USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Salem > History of the Salem Light Infantry from 1805-1890 > Part 11
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Wednesday, June 26, the company with the right wing of the regi- ment received marching orders, and proceeded to Baltimore where they remained until July 2, when an expedition to the residence of Gen. Tilghman at Wye Point on Wye river took place, for the purpose of obtaining rebel supplies, supposed to be in Tilghman's possession, a noted secessionist. The expedition occupied two days and a night, during which the premises were searched, Tilghman was arrested, and turned over to the commandment at Fort McHenry on our return. But nothing was discovered in the way of munitions of war, but an old "flint lock" which Lieutenant Brewster brought away as a sou- venir.
Upon returning to Baltimore, we discovered that the left wing were here, together with all the camp equipage, and a new camp was or- ganized in Stuart's wood on West Baltimore street, and this spot des-
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SKETCH OF SALEM ZOUAVES.
ignated as "Camp Andrew," was occupied during the balance of the term of service. Thus without knowing it when we left the Relay House on the 26th ult., we had unconsciously bid good-bye to Camp Essex with its wealth of associations.
From Camp Andrew, frequent marches by the regiment and excur- sions by squads and individuals were made into the city, and opportu- nity offered for fraternization with its loyal, and studying its disloyal elements which jostled each other in such close proximity.
The temper of its secession sympathizers had wonderfully changed since the memorable 19th of April, and the presence of troops, now numbering many thousands in the city and vicinity, had a salutary ef- fect.
The regiment, and the Infantry in particular, made many friends, who flocked into camp to see the Zouaves drill. The camp was made doubly attractive to both citizens and soldiers, by the acquisition of the Man- chester, N. H., Cornet Band, which had been hired for the balance of the regiment's term of service. They reported for duty on the 4th of July, and were once detailed for "the Fourth," which was duly celebrated at a time and under circumstances which added an emphasis to the anni- versary of our natal day.
Among the visitors to this camp from home, were Dr. Geo. A. Per- kins, Mr. Stephen B. Ives, Mr. Daniel Perkins, a brother of the la- mented Colonel Ellsworth and others.
Thursday, July 9th, at a special meeting of the company, a new full Zonave uniform was adopted by vote, for which individuals were measured. This uniform was made in Baltimore and worn for the first time on the 23d inst.
While at Camp Andrew, two grand reviews of all the troops in the vicinity took place. One by Gen. Banks at Fort McHenry necessitat- ing a five mile march, with " knapsacks, haversacks and canteens," and the other by Gen. Morse of Mass., at a spot near Mount Clare. On these, and all other occasions when the regiment marched, Captain Devereux insisted upon his prerogative as the "right flank company of skirmishers " marching in advance of the band. The long swinging zouave step, carried the company forward at an increased distance, necessitating a halt for the regiment to come up.
Sunday, July 21st, was a day long to be remembered. A detachment of the company started at an early hour on an expedition some six miles distant to the residence of another secessionist, for the purpose of obtaining concealed arms, said to be in possession. This expedi- tion was more successful than the one down Wye River by the right wing of the regiment on the 2d inst. Proceeding as at Tilghman's, the property was surrounded and the premises searched. The owner was at home and " thanked the Yankees for coming all the way from 'Bal-ti'-mer' to take care of his affairs." The search proved fruitless until the writer, a corporal, pried off with his bayonet a suspicious looking upright board in the carriage house, revealing between two joists a couple of bright Harper's Ferry muskets, with two full sets of new equipments. The muskets were brought to camp as trophies.
On arrival, great excitement everywhere prevailed. News was re- ceived of the battle of Bull Run which had been going on during the day at Manassas. It was a jubilant time, the news announcing the full success of the Union arms. The next day all was changed, as the truth was promulgated, and the unwelcome tidings made known. Meetings were called to see if the companies would remain a short time
135
SKETCH OF SALEM ZOUAVES.
longer in service, if needed, as the term was rapidly expiring. The Infantry voted unanimously, yes ! with a vim that left no doubt as to the status of its members.
