Private. Discharged, 1861.
Breaux, J. H., Private. Died of wounds, Vicksburg, June 25, 1863.




354                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
Bridges, D. F., Private. Killed at Iuka, Sept. 19, 1862.
Boissac, E. M., Private. Wounded at Vicksburg, June 6, 1863.
Broussard, M., Private. Wounded at Iuka, and died at Jackson,
Miss., Sept., 1862
Blanchard, N., Private.
Blanchard, L. D., Private. Wounded at Vicksburg, May 19, 1863.
Babin, A., Private. Discharged, N. O., May 3, 1861.
Bellfield, E. C., Private.
Barlow, E. D., Private.
Beard, N. Private. Wounded at Oak Hills, August 10, 1861.
Bell, J., Private.
Berry B., Private. Died of wounds, Vicksburg, June 26, 1863.
Breaux, E. L., Private. ~ Wounded at Iuka, Sept. 19, 1862.
Crowell, James, Private.
Croughlan, M., Private. Discharged, 1861. Wounded at Oak Hills,
August 10, 1861.
Connor, James, Private. Wounded at Vicksburg, June 6, 1863.
Craighead, C. D., private.
Davis, S. D., Private. Killed at:Iuka, Sept. 19, 1862.
Dupuy, C., Private.- Killed at \Vicksburg, June 22, 1863.
Dennis, J., Private.:Ellis, J. A., Private.
Guidici, H. E., Private.   Appointed Sergeant, February, 1862.
Wounded at Vicksburg, May 29, 1863.
Gayard, N., Private. Wounded at Iuka, Sept. 19, 1862.
Gourrier, E. Private.  Elected 2d Junior Lieutenant, Ft. Smith,
June, 1861.
Gourrier, E., Private. Elected- 2d Junior Lieutenant, May 8, 1862,
at Corinth. Wounded at Iuka.
Gourrier S., Private. Killed at Iuka, Sept. 19, 1862.
Gleason, P., Private. Died at Jackson, Miss.
I-lebert, J. L., Private.
Hebert, V. A., Private. Appointed Orderly to General L. Hebert.
Hebert, Alexander O., Private.
Hebert Amidi, Private. Killed at Vicksburg, June 25, 1863.
Hebert, G. S., Private. Appointed Assistant-Surgeon.
Hersch, B., Private. Killed at Iuka, Sept. 19, 1862.
Hall, W., Private.
Johnson, W., Private.
Johns, A. J., Private.
Johns, W. H., Private.
Joly, A. J., Private. Wounded at Iuka, Sept. 19, 1862.




THIRD: LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                355
Kahn, S., Private. Wounded at Vicksburg, June 23, 1863.
Kenney, John, Private. Elected Captain, May 8, 1862. Wounded
at Iuka, Sept. 19, 1862. Killed at Vicksburg, July 1, 1863.
Le Blanc, E., Private. Wounded at Oak Hills. Killed accidentally,
Aug., 1861.
Le Blanc, H., Private.
Leonard., F., Private. Killed at Vicksburg, May 19, 1863.
Landry, M., Private. Wounded at Iuka.
Landry, J A., Private.   Appointed Brigade Quartermaster, 2 M.
at Tupelo, Miss., 1862.
Le Blanc, M., Private.
Lanoux, F., Private. Discharged, 1861.
McManus, J., Private. Wounded at Oak Hills, Aug. 16, 1861.
McGueri, Private.
Macready, J., Private.
McGinnis, W. B., Private. Wounded at Vicksburgh, June 14, 1863.
Mintor, N., Private.
Nichols, C., Private.
Norton, C., Private.
O'Brien, M., Private. Wounded at Vicksburgh.
Nicholas -, Private
Pruett, C., Private. Wounded at Vicksburg, May'22, 1863.
Polson, W. H., Private.
Richard, B., Private. Appointed Sergeant, Feb., 1862.
Richard, N., Private. Discharged, 1861.
Richard, J., Private. Taken prisoner at Iuka Sept. 19, 1862.
Richard, E., Private.
Roth, F., Private.
Randolph, S. A., Private. Elected  2d Lieutenant, May, 1862.
Killed at Vicksburg, May 23, 1863.
Schade, N., Private. Killed at Vicksburgh, May 19, 1863.
Sanders, W., Private. Wounded at Iuka, Miss., and Corinth, Miss.
St. Ameant, B. T., Private. Wounded at Vicksburg, May 22, 1863.
Slaven, P., Private.
Scheirer, J., Private.
Springer,, Private. Elected 2d Lieutenant, May 7th, 1861.
Terrell, G., Private. Discharged, Sept. 1861.
Terrell, O., Private.
Verbois, O., Private. Discharged, 1861.
Willis, P. C., Private. Wounded at Vicksburg, June 23, 1863.
White, P., Private.
Willhardt W., Private.




356                 & SOUTHERN RECORD.
ROLL OF COMPANY B, THIRD LOUISIANA.
R. M. S. Hinson, Captain. Killed August 10th, 1861, at Oak
Hills, Mo.
W. T. Hall, 1st Lieutenant. Resigned May 1, 1862, Memphis, Tenn.
D. C. Morgan, 2d Lieutenant.
J. H. Brigham, 2 Junior Lieutenant.  Appointed Adjutant of the
Regiment, May 8, 1862, Corinth, Miss.
W. L. McMurtry, 1st Sergeant. Discharged April 23, 1862, Little
Rock.
C. Adamson, 2d Sergeant. Discharged August, 1861, Maysville,
Arkansas.
W. P. Douglas, 3d Sergeant. Discharged October 6, 1861.
J. W. Petitt*, 4th Sergeant.  Died, September 9, 1861, at Springfield, Mo.
J. C. Williams, 5th Sergeant.   Transferred July 1, 1861, Fort
Smith, Ark.
E. J. Wright, 1st Corporal. Discharged December 8, 1864, Winterquarters, Ark.
W. J. Buford, 2d Corporal. Transferred January 15, 1865, Shreveport, La.
Shelton, D., 3d Corporal.
Traylor, W. P., 4th Corporal. Died September 19, 1861, at Springfield, Mo.
Alford, Thomas R., Private.  Killed May 19, 1863, at Vicksburg,
Miss.
Armstrong, P. D., Private.
Aldridge, F. J., Private. Discharged April 17, 1862, Little Rock,
Arkansas.
Brown, T. J*, Private. Died October 2, 1862, at Iuka, Miss.
Briscoe, James M., Private.  Died June 3, 1864, at Morehouse
Parish, La.
Boyer —, Private. Died June, 1861, at Vicksburg, Miss.
Brice, John W., Private. Died April 12, 1862, at Dardanelle, Ark.
Beauchamp, T. L., Private. Died May 17, 1862, at Corinth, Miss.
Blankenship, John,* Private.  Died July, 17, 1863, at Morehouse
Par., La.
Blankenship, William, Private. Remained east of Missouri River
after fall of Vicksburg.
Brigham, D, L., Private.  Discharged November, 1861, Benton
County, Ark.
* Died of wounds.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                   357
Bass, E. A., Private. Drowned September 6, in Red River.
Bussey, A. L., Private.
Buckmaster, D., Private.
Boatner, E. J., Private.
Benk, James, Private. Disabled at Vicksburg.
Collier, Thomas, Private. Discharged June 6, 1861, Little Rock,
Arkansas.
Cole, L. J., Private.
Cooher, J. H., Private.
Cooper, W. T., Private.
Cravens, T., Private. Disabled at Iuka.
Darwin, J., Private. Discharged October 7, 1861, Maysville, Ark.
Davis, William, Private. Discharged December 8, 1861, Winterquarters, Ark.
Davenport, Joe, Private.
Evans, E. M., Private. Discharged August 9, 1861, Wilson's Creek,
Missouri.
Evans, D. M., Private.
Frazier, C., Private. Died April 3, 1862, at Van Buren, Ark.
Fenley, W. F., Private. Killed May 22, 1863, at Vicksburg, Miss.
Felton, J. G., Private.
Fogerty, James, Private. Discharged July 16, 1862, Tupelo, Miss.
Hughes, P., Private. Died May, 1861, at New Orleans, La.
Hewitt, M., Private. Died September 13, 1861, at Springfield, -Mo.
Hewitt, J. N., Private.  Killed May 30, 1863, at Vicksburg, Miss.
Higginbotham, T. C., Private.
Higginbotham, J. N., Private. Died August 28, 1861, at Springfield, Mo.
Higginbotham, C. W., Private. Discharged June 30, 1861, Fort
Smith, Ark.
Howell, W. H., Private. Killed June 11, 1863, at Vicksburg, Miss.
Howell, J. M., Private.
Hubbard, F., Private. Transferred February, 1863, Snyder's Bluff,
Miss.
Harrison, B., Private. Discharged July 16th, 1862, Tupelo, Miss.
Henderson, R., Private. Captured at " Elk Horn," Ark., March 8,
1862. Refused exchange.
Handy, H. F., Private.
Hall, B., Private.
Jones, John, Private.   Transferred June 6, 1861, Little Rock, Ark.
Jones, G. W., Private. Discharged July 16, 1862, Tupelo, Miss.
Gelks, J. F., Private.




358                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
Kelley, William, Private. Died August 30, 1861, at Springfield,
Missouri.
Lee, John W., Private.  Killed June 20, 1861., at Vicksburg, Miss.
Land, Thomas, Private. Discharged May 30, 1861, N. Orleans, La.
Lawhead, William, Private.
Meaders, H., Private. Died October, 1862, Oakalona, Miss.
McCluskey, Thomas, Private. Discharged October 4, 1862, Little
Rock, Ark,
McCallaghan, William, Private.
May, James C., Private. Killed June 26, 1863, at Vicksburg, Miss.
McIntosh, W. B., Private.  Discharged April 18, 1862, Little Rock,
Arkansas.
McFee, A. L., Private.  Transferred March, 1863, Snyder's Bluff
Miss.
McFee, Eugene, Private.
McGrane, John, Private. Discharged July 16, 1862, Tupelo, Miss.
Newton, J. B., Private.  Died September 11, 1861, at Springfield,
Missouri.
Norton, B., Private.
O'Brien, Jerry, Private. Discharged April 18, 1862, Little Rock,
Ark.
Pickett, D., Private.
Potts, T. J., Private. Discharged September 24, 1861, Bentonville,
Ark.
Quinn, G. B., Private.
Renwick, J. P., Private. Killed August 10th, 1861, Oak Hills, Mo.
Renwick, W. P., Private.
1Risor, William, Private. Discharged July 16, 1862, Tupelo, Miss.
Roland,, Private. Transferred July 20, 1861, Bentonville, Ark.
Raidt, F., Private. Discharged August 10, 1862, Baldwin, Miss.
Robard, G. W., Private. Discharged October, 1861.
Smith, S. D., Private.  Killed May 20, 1863, at Vicksburg, Miss.
Steward, James, Private... Killed September 19, 1862, at Iuka,
Miss.
Small, John, Private.  Discharged September 8, 1861, Winterquarters, Ark.
Sullivan, Con, Private.   Discharged September 8, 1861, Winterquarters, Ark.
Sharp, J. T., Private. Killed June 25, 1863, at Vicksburg, Miss.
Silbernagel, B., Private.
Saunders, J. N., Private.
Sparks, T. H., Private.




