New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1861-09-16

CAMP DEsoTo, Va, Sept. Q, 1861,
Special to the New Orleans Crescent
Nh Edjt0r-As have not as yet seen regular
correspondent from this portion of the seat of war,
have concluded though stranger to you and
your columns, to give you a short account Of the
doings of the Second Louisiana Regiment since
leaving home. We were, as our number indicates,
among the first to take up arms in defence of our
dearest rights, and were mustered into service
under the command Of Col. J.. G. Derussey, and
upon our arrival in Virginia, were placed On the
peninsula, under Cen Magruder, at time when
all eyes were looking to this place, where we ex-
pected to have all the fighting. We were encamped
at Yorktown for some months. and were unfor-
tunate as to be few moments too late for the
fight at Great Bethel. Bitter. indeed, was that
disappointment which was deeply sympathised in
by Gen. Magruder, who assured us that the report
Of our advance tended greatly to hasten the Hes
sians abrupt departure, and at the next fight the
Second should certainly have their ego in.' This
promise he has kept as on all his expeditions we
have been, as it were, his body guard. We have
been with him on several occasions within sight of
Newport News, and used all the means in our
power to tempt the cowardly brutes to come out
of their strongholds, and give us some fun. Gen.
Magruder is gallant old gentleman and the men
and officers have the utmost confidence in him.
Four companies from our regiment were under
| the command of the lamented Dreux when he fell
though we were some miles from the spot where
the unfortunate skirmish took place, and const
tuted the escort which conveyed him to the boat
on his way to bis final resting-place in louisiana
Deeply did we sympathise with his gallant soldiers
on that occasion, as the whole army loved him as
a brother
After the resignation of Col. Derussey, the regi-
ment became somewhat disorganized but by the
| happy selection of VIM. NJ. Levy as its Colonel,
was in short time placed upon footing as re-
CARDS drill and discipline surpassed by no regiment
| in the service. This gallant officer and gentleman,
| indeed, deserves the highest praise for the mild
and efectual manner in which he has conducted
| his regiment since he has had CONTROL and has
| gained the unbounded confidence of both officers
| and men. We predict for him and his regiment a
| brilliant future. The regiment is composed of
| companies from Middle and North Louisiana, and
as good fighting material as there is to be found in
| the army.
| wish to take this opportunity of mentioning
| the Atchafaaya Guards, Capt. R NJ Boone. This
company is composed of young men from both
sides of the Atchafaaya river, and selected with
great from the best of families. Its organiza-
| ton is mainly due to the active eXertons of its
highly esteemed and accomplished commander.
| AS an evidence of the mems appreciation of h 8
| untlring endeavprs to make them q crack com
| pany, will mention this: He found it necessary
sometime ago on account of the serious illness of
| his family, to resign his commission. He remained
| at home long enough to find them restored to
| health, and Immediately returned for the purpose
| of ensting as private. This his men would not
permit, and reelected him to his original position.
| He deserves all this, as more excellent brave
| and accomplished officer does not hold a commits
| sion in the service. and with such body of men
| as he has under him, bound to make his mark.
| We are now encamped at Cockletown, small
| place about eight miles from Yorktown, and ten
| miles from Newport News. We are in hopes the
fleet which took Fort Hatteras may attempt land
| ing somewhere on the pennsular, and if they do,
| you may expect to hear a good account of the
Second The health of our regiment has been
very good since leaving Yorktown, as is that of the
other troops
The Fifth Louisiana is near Groves Wharf, on
| James river. The Tenth is at the same place.
| Dreux's battalion is US, andithe Zouaves are
| at Williamsburg. If this should prove acceptable
I will write again, and promise to do better.
| ANOYELLEE.