A southern record : the history of the Third Regiment Louisiana Infantry

Front matter

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Dedication

TO THE

CHERISHED MEMORY OF THE REVERED DEAD, AND THE UNDAUNTED GALLANTRY OF THE HEROIC LIVING,

(Dftes mxii Hfotr,

Preface

That " truth is stranger than fiction" is an axiom as correct as it is trite. Thus I claim for these pages of history a strict adherence to truthfulness in recording actual occurrences, facts garnered from the great and bloody drama of the late -war, around "which lingers the halo of imperishable glory, possessing all the fascination and interest of romance. This record has been dotted down on the long and weary march, in the quiet camp, within breastworks and besieged strongholds, before and after the fierce conflict of deadly strife — a correct record of events as they actually occurred, they are presented to the public. I have indulged in few fancies of the imagination, nor do I claim for this work any peculiar literary excellence. Simple in construction of sentences, unpretending in style of composition, it is given to the public for perusal as one of the many bloody chapters in the history of the late Revolution, when Southerners endeavored, by force of arms, to establish their independence and preserve untarnished the principles of constitutional liberty bequeathed to them by their ancestors, and baptized and consecrated with their best blood, from the despotic domination of Radicalism. The attempt has most signally failed ; and while the Southern people accept the issue of the struggle as the unalterable decree of a mysterious Providence, such records of the past, as contained in this volume, will be regarded as priceless mementoes of heroic deeds, an imperishable epitome of gallant achievements, fierce conflicts, determined valor and patient and long-enduring suffering of those brave men who sacrificed their lives, devoted their energies and efforts toward the establishment of long-cherished principles and institutions.

Mere history can furnish only a tithe of the vivid reality of warlike scenes. Perusing its pages, the reader gleans only the record of gallant achievements, lives in the midst of scenes befitting a romance, and not stern realities. Thus there is a strange fascination in such compilations.

War has existed almost since the creation of the universe, and its

X PREFACE.

records, from ancient clays down to modern times, when Napoleon electrified the world with his brilliant yictories, possess peculiar attractions, deep interest. Yet the reader gathers not from the pages of history, with its glowing descriptions and all the attendant pomp and glory of the struggle, its attendant horrors, the deadly conflict, the untold agony, the accumulated trials, the unspeakable suffering, unbearable anguish which accompany the dark side of the brilliant, fascinating picture.

'Tis well that it should be so. There are few, however, especially in this suffering, ruined Southern land, who do not understand, ay, know from experience dearly purchased, what war means in the fullest signification of the term.

This book is a chapter from its bloodiest record. It has been compiled amid business pursuits, and the bustle and turmoil of a great commercial city, in the still hours of the night and the gray dawn of morn ; from published letters written during the war, private notes, and such official documents as have been preserved from the ruin of defeat. The author has labored under peculiar disadvantages, being deprived of official records and documents, and has been compelled to rely on his present experience and information, and such notes and papers as could be obtained from the surviving members of the Regiment.

If he has failed in presenting as complete and interesting a work as the subject demands, it is a fault not of the head or heart, but simply as stated, because his sources for obtaining necessary information have been not only limited, but very meagre.

Few organizations during the late war gained a more enviable reputation than the Third Regiment Louisiana Infantry.

An isolated Regiment, among other troops, its gallant men bore their banner triumphantly through the sulphureous canopy and thunder-voices of deadly conflicts, making, by their heroic deed3 and undaunted bravery, an imperishable record on the scroll of time ; a name that " shall live in song and story," and of which Louisiana may well be proud. Its honored dead slumber 'neath the soil of many States ; its gallant survivors, with a spirit worthy their self sacrificing devotion, have accepted ihe finale of the fierce contest, and are now found both in positions of honor and trust as well as the humbler stations of life, striving to regain and repair their shattered fortunes. I know of no more satisfactory labor, no XDleasanter mental task, than this self-imposed work of commemorating the sacrifices of the former, and the unconquerable valor of the latter, rendered still more distinguished by the spiiit with which

PEEFACE. XI

they have received and accepted their defeat. Our revered dead shall live ever fresh and green in our memories, while the living are united in those indissoluble bonds which bind brave spirits to each other, cemented by common dangers and sufferings, and a stern defence of cherished principles.

