Part 6

An expedition was fitting out to go up Red River, but the 11th had re-enlisted and were promised a furlough home, while all non-veterans were transferred to other regiments. There were nearly a hundred non-veterans of the 11th Missouri regiment. We pitched our tents in the rear of town and there waited to be transferred; the veterans to go home. As I was one of the non-veterans I was destined to be separated for a while from my comrades. We were transferred to the 33d Missouri, and were soon on the way to Red River. A fleet of transports and gunboats were in this expedition; Smith and Mower were in command; in all, twelve thousand five hundred men, infantry and artillery; a picked body of men who never knew what it was to turn their backs on the foe.

Our transfer took place on the 8th of March, after dark. Rain fell that day and the ground had become slippery and muddy; it was difficult to walk without falling. This wading through mud could easily have been prevented if the order had been received in time to have gone to the boats by daylight. As it was we had to endure considerable suffering going from shelter and sleeping on the bank of the river until morning. It was lucky for us that it did not rain any more that day; but the skies looked very threatening. In the morning we were assigned to company B, of the 33d Missouri. There were thirteen of us; seventy-eight belonging to the 11th. Some were assigned to each company in the regiment. Lieut. Col. Heathe was in command of the regiment. As my object is to give an account of the expedition I will not be particular in giving the names of officers.

We remained one day on board of the transport Hamilton. On the 10th, everything being ready, the gunboats in advance and the transports loading, we started for Red River. The boats came to anchor at the mouth of Atchafalaya bayou, where the troops landed and burned a rebel's house after plundering it, and the men would have hung the owner but General Mower interposed and saved his life. The soldiers were ordered on board the boats again and a guard was stationed in front of each boat, that no soldier might go on shore again.--Here we remained all night, and in the morning the fleet entered the mouth of Atchafalaya bayou, which was followed for several miles; anchored at a place called Simsport, where there had been a rebel encampment. Some earthworks could be seen but the rebels fled on our approach. Here some of the troops landed, and in the morning marched four miles, where they discovered a fort.--It was across a bayou called Yellow bayou. This was a strong position and was very hard to approach; if the enemy had chosen to make a stand, would have given our men trouble to dislodge them, as they had to cross a bayou and a ditch fifteen feet deep, which would almost have been an impossibility. No resistance was made however, and this position was evacuated and our men soon had possession. Every available article was burned and the works were destroyed. The rebels fell back to a stronger position on Red River. Mower, with his men, returned to Simsport, stacked arms on shore, and we were ordered to prepare ourselves with two days' rations in our haversacks. Everything was soon ready, and we waiting for the command to move forward. It was on a beautiful Sabbath evening and the boys were in fine spirits. The order came at last, and off we started, went marching that evening eight miles; came to a halt, and the next morning were on the move again quite early. There was nothing worth relating until our arrival within two miles of Red River, where a very strong position was held by a force of rebels, and they resolved to make a stand. There were several siege pieces in position which were covered by a fort. It would have been almost an impossibility to capture it if it had been finished. Three guns commanded all approaches by the river; they were nine-inch guns captured from us and taken off the Indianola. The water battery was protected with railroad iron with a foot of white oak frame work. One gun was not mounted yet, but they were working on it when Mower spoiled their calculation and captured all their guns and destroyed these works, which had taken them a year to complete. After examining this position Mower immediately ordered an advance, with skirmishers in front, while the artillery was opened and a heavy fire was kept up on the rebel works. The rebels returned the fire with a will, but doing no damage. A brigade of infantry was steadily advancing, firing as they went. Soon it began to take effect, as our men neared the rebel position, and made it dangerous to show themselves. The firing had nearly ceased on their part when a charge was made, General Mower leading them. The works were soon gained. It was almost impossible to get into the fort, owing to the ditch around it, but with the assistance of one another gained the works. When they got on top of the works they pulled each other up by the aid of their guns. The garrison surrendered with eleven pieces of heavy artillery; also a quantity of ammunition, with nearly three hundred prisoners, who were sent to New Orleans. As it was in Banks' department all prisoners had to be sent there from here. Mower embarked with all the troops but one brigade of infantry, which was left behind to destroy the works, under the orders of A. J. Smith, who was in command of both corps. The regiments that made the assault were the following: 24th Missouri, 89th Indiana, 119th Illinois, 14th Iowa and 21st Missouri, non-veterans.

