CHAPTER VIII.

Department of the Gulf--New Orleans--How Official Dignity was Vindicated by a Cat o'nine-tails--New Iberia--Vermillionville-- Chain-Vidette--"Bower's Charge"--How Ed. Baker won his spurs --Repulse of Generals Lucas and Franklin--Improvised Cavalry --Death of Crosby--Superior arms of Confederates--Brilliant capture of Confederate detachment--Commended by general order --Outrage committed by Banks and Franklin in confiscating horses--Cowardly manner of its perpetration--Re-enlistment --Veteran furlough--Return to the front 113