Battle of Sabine Cross Roads.
The 13th Corps encountered in force at Sabine Cross Roads, on the 8th of April, Generals Kirby Smith and Taylor, commanding the enemy, who were apprised of the fact that Gen. Banks’ troops were scattered along the road for twenty miles. Upon this knowledge they determined to give battle outside the defenses at Shrevesport, and chose this point, about forty-five miles southeast. The result of the battle was a complete defeat and route of Gen. Banks’ army in detail. The night of the 8th of April closed in with the 13th and 19th Corps in full retreat, falling back on Pleasant Hill. The 16th Corps, under Gen. A. J. Smith, had marched hard all day the 8th, reaching Pleasant Hill at dark, and went into camp in close column by regiments. We had heard Gen. Banks’ artillery all the afternoon of the 8th, and knew he was being driven back. This meant that the men whom Gen. Banks had called guerrillas would be in demand on the morrow.