As the order was received at the same time to take the rebel works by assault, all moved at once, and the 24th Missouri claims the honor of planting the first flag on the fort, but all deserve praise for the manner in which the order was obeyed. Every one was confident of victory. On they went under a heavy fire, and were soon in possession of one of the strongest positions in Louisiana. It was well planned. There were places in the fort for prisoners, and ammunition would be safe from harm. The gunboats were to assist in taking the fort, but did not arrive in time to take part in the engagement owing to obstructions in the river, which the boats had to remove before they could get along. This caused some delay. A few shots were fired from the boats, but the fort was taken by this time. Our advance was in possession of the fort by six o'clock in the evening.

As our brigade was in the rear, did not arrive in time to take part in the engagement. We were waiting to receive the order to support the advance, but as our assistance was not needed, we stacked our arms two miles from the fort, in an open field, and there remained until morning, when we marched to the landing where the fleet was awaiting us. We all embarked with the exception of one brigade, which remained behind to destroy everything that could not be removed. From carelessness or some other cause, several men were killed and wounded in the destruction of the works; nearly as many as there were in taking them. The rest of the forces under Mower proceeded to Alexandria, the gunboats going in advance, the transports following. Our progress was very slow, only about five miles an hour. This stream is very crooked and narrow, and might be very easily blockaded. The gunboats proceed cautiously. Parker discovered there were torpedoes placed in the river, and four of these infernal machines were taken out before getting very close to them. The fleet arrived at last at Alexandria. All the troops landed, and tents were pitched, and the men were allowed several days to rest and recruit up; but we were not destined to remain long idle.

An expedition was fitted out, and after marching about 40 miles, surprised and captured nearly 300 more confederates, with four pieces of artillery. It was under a heavy storm of wind and rain when this capture was made in the dead hour of night, on the 21st of March. Mowers captured the courier, who had the countersign, and by this means deceived the guard, as they imagined that it was reinforcements from Walker. They little thought the Yankees were so close, and were surprised to find themselves in the presence of strangers. We treated them quite civilly, as they were prisoners of war, and were taken without firing a shot. When they discovered how easily they had been taken in, their rage knew no bounds. The 33d Missouri assisted in making this capture. They were marched to Alexandria, while some of the boys rode their horses they were compelled to walk. They were put on board a boat and sent to New Orleans.

On returning to Alexandria we found Banks and staff had arrived. Lee, who was chief of cavalry, came into town; it was the advance of Banks' army--it soon came, and encamped in the rear of town for several days. While here three more pieces of artillery were discovered, concealed by the rebels in their haste to get away. They were field pieces, which made in all 18 pieces, with 600 prisoners; a great quantity of sugar and molasses was also captured. Smith's men were called thieves and robbers by Banks, who said they would not fight. He started with the 13th corps, the invincible 19th going ahead, and came to a halt at Grandecore, and there awaited Smith's coming, who was to bring up the rear. Smith arrived, and the troops marched above the falls, and the fleet soon followed, but some of our largest gunboats had to remain at Alexandria, as they drew too much water to get over the falls. After getting over the falls the troops embarked on board the boats again and went to Grandecore. Here there was a short skirmish, in which Captain O'Donald, of the 11th Missouri, was wounded in the arm. A few prisoners were taken.

This town was situated on a high bluff, and the rebels had thrown up some earthworks, but left as soon as they saw the gunboats. Few people were living in the town.

About the first of April Banks moved, with his long train of wagons, in the direction of Shreveport; the cavalry in advance, and the 13th corps, what there was of it, in support of the cavalry. Skirmishing commenced early, and was kept up until in the afternoon, when the rebels were discovered to be pretty strong in force in our front, having a good position. The cavalry attacked them without hesitation, and after a pretty severe fight, drove the rebels. The loss on our side was light. They were driven several miles this day, which was the 7th of April. Our men drove them in every instance until the 8th, when the 13th corps were forced to fall back, and all their cannon and wagon train were captured, and out of 2,600 men, only half of them escaped.

