On the 17th of September another movement began toward the interior of Louisiana. The object of this entire movement was to divert the enemy from Banks' expedition into Texas which he was about to undertake. Accordingly he ordered the command of which the battery was a part to advance under Gen. C. C. Washburne from Brashear City to Opelousas, to give the impression that a march to Alexandria or Shreveport was begun. The battery left New Orleans on September 18 and the next day reached Brashear City, which had been evacuated by the Confederates in July after securing about 1000 prisoners together with supplies valued at $2,000,000. A week later an advance was made to Bisland and then on to Opelousas, which was reached October 24. All along the advance, skirmishing and fighting occurred almost every day, and in it all the battery did its part most creditably. At Indian Bend, October 2, the left and center divisions, which were in the advance, met the enemy and drove them back. Two days later at Vermillion Bayou the same sections forced the enemy once more to fall back. Again the right section at Vermillion Bayou contended with the enemy for a ford for over three hours, driving them completely from their position. Again we read in our diaries: "The right and center moved forward with the advance cavalry came in sight of the enemy's camp. They retired leaving for us a good dinner of beef steak, sweet potatoes, and corn cake all piping hot. Pieces of our shell picked up near camp fires about two miles away." Two days later,—"Just at dusk, the enemy advanced on our pickets. A section of the battery was sent for, hitched up with a will, crossed the plains on a gallop and in 18 minutes from the time the first order was given we had gained the distance and commenced firing. Time taken by Colonel Molineaux."

October 15. "The enemy came out on the open plain, drew themselves up in line of battle and commenced firing on our pickets. This battery was ordered to the front at double quick and at 7 A. M. we were at the extreme advance—we opened a heavy fire which caused them to break for the woods. At 9 A. M. Captain Simmes' Battery opened on us from a masked position—we dismounted one gun and exploded their ammunition chest forcing them to retreat. A piece of one of our shells cut off the head of one, passed through another and killed his horse—deadly work."

October 21. "6 A. M. whole force moved forward, the battery with advance cavalry. At 7 A. M. met the enemy in line of battle. Right section with cavalry engaged left flank while remaining section engaged them in front. We succeeded in driving them back on the flank and then in front and they retreated in disorder. Our troops followed to Opelousas when right section with cavalry branched off to Barry's Landing and went into camp after a hard march over ditches, through corn field, etc. October 28. A running fight for 17 miles. Center section with Grover's division at Opelousas."

And so it goes day after day till Opelousas is reached, and on November 1 a retrograde movement is ordered. Here again we find the battery in the post of danger, acting often as rear guard, skirmishing with the enemy.

Under the date of November 2 we read: "7 A. M. enemy fired on our pickets. Section ordered on the double quick to the front about a half mile away. We opened fire and after a short skirmish drove them four miles and then fell back slowly across the plain to draw them into a fight. They followed and when within short range we opened on them with shell which broke up their line. We pursued them again till 4 P. M. when we gave up the chase and returned to camp. Generals Washburne and Burbridge were with us during the engagement and gave us much credit." This battle is known as that of Carrion Crow Bayou.

The next day, November 3, marks another occasion when the battery won especial honor for itself, and as we read in General Burbridge's report—"did more than its whole duty."[[12]]

At Grand Coteau, the Confederate forces including cavalry and artillery—about 5500 in number, under General Greene—surprised the camp and nearly captured it. The right under General Burbridge on whom the weight of the attack fell was almost surrounded and ruin seemed inevitable. The section of the battery under Lieutenant Marland was attacked, the enemy being in so short range that the guns could not be brought into action, and while part were endeavoring to work the guns others were harnessing the horses. A desperate conflict ensued, the guns keeping up a heavy fire. Regiment after regiment of infantry was brought up as support but gave way until the battery was almost surrounded. It was at last obliged to fall back, the cannoneers fighting their way with their revolvers; but bringing off their guns in triumph. Before they had retreated far they saw coming to their aid on the double quick General Cameron's Brigade of the 13th Corps. They immediately halted, got their guns in position and renewed the conflict, chasing the enemy back four miles, and securing thus a Union victory. When General Franklin was told of this experience he said, "If there is ever another opportunity of racing a section of Nims' Battery give it your two best regiments for support, for it is the finest battery in the United States." One historian in relating this incident says, "Nims' Battery saved the day."

The following is the official report of Lieutenant Marland as given in Official Records, Vol. 26, p. 371.

Bayou Bourbeau,

Carrion Crow Bayou.