Imperfect as this record may be, it is given to the public not for criticism, but as a compilation of facts, exhibiting some of the innumerable thrilling scenes through which Southerners bore their banner, now furled forever — scenes in which they participated as votive actors.

I regret exceedingly that this record is so meagre, my sources of information so limited, but believe and know that I have written nothing save actual occurrences, which, I trust, may meet the approval and commendation of my friends and former comrades.

W H. TUXNARD.

Baton Rouge, La., August, 1866.

PEESONAL.

I deem it but an act of justice to myself to state, that I have been compelled to mention my own name, in connection with the several occurrences in this History, not that I desire to arrogate to myself any undue share of the fame gained by the Regiment, nor do I wish to be considered egotistical. To others is given the privilege of praising or condemning my actions. I was an active participator in the battles of Oak Hill and Elk Horn ; but. at the reorganization of the Regiment, May 8, 1862, was detailed in the Commissary Department, and followed the fortunes of the Regiment as a noncombatant. I do not desire my motives to be misunderstood, nor my record to become the subject of uncalled-for criticism. Hence this explanation.

THE AUTHOR.

Chapter I

History — Secession — Commencement of the War — The Provisional Government— The Author's Connection with the Army — Call for Troops — The Pelican Rifles, of Baton Rouge — Scenes of Farewell — Arrival in New Orleans — Camp Walker— Its Scenes, Duties, and Discipline, . . .21

Chapter II

The Organization of the Regiment — Colonel Louis Hebert — Lieutenant-Colonel S. M. Hyams, Sr. — Major W. F. Tunnard— The First Review, Hay 17th, 1861— The Departure— Bound for Fort Smith— The Reception at Baton Rouge, La. — The First Funeral — A Rich Joke about Guard Mounting, 27

Chapter III

Camp at Little Rock — The Arsenal Gounds — Arkansas Volunteers — Flag Presentation — Miss Faulkner's Address — Love, 35

CHAPTER IY.

Camp Poteau, Arkansas — Arrival of Col. Hebert — The First Regimental Court-Martial — Missouri — Marching Orders — First Detachment — Second Detachment — July 4th, 1S61 — The March — Baston Mountain — "Them Cammons " Springs — The Country — Neosho Captured — Arrival at Camp Jackson — The Return of General B. McCulloch — His Stratagem and Success, • .... 37

CHAPTER T.

Camp Jackson, Arkansas, July 10th, 1861 — Marching Orders — Bentonville, Arkansas — Camp Stephens, Arkansas — The Storm — The Skirmish and First Prisoner — Ladies — Music — Death — Trouble— The March into Missouri— Arrival at Keatsville, Missouri — The Heroic Lady, ■ . . 42

CHAPTER VI.

Cassville — The Advance — Arrival at Crane Creek — Excitement — The Ambuscade— The Position — Picketing — Consultation — The Midnight Ad-

XIV CONTENTS.

vance Surprise the Yankee Picket— Greer's Texas Regiment — An Exciting Pursuit— Wilson's Creek — Camp Again, 45

CHAPTER VII.

" Oak Hills" — Marching Orders— Detained — August 10th, 1861 — Surprised — Going into Battle— The First Struggle— Success— Zouave Tactics — Led by General McCulloch — His Coolness — Corporal H. H. Gentles's Fatal Aim — Siegel's Battery Captured — Flanking Totten's Battery — His Escape — Death of General Lyon — Victory — Greer's Regiment — Burying the Dead— Regimental Official Reports — General S. Price's Congratulatory Order — Reports of Casualties— Dr. W. G. Kendall — Hon. W. Robson — Anecdotes and Incidents — Reports of General Price and Ben McCulloch, 50

CHAPTER VIII.

Leaving the Battle-Ground — Wilson's Springs — General Order No. 27 — The Missourians Depart — Trouble with the Missouri State Guard — Departure of Arkansians — Suffering and Sickness — The Yankee Camp — The Battle-Field, August 24th, 1861 — Return to Arkansas — Greetings on the March — Hospital at Mount Vernon, Missouri — Visitors and a Catastrophe— Scenery on the March — Sarcoxie, Missouri — Curiosity of Ladies — A Rich Joke on the Major — Floral Decorations — Granby and its Lead Mines— Miss Kate Wilson — Arrival at Camp Jackson, . . . .77

CHAPTER IX.