On the morning of the 8th the march commenced, with cavalry in advance, the 13th corps as support, their train next to them, and Banks and his invincible 19th brought up the rear, while Smith and Mowers with their guerrillas were left behind to guard Banks' everlasting train. It was train enough for 150,000 men, and it took all of Smith's army to guard it while landing from the boats. We were soon in marching order, and on the 7th got started, following Banks' grand army. Rain fell this day, and laid the dust. Our march was through a heavy pine timbered country; water was scarce. Marched this day about 16 miles, came to a halt. It was a long dreary march. Very few houses could be seen. Next morning were on the move again. Marched this day about 19 miles, and came to a halt in the rear of a small town called Pleasant Hill. Here we went into camp for the night. Reports began to be circulated through the regiment that the army under Banks was badly whipped, and things began to look gloomy, as the truth came to us that the 13th corps were all killed or captured, with all their cannon and wagon train. Let me ask, who will have to answer for the manner in which this expedition was conducted, and the many brave men who fell a sacrifice to an immense cotton speculation? Who ever heard of a General skirmishing with a wagon train? All were sent right up in front, and our advance went as far as Sabine Cross Roads, 70 miles from Shreveport, and here the battle commenced. A brigade of infantry was sent to support the cavalry. The rebel lines were in the shape of a horse-shoe, and into this our men moved, when a heavy fire was opened from all sides. There was no chance of forming our lines, as the wagon train was in the way, and after a desperate resistence, our ammunition being all expended, our men broke and fled in all directions. Many of them fell into the hands of the enemy. Men and horses were so mixed up they could not be rallied again. The cavalry were forced to fall back, and some of them rode through the lines and caused confusion among the men. Reinforcements were sent for, but did not arrive in time. The invincible 19th got there at last and formed their lines for battle. The enemy were steadily driving our men; on they went, not dreaming that they were hastening to destruction. When they got within short range, a deadly fire of musketry and artillery were poured into them. The rebels came to a halt, and returned the fire, and soon the battle raged fiercely, neither side yielding an inch. Volley after volley was given and received into their very faces. At length the rebels yielded and fell back--our men did not follow up their advantage, when night closed the bloody scene. The loss was heavy on both sides. Kirby Smith was said to be in command.

Banks ordered a retreat. He and his negroes were hastening back to Grandecore. We could see the wagons getting to the river as fast as possible, and all day of the 9th the wagons could be seen passing. Two divisions of the 16th corps had arrived, and were waiting orders, when on the morning of the 9th three companies of the 33d Missouri regiment was detailed to guard our train.--Every fire was put out and a guard was stationed all around our wagon train.--The 19th had fell back to Pleasant Hill, and as Banks could not command an army he gave the command to Smith and Mower, who immediately formed their men in line of battle.

The place where this battle was fought was on a high ridge, an old field separating both armies. The artillery was placed in position on the ridge. All around this old cotton field was a thick growth of heavy timber and underbrush. In this our lines were formed in the shape of a horse-shoe. Artillery was placed to sweep this open field, and a cannonade was kept up on the rebels, who occupied the timber in front of our men, and were considerably annoyed by a twelve pound howitzer which was throwing shell amongst them. As there was no good position for the enemy to use artillery very little was used. A force of cavalry was sent out to bring on an engagement. Skirmishing commenced immediately, and was kept up for some time, and they were slowly driven back until Price's arrival with reinforcements, when the attack was ordered to commence at once, about 5 o'clock P. M. When the enemy were seen forming their lines in the edge of the timber, every preparation was made to receive them. The 19th corps formed part of the first line. They were seen advancing in three lines. On they came, their object being to outflank us, but were met at every point. Still they came, firing as they advanced, until they arrived within a short distance of our lines, when every gun opened upon them, and as one man fell another took his place. Still they advanced, but they were mowed down like grass. A brigade of cavalry, supported by infantry, only three men of which escaped, made a charge. It was met on the right by the 24th Missouri regiment, and most nobly it was done. Its loss was heavy, one hundred and eighteen killed and wounded. The infantry flanked them and they had to change their position, and it was then they suffered most. All of the regiments suffered that formed this line, as it was on the extreme right. As they could not turn the flanks they fell back and massed their forces for another encounter. A brisk cannonade was kept up all the time, which was killing and wounding their men at every discharge. The 19th corps broke their first line of battle and formed with Smith's men, and Col. Hill's brigade formed in the centre, as it was ordered to the front, and arrived in time to take part in the engagement. The 33d Missouri and 35th Iowa were laying down when the rebels were said to be advancing again. They came on with their accustomed yell, when they were again met with as warm a reception as in their first attempt to break our lines. It was their object to break the centre, but in this they failed. They were met by the western boys. Missouri against Missouri, brother against brother, met in the deadly strife for the mastery of the field. Charge after charge had been made, still the contest went on. The rebel dead lay in heaps along the whole line, and the shouts of the combatants nearly drowned the roar of artillery and the noise of battle. Seven thousand rifles with artillery, were making sad havoc in their ranks. It had raged furiously for two hours, when their lines were seen to waver. Mower, who was riding where the bullets rained the thickest, waving his sword, gave the command forward and give the rebels the cold steel, but they could not stand such a desperate charge as this was. Mower crossed the field, leading the men double-quick into the timber, where the rebels were trying to rally for another charge, but a heavy volley was fired into their masses and they broke and fled in all directions, throwing away their arms in their haste to get away. They were driven from the field three miles, and if our forces had followed the retreating enemy, would have retrieved our loss, and Smith and Price's armies have been destroyed. As it was, all of our artillery was retaken, but could not be got away on account of not having horses to haul it. It was left on the field in the hands of the enemy, with most of our wounded. Banks ordered a retreat. Smith and Mower strenuously opposed falling back; they were for pursuing the enemy, who did not halt till they got twenty miles from the field of battle; leaving some of their best officers on the field.

