The War of the Rebellion:
A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
The following is a list of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies with regards to the 28th Thomas' and the 22nd Consolidated Louisiana Infantry Regiments. These records give some historical details as to activities with regards to the regiment that my ancestor, Paul Hebert, Pvt., Co. A., 28th Thomas' Louisiana Infantry Regiment served with during the American Civil War.

Each record that contains a referrence to the 28th Thomas' is listed below. If you would care to read the official record, click on the corresponding link and you will be sent there. Some records contain only referrences in passing while others contain detailed information.

Additional information, comments, corrections, modifications to the list will be welcomed. Please forward them to the e-mail listed below.

1.	No. 25 -- Reports of Lieut. Gen. John C. Pemberton, C. S. Army, commanding Department of       Mississippi and East Louisiana, of operations December 21, 1862-January 2, 1863.
2.	No. 32 -- Reports of Brig. Gen. Stephen D. Lee, C. S. Army, commanding Provisional Division       of operations December 25, 1862-January 2, 1863.
3.	No. 33 -- Reports of Col. William T. Withers, First Mississippi Light Artillery, of operations       December 26, 1862--January 2, 1863.
4.	No. 35 -- Reports of Col. Allen Thomas, Twenty-eighth Louisiana Infantry, of skirmishes at       Chickasaw Bayou.
5.	No. 26 -- Return of Casualties in the Confederate force at Chickasaw Bayou and Chickasaw       Bluffs, Miss., December 26-29, 1862.
6.	No. 72 -- Summary of the Casualties in the Confederate forces during the siege of Vicksburg.
7.	No. 84 -- Reports of Maj. Gen. John H. Forney, C. S. Army, commanding Division.
8.	No. 88 -- Reports of Maj. Gen. M. L. Smith, C. S. Army, commanding Division.
9.	No. 88 -- Reports of Maj. Gen. M. L. Smith, C. S. Army, commanding Division.
10.	No. 89 -- Report of Brig. Gen. W. E. Baldwin, C. S. Army, commanding First Brigade.
11.	No. 90 -- Report of Brig. Gen. F. A. Shoup, C. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade.
12.	No. 89 -- Report of Brig. Gen. W. E. Baldwin, C. S. Army, commanding First Brigade.
13.	No. 90 -- Report of Brig. Gen. F. A. Shoup, C. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade.

O.R. -- SERIES I -- VOLUME XVII/1 [S#24] [pp #667±] DECEMBER 20, 1862 - JANUARY 3, 1863. - Operations against Vicksburg, Miss.

No. 25.--Reports of Lieut. Gen. John C. Pemberton, C. S. Army, commanding Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana, of operations December 21, 1862-January 2, 1863.

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HDQRS, DEPT. OF MISSISSIPPI AND EAST LOUISIANA,

Vicksburg, Miss., February--, 1863.

GENERAL: On December 21, [1862,] while at Grenada awaiting the approach of the enemy in that direction, information was received that <ar24_666> his large fleet of gunboats and transports was moving down the Mississippi River for the supposed purpose of attacking Vicksburg. Brig. Gen. [J. C.] Vaughn's brigade of East Tennesseeans was at once ordered to that point.

On the 24th definite and reliable information reached me that the enemy's gunboats had arrived at the mouth of the Yazoo River, 6 miles above Vicksburg, and that his transports were not far in their rear. Thereupon Brig. Gen. [John] Gregg with his brigade was immediately sent forward.

On the 25th [I] left Grenada and reached Vicksburg at 12 m. on the 26th. While on the route the Fortieth Alabama Regiment, Col. [A. A.] Coleman, was ordered from Columbus to Vicksburg. On my arrival I found the enemy's gunboats were engaged in shelling the banks of the Yazoo River up to the vicinity of the first bluffs at Snyder's Mill, and under their cover he was disembarking his troops from his transports.

Snyder's Mill is situated 13 miles north of Vicksburg, on a bluff which overlooks the Yazoo River. At this point a strong battery had been planted and the river blockaded by a raft. Swamps, lakes, and bayous running parallel with the river intervene between the bank and the hills, and leave but four practicable approaches to the high ground from Snyder's Mill to the Mississippi River, but all outside of the fortifications erected for the defense of Vicksburg: one in Blake's field, running along his levee nearly at right angles with the river; the next about a mile below, along the Chickasaw Bayou; the third passing through a dry part of the lake opposite to an Indian mound, and the fourth by a road leading from Johnson's by the race track. Before my arrival Major-General Smith had arranged his guns and disposed of his troops so as to guard these several approaches, under the immediate command of Brig. Gen. [S. D.] Lee.

On this day skirmishing began soon after the disembarkation of the enemy's troops, which resulted in driving his advanced parties from Mrs. Luke's plantation into the swamps bordering the river.

On the 27th, at an early hour, demonstrations in force were made at the Indian mound, Chickasaw Bayou, Blake's Levee, and Snyder's Mill, thus showing on the part of the enemy accurate knowledge of all the approaches.

About 2 o'clock three of the enemy's gunboats moved up to attack our battery at Snyder's Mill, and continued a heavy firing for three hours, when they returned down the river. Our guns were handled with spirit and precision, and the officers and men deserve the highest praise for their gallant conduct during the engagement.

About the time of the attack at Snyder's Mill another was made along the Chickasaw Bayou with great violence and in heavy force. This was gallantly and successfully met by the Seventeenth Louisiana Regiment, two companies of the Forty-sixth Mississippi Regiment, and a section of Capt. [Jeff. L.] Wofford's battery, all under command of Col. [W. T.] Withers, First Mississippi Artillery.

During the evening and night of this day Brigadier-Generals Vaughn and Gregg, with their brigades, arrived from Grenada, and also Brig. Gen. [Seth M.] Barton and his brigade, of Maj. Gen. [Carter L.] Stevenson's division. Before daylight they were moved to the front and Brigadier-General Vaughn assigned to the command of the left, at the race course; Brigadier-General Barton to the center, fronting on the Indian mound, and Brigadier-General Lee to the right, reaching to Snyder's Mill. Brigadier-General Gregg at first was held in reserve <ar24_667> with his troops, but was subsequently placed in position between Generals Vaughn and Barton.

On the 28th, at 4.30 a.m., the enemy opened fire with his sharpshooters and six pieces of artillery on the rifle-pits in front of the Indian mound and the section of artillery upon it. The Thirty-first Louisiana Regiment, under Col. [Charles H.] Morrison, occupied the trenches, and during the day was re-enforced by five companies of the Fortieth Georgia, Col. Abda Johnson. The enemy's fire was kept up with great vigor and without intermission throughout the day. In the evening it was so severe that our men were unable to stand to their guns on the mound, when two sections of Maj. [M. S.] Ward's artillery were ordered up to aid in preventing the enemy from planting a battery in close range, which was successfully effected.

On the previous night the command of Colonel Withers was removed from Chickasaw Bayou to Blake's Levee, and the Twenty-eighth [Twenty-ninth] Louisiana Regiment, Col. [Allen] Thomas, of Lee's brigade, was sent to occupy Withers' position of the previous day.

About daylight the enemy, with six pieces of artillery, supported by at least a brigade of infantry, opened a heavy fire upon this gallant regiment, which held him in check until 12 m., when it retired in good order. The enemy, elated with his success, followed rapidly, but his progress was soon checked by a well-timed volley from the Twenty-sixth Louisiana Regiment, commanded by Col. [Winchester] Hall, which occupied the rifle pits hurriedly thrown up opposite the dry part of the lake.

On the same morning another strong column advanced upon the position held by the Seventeenth Louisiana Regiment, Forty-sixth Mississippi, Lieut. Col. [W. K.] Easterling, and [Capt. Robert] Bowman's battery, all under command of Colonel Withers, on Blake's Levee, which was resisted in gallant style and the enemy finally driven back with heavy loss, the Forty-sixth Mississippi and two Napoleons, under Lieut. [Frank] Johnston, doing admirable service.

On the conclusion of this day's fighting it seemed highly probable that on the next the enemy would make the attempt to carry our position by assault. The dispositions were made accordingly. The works were repaired and strengthened, some additional trenches dug, and just before daylight it Was deemed advisable, owing to its isolated position, to withdraw the Twenty-sixth Louisiana Regiment.

On the 29th, about 9 o'clock, the enemy was discovered in his attempt to throw a pontoon bridge across the lake. In this he was foiled by a few well-directed shots from a section each of Wofford's and Ward's batteries, that of the latter commanded by Lieutenant Tarleton.

About 10 o'clock a furious cannonade was opened on General Lee's lines. This ceased about 11 o'clock, when a whole brigade---about 6,000 strong, understood to have been Brig. Gen. [F. P.] Blair's, though not led by him in person--emerged from the woods in good order and moved gallantly forward under a heavy fire of our artillery. They advanced to within 150 yards of the pits when they broke and retreated, but soon rallied, and dividing their forces sent a portion to their right, which was gallantly driven back by the Twenty-eighth Louisiana and Forty-second Georgia Regiments with heavy loss. Their attack in front was repulsed with still greater disasters. By a handsome move merit on the enemy's flank the Twenty-sixth and part of the Seventeenth Louisiana threw the enemy into inextricable confusion, and were so fortunate as to capture 4 stands of regimental colors, 21 commissioned officers, 311 non-commissioned officers and privates, and 500 stand of <ar24_668> arms. The Third, Thirtieth, and Eightieth Tennessee Regiments occupied the rifle-pits in front and behaved with distinguished coolness and courage.

During this assault upon the right the enemy in force was endeavoring to carry our center, commanded by General Barton, by storm. Five resolute efforts were made to carry our breastworks and were as often repulsed with heavy loss. Three times he succeeded in mounting the parapet and once made a lodgment and attempted to mine. The Fifty-second Georgia, Col. [C. D.] Phillips, reinforced Colonel Morrison's and Col. Abda Johnson's regiments early in the day. These troops and the line of skirmishers, formed of companies from the Fortieth and Forty-second Georgia, behaved with distinguished courage and steadiness throughout. At this point the enemy did not give up his attack until night-fall.

On the left, commanded by Brigadier General Vaughn, the heavy abatis prevented the approach of the enemy except with sharpshooters, who advanced continuously, but were met firmly by his East Tennesseeans.

Our sharpshooters everywhere, by their coolness, vigilance, and accuracy of aim, rendered the most valuable service and contributed greatly to the general result.

On the evening of the 29th Major-General Stevenson arrived at Vicksburg, and by reason of seniority was assigned to the command of the troops in front of the enemy.

On the 30th, although the enemy still occupied his position in front of our lines, the firing was confined to the sharpshooters on either side.

Maj. Gen. [Dabney H.] Maury arrived during this day from Grenada with a portion of his division and was assigned to the command of the right wing, reaching from the signal station to Snyder's Mill.

On the 31st the enemy sent in flag of truce, asking permission to bury his dead and care for his wounded, which was granted.

On January 1 it became evident that some new movement was on hand, and on the 2d it was ascertained that the enemy was re-embarking. General Lee was sent with five regiments to harass him in this operation. The noble Second Texas, whose fortune it was to be in advance of the assaulting column, charged and routed the enemy, formed on the bank of the river, and continued (although under the incessant fire of twelve gunboats) their attack on the crowded transports until they passed beyond range.

It is deeply to be regretted, however, that Lieut. Col. [W. C.] Timmins of this regiment, a brave and gallant soldier, who had just recovered from the effects of a wound received at Corinth, was in this action mortally wounded at the head of his regiment.

During these several engagements our entire loss was 63 killed, 134 wounded, and 10 missing. I have reason to believe the enemy's loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners was not less than 2,000.

