Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1863-06-09

explosion.
GEN. BANKS OFFICIAL REPORT OF
HIS OPERATIONS BEFORE PORT
HUDSON
The following official report by Gen. Banks
was received this afternoon:
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF rHEGrLP,
10TH Army CORPS, BEFORE PORT HUDSON,
May seth, 1S63.-Mojor General HaNsck. Com
maneer-ia- Chief Q. S. A., Washington, D. c.
falaya, where my command was at the date
Of my last dispatch, landed at Bay on S ara at
O'Clock on the morning OF the 21st. A portion
Of the infantry were transported in steamers,
and the balance Of the infantry, artillery, cav
airy and wagon train, moving down on the
west bank OF the river, and from this to BAYOU
Sara.
On the sd a junction was effected with the
advance Of Major Gen. Augur and Brig Gen.
Sherman, our line occupying the Bayou Sara
road at distance OF five miles from Port
Hudson. Major Gen. Augur had an encounter
with a portion Of the enemy on the Bayou Sara
road, In the direction Of Baton Rouge, which
resulted in the repulse of the enemy with
heavy loss.
On the 25th the enemy was compelled to
abandon his first line OF works. Gen. Weitzels
brigade, which had covered our rear in the
march from Alexandria, joined us on the 26th
and on the morning OF the 9th q general as
sault was made upon the fortiheations The
artillery opened fire between five and six
O'Clock, which was continued with animation
during the day.
At ten O'Clock, WeiZers brigade, with the
division of General Grover, reduced to about
two brigades, and the division Of General
Emory, temporarily reduced by detachments
to about a brigade, under command Of Colonel
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 int his Notifications
The fight lasted on this line until O'Clock,
and was very severely contested. On the left
the infantry did not come mp until later in the
day; but at O'Clock an assault was opened on
the works on the center and left of center by
the divisions under Major Gen. Augur and
Brig. Gen. Sherman.
The enemy was driven into his works, and our
troops moved up to the Notifications, holding
the opposite sides Of the parapet with the ene-
my. On the right our troops still hold this po-
sition. On the left after dark, the main body
being exposed to q flank fire, withdrew to a
belt OF woods, the skirmishers remaining close
upon the Notifications.
In the assault OF the 9th, the behavior of the
officers and men was most gallant, and left
nothing to be desired. Our limited acquaint-
ance Of the ground, and the character OF the
works, which were almost hidden from our
observation until the moment Of approach,
alone prevented the capture Of the post.
On the extreme right Of our line posted tho
first and third regiments Of negro troops The
first regiment Of Louisiana Engineers, com.
posed exclusively Of colored men, excepting
tho officers, was also engaged In the operations
Of the day. The position occupied by these
troops was one Of importance, and called for
the utmost steadiness and bravery In those to
whom 1t was conflded.
It gives me pleasure to report that they an
swered every expectation. In many respects
their conduct was heroic. No troops co uid be
more determined or moro daring They made
during the day three charges upon the batteries
OF the enemy. suffering very heavy losses and
holding their position at nightfall with the
other troops on tho right Of our line Thehish-
est communication is bestowed upon them by
all the officers in command on tho right.
Whatever doubt may have existed heretofore
as to the efficiency Of organizations OF this
character. the history OF this day proves con-
clusively to those who were In condition to
observe the conduct Of these regiments, that
the Government will find in this class OF t-oops
effective supporters and defenders.
The severe test to which they were subject
ed, and the determined manner In which thsy
encountered the enemy, leaves sapon my mind
no doubt OF their ultimate success. They re-
quire only good Officers, commands OF limited
numbers, and careful discipline, to make them
excellent soldiers.
Our Losses from the Esd to this date, In killed,
wounded and missing. are nearly one thous--
and. including, I deeply regret to say, some Of
tho abiest officers OF the Corps. I am uaab,e
pet - repeat them In detail.
have the honor to Be. with much respect,
yvar 0bedaeat servant
Mp. BAsKs, u. q. q.