Explanation of the Return — Trouble — Good News — Summary of the Campaign— " Hon. Blotiket" 83

CHAPTER X.

Camp Jackson — Suffering and Disease — Major Tunnard Among the Cherokees — Mrs. Cunuiugham's Kindness— Major Leaves on Furlough — The Appeal for Troops — Death— Monotony — The Exploding Caisson — Punishment for Theft — General Price's Success — Terrible Condition of the Third Louisiana Regiment — The Storm, 85

CHAPTER XI.

Amusements — Foot-Ball — Clothing for Company K from Home — The Regiment Uniformed by Louisiana— A Tribute to the Campaign Sewing Society of Baton Rouge, 90

CHAPTER XII.

The Fall Campaign — Marching Orders — Pay — Governor Jackson of Missouri and the Regiment — A Fearful Tragedy — Neosho — Advance — Retreat— Missourians — A Distinguished Conclave — Excitement — Halt at Camp McCulloch — Missourians Return — "Bear" — "Retrograding" — Cap-

CONTENTS. XV

tain Brusle Appointed to Muster in the Indians— Departure— The Country and Farms— Fare— Water— Mr. Jones— Prairies— Tom Starr, Moses Riddle, Mr. Rubbs— The Smith Family at North Fork— R. Ross— Weather Creek Agency— The Spirit of War— Muster Return, . . . .94

CHAPTER XIII.

Camp MeCullooh— Antumn Scenery — Tennessee's Gift to General Price — Visiting — Returning the Call — A Dilemna— The Major's Return — The Situation — Consultation — Preparations to Meet the Foe — " Shot at by a Corn-shock " — Voting for President — The Enemy Retreat— Winter — The Cavalry — Cleaning out Blockaded Roads — Review and Muster — General McCulloch's Personnel — The Fall Races — Seizure and Confiscation of Contraband " Goods " — Robbery — Breaking up Camp McCulloch — The " King's English " in Arkansas, 103

CHAPTER XIV.

Camp Benjamin — At Cross Hollows, Arkansas — Winter-Quarters — Joviality and Comfort — Captain T. L. Maxwell, A. C. S. — Punishment — " Riding on a Rail" — Regimental Court-Martial — Winter Scenes and Sports — Christmas — The Flag-Pole — Social Gatherings and Frolics — Sickness — The Hospital — Orders to Prepare for Action — Fire — The 16th Day of February, 1861— The Ladies' " Good-Bye "—Departure, . . . .110

CHAPTER XV.

The Author Leaves for Fayetteville, Arkansas— Companies A and K — " Civilization Again — Songs and Serenades — Another Gift from Tennessee for the Missourians — The Missouri Confederates — Winter Scenery — Christmas Toasts and Jokes — Siegel's Gun — Colonel J. Mcintosh's Victory over Opothleyliola — Generals Sterling Price and Ben McCulloch — The General Court-Martial, January 8th, l'S62— Startling Intelligence — General McCulloch in Richmond— Colonel Hebert in Command — Orders to March — A Brilliant Winter Picture from Nature—1' Ducking " — Rare Sport — Re-enlistment, 115

CHAPTER XVI.

The Early Spring Campaign — Price's Retreat — The Regiment on the Road — The Enthusiasm of the Pelican Rifles and Iberville Greys — Scenes of 1'error — Confidence in the Louisianians' Gallantry — The Skirmish — Retreat— A Night at Cross Hollows — Suffering— General McCulloch Arrives— His Reception — Destruction of Camp Benjamin— Fayetteville — Terrible Pictures of War — The Conflagration — The Third Louisiana Infantry the Rear-Guard — Their Spirit — Punishing Cowardice — February 22d, 1863— Endurance, 123

XVI CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XVII.

Baston Mountain — The Cavalry Raid — Plenty and Rest — Prisoners — Major- General Earl Van Dora — The Advance — Captures — Rapid Marching— Siegel Almost Surprised — A Sharp Skirmish — Siegel Escapes— The Eve of Battle— General B. McCulIoch 128

CHAPTER XVIII.

Elk Horn Tavern — A Brilliant Cavalry Charge — The Indians — "No More Boom " — Going Into Battle — Desperate Fighting — Battery Captured — Surrounded — The Enemy's Cavalry Punished — Generals McCulIoch and Mcintosh Killed— Grief of the Louisianians — Colonel Hebert, Major Tunnard, and other Officers Prisoners— Our Losses — Join General Price— His Success — Sergeant W. Kinney's Account of the Battle — Captain Gilmore's Report — " Who was Captain Gilmore's Body Servant," . . 132

CHAPTER XIX.

