April 20th. After drawing rations, we left Grandecore, to return to Alexandria. The rebels were determined we should not leave Louisiana, and were on the move to intercept us from going back to Mississippi, at every opportunity would attack our lines in front and rear, and at every point and place where they could make a good stand.
On the morning of the 24th, being Sunday, the rebels commenced throwing some shells into our camp, aiming at our wagon train, but did no damage to trains or us until we got ready for them. Our cavalry then made some desperate charges. The 16th Indiana and 6th Missouri cavalry, did the principal fighting, with our line of skirmishers, while our regiment was drawn up in line of battle and watching for an engagement with them, but they did not come to taw.
We arrived at Alexandria after marching nearly one hundred miles. There was fighting almost every day, either front or rear, but they were always met with determination. Our cavalry would not be driven. The rebels would come up and attack the rear, when the cavalry would hold the rebels until the infantry could get the start, and then the cavalry would fall in and come on slowly, the rebels following closely. Arrived at Alexandria with the loss of a few men. While at that place, the report was brought into camp that the rebels were to occupy the city on a certain day, and preparation was made to give them a warm reception, if they choose to pay us a visit. A line of battle was formed a short distance from town and we lay on our arms all night, but in the morning returned to camp, as no enemy had appeared. While here, reinforcement for the 13th corps arrived, and were sent out to the front, when orders came for another move. Tents were left standing and, Mower's and Smith's divisions fell into line and moved out to the front; came to a halt and remained in line waiting orders. Skirmishing was going on in front and Banks' men were driving the rebels, and several prisoners were taken. Several batteries opened on their lines and they soon got out of harms way. The men under Smith and Mower fell back about a mile, formed a line and were ordered to be ready to take arms any moment. Nothing disturbed us this night, and early in the morning bugle sounded for the men to fall in, when the advance was sounded and all were on the march again, cavalry in advance. They soon fell in with the rebel pickets, and skirmishing commenced quite early in the day. The enemy were driven slowly, they disputed every foot of ground. Did not come to a halt until we came to a place called Rodgers' Bayon. Here we stopped and eat our dinners, when the brigade, under Col. Hill, was ordered to the front to protect our wagon train, as they were procuring forage at one of the plantations across the bayou. The 6th Missouri cavalry being out in front, deserve praise for the manner in which they held their position. They were forced back on account of superior numbers, there being only two companies. Artillery was used by the rebels and some of their shot came close to our lines, killing and wounding eight of the cavalry. When the cavalry fell back the rebels came close enough to use grape shot, and their guns could be plainly seen by us. After throwing a few shells over us, doing no damage but killing the strength of the powder, they desisted, and as it was nearly dark and our wagons were loaded, we returned to Governor Moore's plantation, and there we had our camping grounds for ten days. Corn was growing finely and wheat was ready for reaping, but everything was destroyed. Governor Moore's family moved to Alexandria, and every building was reduced to ashes. Picket skirmishing was going on most of the time, causing constant alarm in camp. The water having fallen in the river, boats could not get back to Alexandria without damming the river to make the water deep enough for the gunboats to pass over the falls. All of the transports got over at last except one, which was the Woodford. It was used as a hospital, and sunk in getting above the falls and lay in the river. When the army passed there all the sick had been taken off. After finishing the dam all the boats passed through the channel except some of the iron-clads, of which the plating had to be taken off to render them light enough to pass below the falls. Banks was for destroying them, lest they should fall into the rebels' hands, but they got over at last, when Banks got all of his boats loaded with cotton and niggers, started for the Mississippi, 19th corps in advance, 13th next, and his invincible wagon train, and last of all, Smith and Mower's guerrillas bringing up the rear. Started from Moore's plantation, leaving nothing but a few shade trees to mark the home of the rebel Governor, fell in with Banks' army three miles from this place, on their way back. Our march was right along the river and the boats were following us, the Monitor clearing the road of sharp-shooters, who lined the banks of the river, and were doing their best to stop the progress of the fleet down to the Mississippi. A few shell thrown amongst them caused them to get out of danger before the land force could get to where they were. They had captured some of the tin-clad fleet belonging to the Monitor, and several transports. One had five hundred soldiers on it and only about a hundred got to Alexandria. After running the gauntlet boats were sunk in the river as an obstruction, but the gunboat soon made a road, passed through, and at last got around to Simsport. Arrived about the 10th of May, no rain having fallen for more than a month.