On the evening of July 24th, arrayed in their new uniform, the com- pany marched into the city, by invitation of the residents of West Fayette street and gave an exhibition of the zouave and bayonet drill, with all the different branches of load and fire. A banquet followed, the company being divided into squads, and a squad being entertained in each mansion of the block, the " pony squad," being the guests of Mr. Lloyd. Here we met the officers of the 4th Wisconsin Regi- ment, Colonel Payne, which resulted in the detail of a number of the Zonaves as drill masters to this regiment which had recently arrived in camp in the city. This duty was performed by them each day as in Washington, the whole under the supervision of Captain Devereux, another distinguishing honor for the Infantry. The drill masters, most of whom were enlisted men, were honored in the Wisconsin camp, and more than once escorted with the Wisconsin band to their own camp of the Eighth Mass.
As the term of service was nearing its end the thoughts of all natur- ally turned homeward and the matter was generally discussed. The Sixth Massachusetts arrived in Baltimore from the Relay House on the afternoon of the 29th of July en route to Boston to be mustered out, and a little later orders came for the Eighth.
This news spread like wildfire. The camp was soon struck, and the débris collected and set fire to during the evening while waiting for transportation. Late at night the regiment filed out of its camp for the last time, the strains of the band thundering through the streets of Baltimore, in the stillness of the night, on the way to the depot.
We left Baltimore at early dawn on the morning of July 30th, pro- ceeding at a slow rate of speed with frequent stops, arriving at Jersey City at midnight and bivouacked on the floor of the depot until the morning.
On the 31st we crossed to New York at an early hour, were met by a delegation of the " Sons of Massachusetts " and escorted to the bar- racks in City Hall Park, where the Seventh New York reported for es- cort duty to the regiment. At eleven o'clock both regiments marched up Broadway, receiving an ovation all along the route, and the Eighth went aboard the Fall River boat at the pier foot of Twenty-third street.
Arriving in Boston soon after eleven on the morning of Ang. 1st, the Boston Tigers and New England Guards with Gilmore's Band were waiting in line to receive us. A short march to the common followed, where a letter from Governor Andrew, who was unable to be present, was read by Colonel Ilinks who also addressed the regiment, refer- ring particularly to the right flank company, Captain Devereux, and the left flank company, Captain Richardson.1 The letter of the Gov- ernor was congratulatory of the services of the regiment and the re- marks of the Colonel were an eloquent and feeling tribute to its disci- pline and good name.
A battalion drill next took place, drawing forth frequent applause from the immense crowd present, and the company gave a special drill
1 Captain Briggs having, some time previous, been Commissioned Colonel of the Tenth Mass. Vols.
136
SKETCH OF SALEM ZOUAVES.
in all the varied movements of skirmishing and bayonet exercise, with a like gratifying result.
The regiment was then formally mustered out of service, and the company marched immediately to the depot, leaving Boston at about three o'clock in the afternoon. Within an hour they were " home again," in old Salem, after an absence of three and a half months, cov- ering a most remarkable and varied experience.
Leaving the cars at the foot of Hancock street in South Salem, we marched up to Lafayette, where the " Home Guard," Gen. George H. Devereux, and the Zouave Drill Club, Capt. Isaiah Woodbury, were in line waiting to escort us. Far as the eye could reach, the streets were lined with people, which with the booming of cannon, together told us that our arrival was awaited by a whole city. A short march and we were soon once more in the armory in old Phoenix hall.
Here the programme for the formal reception the following day was announced, after which with a " seven " for our officers, our friends and ourselves, the company were dismissed with orders to re- port at the same place the next morning, and one by one left the ar- mory to be snatched by warm-hearted friends and escorted to the dear old homes.
