23d. They broke camp at seven o'clock A.M., crossed the Pearl River at half-past four P.M., and took refreshments at Squire Payne's. A glance at the map will show the importance of Pearl River. Knowing it to be quite high from heavy rains, and aware also that as rebel scouts had preceded them, it was of the utmost consequence to secure Pearl River bridge, Colonel Prince, who was in advance with the Seventh Illinois, pushed forward with energy, and, by very fast riding, succeeded in getting to the bridge and driving away a picket, before they had time to tear up more than a few planks, which were replaced in a few minutes. The gallant Colonel devoutly speaks of this as one of the many instances in which a divine Providence seemed to be shielding them, during their whole perilous journey; for the destruction of this bridge would have been, in all probability, fatal to the whole expedition. selves and the news about them was flying in all directions, it was a matter of life and death that Pearl River should be crossed, and the New-Orleans and Jackson Railroad reached without any delay whatever. He therefore obtained permission from Colonel Grierson to move directly for ward with two hundred picked men of his regiment, to secure the ferry across Pearl River be fore the enemy should be able to destroy it. The distance to the river was thirteen miles, and from there to Hazlehurst's Station was twelve miles. The remainder of the two regiments were to come forward as soon as they were sufficiently rested. Colonel Prince started with the two hundred at one A.M., and reached the bank of the river be fore daylight, when contrary to his information, the flat-boat was upon the opposite side of the river. Not daring to call out, he spoke to a volunteer, who, with a powerful horse, undertook to swim the river; but the rapidity of the swollen stream carried him below the landing, where there was a quicksand, and he barely returned to shore with his life. At ten o'clock P.M. Colonel Blackburn, of the Seventh Illinois, was sent forward with two hundred men to Decatur, which place he passed through at four A.M., (of the twenty-fourth,) and captured two trains of cars and two locomotives at Newton Station, at seven o'clock. The rest of the command arrived at nine o'clock. The bridges and trestles were found burned six miles each side of the station, seventy-five prisoners captured and paroled, two warehouses full of commissary stores utterly destroyed by fire, and also four car-loads of ammunition, mostly for heavy artillery. The bridges, etc., on the east side of the station were destroyed by the Second battalion of the Sixth Illinois, under Major M. H. Starr. The whole command left Newton at eleven A.M. of the twenty-fourth, and marched through Garlandville to the plantation of Mr. Bender, about twelve miles from Newton, where they encamped. The distance traversed on the twenty-third and twenty-fourth was eighty miles, and all this with-preciated, but too much time was not spent over out scarcely halting. 25th. They left camp at Bender's at eight A.M., and encamped for the night on Dr. Dore's plantation, eight miles east of Raleigh. It was at this place they were unhappily compelled to leave two or three soldiers, who were unable to travel further. The distance marched this day was about twenty miles. 26th. They left camp at sunrise, passed through Raleigh at eight o'clock A.M., crossed Strong River, near Westville, and fed at Mrs. Smith's plantation, near Strong River bridge. The distance marched was forty-one miles. 27th.-Colonel Prince left Mrs. Smith's with two hundred men at one A.M., and arrived at the Georgetown Ferry at daylight. The rest of the command came up and crossed during the day. Colonel Prince immediately proceeded with two hundred men to Hazlehurst, cut the telegraph wires, destroyed a number of cars, four of them loaded with ammunition. Although Colonel Prince had marched his regiment forty-one miles during a large portion of the time through drenching rain-he firmly beieved that, as the citizens were arming them A few moments later a man came down from the house toward the river, and, in true NorthCarolina accent, asked, in a careless way, if we wanted to cross; to which he got a reply-in a very capital imitation of his twang-that a few of them did want to go across, and that it seemed harder to wake up his nigger ferryman than to catch the d-d conscripts. The proprietor took the bait, apologized for the detention and woke up his ferryman, who immediately brought over the boat, which thenceforward became the property of Uncle Sam-the proprietor all the while be lieving he was lavishing his attentions on the First regiment of Alabama cavalry, fresh from Mobile! The breakfast given to the Alabama Colonel that morning was highly relished and ap it, and the importance of speed was clearly proved, only half an hour afterward, when