Accordingly, on the 27th of March the command was taken by transport Laurel Hill to Donaldsonville, whence it marched over-land to Brashear City, the trip beginning the 31st and ending the 9th of April. On this march the battery formed a part of the 2d Brigade, Colonel Kimball, in General Grover's division. Here it united with the rest of the Army of the Gulf for operations against the enemy who were threatening New Orleans from the rear, the whole numbering about 17,000 men.

On the morning of the 11th of April the battery with General Grover's division started from Brashear City and proceeded up the Atchafalaya River.^[9] The intention of this expedition was to get in the rear of the enemy and either attack them there or cut off their retreat. The grounding of one of the transports at the entrance of Grand Lake delayed the troops for twenty-four hours but on the 13th a landing was made opposite Madame Porter's plantation thirty miles from Brashear City. While effecting a landing about 250 Confederates with two pieces of artillery opened fire and a sharp skirmish ensued in which the Union men took quite a number of prisoners.

The next day, shortly after daylight, the division again advanced and early in the morning met a strong force of the enemy at Irish Bend, a sharp bend in the Teche. Here a battle took place and after two hours' fighting the enemy was obliged to retreat leaving many dead on the field and about 100 prisoners. For the next few days an advance was made, constant skirmishing going on all the while until on April 17 we find the battery at New Iberia. Here the left section under Lieutenant Snow, together with three regiments marched twelve miles farther to Avery's Island, destroyed the famous salt works there and captured a large number of horses. The destruction of these salt works was a very important measure, as from them the Confederates had been able to obtain thousands of pounds of salt, thus making them independent of the United States or England.

The next morning the march was renewed, Generals Emery and Weitzel on the Bayou Road, General Grover on the other. At Vermillion Bayou the enemy, who was only a short distance in advance, massed in a strong position on the opposite bank, fired on the Union troops from the woods, opening with artillery. Nims' Battery and Battery L of the regulars joined in the artillery duel, forcing the enemy to retire, but not until they had burned the bridge over the bayou. The next day the bridge was rebuilt and the advance continued until on April 20 Opelousas was reached.

While here orders were read from General Banks giving the troops much credit for capturing over 2000 prisoners, 10 guns, assisting in the destruction of two gunboats and two transports, the salt works and one fort and also in seizing a large quantity of arms and equipments, sugar, cotton, molasses, mules, horses, etc.

At this time, too, one section of the battery under Lieutenant Snow was detached from the main body and for about a month served under Colonel Chickering in connection with the 5th Massachusetts, 41st Massachusetts, 4th Maine, and a New York regiment. The work done is summarized as follows: "There was collected and sent to New Orleans via Brashear upward of 6000 bales of cotton, large quantities of sugar, molasses, and other products and at least 10,000 contrabands, men, women, and children to work in the government plantations in LaFourche Co." Irwin says: "The column covered in the march the long train that stretched out for eight miles over the prairies with a motley band of negroes, horses, and beeves for a cumbrous accompaniment. With the possible exception of the horde that set out to follow Sherman's march to the sea, this was the most curious column ever put in motion since that which defiled after Noah into the ark."^[10]

On April 22 the right and left sections with the First Brigade, General Dwight, pushed forward through Washington to the Tableau River where they rebuilt a bridge which had been burned. During the day there was a slight skirmish with the cavalry. In C. B. Maxwell's diary we read: "Our battery with General Dwight's Brigade. Joe Knowlton and I crossed river to plantation owned by a widow and obtained some milk and two dozen eggs. Just then the enemy's force fired on our cavalry pickets, killing one and wounding several. Joe and I started on double quick each with one dozen eggs in a handkerchief. Reached camp without losing or breaking one!"

On the 4th of May the whole army started for Alexandria. "Captain Dwight of General Banks' staff rode past the brigade with orders and when just in front of the battery he was fired on from across the bayou and killed. A company of cavalry was sent out in pursuit and succeeded in capturing the man who committed the deed. Three days later he was brought before the brigade and shot."

May 12 Alexandria was reached and after a few days' rest a start was made for Port Hudson by way of Simsport and Bayou Sara.

Port Hudson was situated on a high bluff on the east side of the Mississippi at a sharp bend. Its fortifications were arranged for defense, the parapets averaging a thickness of 20 feet and the depth of the ditch below the parapet being not less than 15 feet. Below the landing known as Hickey's were the first batteries, on a bluff about 40 feet above high-water mark. Three series of batteries extended along the river for a continuous line of three miles. Above the creek was an impassable marsh. From the lower battery ran a line of land fortifications semi-circular in form and about ten miles in extent.^[11]

The Confederate forces numbered probably about 7000, the Union forces something over 30,000. General Banks' troops were commanded by Generals Weitzel, Auger, Grover, and T. W. Sherman, while the Confederate garrison was under Gen. Frank T. Gardner.

The following extracts will show how the battery was engaged for the next few weeks.

May 24. Arrived at Bayou Sara at 3 A. M. Marched 13 miles toward Port Hudson. General Grover's division took first line of rifle pits. Army then formed around Port Hudson with Generals Weitzel and Paine on right, General Grover and Colonel Dudley in center and Generals Auger and T. W. Sherman on the left. The artillery brigade under command of General Arnold.

May 25. Battery ordered to relieve Battery L at the front.

May 26. At noon both sections fell back a half mile and went into camp to rest the horses, they having been in harness four days and four nights.

