The National tribune., 1884-08-28
CHICKASAW BAYOU.
Surgeon Stevenson's Contribution to the History Of
that Engagement.


Surgeon B. F. Stevenson, of the22d KY, wrote,
during his service, to his family series of let
ters, giving very bright and vivid account of
the operations These SO interested friends
that he has been prevailed upon to publish
them in book form, and they make q valuable
contribution to the history of the war. We
extract the following letter, giving an account
of what he knew of the part De Courcy's bri-
gade took in the fight.
STEAMBOAT CRESCENT CITY" JAM g. 1863
DEAR WIFE: wrote TO you on the 25th Decem-
ber our way down the river Since that time
important events have occurred, Of which you
will probably have seen accounts In the public
papers before this reaches you. j would have
written sooner, but my time has been 30 wholly
engrossed with my official duties that could not
do 80. give you, after fashion, running COM
mentary of events as they occurred.
The feet reached the mouth of the Yazoo River
the 18th, and proceeded up that stream IL miles
Here the troops were debarkcd, near some earth
works, which guarded the approaches TO Vieksburg
from its rear. The range of hills on which the works
are constructed are known here as the "Cheka-
saw Bluffs" ought TO premise that our expedi-
ton intended TO cooperate with the forces
under Gen. Grant, who was expected up from the
landward side In time for joint action. Banks was
also expected to lend some aid from below. You
must understand only give camp rumors. Grant
and Banks failed to come to time, and Gen. Sher-
man determined to feel the strength of the enemy
and ascertain his position, unsupported as he was
My opinion then was, and now is that with the
force under his command, he was fully justified in
so doing.
On the 26th DeCourcy's brigade marched two
miles in the direction of the enemy's works, and
had some skirmishing with rebel piclSets and
changed few rounds of cannon shot, without
results on either side; and, after two hours
withdrew TO the boats again. On the 9th all the
troops were ordered out bat did not reach the field
sin time for any effective work before night,
brigade In advance. At oclock as the 22d was
marching in column through an open field fanked
on our left by narrow but deep bayou with forest
and dense jungle beyond. well-directed fire was
opened on us by rebel skirmshers the first round
killing one man and wounding 10 others severely.
Our column was at once deployed into line, snd a
sharp action commenced, and kept up until
| the artillery drove the enemy from their ambus-
cade. The cannonading ceased at sundown, and
our troops biyouaclled the field for the night.
Having one amputation to perform, and numer-
Gus wounds Of less gravity to dress, my position
was in the and under shelter. On the 2sth the
battle re-opened at in serious earnest, and
such continuous of artillery and roll of small
| arms as was kept up throughout the day, from
right to left had not before heard The casualties
of the day gave surgeons ample work to occupy all
their time, and to test their utmost strength and
| forttude. Men were brought in wounded in every
| imaginable forni-in limbs abdomen, chest, head,
| arms, hands, etc.
In the afternoon aided Surgeon Ponierene, Of
the AID Ohio In the exsecion at the elbow joint OF
| one of his men; and then he aided me In the am
putation OF the left arm at the shoulder, OF Henry
| Valance, of CO. c. 22d KY.
During the day the rebels were driven through q
dense forest over half mile, and, during the sue