The Sun.
London, England, 1863-06-22 00:00:00

THE TIGHT AT PORT HUDSON.

The foil owing further details of the fight at Port
Hudson r.re from the New Orleans correspondence
of the New York Herald :
NEW ORLEANS, June 1.
" A great mystery hangs over the fight at Port
Hodsor, on the 27th ult. Nothing concerning it is
allowtyd to be published in any of the papers of this
city, and no official information can be had from any
one on the subject. Admittance to the hospitals is
alF.o refused, and although the wounded have been j
ai:riving here in large. numbers, we have been thus
far unable to obtain their names or condition. Why
tkiis secrecy is observed is to all surprising. From
all that can be obtained concerning the fight it is
evident that our lines are well advanced from where
they were, and that we suffered no repulse except
on the left, and that was of no great importance ex-
cepting in loss of killed and wounded.
" In my account forwarded per steamer Morning
Star some errors naturally occurred, coming, as the
information did, from several sources ; but it was in
the main correct, I have, however, to change the
list of officers killed and wounded. The first infor-
mation we had was of such positive character that I
had no hesitation in forwarding it as correct ; but,
as it was not, no blame can be attached save to those
who 'refuse to allow authentic information to be had.
I am rejoiced to say that neither Gen. Nickerson,
Cr,!, Clarke, 6th Michigan ; Col. Bulloch, 30th Mas-
:sachusetts, nor Col. Payne, 2d Louisiana, are in the
least injured ; but I regret to say that Col. Lull, Bth
New Hampshire ; Col. Bean, 4th Wisconsin, and
Capt. Wrotonaski, Gen. Weitzel's staff are among
the killed. I have several other names of officers
killed and wounded, but will not send them until I
have the most positive proof in regard to their
condition. The whole course pursued in the late
affair leads the secession portion of our corn
munity to think that General Banks has met
with a disastrous defeat, and they do not hesitate
to express the opinion. If it were not I know
to the contrary I certainly should think in
the same manner ; for I cannot understand the
policy of keeping everything so very quiet, unless
it is for the reason that we do not wish the enemy
to know the loss we have sustained. The friends
and relatives of the many thousand men who com-
pose the Nineteenth army corps must not blame the
press if they do not receive information concerning
those dear to them, but the authorities, who deem it
best that nothing should be said about the matter.
I can imagine the anxiety for news from this depart-
ment when the intelligence reaches the North of

the late desperate fight, and would gladly do all I
via to relieve it, but it is out of ray power at pre-
sent for the reasons above stated.

time, and their spirit, dash, and good humour rose
every moment. My admiration for my men is
beyond bounds.'
" The above exceedingly interesting lctter was
found in the colonel's portfolio, and was unfinished.
It gives a better idea of the severity of the fight
than any other account we have, and shows how
much our forces had to encounter. There is a tale
yet to be told regarding the assault, and I doubt
not it will go to prove that the lives of our gallant
men have been sacrificed in order to accomplish in
a day that which, according to military science,
should have taken a much longer time. It will re-
quire the use of the spade, to which our people of
the North are so much opposed, before Port Hud-
son can be taken. This fact should have been dis-
covered at first ; had it been, the lives of many
brave fellows would have been saved, and but little
time lost. Port Hudson will fall, that is certain, but
it will take a few days before we are ready to com-
pel the enemy to surrender. It is closely invested.
Our men are under its formidable works, and not a
spider can enter or escape without detection. A
sortie cannot be attempted, and no force can raise
the siege. I had hoped to have sent you the infor-
mation by the steamer of to- morrow that Port Hud-
son was in our possession, but I am better satisfied
to wait a few days longer, in order to know that
when it is attacked it will be with entire success,
than to have to chronicle another assault in which
we were repulsed with frightful slaughter.
" It must not be supposed that our forces are idle,
for they are not. Fighting or skirmishing is going
on all the time, and our men are working like
beavers. On the right General Weitzel's men are
within 20 feet of the enemy's works. So close are
they that conversation goes on between them, and
although the rebels have three heavy guns pointing
over the parapet they dare not attempt to load them,
for if a man makes the attempt and shows his head
above the parapet, he is shot down at once. Our
fellows are behind logs, and a hat cannot make its
appearance without receiving a dozen shot-holes
through it. Such is about the present situation at
Port Hudson, and it will continue the same for a
few days at the most. Frank Gardner, the rebel
general in command at Port Hudson, is one of the
best men in the service ofJefferson Davis, and he will
maintain his position as long as possible. It is said
that his men are anxious for him to surrender, but
he refuses, saying he will defend the place as long
as a gun can be fired. I am confident that if he
holds out much longer our peopla will become so
much exasperated that when they do get inside but
little mercy will be shown the garrison. Such is

generally the case, and I believe it would be impos-
sible for the officers to restrain their men if we have
to carry the place by the bayonet, as I think we