Banks was informed that the Confederates were withdrawing from the post and accordingly orders were given for a general assault. On the morning of May 27 the artillery opened upon the garrison, and continued firing all day. The infantry and navy joined in the attack. One section of the battery advanced to within 700 yards of the enemy's works and silenced two of their guns, but were in turn silenced by the enemy. The whole assault was a disastrous failure, the Union loss being 293 killed and 1549 wounded. The next morning under a flag of truce there was a cessation of hostilities until afternoon in order to take away the dead and wounded. "During this intermission of hostilities the better part of our natures asserted itself, the Blue and the Grey mingled, and over the works they exchanged coffee, tobacco, bread and even souvenirs, and asked information of each other: as the time drew near for the opening of hostilities we parted as friends, cautioning each other to lie low and so escape each other's bullets. As I saw all this I felt that God must have a long hard lesson for us to learn that it was needful that men should take each other's lives in cold blood." Capt. E. K. Russell.

Day after day the cannon shelled the works disabling many of the enemy's guns and wearing down the men with fatigue and watching.

Nims' Battery was on the field almost constantly. In the diary from which we have already quoted we read: "Remained in position all day and all night—lead from sharp shooters falling thick around us, relieved at 7 P. M. the next day," and again: "Our section at the front all day and night,—kept one battery silent," and still again, "Stretchers are constantly at work bringing in our wounded." "Keep up fire day and night." "First section under Lieutenant Hall start out with brigade of cavalry under General Grierson,—engage in battle near Clinton. Cavalry out of ammunition—obliged to retreat to avoid capture, reached camp after march of 50 miles." At this time the center section which had been at Barry's Landing for some weeks arrived at Port Hudson bringing with them four recruits from Boston.

The position of the little Union army, which did not number now more than 12,000 men, was becoming critical, hemmed in as it was by intensely hostile inhabitants, and the commander felt the need of a speedy reduction of the post. Accordingly on June 13 a general bombardment of two hours took place, and at 12.30 General Banks sent in a flag of truce calling for the surrender of the fort. General Gardner's reply was: "Under the present circumstances, I am unable to surrender." When this answer was received, arrangements were made for a grand storming on June 14. "The program of storming was sent by General Paine to all the officers in his command, that each might know the duty he had to perform, and was as follows: The 8th New Hampshire and 4th Wisconsin regiments were to act as skirmishers in the advance, followed three yards in the rear by the 4th Massachusetts and 110th New York with grenades which were to be thrown over, the instant the skirmishers gained the top of the works. Next in line was the 31st Massachusetts, each man carrying two bags of cotton to be thrown into the ditch, in order to make a road for the artillery. Then the 3d, 2d, and 1st brigades followed by Nims' Battery. At 3 A. M. the line was formed and the march begun. When within 20 yards of the Fort and under a heavy cross fire the order was given, clear and distinct: 'Charge!' and after a long hard struggle the skirmishers gained the top of the works. Here they found bayonets and guns presented to their breasts, the enemy at the same time shouting: 'Surrender or die.' The brave soldiers looked around for their support but it had failed them, and forty brave boys had to surrender as prisoners. We remained all day under a heavy fire from the enemy and at 9 o'clock withdrew from the field having gained nothing." Knowlton's diary.

General Paine was wounded early in the attack, a ball shattering his leg. He was forced to remain on the field for twelve hours under a heavy fire, while hundreds of others were in like condition for twenty-four or thirty-six hours, until under a flag of truce they were brought forward by the enemy, who would not allow the Union troops to come near their fortifications. "It would not be just to allow this record to become history without mentioning the valor displayed by some of the colored troops engaged with us on that occasion. After the assault had failed, and the ground in our front was strewn with our wounded comrades, these colored soldiers could be seen by twos crawling on their knees dragging after them a stretcher and on reaching a wounded soldier would roll him upon the stretcher, then, after a moment's rest, they would arise quickly and make a dash for a shelter from the shower of lead that was sure to fall around them." E. K. Russell.

On the 16th General Banks issued an order for a thousand stormers, offering medals to the soldiers and promotions to the officers, and preparations were making for a third assault when on July 7 came the news of the surrender of Vicksburg. This put an end to the hopes of the Confederacy, and two days later Port Hudson surrendered, 6408 becoming prisoners of war. In addition to the important post the spoils of victory included two steamers, 51 pieces of artillery, 5000 small arms and a large quantity of ammunition.

Most important of all, the fall of these two strongholds gave free navigation of the Mississippi, or in the words of Lincoln: "The Father of Waters goes unvexed to the sea."

Among other services rendered by Nims' Battery in this siege it is claimed that one of her guns had the honor of firing the last shot at Port Hudson and also receiving the last shot from that same fort. We have already told how it fired the first shot at this place.

We quote from the story as told by C. B. Maxwell.

"During the siege of Port Hudson and on the occasion of one of the many assaults on the fortifications by the Federal army, there was captured a young soldier, of the 165th New York Zouaves. He was a bright, active lad, and while captive had his eyes open to chances, especially to making his escape. Among the things he saw was a mill in the town near the river, wherein they ground all their corn, and as that was all they had to eat it occurred to him that it would be a misfortune to himself as well as to the enemy if by any accident that mill should be destroyed. So he paid closer attention then ever to getting through the lines to reach his regiment, where rations were better both in quality and quantity, and near the end of the siege he was successful. In relating his experience he said of the corn mill: 'If they hadn't had that, I should have been obliged to take my corn on the ear.'

