The free man's press., 1868-08-15

bridge near New Iberia. The enemy had
all day kept at safe distance in advance
OF the column-avoidine all attempts
made TO force him to an engagement un-
til arriving at the bridge, when q
small party apparently made stand, in
Titing attack, not thinking of decoy, the
cavalry charged them, and when getting
on the bridge, about two-hundred men
secreted in ditch, arose and fired vol
ley, creating such disorder, that the par
ty were compelled to withdraw; losing
one man killed, and four wounded, lnclu-
ing one officer and one taken prisoner.
The most decisive action Of the cam
paign took place at Yemillion river, OH
the eth and 9th of October, in their retreat
across this stream the enemy had burned
the bridges and taken a position on the
opposite bank, under coyer of the trees
and underbrush, The Texas cavalry
were formed dismounted in line of battle.
and commenced the attack to dislodge
the Confederates, in order that troops
might cross the river.
The engagement lasted four hours,
during which, artillery was used; the en-
emy had been driven from his position,
but re-occupied it again in the night, and
on the 9th, the attack was renewed, con-
tinuing another four hours, resulting in
final withdrawal ofthe Confederates from
the contest, with an aggregate loss dur
ing both days of over four hundred men
In killed and wounded, according to their
own statements.
The Federal loss was three wounded.
The irreguarity in losses was owing
to the favorable position and superior
arms used by the national troops. In
this action Minis L. S. battery did yaIua-
bic service.
From this place the enemy rapidly re-
treated not attempting to check the prog
ress OF the Federal troops, until arriving
at Bayou Querte Tortue, here under COM
mand of Gen. Green, another stand was
taken, in the engagement of the 10th Of
October, The Texas cavalry took prom
nent part, being under the fire of the en-
'my tor eight hours, who, protected tv
he woods, could send deadly fire into
he Federal ranks, flank movement Fl.
lally forced the Confederates to yacate
heir position, having lost number in
'illed and wounded; in this action Minis
atteFy was also engaged, always silenc-
ng the enemys' guns whenever the fire
lsclosed their position.
Previous to this engagement, the Tex
cavalry had been ordered bv Cen
tanks TO return to New Orleans but the
'enacing demonstrations of the Con,ed
rates induced the Corps Commands 70
,taln the Battalion until an enpaoemon,
lould determine the strength Of their
Tces. On the 18th of October, the com
land started to return. It was with
I'teme reluctance that the men tnrned
aCR from field Of success and honor.
ith such bright prospects before them
In the faithful discharge of dutv thew
Id acqulredan enviable reputation and
on the admiration of the army.
upon leaving the Corps, an order was
sued by Gen. Franklin highly cclnnlj-
ehtlng the Battalion for soldierly con
'ct and the military skill that made;t
effective, AS soon as the Confederates
armed that the cavalry had left the
mt they became more bold and snc
eded IN surprising the Federal. bva
sh IN their rear, capturing thereby
arly SIX hundred prisoners. On the
rd at October, the Battalion arrived in
Nv Orleans and Immediately embark.
10 proceed witha large fleet on an
Ter expedition.