" All accounts agree in stating that the attempted
assault'on the left was most desperate. The bravery
exhibited by the 6th Michigan, 128th New York,
2d Battalion Zouaves, and the 2d Native Guards
was never excelled, and but seldom equalled. The
assault was led by General W. T. Sherman, com-
mander of the division, in person, and it was here
that our greatest loss occurred. When the details
of this affair are given to the public they will
afford one of the most brilliant chapters ever written
in military history, so far as the bravery of the
assaulting column is concerned. I have it from
authority that cannot be questioned that General
Sherman, with the eye of a military man, seeing
how utterly hopeless the attempt would be, and
knowing the frightful loss of life that would occur,
protested against the plan of attack, but all to no
purpose, the order being peremptory. Forming his
division into three lines, and leading them himself,
this gallant and trusty soldier moved against the
immensely strong fortified position of the enemy,
feeling all the time that he was attempting an im-
possibility. The result proved him correct, for
although some of his command crossed the ditch,
passed the abattis, reached the parapet, and planted
their colours thereon, but few of them returned to
tell the tale. The General was borne from the field

will, after a proper bombardment, Some of the
prisoners we have taken say that the garrison are
harassed to death ; they are shelled all the time, if
not by the army, by the ships, and they have no rest
in consequence. They represent the number inside
to be about 6,000 men. Multiply that number by
two, and I apprehend it will be nearer the truth.
They also say that their loss in the fight was not
over 100. A flag of truce has been sent in, under
which the dead have been buried and the wounded
collected.
" Although, as I said before, no positive infor-
mation can be obtained respecting the number we
have lost, still I hold the first report I sent you is
near the truth. Ido not think that a less number
than 2,000 will cover all the casualties on our side,
although some persons try to bring the number as
low as 800. From the number that have arrived
here I form my opinion, knowing that many more
are yet to come down. The majority of the wounded
were hit in the lower extremities, showing that the
rebels fired low. They used for projectiles pieces
of lead pipes, nails, pieces of chain, and everything
of the kind they could obtain ; some of the wounds
received from these missiles are of the most terrible
character, lacerating the flesh, and crushing bones
in a manner to effectually prevent recovery.

