The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1901-07-18
INCIDENTS IN A SOLDIERS LIFE.

On APrll 1otn, 1901, joined the
Shreveport Grays-the Company
forming part of Dreux' Battalion.
We left New Orleans on that day for
Pensacola-the first troops to leave
Louisiana for service in the war.
We remained at Pensacola about six
weeks, when we were ordered to Vir-
ginia, where it was believed that the
first great battle would be fought.
We camped duriug the Summer at
historic Yorktown. Our drill and
parade ground was the field marked
by monument where CORVALLIS
surrendered to the Revolutionary
army. The Summer was occupied in
drilling, building Notifications, and
in making marches upon Newport
News and Hampton, repelling the
raids of the enemy. During one of
these marches, barbecue was given
at Lumpkin's Mill, on July 4th.
Several addresses were delivered.
In his address Col. Dreux said: "Be
not too eager for battle; we will soon
meet the enemy-perhaps too soon
for some of u.s." That afternoon
100 volunteers were called for. It
bad been learned that a marauding
detachment was advancing from
Newport News. Of course, more
volunteered than were wanted. The
Confederates formed an ambush
about five miles below the mill. The
marauders were marching into the
ambush, when a private soldier, dis
obeying orders, fred upon the head
of the advancing column instead of
waiting until it had passed into the
ambush. The Federals fred voNey
and retreated. Col. Dreux fell-his
presentiment fulfilled. With reversed
arms the Battalion escorted his re-
mains back to Yorktown. A guard
of honor accompanied the body to
New Orleans. His funeral was, I
understand, one of the largest ever
witnessed in that city.
On another march, the entire army
of the Peninsula, about 5000, was
formed in line of battle, in field at
the junction OF the roads leading to
Newport News and to Hampton,
and about three miles from either
town. It was Sunday, and very
hot day. We anticipated meeting
the enemy and, being disappointed,
General Magruder sent word, under
a flag of truce, that his command
was in line of battle, and would be
pleased to have an engagement with
the enemy. At least, it was SO
understood by our troops. It was
characteristic of the heroic General
Magruder, and I believe that he did
send the challenge. It was, however,
declined, though the Federals out
numbered US by about three to one.
That night our cavalry entered
Hampton and burned the town-the
infantry supporting the retreat, un-
der fire from land batteries and gun
boats. These towns were occupied
largely by Southern renegades and
spies who entered our lines and re-
ported our movements to the enemy,
and the object was to burn out an
enemy worse than an armed foe.
We had our first warm engage.
ment on the 9th of April, 1862, and
it lasted seven days. It was, how
ever, a one-sided engagement so fa1
as our Company was Commemorative
were in a fort protecting battery
at Lees Mill. Our troops, number
ing about 5000, were stretched across
the Peninsula, about seven miles ir
width at that point, awaiting The
"On to Richmond" march of the
enemy. Our position was overlook
ing Warwick Greek, the fortifcatioI
being about so yards from the water
edge. On the opposite side was {
field or clearing about a mile il
width. At the edge of the woot
the enemy's batteries were planted
They opened the engagement a
, dawn and continued until dark. A
first the balls and shells went ia
overhead, but, later, they got bel