For a more detailed statement of the military operations along our lines, running through a period of several days and resulting in the signal repulse of the enemy at all points, I must refer you to the reports of the different commanders engaged, which I have the honor to inclose herewith.

During the attack our officers and men behaved most admirably. Without exception they have merited the highest encomiums. They endured fatigue and exposure with patience and cheerfulness. They met the enemy--greatly outnumbering them--with resolution and unflinching courage. Those to whom I would call your particular attention <ar24_669> as entitled to the highest distinction arc the Seventeenth, Twenty-second, Twenty-sixth, Twenty-eighth, and Thirty-first Louisiana Regiments; Forty-sixth Mississippi Regiment and First Mississippi Artillery and Ward's Battalion of Light Artillery; Fortieth, Forty-second, [and] Fifty-second Georgia Regiments, and Third, Thirtieth, and Eightieth Tennessee Regiments.

The commanding officers of their respective regiments deserve the highest praise for their good conduct, and I do not consider that I detract from the merits of others by calling your particular attention to Col. Edward Higgins, who commanded our batteries at Snyder's Mill; to Colonel Withers, who first commanded the force at Chickasaw Bayou and afterward at Blake's Levee; to Colonel Thomas, who so gallantly checked the advance of the enemy along the Chickasaw Bayou; and to Colonel Hall, who arrested his progress after Colonel Thomas was forced to retire; and to Colonel Morrison, who occupied the trenches in front of the Indian mound from first to last. They deserve well of their country.

To Major-General Smith the defenses of Vicksburg have been intrusted, and he is entitled to the highest credit for the disposition of' his troops and for his arrangements for defense, which rendered the place almost impregnable.

To Brigadier-General Lee, to whom was confided at first the immediate command of all the troops from the race course to Snyder's Mill, great praise is due for his energy, courage, and ability, which showed him fully equal to the responsibility devolved upon him. His conduct throughout deserves your especial consideration.

Brigadier-General Barton, intrusted with a most important command, behaved with distinguished coolness, energy, and gallantry.

Brigadier-Generals Vaughn and Gregg, though not so prominently involved in the several actions with the enemy, yet performed their respective duties in an entirely satisfactory manner.

Major-Generals Stevenson and Maury, arriving too late to participate in the more active parts of the engagement, displayed the utmost zeal and increased the general confidence of our soldiers in their ability to hold our advanced positions against any numbers the enemy might bring against them.

To those members of the staff who were with me--Maj. J. Thompson, inspector-general of department, and Lieut. J. H. Morrison, aide-de-camp--I am especially indebted for the prompt and efficient manner in which they discharged every duty devolved upon them.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. C. PEMBERTON,

Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

O.R. -- SERIES I -- VOLUME XVII/1 [S#24] [pp #681±] DECEMBER 20, 1862 - JANUARY 3, 1863. - Operations against Vicksburg, Miss.

No. 32.--Reports of Brig. Gen. Stephen D. Lee, C. S. Army, commanding Provisional Division of operations December 25, 1862-January 2, 1863.

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HEADQUARTERS LEE'S BRIGADE,

Vicksburg, Miss., January --, 1863.

MAJOR: I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of the troops under my command during the recent conflict with <ar24_681> the enemy, resulting in his abandoning his attack upon the city of Vicksburg:

The enemy's transports commenced making their appearance near the mouth of the Yazoo on Christmas day, when, in compliance with orders from Maj. Gen. [M. L.] Smith, I took charge in person of the defense of the swamp from the city to Snyder's Mill. Between that point and city runs the swamp road at the foot of the bluffs, the average distance of the road from the Yazoo being about 2 miles. The country between the road and the Yazoo is heavy bottom and intersected by sloughs and bayous, containing the plantations of Capt. W. H. Johnson, Mrs. Lake, and Colonel Blake, the first two being below Chickasaw Bayou, which bayou separated Mrs. Lake's plantation from Colonel Blake's. The bayou runs back from the Yazoo and makes the half-way point between the city and Snyder's Mill. A lake and swamp run almost parallel to the road from the city to Snyder's Mill, and at an average distance from it of about a third of a mile, giving but five points through which the enemy could reach the river road from the Yazoo, except by throwing a pontoon bridge across the lake. These points, commencing next to the city, are: First, at the race course, 2 miles from the city, by a road leading to Johnson's; next at the Indian mound, 4 miles from the city, where the lake is dry for 200 yards; next at the Chickasaw Bayou, on Mrs. Lake's plantation (a good road running along the bayou from the Yazoo); next at Colonel Blake's house, running back from the Yazoo almost to the road, 1 mile beyond Chickasaw Bayou, and at Snyder's Mill, 13 miles from the city, where we have extensive fortifications, commencing about 2 miles short of Snyder's Mill in an impenetrable swamp. The abatis of fallen timber at the race course was an almost impassable barrier to the enemy. My arrangements were as follows: One regiment (the Thirty-first Louisiana, Col. [C. H.] Morrison) and two guns at the mound; four regiments and a battery at Chickasaw Bayou, and a regiment between the mound and the bayou. Rifle-pits were hurriedly thrown up at the mound and at the bayou, and timber felled across the lake for an abatis. The enemy's gunboats had possession of the Yazoo for about a week before the arrival of the transports on Christmas day.

On the 26th they landed in force at Johnson's and at a point 2 miles above (1 mile below Chickasaw Bayou), driving in our pickets. Col. [W. T.] Withers, with the Seventeenth Louisiana, two companies of the Forty-sixth Mississippi, and a section of Wofford's battery, was directed to hold them in check near Mrs. Lake's plantation. This he did in good style, driving them from the open field into the woods.

Early on the morning of the 27th the enemy appeared in force and attacked Colonel Withers with violence. The colonel retired for a short distance up the bayou to a piece of woods and held his ground against a largely superior force. The enemy also appeared in force in the woods in front of the Indian mound, driving in our skirmishers across the lake. They also appeared on Blake's Levee, at the same time attacking our batteries at Snyder's Mill. They evidently had excellent guides, attacking us at every point where it was possible to reach the road.

On the morning of the 28th the enemy again attacked the woods held the previous day by Colonel Withers, but now by the Twenty-eighth [Twenty-ninth] Louisiana Volunteers, Col. Allen Thomas, being at east a brigade and a battery of six guns. Colonel Thomas held his ground against this greatly superior force from about daylight until 12 m., when he retired in good order. The enemy were highly elated by their success and followed rapidly, but a volley from the Twenty-sixth <ar24_682> Louisiana, Col. [Winchester] Hall, near the edge of the lake and in temporary rifle-pits, brought them to their usual prudence and allowed the gallant Twenty-eighth to move in safety. Colonel Hall held his pits in his advanced position against a vastly superior force with great coolness and effect. The enemy also attacked Colonel Morrison at the mound in heavy force, and placed several batteries in position opposite to him, which kept up a continuous fire.

The enemy on the evening of the 26th had appeared in considerable force at the levee, and gave me much uneasiness. During the night of the 27th I increased my force at that point and placed Colonel Withers, First Mississippi Artillery Regiment, in charge of its defense, he having at his disposal the Forty-sixth Mississippi Regiment, Seventeenth Louisiana, and Bowman's battery. This arrangement Was made none too soon. Early on the morning of the 28th the enemy appeared in force on the levee with artillery, but was handsomely held in check and driven back by Colonel Withers' command, the Forty-sixth Mississippi, and two Napoleon guns under Lieutenant Johnston, doing admirable service.

On the 28th the enemy, who had landed a small infantry force in front of Snyder's Mill, disappeared from that point, only two gunboats amusing themselves by firing at long range on our works. Their force in front of my position at Chickasaw Bayou had greatly increased on the evening of the 28th, and it was evident my position would be attacked next morning. During the night my command was re-enforced by two regiments and my line of battle fixed.

Before daylight on the 29th Colonel Hall's regiment was withdrawn from its advanced pits and the dry crossing left open to the enemy: as it was desired he should attack my position in front.

Early on the morning of the 29th the enemy cautiously examined the advanced pits (vacated), not understanding apparently why they had been abandoned. He was exceedingly cautious. About 9 a.m. he attempted to throw a pontoon bridge over the lake to my left. This was soon thwarted by a few well-directed shot from the section of Wofford's battery and a section of guns commanded by Lieut. J. A. Tarleton, of Maj. [M. S.] Ward's artillery battalion, [Fourteenth Mississippi]. As soon as the attempt to pontoon the lake was discovered my line of battle was pushed to the left by two regiments to throw them in front of the threatened point; the two regiments were the Forty-second Georgia and Twenty-eighth Louisiana; at the same time Col.[Pierre S.] Layton's Fourth Mississippi was ordered to join me from Snyder's Mill, as no enemy was at that point. About 10 a.m. a furious cannonade was opened on my position by the enemy, he at the same time arranging his infantry to storm my position. At 11 a.m. his artillery fire ceased and his infantry, 6,000 strong, moved gallantly up under our artillery fire (eight guns), crossing the dry lake at two points, one being in front of the vacated pits and the other about 200 yards from my line. Here our fire was so terrible that they broke, but in a few moments they rallied again, sending a force to my left flank. This force was soon met by the Twenty-eighth Louisiana, Col. Allen Thomas, and the Forty-second Georgia, Col. [R. J.] Henderson (seat to the left in the morning), and handsomely repulsed. Our fire was so severe that the enemy lay down to avoid it. Seeing their confusion the Twenty-sixth Louisiana and a part of the Seventeenth Louisiana were marched on the battle-field, and under their cover 21 commissioned officers and 311 non-commissioned officers and privates were taken prisoners, and 4 stand of colors and 500 stand of arms captured. <ar24_683>

The enemy left in great confusion, leaving their dead and wounded on the field. About 80 of their wounded were treated in our hospital. Their dead on the field numbered 200. Many of their wounded were allowed to be carried off by their infirmary corps immediately after the fight. In this day's fight their casualties could not have fallen short of 1,000. Immediately after the battle the fire of their sharpshooters was redoubled. They would not allow my command to care for their wounded.

The troops under my command behaved with great gallantry.-officers and men. It will be impossible to notice the conduct of all deserving mention. Besides the regiments already mentioned for gallantry I would mention the Third, Thirtieth, and Eightieth [Sixty-second] Tennessee Regiments, occupying the pits where the enemy made their most formidable attack. They displayed coolness and gallantry and their fire was terrific.

No reports having been received from the colonels, no names call be given as deserving of especial notice, but every one did well. Col. [Edward] Higgins, commanding the important post at Snyder's Mill, deserves great credit. He commanded only as an old soldier could. Though often threatened he was always cool and self-possessed and exhibited in his dispositions great judgment.

I would particularly mention Colonel Withers, who exhibited high soldierly qualities and great gallantry, first in holding the enemy in check after landing, and in repulsing him when my right flank was threatened. His dispositions were excellent.

Col. Allen Thomas, Twenty-eighth Louisiana, exhibited great gallantry and with his regiment did splendid service. Col. Hall, Twenty-sixth Louisiana, showed great coolness and gallantry. Colonel Henderson, Forty-second Georgia; Cols. [C. J.] Clack and [James J.] Turner, Third and Thirtieth Tennessee; Col. [J. A.] Rowan, Eightieth Tennessee; Colonel Easterling, Forty-sixth Mississippi, and Col. [Robert Richardson deserve favorable notice.

Of the artillery, I would particularly mention Maj. B. R.] Holmes. Captain Wofford exhibited great gallantry and coolness, and to him is due more credit than to any one else for such defenses as were at Chickasaw Bayou, he having planned and executed most of them. Lieutenants Johnston, Duncan, Tarleton, and Weems behaved well.