they caught a courier flying to the ferry with the news that the Yankees were coming, and that all the ferries were to be immediately destroyed. At Hazlehurst Station, Colonel Prince succeeded in capturing a large number of cars, four or five being loaded with shell and ammunition, and others with army stores. The whole of this property was utterly destroyed. And here comes one of the most amusing episodes of the whole affair. Captain Forbes, who, it will be remembered, had been sent to Macon, from near Starkville, rejoined the command just as they had all crossed Pearl River. Having been unable to take Macon, he followed their trail to Newton, where he was informed that they had gone to Enterprise, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. He followed on to that place, and marched with his little squad into town, where he found about three thousand rebel troops just getting off the cars. He promptly raised a flag of truce, and boldly rode forward, demanding the surrender of the place, in the name of Colonel Grierson. this rebellion. They marched twenty-five miles this day. The commanding rebel officer-Colonel Goodwin, asked one hour to consider the proposition, and wished to know where Captain Forbes would be at that time. The Captain answered that he | would go back with the reply to the reserve which he did pretty rapidly, after having shrewdly ascertained the strength of the enemy. It is not known whether Enterprise ever surrendered or not, or whether the rebel Colonel is still trying to find the "reserve" to make his penitent bow, but one thing certain is that Captain Forbes, with his little squad of thirty-five men, did not intend to take those three thousand rebels prisoners-ceeding in a south-westerly direction through the that time at least-and was laughing in his sleeve many miles off while those Enterprise-ing people were trembling in their boots-id est, if, at the present fabulous price of leather, they had any boots to tremble in. The Mobile Register of the twenty-eighth, in the depth of its consternation and chagrin, treats this ridiculous sell with the most absurd and amusing gravity. "The only thing satisfactorily explained," says the oracular Register, "is that they ran away from Enterprise as soon as they heard that Old Blizzard' was about." The Register little thought that it was only thirty-five brave fellows whom its terrified imagination had converted into " one thousand five hundred Yankees." The Sixth and Seventh Illinois, under command of Colonel Grierson, left Hazlehurst at seven P.M., (the Sixth Illinois in advance,) passed through Gallatin and encamped near that place. A thirty-two pounder rifled Parrott gun, with one thousand four hundred pounds of powder, was here captured, en route to Grand Gulf. The distance travelled this day was thirty-seven miles. 28th. They left camp at seven o'clock. At Hardgrove's, companies A, H, F, and M, were detailed, under command of Captain Trafton, to proceed to Bahala and destroy the railroad and transportation. The Sixth Illinois had a skirmish with some rebel cavalry, near Union Church, in which two of the enemy were wounded, and some prisoners taken. They camped at Union Church. Distance marched that day thirty miles. They left camp at sunrise. Captain Trafton's battalion had come in at four A. M., having travelled some thirty miles more than the rest of the command, and having had several skirmishes, in which, without any loss, they captured about thirty prisoners. Again directing their course toward the New-Orleans and Jackson Railroad, at Brookbaven, the Seventh Illinois, in advance, charged into the place, burned depot, cars, bridges, etc., and captured and paroled two hundred and one prisoners. They encamped six miles south-west of the town. The people were much terrified by the idea that the whole town would be burned, but when they found all private property perfectly undisturbed, they seemed to entertain a very different opinion of the Yankees to what they did only a few hours previously. This diffusion of light and truth is, in reality, the vital point in which our advancing armies are striking down 30th. They left camp at sunrise, the Sixth Il linois in advance. They burned the depot, bridges, and cars in the railroad at Bogue Chito; left that place at ten A.M., burning all bridges and trestles between there and Summit, where they arrived at five P.M., and again burnt several cars and a large amount of government property in the last locality. They encamped south-west of Summit, after marching over a distance of twenty-eight miles. May 1st. They left camp at daylight, and prowoods-without regard to roads-came into the Clinton and Osyka road, near a bridge four miles north-east of Wall's Post-office. About eighty of the enemy were lying in ambush near the bridge. Lieutenant-Colonel Blackburn, unfortunately with more bravery than discretion, proceeded