The Retreat— Not Whipped — Starvation — Horrors of the Retreat — Captain Goode — Our Officers Exchanged — Their Reception at Camp Poteau — General E. VaD Dora's Official Report — A Sketch of General McCulIoch — Attack on His Operations by J. W. Tucker— McCulloch's Reply in the Richmond Whvj — His Popularity, 144

CHAPTER XX.

The March Eastward — Death of Lieutenant T. R. Brunat — Abandonment of Arkansas— Sickness — A Mournful Burial — Departure from Little Rock — Arrival at Memphis, Tennessee — The Departure ■ — Ovation — Arrival at Corinth, Mississippi, . 161

CHAPTER XXI.

Events at Corinth — Excitement— Picketing — Reorganization — Dissatisfaction— Fight atFarmington — Field-Officers : Colonel Frank C. Armstrong, Lieutenant-Colonel J. B. Gilmore, Major Sam. D. Russell — Skirmishing—The Rilled Battery— A Stampede— " Who Ran?" —Betrayed— A Prisoner— Manoouvering — Retreat from Corinth— Rain— Mud, . . 165

CHAPTER XXII.

Tupelo, Mississippi— General L. Hebert— Furloughs— Well-Digging — Road- Building — Reviews — Our Flag — Enthusiasm Over Victories — Colonel F. C. Armstrong's Farewell — Bathing — Colonel Gilmore's Sorrel Pony — Changing Camp— Hebert's Brigade — Scarcity of Provisions — Trouble — Camp Sattillo — Guard-Mounting — Preaching — The "Owls "in Camp — The " Peach Cobbler " — The Colonel's " Owl " — The Colonel's Artillerv, . 173

CONTENTS. XV11

CHAPTER XXIII.

The Advance Eastward — Arrival at Baldwin, Mississippi— Skirmishing- Building Railroad — Proximity of the Yankees — Advance on Iuka — Its Capture — Immense Quantity of Stores — The "Rebels" Enjoy Themselves— Feast and Fun — Picketing — Enemies — Hebert's Brigade — The Battle of Iuka — Terrific and Deadly Fighting— The Third Regiment Almost Annihilated — Captain W. Kinney's Report — Doctor L. P. Blackburn's Report — The Retreat — Getting the Trains in Motion — General Price Profane— The Loss of the Flag 180

CHAPTER XXIV.

The Retreat to Baldwin, Mississippi — Kindness of the Ladies— Mrs. Belcher— March Westward — Junction with General Van Dorn's Forces — The Battle of Corinth — Success — Defeat — Desperate Contest — Heroism — • Almost Surrounded — A Narrow Escape — Arrival at Holley Springs, Mississippi— Terrible Condition of the Army — Major Tunnard Arrives — Major-Generals Van Dorn and Price's Reports, . . • . . 190

CHAPTER XXV.

Camp Rogers, Mississippi — Third Brigade, Maury's Division — Winter and Want— The Mississippians — Division Review — Chivalry and Beauty- Marching Orders — Sufferings — The Texans Remount — The Ruse for Shelter — Colonel Witherspoon's Message — Defiance and Excitement — The Retreat — Camp near Abbeville, Mississippi, ...... 210

CHAPTER XXVI.

The Tallahatchie Breastworks — The Planter's Swine — Return of Lieutenant Washburn — A Visit from Major Tunnard— Saluting the Bugle — The Enemy Once More — Retreat — Warlike Scenes — Oxford, Grenada — Flank Attack — Oakland — Yankees Punished — The Ambuscade — President Davis and General Joe Johnston— The Review, ..... 214

CHAPTER XXVII.

