Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 6.
Frank Moore, Ed.

I have the honor to recount a very successful expedition, under Gen. Weitzel, of the preparation for the march of which I have previously informed the Commanding General.

General Weitzel landed at Donaldsonville, and took up his line of march on Sunday, the twenty-sixth of October. About nine (9) miles beyond Donaldsonville he met the enemy in force; a sharp engagement ensued, in which he lost eighteen (18) killed and sixty-eight (68) wounded. Full lists of the casualties have been received and published.

The commanding officer of the enemy, Colonel McPheeters, was killed, and the enemy lost quite a large number in killed and wounded.

Two hundred and sixty-eight prisoners were captured, and also one piece of artillery. Since then he has met with no opposition, and the whole of that country is now open to him. The enemy has evacuated Brashear City, having by means of the railroad got away before our gunboats could cut off their retreat, the naval force having been delayed by a very severe storm.

I send you Gen. Weitzel's report, received today, and will forward by the next mail my letter of instruction to Gen. Weitzel in answer to his despatches herewith sent.

I am just informed that our railroad communications with General Weitzel are opened, and his messenger has just come in, bringing a despatch while I write, which I inclose.

I cannot too much commend the energy of Col. Thomas, with his regiment, the Eighth Vermont, who have in six days opened fifty-two miles of railroad, built nine culverts, rebuilt a bridge burned by the enemy, four hundred and thirty-five (435) feet long, beside pulling up the rank grass from the track, which entirely impeded the locomotive all the way; in this work they were assisted by Col. Stafford's regiment, native guard, colored.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

Major: I have the honor to report that this morning at six o'clock I despatched Col. Birge, in command of his regiment, (the Thirteenth Connecticut,) Barnet's cavalry, and one section of Carruth's battery, down the Bayou Lafourche, to open communication with the city. I have just received a despatch from him from Raceland Station, in which he says that he has communicated with Col. Thomas, who is one mile and a half [45] from him. He found at the Station three freightcars, one passenger-car, two barbette guns, spiked, (thirty-two-pounders,) two twelve-pound iron howitzers, in good order, and guns, equipments, etc., scattered along the road.

I therefore propose now to give you a more detailed report of my operations since I left Donaldsonville. I left this place at six o'clock on Sunday morning last, and marched on the left bank until I was within one mile of Napoleonville, where I bivouacked in line of battle. Believing that the enemy would, by means of the numerous flatboat ferries which I knew were in the bayou, probably cross from one side of the bayou to the other, I took in tow a flatboat bridge and carried it with me all the way, and have it with me now. 1 destroyed every boat I passed as a prudential military measure. It has proved of invaluable service to me.

I moved on the first day with but one company of the Eighth New-Hampshire on the right bank. The enemy's scouts were continually in sight of my advance-guard of cavalry, and just before going into camp one captain of the enemy was killed by my advance-guard and three prisoners were taken. Immediately afterward one of the Eighth New-Hampshire privates on the right bank was taken prisoner by the enemy.

I started on Monday morning again at six o'clock, but feeling that the enemy was in some force on the right bank, I threw over the whole of the Eighth New-Hampshire and Perkins's cavalry by means of my floating bridge, and in this order moved down the bayou.

At eleven o'clock, when I was about two miles above Labadieville, I received the report that the enemy was in force about one mile ahead, on the left bank, and that they had six pieces of artillery, I immediately ordered four pieces of Carruth's battery up, (two pieces were with the rearguard and Thompson's was already ahead,) and formed the Thirteenth Connecticut and Seventy-fifth New-York in line of battle to support Thompson.

These two regiments formed splendidly, and moved at once forward to the attack, through a dense cane-field. I moved on with them, and after emerging from the cane-field I received the report, which was, that the enemy was in position on the right bank also, and that he had four pieces of artillery on that side. At the same time I received the report that the enemy's cavalry was in the rear of my rear-guard. I immediately swung my bridge across the bayou, ordered eight companies of the Twelfth Connecticut over to support the Eighth New-Hampshire, leaving two companies of this regiment, one section of Carruth's battery and Williamson's cavalry to guard the rear. I immediately ordered, also, that a road be cut up the steep bank on both sides of the bayou for the passage of artillery and my train. I found soon that the enemy on the left bank, after delivering only the fire of its advanceguard, which killed one of my cavalry and wounded another, and killed two horses, had disappeared for some unaccountable reason. Fearing some ruse, I immediately ordered the Thirteenth Connecticut across the bayou to support the Eighth New-Hampshire and the Twelfth Connecticut, Thompson's battery to play upon the enemy's artillery on the right bank, which was firing splendidly upon our forces and my bridge; ordered Carruth to cross over with his two advanced section, and the Seventy-fifth New-York to support Thompson and guard the head of the brigade and the front of the train.