"This having been reported to headquarters, General Banks sent for Captain Nims and said, to him:

"'Send over a section of your battery to a point opposite and throw a few of those percussion shells into that mill. It may weaken their power of endurance. The soldier will go along to point out the mill. Of course, if you draw the fire of those heavy batteries, you will retire and report back to camp.'

"And so the first section, Lieutenant Hall commanding, made a night march to a boat landing some miles below, where a steamboat was in readiness 'to tote' us across. On the other side we marched up, being protected from view of enemy by a very high levee on that side of the river, to a point commanding a good view of the town opposite. Then all hands went to work with shovels, which we came provided with, cutting an embrasure and space to work a gun, thus making a good fort, as it were, in a short time. We then hauled the gun up the slope into position. The men not engaged in working the gun were lying on the grassy slope of the levee watching the effect of the shell on 'the large building with a nearly flat roof.' The zouave was reclining on his side with head and shoulders exposed above the levee, as were the rest.

"There had been two or three shots fired when Lieutenant Hall, looking through his field glass, remarked: 'Those were good line shots, but a little too high; just put them in on the ground floor.' Suddenly a puff of smoke curled up from the water batteries, and a 6-inch solid shot plowed a furrow across the top of the levee, and to our horror and amazement instantly killed our friend the 'Zou Zou.' We retired, quietly and quickly, after burying the body then and there making our way back by the same route by which we came, and took our place in line with the rest of the battery in time to march into Port Hudson, the surrender having been made that day. Negotiations to that end were going on the day before, while we were making the attack on the corn-mill, though of course unknown to us."

The 10th of July the battery was ordered on board the Laurel Hill for Baton Rouge, but on reaching the wharf found the steamer already overcrowded. Consequently orders were given to march that distance. Accordingly with nine other batteries and the infantry it began a tedious all night march, many of the men, who had been up for three nights, falling asleep on their horses. At Baton Rouge transports were taken for Donaldsonville where skirmishing was going on with a hostile force under Dick Taylor. Before the reinforcement arrived the enemy retreated, but as an attack was expected the right and left sections of the battery were immediately ordered on picket duty, where they remained for the next two days without, however, encountering the enemy.

A stay of two weeks at Donaldsonville was followed by a march to Carrollton and then to New Orleans in company with Battery L, the 159th New York and a large wagon train all under command of Colonel Molineaux. This march was exceedingly trying on account of the excessive heat which exhausted the men and killed two or three horses.

While at Donaldsonville four members of the company who had been taken prisoners at Brashear City, while in hospital there, arrived and were sent to New Orleans, being on parole.

The battery arrived at New Orleans on August 5, took up quarters in the Mississippi Cotton Press, where it remained from the 6th of August to the 17th of September.

First Lieutenant Hall having resigned, his juniors were promoted in turn, and First Sergeant Joseph K. Greenleaf of Boston was commissioned as junior second lieutenant. Early in October Second Lieut. Edw. K. Russell was promoted and transferred to the 6th Massachusetts Battery, creating a vacancy which was filled some time later by the commissioning of First Sergeant Lucian A. Hodgdon of Somerville. At the same time Gunner Swan was made sergeant of the 2d detachment, Corporal Ellis gunner of the 3d detachment and Private Taylor corporal of the 2d detachment.

During the stay in New Orleans the battery was commanded to mount as horse or flying artillery and to join the cavalry division of the 19th Army Corps. Associated with them were two other batteries, one from Missouri, and one from the regular army, and Captain Nims was appointed Chief of Artillery of the 19th Army Corps, Col. A. L. Lee, and was made a member of Colonel Lee's staff.

The first parade of these batteries as horse artillery (at which Nims' Battery held the post of honor), took place September 5, and was witnessed by Generals Banks, Arnold, Franklin and many other officers. The following letter, a copy of which was found among Colonel Nims' papers, is a proof of their high opinion of this new organization.

Office, Chief of Artillery.

Hd. Qrs. Dept. of the Gulf,

New Orleans, September 7, 1863.

Capt. O. F. Nims,

Chief of Artillery, 19th Army Corps.

Sir:—

It becomes my great pleasure to communicate to yourself and the batteries under your command on the 5th inst., the high commendation of the Commanding General of the Department of the Gulf and the Adjutant General of the United States Army. They were pleased to express the belief that no artillery in the service could be more thorough in their equipments and general appointments.

Please communicate the above to each battery commander.

On the 17th of September another movement began toward the interior of Louisiana. The object of this entire movement was to divert the enemy from Banks' expedition into Texas which he was about to undertake. Accordingly he ordered the command of which the battery was a part to advance under Gen. C. C. Washburne from Brashear City to Opelousas, to give the impression that a march to Alexandria or Shreveport was begun. The battery left New Orleans on September 18 and the next day reached Brashear City, which had been evacuated by the Confederates in July after securing about 1000 prisoners together with supplies valued at $2,000,000. A week later an advance was made to Bisland and then on to Opelousas, which was reached October 24. All along the advance, skirmishing and fighting occurred almost every day, and in it all the battery did its part most creditably. At Indian Bend, October 2, the left and center divisions, which were in the advance, met the enemy and drove them back. Two days later at Vermillion Bayou the same sections forced the enemy once more to fall back. Again the right section at Vermillion Bayou contended with the enemy for a ford for over three hours, driving them completely from their position. Again we read in our diaries: "The right and center moved forward with the advance cavalry came in sight of the enemy's camp. They retired leaving for us a good dinner of beef steak, sweet potatoes, and corn cake all piping hot. Pieces of our shell picked up near camp fires about two miles away." Two days later,—"Just at dusk, the enemy advanced on our pickets. A section of the battery was sent for, hitched up with a will, crossed the plains on a gallop and in 18 minutes from the time the first order was given we had gained the distance and commenced firing. Time taken by Colonel Molineaux."

