Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-10-23
Concluded from .fourih page.
REPORT OF CAPT. =. T.. H0LCOMB
SECOND BATTERY.

IpkI UNDSoNs Las Jui. 10 toVos
Peter \. Washbs,u
Adjmars and Inspector General
SIR IL have the honor TO report the part the "a
Vermont Battery has taken in the recent active
movements of the army in this Department
We left Baton Rouge on the 18th Of Nav last.
The following day went out with Duiiel br!g
AIDE on the Bayou Sara road to the plains, six miles
from this place Met small cavalry force OF the
enemy which disappeared after we had fired a lew
rounds. On the 2st Of May, Chapin's Brigade
Joined ms. the whole belonging to Major Gen. Au-
gur's command Met the enemy at the Plain Store,
where they had battery posted, supported by 800
infantry and 100 cavalry.
One section of the 18th New York Battery was
ordered up, and after firing four rounds, retired,
and four pieces Of Co. G, 9th artillery, U. 5. A.,
were then ordered up, and after firing some time,
exhausting their ammunition, also retired, when
the I'd Vermont Battery was ordered up, and after
fifteen minutes sharp firing the enemy was com
pletely routed
Having succeeded in this, we advanced TO the
Plain Store, and found the enemy posted about
one thousand yards distant, on Bayou Sara road.
We again opened fire upon them, and while cngag-
ing battery in our front were also exposed 10 a
flank fire FROM a battery on our left. After firing
about one hour, we succeeded in dismounting one
OF their pieces, gripping one and killing one Lieu
tenant sixteen men and several horses and silenc-
ing their fire. After this, the cavalry formed with
in about three hundred yards of us, when a few
rounds Of canister Immediately dispersed them.
This DONE we then bivouacked for the night on
the field Of battle. On the morning Of the 2lth Of
May we took up our march for this place, and took
our position about three-iourths of mile from the
cncmys works, where we remained until the morn
ing of the 9th. On the morning Of the 9th one
section was ordered forward to within about eight
hundred yards Of the enemy's Notifications. TO she'll
their pickets and skirmishers out Of the woods
At two O'Clock +. NJ. the entire battery order
ed up TO within seven hundred yards OF the oncmys
batteries. and ordered to fire one hour when the
infantry assaulted their works and were rcpulsed
with heavy loss, upon which our battery resumed
its former position, where we remained until the
morning OF the 18th Of June. when we took POI
sition within three hundred yards of the enemys
works in the centre Of our line, on Clinton road,
protected by earth-works. On the morning of the
14th, at a quarter before three o'clock we were or
dered to open fire, and continued firing rapidly un-
til six o'clock, and at intervals until noon, when
our attacking party was again repulsed with great
loss
From this time to the time Of surrender, we fir
ed or less daily, keeping the enemy from
strengthening their Notifications, and damaging
them much. The men exhibited the utmost cool
ness and the traits Of the true soldier throughout
We lost none killed. Appended is list OF our
wounded. Very respectfully,
lom obedent servant,
r. 4. HOLCOMB,
Capt. I'd Vermont Battery, Light ARTILLERY.