I then crossed over, ordered the Eighth New-Hampshire to form line of battle across the road, the Twelfth Connecticut to form on its right, and ordered these forward to attack at once. They had scarcely commenced moving when the Thirteenth Connecticut arrived at a double-quick from across the bayou. I immediately ordered this in reserve. Subsequently, as the centre guides of the Eighth New-Hampshire and the Twelfth Connecticut moved in different lines of direction, they became sufficiently separated to allow me to throw the Thirteenth Connecticut on the line between the two. I ordered this regiment forward in line of battle. The line thus formed advanced steadily at my command forward. In a very short time the enemy's battery retreated, and also the infantry support. The fight did not last long. I found that the enemry had four pieces of artillery in the road. It was Connor's battery, Company A, Withers's light artillery, commanded by Captain J. Rutson, (who was wounded and is now a paroled prisoner.) This battery supported by the remnants of the Eighteenth Louisiana and the Crescent City regiments, numbering together about five hundred men. They were lying down in a ditch on the lower side of a plantation road in the edge of woods at Georgia Landing, and immediately on the left of the battery.

I ordered skirmishers at once in tire woods to secure prisoners. Carruth arrived about this time, and I sent him with one section and Perkins's cavalry in pursuit. They pursued about four miles, Carruth firing upon the retreating forces on both sides of the bayou. I have since learned that Simms's battery of six pieces, supported by Col. Clark's (tile Thirty-third) regiment of Louisiana volunteers, was in front on the left bank.

I lost eighteen killed and seventy-four wounded. Lieut. Francis, of the Twelfth Connecticut, was taken prisoner before the fight. We have buried five of the enemy, and have seventeen wounded in our hospital, but I have proof that their loss was greater. I took one hundred and sixty-six of the enemy prisoners the day of battle, and forty-two of them since — total, two hundred and eight; I released them all on parole. The commanding officer of the enemy, Col. J. P. McPheeters, was killed. I delivered his body to some of his brother officers, who were prisoners, and he was decently buried near the battle-field, the Chaplain of the Eighth New-Hampshire officiating. One of the pieces of the enemy's artillery broke down in the retreat. We secured it, and have it now in our possession. All of my command did very well, both officers and men. The [46] Eighth New-Hampshire advanced steadily in front of the enemy's battery. The Twelfth and Thirteenth Connecticut crossed the bridge, formed in line of battle under the very accurate and splendid fire of the enemy's artillery, without seeming to notice it. at all. My cavalry has been of invaluable service to me; both officers and men have done splendidly. I wish I had four times the number. The signal corps, also, has been of great service to me.

I crossed over my train and encamped on the battle-field; had my own and the enemy's wounded put in a house which I took as an hospital. I went into camp the next morning, (yesterday.) I moved on down the right bank of the bayou, throwing over the Seventy-fifth New-York and Williamson's cavalry on the left bank. I left about thirty wounded of my own, who could not be moved, and the enemy's wounded, in charge of Surgeon B. N. Cummings, of the Thirteenth Connecticut, and left with him provisions, money, and supplies, for their care. I entered Thibodeaux at three o'clock P. M. without opposition.

I certainly expected a fight at this place. When I arrived a short distance from it, I found from the smoke of burning bridges that they were retreating, and immediately ordered my cavalry in pursuit. They followed as closely as their force would allow, and prevented the total destruction of two railroad bridges, the one across Bayou Lafourche, the other across Bayou Terrebonne. I found three freight-cars at Lafourche Crossing uninjured, one containing arms, shovels, and sugar, and another containing a lot of arms, ammunition, and accoutrements. I also found papers by the side of the road, which were thrown away in their retreat, proving that the enemy had left Bayou des Allemands. I went into camp on Burton's plantation, about one mile below Thibodeaux. I will repair the damage on the two bridges to-morrow. The enemy has retreated to Berwick's Bay. I send you a list of my killed and wounded; I also send you a list of prisoners I paroled. I think it would be well to publish the latter list, as a great many are from New-Orleans.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

The expedition under Brig.-General Weitzel reached this place last night, after a march of about three days and a half from Carrollton.