Friday, Aug. 2, was a proverbial Infantry day. The company as- sembled at the armory at ten o'clock in full marching order with "knap- sacks, haversacks and canteens," and under an escort of the past mem- bers commanded by Major S. Endicott Peabody and the Zouave Drill Club, Capt. Isaiah Woodbury, marched through the principal streets to the City Hall, where His Honor the Mayor and other friends were re- ceived. The march was then resumed up town, and back again to the common where Gen. Devereux delivered a feeling speech of wel- come, followed by an eloquent address by the mayor, Hon. Stephen P. Webb.
Captain Devereux replied, after which ranks were broken and a col- lation with friends partaken of in the tents.
A lengthy and exacting drill, interspersed with loud applause fol- lowed, and, after a dress parade, the march was resumed to the ar- mory, where after orders to report at the same place at one o'clock the next day, the company were again dismissed.
The festivities of the reception closed with a brilliant levee and ball at Hamilton hall in the evening. Adjt. Gen. Schouler, Colonel Hinks, officers of the Charlestown Cadets and other invited guests were pres- ent, and addresses were made. The hall was tastefully decorated with appropriate mottoes and reminders of the campaign interspersed, and the whole was an occasion long to be remembered.
In obedience to orders, the company met at the armory at one o'clock on Saturday, Aug. 3, were paid off, and thus the last obligation of the government was fulfilled.
On Sunday, Aug. 4, the company attended divine service at Grace Church, by invitation of the rector, the Rev. Mr. Wildes, which was the last time the Salem Zouaves appeared in uniform.
Thus nobly among the first, the Salem Light Infantry responded to the call of duty, marching forth to uphold the institutions of the country, proudly bearing aloft the honor of the state to its everlasting credit, achieving a reputation and a fame second to none, and exem- plifying the lessons learned under the motto of the helmet, "cassis tutissima fides."
MEMBERS OF CO. H, M. V. M.
137
ORIGINAL MEMBERS OF CO. II, 19TII REGT., M. V. M. CHIAS. U. DEVEREUX, Captain. ALBERT THORNDIKE, Beverly, Ist Lieut. CHARLES B. WARNER, So. Danvers, 2d Lieut.
Chas. P. Abbott, 1st Sergt.
David Carleton.
Albert Damon,
L. W. Carter.
Oliver Hapgood,
W. H. Chick.
Wm. R. Driver,
G. F. Coffin.
P. R. Guinon, 66
C. W. Crop.
A. F. Hitchings,
J. Cunningham.
Jolm McKenrie,
A. F. Davis.
Win. HI. Ross,
66
E. K. Davis.
Geo. H. Shaw, 66
W. Delaney.
F. L. Smith,
W. P. Dennis.
G. L. Warner, 66
Wm. Denny.
B. H. Atkins, Corp.
A. C. Douglas.
G. A. Brown,
A. A. Dow.
John E. Douglass, Corp.
C. F. Eastman,
James Dunn.
John W. Remonds,
J. E. Dustin.
Geo. E. Teal.
II. C. Farrington.
Geo. P. Thomas.
llenry Fitz.
W. G. Walker, Musician.
Benj. Drnry.
H. Goodsell.
Hiram Waggoner.
W. C. Goodnow.
Clas. A. Alley.
J. Groom.
Reuben Andrews.
S. A. Halliday.
Wm. A. Andrews.
Robert Harper.
Alex. B. Baker.
M. Harrington.
B. P. Bailey.
B. F. Haskell.
W. K. Bailey.
D. P. Havey.
Wm. II. Bailey.
Chas. Hinds.
G. II. A. Ball.
WV. H. Jarvis.
Chas. II. Bylton.
N. B. Jordan.
Wm. H. Bingham.
M. Kelley.
H. Blessington.
Wm. Kelley.
T. S. Bradlee.
J. Kennedy.
Wm. Braslow.
Chas. V. Knox.
T. Brennan.
Horace Lakeman.
B. Larrabee.
T. Bridges. John Brill.
B. F. Larrabee.
Jacob Brill.
Gustavus Larrabee.