in the arms of his•orderly, with a terrible wound, " I very much fear that by the next steamer,
and his command fell back to a position not sub- even if it does not occur before the sailing of the
jected to the terrible fire of the enemy. As an illus- Continental, I shall be called upon to record the
tration of how desperate the fighting was, and how death of Brigadier-General W. T. Sherman. He
much our gallant fellows had to encounter, I give a appears to be sinking rapidly, there having been no
copy of a letter written by the lamented Col. Bean, reaction since his wound was received. It seems to be
of the 4th Wisconsin, who fell on the 28th. His the impression among those surgeons who have seen
description is in regard to the night of the 27th. him that amputation of the leg should have been
He says : performed at once, instead of attempting to save it.
"' I will give you the first day of the battle of His nervous system was completely shattered
Port Hudson. It is the morning of the second day by the shock, and the weather, since his arrival in
on which I write. I came off the field last night the city, has been anything but of a character to
after the battle had ceased, crippled so that I was benefit a wounded man. General Sherman is too
just able to make a few rods to a horse. I lamed well known to make it necessary for me to say any-
myself by some violent exertion, jump, or fall in thing regarding him. We can ill afford to lose the
the abattis. When or how Ido not recal, so that services of such men at the present time, for they
my leg is stiff and I cannot walk. I wrote you are sadly needed in the army. I hope for the best
from Simmsport when I received —'s letter. We in his case, however, and trust that his life may be
marched from that place to Bayou Sara, then spared, but it is, I fear, hoping against fate.
crossed the river and marched here. Here we found "I am pleased to say that Lieut.-Col. Smith, of
ourselves in a dense Southern forest, one mile and the Zonaves, is doing very well. His recovery will
be slow but sure, and the probabilities are that in
a half through, our pickets and the enemy's meet-
ing midway. The day before we had driven them time he will be again able to take the field. He
so far in, losing 100 men killed and wounded. On may be proud to command such men as his battalion
the further edge of the forest there are a series of is composed of. They are heroes every one of them,
deep ravines, beyond high bluffs. On these bluffs and as well drilled soldiers they cannot be excelled.
the enemy's forts are built—strong redoubts flank- The loss in this battalion, numbering about 400 men,
ing each other, covered and connected by rifle pits. was but little, if any, short of 100. They were
There is a cleared space in front of the forts of six amongst those who penetrated the enemy's works,
to ten hundred yards, the trees having been felled and mounted the parapet when our flag was placed
so as to form a formidable abattis. Our negro re- there, and none of the number escaped being killed
giments had cut a road through the forest for our or wounded.
artillery as far as our pickets extended. At 4 a.m. " The transport steamer M'Clellan, Capt. Gray,
we marched in line, driving in the enemy's pickets, arrived here on Saturday evening, bringing Gen.
and in a few moments more falling on their infan- Stone to take a command in this army. His arrival
try in rifle pits this side of their abattis, driving is opportune ; for he will, no doubt, be immediately
them through it over into their forts. When we placed in command of the division of Gen. Sherman.
commenced the march we were in three lines, and He is a good soldier, and will certainly fill with
two were in front of my regiment. When we got ability the position thus unfortunately made vacant.
through it I was in front of everything. We pressed He will have the opportunity in a few days of
down through the abattis and halted on a crest of wiping out all that has been said against him, and
hills within near rifle shot of the breastworks. Of throwing the lie into the teeth of those who have
course when we got through there was the most dared to impeach his loyalty and devotion to the
inextricable confusion, and it was the diligent and country's best interests. I venture to assert that
excessive work of hours to bring the regiments to- no division of the army will be more gallantly and
gather and into line again. The abattis and woods better fought than that of General Stone in the
were filled with stragglers, cowards, and men look- coming assault upon Port Hudson, no matter what
prejudiced parties may say to the contrary. He
ing for their regiments. I finally succeeded in
getting my men and a hundred others, hopelessly has many enemies here among the Radicals, who
separated from their commands, organised and in declare him unfitted for his position. But he will
position, and as I said before, in the very front of disappoint them all, or lam a false prophet.
the whole army. Of course it took time to make " The arrival of produce from the Attakapas
our way through the abattis, and we were under country is about over, for that district has been
the murderous fire of ten or twelve cannon entirely evacuated by the army. We hear that
and of all the infantry in the rifle pits. I cannot Kirby Smith, with quite a respectable force,
give any description of this fire, because, as at Baton has arrived at Franklin, but I will not vouch for
Rouge, I was perfectly unconscious of it, and didn't the truth of the report. It is true, however,
hear a cannon ball or a rifle shot whiz, though the that the entire country is overrun by guerilles; they
men were fast falling on every aide of me, My even make their appearance at Berwick Bay. We
anxiety to press my regiment forward and to keep hear of most horrible atrocities being perpetrated
b
it in order wholly absorbed me. But during those by them on all who evince any lingering affection
for the United States, and it is even said that seve-
few fatal moments in which we were crawling over
and under the felled trees, and through the branches, ral persons have been hung who ventured to guide
some of my best men fell, Captain Craigon was hit our army during its recent march. I have not the
with a musket ball, not mortally I hope, and the least doubt that many of these reports are true. I
poor fellow lay there among the trees bleeding. like feared that such would be the case when the coun-
an ox, laughing his try was evacuated, and to hear that it has does not
s at hhisadwo.un , and cheering on .
men. Capt. Herren
since been anapatat d his leg knocked off. It has surprise me. Our lines may again b. e marked by
the Missiesippi river and Opelouas railroad, North-
he lies on his crying,bedgeeti t
3 and life is questionable, and
now for his leg, and now
that he did not *Western Louisiana being again in possession of the
company,
oanthe forts. Lieutenant enemy for the time being.
Piero©, of the same
Y 3 was shot in the arm, "There is a rumour prevailing that Buckner with
but seemed quite consoled when
I told him the re- a large force is marching to the relief of Port Hud-
giment was ahead of everything, Lieutenant
sou but there is not
, a particle of foundation for the
Chittenden was hit in the breast ; how badly I do report , • for not a man can be spired
from Mobile,
not know. Our whole loss during the day was about Pemberton's army, Johnstone's, or anywhere else
Gardner. 70 killed and wounded, and 300 was all I took on to relieve 'Heis in a place from whence
the field. Having passed the worst abattis, and he cannot
get out except by his own exertions, and
men under the crest finding shelter for the of the these will avail him but very little. Mobile
hourthe papers
hill, I halted, and in half an
anmdendrove of the 28th speak in very loom terms regarding
away the gunners from their pieces silenced affairs in :Mississippi,althoughg y
being out of range-- buoy
cannon but one—that Y ul, the hopes of
every
show his head above be well-. ,their people that all will vet
nor dare a man of the rebels . —tnat Grant will be - •
of their killed and Banks will be
the breastworks. The number food for Mis .-. • . '
sitsippi catfish. They
before they abate get up a thousand "II
wounded must have been Feat
reading in the to come from Jackson y telegraphic despatchs-s, said
doped their guns. I have just beenh
that Pemberton is °Ei.no in
which the people are told
ncellorsville,
Herald of the 7th of the battle of C a also, and that Mississippi gloriously and Johnstone
rebels
and of the attack made on Saturday by the
the Yankee hordes, si,ippi will soon be cleared
rebels outnum.Fortunately the of
on Sykes' division of regulars, the
fire and lion between General Grant andY comm
General Banks '
boring them three to one ; of the terrible
,c. uninterrupted, consequently
we know that is
thinned ranks, and "courage beyond compren n• reports are all untrue, gotten up merely t these
sion of our men" in withstanding the fierce attack ; the people of Mobile and the rebels of New 00:take
and no doubt it was a fine thing ; but the whole believe that the success of theirhere. army- is cocompletedivision, it states, lost nearly 150 men, while my on every occasion and everywhere.
" The United States steam transport Cahawba,
single regiment lost half that number in the same