Of my personal staff I am pained to announce the death of Capt. Paul Hamilton, assistant adjutant-general, who was killed on the 29th, by the explosion of a caisson by a shell from the enemy, while executing an order. He was the most promising young officer it has been my fortune to meet. He was but twenty-one years of age, but had been in thirty battles. He was brave to a fault, always present in danger in the path of duty. His gallantry was only excelled by his modestly and strict performance of every trust confided to him.

Maj. Donald C. Stith, brigade inspector, behaved with gallantry and coolness under fire and did good service. Lieut. Henry B. Lee, aide-de-camp, showed great bravery; he was wounded in the hand bearing an order. Maj. [W. O.] Watts, Capt. W. H. Johnson, and Lieut. [S.S.] Champion, volunteer aides-de-camp, acted gallantly and were of great service.

I would also mention Corporal Champion, of Captain Johnson's company, in charge of couriers, for his bravery. He carried several important orders under heavy fire. Dr. Smith (a civilian seventy years of age) acted as aide-de-camp and did-good service. <ar24_684>

Inclosed is a list of casualties: Thirty-six killed, 78 wounded, and 3 deserted. Total, 124.

Major-General Maury arrived on the morning of the 30th and assumed command. The report of my future operations will be sent through him.

Please find inclosed reports of Colonels Withers, Higgins, Thomas, and Morrison.

I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

STEPHEN D. LEE,

Major-General, C. S. Army, Commanding on Yazoo.

O.R. -- SERIES I -- VOLUME XVII/1 [S#24] [pp #687±] DECEMBER 20, 1862 - JANUARY 3, 1863. - Operations against Vicksburg, Miss.

No. 33.--Reports of Col. William T. Withers, First Mississippi Light Artillery, of operations December 26, 1862--January 2, 1863.

<ar24_686>

HEADQUARTERS IN THE FIELD,

Chickasaw Bayou; January 3, 1863.

GENERAL: I respectfully submit the following report of the operations of the troops you did me the honor to place under my command:

On Friday morning, the 26th ultimo, I received orders from you to assume command of the defenses at Chickasaw Bayou. I immediately proceeded to that point in company with you, and shortly after our arrival notice was given that the enemy had effected a landing below, and that three regiments of infantry and a squadron of cavalry were in Mrs. Lake's field in front of our position. The entire force at my disposal at that time was the Seventeenth Louisiana Col. [Robert.] Richardson commanding; the Twenty-sixth Louisiana, Col. [Winchester] Hall commanding; two companies of the Forty-sixth Mississippi, under Capt. [J. B.] Hart, [Company El, and Capt. [Jeff. L.] Wofford's company of my light artillery regiment. The Twenty-sixth Louisiana and the two companies of the Forty-sixth Mississippi were immediately thrown forward and deployed as skirmishers across Mrs. Lake's field along the road leading from her residence to the swamp. The enemy kept up a continual fire from their artillery aboard of their boats, and their sharpshooters also fired rapidly. The Abolitionists hesitating to advance on our position, and their guns being of longer range than ours; a 12-pounder howitzer, under charge of Captain Wofford, was advanced; and by a few well-directed shots caused the infantry to retire to the cover of the woods. This gave us possession of Mrs. Lake's corn-cribs, which had been completely commanded by the enemy's sharpshooters, and they were fired by Captain Wofford to prevent the corn falling into possession of the enemy. The enemy having retired from the field, the Twenty-sixth Louisiana was withdrawn to the cover of the levee and sheltered as much as possible from the fire of the gunboats. Late in the evening they were relieved by the Seventeenth Louisiana, which passed the night at and near Mrs. Lake's residence.

On the morning of the 2?th, about 10 o'clock, the pickets brought information that the enemy were advancing on our positions in two directions. A portion of the Seventeenth Louisiana, with a howitzer of Wofford's battery, were advanced to Mrs. Lake's gin-house to hold in check the force in that direction. Soon afterward the two companies of the Forty-sixth Mississippi, stationed as pickets in rear of Mrs. Lake's residence, were driven in and the enemy appeared in the edge of the field in considerable force, consisting of infantry, cavalry; and artillery. One of Captain Wofford's howitzers, under command of Lieut. [W. A.] Lockhart, immediately opened on them. The enemy replied with spirit from their battery when a brisk artillery duel occurred, under cover of which the howitzer and part of the Seventeenth Louisiana at the gin-house were withdrawn and our forces concentrated to resist the attack now threatened both in our front and on our right flank. A strong position was selected in a narrow skirt of timber bordering the field our line of battle formed, and skirmishers thrown out. The ground being difficult to retire-over under fire, after consultation with Capt. [Paul] Hamilton of your staff, the artillery was ordered to retire to our regular line; and as you had instructed me to hold the enemy <ar24_687> in check I determined to hold the position selected to the last extrememity with the infantry. While the enemy were feeling their way slowly, two companies of the Twenty-sixth Louisiana were ordered to cross Chickasaw Bayou and take position in the timber on the bank, in order to fire on the flank of the enemy's column as it advanced to attack our position. Under cover of a heavy fire of artillery the Abolitionists advanced to the attack between 3 and 4 o'clock. Their column of attack consisted (as I subsequently ascertained from prisoners) of the Twenty-second Kentucky, Sixteenth and Forty Second Ohio, with an adequate support. They made repeated efforts to dislodge our forces but were as often driven back, and night found us not only in possession of our position but of considerable ground in front. The Abolition general ([M. L.] Smith) was wounded in this skirmish and the enemy severely punished.

I cannot close the account of this day's operations without paying a deserved tribute to the memory of the lamented and gallant Paul Hamilton, your late assistant adjutant-general. Without his assistance I do not believe we could have held our position against the overwhelming odds brought against us. He was ever at the point of danger, cheering, animating, and directing our officers and men; his appearance seemed to have an electric effect upon all who saw him, and he inspired all around him with a portion of his own gallant spirit.

About dark the wearied troops under my command were relieved by the Twenty-eighth [Twenty-ninth] Louisiana, Col. [Allen] Thomas commanding. After being relieved you were kind enough to place me in command of the right wing of your line of defense.

Early on the morning of the 28th ultimo it became evident the enemy intended making a demonstration on Blake Levee, which was in the line assigned me, and I received instructions from you to hold it at all hazards. The position was one well calculated to be successfully held by a small force against large odds. The levee followed the bank of Thompson's Lake until it approached Chickasaw Bayou, when it turned almost at right angles from the lake (the bed of which just at this point happened to be dry at this place and time) and followed the bank of Chick-asaw Bayou. Just within the angle where the levee made the turn was a slash, or pond of water, from knee to waist deep. In the dry bed of this lake near the turn of the levee the timber had been cut down, forming an abatis difficult, but not impossible, to pass. The levee was defended in the morning by one company of the Twenty-sixth Louisiana (which was subsequently withdrawn) and seven companies of the Forty-sixth Mississippi, under Lieut. Col. [W. K.] Easterling. A portion of them were deployed as skirmishers at the bend of the levee and along the branch of it that ran along the Chickasaw Bayou. The skirmishers of the enemy occupied that part of the levee that was on the bank of Thompson's Lake, and also all the dry ground in the angle of the levee. Heavy skirmishing continued from early in the morning until about 8 a.m. A section of Napoleon guns from Company A, my light artillery regiment: under Lieut. Frank Johnston, was in position so as to command the turn of the levee and that portion of its slope next to Thompson's Lake, and also the narrow strip of timber land between the levee and the lake. Three guns of Capt. [Robert] Bowman's battery were so posted as to play on the enemy in case they should dislodge our skirmishers and turn the angle of the levee.

About 9 a.m. the enemy opened on our troops with a battery which they had brought from the Yazoo along the levee, and soon afterward I discovered a column of attack formed in the timber consisting of three <ar24_688> regiments. The space between the lake and levee being narrow, the column had only a front of one section, which gave us a decided advantage. They threw forward their skirmishers, covering the entire space between the lake and the levee, and attempted to advance, but time and again were repulsed by the well-directed spherical-case shot from Lieutenant Johnston's Napoleons and the vigilance and determination of the Forty-sixth Mississippi. Once the column of attack advanced, but was soon checked and forced to retire by the fire of our artillery. While Lieutenant Johnston's section was holding this column in check they were exposed not only to the fire from the battery on the levee but also to the cross-fire from the Parrott guns in the point of the woods opposite our center. The enemy were held in check all day at this point, evidently fearing to make the assault. The reserve of infantry and artillery on the right had MO opportunity during the day to take part in the action, but were annoyed occasionally by shots from the enemy's artillery. A section of Capt. [J. L.] Wofford's battery, under Lieut. [J. W.] Weems, posted in the main road on the extreme left of my command, was after 11 a.m. under heavy fire from the enemy's Parrott guns and sharpshooters in the point and behaved with great gallantly.

Before daylight on the 29th ultimo the troops with which you re-enforced the right went into position, expecting an assault on Blake's Levee; but by 9 o'clock I became satisfied that the enemy had shifted their position and were mussing their forces on our center, and also no-titled you. A little after noon heavy firing on your center indicated that the enemy were about to storm your position. The Seventeenth and Twenty-sixth Louisiana and one gun from Company E, under Lieut. [W. J.] Duncan, was promptly ordered to the center. Soon after a section of Company I, under Captain Bowman, was also sent you from the right. The enemy now made a formidable assault upon your center and were played upon from the right by Lieutenant Johnston's Napoleons and a 6-pounder of Company I, under Lieut. [John F.] Tye, with marked effect. The assault was unsuccessful and the enemy was driven back with terrible slaughter. As they retreated in wild confusion across the bed of the dry lake one of the Parrott guns of Company E opened upon them from the right, taking them in their flank and adding greatly to their confusion. After their retreat I noticed a column of the enemy again advancing on you, which was soon put to flight by a few well-directed shots from Lieutenant Duncan's gun and you from the right.

On the 30th and 31st [ultimo] and 1st instant all was quiet on the right. Early in the morning of the 2d, anticipating that our position at Blake's Levee would again be attacked, you sent me re-enforcements. The Thirty-seventh Alabama was relieved by the Thirty-fifth Mississippi, and the Twenty-eighth Louisiana, under Lieut. Col. [J. O.] Landry, was sent to Chickasaw Bayou Bridge, as a reserve to support the right wing, or go to Snyder's Bluff in case of attack there. While you were absent at Snyder's Bluff my position was further re-enforced by the Twenty-third Alabama, Col. [F. K.] Beck commanding, and I was ordered by General [Dabney H.] Maury to go to your assistance, in case you were attacked at Snyder's Bluff and needed re-enforcements, with the entire disposable force on the right.

Learning that the enemy were probably re-embarking, I was ordered by General Maury to follow them to their transports and feel them, if practicable. Just at this time I met you on your return from Snyder's Bluff. Immediately the Thirtieth Mississippi, Twenty-eighth Louisiana, and Twenty-third Alabama Regiments were put in motion, and crossing <ar24_689> Chickasaw Bayou were advanced as rapidly as possible, throwing out a line of skirmishers in front through the woods where the enemy had been encamped. Finding the camps all deserted and the ground strewn with the debris of a retreating and panic-stricken army, the column passed on toward Yazoo River, capturing 9 prisoners and a quantity of army stores. I intended dividing the force and recrossing Chickasaw Bayou into Mrs. Lake's field with two of the regiments, but finding you were moving down that side of the bayou with a considerable force, by your order the Twenty-third Alabama was sent over to you and the other two regiments pushed rapidly to the vicinity of the transports and gunboats. Hoping that the enemy would advance to attack your force I formed a line of battle as quickly as possible on the bank of the bayou, intending to take their column of attack in the flank if it advanced on you; but our expectations were not realized, as the Abolitionists declined the battle, though offered them on an open field and within a few hundred yards of their boats, and contented themselves with shelling the ground previously occupied by our forces. The forces under my command remained in line of battle until I received orders from you in person to return to camp.