The reserve brigade is composed of the Eighth New-Hampshire, Thirteenth Connecticut, Twelfth Connecticut, and Seventy-fifth New-York regiments, and First Louisiana, named in their order in the brigade, commencing on the right. We embarked on board the transports at Carrollton on Friday, twenty-fourth, at four o'clock, and immediately started up, accompanied by four gunboats. Arrived at a point four miles below Donaldsonville, where the troops were landed and marched into the town, the transports following along with them. The front of where the village of Donaldsonville once stood is now in ruins, having been shelled by our gunboats some time since, for having harbored guerrillas. The rear portion of the town, however, is undisturbed; but the deserted streets, the tenantless houses, the few and squalid inhabitants remaining, contrast strangely with the appearance presented to the visitor before the war.

The brigade encamped at night in town. The night was truly a stormy one, the wind howling and whistling through the dilapidated and ruined tenements in mournful numbers, suggesting the idea of a requiem for the absent owners, many of whom will probably never return. The New-England boys here first felt the chilling influence of a Louisiana north-wester, but they paid little regard to that. They only asked for dry weather and the enemy, both of which, thank fortune, they found.

On Sunday morning, early, the whole column took up the line of march down the Bayou Lafourche, the main body on the left bank, and company F, Eighth New-Hampshire, under command of Capt. Flanders, thrown out across the bayou on the right as skirmishers. Companies were also thrown out on the left. All along the march, from the very beginning, crowds of negroes, of all ages and both sexes, came rushing to the ranks to join the column. Many came will packs of clothing, some with their picaninnies, but most of them empty-handed. The women and children were not permitted to join at first, as there was no transportation for them, and they could only go a few miles and then fall by the wayside with fatigue.

The first day passed without encountering the enemy except a few roving bands, many of whom were bagged, and the army bivouacked in the open field, at a point about two miles above Napoleonville, which is said to be about fifteen miles from Donaldsonville. At this point there were several signs of the enemy. The cavalry on the left surprised a captain of confederate cavalry, in a field, and called on him to surrender. He replied by shooting at one of the cavalrymen, the ball passing through his holster. He was then shot through the head with a carbine. This company of cavalry was under the command of Lieut. Perkins. On the right, a party of about a dozen rebel cavalry dashed on the outpost pickets of the Eighth New-Hampshire and captured a sentinel, and came near taking Lieut. Bell; but he, being mounted on a fleet horse, and disregarding their summons to surrender, made his escape amid a volley of balls sent after him. The man captured is named John O'Donnell, and hopes are entertained that we may succeed in retaking him.