The March to Yazoo City — Down the Yazoo — Snyder Bluff — Defences — The Country — In the Breastworks — Operations Around the Hill City — Thunder of Artillery — Review— Election — Captain C. A. Brusle on General Hebert's Staff — Excitemeut — The Gun-Boat— Volunteers to Capture it — Execution of a Deserter — Fort Pemberton — New Uniforms — Marching Orders — Deer Creek Expedition — General Stephen D. Lee — The Dew- Drop — A Storm — Hilarity — A Novel Expedition — In the Swamp — Transporting Provisions — General Hebert Inquisitive — The Enemy Retreat — Return to Snyder Bluff— Gun-Boats Scouting — Disaster to the Raft — Grand Levee Cut — General D. H. Maury's Departure — Scenes at Vicksbarg — Our Quarters — The Attack — Skillful Artillery Shooting — Punishing Yankee Incendiaries — A Lively Skirmish — Lieutenant Cottingham

XV111 CONTENTS.

Wounded— A Daring Feat — Mortar Shells — Preparations to Evacuate — The Enemy's Victories — Incidents — Supplied — " Themere Melitea" Caught in the Act— Prize Fighting, 217

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Abandonment of Snyder's Bluff— Ruin and Destruction— May 17th, 1863 — May 18th — The Position of the Third Louisiana Infantry — General Hebert's Address — The Response — The Siege of Vicksburg Begun — The Surrender — Charge and Repulse — Caves — Women and Children — " Shanghai's " Visit — Mining — Captain Gallagher and the Yankee Officer— Flag of Truce — Gun-Boat Sunk — Enfield Rifles — Yankees Curse England— Rations Reduced — Suffering — Fire — The Spirit of the Third Regiment— Starvation — The Movable Breastwork — A Novel Destructive Missile— It Succeeds — Excitement — Rain — The Mortar, .... 235

CHAPTER XXIX.

The Twenty-eighth Day — Close Shooting— The Charge — Defeat — Proximity of the Lines — The Vicksburg Whig — The Rations — A Terrific Cannonade— A Panoramic View — A Death Scene — Amide Hebert — The Texans Gallantry — The 100-Pounder Parrott — Horrors of War — The Explosion of June 25th — The Third Lousiana Regiment Blown Up — Their Gallantry — A Fierce Hand-to-hand Struggle — Hand Grenades — The Sixth Missouri Infantry "to the Rescue" — Death of Colonel Irwin, Grandson of Henry Clay — Scenes in the City — The Soldier's Reverie — Firing on the Catholics on Sunday — Eating Mule Flesh — Rats for Breakfast — Delicious Fare — Undermining Again — The Shadow of Defeat — The Hospitals — The Soldier's Burial, July 1st, 1863 — The Second Explosion — Horrible Destruction of Life — The Missouriaus again Sustain the Undismayed Louisianians — Scenes at the Hospitals — A Gloomy Picture — Famine, . .252

CHAPTER XXX.

The Surrender — Indignation — July 4th, 1863 — Yankee Sympathy — Speculation— Heroic Women — Hospitals — " Contrabands" — General J. C. Pemberton — After the Surrender — Paroles — A Strange Spectacle — " Home" — Departure — Demoralization — Free — Incidents — The Cob-Wagon and Mortar Shell— The Rules of Civilized Warfare— The Wounded Shirt— The Last Meal — " I Want Ter Go Home"—" Simon says, Wiggle Waggle" — How a Commissary was done for— The Midnight Raid — Cabbaging Cabbage—Running the Gauntlet, 270

CHAPTER XXXI.

Songs : " Our Flag"—" A Life on the Vicksburg Hills "— " Do They Miss Me in the Trench?"— " The Rainbow of Hope " — General F C.Armstrong's Letter— Doctor W. A. Moss— Doctor P. F. Whitehead, . . 293

CONTENTS. SIX

CHAPTER XXXII.

EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI.

The Returned Veteran— Freedom— Home— Rest, ...... 299

CHAPTER XXXIII.

Furloughs Expired — Camp near Demopolis, Alabama — Idleness — The Expedition— Lost on the Tombigbee River — The Flag from General D. H. Maury — Enterprise, Mississippi — The Camp — •" Paw like a Goat" — Obeying Orders— The Conflagration — Departure for Trans- Mississippi Department— Exchange — Consolidation — The Twenty-Second Louisiana Infantry, Company " H " — Mobile, Alabama — An Incident, .... 300

CHAPTER XXXIV.

WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI.

The Blockade Runners — Success — A 'Weary March — Patriotism at Harrisonburg, Louisiana — Alexandria, Louisiana — Hospitality of Rev. W. E. M. Linfeld, 308

CHAPTER XXXV.