October 15. "The enemy came out on the open plain, drew themselves up in line of battle and commenced firing on our pickets. This battery was ordered to the front at double quick and at 7 A. M. we were at the extreme advance—we opened a heavy fire which caused them to break for the woods. At 9 A. M. Captain Simmes' Battery opened on us from a masked position—we dismounted one gun and exploded their ammunition chest forcing them to retreat. A piece of one of our shells cut off the head of one, passed through another and killed his horse—deadly work."

October 21. "6 A. M. whole force moved forward, the battery with advance cavalry. At 7 A. M. met the enemy in line of battle. Right section with cavalry engaged left flank while remaining section engaged them in front. We succeeded in driving them back on the flank and then in front and they retreated in disorder. Our troops followed to Opelousas when right section with cavalry branched off to Barry's Landing and went into camp after a hard march over ditches, through corn field, etc. October 28. A running fight for 17 miles. Center section with Grover's division at Opelousas."

And so it goes day after day till Opelousas is reached, and on November 1 a retrograde movement is ordered. Here again we find the battery in the post of danger, acting often as rear guard, skirmishing with the enemy.

Under the date of November 2 we read: "7 A. M. enemy fired on our pickets. Section ordered on the double quick to the front about a half mile away. We opened fire and after a short skirmish drove them four miles and then fell back slowly across the plain to draw them into a fight. They followed and when within short range we opened on them with shell which broke up their line. We pursued them again till 4 P. M. when we gave up the chase and returned to camp. Generals Washburne and Burbridge were with us during the engagement and gave us much credit." This battle is known as that of Carrion Crow Bayou.

The next day, November 3, marks another occasion when the battery won especial honor for itself, and as we read in General Burbridge's report—"did more than its whole duty."^[12]

At Grand Coteau, the Confederate forces including cavalry and artillery—about 5500 in number, under General Greene—surprised the camp and nearly captured it. The right under General Burbridge on whom the weight of the attack fell was almost surrounded and ruin seemed inevitable. The section of the battery under Lieutenant Marland was attacked, the enemy being in so short range that the guns could not be brought into action, and while part were endeavoring to work the guns others were harnessing the horses. A desperate conflict ensued, the guns keeping up a heavy fire. Regiment after regiment of infantry was brought up as support but gave way until the battery was almost surrounded. It was at last obliged to fall back, the cannoneers fighting their way with their revolvers; but bringing off their guns in triumph. Before they had retreated far they saw coming to their aid on the double quick General Cameron's Brigade of the 13th Corps. They immediately halted, got their guns in position and renewed the conflict, chasing the enemy back four miles, and securing thus a Union victory. When General Franklin was told of this experience he said, "If there is ever another opportunity of racing a section of Nims' Battery give it your two best regiments for support, for it is the finest battery in the United States." One historian in relating this incident says, "Nims' Battery saved the day."

The following is the official report of Lieutenant Marland as given in Official Records, Vol. 26, p. 371.

"In pursuance to your orders I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken in the action at this place on the 3rd of November by the section under my command.

"In obedience to orders received on the evening of the 2d of November I harnessed up at 4 A. M. on the 3rd, remaining so until 11 A. M. when I was ordered to unharness—the pickets firing all the while.

"At about 11.45 P. M. the firing became general. Hearing the cavalry buglers blow Boots and Saddles, I began to harness up on my own responsibility and was attacked in camp before I could get harnessed. The enemy being within 400 yards of me I opened on them with canister and percussion shell which checked their advance and drove them to the right. I limbered to the front and advanced to the fork of the road which is about 100 yards. Went into battery and fired a few shot until my support all had left me. Finding it too warm, I limbered to the rear and moved 300 yards. Finding the enemy in my rear and on the right, I fired to the right about 50 shot and was charged on three sides. A regiment came up on my left as support, fired one volley and left. The enemy then opened two pieces of artillery on me at about 300 yards killing one horse and disabling one caisson wheel. The cavalry still advancing and no infantry to be seen I limbered up and started for the woods. Here I ordered my cannoneers to draw their revolvers and had quite a brisk fight. Had another horse killed, and two men missing. Went through the woods the enemy coming out in rear and front of men. As the bridges were held by the enemy, it was necessary to charge through, which was accomplished, without loss. I came up to the 46th Indiana and formed on their right. Colonel Bringhurst told me he would support me and I went back through the woods with General Cameron's command, driving the enemy in disorder who left dead and wounded on the field. I then returned to camp with General Cameron's Brigade.

"I am sir, very respectfully,

"Your most ob't servant,

We also quote from Major General C. C. Washburne,

"The bringing off of the section of Nims' Battery, after the regiment sent to its support had surrendered, extorted the admiration of every beholder."^[13]

In this engagement Sergeant Burwell and Private Smith were taken prisoners, while three horses were killed, seven wounded and the gun carriages damaged somewhat.

The entire battery was brought together at Vermillion River and on November 2 it took a prominent part in the engagement at that point,—maintaining a brisk artillery duel with the enemy and after two hours hard fighting and firing 120 shell it succeeded in driving them from the field.