THIRD LOUISIANA  INFANTRY.                   359
Sharp, James M., Private.
Taylor, Joseph, Private. Killed August 10, 1861, at Oak Hill, Mo.
Tubberville, A. H., Private. Discharged September 10, 1861, Maysville, Ark.
Turner, Jospeh, Private. Discharged July 16, 1862, Tupelo, Miss.
Vaughan, G. B., Private.
Whitley, J. B., Private.  Died June, 1861, at Vicksburg, Miss.
Whittalker, B. W*, Private. Died September 21, 1862, at Iuka, Miss.
Whetstone, E. A., Private.  Killed August 10, 1861, at Oak Hills,
Missouri.
Williams, Alexander*, Private.  Died July 7, 1863, at Vicksburg,
Miss.
Webb, J. D., Private. Discharged June 30, 1861, Fort Smith, Ark.
Webb, T., Private.  Discharged June 30, 1861, Fort Smith, Ark.
Wright, T. J., Private.  Discharged April 18, 1862, Little Rock,
Arkansas.
Wilkinson, Joe,: Private.   Discharged July 10, 1862, Tupelo, Miss.
Williams, G. B., Private.  Discharged July 16, 1862, Tupelo, Miss.
Wadkins, James, Private.  Discharged July 16, 1862, Tupelo, Miss.
Washburn, W. M., Private.
Yog, Joseph, Private. Died August, 1861. Maysville, Ark.
Zimmerle, R., Private. Discharged July 10, 1862, Tupelo, Miss.
Caldwell, W. R., Private  Remained eastt of Mississippi River, after
fall of Vicksburg.
Edmonson, J. N., Private. Remained east of Mississippi River after
fall of Vicksburg.
Edmonson, M. Private. Removed east of Mississippi River after fall
of Vicksburg.
Finn, Terrence, Private.  Remained east of Mississippi River after
fall of Vicksburg.
Harrison A,: C., Private.  Remained east of Mississippi River after
fall of Vicksburg.
Kelley,` Henry, Private. Remained east of Mississippi River after
fall of Vicksburg.
Meyer, A., Private. Remained east of Mississippi River after fall
of Vicksburg.
Sheffield, W. B., Private. Remained east of Mississippi River after
fall of Vicksburg.
* Died of wounds.
t These men, having homes or relatives east of the Missouri River, after the
capitulation of Vicksburg remained in that department, and were attached to
the 21st or 22d La. Infantry.




360                  A SOUTHERN RECORD.
Sullivan, M. B., Private. Remained east of Mississippi River after
fall of Vicksburg.
Stirces, S. H., Private.  Remained east of Mississippi River after
fall of Vicksburg.
Shumaker, W. V., Private. Remained east of Mississippi River
after fall of Vicksburg.
Smith, James M., Private. Remained east of the Mississippi River
after fall of Vicksburg.
Thompson, J. A., Private. Remained east of Mississippi River after
fall of Vicksburg.
Wilcox, J, J., Private. Remained east of Mississippi River after
fall of Vicksburg.
Worley, S. N., Private.  Remained east of Mississippi River after
fall of Vicksburg.
Walker, N. E., Private. Remained east of Mississippi- River after
fall of Vicksburg.
All the of above were enlisted into the State Service at New.
Orleans, La., May 5th, 1861, and transferred to the Confederate
States Service at New Orleans, May 17th, 1861.
RECRUITS.
Alford, G. W. Enlisted February 10, 1863. Died at Ft. Delaware,
December, 1863.
Brice, W. H. Enlisted July 30, 1861. Killed, Vicksburgh, June 19,
1863.
Bosworth, G. P. Enlisted December 5, 1864.
Biddle, H.           "    October 15, 1864.
Bearden, B. C.                 "
Elton, E. W.         "    August 15, 1863.
Emswiler, G. E.    "    March 17, 1862.
Evans, G. R.        "    May 5, 1862. Discharged, Corinth, Oct.
17, 1862.
Fryor, H. C.        "    February, 1863. Lost a leg at Vicksburg
Fluelen, J. G.      "    September 21, 1864.
Gray, T. T.         "    March 17th, 1862.
Graves, P. S.       "    November 26, 1864.
Grant, P.           "    April 10, 1863.
Howell, F. M.       "    July 30, 1861. Killed at Vicksburg, June
24, 1863.
Higginbotham, D. F. Enlisted March 17, 1862.
Hammonde, E. I.           "    October, 1864.
Johnson, T. H.            "    February 10, 1863.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                361
Mason, J. M.  Enlisted  March 25, 1863 Accidentally killed September 24, 1863, at Home.
MeFee, S. O. Enlisted July 30, 1861. Killed at Vicksburg, June
16, 1863.
Maxwell, J. D.   "   June 6, 1861.
Maxwell, J. N.   "    October 6, 1861.
McGuire, J. F.   "    January 5, 1865.
Kaff, J. B.'    February 10, 1863. Killed at Vicksburg
June 25, 1683.
Risor, John. Elected May 5, 1862. Died at Grenada, December
24, 1862.
Sharp, A. F.    "  -    5, 1864.
Saunders, S. N. " February 10, 1663.
Sutton, Jos.'  October 7, 1864.
Smith, J. W.    "  December 19, 1864.
Totle Jacob.    6  February 10, 1863.
Wright, W. W. "
White, G. B.    "      "    "    " Died at Snyder's Bluff, June
26, 1863.
W. N. Washburn was elected Second Junior Lieutenant some time
in.October, 1861, while on the March for Carthage, Miss. This
election was ordered to fill the vacancy occasioned by promotion,
after the death of Captain Henson.  At the time of the reorganization he was a prisoner, having been captured at the battle of Elk
Horn, and consequently was not re-elected.  After the death of
Lieut. Beauchamp, Lieut. Renwick filled the vacancy, and Washburn was elected Second Junior Lieutenant.
ROLL OF COMPANY C, WINN RIFLES.
Pierson, D., Captain. Wounded at Iuka, Sept. 19, 1862; wounded
at Vicksburg. Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel.
Emanuel, Asa, 1st Lieutenant. Re-elected May 8th, 1862.
Lurry, W. C., 2d Lieutenant.
Strather, W., 2d Lieutenant. Wounded Augast 10, 1861, at Oak
Hills..Middlebrook, N. M., 1st Sergeant. Wounded at Oak Hills, August
10, 1861; wounded at Vicksburg. Elected Captain May 8th,
1862.
McCain, A. W., 2d Sergeant. Elected 2d Lieutenant May 8, 1862.
Killed at Iuka, September 19, 1862.
Alford, W. H., 3d Sergeant. Killed at Elk Horn1, Iarch 7, 1862.
Copeland, J., 4th Sergeant.
16




362                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
McCain, J. IM., 1st Corporal. Wounded at Oak Hills, August 10,
1861.
W. T. Fagan, 2d Corporal.  Elected 2d Lieutenant, May 8, 1862
Wounded at Vicksburg.
C. F. AI. Befer, 3d Corporal.
J. Sholurs. Died August 3, 1861.
Benson, H., Private.
Brock, J., Private.
Bird, L. G., Private.
Bulger, W., Private. Died July, 1861, at Camp McCulloch, Ark.
Barnes, J. G., Private.
Bonnet, J. R., Private.
Bonnet, H., Private. Died August, 1861.
Brantley, E. C., Private.
Brantley, G. D., Private.
Belden, H. C., Private.
Black, B. F., Private.
Black, H., Private.
Benson, F., Private.
Collens, H., Private.
C1ollum, W., Private. Died June, 1861, at Fort Smith.
Carson, W. J., Private. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Curry, G., Private.
Cole, R. E., Private. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Cole, H., Private.
Carter, G. B., Private. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Canady, O. F., Private.
Carter, J., Private.
Crew, H. M., Private. Killed at Iuka, Sept. 19, 1862.
Crew, J., Private. Died August 1861.
Cockerham, H., Private. Killed at Oak Hills, August 10, 1861.
Campbell, R., Private.
Cockerham, W., Private.
Cockerham, B., Private. Died June 1861, at Fort Smith, Ark.
Calhoun, I. G., Private.
Cunningham, H. H., Private.
Davison, W. F., Private. Died May 1862, at Corinth, Miss.
Dun, Geo..F., Private. Died June, 1861, at Fort Smith, Ark.
Evans. J. M., Private.
Evans, W., Private. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Furgerson, W. J., Private.
IlIuthnanuce, H., Private. Wounded at Corinth, October 3, 1862.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                 363
Houston, R. K., Private. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Hardee, B., Private.
Hoduett, G. W., Private.
Hallamon, W. A., Private. Killed at Vicksburg.
Hicks, I. N., Private. Appointed 4th Corporal, September 30th,
1861.
Howell, W. F., Private.
Harlen, —, Private.
Holland, J. T., Private.
Halston, M. R., Private.
Inabinett, A. J., Private.
Jones, Jas. W., Private. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Kelly, D., Private.
Lockheart, A., Private,
Livingston, R. L., Private.
Leopard, F. MI., Private.
Lovett, W., Private.
Little, G. B. N., Private.
Muirhead, H. C., Private.
Muirhead, Wm., Private. Wounded at Iuka, September 19, 1862.
Martin, E. P., Private.
McBride, J. M., Private. Wounded at Oak Hills, August 10, 1861;
wounded at Vicksburg.
McDonald, G. N., Private.
Mooney, E. W., Private.
McCormick, J.- N.; Private.
Moody, N., Private. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Means, B. H., Private.
Mathis, John, Private. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Middlebrook, Wm., Private. Elected 2d Junior Lieutenant at Snyder's Mills, Miss., 1863.
Nickolson, J., Private,
Newiman, A. H., Private. Taken prisoner at Corinth, October 3, 1862.
Nox, Geo., Private.
Oglesby, J., Private.
Oglesby, M., Private.
Phillpot, B. F., Private. Killed at Iuka, September 19, 1862.
Phillpot, G. W., Private. Died at fMt. Vernon, Mo.
Pierson, John H., Private.
Pierson, Jas., Private.
Pearre, A. J., Private. Wounded at Iuka, September 19, 1862;
wounded at Corinth, Miss., October 4, 1862.




