The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-05-03
Letter from the Maine Thirtieth.

Letter from the Maine Thirtieth.
CAMP OF THE Both ME- VET. VoLs.,)
In the Field, Grand Ecore, La,
April 18th, 1864.
To the Editor Of the Press:
Up to the present date our regiment has
marched over three hundred and fifty pain
bequeathing miles, and now, foot sore and
weary emancipated and haggard, two-thirds
in number only of our "full one thousand"
remain. Essaying to march on Shreveport,
we advanced as far as Sabine Cross Roads, at
which place we found Texas steamer, so
firmly embedded in the ground of treason as
to send the 18th Army Corps back upon us
Keeling, though not too late to prevent the
10Th Corps from saving it from complete an
utilization. Forced to fall back dozen miles
or more to Pleasant Hill, we made instant
disposition TO do battle with the enemy on the
morning of the 9th. We had not to await his
appearance long. He advanced upon us with
his troops in four lines Of battle, and driving
our skirmishers before him, entered through
the pine woods out upon the open field, which
so soon was to become the fierce arena of
strife. The 30th Maine Regiment was posted
upon the left flank of our forces, with peremp-
tory orders to hold that part Of the field at all
hazards. Opposed to us, upon the right of
the enemy, were the veteran troops of Prices
army, composed Of Texan rangers and sharp
shooters, men fearing neither God nor evil
spirit. Slowly as our three companies OF
skirmishers were driven in before the demo-
MAC yells OF the rebels as slowly and as cool
ly did the main reserve of the 3Oth, now upon
their faces, "pick their flints," add wait for
near rifle range. While we were thus par
TALLY screened from the devastating hail which
flew by us, our two Colonies, Fessenden and
Hubbard, remained standing throughout the
whole storm. Said Col. Frank Fessenden,
just previous to his giving the order rise
men and give it to them" slight for God and
your country" On, on came the traitors, till
in measured, deliberate tone of voice, the
Colonel gave the word. But sixty yards re-
NAMED between US and the enemy, and the
fire from the 30th told among them with fear
full effect. Still on came the brave, though
misguided men, receiving volley No. from
the sons of Maine. At this instant, "retire
in order, men," came from the lips of our
commander, and facing about we took our
pletely covered our whole left flank, and, as
the foe advanced, delivered into his face
another sheet of flame, which, with the grape
and canister OF battery on our right, sent
him back bowling, discounted and broken
into the bitches, over which he had but so re-
Gently advanced with his exultant shouts and
thoughts of easy victory. Now was seen the
advancing columns Of the 18th Army Corps
under the brave Gen. Smith, as they went on
through miraculous storm of bullets in a
fierce charge upon the foe, in which they were
joined by the 30th Maine, the only regiment
Of our brigade who took part in it, although
cut up aad decimated as it was, one would
naturally suppose the effect would have been
too disheartening upon the men ever to re-
form and unite in one of the most gallant
charges ever made by troops in the field. Dur
ing the action our colors were pierced by bull
lets, and at one time, as the staff was shot
away, and the brave color-sergeant stricken
to the earth, the colors were restored to the
bearer by the hand of Colonel Fessenden. than
whom a drawer or cooler man never lived.
Our loss in killed, wounded and missing stands
at present at l3S. During the eaIly part of
the action. Lieut.. Sumner G. Strout of Co. T.,
was almost instantly killed by minnie ball
which struck him in the head. / could indi-
vidualize personal instances of bravery which
came under my notice. but will defer men,
tioning them now. Suffice it to say, that not
one instance of cowardice exhibited itself In
any of the 30th Maine. Although the enemy
may claim the battle of the Sth, yet that of
the 9th was a most brilliant success for us,
and | regret that we were unable to follow
them up, and on 10 Shreveport. We march
for the latter place in few days.
| am, dear sir, yours truly, l.. C.. JR