It affords me pleasure to bear testimony to the general good conduct of the officers and men placed by you under my command. A list of casualties will doubtless be furnished you by the different regimental commanders. I shall make a separate report of the part taken in the different actions by all the batteries of my light artillery regiment that were on the ground.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. T. WITHERS,

Colonel First Mississippi Light Artillery.

Brig. Gen. STEPHEN D. LEE,

Commanding Brigade.

O.R. -- SERIES I -- VOLUME XVII/1 [S#24] [pp 696±] DECEMBER 20, 1862 - JANUARY 3, 1863. - Operations against Vicksburg, Miss.

No. 35.--Reports of Col. Allen Thomas, Twenty-eighth Louisiana Infantry, of skirmishes at Chickasaw Bayou.

<ar24_695>

HEADQUARTERS,

In the Field, January 2, 1863.

GENERAL: Having received orders from you on the morning of the 27th ultimo to move my regiment to your left to prevent the completion of a pontoon about to be thrown across the bayou by the enemy, I advanced my regiment to that point under a very galling fire from the enemy's artillery and sharpshooters. I immediately placed two companies of the Twenty eighth Louisiana and four companies of the Forty-second Georgia on a mound opposite to and commanding the pontoon. The enemy had here massed a considerable force, whose incessant fire caused us considerable loss. Our forces succeeded, however, in holding them in check, preventing the completion of the bridge.

At about 11.30 a.m. I observed the enemy crossing the bayou in large force and forming line of battle with the evident intention of storming our works. At the same time, he threw out a force across a fence to your left, opposite any extreme right, for the purpose of turning your flank. I immediately advanced the remaining companies of the Twenty eighth Louisiana and Forty-second Georgia to my right, compelling the enemy to retire with considerable slaughter.

About this [time] you had completely routed his columns, which had attacked your center. The line which I had been placed in command of was incessantly annoyed by sharpshooters, who were in very easy range, as it was near the woods which he occupied. This caused the loss on our side of a number of brave men, compelling me to keep the men covered by day. At night, however, I succeeded in throwing up temporary breastworks.

The brigade which I had the honor to command, consisting of the Second Texas, Twenty eighth Louisiana, Fourth Mississippi, Forty-second [Georgia], and Thirty-first Louisiana, behaved well, evincing a strong desire to meet the enemy.

My thanks are due to Lieut. J. G. Clark, who had been ordered to report to me, for efficient service.

All of which, general, I have the honor to submit.

ALLEN THOMAS,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

-----

HEADQUARTERS,

In the Field, January 2, 1863.

GENERAL: In obedience to orders I took position on the evening of the 27th ultimo in the advance on Mrs. Lake's place across Chickasaw Bayou, relieving Colonel Richardson's command, which had been hotly engaged with the enemy.

Early on Sunday morning the enemy opened on my advance, which I had placed in a shallow ravine, the nature of the ground being such as to afford the best protection to the command. My advance succeeded in holding in check for some time a very large force of the enemy, but were finally dislodged and driven in, when I advanced my reserve and drove the enemy back. Having received large re-enforcements, the enemy renewed the attack, and after several hours hard fighting, my ammunition being nearly exhausted and the men wearied, <ar24_696> I ordered them to fall back. As I was retreating I met a messenger from you with promise of re-enforcements. I again rallied my men and reoccupied the ground, dislodging the enemy from the woods, which they occupied in large force. The enemy, soon after being largely re enforced, renewed the fight with great vigor, and having thrown a force much larger than my own on my right flank, while he threatened my left with his cavalry, he again compelled me, before the promised re enforcements had arrived, to fall back, when at 12.30 p.m. I succeeded in withdrawing my command with but little loss.

The position was held for six and a half hours from the first attack against largely superior numbers.

My loss was 9 killed, 25 wounded, 6 missing, and 3 deserters. The prisoners captured the following day stated that we had engaged Blair's brigade, said to number 7,000 or 8,000 men, and had killed and wounded upward of 400 of the enemy.

All the officers and men behaved with the utmost gallantry, it being invidious to particularize.

Among the killed I deeply regret the loss of First Lieut. N. Robin, commanding Company K, a gallant and accomplished soldier, who died on the field.

All of which, general, I have the honor to submit.

Very respectfully,

ALLEN THOMAS,

Colonel, Commanding Twenty-eighth Louisiana.

O.R. -- SERIES I -- VOLUME XVII/1 [S#24] [pp 671±] DECEMBER 20, 1862 - JANUARY 3, 1863. - Operations against Vicksburg, Miss.

No. 26.--Return of Casualties in the Confederate force at Chickasaw Bayou and Chickasaw Bluffs, Miss., December 26-29, 1862.

<ar24_671>

O Officers. -- A Missing. -- M Enlisted men. -- B Aggregate. -- T Total.

Command	O	M	T	O	M	T	A	B

---Killed.---

---Wounded.---

STEVENSON'S COMMAND

Barton's brigade:

40th Georgia	....	4	4	3	14	17	....	21
42d Georgia	2	8	10	1	17	18	....	28
43d Georgia	....	....	....	1	....	1	....	1
52d Georgia	....	1	1	....	3	3	....	4
Total	2	13	15	5	34	39	....	54

Vaughn's brigade:

79th [69th]Tennessee	....	5	5	....	1	1	....	6
80th [62nd] Tennessee	1	1	2	2	4	6	....	8
81st Tennessee	....	1	1	1	2	3	....	4
Total	1	7	8	3	7	10	....	18

LEE's COMMAND.

Staff	1	....	1	....	....	....	....	1
17th Louisiana	....	1	1	1	9	10	1	12
22d Louisiana	....	1	1	....	2	2	....	3
26th Louisiana	1	7	8	....	2	2	....	10
28th [29th] Louisiana	1	8	9	....	25	25	9	43
31st Louisiana	1	8	9	1	15	16	....	25
4th Mississippi	....	....	....	....	4	4	....	4
40h Mississippi	....	....	....	....	1	1	....	1
3d Tennessee	1	....	1	1	....	1	....	2
20th Tennessee	....	....	....	....	2	2	....	2
Hill's company (cavalry)	....	....	....	....	1	1	....	1
Johnnson's company (cavalry)	....	....	....	....	....	....	....	....
Bowman's battery	....	1	1	....	....	....	....	1
Drew' battery	....	2	2	....	3	3	....	5
Wofford's battery	....	1	1	....	4	4	....	5
Total	5	29	34	3	68	71	10	115
Grand Total	8	49	57	11	109	120	10	187

O.R. -- SERIES I -- VOLUME XVIV/1 [S#37] [pp #329±] MAY 19 - JULY 4, 1863. -- The Seige of Vicksburg, Miss.

No. 72.--Summary of the Casualties in the Confederate forces during the siege of Vicksburg.

OFFICERS REPORTED KILLED.

Cumming's Brigade.--Thirty-ninth Georgia, Lieut. J. R. Redmond.

Lee's Brigade.--Twentieth Alabama, Col. Isham W. Garrett; Forty-sixth Alabama, Lieuts. J. K. P. Cotton and J. T. House.

Reynolds' Brigade.--Third Tennessee, Maj. J. C. Boyd, Capt. B. F. Gaddis, and Lieut. J. H. Cody; Forty-third Tennessee, Capt. Sterling T. Turner, Lieut. Wilson Clepper, and Asst. Surg. W. B. Johnson; Third Maryland Battery, Capt. F. O. Claiborne.

Waul's Texas Legion.--Maj. Allen Cameron and Capts. Samuel Carter and J. A. Ledbetter.

Hebert's Brigade.--Staff, Col. Charles H. Herrick; Third Louisiana, Capts. J. E. Johnson and John Kinney and Lieut. A. S. Randolph ; Twenty-first Louisiana, Capt. J. Ryan and Lieut. G. H. Mann ; Twenty-second Louisiana, Capt. F. Gomez and Lieut. R. E. Lehman; Thirty-sixth Mississippi, Maj. Alexander Yates and Capt. J. S. Tatom (Capt. T. J. Chrisman and Lieut. A. T. Murrell died of wounds); Thirty-seventh Mississippi, Lieut. J. F. H. Trussell; Thirty-eighth Mississippi, Capt. L. M. Graves and Lieut. H. Lanehart (Capt. W. A. Selph died of wounds); Forty-third Mississippi, Lieut. M.D. L. Hodo; Seventh Mississippi Battalion, Capt. S.C. Pearson and Lieut. J. C. C. Welborn (Capt. W. T. Baylis died of wounds); Appeal Battery, Capt. W. N. Hogg and Lieut. R.S. Walker; Emanuel's battery, Capt. T. K. Emanuel; Pointe Coupee Artillery, Lieut. O. D'Antigue.

Moore's Brigade.--Forty-second Alabama, Lieut. Capers W. Bodie; Thirty-fifth Mississippi, Capts. S. R. Coopwood and H. M. Walsh and Lieut. G, Moody; Fortieth Mississippi, Maj. R. B. Campbell; Second Texas, Capt. A. F. Gammell and Lieut. Robert S. Henry (Lieut. William F. Kirk died of wounds).

Baldwin's Brigade.--Thirty-first Louisiana, Col. S. H. Griffin; Fourth Mississippi, Capt. William H. Adaire.

Vaughn's Brigade.--(No report.)

Shoup's Brigade.--Staff, Capts. Louis Florence and J. F. Spencer; Twenty-sixth Louisiana, Maj. W. W. Martin, Capt. Felix G. Winder, and Lieuts. M. Arnaux and Peter Feriner; Twenty-seventh Louisiana, Lieut. Col. L. L. McLaurin and Lieut. George Harris (Col. L. D. Marks mortally wounded); Twenty-eighth [Twenty-ninth] Louisiana, Capt. F. Newman and Lieuts. B. F. Millett and J. G. Sims.

(Note need to check our -- B. F. Millett jlr)

Cockrell's Brigade.--Second Missouri, Lieut. Col. P.S. Senteny; Sixth Missouri, Col. Eugene Erwin and Lieuts. John T. Crenshaw and John Roseberry.

Dockery's Brigade.--Brig. Gen. Martin E. Green.

O.R. -- SERIES I -- VOLUME XXIV/2 [S#37] [pp #360±] MAY 19 - JULY 4, 1863. -- The Seige of Vicksburg, Miss.

No. 84.--Reports of Maj. Gen. John H. Forney, C. S. Army, commanding Division.

MAY 22, 1863--2 to 7 o'clock [p.m.].

General Moore has repulsed the enemy again on his right. This has been the most severe fighting. The battery of the enemy has nearly demolished his works. He will attempt at once to take the battery. I <ar37_361> have sent him the Seventeenth Louisiana and half of Twenty-eighth [Twenty-ninth] Louisiana, sent me by General Smith.

We have also had hard fighting on my left, and on Jackson road. All quiet at these points now.

Very truly,

JNO. H. FORNEY,

Major-General.

O.R. -- SERIES I -- VOLUME XXIV/2 [S#37] [pp #394±] MAY 19 - JULY 4, 1863. -- The Siege of Vicksburg, Miss.