364                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
Powers, H. C., Private.
Ritch, Win., Private. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Rudd, J. D., Private. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Smith, W. R., Private. Killed at Vicksburg, Miss.
Smith, Jas., Private.
Spillman, G. C., Private. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Thompson, V. B., Private.
Teagle, John, Private. Died July, 1861, at Fort Smith, Ark.
Teddlie, T. J., Private. Killed at Vicksburg, Miss.
Teddlie, W. J., Private. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Tannyhill, D. M., Private.
Tannyhill, W., Private.
Williams, Thos., Private. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Webb, J. D., Private.
Webb, J. C., Private.
Winner, M., Private.
Wilson, J., Private.
Warner, J. D., Private. Wounded at Oak Hills, August 10, 1861.
ROLL OF CO. "D," PELICAN  RANGERS, NO. 1.
iBlair, J. D., Captain. Resigned, 1861.
Russell, S. D., 1st Lieutenant. Elected Major, May 8, 1862. Promoted to Colonel. Wounded at Corinth and Vicksburg.
Russell, W. E., 2d Lieutenant.  Elected Captain, May 8, 1862.
~Wounded at Vicksburg.
Hyams, S. M., Jr., 2d Lieutenant.  Elected Lieutenant-Colonel of
Cavalry Regiment.
Morse, B. P., First Sergeant. Elected 2d Lieutenant, May 8, 1862.
Wounded at Corinth.
Walmsley, H. B., 2d Sergeant.
Airey, F. W., 3d Sergeant. Appointed Sergeant-Major. Elected
Captain of Louisiana Regiment. Afterwards A. A. G., Hay's
Staff.
Peters, J. Ii., 4th Sergeant.
Charleville, J., 1st Corporal. Wounded at Iuka, September 19, 1862.
Grove D., 2d Corporal. Wounded at Elk Horn, March 7, 1862.
De Russey, W. A., 3d Corporal.
Peters, J. H., 4th Corporal.
Blackstonfe, M. P., Private.
Bowling, W. T.,      "
Barksdale, A. H.,    "
Badt, W.,            "    Wounded at Vicksburg.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                 365
Bastick, W. R., Private.
Bassett, AML. C.,
Carrell, J. N.,
Chanmbers, J.,
Cohn, M.,
Collins, W. M.,
Cobb, T.,           "    Killed at Vicksburg.
Creighton, W, B.,    "
Caradine, I.        "    Wounded at Elk Horn, March 7, 1862.
Duke, H. J.,
Dodson, W. W.
Davenport, J. A.,
Davis, W. P.,
Davis, B.,           "    Wounded at Oak Hills Aug. 10, 1861.
Daly, T.,                "       "   " Iuka, Sept. 19, 1862.
Evans, D. N.,
Ely, V.,
Edmonson, H. V. C., "    Killed at Vicksburg.
Fonteneau, G.,      "    Wounded at Vicksburg.
Fox, G. W.,
Grillett, S.,        "    Wounded at Vicksburg.
Goodwin, J.,
Gandy, W. W.,        "    Killed at Vicksburg.
Gallion, E.,
Hlilburn, W. H.,    "
Hammet, R. C.,      "    Killed at Vicksburg.
Ivy, W. W.          "    Wounded at Iuka.
Jackson, C. H.,
Kimball, A. J.,      "
Hutchinski, W.,
Levasseur, E. B.,
Leplant, O.,         "    Died of wounds at Iuka, Sept. 19, 1862.
Leplant, A.,
Basley, J. M.,
MIasson, E.,
If[attingly, G.,
licCaskey, T. H.,    "    Wounded at Iuka, Sept. 19, 1862.
McDowell, L. B.,
Matthews, T. J.,
McCarty, J.,
McDaniel, J. A.,     "    Wounded at Vicksburg.
McDaniel, H.,




366                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
McKerley, J.,    Private.
McMahon, J.,
Moore, P. S.,
Merritt, J.,         "    Wounded at Corinth, Miss., Oct. 3, 1862
and at Vicksburg, Miss.
O'Brien, M.,
Oliver, W.,          "
Powell, C., 
Read, J. L.,         "
Rachal, A.,
Ragon, P. H.,
Spragg, W.,
Shiff, J.,
Springer, F. H.,     "    Wounded at Elk Horn, March 7, 1862.
Trichel, G. L.,      "    Elected 1st Lieutenant, May 8, 1862.
Wounded at Iuka, Sept. 19, 1862.
Trichel, E.,
Thomasie, O.,
Williamson, J.,      "    Died from wounds, Oak Hills, Aug. 10,
1861.
Wheitfield, G. W.,   "
Wolf, J., 
Waddell, H. J.,
Yost, J. B., 
ROLL OF CO. ]"E," MOREHOUSE FENCIBLES.
James F. Harris, Captain.
C. P. Brigham, 1st Lieutenant.
2d Lieutenant.
3d Lieutenant.
Dannals, G. W., 1st Sergeant.
2d Sergeant.
Brashear, C. H., 3d Sergeant. Elected Captain May 8, 1862.
Tucker, J. AM., 4th Sergeant.
M;cGuire, G. W, 5th Sergeant.
iyers, J. P., 1st Corporal. Wounded September 19, 1862, Iukaand
Vicksburg.
2d Corporal.
Tomlinson, M. A., 3d Corporal.
4th Corporal.
Anderson, IH. D. B.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               267
Ballard, D. C. Prisoner, September 19, 1862, Iuka.
Barton, J. R. Killed, Iuka, September 19, 1862.
Bradley, John.
Brice, W. T. Killed at Oak Hills, Aug. fb, 1861.
Bastic, A. G.
Brigham, T. Prisoner, September 19, 1862, Iuka.
Carter, J. J.
Carter, C. J.
Causey, W. S.
CraneS. Killed at Vicksburg.
Culpepper, L.'B.
Dawson, H. D.
Downey, T. D. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Dudley, G. W.
Esom, —.  Wounded at Vicksburg.
Gwinn, D. A. Killed at Vicksburg.
Faulkenburg, W. W. U.
Grubbs, John.
Henderson, Wm. Prisoner, September 19, 1862, luka.
Haldeness, James.
Hughes, H. S.
Halt, R. C. Wounded, Iuka, Sept. 19, 1862, and Vicksbnrg. Elected 2d Lieutenant, May 8, 1862.
Hurd.
Faw, W. H. Wounded, Aug. 10, 1861, Oak Hills.
Floyd, S. J.
Floyd, A. J.
Halt, H..H. Wounded at Oak Hills.
Jones, John.
Katon, T.
Kirkwood, J. H.
Lanier, R. H.
McIntire, J. A.
McDonough, J. -
MIcGowen, A.
Murphy, C. C.
Miller, G. 0.
Miller, D. L. Killed Aug. 10, 1861, Oak Hills.
Massey, M. H.
Masterton, —. Wounded Sept. 19, 1862. Killed at Vicksburg.
Norwood, B. Killed September 19, 1862, Iuka.'Miller, G. Wounded at Vicksburg.




368                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
Pierson, P. Wounded September 19, 1862, Iuka.
Powell. J. S.
Powell, A. J. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Powers, J. W.
Quinn, R. L. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Riley, J.
Reardon, D.
Smith, E. W.
Stembridge, J. E.
Sullivan, T.
Thomas, A. J. Elected 2d Lieutenant March, 1863, Snyder Mills.
Tomlinson, J. E.
Tucker, W. C.
Turpin, J. G. Elected 2d Lieutenant May 8, 1862.
Wallace, T. H.
Woodbury, J. W. Killed August 10, 1861, Oak Hills.
Zeagler, W. B.
ROLL OF CO. " F," SHREVEPORT RANGERS.
J. B. Gilmore, Captain. Elected Lieutenant-Colonel May 8, 1862.
Promoted Colonel. Wounded September 19, 1862, Iuka. Resigned.
W. A. Lacy, 1st Lieutenant.  Resigned October 8, 1861.  Disability.
O. J. Wells, 2d Lieutenant. Promoted 1st Lieutenant, October 8,
1861.
A. W. Jewell, 2d Junior Lieutenant.  Promoted 2d Lieutenant,
October 8, 1861..
Kinney, Winm., 1st Sergeant. Elected Captain May 8, 1861.
Davis, B. 2d Sergeant. Wounded August 10, 1861, Oak Hills, and
Discharged October 6, 1861. Disability.
Hughes, W. W., 3d Sergeant. Transferred to McCullough's Body
Guard.
Dundon, L. M., 1st Corporal. Elected 2d Junior Lieutenant October 12, 1861. 1st Lieutenant May 8, 1861.
Jus, J. F., 2d Corporal. Wounded September 19, 1862, Iuka, and
twice at Vicksburg.
IHone, J., 3d Corporal. Elected 2d Junior Lieutenant May 8, 1862.
Died of wounds, Vicksburg.
Hicox, H., 4th Corporal. Died August 18, 1861, of wounds, Oak
Hills August 10, 1861.
Anderson, J. H., Private. Discharged October 9, 1861.:  Disability.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.  369
Attaway, E. M., Private. Mortally wounded Oak Hills August 10,
1861.
Attaway, J. B., Private. Died June 10, 1861. Fort Smith, Ark.
Allen, J., Private. Killed August 10, 1861. Oak Hill, Mo.
Allen, S., Private. Discharged January 15, 1862. Camp Benjamin,
Arks.
Brosi, J., Private. Wounded, Vicksburg.
Basser, J. H., Private. Wounded Oak Hills, August 10, 1861.
Brownwell, J. S., Private. Killed August 10, 1861. Oak Hills.
Breening, R., Private. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Bird, E., Private. Discharged.
Brown, J. S., Private. Killed August 10, 1861, at Oak Hills.
Bickham, T. C., Private. Wounded August 10, 1861, Oak Hills.
Discharged.
Bell, W. C., Private. Discharged July 25, 1861, at Camp Jackson.
Disability.
Charlton, J., Private.
Clark, M. O., Killed September 19, 1862, at Iuka.
Clark, J. O., Private. Elected 2d Senior Lieutenant May 8, 1861.
Wounded at Vicksburg.
Cole, R. F., Private. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Collins. J., Private.
Cartwright, D., Private. Discharged July 19, 1862, Conscript Act.
Coon, J., Private. Died August 15, 1861, from  wounds at Oak
Hills.
Craig, J., Private. Taken prisoner, never heard from.
Carroll, E. R., Private.
Chastein, W. J., Private. Died September 3, 1861. Mount Vernon, Mo.
Chastein, J., Private. Discharged.
Duvall, D. S., Private. Discharged July 19, 1862, Conscript Act.
Dill, T. N., Private. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Dodez, D. G., Private.
Davis, F. A., Private. Wounded'August 10, 1861, at Oak Hills and
Vicksburg.
Donahoe, J., Private. Died August 16, 186 1, wounds at Oak Hills.
Dick R., Private. Captured at Chickamauga and kept in prison.
Dwire, P., Private. Discharged July 19, 1862, Conscript Act.
Dougherty, J. P., Private. Died August 18, 1861, at Springfield.
Mo;
Efner, G. M., Private. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Gray, A. Me., Private. Discharged July 19, 1862, Conscript Act.
16*




