Benjamnin F. Butler, Butler's Book: Autobiography and Personal Reminiscences of Major-General Benjamin Butler

With all our diligence we were not soon enough to be ready for the enemy. They commenced demonstrations on the 18th, on the right of my line, which were repulsed. These were followed up, on the 19th, by further demonstrations, which were apparently reconnoissances.

On the morning of the 20th, Beauregard, with a large force, made a very vigorous attempt to force our lines, striking, as he naturally would, at the weakest point. This point was where the work of constructing and arming the redoubt to flank any movement upon the main line had not been fully completed. Between nine and ten o'clock in the morning the enemy set fire to the brush and dry wood that extended out a very considerable distance before our line, and the wind being favorable, the fire was driven in upon us. Before the smoke had cleared, the enemy came rushing on. They were met by the troops of the Tenth Corps, who steadily held their position and repulsed each attempt to dislodge them.

The enemy's attacks were made with great impetuosity, and I was under the impression that it was possible that the left of the Tenth Corps might be obliged to give way. I knew the right of that corps was being demonstrated against further north. There was no movement against the line on Smith's front, although to be prepared for it his troops stood in line of battle, and could have met it well. Having observed all the conditions from a little eminence just inside our lines, where the enemy chose to do me honor by opening with some light artillery upon myself, staff, and orderlies there assembled, I sent one of my aides to General Smith with direction to have his right division under General Brooks march by his right flank to the rear of Gillmore's left division, which was bearing the brunt of the attack, as a reserve in case they showed symptoms of breaking. The distance which Brooks' division would have to move was but little more than half a mile. Just before my staff officer started with the order, a very daring charge upon our line was made under the leadership of Brigadier-General Walker. Whether it might have been a success, partial or other, it is impossible to determine, because he fell with desperate wounds from which he soon afterwards died.¹