Today in History:

280 Series I Volume XV- Serial 21 - Baton Rouge-Natchez

Page 280 W. FLA.,S. ALA.,S. MISS.,LA.,TEX., N. MEX. Chapter XXVII.


No. 12. Report of Captain J. M. Magruder, of skirmish at Montesano Bridge.

BAYOU SARA ROAD PICKET POST,

March 9, 1863.

GENERAL: My pickets at the Monteasno Bridge have just been driven in by the enemy. The enemy crossed on some drift-wood and planks at the bridge. One of our men, I am afraid, mortally wounded. I am near the bridge with about 50 men, watching their movements. I do not think it an advance in force. It was a cavalry force that attacked us. I will send a prompt account of any movements the enemy may make. I have o news from the plank road, which sustains me in the impression that no movement in force is contemplated. I will place pickets at Montesano Bridge again to-night. At present I think the enemy are at the bridge lying in ambush for us. There is great excitement in Baton Rouge to-day. The Yankees appear to have been fighting a sham battle all day. The firing of musketry has been continuous all day.

I am, general, very respectfully,

J. M. MAGRUDER,

Captain, Commanding Bayou Sara Picket Post.

Major-General GARDNER.

MARCH 21-30, 1863. - Expedition from New Orleans to Ponchatola, La., and skirmishes.

REPORTS.


No. 1. - Brigadier General Thomas W. Sherman, U. S. Army, commanding Defenses of New Orleans.


No. 2. - Col. Thomas S. Clark, Sixth Michigan Infantry, commanding expedition.


No. 3. - Lieutenant Col. Abel Smith, jr., One hundred and sixty-fifth New York Infantry.


No. 4. - Lieutenant General John C. Pemberton, C. S. Army, commanding Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana.


No. 5. - Major F. Dumonteil, Assistant Adjutant-General, C. S. Army.


No. 6. - Major M. R. Clark, Assistant Adjutant-General, C. S. Army.


No. 7. - Lieutenant Col. H. H. Millier, Twentieth Mississippi Infantry.


No. 1. Report of Brigadier General Thomas W. Sherman, U. S. Army, commanding Defenses of New Orleans.


HEADQUARTERS DEFENSES OF NEW ORLEANS,
March 27, 1863.

COLONEL: In reply to the verbal directions of Major-General Banks, conveyed by one of his aided this morning, I have the honor to state that no official report has yet been received from Colonel Clark, Sixth Michigan, in command of the expedition ot Ponchatoula; but for the immediate information of the general, which I have received from a


Page 280 W. FLA.,S. ALA.,S. MISS.,LA.,TEX., N. MEX. Chapter XXVII.