across the bridge at the head of the scouts and of company G, Seventh Illinois. He was seriously wounded in the thigh, and slightly in the head. Colonel Prince immediately caused his men to dismount, to skirmish the enemy out of the bushes, and, with the assistance of Captain Smith's battery, soon put them to flight. This affair at the bridge detained the column but a few minutes. They marched all night; and crossed the Amite River about ten o'clock P.M., without opposition-the picket being asleep. They had marched forty miles this day. May 2d. They marched again early in the morning, and the Sixth Illinois, being in advance, surprised and burned a rebel camp at Sandy Creek Bridge. At this point the Seventh Illinois was ordered in advance, and, at about nine o'clock A.M., as a crowning glory to this most extraordinary series of adventures, captured forty-two of Stewart's Mississippi cavalry on Comite River, including their Colonel. This noble band of toil-worn heroes arrived at Baton Rouge about noon of May second, where their triumphal entry created a furore of joyful excitement that will not cease till it has thrilled every loyal heart upon this continent―ay, every heart that loves liberty and human bravery, through the civilized world. Some idea of the pluck and endurance of these men can be gleaned from the fact that during the last thirty hours-in which they had ridden eighty miles, fought two or three skirmishes, destroyed bridges, camps, equipages, etc.; swam a river and captured forty-two prisoners and quantities of horses-they had scarcely halted at all, and went through these terrific exertions without food for man or beast! During the last night it was observed that nearly the entire columnworn out almost beyond human endurance—were fast asleep upon horseback; except when the sharp report of a carbine told of the nearness of the enemy. And all this was rendered without one word of murmur or complaint from any lip, either of officers or privates. Doc. 171. OPERATIONS ON THE OPELOUSAS. GENERAL BANKS'S OFFICIAL REPORT. HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT of the Gulf, OPELOUSAS, April 23, 1863. GENERAL: On the evening of the seventeenth, General Grover, who had marched from New-Iberia by a shorter road, and thus gained the advance, met the enemy at Bayou Vermilion. The enemy's force consisted of a considerable number of cavalry, one thousand infantry and six pieces of artillery, masked in a strong position on the opposite bank, with which we were unacquainted. The enemy was driven from his position, but not until he had succeeded in destroying the bridge over the bayou by fire. Every thing had been previously arranged for this purpose. I informed you in my number "nine" that I had ordered the gunboats to take Bute-a-la-Rose. This was handsomely done without serious loss on the morning of the twenty-sixth instant, by Lieutenant-Commander Cooke, United States Navy, with his gunboat and four companies of infantry. We captured here the garrison of sixty men and its commander, two heavy guns in position and in good order, a large quantity of ammunition, and the key of the Atchafalaya I hope not to be obliged to lose a moment in improving the decisive advantage gained in this section. We have destroyed the enemy's army and navy, and made their organization impossi ble by destroying or removing the material. We hold the key of the position. Among the evidences of our victory are two thousand prisoners, two transports and twenty guns, (including one piece of the Valverde battery,) taken; and three gunboats and eight trans The enemy's flight was precipitous. The night of the seventeenth and the whole of the next day were occupied in pushing with vigor the recon-ports destroyed. struction of this bridge. On the nineteenth the march was resumed, and continued to the vicinity of Grand Coteau, and on the following day our main force occupied Opelousas. The cavalry, supported by one regiment of infantry and a section of artillery, being thrown forward to Washington, on the Courtableau, a distance of six miles. I have the honor to be, General, very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major-General Commanding. Major-General H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief, Washington City. The command rested on the twenty-first. Yesterday morning, the twenty-second, I sent out Brigadier-General Dwight with his brigade of Grover's division and detachments of artillery and cavalry, to push forward through Washington toward Alexandria. He found the bridges over bayous Cocodue and Bocuff destroyed, and occu-dition to this point. pied the evening and night in replacing them by We left Brashear City, La., on the ninth of a single bridge at the junction of the two bayous. April, eighteen hundred and sixty-three, and The people say that the enemy threw large quan- proceeded to Berwick, where we