No. 88.--Reports of Maj. Gen. M. L. Smith, C. S. Army, commanding Division.

[ar37_394 con't]

HEADQUARTERS SMITH'S DIVISION,

Vicksburg, May 23, 1863.

MAJOR: The enemy made three assaults on my right yesterday (Shoup's brigade), were each time handsomely repulsed, and with apparently considerable loss. Brigadier-General Baldwin was wounded rather severely about 12 o'clock, and left the field. One prisoner was taken last night. Other parts of the line were free from assaults, but sustained a continuous fire from sharpshooters and light batteries. No report of casualties yet received. The Seventeenth and Twenty-eighth [Twenty-ninth] Louisiana Regiments were detached to the support of General Forney early in the afternoon, and have not rejoined the division.

The 30-pounder Parrott burst yesterday while firing on an advancing column of the enemy.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. L. SMITH,

Major-General.

O.R. -- SERIES I -- VOLUME XVIV/2 [S#24] [pp #397±] MAY 19 - JULY 4, 1863. -- Vicksburg, Miss.

No. 88.--Reports of Maj. Gen. M. L. Smith, C. S. Army, commanding Division.

MOBILE, August 9, 1863.

MAJOR: I have the honor to submit a brief report of the operations of my division during the recent siege of Vicksburg.

The line of defense surrounding the city was divided into three commands, corresponding with the army division, one of which was assigned to me, and constituted the left of the line. The left of my division rested on the river above the city and extended to the right about 1 miles, where it touched Major-General Forney's command. The division consisted of three brigades; General Shoup, commanding the Twenty-sixth, Twenty-seventh, and Twenty-eighth [Twenty-ninth] Louisiana, on the right; General Baldwin, commanding the Seventeenth and Thirty-first Louisiana, the Fourth and Forty-sixth Mississippi, occupying the center; General Vaughn, commanding the Sixtieth, Sixty-first, Sixty-second Tennessee, and Mississippi State troops, under Brigadier-General Harris, together with a detachment of Loring's command, on the left.

The works occupied by me, and which may be termed my front, were along a narrow ridge, and consisted of a line of rifle-trenches, with points prepared for field artillery. This point was rather strong, although parallel with it, and some 600 yards distant, ran another ridge of the same elevation, and in every respect similar, which was occupied by the enemy, and afforded excellent positions for their batteries as well as sharpshooters, and, when prepared with field-works looking in our direction, became itself as difficult to assail as our own line. Many advantages would have resulted from occupying this parallel ridge, and it was included in the system of defense; but, increasing as it did the length of the entire line of defense, was abandoned for want of sufficient force to occupy it.

The enemy made his appearance before the works on my right early in the afternoon of May 18, and immediately attacked the position with artillery and infantry. They were first met by the Twenty-seventh Louisiana, subsequently by the Seventeenth and Thirty-first Louisiana and Forty-sixth Mississippi, in advance of the line, and held at bay until dark terminated the attack. During the night of the 18th, my troops and artillery were all withdrawn within the main lines, and placed in positions from which they were never for an instant dislodged during the entire siege.

On the 19th, the enemy's main forces arrived, and proceeded at once to make a direct assault on my right. The first effort was directed against the center of Shoup's brigade; but being exposed to a heavy and well-directed fire, the enemy broke and fled. Reforming again, a second advance was attempted against my extreme right, and a bold effort made to rush over and into the works. The assaulting column seemed to consist of six or seven regiments, and was formed behind an elevation, concealing it from sight. After coming into view, it moved confidently and determinedly forward. The Twenty-sixth and Twenty-seventh Louisiana, <ar37_398> supported by the First Missouri, in reserve, received the charge with a withering fire, and after the second volley the enemy fled in confusion, leaving five colors on the field, and the ground strewn with the dead and wounded. One or two feeble attempts to rally were easily repulsed, and the day closed with the artillery and sharpshooters keeping up a continuous and heavy fire.

The 20th and 21st were spent by the enemy in erecting new batteries and keeping up from daylight till dark the heaviest possible firing, both of musketry and artillery.

The 22d passed in the same manner until about 2 p.m., when a column was discovered advancing against the right of Shoup's brigade. It was immediately driven back. Another then approached on the right of the center. This was dispersed without great effort and with considerable loss. Again the enemy appeared in increased force on my right and Forney's left. He was promptly repulsed with heavy loss. This terminated the day's operations, with the exception of the same heavy fire of musketry and artillery kept up until dark along my entire front. After these several decided repulses, the enemy seemed to have abandoned the idea of taking by assault, and went vigorously at work to thoroughly invest and attack by regular approaches; and the history of one day is pretty much the history of all.

For the more particular description of operations you are respectfully referred to the daily reports of operations handed in during the siege. While the opposing force was running new parallels, establishing new works for heavy guns, and gradually nearing our lines, we were strengthening our positions, protecting the men with traverses and bomb-proofs from the terrific fire of shot and shell constantly poured in upon them, and which only ceased at times when the enemy seemed to have temporarily exhausted their supplies of ammunition. The fire of the enemy was only occasionally replied to, except when there were indications of an assault, or it became necessary to retard or stop operations on some particular work. The limited amount of ammunition on hand rendered this course necessary, though I am inclined to think caution in this respect was pushed rather to an extreme, and that a little more firing would have proved beneficial.

Toward the close of the siege the attack was mainly carried on by mining. Along my front the enemy exploded no mines on us. On the contrary, counter ones were prepared, and, when their galleries approached within proper distance, were charged and fired, and, it is believed, with all the desired effect.

The good conduct of both officers and men during the forty-seven days in the trenches is worthy of special praise. Neither one nor the other could have behaved better; and all credit is to be accorded the brigadier-generals and their staffs for their vigilance, activity, and heroic example set to their soldiers.

Brigadier-General Baldwin received a severe wound early in the siege, but reported for duty before its close, and, together with General Shoup, receives my special acknowledgments for gallant services.

The heaviest and most dangerous attack was on the extreme right, and nobly did the Twenty-sixth, Twenty-seventh, Twenty-eighth [Twenty-ninth], and Thirty-first Louisiana repel and endure it. The casualties among the officers of these regiments indicate the nature of the defense required. In the Twenty-sixth Louisiana, Major [W. W.] Martin, l captain, and 2 lieutenants killed; Col. W. Hall severely wounded. In the Twenty-seventh Louisiana, Lieutenant-Colonel [L. L.] McLaurin, 1 captain, and 1 lieutenant killed; Col. L. D. Marks, dangerously, <ar37_399> Major [A. S.] Norwood, 1 captain, and 1 lieutenant severely wounded. In the Twenty-eighth [Twenty-ninth], 1 lieutenant killed and 3 lieutenants wounded. In the Thirty-first, Col. [S. H.] Griffin killed.

Circumstances arising out of Lieutenant-General Pemberton's orders have prevented my obtaining reports from Brigadier-Generals Baldwin and Vaughn; hence, to continue the enumeration further is impossible at present, and from the same cause my report is probably less complete than if--since my arrival from Vicksburg, where I was detained until the 1st instant--time and opportunity had been afforded me for hearing from my division brigadiers.

Of the following-named officers composing my staff I have to speak in terms of unqualified satisfaction; all did their duty intelligently, fearlessly, promptly, and efficiently: Lieutenant-Colonel [Edward] Ivy, chief of artillery; Major [J. G.] Devereux, assistant adjutant-general; Major [J. F.] Girault, inspector-general; Major [T. C.] Fearn, division quartermaster; Captain [M.] McDonald, ordnance officer; Lieutenant [G. H.] Frost and Lieutenant [B. M.] Harrod, aides-de-camp, and Captain [Edward] Hobart, volunteer aide-de-camp. Also Surgeon Whitfield, acting division surgeon.

To the brave Colonel Marks and his gallant regiment (Twenty-seventh Louisiana) belongs the distinction of taking the first colors, prisoners, and arms lost by the enemy during the siege. The conduct of the entire division was most exemplary, and its courage and cheerfulness increased, if possible, from day to day under the hardships and privations of the siege.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. L. SMITH,

Major-General, C. S. Army.

O.R. -- SERIES I -- VOLUME XVIV/2 [S#37] [pp #402±] MAY 19 - JULY 4, 1863. --The Siege Vicksburg, Miss.

No. 89.--Report of Brig. Gen. W. E. Baldwin, C. S. Army, commanding First Brigade.

[ar37_399 con't]

HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, SMITH'S DIVISION,

Vicksburg, July 10, 1863.

MAJOR: I have the honor respectfully to report the operations of my command immediately preceding and during the siege of Vicksburg, which terminated on the 4th instant. The brigade consisted of the following regiments, to wit: The Seventeenth Louisiana Infantry, Colonel [Robert] Richardson; the Thirty-first Louisiana Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel IS. H.] Griffin; the Fourth Mississippi Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel [T. N.] Adaire; the Forty-sixth Mississippi Infantry, Colonel [C. W.] Sears. To these other troops and artillery were temporarily attached, which will be noticed in their proper sequence.

On Monday evening, May 4, the brigade had returned from the expedition to Port Gibson, which formed the subject of a previous report.

Next evening, the 5th instant, in compliance with orders from division headquarters, I moved the command about 5 miles southeast of the city, on the Baldwin's Ferry road. Here we remained until Friday morning, the 8th, when I was again directed to move to Dr. Nailor's, 10 miles from Vicksburg, on the Warrenton and Hall's Ferry road. The command <ar37_400> was kept all the time in readiness for an immediate movement, supplied with two days' cooked rations in haversacks, two days' rations in regimental wagons, and two days' supplies in hands of brigade commissary.

On the 11th, I was directed to send a regiment to picket the crossing of the Big Black at Hamer's Ferry, and sent the Thirty-first Louisiana on this duty. The same night I was ordered by Major-General Stevenson, commanding the right wing of our army, to move to the Vicksburg and Hall's Ferry road, and relieve General Buford, who was directed to move east. The movement was made immediately that night. Lieutenant [C. E.] Hooker, with four pieces from Ridley's battery; Withers' artillery, reported to me for duty. I made my headquarters near Mr. D. Whitaker's. The Thirty first Louisiana, left on picket, was returned, and the next two days were spent in reconnoitering the ground in my front in the direction of Hall's Ferry, and in making dispositions for defense.

On the 14th, I received a communication from Brigadier-General Tilghman, whose headquarters were at Mr. Hubbard's, on the Baldwin's Ferry road, advising me that his command was ordered to Big Black Bridge.

On the 15th, orders were received from Major-General Forney, commanding the district, directing me, in compliance with instructions from the lieutenant-general commanding, to move to Mount Alban and "to guard all approaches to Big Black Bridge, particularly from the river;" that I should be assigned the command of all troops guarding the Big Black Bridge and its approaches, front and rear. Colonel [T. N.] Waul, with his Texas Legion, had reported to me just before the reception of this order. I had directed him to occupy the position just vacated by General Tilghman, but on the receipt of this order I moved at once to Mount Alban, leaving Colonel Waul at the point I had just left. My command reached Mount Alban at 6 p.m., when I received a dispatch from Brigadier-General Vaughn, commanding at Big Black Bridge, advising me that one regiment of his command had been ordered to Edwards Depot. In accordance with previous instructions, I forwarded Lieutenant Hooker, with his four pieces of artillery, to report to General Vaughn, and went myself the same night to consult with the latter and ascertain the means of defense at this point. Lieutenant-Colonel [W. N.] Brown, Twentieth Mississippi, commanding battalion of mounted men, was also directed to report to me. I ordered him to leave sufficient pickets for observation at Hall's and Hankinson's Ferries, and to report to me with the remainder of his command at Mount Alban. The Fourth Mississippi was held in readiness to move at a moment's notice to support General Vaughn, at the bridge.