Their loss is not known, but was fully as large as ours, which was great, for it was a hard fought battle, and could be counted one of the hardest of the war, considering the forces engaged. The rebel forces were said to have two thousand two hundred strong, cavalry and infantry. They thought to crush Smith and Mowers and capture their two divisions, but did not succeed in getting one gun or wagon from them, while Banks lost half of his artillery and a good many wagons; also his whisky, paper collars, and ammunition supplies for ten days, belonging to the 13th corps, was all taken. Our ammunition was made good use of in the fight at Pleasant Hill, with our new Enfield rifles. The prisoners call Banks their commissary. They made a requisition on him for sixty thousand rations, and he filled it, giving them something better than we received, which was canned fruit and full rations of whisky.

On the 11th we arrived at Grandecore without molestation, as the rebels had no idea but that we were in close pursuit, until they sent in a flag of truce asking permission to care for their wounded and bury their dead. There was no one to receive it, and word was sent back. They soon returned and followed us.--Our retreat commenced early in the morning of the 10th, the 16th corps bringing up the rear. Went into camp and remained here for a week. The fleet had followed us on our advance to Shreveport, and went to within thirty-five miles of that place, when the order was sent to them to return, and it was barely in time to save the boats from destruction. They were not molested on the way up, but on their way back suffered from sharp-shooters that lined the banks. A battery was in position at a small town called Lacompt, distant eight miles from here, and a force of cavalry and infantry were sent there and made them take their battery and skedaddle. The gunboats could not make them leave, owing to the high bank at this place. The fleet got back at last, gunboats in advance. To clear the shore of rebel batteries they were placed on every available point, but could not stand the fire from the gunboats long. The steamer Black Hawk looked like a sieve, it was all perforated with bullets. Several men were killed and wounded on it, but in this attempt to capture the Black Hawk they paid dearly. They did not perceive the Black Monitor laying low in the water.--Green marched his men down to the shore and ordered the boat to shove ashore, but they were not so inclined, and the officer in command informed him that he would try what virtue there was in cold iron. A heavy volley was fired into the boat, when the Monitor opened her broad sides. The rebels found they were charging on the wrong boat, and began to get out of the way as quick as they could, but were not in time to escape the shell that was making such fearful havoc in their ranks. They were shelled as long as they could be seen. Their loss was about five hundred killed and wounded, with Green, who paid the penalty of charging on a boat with a monitor in tow.

April 20th. After drawing rations, we left Grandecore, to return to Alexandria. The rebels were determined we should not leave Louisiana, and were on the move to intercept us from going back to Mississippi, at every opportunity would attack our lines in front and rear, and at every point and place where they could make a good stand.

On the morning of the 24th, being Sunday, the rebels commenced throwing some shells into our camp, aiming at our wagon train, but did no damage to trains or us until we got ready for them. Our cavalry then made some desperate charges. The 16th Indiana and 6th Missouri cavalry, did the principal fighting, with our line of skirmishers, while our regiment was drawn up in line of battle and watching for an engagement with them, but they did not come to taw.