The Van Buren press., 1866-06-02

to the defense of the Red River country
in Louisiana, then threatened from New
Orleans, by the most extensive land and
naval preparations ever made for the in
vasion of territory west of the Missis-
sippi River, and which was confidently
intended for the invasion of Texas. The
smoke which arose from the burning
villas, adorning the hitherto peaceful
landscapes Of that beautiful region, and
marked the approach Of an army and CO
operating feet Of invincible Ironclads,
cast its shadows ALMOST upon Shreve-
port, when Churchhl Vas ordered from
that place to the SUPPORT Of Dick. Tay-
lor retiring sullenly, under orders, before
the advance of the foe, seemingly ire
siatible in numbers and appointments
Three roads leading down Red River from
Shreveport unite at Mansfield Kechi is
on the southernmost road. There Chur-
chill was encamped, when Taylor, with
about five thousand infantry and three
thousand cavalry, arrived April s, 1864,
at Mansfield, in retreat, with directions
to continue to fall back.
The people Of Mansfield appealed to
Taylor to save their village Of colleges,
and beautiful private residences. From
this point, three roads diverging to
Shreveport would embarrass any further
hopes OF checking the enemies column,
so strong in numbers, but hitherto in
want OF room for maneuvering to advan-
tage, there being only one road below.
While he hesitated thee Federal army
came in sight.
a little south east of Mansfield in the
wet plowed fields of the pine ridges, near
which the town is built, Taylor drew up
his little army, his artillery in a dividing
lane, MOuton, with his Lousianans, on
the left, and Walker, with the Texans, on
the right, and threw out his skirmishers
to feel the strength of the enemy, with
out delay. Advancing through the open
fields in the lane, they engaged the enemy
in force unexpectedly Mouton, without
orders, advanced his division to the sup
port OF his skirmishers, and in few mo-
ments was in a death struggle almost at
lthepoint of the bayonet with the enemy
Taylor Immediately ordered Walker for
ward on the right, and without unlimber-
ing field-piece, threw his whole force,
reserves and all, into the confict-and
won. The Federal forces gave way and
were pressed back without stop to Pleas
ant Hill, sixteen miles east.
Kirby Smith, at Kechi, twelve miles
west with ChurchilPs Arkansas Division,
being apprized of events, marched with
out delay to Taylor's assistance, and
overlook him in the afternoon, having
marched twenty eight miles while Tay-
lor, fighting, had accomplished sixteen,
Abandoned wagons, disabled artillery,
small arms, knapsacks and clothing, all
along the road, marked the confusion Of
the enemy's retreat
Although the sun shone with painful
lustre on the white sand of the pine hills
and there was no water nearer to Pleas
ant Hill than the little creek that crosses
the road, half way between that place
and Mansfield, the pursuing Confederates
burdened with muskets and, cartridges,
pushed rapidly on the heels of the I" boys
in blue" Taylor in advance, and Church
i'll fastening up in the rear.
They came, about five O'Clock on the
afternoon Of the Sth, upon Banks, with
his whole army drawn up in the pines be-
yond large field miles in extent, open as
far as the eye could reach on the left of
the road, plowed, and having been cnclo-
sed ON the right With the rails taken
from this enclosure of several hundred
acres, the Federal commander had con
constructed breastworks along his line,
behind which, trained to sweep the entire
field in front Of him, he had disposed his
magnificent artillery force and placed his
infantry, lying down. Without stop,
longer than the short time necessary to
dispose their forces, the Confederates dis
pensing entirely with artillery, advanced
upon their crouching antagonist, fearful
ly strong in his position and overwhelm-
ingly strong in his numbers, at a charge
across the field, three. quarters Of mile,
directly in the face Of a fire that shook
the hills to Mansfield and moved men
and the pine thickets, the stumps of which
to-day attest the fact, as u storm OF hail
does the tender herbage; the Arkansi-
ans in the centre, and facing its concen-
trated fury. Against this deadly fire,
Col. Yell, in the gathering shades of eve
ming, rode with the advance Of his reg
iment, cheering the survivors in their des-