Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1863-07-06

23d, the enemy made his advance, crossing
the lake upon RATS and boats, and it was only
| by great exertions that a gunboat and trans
port succeeded in making their escape bring
ing off only such as were fortunate enough to
get aboard as the boats swung off From five
to six thousand came across, aud Joined with
the force already in the vicinity, makes, ac-
cording to official figures, not less than 5000
rebels, almost wholly Texans, who now hold
Brashear. Nearly all the knapsacks and
coats belonging to the men of Gen. Auger's
and Cen Growers divisions, were left at Bra
shear when our forces marched so triumph
antly through this country little more than
month ago, and thus thousands OF men will
personally feel the loss of Brashear, in the
loss of little valuabes and knapsacks, to say
nothing of coats, blankets, &c. But the gov
eminent will be vast loser At this place
were vast amounts, not only of government
stores, rations, &C.. but great quantity of SUI
gar, molasses &C., captured from the rebels,
all of which they now hold in undisputed pos
session, together with hundreds of negroes
who have fled to our lines for safety, and who
are now again consigned to slavery-perhaps
death. 1t would require a Hogartlis pen to
picture the fear which POSSESSED these poor
people. These enemies to the Union troops
were douby yea, trebly enemies to them.
escaped was again held before them In all its
worst forms, for to them no mercy would be
shown. They ran en- maSSe on the banks of
the bay, in the course the boats had taken,
begging to get on board; but in vain In en-
deavoring to rescue them we risked losing
more, and SO they, with our sick, wounded
and guard, were left to their fate, and uley are
now, no doubt, held as prisoners. Before
closing this letter. will endeavor to give you
the complete list of casualties.
Our force at Lafourche, getting wind of
what was going on at Brashear, decided to re-
treat from their position, as it would be sheer
madness to attempt to resist such an over
whelmng force, should they move down the
road, and so, after destroying the bridges and
everything that would help the enemy, our
forces retreated, Col. Sickney, with the 42d
Mass. and 18th Maine regiments, coming back
to the city, while Col. Cahill, with the remain
der of our forces, stopped at Boutte Station,
about half way, think, between Lafourche
and this city, where they will be able to hold
the enemy in check should they attempt a
movement along the river. This is the situa-
ton at the present time, and time only can
decide what the enemy intend to do. 1t is
evident, at least, that when Port Hudson is
taken, if it should fall into our hands, that we
have got the same work to do over again that
has once been performed in the Teche coun-
try.
What is going on at Port Hudson? After
You have heard all the stories afoat here, and
told by men direct from the spot, you would
decide that you didn't know any more about
1t than you did before. Some things, hUwev-
er, are certain in connection with Port Hud-
son. The third, and probably the final attack
on that stronghold, was expected to be com
npDppd to.1aN tha l.,
for 1000 volunteers was made by Gen. Banks,
who was to lead in grand charge upon the
works, and every man who had life enough,
firmly and solemnly resolved they would 90
INSIDE the fort. Nothing should swerve them
ftOTn thoi" oo.lrsn Int dnaii, Tho s.farlnrn
hope" was promptly raised, and, under the
able management of Gen. Weitzel, all the de-
tails were concluded, the men thoroughly
drilled in their special duty, and yesterday
was to be the decisive day. 1t may have been
delayed; at least as yet We hear nothing from
there, though all are anxiously looking tor the
glorious news which shall fill all loyal hearts
with joy.
The last of June has arrived and we hear
not a word about transportation to the north.
Regiments that left the old Bay State but IL
day or two before us are now again at home,
luxuriating in the enjOynents OF a reunion
with the dear friends at home. In this de-
partment the nine months men have no hope,
now, of getting home when their term of SER
vice expires, If we are even fortunate enough
to get started at that time. Gen. Banks has
now sent circular to the various nine months
regiments asking when the regiments were
mustered into the service; and if never for
mally mustered in, what il the date of muster
in of the field and staff? These questions
mean something; and of course it is iDterpre-
ted that it is intended is keep us until that
date, which would be August ii with the AID
regiment. If this is correct Interpretation,
there is chance for ''breeze" in the future.
l cannot think, however, that any such Ideals
entertained at headquarters, for | know that
there are official documents in the hands of
officers of the 42d, from Gen. Banks himself,
deciding that July IA is the proper and cor
rect date. don't see how those documents,
two of which are in existence, can be evaded,
so set 1t down that we shall leave here not
far from July 18th, and then we shall get
home 50 that most of us will not serve more
than eteven months, though many will be in the
service year.
Since have written letter for your col.
umns, two members of Co. L have been re-
moved from us by death caused by sickness;
and now one by the casualties of battle. These
events are particularly sud to your correspon-
the same tent with me, while the other being
upon detailed service was not with the compa-
ny at all. Resolutions have been published
in your paper in regard to the death of young
Wright, whose loss is felt deeply. The sec
ond death, less than ten days later, was that
of private Buckley Waters of Worcester. He
was an honest, faithful christian man and sol
der, and it was with many regrets that we
were obliged to leave his remains in the poor
soil Of louisiana But it was found impossi-
Bile to preserve the remains so as to send them
home, and so we were forced to do the best
we could. The company voted to deiray the
expenses to any amount; but nature against
money had the best of the bargain. And now
we are called TO mourn the third one. Reu-
ben Dyson, formerly of Millbury, was such
man as dOes@One'S soul good to meet. An
earnest and sincere christian, he let his works
speak for his life. Ever faithful to duty,
prompt to answer all requirements, he had
none to cast censure upon him. know of
no one in the company whose loss would be
more universally mourned, and though he
died upon the battle field, with the sound and
pomp of war all around him, and the shouts
of victory yet ringing in his ears, it does not
make our sorrow less, and it can hardly les
sen the anguish Of fond parents, dear sisters
or relatives. In the trenches on the battle
field of Lafourche Crossing, his remains 'lie
smouldering in the dust" but the influence of
such life as his will not so easily be lost.
But l must close this letter, adding as full
list OF casualties as / can at this time obtain.
1t comprises all that interest your readers
particularly though not intended as a COM