Mineral Point weekly tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1859-1868, 1863-06-24
In Official ReporG from Gen. Banks.
to May 3O-The Valor of the
Neera Troops Indorsed.
Bz.poUARrERs ARMY OF THE GULF

Neere Troops Endorsed.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE GULF,
BEroRE PoRT HUDSON, May 30, 1868.
Maj. Gen. II. ~ Holleek,. General-in.
Chief Washington:
GENERAL: Leaving Sommesport, on the
Atchafalaya, where my command was at
the date Of my last dispatch, landed at
Bayou Sara at o'clock on the morning
OF the 21st-
A portion of the infantry were tIsn-
sported in steamers, and the balance OF
the infantry, artillery, cavalry, and wagon
train moving down on the west bank OF
The river, aud from this to Bayou Sara
On the 23d q junction was effected WITH
the advance OF Maj Gen. Augur ana Brig.
Gen. Sherman, our line occupying the
Bayou Sara road at distance or five
miles from Port Hudson.
Mai Gen Augur had an encounter with
q portion of the enemy on the Bayou Sara
road in the direction of Baton Rouge,
which resulted i'll the repulse of the Gu
emy, with heavy loss
On the 10Th the enemy was compelled
10 abandon his first line of works
Gen. eltZei's Brigade, which had COW
cred our rear IN the march from AlexaD-
dria, Joined Is on the 10Th, and on the
morning of the 9th general assault was
made upon the Notifications.
The artillery opened FIRE between and
6,o'clock, which was continued with ami
nation during the day. At 10 O'Clock
Weitzefs Brigade, with the division oil
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.
Pane, 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 Qualifications.
Inc fight lasted on this line until 4
o'clock, and was very severely contested.
On the left, the infantry did not come up
until laIer IN the day but at O'clock, an
assault was opened OH the centre and left
OF centre by the divisions Cnder Maj. Gen.
AugQr aud Brig. Gen. Sherman
lie enemy was driven into his works.
and our troops moved up TO the fortiica-
tions, ho.dibg 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
10 hank tire withdrew TO d belt of woods,
The eklrmlshers remaining close upon the
Notifications
In the assault of tie 9th, the behavior
OF the officers and men was most gallant
and left nothing TO be desired. Our lin
lied acquaintance OF the ground and the
character OF the works, which were al
most hidden from our observation until
tie moment o. 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 men, excepting the officers, was also
engaged IN the operstions OF the day
The position occupied by these troops was
one OF importance, and called for the Ut
most steadlness and bravery in those to
whom II was c0n6ded.
IL gives Inc 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
nIgltfaI with the other troops On the
right OF our line. The highest common
datlon 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
coaclusively to those who were in a con
dlu0n TO observe the conduct of these
regiments, that the Govern ment will find
IN tins class OF troops effective supporters
and defenders.
The severe test to which they were uub-
jected, and the determined manner in
which they encountered the enemy, leave
upon ny mind no doubt of their ultimate
success. They require only good officers,
commands of limited numbers, and care
tul 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.
\, p. BANKS,
MajOr-ITeneral Comm andIuC