We quote from the diary of W. G. Hidden:

"Right and left sections with 1300 infantry and cavalry, all under General Lee, started at 5 A. M. on the Opelousas Road, met the enemy's pickets one mile out and drove them before us. At 10 A. M. we arrived at the edge of a plain and saw the enemy drawn up in line of battle about two miles distant. The right section was ordered into position and fired twenty shell, causing them to disclose their whole force of about 6000. General Lee then ordered a retreat. Arriving at a plain outside the town, we found a brigade of infantry with 4th Massachusetts Battery lying low in the bushes. We moved our guns into the bushes just high enough to conceal us from the enemy and waited. They soon formed a line of battle about 1000 yards in front. Right section opened fire and the first charge emptied fifteen saddles. Their cavalry then charged on our left. Left section engaged them while we engaged the front. Cavalry was forced to retreat. Their artillery having got into position, opened fire on us and did some fine shooting. Their shells burst all around us plowing the ground and killing some of our infantry, but our men escaped injury. After two hours fighting the enemy retreated and we returned to camp. This is called The Artillery Skirmish at Vermillionville."

On November 16 the entire force started for New Iberia, the battery acting as rear guard and burning the bridge across the river after all were over. One writes: "It was a splendid sight to see the army form,—each part separate, and then unite to form a line and move off over the prairie with bands playing." The next day New Iberia was reached and preparations were made for the winter. At the same time skirmishing was going on and many prisoners were taken. We read: "A small rebel force known as Camp Pratt was six miles out. At 1 A. M. the center section started out on one road to get in its rear. At 4 A. M. the right section with cavalry and part of Cameron's Brigade of the 13th Corps started on another road for the same point. Arriving at daybreak all made an attack on the camp and captured 175 out of 200—twelve of these being officers. While marching them into town two bands came to meet us. One was placed in front, the other in the rear of the prisoners, and so we marched through the town to the tune of our national airs."

About this time Lieutenant Slack of Chelsea of the 13th Massachusetts was placed in command of the left section of the battery in the absence of Lieutenant Snow, who had gone North for recruits. Christmas Day, by exchange of prisoners, Sergeant Burwell and Private Smith, who had been taken at Grand Coteau November 3 were returned to the battery. "They were ragged and dirty, having had a hard time."

The month of December was devoted largely to drilling. Recruits kept coming in and these had to be made into soldiers. Captain Nims instituted a new set of bugle calls, making in all twenty-eight calls a day. January 1, 1864, was the coldest day the men had experienced since leaving home. Snow and rain made camp life uninviting and difficult. Nevertheless reënlistments were in order, and at this time several of the boys entered upon another three years' service.

Early in the year the force was moved out to Franklin, half way to Brashear City, and there made winter quarters. The roads thither were in terrible condition—deep with mud and water with a frozen crust on top, and three days were required to travel a distance of 23 miles. The horses were in poor condition from lack of hay and grain and only a limited supply of corn, and five died from exhaustion on this short trip. Here three months were spent in camp, the men taking possession of the cabins formerly occupied by the negroes, who had long since gone to the contraband camp in New Orleans. Much time was given to the drilling of recruits, while about 25 of the men who had reënlisted were given furloughs of 30 days.

A copy of the program of an evening's entertainment at the Cooper Institute (an old cooper's shop fitted up) will doubtless recall pleasant memories of camp life the winter of '63-'64.

COOPER'S INSTITUTE

Franklin, La.

A Grand Entertainment wilt be given at the above place on Friday, March 4, 1864, by the members of Nims' Battery, under the direction of the following committee: A. B. Burwell, President; J. F. Robertson, Secretary; C. B. Maxwell, Manager.

Committee

W. Kane, L. W. Swan, A. N. Norcross, C. Dubois, W. D. Butts, D. Murray, J. S. Knowlton, H. T. Bates and W. G. Hidden.

The committee take great pleasure in announcing to their friends, that the following distinguished Artists have generously volunteered their services. A sufficient number of Special Police will be in attendance to enforce good order.

Music by Knowlton and Co.'s Military Band.

Doors open at 6: commence at 7: terminate at 10.

Carriages ordered at half-past 9.

Program

Similar entertainments followed and were always given to crowded houses.

On February 7 Lieutenant Russell received appointment as first lieutenant in the 6th Massachusetts Battery where he later received promotion to the rank of captain. During the same month about seventy recruits arrived from Massachusetts, so that drilling appears again as the order of the day. Nor was this time wasted, for it was evident that an army movement was soon to take place.

Early in March preparations were made for the Red River campaign, the object of which was the capture of Shreveport on the Red River, the dispersion of the Confederates in that region and ultimately the recovery of Texas by the line of the Red River. There were serious objections to this route and certain precautionary measures were necessary if the end were to be accomplished, but these were not carried into execution.

As the battery was not brigaded we find it first in one division then another, wherever there was difficult service and danger to be encountered.

The general plan was that Banks with all the forces at his command should march his troops over-land to Alexandria, there to be joined by Gen. A. J. Smith with a force of about 10,000 men, detached from Sherman's army, who were to be transported up the river in company with Admiral Porter's fleet. At the same time it was expected that General Steele would coöperate in the movement with a force of about 15,000 men. As General Banks was obliged to be in New Orleans at this time the arrangements for his part of the movement were entrusted to General Franklin.