370                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
Gallagher T., Private. Discharged July 19, 1862, Conscript Act.
Hudson, W. T., Private. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Howard, J., Private.  Killed August 5, 1861, at Camp Stephens,
Arkansas.
Hicox, J. W., Private. Wounded August 10, 1861, at Oak Hills.
Hudson, T. S., Private. Wounded September 19, 1862, at Iuka.
Jinks, J. D., Private.
Jones, J. W., Private.  Died of wounds, Corinth, October 3, 1862.
Jefferson, J. F., Private.
Kidd, J., Private. Discharged July 19, 1862, Conscript Act.
Kelly, D., Private. Discharged July 19, 1872, Conscript Act.
Kimball, J., Private.
Larmier, J., Private. Discharged, disability.
Lynch, M., Private. Discharged July 19, 1862, Conscript Act.
Lawson, M.. Private. Discharged July19, 1862, Conscript Act.
Lawson, Wm., Private. Discharged October 6, 1861, Conscript Act.
Liles, H. T., Private.
McGintry, J., Private.
Miller, J. J., Private
Miller, M. F., Private.
McGray, A., Private.
Marr, T., Private.
Mayes, J. W., Private.
Manning, S. J., Private. Wounded August 10, 1861, at Oak Hills.
Manning, G. W.; Private.
Newland, C. W., Private. Wounded September 19, 1862, at Iuka.
Nicholas, A., Private.
Percell, W. H., Private.
Pennery, P. L., Private. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Patterson, J. P., Private.
Peisker, F., Private.
Pierce, F., Private. Discharged July 19, 1862, Conscript Act.
Poland, T., Private. Discharged January 8, 1862. Disability.
Parker, R., Private. Discharged July 19, 1862, Conscript Act.
Rosser, J. H., Private. Transferred.
Roberts, T. M., Private. Killed at Vicksburg.
Ruff, G. V., Private. Discharged October 6, 1861. Disability.
Reasoner, W. B., Private.
Singer, L. J., Private. Killed at Vicksburg.
Simpson, B. L., Private. Died August 15, 1861, from wounds at
Oak Hills.
Shelton, W. A., Private. Captured at Oak Hills.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                  371
Smith, T. D., Private. Died on steamer May 25, 1861. Buried at
Napoleon, Ark.
Smith, J., Private.
Scanlan, J. S., Corporal.  Wounded at Vicksburg.
Sheridan, W., Private  Discharged July 19, 1861, Conscript Act.
Sheridan, P., Private. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Sheffield, G. F., Private. Died.
Shows, J. M., Private. Discharged September 25, 1861.
Sewell, J. H., Private.
Scruggs, R., Private. Discharged July 25, 1861. Disability.
Thompson, J. Q., Private. Discharged July 19, 1862. Conscript Act.
Thomas, W. H. C., Private.  Discharged.
Ward, R. A., Private.
Weaver, W., Private. Discharged July 19, 18692, Conscript Act.
Wilson, J., Private. Discharged July 19, 1862, Conscript Act, rejoined.
Walls, C., Private. Discharged July 19, 1862, Conscript Act.
White, T. J., Private. Discharged July 19, 1862, Conscript Act.
White, J. A., Private. Discharged July 19, 1862, Conscript Act.
Young, J., Private. Discharged.
ROLL OF COMPANY " G" PELICAN RANGERS, NO. 1.
W. WV. Breazeale, Captain. Resigned September 24, 1861.
W. O. Breazele, 1st Lieutenant. Resigned September 24, 1861.
G. W. Halloway, 2dc Lieutenant. Resigned October 13, 1861.
L. Caspari, 2d Junior Lieutenant. Promoted 1st Lieutenant October 12, 1861; Captain February 18, 1862.
WT. B. Butler, 1st Sergeant. Elected Captain, May 8, 1862.
P. L. Prudhomme, 2d Sergeant. Elected 2d Lieutenant, May 8, 1862.
J. C. Trichel, 3d Sergeant. Promoted 2d Sergeant, May 15, 1862.
J. A. Derbonne, 4th Sergeant. Promoted 1st Serant May 15, 1862.
F. F. Chaler, 5th Sergeant. Died at 3Maysville,. September 14,
1861.
R. WV. McConel, 1st Corporal. Discharged, July 16, 1862.
H. L. Tauzin, 2d Corporal. Discharged September 6, 1861.
T. W. Abbington, 3d Corporal. Appointed Color Guard, September
20, 1861.
F. WT. Sanchez, 4th Corporal. Promoted 3d Corporal November 1,
1861; 2d Corporal May 15, 1862.
Aleman, R., Private.




372                  X SOUTHERN RECORD.
Bassier, P., Private. Eleeted 3d Lieutenant May 8, 1862.
Bassier, Placide, Private.  Killed at Oak Hill, August 10, 1861.
Bassier, P. E., Private. Discharged July 25, 1862.
Breazeale, B. B., Private.  Appointed 5th Sergeant, May 15, 1862.
Barmes, MI., Private. Discharged July 15, 1862.
Bordinave, V., Private. Died at Castillian Springs, October 3, 1862.
Behrman, Private.  Joined March 3, 1862; captured at Iuka.
Bernes, F., Private.  Taken prisoner at Elk Horn.
Charleville, J., Private. Appointed 3d Sergeant May 15, 1862.
Charleville, W. A. Private.
Castey, C. D. Private.
Craft, S, E., Private. Discharged July 16, 1862,
Cannon, D., Private. Prisoner at Elk Horn, March 7, 1862.
Cloutier, F., Private.
Charles, L., Private. Discharged December 9, 1861.
Despallier, B. P., Private.
Dell, J. S., Private. Discharged December 3, 1864.
Dew, L., Private. Taken prisoner at Elk Horn, July 16, 1862.
Dickens, A., Private.  Joined March 3, 1862; captured at luka.
DeBaillion, B., Private. Discharged October 10, 1861.
Dozier, C. H.,    "               "        "    10,  c
Eshworth, J. L., " )                   "    10, "
Escabeda, M., Private.
Espy, K., Private.  Appointed Assistant Surgeon, May 11, 1861.
Flores, L., Private.
Garcia, A., Private.
Gainnie, F., Private. Elected 3d Lieutenant October 12, 1861; 1st
Lieutenant, May 8, 1862.
Guimchamp, J., Private.  Joined March 3, 1862.
Guimchamp, E.,    "         "       "  3,  "   Captured at luka.
Guiton, J.,              "      "  3,  "
Hyams, J. P.,      "
Haller,.P.,
Haller, T.,        "
Hynes, S., Privateo Discharged October 6, 1861.
Hughes, H., Private.    " "            10,
IHernandez, S., Private.
Ilitzman, J., Private.  Taken prisoner at Elk Horn, March 7, 1862.
Hoffman, J. C., Private. Discharged October 6, 1861.
Hertzel, Samuel, Private.  Joined March 3, 1861.
Hartman, M.S. Private.      "     "   3, "
Jones, A., Private. Discharged July 16, 1862.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                  373
Johnson, J., Private.  Discharged June 13, 1861.
Keyser, J. C. O., Private. Appointed 1st Corporal August 10, 1861.
Kyle, Jas., Private.  Elected 3d Lieutenant December 28, 1861.
Discharged May 24, 1862.
Lemoine, T., Private. Appointed 4th Corporal May 15, 1862.
Lowe, A., Private.
Lyons, H. L., Private.
Moss, Jas. W., Private. Elected 2d Lieutenant October 12, 1861.
Promoted 1st Lieutenant December 28, 1861.
McKenna, H., Private.
McDaniel, F., Private.
Miller, H., Private.
Murphy, C. V., Private. Appointed 3d Corporal May 15, 1862.
Matthews, J. H., Private. Discharged July 16, 1862.
Nagle, J., Private.  Captured at Iuka.
Norris, J, C., Private. Appointed 1st Corporal May 15, 1862.
Nores, J., Private. Appointed 4th Sergeant October 1, 1862.
Ourdin, F., Private.  Joined March 3, 1862.
Prudhomme, J. A., Private. Wounded at Elk Horn, March 7, 1862.
Discharged April 17, 1862.
Phillips, Ed., Private. Taken prisoner at Elk Horn, March 7, 1862.
Prue, F., Private.
Pine, F., Private.
Rachal, P., Private. Discharged July 16, 1862.
Rachal, J. B. D., Private.
Rachal, T., Private. Discharged November 8, 1861.
Rowe, A. H., Private.  Wounded at Elk Horn, March 7, 1862,
Wounded April 17, 1862.
Rivera, M., Private.
Richeson, R. A., Private. Discharged July 16, 1862.
Sasser, J. L., Private.
Shea, J., Private. Discharged July 16, 1862.
Schroeder, C. F. H., Private. Killed at Elk Horn, March 7, 1862.
Shaw, M. J., Trivate. Wounded at Elk Horn, March 7, 1862.
Sing, A. J., Private. Discharged January 13, 1862.
Smith, Thos., Private. Wounded at Elk Horn, larch 7, 1862.
Tool, M., Private. - Discharged November 28, 1861.
Tauzin, John M., Private. Killed September 19, 1862, at Iuka.
Wilson, P., Private. Discharged July 16, 1862.
Wrinkle, A. D., Private.'Warner, B. F., Private. Killed at Elk Horn, March 7,J1862.
Wright, John, Private.




