Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1863-06-25


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE GULF,
BEEosE PoRr HUDSON, May 80, 1868. {
Mai. Gen. II. ". Halleck, Generalin.
Chsef, Washington:
GENERAL Leaving Sommesport, on the
Atchafalaya, where my command was at
the date of my last dispatch, l landed at
Bayou Sara at 2 o'clock on the morning
of the 2lst.
A portion Of the infantry were ten
sported in steamers, and the balance Of
the infantry, artillery, cavalry, and wagon
train moving down on the west bank of
the river, and from this to Bayou Sara.
On the 23d junction was effected with
the advance of Maj. Gen. Augur and Brig.
Gen. Sherman, our line occupying the
Bayou Sara road at distance of five
miles from Port Hudson.
Maj. Gen. Augur had al encounter with
portion OF the enemy on the Bayou Sara
road In the direction OF Baton Rouge,
which resulted in the repulse of the en-
envy, with heavy loss.
On the 25th the enemy was compelled
to abandon his first line of works.
Gen. Weitzei's Brigade, which had COW
cred our rear in the march from Alexan-
dria, joined US on the 26th, and on the
morning of the 9th general assault was
made upon the Notifications.
The artillery opened fire between and
6so'clock, which was continued with ami
nation during the day. At 10 o'clock
Weitzel's Brigade, with the division OF
Gen. Grover, reduced to about two Brig
AIDES, and the division of Gen. Emory,
temporarily reduced by detachments to
about Brigade, under command of Col.
Paine, with two regiments of colored
troops, made an assault upon the right of
the enemy's WORKS. crossing Sandy Greek,
and driving them through the woods to
their Notifications.
Tne t'ght lasted on this line until
O'clock, nd was very severely contested.
On the left, the infantry did not come up
until later in the day but at 2 O'Clock, an
assault was opened on the centre and left
of centre by the divisions under Maj. Gen.
Augur and Brig. Gen. Sherman.
The enemy was driven into his works,
and our troops moved up to the iortitica-
tions, holding The opposite sides of the
parapet with the enemy on the right. Our
troops sull hold their position on the lett.
After dark the main body, being exposed
the sklrmishers remaining close upon the
torticaLiOns
In the assault of the 9th, the behavior
of the officers and men was most gallant,
and left nothing to be desired. Our linn
tied acquaintance OF the ground and the
character of the works, which were al
most hidden from our observation until
the moment OF approach, alone prevented
the capture of the post.
On the extreme right of our line post.
ed the First and Third regiments of negro
troops. The first regiment of Louisiana
Engineers, composed exclusively of color
ed meD, excepting the officers, was also
engaged In the operations of the day
The position occupied by these troops was
one OF Importance, and called for the Ut
most steadness and bravery in those to
whom 1t was contded.
1t gives me pleasure to report that they
answered every expectation. Their con.
duct was heroic. No troops could be
more determined or more daring. They
made, during the day, three charges upon
the batteries OF the enemy, suffering very
heavy losses, and hold their position at
nightfall with the other troops on the
right of our line. The highest common
dalton Is bestowed upon them by all the
officers in command on the right. What
ever doubt may have existed before as to
the efficiency of organizations of this
character, the history of this day proves
conclusively to those who were in con-
dition to observe the conduct of these
regiments, that the Govern ment will find
in this class OF troops effective supporters
and defenders.
The severe test to which they were sub
jected, and the determined manner in
which they encountered the enemy, leave
upon my mind no doubt of their ultimate
success. They require only good officers,
commands of limited numbers, and care
ful discipline, to make them excellent
soldiers.
Our losses from the 23d to this date in
killed, wounded and missing, are nearly
1000, including, | deeply regret to say,
some of the ablest officers of the corps. |
am unable yet to report them in detail.
| have the honor to be,
With much respect,
Your obedient servant,
n, 2. BANKs,
Maior-General Commanding