[354] On the morning of the second day of the fight at Bisland, he received the news of the death of a brother at home; and a few days after he parted with another, an elder brother, who had enlisted in the same regiment, and was then serving as hospital steward, having had a practical medical experience of several years in Cambridge. Their parents were destined to lose three sons within the short space of four months. Members of the same church, they were earnest colaborers in every good cause. Now, for the first time since leaving home, they must forego each other's presence and assistance; now for the first time were they to meet sickness and suffering without that precious antidote,—so precious when away from home,—a brother's watchful care. They parted, to meet no more on earth; the one, on his way to the hospital and to the grave; the other, marching on to the battle-field. The Army of the Gulf, having driven the Rebels out of sight, left Alexandria, and arrived in the rear of Port Hudson on the 23d of May, 1863, and after a skirmish on the 25th, in which the Thirty-eighth Massachusetts was engaged, a general assault was ordered on the 27th. On the morning of the 27th the Thirty-eighth was ordered to support Duryea's battery, which was in position on the edge of the woods in front of the Rebel works. In a short time after the troops were thrown forward, the skirmishers, having worked their way up to the ditch, were seen running up the embankment, and the fire from the enemy had almost ceased. In the words of an eyewitness:—
It was generally believed that the outer line of works had been abandoned, and the regiment, issuing from the rear of the battery, formed in line of battle, and charged on the double-quick; but, on account of the ravines and fallen timber on each side the roadway, the line of battle could not be maintained, and the order was given, “By the right flank,” which movement was immediately executed. Another regiment, in advance, through some misapprehension, did not move forward, and the two commands were badly mixed up, the colors being nearly side by side. By this time, the breastworks were fully manned, and a volley of musketry met the advancing column; but there was no hesitation, when, to the surprise of the regiment, the order came to “lie down.” Accustomed to obey orders promptly, the men dropped at once, some in the roadway, others in