On Saturday, the 16th instant, on receiving information from General Vaughn that the enemy were supposed to be advancing, I forwarded the Fourth Mississippi to him, and on the evening of the same day marched with the Seventeenth Louisiana and Forty-sixth Mississippi to Bovina, leaving the Thirty-first Louisiana at Mount Alban. That night rumors came of a disaster to our troops across Big Black Bridge, at Baker's Creek.

Early the next morning (the 17th), I received verbal directions from the lieutenant-general commanding to concentrate all of my command at Bovina, including the Fourth Mississippi, at the time detached to support General Vaughn at the bridge. The latter could not be brought off, being, when the orders reached General Vaughn, warmly engaged with the enemy. Before the last order could be entirely executed, I was <ar37_401> directed to proceed to Big Black and there take position on the left of the bridge, to cover the crossing of our troops from the left bank; also to place the cavalry at my disposal above and below the bridge, to watch the approaches from Haynes' Bluff on the left, to Baldwin's Ferry on the right. I sent, Major [W. A.] Rorer, Twentieth Mississippi, to the left with three companies, and Lieutenant-Colonel Brown with seven companies to the right. Starting immediately, I had proceeded but a short distance toward the bridge when further instructions were brought by Col. Jacob Thompson, inspector-general, to cross the bridge and defend from the other side the crossing, which was already attacked by a larger force of the enemy, before whom our troops were about to give way. I hastened to march in the quickest time, but arriving at the river found our troops already on this side, having been compelled to leave in disorder, and the bridge on fire. General [S. D.] Lee's brigade was being posted on the left of the bridge. I posted my command on the right, collecting the scattered remnants of the Fourth Mississippi, which had succeeded in crossing. This regiment had gallantly held its position on the other side until left alone by other commands adjoining. The enemy opened a brisk fire of artillery, which was returned by a few of our pieces from this side. After the lapse of about two hours, an order was received from the lieutenant-general commanding directing me to cause all troops at this point to move immediately in the direction of Vicksburg, with the exception of my own command, which was to remain until all had moved, and bring up the rear "in good order" This was executed. My command started at 12 o'clock. At Bovina I met Colonel [H. B.] Lyon, Eighth Kentucky Mounted Regiment, whom I directed to cover the rear, adopting such measures, in case of their advance, to hold the enemy in check as circumstances should indicate. I reached Vicksburg at sunset, and was then directed to proceed to the Warrenton road and take position in the defenses of our extreme right, looking to the rear.

On Monday, the 18th instant, at 10 a.m., two of my regiments were moved back to their old camping ground near the graveyard, on the north of the city. Two hours later the remainder of the command was directed to move in the same direction. Between the hours of 2 and 3 p.m. I was directed by Major-General Smith to occupy the outer line of defenses covering the left of the main works.

My command had scarcely got in position when the enemy appeared, and at once deployed his sharpshooters, opening a brisk fire, which we were unable to return with effect. They soon placed artillery in position, and the fire was vigorously kept up until night. Two pieces of Ward's battalion had been placed on my extreme left. Two more pieces were sent to me, to be placed behind epaulements erected for the service of guns on my line, but the enemy's sharpshooters were enabled to approach so closely that I was confident no piece could be served longer than ten minutes. Major [J. W.] Anderson, chief of artillery of the Second Brigade, was mortally wounded while passing around a parapet to select a position for the guns. The same night I received orders to evacuate the outer line at 3 a.m., and occupy the inner and principal line of intrenchments, my right resting on Riddle's house. This was done, and at broad daylight my command was in the new position, the right wing of the Seventeenth Louisiana (my right) being on the right of Riddle's house, to connect with General Shoup's brigade. Work was immediately commenced strengthening the defenses on all the unprotected intervals. Two regiments of Mississippi State troops, to wit, Colonel [H. C.] Robinson's regiment and Lieutenant-Colonel [T. A.] Burgin's «26 R R VOL XXlV: PT II» <ar37_402> battalion, under command of Brig. Gen. J. V. Harris, of the State service, also a battalion of stragglers from General Loring's division, commanded by Major Stevens, were directed to report to me, and were placed temporarily in reserve. During the day the following pieces of light artillery were placed in position on my line: One 30-pounder Parrott gun, manned by a detachment from a Missouri battery (this gun burst on the evening of Friday, and was replaced by a 32-pounder smooth-bore, served by a detachment from Captain [J. P.] Lynch's company, First Tennessee Artillery); one Whitworth gun, which also burst the first day; one 24-pounder howitzer, two 12.pounder howitzers, two 6-pounder guns, and two 3.inch rifled guns, served by Wofford's company, Withers' regiment light artillery, and three 6-pounder guns, served by a detachment of Guibor's artillery company, the whole under the immediate direction of Captain [J. L.] Wofford as chief of artillery for the brigade. One of the 3-inch rifled pieces was disabled by a trunnion being knocked off early in the siege. With the exception named, no other damage was done to my artillery during the siege except such as was immediately repaired.

In the afternoon of the 19th (Tuesday), the enemy made two demonstrations upon my line, one upon my left and the other upon my extreme right, both of which were gallantly repulsed by the Seventeenth and Thirty-first Louisiana Regiments. Late in the evening of the same day, Brigadier-General Vaughn, commanding on the left, sent word that the enemy were mussing troops opposite his position and desiring re-enforcements. I immediately hastened to his support a Missouri regiment, of. Colonel [F. M.] Cockrell's brigade, which was temporarily in reserve in my rear, and Major Stevens' battalion. The latter did not return to my command during the siege. The same night I removed the Thirty-first Louisiana to my extreme right, holding them there as a reserve, replacing them in the trenches by. Brigadier-General Harris' command of State troops.

The next morning (Wednesday, the 20th), one regiment of State troops (Colonel Robinson's) was ordered by Major-General Smith to the trenches on the river front of the city, the Twenty-eighth [Twenty-ninth] Louisiana, Colonel [Allen] Thomas, being directed to report to me in their place. The Seventeenth Louisiana, on my right, being too weak to occupy fully the portion of the line assigned to them, I relieved them by the Thirty-first Louisiana, a larger regiment, placing the former in reserve. Nothing of interest occurred during this or the next day. The enemy was busy erecting batteries and placing guns in position in front of our line, keeping up an incessant fire of sharpshooters. Our trenches were rapidly completed and strengthened, and traverses erected as positions subject to an enfilading fire were developed.

On Friday evening, the 22d, a vigorous attack was made on General Shoup's line and' my right, which was gallantly repulsed with heavy loss to the enemy, who left the ground in our front covered with their dead. In the early part of this day I was disabled by a wound, and compelled to relinquish the command until June 13, when I returned to duty. The command during the interval devolved first on Colonel Thomas, Twenty-eighth [Twenty-ninth] Louisiana, but his regiment being returned to General Shoup's brigade next day, Colonel Richardson, Seventeenth Louisiana, succeeded, and to his report, which will accompany this, respectfully refer for details of operations during my absence.

From this time, with but few exceptions, the daily operations were very similar. A constant fire of artillery was kept up with considerable <ar37_403> briskness early in the morning and late in the evening, slackening and sometimes altogether ceasing during the seven or eight middle hours of the day, and kept up during the night at regular but longer intervals. The enemy's skirmishers occupied every cover in our own front, and opposite my right were enabled to approach to within sight or within 100 paces. Upon no position of the line could a head be exposed a moment above the parapet without being a target for the enemy's bullets.

On June 20, at daybreak, the enemy opened their heaviest artillery fire, and though this was kept up incessantly with the greatest rapidity for five or six hours, and continued with a little less vigor during the entire day, but little damage was done to our works, and our casualties were but 2 killed and 5 wounded. The greater portion of our losses during the siege was caused by the fire of small-arms. The enemy had constructed a covered way, connecting his batteries on the hills opposite the left, by way of the valley in our front, with those opposite my right. From this they commenced an approach opposite the right of the Thirty-first Louisiana, where the valley was narrowest, ascending a spur which led from the ridge occupied by our defenses. To obstruct their approach in case of an attempt to storm, a row of palisades bad been placed some 20 yards in front of our trenches at this point, and a ditch excavated behind these to shelter an advanced line of sharpshooters as an additional obstacle. Their work silently progressed without impediment until about June 25; then, when they had approached to within 60 or 70 yards, their boldness invited our attention. Procuring a dozen hunting rifles, these in the hands of experienced marksmen rendered their approach very slow and cautious. The 3-inch rifle piece was brought to bear at 700 yards' distance with same effect on their works, and afterward a position was excavated on the site of Riddle's house, concealed from view, for the 24-pounder howitzer, which was completed on the night of the 3d instant. This gun, bearing at 150 yards with a plunging fire directly on their work, would have effectually destroyed it had not the termination of our defense prevented its being used.

On the night of the 3d instant, I was summoned to a council of general officers and brigade commanders, to consider terms of capitulation offered by the commander of the Federal forces. The result of this deliberation and the terms obtained next day require no report from me. My command marched over the trenches and stacked their arms with the greatest reluctance, conscious of their ability to hold the position assigned them for an indefinite period of time.

During the whole siege the entire command had exhibited the highest degree of patience, fortitude, and courage, bearing deprivations of sufficient food, constant duty in the trenches under a broiling sun by day and heavy fatigue and picket duty at night without a murmur, willing to bear any hardships, confident in sustaining the brunt of any assault, in the hope of anticipated relief and ultimate triumph. The command was daily aroused and under arms at 3.30 a.m., to guard against surprise, and nightly our pickets were in advance of our defenses and nearly contiguous to the sentinels of the enemy.

All the regiments of my command and the artillerists deserve the highest commendation for their good conduct during the siege and the preceding operations.

The loss in killed and wounded was severe. Not being able to give the names nor the exact numbers at this time from absence of reports of regimental commanders, these will be the subject of a supplemental report. <ar37_404>

On May 20, the Seventeenth Louisiana had to mourn the loss of Lieutenant-Colonel [Madison] Rogers, at the time temporarily in command of his regiment. He was a brave, able, and efficient officer, and a great loss to his command and the service.

On June 27, Lieutenant-Colonel Griffin, commanding the Thirty-first Louisiana, was killed while watching the operations of the enemy from the trenches. One of the best field officers it has ever been my good fortune to meet, his imperturbable coolness and gallantry on all occasions, his watchful vigilance and sound judgment, united with more than ordinary ability as a tactician and disciplinarian, rendered his loss irreparable to his regiment and a serious blow to the service.

The next day (June 28) Lieutenant-Colonel Adaire, commanding the Fourth Mississippi, was severely wounded. He displayed during the entire operations (until disabled) the highest qualities of a soldier, and merits especial notice.

Colonel Richardson, Seventeenth Louisiana, conducted himself, as usual, with great judgment, discretion, and gallantry. For nearly three weeks in command of the brigade during the most critical period, I commend him most warmly to the notice of the major-general commanding, who was personally and directly cognizant of his conduct during the time mentioned.

Colonel Sears, Forty-sixth Mississippi, merits favorable notice for his conduct during this trying time.