General Franklin's forces consisted of the entire 19th Army Corps and the 3d and 4th divisions of the 13th Army Corps, in command of General Ransom, the whole force numbering some 16,000, all under Major General Franklin. The cavalry division of the 19th Army Corps was commanded by Gen. A. L. Lee, and to this division Nims' Battery, equipped as horse artillery, had been assigned.

The troops were supposed to start from Franklin on the 7th of March and arrive at Alexandria the 13th, but owing to some delay they were unable to leave until the 13th. On that day General Lee moved with his command in advance of the regular army. His force consisted of the 1st, 3d, 4th and 5th brigades of the cavalry division, Nims' Battery of 6 guns—Rawles' Battery of 4 guns—and a battery of mountain howitzers manned by a company of 6th Missouri Cavalry, all equipped as horse artillery, a total of about 3300. There was a halt the next morning at five for an hour's rest and then on again. Long trying marches followed, 23 miles one day, 30 the next, 20 the next, 30 the next until the 19th of March, when 33 miles were made in 12 hours. Although one section of the battery reached Alexandria the 19th and another the 21st, the whole column did not arrive before the 25th. Here General Banks again assumed command and three days were spent in resting, refitting, and issuing supplies.

It had been intended to carry supplies the whole distance in the attack on Shreveport by water, but the river was so low that not many of the transports could pass and it was found necessary to establish a supply station at Alexandria, and a wagon train to take supplies from the vessels below to vessels above the rapids. To protect this, called for a force of about 3000 men. General Grover was placed in charge of this post and his division left for its defense. The troops on the transport were also unable to pass the rapids and were accordingly recalled to the Mississippi. Consequently, General Banks found himself ready to move out from Alexandria with a force of only about 20,000 men, while he could not expect any coöperation from General Steele. Even at the beginning of April experts foretold the failure of the expedition. The march into the enemy's country began on the 28th of March, and from that time the command was in active service. The Confederates constantly retreated, frequently stopping to skirmish, but offering no serious resistance.

Natchitoches was reached on April 3, the cavalry division camping just outside the town where a halt of a day or two was made. On the 6th the march toward Shreveport was begun at daylight, the battery marching in the center of the division as reserve artillery. In addition to the troops there was a train of 200 wagons carrying ten days' rations for the men, three days' forage, ammunition, and camp equipage. General Lee's orders from General Franklin were "to attack the enemy wherever he could be found but not to bring on a general engagement." No enemy was seen that day. The next morning the march was renewed until on reaching Wilson's Farm, three miles from Pleasant Hill, a considerable Confederate force was found posted in the woods on a hill. An engagement ensued between the enemy and the third brigade with two sections of the Missouri and Illinois batteries. The resistance was so strong that the 1st Brigade was advanced as support, and with this, two sections of Nims' Battery. Owing to the dense woods the battery, although at the front, could not go into action and was ordered into position with the 4th Brigade, Colonel Dudley, in line of battle in the rear. With the aid of the reinforcements the enemy was forced to retreat slowly and Colonel Lee and his forces bivouacked five miles beyond the battlefield.

The next day came the terrible experience of Sabine Cross Roads or Mansfield as it is sometimes called, where the battery met with disaster for the first time.

On that day, April 8, the battery started in the advance—with the 1st Brigade, under Colonel Lucas, and a Brigade of the 4th division of the 13th Army Corps, Colonel Landram commanding, which had been sent forward during the night. Following this came the 4th Brigade Cavalry, Colonel Dudley in command, and then the 5th Brigade, under Colonel Robinson, in charge of the long wagon train and the artillery which was not in the front. By noon an advance had been made of about ten miles, the enemy contesting every foot of the way. The woods on each side of the road were very dense, which made it difficult to move in line and the marching was tedious and tiring to the men. Almost no water was to be found. At this time General Ransom arrived with the 2d Brigade of the 13th Army Corps to relieve the 1st Brigade of its duty.

About four miles from Mansfield the road ran through a clearing in front of a hill of considerable height where the timber was not quite so thick as it had been elsewhere. This point was chosen as the scene of the engagement. A description of the arrangement of troops may be taken from Colonel Lee's report:^[14]

"Two regiments of the 4th Brigade Cavalry, Colonel Dudley, were placed on the flank, deployed in the woods. The Second Illinois Cavalry formed a half mile in rear of the first line. Nims' Battery was placed in position at the crest of the hill, in and to the right and left of the road. A section of the Sixth Missouri Howitzer was placed at its left. A brigade of infantry was placed in the front, one regiment to the left of Nims' Battery, the others to the right. A second brigade was placed on our right flank, facing the enemy who appeared in that direction. The First Brigade Cavalry, Col. T. J. Lucas commanding, was placed on the extreme right of the line and fought dismounted. With this brigade was a section of the 6th Missouri Howitzer Battery and a section of Rawles' Battery. The Third Brigade was in the rear escorting the train which was halted a mile and a half from our front."

About 1 P. M. General Banks and his staff arrived and General Lee reported to him the arrangements of his troops and the apparent position and strength of the enemy and his opinion that the army must either fall back or be reinforced by infantry. General Banks gave orders that the position should be maintained and at the same time sent to General Franklin to hurry forward the infantry.

About 4.30 the enemy, made a general attack in front and right flank, driving infantry and cavalry back to the line where the battery was stationed. The guns of the battery were being fired as rapidly as possible with double charges of canister, and although many of the men were recruits, having had no experience under fire, every one of them stood up to his work as bravely as the veterans.