The Parole Camp — Transportation— The Deserted Plantation — Sugar-Cane — Scouting — A Rough Ride to Natchitoches — Grand Ecore— A Home at Mrs. L. L. McLauren's — The Hostess — Pleasant and Halcyon Days — Doctor W. B. Butler — The Birthday Dinner — The Dying Tear- Governor H. W. Allen— The Holidays— The " Home Circle " on Tiger Island, . .310

CHAPTER XXXVI.

Camp at Grand Ecore — The Farewell Kiss— The Third Regiment Louisiana Infantry Assemble — Dress Parade— The Orders— The Country Frolic- Interruption — " All Right " — Pay — Furloughs — Indignation — Oblivion, . 315

CHAPTER XXXVII.

Camp near Pineville, Louisiana— The Louisiana Brigade— ItsJ/wafe— Quietude— Exchange— Organization of the Third Louisiana Infantry— Activity— Military Executions — The Ladies of New Orleans and the Confederate Prisoners— General Polignac's Troops— A Visit from Captains Gallagher and Charles A. Brusle ...... . . 318

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

Ho! For Shreveport— The "Lelia"— Arrival at Grand Ecore— A Warm Welcome— Generosity of Prudhomme Hyams — Arrival at "Lac des Meures" Plantation— Colonel S. M. Hyams's Generosity and Hospitality- Captain Isaacson a Prisoner — The Barbecue — " Farewell " — Up the River, 323

XX CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXXIX.

Camp "Boggs " — Shreveport — Provost Guard — Details — Conscripts — Frost — Concert — Governor H.W. Allen's Generosity to the Regiment — Reconstruction— Dissatisfaction — Desertions — Sufferings at Soldiers' Homes, . 326

CHAPTER XL.

The Holidays— Christmas Dinner in Camp — Festivities in Shreveport — Clothing at Last — Forney's Review — The Third Regiment Louisiana Infantry Honored — The Sham Battle — Reception of the Third Regiment — General Forney Introduces them to his Division — Speeches — Good Cheer — The Flag of the Regiment — Robberies in Shreveport — Arrival of Yankee Commissioners — Aspect of Camp — The Regiment Protects Shreveport from Destruction, May 17th, 1865 — The Missourians — Indignation— -Disbanding— Farewell of the Veterans — Scenes of Destruction — The Last of the Regiment — Darkness and Gloom, ....... 831

CHAPTER XLI.

Scenes from Camp Life at Camp Boggs— Music— Preaching — The Storm — " Here's Your Honey " — Our Quarters — Our Southern Women — Unmarked Graves — The Ptrsonnel of the Regiment — How They Accept the Situation, ... - 339

Rolls of the Companies, 351

Appendix, 395

A SOUTHERN RECORD.

Chapter I

Truthfulness is the gem which gives to History its greatest charm ; the golden light which adorns it with mellow rays for all coming time. Hence in making History by our own deeds, or writing them for present and future ages, we should adhere strictly to the promulgation of facts alone. It is a lamentable circumstance that deep-seated, ineradicable prejudices have been ingrafted into every published record which has been given to the public concerning the late struggle. Men must be governed by fixed principles, must adhere to cherished thoughts and feelings, and hence act, speak and write in conformity with these controlling influences. Thus the Northern mind thinks of the war as a gigantic rebellion to destroy the American Government, while the South conceived it to be a struggle for the preservation of constitutional freedom and their peculiar institutions. No one at the present time can properly determine the truth. Justice, with her nicely-balanced scales, must wait for historians of the next century to properly weigh facts, in order to discriminate between the North and South, and give to the world a correct record of events connected with this gigantic internecine strife. Fanaticism, that foul demon of discord and strife, first reared its hydra-head among the mountains and hills of New England. From an insignificant birth, it grew in strength and power until its influence extended over the whole North. The first aim and object of this foul spirit was the eradication of slavery on this continent, an interference with the peculiar institutions of one section by the powerful arm of the opposing section. In opposition to fanaticism grew up an equally malignant spirit in the South. As years passed by, feelings of hatred and enmity first engendered, grew in intensity and bitterness until all compromise was rejected and the sword was unsheathed to settle the differences which existed. Of the opening acts of the war it is needless to write. They are known by every man, woman and child in the land, and are engraven in characters

I'l . A SOUTHERN RECORD.