374:               A SOUTHERN RECORD.
ROLL OF CO. "H," MONTICELLO RIFLES.
J. S. Richards, Captain.  Re-elected May 8, 1862;  Promoted
Major.
W. D. Hardeman, 1st Lieutenant. Promoted Captain and A. Q. M.,
A. A. G., General Hebert's Staff.
A. A. Hedrick, 2d Lieutenant. Promoted 1st Lieutenant, May 8,
1862.
W. H. Corbin, 2d Lieutenant. Discharged.
H. Maynadier, 1st Sergeant. Discharged.
A. W. Currie, 2d Sergeant. Promoted Captain. Elected 2d Lieutenant, May 8, 1862.
J. W. Alexander, 3d Sergeant. Killed at Floyd, La., by Federals.
Dr. J. Chambless, 4th Sergeant. Appointed Surgeon, 1861.
T. G. Walcott, 1st Corporal. Discharged.
Dr. J. S. Herring, 2d Corporal. Discharged.
WV. A. Page, 3d Corporal. Discharged. Rejoined.
C. E. Guy, 4th Corporal.
Anthony, S. L.
Atkins, J. M. Discharged, 1861.
Beard, W. A., 1st Sergeant. Killed, March 7, 1862, Elk Horn.
Beverly, J. J. Discharged, 1862, Fayetteville, Ark.
Bickman, J. D. Killed, September 19, 1862, Iuka.
Bonner, W. F. Discharged.
Bowles, J. E. Died, 1861, Fort Smith, Ark.
Bradley, W. C.
Briggs, H. D. Appointed 1st Sergeant, 1862.
lBruton, B. Discharged. Killed at Floyd, La.
Bullard, T. Discharged.
Byrd, H.
Byrd, J. Killed, Vicksburg.
Burns, W., Corporal. Killed, Vicksburg.
Cathron, J.
Crawford, F. A.
Canady, W. J.
Collins, G. Discharged. Killed by Federals.
Collinsky, P. Discharged.
Corbin, W. P. Killed, March 7, 1862, Elk Horn, Ark.
Corbin, J. J. Discharged. Afterward Lieutenant.
Davis, J.
Dawson, M. it.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               375
De France, A.
Dempsey, —.  Died.
Dorsey, W. Died at Hospital, Quitman, Ala.
Drake, J. B. Discharged.
Eddins, L. S.
Ewing, A. G. Captain and A. C. S., 3d Louisiana Cavalry.
Fitch, W. P. Discharged.
Fitch, N. F. Discharged.
Green, W.
Gardner, T. B.
Guy, C. E.
Hedrick, J. E. C. Discharged.
Hedrick, P. P.
Hedrick, W. A.
Hargrove, W. J.
Hargrove, J. F. Wounded, Vicksburg.
Hash, B. F. Died.
Holbrook, -. Discharged.
Holden, J. J. Discharged.
Horton, W. C. Killed.
Horton, H. T.
Holland, J. B.
Howard, J. Discharged, July 19, 1862, Conscript Act.
Humphreys, J. H.
Insley, T.
Irwin, E.
Irwin, J. J.
James, S. Died, June, 1861,- Fort Smith, Ark.
Jeeter, C. S. Killed accidentally, 1863, Snyder's Bluff.
Jones, M. A. J. Discharged.
Keegan, Geo.
Kelly, J. Discharged, wounded.
Keeff, M. Discharged, 1862.
Knight, B. IAied, 1862, Tupelo, Miss.
Landfair, J. L.
Leggett, E. H.
Maugum, W. S. Discharged.
Martin, J. A. Killed, Vicksburg.
Martin, T. D.
Murphy, M.
McCarty, F. B.
McCowen, J. Wounded, Vicksburg.




376                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
McDonald, J. Killed, September 19, 1862, Iuka.
McDonald, R.
McGrew, S. J. Killed at Floyd, La., by Federals.
McNiel, J. Elected 1st Lieutenant.
McFadden, E.
Morrison, J.
Morehead, N.
Nash, J. R. Appointed 2d Sergeant.
Nolan, W. P. Discharged.
Only, J. T. Killed, March 7, 1862, Elk Horn.
Perry, J. E.   "
Perry, J. R.
Pope, W. P. Discharged.
Richardson, W. W. Discharged.
Richardson, L., Dr. Discharged.
Ravan, J. Discharged.
Ray, J. E. Discharged.
Reese, J. C. Killed, Vicksburg.
Reese, S. L.
Rollins, J. Discharged.
Rollins, R. Discharged.
Roland, J. F.
Scott, R. C. Transferred to McCulloch's escort, 1861.
Scott, H. L.
Sharplin, W. P. Killed, March 7, 1862, Elk Horn.
Smith, J. lM.
Sherdan, B. F. Discharged.
Sherdan, J. M. Discharged.
Singleton, S. S. Killed, March 7, 1862, Elk Horn.
Sims, L. P.
Smithe, J. M. Killed, March 7, 1862, Elk Horn.
Smithe, N. B. Discharged.
Spurlock, J. L. Discharged.
Stuart, J. M. Elected 2d Lieutenant, May 8, 1862. Wounded at
Vicksburg.
Tomlin, WM. H. Killed on "Big Black," Miss.
Tompkins, J. B.
Wade, S.
Weatherly, W. W. Died.
Whatley, J. W.
Wilson, D. Discharged.
Veale, J. Killed, Vicksburg.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               377
Young, S. Discharged.
Young, James. Died, 1861, Fort Smith, Ark.
Young, John.
ROLL OF CO. "I," CALDWELL GUARDS.
W. L. Gunnels, Captain.
Evans, T. J., 1st Lieutenant.
Fluilt, S. B., 2d Lieutenant.
Humble, T. C., 2d Jr. Lieutenant. Wounded at Oak Hills. Elected
Major 31st Louisiana, and killed at first siege of Vicksburg.
Stringer, J. J., 1st Sergeant.
Brinton, J. A., 2d Sergeant.
Guffy, H. M., 3d Sergeant.
Stutson, W. S,, 4th Sergeant.
Broadway, T. J., 5th Sergeant. Taken prisoner at Elk Horn, March
7, 1862.
Blythe, T. J., Ist Corporal.
Bridger, J. C., 2d Corporal.
McClary, W. D., 3d Corporal.
Weatherford, 4th Corporal.
Brian, B. F., Private.
Breard, C. A.
Brooks, J.
Beale, W. H. Taken prisoneer at Elk Horn. Died of wounds at
Iuka, September 19, 1862.
Bliss, D. W. Taken prisoner at Elk Horn.
Banks, A. J. Wounded at Elk Horn, March 7, 1862.
Barnett, W. T.
Chandler, W. S. Discharged.
Crane, P. H. Discharged.
Cottingham, W. E.
Cottingham, J. R. Elected 2d Lieutenant, May 8, 1862. Wounded
and taken prisoner at Snyder's Bluff, April, 1863.
Cartwright, M. P. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Cantelere, F. E. Taken prisoner at Elk Horn. Wounded at luka,
September 19, 1862.
Cain, W. L.
Cain, L. L. Wounded at Iuka, September 19, 1862.
Cain, F. F. Taken prisoner at Elk Horn, March 7, 1862. Wounded
at Iuka, September 19, 1862.
Craddock, J. I).




378                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
Dunn, D. F.
Dunn, T. J. Taken prisoner at Elk Horn. Killed at Vicksburg.
Downes, J. E.
Dowd, W. Taken prisoner at Iuka, September 19, 1862.
Douglas, E. M. Wounded at Corinth. Killed at Vicksburg.
Fluett, J. P.
Fluett, J. S. Discharged.
Faulks, W. C.
Fogle, W.
Fegart, E. W.
Freeman, D. Wounded at Elk Horn, March 7, 1862.
Ferrand, C. A. Taken prisoner at Elk Horn.
Flowers, J. M. Taken prisoner at Iuka, September 19, 1862.
Guffey, W. J.
Gregory, W. J. Taken prisoner at Elk Horn.
Girod, E. Taken prisoner at Elk Horn, and wounded at Corinth,
October 3, 1862. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Gray, J. R. Wounded at Iuka, September 19, 1862, and Vicksburg.
Gray,
Girod, F. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Greene, R. J.
Hines, J. Wounded at Vicksburg, and at Iuka.
Hough, H. C. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Howell, S. J. Killed at Iuka, September 19, 1862.
Hamilton, F. M.
Hargrove, W. P.
Heigdon, D.
Hough, T. J.
Haley, J. E.
Hanna, J. E.
Humble, G. W. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Hass, H.
Johnson, J. E. Elected Captain, May 8, 1862. Wounded at Iuka,
September 19, 1862, and Vicksburg, July 7, 1863. Died from'
wounds.
Johnson, J. B. Wounded at Iuka, September 19, 1862.
Johnson, H. L.
Jenkins, W. Killed at Elk Horn, March 7, 1862.
Jones, J.
Killerease, H.
Kelly, A. Killed at Vicksburg.
Kelly, J. F. Prisoner at Elk Horn.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               379
Levy, L. Wounded at Oak Hills, August 10, 1861.
Landerneau, J.
Lilly, W. E.
Lawson, W. P. Wounded at Elk Horn, March 7, 1862. Killed at
Vicksburg.
Landerneau, A.
Mason, S. W.
Mason, W. H. Died, July 30, 1861.
Mason, D. F. Taken prisoner at Elk Horn.
McCormack, J. O. Wounded at Iuka, September 19, 1862. Wounded at Vicksburg.
McFarland, W. L.
McFarland, G. T. Wounded at Vicksburg.
McFadden, J. M.
Moss, W. A.
March, D. Taken prisoner at Corinth, October 3, 1862.
Mayfield, J. W.
Michell, J. R.
Miller, H. J. Died July 17, 1861.
Moffit, S. J., Private. Wounded at Corinth, October 3, 1862.
Moffitt, J. W., Private.
Mourain, G. P., Private.
Madden, V. V.
May, W. B.
McQuarters, W. A. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Meredith, T. McB. Wounded at Oak Hills. Elected 1st Lieutenant, May 8, 1862. Promoted Captain.
Meredith, R. B.' Wounded at Vicksburg. Prisoner at Elk Horn.
Meredith, B.
Noble, T. J. Discharged.
Noble, W. C. Wounded at Iuka, September 19, 1862.
Perry, A. J.
Rice, J. C. Wounded at Vicksburg..tundle, G. K. Taken prisoner at Iuka, September 19, 1862.
Rice, M. T.
Ray, M. V. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Ray, B. Wounded at Vicksburg. Prisoner at Elk Horn.
Ray, F. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Sapp, W.
Swain, G. B.
Sandridge, J. M. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Sweeny, W.