Chas. A. Brown.
Hersey Larrabee.
E. Bryant, jr.
J. H. Larrabee.
P. Buckley. Wm. Burbank.
D. A. Lee. John E. Lee.
W. J. Burke.
D. S. Lewis.
J. B. Burnham.
J. Z. Lowell.
Wm. H. Burnham.
B. Lummus.
A. K. Butman.
S. Macready.
J. C. Butman.
E. Maloney.
18
Sam'I Driver.
P. Scannel.
W. P. Ellery.
J. HI. Giles.
138
SKETCH OF SERVICE 19TH REG. M. V. M.
F. Martin.
John Smith. Sam'l H. Smith.
M. M. Merrow. W. McCracken. Chas. MeIntire.
Thomas H. Smith.
F. McKenna.
P. Mihan.
Chas. F. Morse.
Jeremiah Soper.
D. W. Morse.
Emory Spear.
T. A. Morse.
E. P. Stanley.
Tyler Mudge.
Geo. H. Stevens.
John Murray.
B. A. Stone.
T. Murphy. B. Neville.
S. Stone, jr. Wm. Stone.
J. W. Newhall.
E. D. Noyes.
T. O'Connell.
B. P. Oliver.
S. Parshley.
Horace D. Perry.
E. Powers.
J. Powell.
J. B. Prime.
John Proctor.
A. A. Raymond, jr.
D. F. Reardon.
J. Restell.
B. F. Tuck.
J. Restell, jr.
C. J. Tucker.
T. Riley.
D. Twiss.
John Robinson.
James Varney.
S. Roberts, jr.
J. S. Rodigrass. Francis Rounds.
G. A. Rowe.
John A. Williams.
John Shaw.
Wm. Shackley.
C. M. Sheffield.
J. Y. Wells.
B. R. Simonds.
Chas. H. Wright.
Geo. B. Simonds.
Wm. B. Wright.
Wm. Simonds.
Geo. Woodman.
Caleb V. A. Smith.
Wm. Woodman.
Stephen J. Younger.
OFFICERS OF THE 19TH REGIMENT, M. V. M.
Colonel, EDWARD W. HINKS, Lynn.
Lieut. Col., ARTHUR F. DEVEREUX, Salem.
Major, HENRY J. HOW, Haverhill. Surgeon, J. F. DYER, Rockport.
Asst. Surgeon, J. N. WILLARD, Boston.
Adjutant, JOHN C. CHADWICK, Salem.
Quartermaster, LEVI SHAW, Rockport.
The Newburyport Herald says :- " Nearly every company of the 19th regiment has a sergeant or private from the Salem Zouaves as lieu- tenant, that company, on account of the service they had seen, being considered capable of officering a new regiment."
Sareno Tareno.
D. Teadley.
C. J. M. Temple.
Geo. L. Temple.
Henry M. Temple.
M. H. Temple.
Napoleon B. M. Temple.
Geo. H. Thompson.
Wm. Tirrill.
Geo. L. Trask.
Levi Trask.
John Very.
Joshua Very.
Andrew Vinton.
James H. Wilson.
James Welch.
Henry R. Smith. James S. Smith.
J. H. Snow, jr. R. D. Snow. Aug. E. Soper.
Wm. A. Stone.
139
MEMBERS OF CO. A, 50TH REG. M. V. M.
The 19th Regiment, officered largely from the Salem Light Infantry, left the state Aug. 22, 1861. It was engaged at Ball's Bluff, battles before Richmond, 2d Bull Run, Antietam and Fredericksburg, Get- tysburg, Bristow Station and Robertson's Cross Roads.
