Today in History:

157 Series I Volume XXVI-I Serial 41 - Port Hudson Part I

Page 157 Chapter XXXVIII. SIEGE OF PORT HUDSON, LA.

[HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING], 12 o'clock.

All seems to have quieted in my front. I can learn of no mischief done our men or works. Enemy either made an attempt to charge Lieutenant-Colonel [M. B.] Locke's front (in corner of bull-pen), or made a bold effort to push forward his lines. Whatever his intention, he had been defeated, and gained nothing. Can hear his wounded groaning along our lines. I feel comparatively easy at to balance of night. The enemy has a battery 400 yards in front of slaughter-pen. He fired only two guns (small, I think). The enemy is evidently extending his lines toward our left. Has been cutting timber there. Also reported cutting in front of Lieutenant-Colonel Locke. Have ordered artillery on Commissary Hill to fire shell slowly among them if it prove true. I doubt the correctness of the report. Have well guarded the space between my left and Colonel [W. b.] Shelby's right.

Respectfully,

I. G. W. STEEDMAN,

Colonel First Regiment Alabama Volunteers.

Major [T. F.] WILLSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.


HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING,
June 10, 1863.

SIR: Two companies of my regiment, Captains [J. F.] Whitfield and [James D.] Meadows, are in charge of siege guns on various parts of the field works. I think either company sufficient for the purpose. Please inquire, and, if possible, order one of the companies to report to Major Knox, near Commissary Hill, to-night at dark. We are in great need of them.

The troops on my line are promiscuously mixed. I am satisfied this will not do. I want a battalion or regiment in charge of each portion of the lines, a nd its officers responsible for its safety, defense, &c. By giving me Colonel Lyles' regiment, Twenty-third Arkansas, and Fourteenth in place of Eighteenth Arkansas, Lieutenant Colonel Paris, I can arrange this to my satisfaction.

This changing of troops will not do. The men will not work on lines which they are not compelled to remain in. I am maturing arrangements to send scouts out to-night. I will present my plan by night.

Am selecting my men. Think I can arrange it.

Respectfully,

I. G. W. STEEDMAN.

Major WILLSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.


HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING,
June 11, 1863-Sun up.

I supposed, until daylight this morning, that the firing in my front was simply from a weak line of sharpshooters, who took up the fire because the firing was going on the right, but I learn nw that the enemy attempted an advanced in my whole front, extending one-quarter to a mile left of Slaughter house. At daylight we found the enemy had actually pushed into our lines, and were sheltering themselves from rain in


Page 157 Chapter XXXVIII. SIEGE OF PORT HUDSON, LA.