Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 14.djvu/316

 310 Southern Historical Society Papers.

became unmanageable and fell asiern, grounded on the opposite side; and so deadly was the effect of our shot, she was deserted by her crew (three hundred in number), who landed on the other side of the river, forty-five of whom have since been taken prisoners. * *

We soon discovered flames issuing from the Mississippi that lighted up the river, and, as she drifted down, her heated guns and shells exploding caused a terrific noise.

About half-past four in the morning her magazine exploded, and she sunk to the bottom (some miles below). A few minutes past two (A. M.) the engagement ended. I cannot close this already long report without expressing my high appreciation of the promptness, coolness, and gallantry of Colonel J. G. W. Steedman and Lieutenant- Colonel P. F. de Gournay, commanding the right and left wings of the heavy artillery, and also to their officers and men.

I beg leave also to recommend to your favorable consideration Captain James A. Fisher, First Tennessee battalion art'f.; Lieutenant- Colonel E. S. M. Lebuton, volunteer aid, and Captain Ls. Girard, of the Ordance Department, who acted aids and assistants to me during the engagement. Their services were invaluable to me, and they con- ducted themselves in a manner worthy of the cause for which they fought. Mr. H. B. McGruder, of the Signal Corps, lit the only fire on the opposite side, which he must have done under a heavy fire, and for which he deserves your notice.

In concluding, General, I must congratulate you upon commanding such gallant men as man your heavy batteries ; with them you will never know defeat.

I am, General, respectfully,

Your most obedient servant,

[Signed] Marshall J. Smith,

Liejitenant- Colonel and Chief of Heavy Artillery.

The mortar fleet kept up a continuous rain of bomb-shells upon our batteries, which, in the absorbing duties and interest of the fight with the ships in front of us, were totally unheeded ; not one of them entered a battery nor injured a man. We had one lieutenant slightly wounded in the arm and a private wounded in the foot, botn of them by pieces of exploding shells from the fleet. These were our entire casualties. Not a gun was struck or injured in any way.

After this, General Banks returned to Baton Rouge and com- menced his campaign against General Taylor.