380                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
Stuart, L. P. Killed at Vicksburg.
Stephens, F. M.
Smith, P. R. Taken prisoner at Elk Horn. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Tegart, E. W.
Vaughn, J. L. Wounded at Elk Horn, March 7, 1862. Killed at
Vicksburg.
Whittington, A:
Watson, J. G.
Walker, O.
White, M. Taken prisoner at Iuka, September 19, 1862.
Whittington, W. W.
Wooten, W. L.
Williams, J. R.
Weatherford, R.
Whitehurst, A.
Watsson, G. W. Died July 21, 1861.
ROLL OF COMPANY " K," PELICAN RIFLES.
Tunnard, W. F., Captain. Elected Major May, 1861; taken prisoner
at Elk Horn.
J. P. Viglini, 1st Lieutenant. Elected Captain M]ay, 1861.
J. B. Irwin, 2d Lieutenant. Elected 1st Lieutenant May, 1862.
Killed at Iuka, Sept. 19, 1862.
Watson, W., 1st Sergeant.  Discharged, Conscript Act, July 19,
1862.
Waddell, G. D., 2d Sergeant. Appointed Hospital Steward.
Tunnard, W. H., 3d Sergeant. Appointed A. C. S. Sergeant, May,
1862.
Hurley, C., 4th Sergeant. Elected 1st Sergeant, May, 1862.
Bogel, J. C., 1st Corporal.
Gentles, H. HI., 2d Corporal. Elected Junior 2d Lieutenant, October
12th, 1861; Captain, May 8th, 1862; wounded and taken prisoner
at Iuka, Sept. 19th, 1862.
Brunat, F. R., 3d Corporal. Elected Junior 2d Lieutenant, May,
1861. Died, March, 1862.
Lewis, D., 4th Corporal. 3d Sergeant, May, 1862.
Patterson, R., Musician.  Drum-major, by appointment, May 15,
1862.
Hlerscl, H., Musician.  Transferred from Co. A., July 1st, 1862.
Killed at Iuka.




THIRD- LOUISIANA INFANTRY..                 381
Cambell, D., Musician.  Discharged October, 1861, Camp Jackson,
Ark., disability.
Aldrich, M. C., Private. A. C. S. Department, detached.
Allen, J. B., Private. Died July 15, 1861, Fort Smith, Ark.
Alexander, S., Private.
Alexander, A., Private. Discharged October, 1861, disability.
Addison, J. A., Private.     "         "  25th, 1862, disability.
Bovard, J. A., Private.
Bovard, W. T., Private.
Booth, A. B., Private.
Benton, L. J., Private. Killed June 9, 1863, Vicksburg.
Benton, E. J., Private. Wounded and died June 30, 1863, Vicksburg.
Burrows, P., Private.
Brandenstein, M., Private. 2d Corporal; killed May 22, 1863.
Boullion, J. R., Private. Died February 9, 1862, Fayetteville, Ark.
Boullion, J. J., Private. Discharged August 26, 1862, disability.
Barratt, J. E., Private.
Bell, A. J., Private.; Discharged July 19, 1862, Conscript Act.
Burrows, A. P. Private.
Bills, J. T., Private. Discharged October, 1861, disability.
Bills, H., Private. Elected 4th Sergeant May, 1861.
Bellow, E. J., Private.  Discharged January 1862, disability. Rejoined.
Caffreay, J., Private. Wounded and taken prisoner at Iuka, Sept.
19, 1862.
Crasson, J. P., Private. Discharged, disability.
Contini, F., Private.
Chambers, J. F., Private. Wounded at Vicksburg.
Cain, W. P., Private. Killed, Elk Horn, March 7, 1862.
Chambers, tH. H., Private. Discharged July 19, 1862, Conscript
Act.
Cameron, A. F., Private.  Discharged September, 1861, Camp Jackson, Ark., disability.
Cameron, A. W., Private.
Curran, M., Private.  Wounded at Oak Hills, August 10, 1861, and
discharged September, 1861, Camp Jackson, Ark.
Crane, Jas., Private. Discharged September, 1861, Camp Jackson,
Ark., disability.
Duffy, A. V., Private. Killed May 22, 1863, Vicksburg.
Dalsheimer, A., Private. Taken prisoner, Corinth, May 4, 1862.
Duggan, T., Private.




382                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
Denham, R. T., Private. Killed September 19, 1862, Iuka, Miss.
Elter, A., Private. Taken prisoner May 17, 1863, Snyder's Bluff.
Edmonston, W. L., Private. Taken prisoner and wounded October
4, 1862, Corinth. Wounded at Vicksburg, 1863.
Echols, ID., Private. 4th Corporal. Taken prisoner March 7, 1862.
Elk Horn, and May 19, 1862, Iuka. Wounded and died July 7th,
1863, Vicksburg.
Erwin, W., Private. Wounded March 7, 1862, Elk Horn, and discharged April 27,1862.
Funke, F., Private. Discharged July 19, 1862, Conscript Act.
Fraenkel, F., Private. Discharged May, 1861, disability.
Finlay, H., Private. Went to England after siege of Vicksburg.
Gay, D. B., Private. Transferred to Point Coupee, October, 1862.
Hueston, J., Private. Discharged July 19, 1862, Conscript Act.
Hickman, B. F., Private. Wounded October 4, 1862, Corinth and
Vicksburg. Died July 3, 1863.
Hughes, J. C., Private. Discharged April 27, 1862.
Heroman, F. M., Private. Discharged July 19, 1862, Conscript Act.
Hock, J., Private.  Taken prisoner September 19, 1862, Iuka.
Went to Germany.
Hall, C., Private. Wounded August 10, 1861, Oak Hills. Discharged September, 1861, Camp Jackson.
Hernandez, H., Private. Died September 5, 1861, Mount Vernon, Mo.
Hernandez, L., Private. Discharged May, 1861, N. Orleans.
Hardy, J. H., Private. Discharged August 20, 1861, Camp Jackson,
Ark., disability.
Hackett, A., Private.
Henderson, R. L., Private. Discharged April 7, 1862, Fayetteville,
Ark. Captain 8th La., Batn. H. Artillery.
Hyatt, J., Private. Left Company December, 1862.
Jolly, E., Private. 2d Sergeant.
Jones, Chas., Private. Discharged, May, 1861, N. Orleans.
Knox, N. L., Private. Wounded August 10, 1861, Oak Hills, and
died September 15, 1861, Mt. Vernon, Mo.
Loyd, E. A., Private.
McGuinness, W., Private.
McFarland, W., Private.
McCabe, R. J., Private.
Monget, W., Pirvate. Wounded, Oak Hills, August 10, 1861. Discharged, September, 1861.
Nelson, J. M., Private. Detached September 16, 1862, A. Q. M. Department.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                 383:
Perry, J. G., Private.
Pino, A., Private.
Payne, A. B., Private. Elected 2d Junior Lieutenant, May 8, 1862.
Powers, J., Private. Discharged January 1, 1863, disability.
Roysdon, A. W-, Private. Transferred to 25th La. Inf., 1865.
Robinson, G. L., Private.
Russ, S. P., Private. 1st Corporal. Wounded at Oak Hills and
Vicksburg.
Robertson, J. H., Private, Wounded at Corinth October 4, 1863,
and taken prisoner.
Roddy, J., Private. 3d Corporal. Wounded and taken prisoner
September 19, 1862, Iuka.
Reams, D. B., Private.
Russ, V. C., Private. Discharged, July 19, 1862, Conscript Act.
Smith, Jed., Private. Discharged, January, 1862, Fayetteville, Ark.
Sparks, J. H., Private. Discharged, October, 1862, disability.
Stephens, J. G., Private.
Sanchez, J., Private. Discharged, September, 1861, Camp Jackson,
Ark., disability.
Tunnard, F. D., Private. 1st Sergeant. Elected 2d Junior Lieutenant, May, 1861, N. Orleans. Resigned and returned to Regiment
1862. Wounded at Iuka.
Thomas, Ei., Private.
Taqueno, F., Private. Wounded and taken prisoner, October 4th,
1862, Corinth.
Walters, T. R., Private.  Wounded August 10, 1861, Oak Hills.
Discharged, Sepfember, 1861.
Williams, J. D., Private. Elected 2d Lieutenant, May 8th. 1862.
Wounded October 4th, 1862, Corinth.
Watson, W. W., Private. Discharged, January, 1862, Fayetteville,
Ark., disability.
Williams, J., Private. Wounded August 10, 1861, Oak Hills, and
discharged, September, 1861, Camp Jackson.ROLL OP CO. "H," 22d LOUISIANA INFANTRY.
Comprising members of the 3d Louisiana Infantry remaining East
of the Mississippi River.
Captain, C. H. Brashear.
1st Lieutenant, J. P. Parsons.
2d Lieutenant, W. T. Fagan.
2d Lieutenant, Jr., A. J. Thomas.




384                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
1st Sergeant, C. Hurley.      1st Corporal, W. E. Walker.
2d          A. B. Booth.      2d     "   J. F. Chambers.
3d     "   J. Roddy.         3d      "   W. B. Sheffield.
4th    "   T. Williams.       4th    "   R. J. Galloway.
PRIVATES.
1. Aldrich, M. C.            26. Laundry, F. T.
2. Bellow, E. J.             27. Little, G. B. N.
3. Bills, J. H.              28. McCaskey, T. H.
4. Blankenship, W.           29. Minter, N.
5. Barrott, J. E.            30. Meyer, A.
6. Boyard, L. C.            31. Manning, S. J.
7. Caldwell, W. R.           32. Miller, H.
8. Cooper, T. E.             33. Moore, J. F.
9. Crawford, J. F.           34. Norton, C.
10. Downey, P. V.             35. Orman, C. J.
11. Farrell, M.               36. Orman, M. A.
12. Finn, T.                  37. Phillips, E. B.
13. Foster, T. E.             38. Pugh, -.
14. Grubbs, J. T.            39. Paff, C. W.
15. Gould, J. T.             40. Patterson, J. P.
16. Hackett, A.              41. Pierson, P.
17. Hubbard, J.              42. Robbins, M. C.
18. Holland, A.              43. Rogers, --
19. Hurd, W.                 44. Swain, L. B.
20. Hall, J. B.               45. Saunders, W.
21. Hudson, W. T.             46. Shumaker, M. V.
22. Johnston, J.              47. Thompson, J. A.
23. Johnston, W.              48. Taquino, F.
24. Jones, M. D.              49. Walker, R.
25. Reilly, H.                50. White, R. R.
LIST OF CASUALTIES OF THE 3D REGIMENT LOUISIANA INFANTRY,
AT THE BATTLE OF OAK HILLS (WILSON'S CREEK), Mo., AUG.
10, 1861.
T. R. Verbois, 2d Lieutenant, Co. A. Slightly wounded
John McManus, Private, Co. A. Wounded slightly.
M. Coughlan,     "      " 
N. Beard,         "      "        "   seriously.
E. Le Blanc,      "      "        "      "
R. H. Hinson, Captain, Co. B. Killed.
J. P. Renwick, Sergeant-major, Co. B. Killed.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.               385
E. A, Whetstone, Private, Co. B. Killed.
C. E. Adamson, Sergeant, Co. B. Wounded.
J. W. Pettit, Sergeant, Co. B. Wounded.
J. W. Hewitt, Private, Co. B.. Wounded seriously.
T. J. Potts, Private, Co. B. Wounded seriously.
B. Norton, Private, Co. B. Wounded slightly.
J. Sullivan, Private, Co. B. Missing.
HI. Cockerham, Private, Co. C. Killed.
N. M. Middlebrooks, 1st Sergeant, Co. C. AWounded seriously.
IM. LMcBride, Private, Co. C. Wounded slightly..J D. Warner, Private, Co. C. Wounded slightly.
~Williamson, J Private, Co. D. Died from wounds.
B. Davis, Private, Co. D. Wounded slightly.
D). L. Miller, Private, Co. E. Killed.
W. F. Brice, Private, Co. E. Killed.
J. W. WVoodburn, Private, Co. E. Killed.
HI. H. Halt, Private, Co. E. Wounded slightly.
IW. H. Faw, Private, Co. E. Missing.
James Allen, Private, Co. F. Killed.
John S. Brown, Private, Co. F. Killed.
Thomas W. Hecox, Corporal, Co. F. Wounded seriously.
Ben. Davis, Sergeant, Co. F. Wounded slightly.
B. L. Simpson, Private, Co. F. Wounded seriously.
J. Donohue, Private, Co. F. Wounded seriously.
E. M. Altaway, Private, Co. F. Wounded seriously.
S. J. Manining, Private, Co. F. Wounded slightly.
J. Coon, Private, Co. F. Wounded slightly.
T. C. Bickham, Private, Co. F. Wounded slightly.
F. Davis, Private, Co. F. Wounded slightly.
J. H. Basselr, Private, Co. F. Wounded slightly.
Al. A. Sheldon, Private, Co. F. Missing.
Placide Bossier, Private, Co. G. Killed.
S. Eishworth, Private, Co. G. Wounded seriously.
L. Charles, Private, Co. G. Wounded slightly.
H. Hughes, Jr., Private, Co. G. Wounded slightly.
J. I-offman, Private, Co. G. Wounded slightly.
Samuel Ilynes, Private, Co. G. Wounded slightly.
A. J. Sing, Private, Co. G. Wounded slightly.
M[. Toal, Private, Co. G. Wounded slightly.
T. C. Humble, 2d Lieutenant, Co. I. Wounded seriously.
L. Levy, Private, Co. I. Wounded slightly.
James Hines, Private, Co. I. Wounded slightly.
17