The Regiment re-enlisted Dec. 20, 1863, and returned to Boston on furlongh Feb. 4, 1864, where it was received by Gen. Hinks and Gov. Andrew. On the same day the Regiment was handsomely entertained at Salem. In April, the Regiment returned to the Army of the Poto- mac, and later was engaged at Chancellorsville, Cold Harbor, Peters- burg, Appomatox, Deep Bottom, Ream's Station, Fort Bross, Fort Steadman, Battery 10 and Hatchers' Run. The Regiment passed through Richmond May 2, 1865, and was at the grand review at Wash- ington before the President and Gen. Grant. Mustered out June 30, 1865. It was engaged in forty-five battles and skirmishes, and cap- tured seven stands of colors and six pieces of artillery.
CO. "A," 50TH REGIMENT, 9 MONTHS.
Geo. D. Putnam, Capt.
Geo. W. Dalrymple.
Robt. W. Reeves, Ist Lieut.
Jos. R. Dodge.
Wm. B. Upton, 2d Lieut. Horace D). Eaton.
Nathan A. Frye, jr., 1st Sergt.
Wm. Evans.
Geo. O. Stevens,
Edward Finley.
John W. Evans, 66
Joel M. Friend.
David E. Saunders, jr., 66
Chas. W. Gardner.
Augustus Brown 66
Wm. H. Gardner.
Gilman A. Andrews, Corp.
Jos. N. Glover.
Geo. H. Blinn,
Wm. H. Glover.
Wm. D. Balch,
Wm. C. Gould.
Lebbeus Leach, jr.
Wm. H. Hall.
Jeremiah Nelson,
Win. G. Hammond.
Nath'l F. Robinson,
Alphonso S. Harris.
Greenleaf S. Tukey,
Wm. S. Harris.
John F. Simon, 66
Leonard Harrington.
Hersey D. Pickman,
John Janes. Wm. H. Kendall.
Edward Stillman,
Geo. Knowlton.
Elias A. Troffater, Wagoner.
Geo. A. Lamson.
Chas. F. Allen.
Geo. W. Langdell.
Wm. A. Babbidge.
Jos. Lee. Jacob R. Lowd.
Chas. F. Barker.
Geo. W. Luscomb.
Abram F. Barrenson.
John A. Mackie.
Geo. A. Bennett.
Geo. F. Morse.
Thos. C. Boden.
Albert E. Newton.
Nath'l C. Bousley.
Geo. A. Nichols.
Thos. L. Bovey.
James A. Noble.
Horace A. Brooks.
Oliver Ober.
Wm. P. Brown.
Wm. H. H. Palmer.
Chas. H. Chessman.
Chas. Perkins.
Win. B. Clark.
Francis M. Perkins.
Geo. A. Copeland.
Geo. B. Cook.
Geo. H. Perkins. James W. Perkins.
Timothy W. Bryant.
Clement H. Perchard.
Wm. H. Dalrymple, 66
Jos. S. Hale.
Wm. Dillingham, Musician.
Henry C. Baker.
140
SKETCH OF SERVICE, CO. A, 50THI REG. M. V. M.
Thomas A. Perley.
Geo. F. Southward.
Andrew G. Peterson.
Amos Stillman.
Fred'k A. Pond.
Geo. A. Stoddard.
Thomas S. Pope.
Benj. F. Stratton.
Otis P. Preston.
Edward A. Symonds.
Wm. A. Preston.
Theodore A. Thorndike.
John Robinson.
James E. Trask.
Geo. W. Safford.
Win. W. Tuttle.
Jos. W. Sanborn.
Warren A. Upton.
Wm. J. Scriggins.
Frank B. Warner.
Chas. HI. Short.
James V. Waters.
Jas. N. Skinner.
John F. Watson.
Chas. A. Sleuman.
Geo. H. Woodbury.
