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skirmishing, and acted as skirmishers during the day, with a loss of three killed, and seven wounded, one officer mortally.
Until the 20th, it occupied a position at the front, within easy rifle-range of the rebel works; when it was ordered to escort a long forage train to the Jackson Cross Roads, and, proceeding to the point designated, and while loading the teams, was attacked by a greatly superior force of rebels.
Two of the regiment were taken prisoners.
The regiment returned again to its position at the front.
The loss during the month of June was nine killed, including a captain, twelve wounded, two prisoners.
The regiment arrived home Aug. 3, 1863, and was mustered out of service Aug. 14.
It was the first to make the voyage of the Mississippi, after it had been opened by the capture of Vicksburg and of Port Hudson.
The Fifty-third Regiment was in the Department of the Gulf.
It arrived at New Orleans Jan. 30, 1863, after a stormy passage.
It encamped at Carrollton, reporting to Brigadier-General Emory, and attached to the Third Brigade, Third Division; and was employed six weeks in improving the drill and discipline of the regiment.
On the 6th of March, the Fifty-third was ordered to Baton Rouge, and, on the 12th, was sent on a reconnoissance up the river, where it encountered, and drove in, the enemy's pickets.
On the 13th, it marched with the division in the expedition to Port Hudson; but, arriving after the object of the expedition was accomplished, it returned to Baton Rouge, where it remained till April 1, and was ordered to Algiers with the rest of the division, and, on the 9th, took passage for Brashear City, to join in the movement through the Teche country, which began April 11.
The enemy having been encountered at Pattersonville on the 13th, the Fifty-third was engaged in supporting a battery, and skirmishing towards the fortifications, when it was under fire of musketry and shell five hours. The flag of the Fifty-third was the first to be placed upon the ramparts of Fort Bisland.
The regiment lost in this action, one officer and thirteen
1868. E. P. DUtton and Co. Boston,.
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