Major (afterward Lieutenant-Colonel) [W. A.] Redditt and Captain (afterward Major) [D. W.] Self, Seventeenth Louisiana; Major (afterward Lieutenant-Colonel) [J. W.] Draughon and Captain (afterward Major) [R. D.] Bridger, Thirty-first Louisiana (officers assigned to a higher rank, to fill vacancies by virtue of seniority); Lieutenant-Colonel [W. K.] Easterling and Major [W. H.] Clark, Forty-sixth Mississippi, and Captains [J. B.] Moore and [T. P.] Nelson, acting field officers of the Fourth Mississippi; also Captain Wofford, of Withers' artillery, acting chief of artillery for the brigade, all merit high commendation for courage, faithfulness, and good conduct in the discharge of their respective duties. Other officers deserve mention, but not coming so directly under my personal observation, reference is made to reports of regimental commanders.

The members of my staff generally deserve to be mentioned favorably: J. W. Benoit, assistant adjutant-general, Capt. S. D. Harris, assistant inspector-general, and Maj. H. B. Whitfield, brigade commissary, had the most arduous duties to perform, which were executed with commendable diligence.

Maj. A. G. Scott, brigade quartermaster, and Lieut. T. A. Burke, ordnance officer, performed their duties faithfully.

Lieut. P. Hamilton, aide-de-camp; Cadet Thomas Harrison, acting aide-de-camp; C. A. Withers, J. D. Shute, and J. M. Clark, volunteer aides, were always on the alert to discharge any duty and to encounter any danger.

Reports of regimental commanders comprising minor details, with full returns of the strength of the command engaged, with lists of killed, wounded, and missing, will be forwarded so soon as completed.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. E. BALDWIN,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Maj. J. G. DEVEREUX,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

<ar37_405>

ADDENDA.

JULY 3, 1863.

I object to a surrender of the troops, and am in favor of holding the position, or attempting to do so, as long as possible.

W. E. BALDWIN,

Brigadier-General.

O.R. -- SERIES I -- VOLUME XVIV/2 [S#37] [pp #406±] MAY 19 - JULY 4, 1863. -- The Siege of Vicksburg, Miss.

No. 90.--Report of Brig. Gen. F. A. Shoup, C. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, SMITH'S DIVISION,

Vicksburg, Miss, July 8, 1863.

MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following report of operations of my brigade during the siege of Vicksburg:

On May 18, I was ordered to send a regiment of my command on the Graveyard road, to a point near Willis', to cover a foraging party collecting <ar37_406> supplies in that quarter. Colonel [L. D.] Marks' regiment (Twenty-seventh Louisiana) was accordingly ordered to move. I accompanied the regiment. When it arrived at our line of intrenchments, intelligence was brought me that the enemy were upon us. I at once threw forward a strong line of skirmishers to check his advance and to allow us time to occupy the trenches. The skirmishers were engaged before they had advanced 300 yards from our line of rifle-pits. The trenches to the right were partially occupied by General [Louis] Hebert's brigade. I sent to ask that those troops be extended to the left, to close the interval, which was done. Colonel Marks' regiment rested, with the center at the redan, on the Graveyard road. I dispatched a courier at once to inform the major-general of the position of affairs. This was about 1 p.m. My skirmishers maintained their position. The enemy extended his forces to our left. After a time, Colonel [Winchester] Hall's regiment (the Twenty-sixth Louisiana) arrived, and was posted in the gorge at that point, where an advanced line of rifle.pits on the left strikes the principal line. Other troops arrived and extended the line to the left. Colonel [Allen] Thomas' regiment (the Twenty-eighth [Twenty-ninth] Louisiana). of my brigade, was temporarily detached.

Sharpshooting was maintained all along my front till dark. In the night I was advised that it had been determined to abandon the advanced line on the left, and was ordered to withdraw Colonel Hall's regiment as soon as the troops of that line had fallen back, which was accomplished quietly at dawn. I caused Colonel Marks' regiment to close to the right, to make the line more complete, and placed Colonel Hall's regiment on its left. The latter regiment found its position almost without intrenchments. Few tools could be had, but in a surprisingly short time a very tolerable cover was constructed.

At daylight the enemy had taken possession of the heights abandoned a few hours before by our troops, from which position he soon opened upon us with artillery. By 10 a.m. he had placed his batteries in our front, as well as to the right and left of my position, the line making a very decided salient. The fire from artillery and sharpshooters soon became very heavy. We made little reply, waiting for further developments.

About 1 p.m. the enemy debouched in force from a gorge in front of the center of my position. We opened on him. He broke and fled to the cover of the hills. After a time he reappeared in greater force farther to the right, in front of redan occupied by Colonel Marks' regiment. Our fire staggered him, but the fragments of several regiments succeeded in gaining the cover of a ridge in front of the redan. Here he remained some time almost wholly free from our fire. He finally made a rush, with the intention of carrying our line, but was met by a terrific fire in front and flank, and fled in utter confusion, leaving many dead. Colonel [A. C.] Riley, First Missouri Volunteers, in response to request, moved promptly to support the point attacked, and arrived in time to render valuable assistance. The enemy continued a terrific fire until dark.

In this attack the enemy lost several prisoners, a stand of colors, and many stand of arms. Our loss was heavy.

Colonel Hall, Twenty-sixth Louisiana, was severely wounded while in the gallant discharge of his duty. Capt. Louis Florence, a volunteer aide for the occasion, was killed early in the action; he had borne himself with great bravery. Several other officers were killed and wounded. <ar37_407>

Too much praise cannot be given to both men and officers. My thanks are expressly due to Capt. B L. Moore, acting assistant adjutant-general, for valuable and intelligent service during the day; he displayed the most marked gallantry.

May 20 and 21.--Continued fire from the artillery and sharpshooters of the enemy. We improve every moment to strengthen our line and protect ourselves from the incessant fire. Our artillery is almost useless, since we have no properly constructed protection. Being almost without intrenching tools, we can do little to repair the evil.

May 22.--Fire from the enemy before dawn; keep it up with extreme vigor. A little after noon the enemy attempted to carry my position on the extreme right; another failure. A force on my extreme left begins to assemble. Taking advantage of the gorge in front, they gain the cover of the steep declivity at the foot of ridge running down from our line into the gorge. Several regiments are finally assembled. About 3 p.m. a very heavy force discovers itself on my right and General Hebert's left. It moves forward to assault our line; it is repulsed with great loss. Many of the enemy are killed in the ditch of redan occupied by Third Missouri Volunteers. A terribly beautiful scene. About 5 p.m. the force on my left just spoken of makes a dash at my line. It is slaughtered, and flies in confusion. The troops behaved most admirably; mount the parapets with enthusiasm. Colonel Marks, Twenty-seventh Louisiana; Lieutenant-Colonel [L. L.] McLaurin, Twenty-seventh Louisiana; Lieutenant-Colonel [W. C.] Crow, Twenty-sixth Louisiana; Major [W. W.] Martin, Twenty-sixth Louisiana, and Major [A. S.] Norwood, Twenty-seventh Louisiana, each display great gallantry.

May 23 to 31.--Enemy intrenching energetically at night, keeping up a continuous fire during the day. He has an almost continuous line of circumvallation; his guns are thoroughly protected with mantlets against sharpshooters. We are ordered not to expend ammunition. Colonel Thomas' regiment rejoined the brigade on May 25, and was placed in the center of my position. We are still at work improving our line. A furious cannonade on the 31st.

June 1.--Enemy has established a new battery opposite the center of my line; also some additional rifled guns opposite redan; do our works considerable damage.

June 3.--Fire as usual. We lose a number of men each day. Last night enemy was at work within 150 yards of redan. Feel the want of light-balls; have no means of lighting up. The nature of the ground being very broken, permits the enemy to work so near us; are not strong enough to drive him away.

June 4.--Enemy opened on my left this morning at 10 o'clock with artillery and musketry; continued above an hour. He has quite a complete parallel in front of redan. It extends from the road (Graveyard) about 150 yards to the right, and is only distant about 100 yards from the redan. This salient is very weak; we are doing all we can to strengthen it; have urged the importance of it to the major-general. We are constructing rifle-pits in front of stockade between the redan and lunette on the left.

June 5.--During the night the enemy kept up an incessant artillery fire and occasionally musketry. The enemy is pushing forward his approaches on the Graveyard road. Last night he constructed a rifle-pit to the left (our) of the road and within 75 yards of redan; he has complete cover to it. Sharpshooting from those new works is maintained <ar37_408> with great activity and bitterness. We are entirely too weak to drive him out of these works; besides, the ground is very unfavorable for such an adventure. Are pushing forward work on our post; much yet to be done. We fire upon his parties at night, but cannot altogether stop his work. Have recommended the construction of lines of retrenchments as a precaution should the enemy carry this point. We are using cotton for protection. It does not answer very good purpose; takes fire and has to be pulled down. It is good against sharpshooters.

June 6.--Enemy fired nearly all night from artillery; otherwise much as usual.

June 8.--Nothing unusual on yesterday. Today the enemy remarkably quiet; continuous fire during the night. He still works vigorously on his approaches. Can now come within 50 or 60 yards of the redan; is advancing by double sap. Call attention again to the importance of constructing interior works to command redan should it fall. Pickets captured a prisoner (Ninth Iowa) last night.

June 9.--Last night the enemy fired into our working party on the left, wounding 2 men. We are constructing a rough stockade at that point, to prevent a dash from the enemy's works, now not more than 75 yards distant. We work under great difficulties; want axes and intrenchment tools. On the right we are strengthening ourselves steadily and surely; are making in the ditch and in front of the redan rough stockades with brush and wire entanglements.

June 10.--Rained heavily this morning. Everything quiet except an occasional shot.

June 11.--More rain last night. No unusual movement on the part of the enemy. He has not been at work since the rain began. He is running a regular zigzag, using gabions and sap-roller in front of redan. The relief of the redan is so great that we cannot bring a gun to bear on his sap-roller. The sharpshooters are extremely vigilant, and are within 60 or 70 yards, excellently covered. In front of the center of my position the enemy is constructing approaches to gain the point in front of lunette. The Twenty-sixth Louisiana is securing its front against a dash by means of a picket with brush entanglements. Have directed that my entire line should be protected by brush; it is progressing rapidly.

June 12.--Enemy did no work last night in front of the redan. We finished our stockade on the left last night; shall cause a rifle-pit to be dug immediately on its rear. Shall complete the brush protection along my line to-night. No great firing yesterday.

June 13.--Enemy again at work on the right. Did little last night, but something. Again urge that the engineers construct inner works. No particular change observable at other points. This morning the enemy is unusually active on the right, firing on the redan; has cut away the parapet very considerably. Sharpshooting very bitter. Sharpshooters take aim at exposed points, and when one exposes himself in the least a number of guns are discharged simultaneously.

June 14.--Enemy cut down parapet of redan and disabled 12.pounder gun at that point. He made no perceptible advance with his sap last night. We used rampart and hand-grenades on his sap last night with good effect. Have organized my artillerists into a hand-grenade and thunder-barrel corps, since our guns are of no service. The Twenty-seventh Louisiana has suffered dreadfully up to this time. It was relieved for a few days by a Missouri regiment.

June 15.--No change since yesterday. Sap at redan very close, within <ar37_409> 10 paces of ditch. We are using hand.grenades on working parties. Completed our rifle-pits on the left between new stockade and our works. Since 12 m. artillery firing has been very heavy.

June 17.--No change since yesterday. Two men deserted from the Twenty-sixth Louisiana last night. The Twenty-seventh Louisiana has returned to its position. We are on speaking terms with the enemy at the redan. The picket parties at that point agree upon short truces, during which neither party is to fire. Notes are thrown across from one party to another. Some trading going on in coffee, &c. Have forbidden communications, but after sundown the firing ceases and there is a good deal of talk going on between the enemy and our own people, but principally in the brigades to my right and left. I permit it only in the presence of the officer of the day. Brothers, relations, and friends are constantly inquiring after each other.

