The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1864-05-17
CONGRATULATIONS ORDER OF GEN.
DICK TAYLOR.
The following is General TaylOr's address to bis
army:
HEADoRs DIsTRIcr WESTERN LOUISIANA
Mansfield, La, April IL, 1864


army:
HEADoRs DIsTRIcr WESTERN LOUISIANA. =
Mansfield, La, April IL, 1864.
Soldiers of the Army of Western Louisiana
At last your patience and your devotion have been
rewarded. Condemned for many days to retreat
before an overwhelming force, ms soon as your re-
Inducements reached you, you turned upon the foe
No language but that of simple narrative should
recount your deeds. On the 9Th Of A,rii YOU
fought the battle of Mansfield Never in war was
more complete victory won. Attacking the eue-
my with the utmost alaority when the order was
given, the result was not for q moment doubtful
The enemy was driven from every position, his
artillery captured, his men routed In vain wore
fresh troops brought up. Your magnificent line,
like resistless wave, swept everything before il
Night alone stopped your advance Twenty Ono
pieces OF artillery, twenty five hundred prisoners
many stand of colors, two hundred and ffty wagons
attest your success over the 18th and 10Th arms
corps. On the 9Th inst, you took up the pursuit
and pressed 1t With vigor For twelve miles. pris-
ouers, scattered arms, burning wagons proved how
well the previous days work had been done by the
soldiers of Texas and Louisiana.
The gallant divisions from Missouri aud Arkan-
sas, unfortunately absent the 9Th inst, marched
ortyhve miles in two days to share the glories of
Pleasant FIJI. This was emphatically the soldiers
victory. In spite Of the strength of the enemys
position, held by fresh troops of the 18th corps,
your valor and devotion triumpbed over all Dark
ness closed one Of the hottest fights of the war.
The morning of the 10th inst, dawued upon fly-
ing foe, with our cavalry in pursuit, capturing
prisoners at every step These victories were most
dearly won. A list Of the dead would sadden the
sternest heart. A visit to the hospitals would
move the sympathy of the most unfeeling The
memory OF our deeds will live rs long as noble
deeds are cherished on earth. The consciousness
of duty we'll performed will alleviate the sufferines
of the wounded. Soldiers! from a thousand homes,
thanks will ascend to the God Of battles for your
victories. Tender wives aud fond mothers will
repose in safety behind the breastworks Of YOUR
valor. No fears will be entertained that the hated
foe will desecrate their honor by his presence.
This is your reward; but much remains to be DONE
Strict discipline prompt obedience to orders, cheer
ful endurance OF prvations, will alone ensure our
independence. r. TAYLOR,
Major-General Commanding
We have also received the Shreveport South
Western late the 18th ult. From the num-
Der Of the 18th ult, we learn that twenty of a
scouting party of the I'd Louisiana had captured
the steamer Lacross near Shaggy Point. She was
loading with cotton The scouts demanded her
surrender, which being refused they attacked and
made conquest of her. They then took out what
valuabes they could carry, and destroyed her by
ere lhe enemy LOST In the analr seven or eight
killed and wounded and forty prisoners Our
gallant little band lost nothing.
GLORIOUS News FROM ARKASsAs.--Meri
ian, May 9.-Steele and his army, 5000 strong,
surrendered to Gen. Price, at Camden, Arkansas,
on the 28th ult.
Gen. Taylor demanded the surrender of Alex
andria, where Banks forces are fortified. Result
not known At last accounts the enemy were at
tempting to get their boats over the rapids in Red
river.