Today in History:

736 Series I Volume XXXIV-II Serial 62 - Red River Campaign Part II

Page 736 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter XLVI.


HEADQUARTERS,
Baton Rouge, La., March 26, 1864

Colonel L. A. SHELDON,

Commanding at Plaquemine, La.:

COLONEL: You are directed by the brigadier-general commanding to proceed by the first available transportation, with six companies of your command to Baton Rouge, La. Major Williams will be left in charge of the post with the remaining four companies until relieved by the battalion of Rhode Island artillery.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. W. DURGIN, JR.,

Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.


HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
Alexandria, March 26, 1864

Major General WILLIAM B. FRANKLIN,

Commanding 19th and Detachment 13th Army Corps:

GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that Brigadier General A. J. Smith will occupy a position on the Red River near and above the Boyce plantation to-morrow. Colonel Lucus, with a brigade of cavalry, will occupy at the same time Henderson's Hill, 21 miles from this place, on the Bayou Rapides road.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. P. STONE,

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.


HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, DEPT. OF THE GULF

March 26, 1864-12.15 a.m.

Brigadier-General STONE,
Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: The burned bridge is 7 miles from here. Width of bayou (water), 10 feet; dept of water, 6 feet, and swift; banks, 25 or 30 feet high from the water. Old bridge 60 yards long, one-half still standing-20 yards on one side, 10 yards on the other. Facilities for rebuilding, a wood on this side one-quarter mile deep; on the other side negro cabins built of cypress splits. Shall I send both brigades by Bayou Rapides road or will you have bridge built?

Yours, respectfully,

A. L. LEE,

Brigadier-General.

Officer bearing this made the examination.


HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,

Alexandria, March 26, 1864

Brigadier General A. L. LEE,

Commanding Cavalry Division:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding desires that you advance Colonel Lucas' brigade to-morrow morning, which position, he will hold and from which he will on arrival open communication


Page 736 LOUISIANA AND THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. Chapter XLVI.