of living light upon millions of throbbing hearts. After the election of Abraham Lincoln by a sectional minority, the Southern States, commencing with South Carolina, one by one severed the chains which had bound them in loving ties to the General Government. Banished was the starry flag which had floated so proudly over a great and powerful nation, forgotten were the wise teachings of a Washington, when fanatical hate, marshaling its hosts, was confronted by a spirit of stern and uncompromising resistance. Human thought fails to express, in its conception of material objects, and their concomitant surroundings, the magnitude of this struggle. Neither can human mind place the blame where it justly belongs, without introducing amid its conceptions prejudices which, expressed, would destroy its reliability. Hence we infinitely prefer that others discuss this question pro and con, rather than make it a' subject of conjecture and speculation in the pages of this volume.

In December, 1860, the General Assembly of Louisiana met in extraordinary session in obedience to the call of the Governor, Thomas O. Moore. After a short session acts were passed for the organization of the militia, in view of the threatening aspect of affairs between the General Government and the Southern States, and also for a convention of representatives from the people, to assemble January 23, 1861, to determine the future course and policy of Louisiana. At this time there was a state of feverish excitement all over the land. South Carolina had already taken the initiative, and severed her connection with the Federal Union, and State conventions had been called in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, and Georgia. Previous to the assembling of the Louisiana Convention, on January 12, 1861, the United States Arsenal and Barracks at Baton Rouge were taken formal possession of by the State authorities, being surrendered to Gov. Moore by the officer then in command, Maj. Haskin, of the U. S. Army. This important event was achieved without bloodshed, although accomplished amid intense excitement. This victory, so important, was gained through the instrumentality of a battalion from New Orleans under command of J. B. Walton, composed of the Crescent City Rifles, Chasseurs-a-Picd, Louisiana Guards, Washington Artillery, Orleans Cadets, Sarsfield Rifles, and Louisiana Grays, with a Grosse Tete Company, Delta Rifles, Pelican Rifles, National Guards, and Creole Guards of Baton Rouge. By this prompt action of seizure, an immense quantity of arms, artillery, and munitions of war of every description, fell into the possession of the State. On the 23d of January, 1861, the Convention assembled, and after four days' deliberation passed the ordinance of secession, with nearly a unanimous vote. As elsewhere, the action of this body was received with the wildest enthusiasm, and the State flag everywhere floated in the breeze. The whole State and land were turned from peaceful pursuits into preparations for the expected fierce, bloody, and deadly struggle.

The arms captured at the arsenal were rapidly distributed to the volunteer organizations, and forwarded to the forts and troops elsewhere. At Pensacola, Fla., and Charleston, S. C, the opposing forces confronted each other, both parties preparing for the coming strife, February 9th, 1861. At Montgomery, Ala., was formed the Provisional Government of the Confederate States, by South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Louisiana, a constellation around which clustered in radiant beauty nearly all the remainder of the Southern States. Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi, was chosen President, and Alexander H. Stephens, of Georgia, Vice-President. After the organization of the Confederate Government, scenes (familiar now as household words) full of excitement followed each other in rapid succession. All attempts to settle the sectional difficulties and differences on some peaceable basis were rejected by the Federal Government, until they at last culminated, on April 12th, 1861, into an open rupture. The U. S. Government then attempted to convey reinforcements and supplies into Fort Sumter, off Charleston, S. C. The attempt was frustrated by the batteries under General Beauregard opening fire on the approaching vessel, and preventing her entrance. A fierce conflict took place between Fort Sumter and the Confederate States batteries. Thus the gun that bellowed out its hoarse thunder across the waters of Charleston harbor, proclaimed the momentous fact that war had actually begun. Peaceful arbitration was a failure, now that the swerd must determine the issue.

In obedience to instructions from Governor Moore, the Pelican Rifles* of Baton Rouge (organized ITorember 2ofh, 1839, and of which the author was a member) entered upon garrison duty in the barracks, having already offered their services to the State. At this

* This company was organized during the excitement occasioned by the raid of John Brown into Virginia, and in anticipation of a general insurrection throughout the Southern States. Their banner was manufactured out of rich blue silk and the most costly trimmings. On one side was painted the seal of the State, and on the reverse side the motto " Southern Rights Inviolate,"1 surrounded with a golden wreath, thus proclaiming it the first Southern rights flag unfurled in Louisiana.