Early on Monday morning the forces again took up the line of march, with the Eighth New-Hampshire regiment on the right bank, and had proceeded about five miles, when the Louisiana [47] cavalry, on the left bank of the bayou, discovered the enemy in some force on the right bank. Thompson's battery was sent forward and opened with shot and shell, which was vigorously replied to by the batteries below, posted on both sides of the bayou — the battery on the right bank being the nearest. General Weitzel soon made his dispositions to attack the enemy, forming the attacking force by placing the Eighth New-Hampshire on the right, and ordered the Twelfth and Thirteenth Connecticut to cross over and form in line of battle. Some artillery was also sent over. The crossing was effected under a vigorous fire from the rebel battery, the shells bursting all around, and some solid shot striking here and there. But the two Connecticut regiments came along without the least show of flinching, and took their places, when the order was given to the New-Hampshire boys to charge the battery. Three of these companies, A, E, and F, under command of Capts. Barrett, Warren, and Flanders, respectively, had been out as skirmishers, and had ascertained that the battery had three pieces with an infantry support. These companies, after having fearlessly scoured the woods, under a heavy fire, were called to take their places in the regiment, company E having lost its brave Captain Warren while skirmishing ; and all being ready, Col. Fearing, ably seconded by Lient.-Col. Lull, called on his regiment to “go in,” and in they went, the balls and shells of the enemy flying around in every direction, dealing death and frightful wounds to the ranks. Little heed they paid to that. On they went, through the underbrush, over fences and ditches, until they got near enough to deliver their fire, which was done with such effect as to cause an immediate stampede of the battery. This same stampede could have been prevented, but for the fact that the men were so fatigued with the charge that they could not follow up. The Twelfth Connecticut, which formed the left wing, came up in gallant style, and succeeded in flanking nearly the whole of the left wing of the enemy, who were in woods. This cut off their retreat, and secured them as prisoners. The manner of surrender is said to have been somewhat ludicrous. About thirty or forty of them threw themselves into a wide ditch, and, falling upon their backs and knees, waved their tattered white handkerchiefs in token of submission. There were some one hundred and twenty-five prisoners, rank and file, taken here, besides several officers. The confederate troops engaged belonged to the Eighteenth Louisiana and Crescent regiments. The Colonel of the latter, J. P. McPheeters, was killed on the field. He was buried by his own men, (who had been taken and paroled,) in a field by the wayside, about a mile above the field of battle, and about two below Napoleonville. Two confederate soldiers, names unknown, were buried by his side. In the same field, not far remote, lie the brave Captains Warren, company E, and Kelleher, company K, of the Eighth New-Hampshire. The whole regiment feels deep sorrow for the loss of these brave captains, who were popular, skilful, and brave, and fell nobly fighting for the integrity of their Government. They have offered up their hearts' blood at the shrine of their country, and a grateful people will cherish their memory. Peace to their manes.

The gallant style in which these three heretofore untried New-England regiments went into action, is a source of great pleasure to General Weitzel. The General is justly proud of his brigade, and he enjoys the entire confidence of every man in the expedition. It is impossible for a general to have more fully the moral support of an army, than that possessed by General Weitzel. The physical support has been shown to be efficient. It is always impossible to speak of every officer in detail who distinguishes himself in action. It might suffice to say that every officer was at his post — every duty performed — every order obeyed. The post of danger, consequently of honor, belongs to the several cavalry companies. Capt. Cowan having been detailed to serve on the staff, the command and direction of his fine company devolved on Lieut. Perkins, and whatever the fitness of “any other man” may be for the position, I consider Perkins fully his equal. He is an incessant rider, always on the alert, always useful. While I thus speak of the Lieutenant, I must not forget that the other commanders have done their duty, but at this hurried moment I have not so good an opportunity to learn their names.

Our loss in killed and wounded will probably exceed that of the enemy, but we have lost but one prisoner, while theirs are now counted by hundreds. Those I send you were taken on the field. About as many more have been captured by the cavalry and paroled. It is said in Thibodeaux this morning that since our army has been encamped here, there have been some three hundred desertions out of the Lafourche militia.

The people are in desperate straits in this region of country. They have no flour, no shoes, very little salt, no butter, lard, candles or soap — in fact, the only things at all plenty are sugar, corn, negroes, and shinplasters payable in confederate notes. They begin to heartily wish for the restoration of the authority of the Federal Government. That Government protects them, feeds them, is like a parent to them. The rebels burn their bridges, their cotton, their sugar, impress their entire male population into their halffed, scantily clothed armies, and leave the women and children to starve at home.

How long we shall remain here depends on events soon to be developed. Every man, however, is anxious to meet the enemy again, in force sufficient to give the whole brigade a chance. It is hoped that communication will be opened to the city by the Opelousas Railroad soon. There are some large sugar plantations here, and a great deal of sugar, and the Lord knows the people need the necessaries it might purchase in New-Orleans.

It is likely that many of the crops now in the fields will be lost, as the whites have gone with the confederate forces--been compelled to go — and [48] the blacks have come within our lines. They are a great source of annoyance to our army, but, under the act of Congress, and instructions from the powers that be, in Washington, they cannot be turned away. They are good foragers. Nearly every man in the expedition has a servant, even the privates. Some of the officers have two or three.

The private soldiers are strictly forbidden to leave the ranks to snatch up unconsidered trifles, like fowls, pigs, sheep, and the like; but the negro, for the first time in his life, finds himself “better than the whites,” and levies his contributions at will. Negroes from all along the route, come flocking to the lines with such credentials in their hands. If the black has not attached himself to any man in the brigade, he will answer your demand to sell by saying, “I does not want to sell 'em — I want to go along — and I give 'em.” They are generally received under such circumstances, for two reasons--one is, no man has a right to say them nay, and the other that their game is quite palatable. Many are used for relieving the soldiers of severe and heavy duties, such as assisting to care for the sick, helping trains to cross the bayou, “toting” knapsacks, etc.