When, however, the infantry support failed (except for the 23d Wisconsin and 19th Kentucky), orders were given to retire in order that the guns might not fall into the hands of the enemy. Three of the guns had to be left on the field as the horses had been killed. At the foot of the hill a stand was made, but the rout had become so general that the battery could not maintain its position and was almost surrounded by the enemy. Orders were therefore given to retreat.

About a mile from the battlefield was the wagon train of the cavalry division, which had become blocked in the ruts and mud and entirely obstructed the narrow road.

The road was so obstructed at this point and the rush of retreating forces so great that it became necessary to abandon the remaining three guns, together with caissons, baggage-wagons, battery wagon and forges.

To account for the position of the cavalry train we quote from the report^[15] of Col. John G. Chandler, acting chief quarter-master.

"Both General Franklin and General Lee wanted the cavalry train to move in the rear of the infantry force, but they disagreed as to the precedence of position when the trains should be joined. General Lee desired that his train should precede General Franklin's infantry train, and the latter insisted that the infantry trains should move in the rear of the infantry force. Because of this disagreement no change was made on the day of the engagement."

We give here an account of the engagement as taken from the records of C. B. Maxwell and J. S. Knowlton:

"At 6 A. M. we started for the advance, marched three miles and came upon a large force of the enemy under Dick Taylor. Two brigades of the 13th Army Corps were sent to us as reinforcements and formed a line of battle, acting as skirmishers. The enemy commenced slowly falling back but closely contending every inch of ground, and in this way we drove them ten miles. At Sabine Cross Roads the enemy made a stand in the woods before which was a clearing of some 75 acres where our cavalry manoeuvred. The enemy was very strongly reinforced at this point. At the extreme front was a hill 50 yards in diameter upon which our six guns were placed. The 4th Brigade of cavalry was on our left with two of the 6th Missouri Howitzers.

"About three o'clock General Banks and his staff arrived. General Lee, on seeing General Banks dismount, saluted and said: 'I am confident, General, that we have a powerful force in front and if we make the attack I am confident we shall be repulsed.' General Banks made no reply, but it was noticed he looked serious. All the staff officers with those of General Lee were sent hurriedly to right, left and rear. About 4 P. M. General Banks' chief of staff rode along our left to where the third piece stood and said to me (Maxwell), 'Call your men, load your gun and point it down the road. If you see anyone crossing where the road enters the wood, open fire. Don't wait for further orders.' In less than fifteen minutes the enemy were sneaking across the road and the third detachment obeyed orders. The battle was on. We soon discovered men coming out of the woods much nearer than those down the road, so we fired to the front and right until they came to point-blank range and then we fed it to them with double-shotted canister. Although the battle was very severe, we received no reinforcements except the 3d division of the 13th Corps. Owing to the superior force of the enemy, our cavalry and infantry were driven back, leaving the hill on which our six guns were planted with out support of 23d Wisconsin and 19th Kentucky to fight nearly alone.

"Our guns belched forth double-shotted canister and the enemy in front, eight deep in line, suffered terribly at each discharge. Wide gaps were opened in their ranks but were immediately filled up again. Finally, all the horses on three of our guns were killed, making it impossible to remove the guns from the field. The remaining three guns being out of ammunition retired to the foot of the hill where our caisson lay, filled up with ammunition and went into position. By this time infantry and cavalry had become completely routed and were fleeing to the rear. Our officers tried to rally them but in vain. Finding it impossible to save the guns, our officers ordered us to slip our traces and save our lives if possible, which the men did reluctantly. Our wagon train had been pushed forward before the engagement, completely blocking the road, making a retreat impossible. During the night we fell back to Pleasant Hill, a distance of 13 miles, and in the morning our company assembled under Lieutenant Greenleaf. We had lost our guns and everything we possessed except the clothes we had on."

The loss of the battery in this battle was very severe. Lieutenant Snow was shot through the left lung and left on the field. Private Reardon was killed. Lieutenant Slack was wounded, 18 men were wounded, of whom five were taken prisoners, together with seven unwounded men. Besides the loss of guns and caissons, 82 of the battery's horses were either killed or wounded. In spite of the terrible defeat and loss, the battery won great praise for its indomitable courage and for the way it handled its guns, for we read in the report of Col. J. W. Landrum,^[16] "It is proper to say that Captain Nims' Battery displayed throughout the whole of the fight an example of coolness and true courage unsurpassed in the annals of history. They are entitled to highest commendation, and although they lost their guns it is due to them to say that they could not have prevented it, and that the damage they inflicted on the enemy was such as to entitle them to the thanks of the whole army."

Another quotation is from the Lacon, Ill., Gazette,^[17] "Nims' Battery worked manfully—the veteran battery, hero of seventeen engagements, all successful, but doomed this time to defeat. They double charged their guns with canister and adding a bag of bullets mowed the enemy down only to have their places filled by the advancing hordes." Again, "Nims' splendid battery with its honorable record on every field from Baton Rouge to Port Hudson was taken by Walker's men." Irwin.

Brig. Gen. W. H. Emery, commanding First Division of the 19th Army Corps, had been notified of the state of affairs and had been ordered to advance as rapidly as possible and form a line of battle in order to support the retreating troops and check the advance of the enemy. He took his position at Pleasant Grove about three miles from Sabine Cross Roads, the First Brigade, General Dwight, being placed across the road upon which the enemy was advancing. Waiting until the enemy was within close range they poured a tremendous volley along the whole front, causing it to fall back. The action lasted for an hour and a half, then darkness coming on there was a cessation of hostilities. During the night the entire army retired to Pleasant Hill, where a battle was fought the next day, but in which the battery naturally took no part. The struggle, however, was desperate and sanguinary. The defeat of the enemy was complete and their loss in officers and men more than double that sustained by the Union forces.

