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On the 5th of April, Lieutenant-Colonel Stedman was placed in command of all the stations on Bayous Gentilly and St. John, Lakeport, and the bayous dependent on the same.
During the months of April and May, only two companies were left at headquarters; though their numbers were small from constant details for various detached duties, yet a regular system of drill was kept up. The post was deemed of the utmost importance by General Sherman, and Colonel Stedman was ordered to use the strictest vigilance and care in the management of its affairs.
June 9.—A detachment of one hundred men, under command of Captain Cook, were ordered to Brashear City, where they were attached to a battalion under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Stickney, of the Forty-seventh Massachusetts Volunteers.
June 20.—Twenty men of this detachment were ordered, under command of First-Sergeant Ballou, on board a gunboat, to accompany her on a short trip as sharpshooters.
It having been reported that the post at Lafourche Crossing was about to be attacked, the remainder of the detachment was ordered to that place under command of First-Lieutenant Tinkham.
An engagement took place the following day; and, although the enemy was superior in numbers, was forced to retreat, leaving their dead and wounded on the field.
The good management and energy of Lieutenant Tinkham in this affair are to be commended.
The loss was twelve killed and forty wounded.
On the 23d of June, the enemy attacked and succeeded in capturing the garrison at Brashear City, among whom was a detachment of forty-six men of this regiment, who maintained an effective resistance for nearly two hours to a rebel force of over three hundred mounted men. First-Sergeant Ballou, commanding, was severely wounded; one man killed, three wounded.
June 21.—The regiment moved to the city of New Orleans, where it took post at the Custom House.
From the 14th to the 29th of July, it was on picket duty on the line of the Opelousas Railroad.
1868. E. P. DUtton and Co. Boston,.
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