In my last communication, I informed you that this brigade had marched on this place, after the spirited and decisive action at Labadieville. This engagement took place at a point three miles below Napoleonville. These is a steamboat landing here called Georgia Landing---a post-office near, which goes by the name of Albemarle, and it was near Mills's plantation. I think the affair should more properly take the name of Napoleonville.

The battle commenced at about eleven o'clock, and the order was given to our troops to stop firing at ten minutes past one. The remainder of the day was occupied in burying the dead and caring for the wounded, of which there was a considerable number on both sides. The Eighth New-Hampshire regiment, with a cavalry company and a section of artillery, were also sent out on the right to a considerable distance, in consequence of a report that the confederate cavalry, which was believed to be some two or three hundred strong, contemplated a movement to our rear in that direction. If such were their intention, however, it was abandoned, as nothing was seen of them by the force sent out, which soon returned. The gallant Eighth New-Hampshire had the honor that night of encamping in the open air on this their first battle-field, on the very spot where they had sustained their heaviest losses. I walked over the field with some of the officers, who described the exact position in which they had disputed this well-contested field.

I have not been able to learn the numbers of the confederates, but know that there were portions of two regiments immediately engaged — the Crescent and the Eighteenth Louisiana. In point of numbers, the latter was much the stronger. They were supported by Withers's battery, which, I believe, had only three pieces in the fight — a howitzer for throwing shells, and two small rifled guns for solid shot. This little battery was well managed. There must have been some five or six hundred of them, besides their cavalry and artillery.

The forces actively engaged on our side were the Eighth New-Hampshire, under command of Col. Hawkes Fearing, Jr., Lieut.-Col. O. W. Lull, and Major Smith. The latter officer was in very bad health, but could not be kept from his post on that account, while his brave regiment was winning laurels for all time to come. This regiment was designed to form on the right, but the order of battle being changed by certain circumstances, they wheeled into position on the left, by what is known among military men as inversion. The Twelfth Connecticut was the only other infintry force that really participated in the fight. This splendidly disciplined regiment of brave New-Englanders marched on to that battlefield as they would to a holiday parade-ground, and attracted the attention of their General by the steadiness with which they conducted themselves from first to last. The Thirteenth Connecticut were the last to cross over, and had time only to fire one volley, before the enemy was either in retreat beyond the range of their guns or lying in supplicating attitudes in the ditches and behind the trees, showing evidence signs of a desire to be taken prisoners. There was but one section of artillery on this side of the bayou — a portion of Thompson's battery, I believe. Lieut. Perkins's cavalry was there doing good service, but not assisting in the thickest of the fight.

Thus you will see that the fight was not so very unequal in point of numbers as some would try to make out. In fact, it was quite a fair little stand — up fight, and the superior position of the confederates might have given them a decided temporary advantage at the onset if their commander had only taken the proper advantage of it.

Early next morning we were again in motion, apparently driving small squads of the rear-guard of the confederates before us. Occasionally a prisoner would be brought in by some of the ever-moving, untiring cavalry. Now and then Thompson's or some of the other batteries would unlimber a piece and send a shot at some retreating squad of horsemen, but no enemy appeared in force. We were constantly told, both by prioners and negroes, that it was the intention of the confederates to make a final stand at Thibodeauxville. But as we approached that place, the commander, General (late Lieutenant-Governor) Mouton, thought it advisable to retreat. His scouts had brought intelligence that the United States forces were coming in two columns, of ten miles each in length, on each side of the bayou. So he ordered the splendid bridge across the Lafourche to be burned, advised every body to leave his home, as he told them all he was going to defend the town to the last — die in the last ditch, of course — and then skedaddled. He is said to have been sick, and unable to sit on horseback. [49]

Many of the people of this region ran away with him, many others were pressed in as conscripts, and others were called out in the militia. But a reaction is now taking place, and Captain Fuller, our active and polite Provost-Marshal, is full of business, paroling, granting passes, and generally whitewashing the returned fugitives.

