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that he was within either sixty miles or one day's march of Shreveport, with fifteen thousand men.
Admiral Porter, with two monitors and his flag-ship, went up the river from Grand Ecore a week since, it is presumed to operate against the rebel seat of government in Louisiana.
Rebel Addresses and orders.
The following is General Taylor's address to his army:headquarters District Western Louisiana, Mansfield, La., April 11, 1864.General orders, no.--. Soldiers of the Army of Western Louisiana: At last have your patience and devotion been rewarded. Condemned for many days to retreat before an overwhelming force, as soon as your reenforcements reached you, you turned upon the foe. No language but that of simple narrative should recount your deeds. On the eighth of April you fought the battle of Mansfield. Never in war was a more complete victory won. Attacking the enemy with the utmost alacrity when the order was given, the result was not for a moment doubtful. The enemy was driven from every position, his artillery captured, his men routed. In vain were fresh troops brought up. Your magnificent line, like a resistless wave, swept every thing before it. Night alone stopped your advance. Twenty-one pieces of artillery, two thousand five hundred prisoners, many stands of colors, two hundred and fifty wagons, attest your success over the Thirteenth and Nineteenth army corps. On the ninth instant you took up the pursuit and pressed it with vigor. For twelve miles, prisoners, scattered arms, burning wagons, proved how well the previous day's work had been done by the soldiers of Texas and Louisiana. The gallant divisions from Missouri and Arkansas, unfortunately absent on the eighth instant, marched forty-five miles in two days, to share the glories of Pleasant Hill. This was emphatically the soldier's victory. In spite of the strength of the enemy's position, held by fresh troops of the Sixteenth corps, your valor and devotion triumphed over all. Darkness closed one of the hottest fights of the war. The morning of the tenth instant dawned upon a flying foe, with our cavalry in pursuit, capturing prisoners at every step. These glorious victories were most dearly won. A list of the heroic dead would sadden the sternest heart. A visit to the hospitals would move the sympathy of the most unfeeling. The memory of our dead will live as long as noble deeds are cherished on earth. The consciousness of duty well performed will alleviate the sufferings of the wounded. Soldiers from a thousand homes, thanks will ascend to the God of battles for your victories. Tender wives and fond mothers will repose in safety behind the breastworks of your valor. No fears will be felt that the hated foe will desecrate their homes by his presence. This is your reward; but much remains to be done. Strict discipline, prompt obedience to orders, cheerful endurance of privations, will alone insure our independence.R. Taylor, Major-General Commanding.
headquarters District Western Louisiana, Mansfield, La., April 13, 1864.
General orders, no.--
soldiers: A chief has fallen.
A warrior of warriors has gone to his home.
On the twelfth instant fell Thomas Green.
After braving death a thousand times, the destroyer found him, where he was wont to be, in the front line of battle.
His spirit has flown to the happy home of heroes, where the kindred spirit of Alfred Mouton awaited it. Throughout broad Texas, throughout desolated Louisiana, mourning will sadden every hearth.
Great is the loss to family and friends; much greater is the loss to this army and to me. For many weary months these two have served me. Amidst the storm of battle, by the lonely camp-fire, at the solitary outpost, my heart has learned to love them.
Their families shall be as mine; their friends my friends.
To have been their beloved friend and trusted commander is the highest earthly honor I can ever attain.
Soldiers! the fall of these heroes shall not be in vain.
Inspired by their examples, this army will achieve great things.
Moistened by the blood of Mansfield, Pleasant Hill, and Blair's Landing, the tree of national independence will grow apace, and soon overshadow the land, so that all may repose in peace under its grateful shade.
The memory of our glorious dead is a rich legacy to future generations, and their names will be remembered as the chosen heroes of the chivalric Southern race.
The colors of the cavalry corps of this army will be draped for thirty days in memory of their late heroic commander. R. Taylor, Major-General Commanding.
