Page:History of the Forty-eighth Regiment, M.V.M. during the Civil War (IA historyoffortyei00plumm).pdf/84



the 2d Division and report for temporary duty to Brig.-Gen. William Dwight, commanding the Division. A general assault upon the works of the enemy at Port Hudson will be made tomorrow morning, 14th instant."

The regiment got into line, being nearly 500 strong (or weak), but so used up that many fell out during the march through the woods, which occupied nearly all the night—the guide sent with us losing the way—and it was nearly morning when Col. Stone reported to Gen. Dwight. It was intended that we should occupy the extreme left on the river bank and make our charge at that point; but after reconnoitering the ground we were moved further to the right, to near the Mount Pleasant road, and bivouaced at the side of the road.

June 14. A dense fog prevailing and terribly hot. Col. Stone reported to Gen. Dwight at a very early hour, before light, with 175 men and four Captains present for duty, the rest of the men having become exhausted by the work of yesterday and the night march through the woods, having started from Plains Store yesterday morning with nearly 500 men.

A tremendous artillery fire for an hour commenced at about 3 o'clock, both from land forces and the fleet. The men present in the regiment were consolidated into four companies, and Capt. Todd volunteered to take command of the right company, consisting of remnants of Cos. B and E.

The bombardment continued fiercely for an hour, during which time the columns were being formed for the assault in the rear of a piece of woods; the formation was in column by companies and Capt. Todd led the advance. We in the 48th could see the effect of the rebel fire on the brigade in advance of us, as it turned