-386                  A SOUTHERN RECORD.
T. McB. Meredith, Private, Co. I. Wounded slightly.
J. B. Trvin, 2d Lieutenant, Co. K. Wounded slightly.
Charles Hall, Corporal, Co. K. Wounded seriously.
W. Monget, Private, Co. K.  Wounded seriously.
J. C. Williams, Private, Co. K. Wounded seriously.
W. T. Board, Private, Co. K. Wounded slightly.
A. J. Bell, Private, Co. K. Wounded slightly.
M. Curran, Private, Co. K. Wounded slightly.
N. L. Knox, Private, Co. K. Wounded slightly.
E. A. Floyd, Private, Co. K. Wounded slightly.
J. M. Nelson, Private, Co. K.  Wounded slightly.
T. R. Wallers, Private, Co. K.  Wounded slightly.
Silas Russ, private, Co. K. Wounded slightly.
RECAPITULATION.
Killed..............................  
Wounded................................................ 4
Missing...................................................`;J
Total............................................... 6
LIST OF CASUALTIES, 3D REGIMENT LOUISIANA  INFANTRY, MCUILOCH'S BRIGADE, AT THE BATTLE OF ELK  HORN (PEA RIDGE)
ARi., MARCH 7, 1862.
L. Hebert, Colonel. Prisoner.
W. F. Tunnard, Major. Prisoner.
Henderson, R., Private, Co. B. Prisoner.
Alford, W. H., Sergeant, Co. C. Killed.
Grove, D. E., Sergeant, Co. D. Wounded.
Caradine, J., Private, Co. D. Wounded.
Springer, H., Private, Co. D. Wounded.
Craig, J., Co. F.  Killed.
Cain, F., Co. F. Wounded.
Miller, M. T., Co. F. Prisoner.
Singer, L J., Co. F. Prisoner.
Jus, J. F., Co. F. Prisoner.
I)Duval, D. S., Co. F. Prisoner.
Wols, C., Co. F. Prisoner.
Kimball, J., Co. F. Prisoner.
Bernes, F., Private, Co. G. Prisoner.
Cannon, D., Private, Co. G. Prisoner.
Dew, L., Private, Co. G. Prisoner.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                393
Wounded Seriously-N. Mora, J. Quinelty, J. Guiton, A. Garza.
--  Escobeda, Sergeant J. A. Derbonne, J. Morin, C. D. Castex,
Wounded Slightly-Lieutenant P. Bassier, -- Murray, A. Wrinkle,
L. Hubbard, L. Floris, C. Castex, R. Alemand.
COMPANY "H,." MONTICELLO RIFLES.-Killed-COrpOral J. A.
Martin, J. Veal, WV. Buins, J. C. Reese.  Wounded Seriously-J.
McCowan, L. P. Simps, J. F. Hargrove, J. Byrd.  Wounded Slightly
-Lieutenant J. Stuart.
COMPANY " I,' CALDWELL GUARDs.-Killed-Captain J. E. Johnson, Corporal P. Lawson, Corporal A. Kelly, T. J. Dunn, L. Stewart,
J. L. Vaughan, E. Douglas, F. Ray.  Wounded Seriously-Sergeant
J. R. Gray, Sergeant J. Sandridge, E. Girod, G. W. Humble, V. A.
McQuatters, J. A. McCormick.  Wounded Slightly-Corporal J. C.
Rice, Corporal G. P. Aourain, MA. V. Ray, A. Girod, H. C. Houghl, J.
HIines, G. T. McFarland, P. Smith, M. P. Cartwright, M. Sandridge.
COMPANY "K," PELICAN RIFLEs. —Killed-Corporal M. Brandenstein, A. V. Duffy, E. J. Benton, L. J. Benton, B. F. Hickman, Corporal D. Echols. Wounded Seriously-Sergeant E. Jolly, J. F. Chambers,'W. L. Edmonson.  Wounded Slightly-Corporal S. P. Russ,
H. Finlay.
This list is very imperfect, being compiled from  private notes,
without the aid of any official documents. The total loss in the
regiment reached nearly, if not more than 200, out of a total of not
quite 400 men.
17*




APPENDIX.
I cannot close this volume without a special acknowledgment of
my indebtedness to my friends for their interest in my labors, and
for furnishing valuable documents and papers. I am under special
obligations to Hon. Charles A. Brusle, Ibervilie; Major J. M. Taylor,
H. V. Babin, and F. D. Tunnard, Baton Rouge; J. Harvey Brigham, J. Davenport Bustrop, J. Leonard, Plaquemine; W. Kenney,
Dr. G. W. Kendall, Colonel J. B. Gilmore, Shreveport; L. Dupleix,
Esq., J. C. Trichel, Miss Jennie Barlow, Natchitoches; Colonel D.
Pierson, Colonel S. M. Hyams, Colonel J. D. Blair, New Orleans;
Major J. S. Richards Floyd, Captain W. B. Butler, Natchitoches
Parish; G. W. Humble, T. McB. Meredith, Columbia, La.; A. B.
Payne, and A. Booth, Baton Rogue.
To these friends, who have encouraged me in the prosecution of
my labor in compiling this History do I feel deedly grateful, and thus
make acknowledgment of my gratitude by the mention of their
names. Many of the interesting records of this volume are due to
their prompt assistance and kind remembrance. I sincerely trust
that they may feel repaid by a perusal of its pages.
W. H. TUNNARD.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                 387
Hitzman, J. Private, -Co. G. Prisoner.
Prudhomme, J. A., Private, Co. G. Wounded.
Phillips, E., Private, Co. G, Prisoner.
Rowe, A. T., Private, Co. G. Wounded.
Schroder, C. F., Private, Co. G. Killed.
Warner, B. F., Private, Co. G. BKilled.
Beard, W. A., Sergeant, Co. HI. Killed.
Corbin, W. P., Private, Co. H. Killed.
Only, J. T., Private, Co. H. Killed.
Perry, J. E., Private, Co. H. Killed.
Sharplin, W. P., Private, Co. H. Killed.
Singleton, S. S., Private, Co. H. Killed.
Smythe, N. B., Private, Co. H.- Killed.
Broadway, J. T., Sergeant, Co. I. Prisoner.
Beale, W. H., Private, Co. I. Prisoner.
Banks, A. J., Private, Co. I. Wounded.
Cantelope, F. E., Private, Co. I. Prisoner.
Cain, F. T., Private, Co. 1. Prisoner.
Dunn, T. J., Private, Co. I. Prisoner.
Freeman, D., Private, Co. I. Wounded.
Ferrand, C. A., Private, Co. I. Prisoner.
Gregory, W. A., Private, Co. I. Prisoner.
Jenkins, W., Private, Co. I. Killed.
Kelly, J. F., Private, Co. I. Prisoner.
Lawson, W. P., Private, Co. I. Wounded.
Mason, D. F., Private, Co. I. Prisoner.
Meredith, R. B., Private, Co. I. Prisoner.
Ray, B., Private, Co. I. Prisoner.
Smith, P. R., Private, Co. I. Prisoner.
Vaughn, J. L., Private, Co. I. Wounded.
Viglini, J. P., Captain, Co. K. Prisoner.
Cain, W. P., Private, Co. K. Killed.
Echols, D., Private, Co. K. Prisoner.
LIST OF CASUALTIES 3D REGIMENT LA. INFANTRY, HEBERT'S BRIGADE, PRICE'S ARMY, AT TEI  BATTLE OF IUKA, MISS., SEPT. 19,
1862.
J. B. Gilmore, Lieutenant-Colonel. Wounded.
J. H. Brigham, Adjutant.
J. Kinney, Captain, Co. A.
U. Babin, Lieutenant, Co. A. Missing.