[ Communicated by Capt. George D. Putnam. ]
The usual May inspection was held in Salem, after which Colonel Dike resigned and Carlos P. Messer of Haverhill was elected Colonel of the 7th Regt., M. V. M. An elementary drill was held at South Reading (now Wakefield) at which the services of the regiment were tendered to the government for nine months' service, under a call then pending. Governor Andrew accepted the offer and directed the regi- mental number to be changed to 50, to avoid confusion, as a 7th Reg. Mass. Vols., was already at the front. Recruiting commenced at once, and in September the companies were ordered into camp at Boxford, the Salem Light Infantry retaining their old company letter A, and were mustered into service on Sept. 15, 1862, by 1st Lient. M. Elder, 11th Infantry. On Nov. 19, the regiment was ordered to proceed to New York, to report to Major Gen. N. P. Banks, as a part of the forces he was organizing for an expedition, presumed to be intended for the James river. After reaching New York on the 21st the regiment was ordered into camp at east New York, where it remained some weeks, pursuing the usual routine of camp life.
On Nov. 28, Co A was ordered to proceed to Park barracks, in front of the City Hall, New York city, where it was shortly afterwards joined by Co. K, Captain Barnes, and Co E, Captain Littlefield, thus forming a battalion under command of the captain of Co. A, senior officer.
On Dec. 11, orders were received to go on board the steam trans- port Jersey Blue, but an inspection of the boat showed that several very necessary articles were wanting in her equipment, amongst them a galley, and the battalion commander refused to embark until the needed articles were supplied, which was done in the course of a few days, the troops remaining at the barracks.
Finally, on Dec. 13, the Jersey Blue sailed with sealed orders, to be opened when twenty-four hours ont, which on reading as directed in the presence of the commanding officer of the troops, a staff officer, attached, and the captain of the vessel gave Ship Island in the Gulf of Mexico, as the destination.
The Jersey Blue was a death trap, and her unseaworthiness for an ex- tended voyage was at once the subject of discussion between the three officers referred to above. The captain of the vessel advised promptly to make the nearest port occupied by the U. S. forces, which on ex- amination of the chart, proved to be Hilton Head, S. C., and the course was laid for that place. No lights being then allowed to be burned in the light houses along the coast, and all buoys and channels marks being removed, navigation in the darkness was decided to be too dan-
141
SKETCH OF SERVICE, CO. A, 50TH REG. M. V. M.
gerous, and the Jersey Blue was anchored for the night under the lee of Helena island. Towards two A. M. a very heavy norther set in, and the boat laboring hard at her anchors it became necessary, if the troops were to be kept from drowning by the utter destruction of their vessel, to get underway and do the best possible. The cable was cut and the engine started ahead slow. At daylight, after a night of great danger and anxiety, the coast line of Hilton Head island was in sight, and we were boarded from the dispatch boat, and reporting our con- dition, were directed to follow her, and at last the government wharf was reached, fortunately without any loss of life. The battalion com- mander at once sent his report of arrival to Brig. Gen. A. H. Terry, on Dec. 16 commanding the post, and asking for a Board of Survey on the transport. This was at once granted and the result being that the Jersey Blue was condemned as unfit for any kind of service, the three companies were ordered into camp at Hilton Head to await trans- portation which was finally furnished on the bark Guerilla, aboard of which the command embarked on Dec. 31, sailing at once.
From Hilton Head, across the Bahamas to Ship Island, a good passage was made arriving there Jan. 16, 1863. Here new orders were received to proceed to New Orleans. A norther caught the Guerilla just after leaving the island and she was with much difficulty saved from going ashore on one of the Chandeleur islands. After many te- dious delays New Orleans was reached Jan. 20, 1863. From this city, the detachment was ordered into camp, at Carrolton, La., and was temporarily attached to the brigade under Brig. Gen. Emory.
On Feb 5, 1863, orders were received to report to Brig. Gen. N. A. M. Dudley at Baton Rouge, and embarking in a heavy rain, on board the steamer Continental, the three companies of the 50th regiment found for the least exposed part of their march, the only suitable transportation for water service supplied for them-a good ocean steamer.
Reaching Baton Rouge on Feb. 7 and reporting as ordered, the three companies went into camp about one mile from the Mississippi river. Here Co. I, Captain Powers, and the regimental band reported, mak- ing a battalion under Captain Putnam.
