The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1863-06-12
The Attack on Port Hudson.

May 9th Maj. Gen Banks army attacked
Port Hudson. The fight was terrific, but
successful to the Union arms. Weitzers and
Emery's divisions attacked the right, Growers
and Augur's the center, and Shermans the
left. Our right and center drove the enemy
and held every inch of ground they gained
while Sherman on the left carried the enemy's
works, but was compelled to fall back to the
outside of the works. We copy from the
New York Herald an account of Weitzel's
part in this battle, because the Fermonters
are in his division.
The plan appears 10 have been to carry
the enemys positions on the right and left
first, and this work consequently devolveG
upon the divisions of Generals Weitzel and
Sherman. 1t was not long after the advance
was sounded that our troops met those of
the enemy, and it soon became evident that
every foot of ground we gained was to be
fought for with determination. The fight
soon commenced along the entire line. On
the right the sharp rattle of musketry and
roar of artillery gave notice that Weitzel was
at work, and as it increased in intensity it
became evident that he was having no boys
play; and he had not. Every inch was dis
puted, the enemy fought with the ferocity of
demons; but 1t was to no purpose, our boys
drove them slowly but steadily. using dubbed
muskets and bayonets when they could not
load. 1t Was soon apparent that whatever
else would be done by the army, Weitzel was
bound to win his column could not be
, checked, although suffering greatly; the enc
MY went down before them as grass before
the scythe of the mower and, although the
work was tedious and bloody, no one faltered
Gen Weitzel, keeping his men well in hand
for the last rush, put them at the enemv's
works or the river side, and they went on
with will, making the air reasound with
their shouts. Here the fight became murder
breast the bayonet doing the main part of
the work. Tie rebels could not stand it,
however, and were compelled to fall back.
Our people pressed them close, allowing no
space to be created between the attacked and
! the attacker, and finally drove them into and
then out of the celebrated six gun battery
that did such terrible execution upon the
steamer Mississippi the night she was des-
/ troyed. Here was great pom. ga!ned-a
/ point that We could use to advantage against
the other works of the enemy. And it did not
take long for the quick eye of Weitzel to see
all this and profit by it. AS soon as practi-
cable the guns were shifted and pat to work,
and were busy at last accounts in throwing
shot and shell into and against the position
of their late owners. This was decidedly the
most brilliant and successful part the day S
work; not that the men fought any better,
or showed more determination than those
on the other parts of the field, but this was
the greatest point gained, and proved what
We could do when resolved to accomplish
certain ends. By this operation the enemys
ttt was turned. and in a mann-r to prevent
the lost ground being recovered. The bate
~ captured was the most annoying of any
of the line, for it raked completely the
channel way of the river.
Our total loss is estimated to be 5000, en-
bracing the following officers
+ hWed.-Gen Chapin-np confirmation as
yet Gen Nickerson-no confirmation as vet
Gel Clark, 9th Michigan; Col Cowles, l2Sth
I New York, Ly bayonet wound Col Paine
ID Louisiana, white regiment: Gel --
Both Massachusetts Capt Hubbard, on Gen
Weitzel's staff
Iomded.-Gen I. W. Sherman severely
IN the leg, amputation probable; Gen Neal
Dow, slightly, in leg; Lieut. Gel Smith, "a
iI1uaves, severely, in body.