Nothing occurred but slight skirmishing with our advance until after passing Fort D'Russey, at a place called Marksville Prairie, a small town three miles from the fort. It was a flat, open country, and for miles could be seen a beautiful tract of land, inhabited by French and Creoles, who treated the soldiers with contempt, and very little respect was paid to the neutral flag that could be seen on most all the houses on the prairie. The rebels resolved to make a stand and give us battle. Their lines could be plainly seen. Preparation was made, and the advance commenced. All of our army could be seen as they came on and took their position in line of battle. Everything seemed to work like clock work. It would be a sight for an artist. The blue coats could be seen as far as the eye could reach, together with our long wagon train; the dust so thick it was almost suffocating. Mowers moved his lines. Forward was the word, the skirmishers in advance. The rebels had opened with several guns, and were throwing shot over our lines, doing but little injury to us. A battery was opened from our side, but could not remain long in position, as the rebels soon silenced the guns. A force was sent to the left which caused them to back out of our way and let us pass. Some of the non-veterans of the 11th were wounded, and several of the 33d Missouri killed. The rebels were not heard from again until next day, when our rear was attacked while crossing a bayou. They did not gain anything by this, and were held in check. Presently they left the rear and made a charge on the advance of the train. The negroes met the charge and after killing two of them, left, leaving their major's body and horse in our hands. A heavy guard was placed along the wagon train, and sappers were sent in advance to examine the woods along the route.
The 19th corps was hurrying to the river as fast as they could get along, the 13th corps being next, and Smith's and Mowers' brought up the rear. The rebels were endeavoring to reach Yellow Bayou and occupy their old works, but were beat in the race, and at night our men occupied the works, and after crossing the bayou camped in line of battle, fronting the rebels. The cavalry acting as picket guard, was out about a mile in front. This night we slept without being disturbed, and in the morning the cavalry was forced back, when infantry was sent to support the cavalry. The rebels were heavily reinforced. Paul Neck, a Texas Colonel, was said to have been in command, the best artillerist in the South. His practice was so good and aim so accurate, our batteries could not withstand the fire from their guns, as they fired by volley. The infantry was formed in line and started on double-quick for the field where the rebels were supposed to be. A bayou was on one side and a heavy swamp on the other, and in this and the open space the rebel's lines were formed, with batteries in position; so they had decidedly the advantage of our men. Briers and weeds were so thick in the swamp we could not get through at all. Skirmishers were ordered forward and the advance commenced. Their lines could not be discovered until our men were right on them. A volley was given at short range and a charge was made, when we came to a stand. Still, the rebels slowly falling back. Another advance was made, and this time the fighting was quite severe. Our men were so close every shot told; and in this charge about three hundred prisoners were taken. The artillery could not be used on account of the men being mixed up so in the charge. But when they were falling back they suffered most, the rebels using grape. Colonel Hill's son was killed. Hill's brigade suffered severely, and himself wounded in the foot. The battle continued most all day. Two brigades whipped about one thousand rebels, they having the advantage of position. Two of the guns used were taken from the gunboat, and our artillerists could not reach them as they were placed out of range. Their own report of their loss was twenty-five hundred, while ours would not amount to more than five hundred. It was a hot sultry day in May, and a good many of the soldiers fell struck down with the excessive heat.
The rebels left our front that night, and reinforcements being sent to relieve those in front, returned to our old place of camping. At night enjoyed a good sleep, and in the morning, May 19th, started to Atchafalaya Bayou. The rebels brought a battery along with them and commenced shelling our rear. A battery was left to protect the rear until everything was got safely away, when the artillerists limbered up and got out of danger. The rebels shelled them as long as they could be seen, doing no damage. Banks had been crossing his men and trains for two days, and as they were out of danger, Smith's guerrillas, who were guarding the rear, were ordered to prepare for crossing the Atchafalaya and march eleven miles and take the boats.
A bridge was constructed of boats lashed side by side and plank layed across the front of them, answering very well for a pontoon. On arriving at the bridge we were not long in crossing; we got over that day and encamped.—Whisky was distributed to the boys and some of them became quite merry, as there was no danger of being waked up in the morning by the enemy's shell falling in their midst; and were out of hearing of the enemy's cannon for once in two months. As everything was got over safe the 19th, on the 20th started for the boats. Encamped on the bank of the river until everything was put on board, and we were soon on the way to Vicksburg again. As we were leaving, Banks' grand army could be seen moving in the direction of New Orleans, his expedition having been a grand failure on his part. Loss in men was about ten thousand; three hundred wagons, about three thousand mules and horses, and several batteries of artillery; also several transports and gunboats fell to the rebels to pay for a few bales of cotton, leaving the bereaved friends at home to mourn the loss of those who fell sacrifices in this disastrous expedition, got up for political purposes and cotton. You can see how well it was managed; it was sent into the fight by detail, and as soon as one regiment or brigade was whipped another was sent in, and in this way a whole army could have been annihilated. But when they met Mower's and Smith's guerrillas, Banks was pleased to call them, as they did not wear paper collars, as some of his men did; found they had to fight with men that were not afraid of a greycoat, and well did the army sustain their credit. Mower and Smith have won the confidence of the men in this little band, who arrived at Vicksburg about the 25th. After remaining here for several days, took boats and went to Memphis; the boats came to anchor at a place called Sunnyside. Between Greenville and Memphis, on the way up the river, the rebels were reported to be in force, and it was with extreme danger boats could go either up or down the river. Some cavalry were sent out to reconnoitre, who fell in with some rebel scouts and had a short skirmish, killing and wounding a few of them.