June 19.--Day passed as usual yesterday. The enemy has constructed two new embrasures on the left of my line, probably to attempt to cut down the stockade at that point. The stockade between the redan and lunette is perfectly riddled, but is still about as good as ever; it is of poplar timber. The enemy seems to take delight in firing at it. He is running a double sap up the ridge on the left, but he can accomplish nothing with it; that point is secure.

June 20.--Furious cannonading began at daylight and continued a good part of the day. Enemy was at work again in front of redan. Think he is constructing a parallel on each flank for his sap. There are no indications that he is yet running galleries. He seems not to have worked all night.

June 21.--Enemy broke new ground last night in front of lunette; is using gabions; has secured cover within 60 yards of works. He could reach this position in spite of us; think he only wants cover for sharpshooters. Urge the importance of light-balls; if light-balls proper cannot be had, some substitute can. Ask for more hand-grenades; find that they work excellently well. Lieutenant-Colonel [L. L.] McLaurin, Twenty-seventh Louisiana, mortally wounded; he was an excellent and gallant officer.

June 22.--Maj. W. W. Martin, Twenty-sixth Louisiana, was killed instantly by sharpshooters. He was one of the most gallant and excellent young officers of the command. His loss is a most serious one. Everything much as usual.

June 23.--We are constructing galleries from several points in the ditch of redan against the enemy's works. Cannot hear him at work yet. Major [A. S.] Norwood, Twenty-seventh Louisiana, wounded. The Twenty-seventh Louisiana is now without a field officer, and has but one captain for duty. My entire command is sadly reduced in officers.

June 24.--Comparatively quiet. Rained during the night. Think the enemy is making galleries. An attempt was made to spring our mines; failed. The train was laid in gas-pipes; will not communicate. Find by experiment that powder, when confined in a long tube, when ignited, will burst the tube a few feet from the end, and will not burn farther.

June 26.--Everything much as usual yesterday; continuous firing.

June 27.--Our mines at the redan were sprung last night with success. The wire under changed mines. No damage done to the counter-scarp of ditch. It is still perfect. Must have done the enemy much harm.

June 28.--Enemy fired upon and drove in our working parties, which were attempting to construct a picket on the outside of lunette. No <ar37_410> change observable in the enemy's doings. Colonel [L. D.] Marks, Twenty-seventh Louisiana, mortally wounded. He was a gallant officer.

June 29.--Enemy seems to change his point of attack. Is at work in front of stockade, between redan and lunette. The declivity is so great that we can do him little harm. Are using hand-grenades on him.

June 30.--Enemy discovered to be approaching rifle-pits in front of stockade on the right with sap.

July 1.--Enemy drove in our pickets in front of stockade last night, wounding 2 men. Enemy is erecting a gabionade in front of redan. Amounts to nothing.

July 2.--Enemy advancing his sap in front of stockade. Protects himself from hand-grenades by covering his track with rails, thus making a sort of gallery. We are running a gallery from our trenches to blow in the enemy's works.

July 3.--A truce to-day. We can now see more clearly what the enemy is about. He has abandoned work in front of redan. He is running a gallery, with the intention of blowing up the stockade between lunette and redan. Is hard at work to-day. We follow his example. The question is, which shall explode first? A sad accident occurred last night. Lieutenant [E.] McMahon, engineer, was mortally wounded by the carelessness of our own men. Lieutenant McMahon has done most excellent service, and his loss is greatly to be deplored.

July 4.--Capitulation ordered. At 10 a.m. we moved out of our trenches by battalion, stacked arms, and then returned to our old quarters in town. The men were full of indignation. Though they have had very scant fare, and had been exposed to a merciless and almost continuous fire, remaining at their post in the trenches without relief, I have rarely heard a murmur or complaint. The tone has always been "This is pretty hard, but we can stand it." Too much praise cannot be given to officers and men.

Detachments from the following batteries were posted on my line, viz: [J. Q.] Wall's, [William E.] Dawson's, [W. T.] Withers', [W. N.] Hogg's, and Francis McNally's.

Lieutenant-Colonel [W. C.] Crow, Twenty-sixth Regiment Louisiana Volunteers, bore himself with marked gallantry throughout the siege. He was the only field officer remaining in his regiment.

Col. Allen Thomas, Twenty-eighth [Twenty-ninth] Regiment Louisiana Volunteers, was constantly at his post. He was vigilant and energetic.

The Twenty-seventh Regiment Louisiana Volunteers had no field officer remaining. Two were killed and the third severely wounded. Captains [E. W.] Robertson, [R. W.] Campbell, [C. J.] Foster, [Joseph T.] Hatch, [T. C.] Lewis, [Alexander S.] Norwood, and, in fact, the entire regiment, deserve the highest commendations.

My thanks are due to the following officers, who rendered me excellent assistance as staff officers: Capt. B. L. Moore, acting assistant adjutant-general; Lieut. Louis Guion, acting inspector-general; Capt. G. W. Clarke, acting ordnance officer; Capt. James C. Wiggs, acting inspector of artillery; Mr. Eugene Hill, volunteer aide, and Dr. Foster, volunteer surgeon.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. A. SHOUP,

Brigadier-General.

Maj. J. G. DEVEREUX,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

<ar37_411>

O.R. -- SERIES I -- VOLUME XVIV/1 [S#37] [pp #???±] MAY 19 - JULY 4, 1863. -- The Siege of Vicksburg, Miss.

No. 90.--Report of Brig. Gen. F. A. Shoup, C. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade.

[ar37_405 con't]

DALTON, GA, April 11, 1864.

GENERAL: I have the honor to transmit, inclosed, the report of operations of my brigade during the siege of Vicksburg. Before leaving Vicksburg, I rendered a report to Major General Smith, which was lost. I was directed by General Pemberton some time ago to make another and send it to you direct.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. A. SHOUP,

Brigadier-General.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General, C. S. Army.

[Inclosure.]

(See Report: Listed Above)

O.R. -- SERIES I -- VOLUME XVIV/3 [S#38] [pp #488±] JANUARY 20 - AUGUST 10, 1863. -- The Siege of Vicksburg, Miss.

No. 90.--Report of Brig. Gen. F. A. Shoup, C. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade.

Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Mississippi And West Tennessee (And Those In Arkansas And Louisiana Connected With The Siege Of Vicksburg) From January 20 To August 10, 1863.

UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#20

<ar38_488>

HEADQUARTERS, Vicksburg, Miss., July 8, 1863.

Maj. Gen. U.S. GRANT, Commanding U. S. Forces:

GENERAL: I am informed by Colonel [C. C.] Henderson, Fifth Confederate Regiment, through an assistant adjutant general, that the Twenty-seventh Louisiana Regiment, a portion of the command surrendered, is now crossing the Mississippi River in skiffs. I respectfully call your [attention] to this, and protest against this violation of the terms of the capitulation entered into between you and myself. [Note: This would stand to reason, if men of the Twenty-seventh Louisiana Regiment crossed the river -- then more than likely other Louisiana regiments followed suit...jlr]

I am, general, very respectfully,

J. C. PEMBERTON.

-----

VICKSBURG, July 8, 1863.

Major-General MCPHERSON:

GENERAL: I have the honor to state that I am informed that many of my men have been crossing the river this afternoon, and are still crossing, notwithstanding all that has been said on the subject, and again to request that this be stopped, if possible.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. C. PEMBERTON.

-----

HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENN., Vicksburg, Miss., July 8, 1863.

Maj. Gen. J. B. MCPHERSON, Comdg. Seventeenth Army Corps:

GENERAL: There apparently being some misunderstanding between Lieutenant-General Pemberton and the paroling officers engaged in issuing paroles to the prisoners, and Major [N. G.] Watts, commissioner for the exchange of prisoners, apparently having the idea that his presence here makes it necessary that he should receipt all rolls to make the parole binding, I will give you a line of policy to pursue.

The terms which I proposed to General Pemberton were free from ambiguity, and were accepted in unmistakable language. That acceptance alone made the whole garrison prisoners of war, who could not properly be placed on military duty until properly exchanged, even if they should escape before being paroled or enrolled. No further receipt than General Pemberton's letter of acceptance of terms is necessary to bind the Confederate authorities to acknowledge the entire garrison of Vicksburg on the morning of the 4th instant prisoners of war. The only object in issuing rolls made out is that the Government may have something in a compact form, which will be recognized, to enable them to negotiate for the exchange of prisoners hereafter. I do not regard it as essential that Major Watts should sign the rolls, so long as they are signed by brigade or regimental commanders. Major Watts, with the balance, is at present a prisoner of war.

U.S. GRANT.

-----

VICKSBURG, MISS., July 8, 1863.

Maj. Gen. J. B. MCPHERSON, Comdg. Seventeenth Army Corps:

GENERAL: There apparently being some misunderstanding between Lieutenant-General Pemberton and the paroling officers as to the method of conducting the paroling of prisoners, I will give you the following rules for your guidance, that there may be no misunderstanding:

No prisoner will be allowed to leave our lines until all are paroled who will accept. Those who decline will be confined on steamers anchored <ar38_489> in the stream until they accept and consent to march out with officers appointed over them. Declining this, they will be sent north as prisoners of war, to be held for exchange. When all those able to leave the lines are paroled, and the rolls are approved by General Pemberton, or any officer designated by him, the whole will be required to leave our lines. Those declining to leave will be sent out under guard. General Pemberton's acceptance of the terms proposed to him bind the Confederate Government not to accept the services of any man who formed a part of the garrison on the morning of the 4th instant until properly exchanged. The object of the parole is to make each individual feel the same obligation.

Very respectfully,

U.S. GRANT.

-----

HDQRS. SEVENTEENTH A. C., Vicksburg, July 8, 1863.

Lieut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Asst. Adjutant-General:

COLONEL: Orders were issued when we first came in town to stop all crossing the river in small boats, and a strong guard has been stationed along the levee to prevent this, and also prevent soldiers, both our own and Confederate, from going in steamboats. It was reported to me that 17 paroled Confederate prisoners had gone across the river. I immediately sent down to have the thing stopped, if possible, and shall try and do so.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAS. B. McPHERSON.

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VICKSBURG, MISS., July 8, 1863.

Maj. Gen. J. B. MCPHERSON,

Comdg. Seventeenth Army Corps:

GENERAL: Inform General Pemberton that, owing to the refusal of Major Watts to countersign rolls of paroled prisoners, certified to by regimental commanders, unless the members are actually present when passing out of the lines, I would be pleased if those already paroled be moved out as early as possible to-morrow. Hereafter, require all regiments or detachments coming up to be paroled to come ready to march immediately out as soon as they receive their paroles.

Very respectfully,

U.S. GRANT.

-----

VICKSBURG, Miss., July 8, 1863.

Lieut. Col. J. D. BINGHAM,

Chief Quartermaster, Department of the Tennessee:

COLONEL: The large number of our sick and wounded, and still greater of Confederate sick and wounded, at this place, and so much for their care being required from your department, renders it necessary that some one person be assigned to the duty of providing and furnishing all that may be properly required of the quartermaster's department in the way of tents and buildings for hospital purposes, transportation, wood, water, coffins, &c.

You will, therefore, designate and assign to such duty at once a competent and energetic assistant or acting assistant quartermaster, with <ar38_490> directions to report to Surg. Madison Mills, medical director. Issues of quartermaster's stores for hospitals will be made on requisition, approved by the medical director of the department.

By order of Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant:

JNO. A. RAWLINS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

 

Referrence:
The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
as illustrated on the CD by Guild Press of Indiana, Inc.

 

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