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the report of Col. J. W. Landrum,1 ‘It is proper to say that Captain Nims' Battery displayed throughout the whole of the fight an example of coolness and true courage unsurpassed in the annals of history.
They are entitled to highest commendation, and although they lost their guns it is due to them to say that they could not have prevented it, and that the damage they inflicted on the enemy was such as to entitle them to the thanks of the whole army.’
Another quotation is from the Lacon, Ill., Gazette,2‘Nims' Battery worked manfully—the veteran battery, hero of seventeen engagements, all successful, but doomed this time to defeat.
They double charged their guns with canister and adding a bag of bullets slowed the enemy down only to have their places filled by the advancing hordes.’
Again, ‘Nims' splendid battery with its honorable record on every field from Baton Rouge to Port Hudson was taken by Walker's men.’
Irwin.
Brig. Gen. W. H. Emery, commanding First Division of the 19th Army Corps, had been notified of the state of affairs and had been ordered to advance as rapidly as possible and form a line of battle in order to support the retreating troops and check the advance of the enemy.
He took his position at Pleasant Grove about three miles from Sabine Cross Roads, the First Brigade, General Dwight, being placed across the road upon which the enemy was advancing.
Waiting until the enemy was within close range they poured a tremendous volley along the whole front, causing it to fall back.
The action lasted for an hour and a half, then darkness coming on there was a cessation of hostilities.
During the night the entire army retired to Pleasant Hill, where a battle was fought the next day, but in which the battery naturally took no part.
The struggle, however, was desperate and sanguinary.
The defeat of the enemy was complete
The Rumford Press, Concord, N. H., 1912.
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