388                 A SOUTHERN RECORD.
J. Ramouin, Lieutenant, Co. A. Killed.
Joly, Sergeant, Co. A. Wounded..D. Bridges, Corporal, Co. A. Killed.
J. Richard, Corporal, Co. A. MissinA.
A. Gourrier, Private, Co. A. Killed.
J. H. Breaux, Private, Co. A. Wounded.
E. L. Breaux, Private, Co. A.
N. Gayarre, Private, Co. A.
T. Gourrier, Private, Co. A.
W. Sanders, Private, Co. A.
M. Landry, Private, Co. A.
M. Brassard, Private, Co. A. Missing.
Renwick, Lieutenant, Co. B. Wounded.
Brown, Sergeant, Co. B.        "
Whittaker, Corporal, Co. B.
Buckmaster, Private, Co. B.
Bass, Private, Co. B.
J. Blankenship, Private, Co. B.
W. Cooper, Private, Co. B.
T. Cravens, Private, Co. B.       "
D. M. Evans, Private, Co. B.
W. S. Finley, Private, Co. B.
T. Finn, Private, Co. B.
A. C. Harrison, Private, Co. B.
W. M. Washburn, Lieutenant, Co. B. Missing.
Stewart, Sergeant, Co. B. Missing.
S. W. Whorley, Private, Co. B. Missing.
A. W. McKain, Lieutenant, Co. C. Killed.
B. F. Thelpal, Private, Co. C. Killed.
D. Pierson, Captain, Co. C. Wounded.
H. M. Crew, Private, Co. C.
W. Morehead, Private, Co. C.
A. J. Perry, Private, Co. C.
G. L. Trichel, Lieutenant, Co. D. Wounded.
B. Davis, Sergeant, Co. D.
T. H. McCaskey, Private, Co. D.      "
A. Leplant, Private, Co. D.          "
WV. W. Joy, Private, Co. D.
J. Charleville, Private, Co. D.
B. Norwood, Sergeant, Co. E. Killed.
R. Barton, Private, Co. E. Killed.
R. C. Holt, Lieutenant, Co. E. Wounded.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                 389
P. Pierson, Private, Co. E.   Wounded.
J. Myers, Private, Co. E.
- Masterton, Private, Co. E.
T. Brigham, Private, Co. E. Missing.
W. Henderson, Private, Co. E. Missing.
D. C. Ballard, Private, Co. E. Missing.
M. O. Clark, Sergeant, Co. F. Killed.
J. Horn, Lieutenant, Co. F. Wounded.
W. T. Hudson, Sergeant, Co. F.  "
D. W. Manning, Private, Co. F.
Jules Jus, Private, Co. F.
J. A. White, Sergeant, Co. F. Prisoner.
R. Dick, Corporal, Co. F. Prisoner.
L. J. Singer, Private, Co. F. Prisoner.
R. L. Perry, Private, Co. F. Prisoner.
J. M. Tauzin, Sergeant, Co. G. Killed.
M. S. Hailman, Private, Co. G. Killed.
F. N. Sanchez, Corporal, Co. G. Wounded.
C. V. Murphy, Corporal, Co. G.
R. Alleman, Private, Co. G.
W. A. Charleville, Private, Co. G.
A. Dickens, Private, Co. G.        "
M. Escobeda, Private, Co. G.
J. Ginchan, Private, Co. G.
J. Guiton, Private, Co. G.          "
J. P. Hyams, Private, Co. G.
J. G. Norris, Private, Co. G. Missing.
M. S. Hartman, Private, Co. G. Missing.
W. S. Behrman, Private, Co. G. Missing.
E. Genehan, Private, Co. G. Missing.
J. D. Beckman, Private, Co. H. Killed.
J. McDonald, Private, Co. H. Killed.
S. Singleton, Private, Co. H. Killed.
H. T. Horten, Sergeant, Co. H. Wounded.
W. F. Bonner, Private, Co. H.
S. B. McCarty, Private, Co. H.
G. Higgins, Private, Co. H.
C. Hedrick, Lieutenant, Co. IH.
N. Murfie, Private, Co. H. Prisoner.
J. Reese, Private, Co. H. Prisoner.
S. J. Howell, Sergeant, Co. I. Killed.
W. H. Beale, Private, Co. I. Killed.




390                   A SOUTHERN  RECORD.
J. E. Johnson, Captain, Co. I. Wounded.
J. O. McCormick, Private, Co. I.    "
J. B. Johnson, Private, Co. I.
F. E. CaJntelope, Private, Co. I.
L. L. Cain, Private, Co. I.
F. F. Cain, Private, Co. I.           "
W. C. Noble, Private, Co. I.
J. H-ayne, Private, Co. 1.            "
J. Al. Flowers, Private, Co. I.  Missing.
Geo. K. Runnels, Private, Co. I.  Missing.
W. Dowd, Sergeant, Co. I. Prisoner.
M. White, Corporal, Co. I.  Prisoner.
J. B. Irvin, 1st Lieutenant, Co. K. Killed.
H. Heasch, Musician, Co. K.  Killed.
R. Denham, Private, Co. K. Killed.
H. H. Gentles, Captain, Co. K.  Wounded.
E. Jolly, Sergeant, Co. K.             "
J. H. Bells, Sergeant, Co. K.          "
J. Roddy, Corporal, Co. K.             "
M. Brandenstein, Corporal, Co.. K.
J. Caffrey, Private, Co. K.
F. D. Tunnard, Private, Co. K.         "
A. Roysden, Private, Co. K.            "
B. P. Hickman, Private, Co. K.
A. F. Cameron, Private, Co. K.
J. Hock, Private, Co. K. Prisoner.
D. Echols, Private, Co. K. Prisoner.
Field and Staff Wounded........................................'
RECAPITULATION.
Killed................................................... 
W ounded.................................................   7
Missing................................................... 14
Prisoners.                                                I O (
Total.......................... l 
LIsT OF CASUALTIES 3D REGMIENT LA. INFANTRY, HEBERT'a BRIGADE, AT THE BATTLE OF CORINTH, OCTOBER 3 AND 4, 1862.
S. D. Davis, Sergeant, Co. A.  Missing.
W. Sanders,. Private, Co. A.  Wounded.
J. D. Maxwell, Private? Co. B. Missing.




THIRD LOUISIANA INFANTRY.                   391
D. Norton, Private, Co. B. Missing.
T. C. Higginbothem, Private, Co. B. Missing.
G. B. Quinn, Private, Co. B. Missing.
A. Neuman, Private, Co. C. Missing.
B. P. Morse, Lieutenant, Co. D.  Wounded.
J. Merritt, Private, Co. D. Wounded.
D. Dodez, Private, Co. F. Wounded.
Jones, Private, Co. F. Wounded.
Marr, Private, Co. F. Missing.
Lowe, Corporal, Co. G. Wounded:
Keiser, Corporal, Co. G. Wounded.
C. S. Jeter, Private, Co. H. Wounded.
S. L. Reese, Private, Co. H. Missing.
E. M. Douglass, Private, Co. I. Wounded.
E. Girod, Private, Co. I. Wounded.
S. J. Moffit, Private, Co. I. Wounded.
D. March, Private, Co. I. Missing.
J. D. Williams, Lieutenant, Co. K. Wounded seriously.
D. Lewis, Sergeant, Co. K. Wounded seriously.
J. H. Robertson, Private, Co. K. Wounded seriously.
B. F. Hickman, Private, Co. K. Wounded slightly.
F. Taquino, Private, Co. K. Wounded slightly.
W. L. Edmondson, Private, Co. K. Wounded slightly.
A. Dalsheimer, Private, Co. K. Prisoner.
A. F. Cameron, Private, Co. K. Prisoner.
FIELD AND STAFF.
Major S. D. Russell, wounded.
Sergeant-3Major!McFee, killed.
RECAPITULATION.
Killed, Field   and  Staff....................................    1
Wounded.................................................   1
Wounded.................                                       17
Missing   and  Prisoners...................................... 11
Total....................................... 30
LIST OF CASTUALTIES 3D  REGIMENT LOUISIAINA INFANTRY, HEBERT'S BRIGADE, FORNEY'S DIVISION, DURING THE SIEGE OF
VICKSBURG,  MAY 18 TO JULY 4, 1863.
Field and Staff.-Lieutenant-Colonel S. D. Russel, seriously;
Major D. Pierson, Slightly; General Hebert's Staff, Captain C. A.
Brusl6, seriously.




392                A SOUTHERN RECORD.
COMPANY " A," IBERVILLE GREYS.-Killed-Captain J. Kenney,
Lieutenant J. Randolph. Privates -N. Schade, F. Leonard, J. P.
Chastant, Amide  Hebert, B. Berry, C. Dupuy, J. Breaux.  Wounded
Seriously-Sergeant M. Bassac, L. D. Blanchard, C. Pruett, S. Allain,
J. Connor, W. McGuinness, S. Kohn, M. O'Brien. Wounded Slightly
-Sergeant H. Guidic6, Lieutenant U. Babin, P. T. St. Amant, P.
C. Wellis.
COMPANY " B," MOREHOUSE GUARDS.- Killed-Sergeant J. T.
Sharp, Sergeant W. H. Howell, Sergeant B. Brice, Corporal S.
Smith, Corporal T. McFee. Privates-W. Finley, J. N. Hewett, J.
Lee, F. M. Howell, J. W. Naff, J. C. May. Wounded SeriouslyLieutenant W. P. Renwick. Privates-H. C. Fryer, H. Kelly, J. M.
Burke, A. Williams, T. H. Johnson. Wounded Slightly-Lieutenant
W. M. Washburn, Lieutenant Joe Davenport, Sergeant J. M. Sharp.
Privates-D. Buckmaster, W. McCallaghan, D. Shoemaker, J. W.
Blankenship, S. W. Sanders, J. M. Smith, B. Q. Vaughn, ---  Tatle,
F. M.. Worley, T. N. Higgenbothem.
COMPANY " C," WINN RIFLES. —Killed-Corporal W. A. Hallowman, T. J. Teddlie.  Wounded Seriously-Privates-G. C. Spillman,
N. Moody, J. N. McBride, W. J. Carson, W. Evans, W. J. Tedley.
Wounded Slightly-Captain N. M. Middlebrooks, Lieutenant W. T.
Fagan, T. Williams, W. Smith, R. Cole.
COMPANY " D," PELICAN RANGERS, NO. 2.-Killed-Sergeant W.
W. Gandy. Privates-H. V. Edmonson, T. Cobb, B. Duke, R. C.
Hammett.  Wounded Seriously-P. Gillett, W. Badt, J. McDaniel,
J. Fonteneau, J. MIerritt.  Wounded Slightly —Captain W. E.
Russell.
COMPANY " E,"' MORE0oUSE FENCIBLES.- Killed-D. A. Gwinn,
Silas Crane, -  Masterton,  Wounded Seriously —Sergeant G. Miller, R. Quinn. Wounded Slightly-Lieutenant R. C. Halt. Privates
— T. D. Downey, A. J. Powell, J. Myers, -    Esom.
COMPANY "F," SHREVEPORT RANGERS. -Killed-Sergeant T. M.
Roberts, Lieutenant J. Horn.  Wounded Seriously-Lieutenant J. O.
Clark, P. L. Permery, L. J. Singer, J. Charlton, George Efner, Corporal Scanlan, J. Brosi, J. Jus.  Wounded Slightly-F. A. Davis, P.
Sheridan? T. N. Dill, R. T. Cole,'W. Hudson, R. Brenning.
COMPANY "G," PELICAN RANGERS, NO. 1.-Killed-D. Cannon,
F. Escobeda, E. Carro, L. Floris, M. Escobeda, J. R. Howell.