Drills and regular duties were closely attended to and the men were brought into shape for service. Reviews by Gen. Augur, command- ing 1st Division 19th Army Corps, and by Gen. Banks, commanding Department of the Gulf gave indications of active field work in the near future, and about the middle of March, 1863, all available troops of the department were concentrated at Baton Rouge. On the 14th the 19th Corps moved out to Port Hudson on the Bayou Sara road, to cover the movement of the fleet under Admiral Farragut, who suc- ceeded in passing the batteries at Port Hudson with two vessels. This being the object of the expedition, on the 18th, the troops returned nearly to Baton Rouge, bivouacking at night along the road, and re- sponding to an alarm, caused by an attack on the flankers between the Bayou Sara and Jackson roads. Returning to Baton Rouge on the morning of the 19th, the 50th were ordered aboard a river steamer, in the afternoon, and with the balance of the brigade (3d), went to Win- ter's plantation on the west bank of the Mississippi, some three miles below the lower batteries of Port Hudson.
The 50th had its usual bad fortune by water on this tour of duty, its steamer being carried through a crevasse, and finally bringing up some rods from the river on a sugar plantation, getting off, after thirty hours' delay, and finally reaching its destination. From Winter's plan-
142
SKETCH OF SERVICE, CO. A, 50TH REG. M. V. M.
tation an expedition under Col. C. J. Paine, 2d La. Vols., with McGee's cavalry as seouts was sent beyond Port Hudson, to communicate with Admiral Farragut if possible, which having been satisfactorily per- formed the troops were withdrawn to Baton Rouge, March 26, the most of the time having been exposed to severe rains and the inflow through a crevasse above cut by the Confederates, after the brigade landed at Winter's. This expedition caused much sickness amongst the troops. On the afternoon of April 9th orders were received for a special detachment of the 50th, including Co. A, and to be commanded by Major John Hodges, jr., to report on the brigade parade at three A. M. the next day, as part of a mixed command under Lieut. Col. Ev- erett, 2d La. Vols., for special service. The command started about four A. M. and went on the Bayou Sara road several miles towards Port Hudson, stopping at the bridge across Bayou Montesano. Here Co. A "50th" were sent up the road as skirmishers, seeing a few cavalry who retired very quickly. When only one stringer was left, Co. A was recalled, and the destruction of the bridge was completed and the troops returned to Baton Rouge.
On May 12th the 19th H. C. left Baton Rouge for Port Hudson for the final struggle against that place. The 50th Mass. with one seetion of Battery F, 5th U. S. Artillery under Lieut. Rawles, was sent several miles to the right to guard a bridge at White's bayou, covering a part of the rear, where they remained until one P. M., of the 26th of May, when the regiment was ordered to the lines in front of Port Hudson, going into bivouac at ten P. M., having marched continuously nearly nine hours. Early in the morning of the 27th they were sent to sup- port a battery on the right of the centre, having had no rations issued since noon of the day previous. About two P. M. four companies of the regiment including Co. A, Major Hodges in commaud, were sent to the left centre, to join in the assault then taking place. After the loss of fifteen hundred in killed and wounded, the attack being a fail- ure, owing to the nature of the ground, and the long distance over which the assault had to be made, the troops were withdrawn and Co. A was directed the next day to help build a four gun work, and then to support the battery of the 21st Ind. H. A. established there. On the 14th of June another assault was made, the 50th Mass. being with the reserve on the road leading to the Jackson sally-port of the de- fences. but the attack was so bloodily repulsed, that the reserves at this point were not called upon, and were sent back to their lines, al- though the artillery firing was continued for some time longer. Dur- ing this firing, Lieut. R. W. Reeves of Co. A was struck by a spent cannon ball, which caused lameness for a few days. Realizing the futility of successfully assaulting the defences at so much distance, the lines were advanced and the 50th was ordered to support Maek's battery, the nearest to the enemy's works, where they remained until the surrender.
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