June 5th, some rain fell. Most of the troops landed and slept on shore. All night long you could hear a noise as if artillery was moving. Next morning commenced raining. While the fleet went by water a force was sent by land to clear the shore of artillery. The marines started in advance and skirmishing commenced quite early, the enemy driving stubbornly. The 2d brigade supported by the marines, 5th Minnesota, 47th Illinois, and 8th Wisconsin, drove the rebels across a bayou called Muddy Bayou, where artillery was in position. Hill's brigade was ordered to support the 2d brigade, form our lines on theirs, but by some mistake were ordered to charge and take the battery.
June 10th. Returned to the 11th Missouri again, but were not destined to remain long inactive. After rejoining the regiment orders came to prepare to march, when they got on the cars at Memphis and went to Moscow, and there remained until the bridges were repaired all along the railroad to La Grange, when the cars commenced running again, and a daily communication was kept up from La Grange to Memphis. The regiment left on the 16th, acting as guard to the railroad until they arrived at La Grange, when they went into camp and remained there until July 5th. Troops began to arrive here in great numbers, and every indication of some important movement going on. A great quantity of provisions sent over the road to La Grange, and when everything was ready two divisions of infantry, one division of cavalry and a brigade of negroes, all under command of A. J. Smith, Mower was in command of the first division, Moore, Colonel of the 21st Missouri, commanded the third division, Bouton was in command of the negroes, and Grierson was in command of the cavalry. All started from La Grange on the 5th of July, and went about five miles, came to a halt and remained there until morning. Started again on the morning of the 6th. After marching about twelve miles came to a halt and waited for the rear to come up, it was late getting into camp. Next morning resumed our march again and passed through Ripley. Here we discovered that the rebels were watching us. The cavalry skirmished. The rebels were commanded by Forrest, a brother of Gen. Forrest. About 3,000 mounted infantry took a position on a high hill awaiting our approach. Our cavalry by some means got information of their whereabouts, and got in their rear, and soon made them seek shelter in flight, leaving 11 dead on the field, and 14 wounded. Our loss was none killed or wounded. The cavalry pursued them for several miles beyond Ripley. We went from there to Pontotoc; there we remained one day and rested. Rebels were reported in force in our front, but no serious demonstrations were made until we arrived within 10 miles of Tupelo. While we were marching along the rebels made a charge, firing a heavy volley of musketry, creating some confusion among the teamsters, some of them running into the brush and leaving their teams to take care of themselves. The rebels were soon met and made to leave in a hurry, having accomplished nothing but killing and wounding a few of our men. They suffered severely in this attack. The negroes being in the rear, on them they vented their spite, but in every instance were repulsed, the negroes showing them no quarters. A heavy guard was stationed along the train which resisted every attempt of the rebels to capture any of our wagon train. Having tried the train to their satisfaction, and seeing that it would be impossible to get any of our hard-tack, took up a position in front of us, forming their lines across the road, with two batteries of artillery. In this way they divided the army. Smith, with most of the cavalry and 3d division of infantry, was hastening as fast as possible to Tupelo, where there was a very good position. The cavalry soon reached this place and commenced tearing up the railroad track, leaving Mowers with the 1st division to guard the train and bring up the rear. The rebels being beat in the race to Tupelo, turned their attention to the rear, and expected by dividing the army they could easily whip and capture each division separately. They reckoned without their host, for our men were ready for them. The rebels fired a volley, and charged with terrific yells on our advancing columns, but Waterhouse's and the 2d Iowa batteries were soon in position to receive them. On they came, hoping to capture these guns as they were waiting to deal death and destruction among them. All at once a deadly fire from cannon and musket was opened upon them at short range, and so desperate was the conflict that most all of the horses of one gun were either killed or disabled, and 11 of their men lay dead in front of the guns. This fight lasted an hour when they were driven off. They used two batteries, but being at long range, did not damage us much. Everything was hurried up, and the rebels with all their shelling could not stop our wagon train, and we were soon out of range of shell.
July 13th and 14th. In this attempt they were severely punished, having accomplished nothing, and leaving a number of their dead and wounded in our hands. This fight took place about five miles from Tupelo. We marched this day 18 miles, and encamped on the side of a hill two and a half miles from Tupelo. Tired and weary we were soon in the arms of slumber, being waked by the drum in the morning.