Today in History:

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

Page 161 Chapter XXXVIII. SIEGE OF PORT HUDSON, LA.

reports that the same firing has been heard to-day. This firing has awakened new hopes among the troops.

I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

I. G. W. STEEDMAN,

Colonel, Commanding Left Wing.

Major T. F. WILLSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.


HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING,
June 29, 1863.

MAJOR: The troops on the left wing are posted at the works in the following order, from right to left: Colonel Johnson's Fifteenth Arkansas, and Captain [M. C.] Peel's company, Eighteenth Arkansas; one brass 12-pounder howitzer, Captain [A. J.] Herod; two Blakely guns, two 6-pounders, First Lieutenant [E. B.] Thompson commanding; First Alabama, Major Knox commanding; Eighteenth Arkansas, Lieutenant Colonel Parish commanding; Tenth Arkansas, Lieutenant-Colonel [E. L.] Waughan commanding; one 24-pounder siege gun (rifle); one 12-pounder howitzer and one 6-pounder gun, Lieutenant Toledano commanding; Thirty-ninth Mississippi, Colonel Shelby commanding; Wingfield Battalion, Major De Baun. At different points in Colonel Shelby's line are two 6-pounder guns, Captain Herod; one 6-pounder gun, Watson Battery, Lieutenant Caldwell commanding; one 6-pounder gun of Lieutenant Brown's ordnance department.

Accompanying find rough draught, giving the relative position of troops, batteries, &c.*

I am, sir, very respectfully,

I. G. W. STEEDMAN,

Colonel, Commanding Left Wing.

Major WILLSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.


HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING,
June 29, 1863.

MAJOR: I am greatly mortified and disappointed to report that about half of the Eighteenth Arkansas Regiment, 50 men, have refused to move to the right, as ordered, saying they have worked hard to fortify their present position, &c. The lieutenant-colonel commanding is willing to go with the willing ones. I have repeated the order, and directed him to leave those who are so lost to duty and State pride under command of a suitable officer, and proceed with the balance immediately, and report to Colonel Lyles. I have a hope that all may consent to go upon mature reflection. If you can say to them that they only go temporarily, and will be sent back as soon as the emergency is over, I think all will go. Replay soon.

I am, respectfully, &c.,

I. G. W. STEEDMAN,

Colonel, Commanding Left Wing.

Major WILLSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

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*Sketch omitted.

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11 R R-VOL XXVI, PT I


Page 161 Chapter XXXVIII. SIEGE OF PORT HUDSON, LA.