Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 5.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[115] they passed by her dwelling, not less than fourtween hundred strong, proceeded silently through the streets, with the Stars and Stripes floating high in the air, in the direction of (as I was told by one of the officers) Tugville. The enemy appeared to be fully informed in regard to the number and location of our troops and the affairs of Pass Christian generally. Prominent individuals were inquired after, and in one instance a young lady's name was familiarly mentioned. The little remnant of “our boys” --about two hundred and fifty in all, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Mellon, who had just returned to camp, in an almost exhausted condition, from Handsboroa, where they had been to join the balance of the Third regiment on their way to meet the Lincolnites at Biloxi — were taken quite by surprise; but, notwithstanding their jaded condition, they opened fire on the enemy and stood their ground manfully under a galling fire, until informed of the vastly superior force they had to contend with, and of the enemy's intention to flank and surround them, when the order was given to retreat, which they did in extra double-quick time, carrying with them such articles as they could conveniently, the provisions and ammunition all having been removed early in the day. Had the whole regiment been together, we should have had a different story to relate. Many a Connecticut Irishman would have been made to bite the dust.

The enemy of course burnt all the tents, the officers' quarters, and all articles left by our soldiers in their hasty retreat. Not one of our men was wounded and but one taken prisoner, and he not until he had fired at and wounded a Lincolnite severely in the arm. Not a musket or cannon was lost by our men. The enemy returned to the Pass at early candle-light, immediately embarked on board the steamer Lewis, and left the Pass, to the infinite relief of the inhabitants. The force of the enemy, as admitted by themselves, was one thousand four hundred, and was composed in part of the Ninth regiment of Connecticut volunteers, belonging to the Irish brigade. The officers generally were spirited and fine-looking men, and the soldiers well armed and equipped, and appeared in excellent condition.

We were informed by one of the men that the forces under command of Gen. Butler, now upon Ship Island, amount to fourteen thousand, and that fifteen thousand more were expected daily to arrive; that they occasionally get the New-Orleans papers and receive a mail twice a month from New-York.

That they are fully posted as regards the affairs of the coast we believe, and that we have had and now have traitors in our midst no one can for a moment doubt. The officers with whom we conversed express the belief, in all apparent sincerity, that the rebellion will be put down and the Southern Confederacy completely wiped out within the next two months. Here ye, hear ye! all you that haven't paid your fare, will, in accordance with the above prediction, please step up to the captain's office and settle. “The weary sun hath made a golden set, and, by the bright track of his fiery car, gives token of a goodly day tomorrow.” We still live.