Captain Baker, leaves to-morrow for New York.
She will take home Billy Wilson's Zouaves.' Col.
Wilson has been released from arrest, and goes with
them. lam of the opinion that he has been an ill-
used man--that his arrest was only done to
carry out the purposes of other people, there not
having been the slightest just grounds for it. Dur-
ing his arrest of over 80 days no charges were pre-
ferred against him ; for this reason I am led to be-
lieve that he was unjustly arrested.
. .

"The fleet at Port Hudson are quiet, in conse-
quence of our army being in such close proximity to
the rebel works that the shells of the ships would do
more injury to our own people than the enemy. This
state of affairs must be exceedingly galling to the
admiral and officers and men under him ; for they
are so accustomed to shot and shell, and being in a
row, that to see others in a fight and they not able
to take part in it, makes them feel out of place. It
will be fortunate if the alpture of Port Hudson and
Vicksburg releases the large ships of this squadron
from further duty in the river. They are in need of
repairs from the manner in which they ha\ e been
torn to pieces with shot and shell, and they are more
needed at sea, and could be of infinitely more use
there than in the narrow waters of the Mississippi
River. After the fall of these two strongholds the
smaller vessels will answer every purpose in keep-
ing the river clear.

" From the coast westward we have no informa-
tion, and probably will not until the arrival of a
vessel of war. There can hardly, however, be any-
thing from that direction of peculiar interest—at
least not for some time. Our blockading fleet off
Mobile are very watchful, and have of late been
doing a very good business, Still, with all their care
vessels slip in occasionally, and as often out. The
iron-clad raid, which we have been expec ing
has been probably deferred until another time, the
vessels being deemed necessary for the defence of
the city, an attack being feared from some direction
or other. The rebels, after Grierson's raid, expect
anything, and they would not be surprised if a regi-
ment of Yankee cavalry were to drop from the
moon. The name of Grierson has become a terror
to every man, woman, and child in this section of
the country, and they will not be again easy until
they hear that he, with his command, has left for
other parts. We have to-day an arrival from Pen-
sacola. Everything there is reported very quiet, no
excitement of any kind having occurred since the
destruction of the Preble. The enemy never came
in sight, and our forces there live in as much quiet
as if war and its horrors did not exist ; but they
have not as comfortable quarters as formerly."