It was a sorry looking company of men that gathered at Pleasant Hill the next morning—the remnant of "the finest battery in the army." Guns, caissons, wagon and supplies lost—nothing left but the clothes the men wore. As for blankets, one rubber and one woolen blanket had to do for five men, while half rations only made one all the more hungry.

The next day the remaining men were assigned to guard the ammunition train on the retreat to Grand Ecore, which was reached on the 10th. Here the Union army gathered its scattered battalions.

As the members of the battery were without equipment, they were ordered to New Orleans, and on the 19th went on board the little steamer Meteor, arriving at New Orleans on the 22d, where they remained until the 10th of May. During their stay in New Orleans occurred an event which showed the pleasant relation existing between the members of the battery and its commander. The following quotation is taken from the New Orleans Era of April 26, 1864.

Presentation of a Sword to Captain Ormand F. Nims, 2d Massachusetts Light Horse Artillery

Yesterday afternoon was the occasion of quite a little surprise party at the quarters of the 2d Massachusetts Light Horse Battery. Captain Nims was presented with a magnificent sword, sash and belt, by the non-commissioned officers and men who still represent the original members of this fine command, and who have long wished for an opportunity of expressing in some such manner their appreciation of the constant care and watchfulness for their welfare exhibited at all times and under all circumstances by Captain Nims, as well as to present a lasting memento of their respect and affection for their beloved commander. It was but a well-merited tribute to sterling worth. This splendid sword was manufactured by Tiffany & Co., of New York, and is one of the finest ever got up by that firm. The presentation speech, made by Joshua F. Robertson, was as follows:

"Captain, I have been requested by the members of this command to say a few words on presenting you this token of our high esteem. It is now nearly three years since you took command of this battery, and I am confident, sir, that I express the sentiments of us all when I say that we have never had cause to regret, but much rather to rejoice, that you have commanded the 2d Massachusetts Battery. Your example as a soldier and a gentleman, your example on the battlefield and in camp, your forbearance and leniency towards us, your kind attention to many of us during the long and tedious hours of sickness, have endeared you to us by ties of friendship which we trust may never be forgotten. Those members of the battery who, in the first campaign in this Department, fell victims to disease contracted in the swamps opposite Vicksburg, and who now sleep beside the honored dead at Baton Rouge and in the cemeteries of this city—methinks that if our shrill morning reveille could but awake them, they would reiterate what I now say, that you, by your constant watchfulness, kindness and attention, did all that lay in human power to alleviate their sufferings. In asking you to accept this sword, we know that it will never be drawn but in the cause of freedom, in which we are all battling, and never will be sheathed in disgrace. In after years, when this wicked rebellion shall have been crushed, and should it be our good fortune to return with you to our fair New England homes, we hope this memento we now present you will at least serve to remind you of the pleasant associations and the many trying scenes through which we have passed. In conclusion, let me say, sir, that you will ever bear with you the best wishes of every man under your command, and we hope that hereafter, in what position soever you may be placed—whether in command of the 2d Massachusetts Battery or in a higher station—the same good feeling may exist between you and those under your command that has ever existed between yourself and the members of this battery."

Reply

"Fellow Soldiers of the 2d Massachusetts Battery—I cannot express to you the feelings of surprise and astonishment with which the present occasion had filled me. I need not remind you that I am no speech maker, for you are well aware that I am a man of but few words. I fear, however, that you have overrated the little it has laid in my power to do for your comfort, welfare and efficiency. But of one thing, I feel conscious, gentlemen, and that is, that I have endeavored to do my duty by you, by my country, and by myself. Rest assured that I shall ever look upon the present as one of the happiest moments of my life, and that your highly prized gift shall never be drawn but in the cause of freedom and of our common country. Accept, gentlemen, my sincere and heartfelt thanks."

The boys dispersed to their quarters with six rousing cheers for Captain Nims, who, truth to say, was almost overpowered by his feelings, so completely was he taken by surprise.

We also quote the Special Order No. 1 issued April 28, as still further indicating the honor given to the battery by commander and other officers.

Special Order No. 1

"The commandant takes this method of congratulating his command upon the part which they took in the engagement at Sabine Cross Roads, La., on the 8th inst., and of thanking them not only for himself, but also in behalf of the general commanding the division, and the general commanding in the field, for the gallantry, courage, and efficiency with which you conducted yourselves in the trying position in which you were placed. Although it has been your misfortune to lose your guns, it is gratifying to know that it was through no dereliction or shortcoming on your part; having done all that lay in your power as brave men to do. We must submit to the misfortune with the best grace we may. Your commandant would also express his satisfaction at the sorrow exhibited on all hands at your misfortune, by officers of every grade in the service as well as by civilians, which tends to show in a clearer light the golden opinions you have won on all hands. Your commandant is proud not only at the battle of Sabine Cross Roads but in every other battle in which you have been engaged. He gives the credit all to you, and hopes you will continue to deserve the high encomiums so universally bestowed upon you and to maintain in all places, whether in camp or in the field, your good name untarnished."

Per Order,

Captain Nims.