One of the most certain signs of the good results of the civilizing influence of this little army of patriots and gentlemen is that several of the ladies, wives of wealthy planters, have extorted a promise from me to ask you to send them the Delta. I am told they have been reading lies and nonsense for nearly two years now, and desire a change.

The Feds seem to be vastly more popular than the Unfeds were. The former go into a house, store, or shop, and if they see any thing they want, they simply inquire the price and pay for it in money; while the latter would swagger around, wishing they might get a sight of a Yankee, that they might kill him and swallow him whole, take whatever they might want, and tender in payment some worthless shinplaster payable in confederate notes. They frequently did not pretend to pay any thing. One poor widow woman told me that they came to her house, quartered on her for two weeks, got drunk, broke her furniture, ate her substance, and finally sloped on the approach of the Federals, leaving her worse off in this world's goods by at least one hundred dollars, besides their unpaid bills. I could write innumerable instances related to me of their high and riotous doings, but I must pass on to other subjects.

On Wednesday morning the General ordered Col. Birge, with his regiment, (the Thirteenth Connecticut,) to march to the Bayou des Allemands and open communication with Colonel Thomas, who was opening the Opelousas Railroad, and who was reported to be rather hard pushed by the confederates. Col. Birge went within four miles of the bayou, when he met some of Col. Thomas's officers, who reported the command as coming on slowly but surely, having not once fired a gun nor seen a hostile force. Communication being thus open, the Thirteenth came back to camp on Thursday. Col. Thomas reported that the rebels had burned the railroad bridge across the bayou, and that he was then engaged in repairing it — a work, he thought, of two or three days time.

The railroad bridge across Bayou Lafourche was burned also, but that was not so long as the one near Bayou des Allemands, nor so badly burned. The latter was about four hundred and fifty feet long, and pretty nearly destroyed. The former was soon repaired. Trains can now go over the road from Algiers to the depot near this place, and I shall be able to send you daily reports.

The confederate military authorities have burned numerous warehouses filled with sugar. One at the deot, four miles from here, had three hundred hogsheads. Another, three miles distant, contained two hundred and fifty. This sugar was totally destroyed.

The reason alleged for this wanton destruction is that the Yankees would come and seize it! The real reason is, that the leaders were afraid that this sugar would contribute to restore friendly relations between the people and their true Government. It serves to make loyal men out of the planters, who can bring their produce to New-Orleans, obtain unprecedentedly high prices, in good money, and purchase in return therefor such goods as they need for their families at low prices. If the confederates cannot stop this trade, their “cause” will be damaged in the Lafourche country.

We have all along heard that General Mouton intended to make a stand at the next point, from each of which he retreated, until he is said to have reached Berwick's Bay. Reports this morning say that this latter point is now evacuated, and the enemy is supposed to have gone in the direction of Vicksburgh.

I learn that all along the line of the Opelousas road, the people who have been drafted as conscripts are deserting and coming in, taking the oath of allegiance. A Capt. Renshaw, it is said, who had a company of sixty-two men, lost forty by desertion this morning. Another small squad of eleven men were sworn in as loyal citizens this evening.

It is probable that a considerable amount of sugar will find its way to your city, now the railroad is open to this place and beyond; and I have heard of one man already who has received permission to ship his stock, which consists of about three hundred hogsheads. It is likely there will be many more.

The Eighth New Hampshire started this morning for Tigerville, about twenty miles distant, down the road. It is thought there is no enemy in this region now, and that communication will soon be open to Galveston.

Colonel Thomas, of the Eighth Vermont, found four pieces of artillery mounted on a car, at the bridge of Bayou des Allemands. They were well spiked, and one was filled with balls to the muzzle. Two were thirty-two pounders, and two were little four-pounder field-pieces.

I am informed that the commander of the confederate forces at Bayou des Allemands, on learning the result of the engagement at Labadieville, or Napoleonville, shot seven prisoners belonging to the Eighth Vermont regiment. The supposed reasons for this act of barbarity are, that they were Germans who had been enlisted in New-Orleans, taken prisoners some time ago, and that he was afraid they might escape to their regiment, which he heard was making its way up the road, or that they might be recaptured. They are buried within a short distance of the bridge, and were taken up and fully identified by some of their former companions in arms. I cannot vouch for the truth of this statement, but give it as it was told me by some of the officers and men of the regiment.