remained until tities of ammunition and some small arms into the eleventh, when we marched to a point one Bayou Cocodue, and that the Texans declared mile above Pattersonville, company B being that they were going to Texas. Here the steamer thrown forward as skirmishers. We bivouackWave was burnt by the enemy, and the princi-ed for the night, and on the twelfth marched pal portion of her cargo, which had been trans-forward on the left of the brigade in support of ferred to a flat, captured by us. A despatch was Carruth's Sixth Massachusetts battery on our found by General Dwight, in which Gov. Moore right, our front being covered by company A, tells General Taylor to retreat slowly to Alexan-thrown forward as skirmishers. dria, and if pressed to retire to Texas. General During the day our skirmishers were constantDwight will push well forward to-day, and pro-ly engaged with those of the enemy, but sustainbably halt to-morrow, to continue his march or return, according to circumstances. ed no loss. During the afternoon we came under the fire of the enemy's artillery, when an engagement ensued which lasted till night. At dark we withdrew out of range of the enemy's guns and bivouacked in line of battle upon the left of the brigade line. An expedition, consisting of the One Hundred and Sixty-second New-York, Lieutenant-Colonel Blanchard, one section of artillery, and Barrett's company B, First Louisiana cavalry, accompanied by Captain Durham, Assistant Adjutant-General, On the thirteenth, soon after daylight, the and First Lieutenant Harwood, Engineers, (both regiment was formed in support of the Twentyof my staff,) was sent out yesterday morning by first Indiana battery, which opened upon the way of Barre's Landing, to examine the Bayou enemy's fortifications and the gunboat Diana, Courtableau, in the direction of Bute-a-la-Rose. which had taken position upon their left. After Last night Captain Dunham reported the road the silencing and withdrawal of the Diana, the impassable, four miles beyond Barre's Landing, regiment was advanced to the front of the and that the expedition had captured the steamer enemy's works, and successively, during the day, Ellen, in a small bayou, leading out of the Courta- supported Carruth's, Mack's, Duryea's, and Bainbleau. This capture is a timely assistance to us. I bridge's batteries. Companies E, F, and G were advanced as skirmishers, and approached within speaking distance of the enemy's intrenchments. They were actively engaged during the whole afternoon with very apparent effect. All our casualties occurred during this engagement. The battle was continued till some time after dark, when we bivouacked upon the field in line of battle. During the night the enemy's works were evacuated. On the fourteenth we marched in pursuit through Franklin. On the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth, we marched through Jeanerets, New-Iberia, and St. Martinsville, without special incident. On the eighteenth we rested near Vermilionville. On the nineteenth, renewed our march for Opelousas, where we arrived on Monday morning, the twentieth. We are distant from New-Orleans one hundred and eighty miles, and from Alexandria, on the Red River, about seventyfive miles. tion of Ozark, and reported no apparent preparations of the enemy to move in this direction. Having no fresh horses, I ordered Lieutenant Robb to take his command to quarters, expecting to be able to send a small scout again on the next day. On Saturday morning, eighteenth instant, at a few minutes after sunrise, the enemy having made a forced march from the Boston Mountain during the night, surprised and captured our dismounted picket on the Frog Bayou road, and approached the town with wild and deafening shouts. Their cavalry charged up a deep ravine on the east side of the city, and attacked my headquarters, (the Colonel Tibbetts place.) The firing of the picket had alarmed the command, and by the time the enemy had reached town the First Arkansas infantry had formed on their parade-ground, under command of LieutenantColonel E. J. Searle, assisted by Major E. D. Hanna, and slowly retired by my orders, toward the cavalry, then formed, dismounted, at their camp. Fearing that, not being informed, they might be mistaken for the enemy, and be fired upon by the cavalry, I ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Searle to post seven companies as a reserve in a sheltered position in our rear, two of which were afterward ordered to support the left wing. The remaining three companies of the First infantry, together with four companies of the First cavalry, formed the centre of our line under my own inmediate command. The right wing was composed of the Third battalion, First cavalry, under command of Major Ezra Fitch; and the left wing, Second battalion, (First Arkansas cavalry,) was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel A. W. Bishop, I take pleasure in mentioning the efficient sup- assisted by Major T. J. Hunt. Headquarters port of Major Lewis during the progress of the was made the "bone of contention," and was expedition. Our wounded were promptly cared repeatedly charged by the rebels, but they were for by Doctor Cummings, Acting Surgeon. Chap-gallantly repulsed by our men. In less than lain Bradford is deserving of great praise for the thirty minutes after the first attack, the enemy fearless activity with which he ministered to the planted two pieces of artillery-one a twelvesuffering during the battle and the night follow-pounder, and one six-pounder-upon the hill-side ing. I inclose a list of the killed and wounded. I am, sir, your obedient servant, FRANK H. PECK, The patient endurance of the men of the regiment, of the fatigues and privations of the long march, in their eagerness to overtake and again engage the routed enemy, deserves the highest praise. Captains Grannis and Brennan, with their companies, as skirmishers on the eleventh and twelfth, did most creditable service. The coolness and pertinacity with which the companies of Captains Braley and Byxbee annoyed the gunners of the enemy during the entire afternoon of the thirteenth, under a fire of grape and canister and repeated volleys of musketry, reflect the highest credit upon the courage and skill of the officers and soldiers of those companies present. Lieut.-Colonel Commanding Twelfth Connecticut Vols. P. S.-Lieutenant Francis, who was wounded and captured on the Diana on the twenty-eighth of March, was recaptured at Franklin, where he now remains in hospital, receiving all possible attention. F. H. P. Doc. 172. BATTLE OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. COLONEL HARRISON'S REPORT. HEADQUARTERS POST, FAYETTEVILLE, ARK., April 19, 1863. Major-General S. R. Curtis, Commanding Department of the Missouri: GENERAL: The following report of the battle of yesterday at Fayetteville, is respectfully submitted, in addition to the telegraphic despatches of last evening. On Friday, seventeenth instant, a scout under command of Lieutenant Robb, First Arkansas cavalry, returned from the direc east of town, near Colonel Guitar's place, and opened a sharp fire of canister and shells upon the camp of the First Arkansas cavalry, doing some damage to tents and horses, but killing no men. At eight A.M. our centre had advanced and occupied the house, yard, out-buildings and hedges at my headquarters; the right wing had advanced to the arsenal, and the left occupied the open field on the north-east of town, while the enemy had possession of the whole hill-side east, the Davis place, opposite to, and the grove south of headquarters. This grove was formerly occupied by the buildings of the Arkansas College. At about nine A.M., or a little before, Colonel Munroe led a gallant and desperate cavalry charge upon our right wing, which was met by a galling cross-fire from our right and centre, piling rebel men and horses in heaps in front of our ordnance office, and causing the enemy to retreat in disorder to the woods. During this charge, Captain Parker and Smith, of the First infantry, while bravely cheering their men, were both wounded in the head, though not dangerously. At about the same time, by my order, two companies of Hays, Co. A, severely. James Jack, Čo. A, severely. William J. Quinton, Co. D, slightly. Francis M. Temple, Co. D, slightly. John Grubb, Co. E, slightly. Jordan Taylor, Co. E, severely. Wm. F. Davis, Co. G, slightly. George Davis, Co. H, mortally. William J. York, Co. H, severely. Davis Chyle, Co. M, slightly. the First cavalry, led by the gallant Lieutenant ham, Co. L, slightly. Corporal Josiah Fears, Co. Robb, advanced within rifle-range of the enemy's A, slightly. Corporal Henry C. Lewis, Co. D, artillery, and guided by the blaze of its discharges, slightly. Corporal Geo. A. Morris, Co. G, slightfired several volleys into the midst of the artil- ly. Corporal Doctor B. Morris, Co. M, slightly. lerists, which effectually silenced their battery Farrier Wm. Wooten, Co. C, slightly. John and caused its precipitate withdrawal from the field. The enemy's centre, occupying the Davis place, made a desperate resistance for nearly an hour after both wings had partially given way, and skirmishing continued at intervals for some time with pickets, reconnoitring parties and stragglers. At twelve M. their whole force was in full retreat for Ozark. Having only a very few horses, and they already on duty with picketing and reconnoitring parties, I was utterly unable to pursue them. During the whole action the enemy occupied ground covered with timber and brush, while my command were in the streets and open fields. First Arkansas Infantry.-Captain Randall Smith, Co. A, head, slightly. Captain Wm. C. Parker, Co. H, head, slightly. Corporal John Woods, Co. A, slightly. James Shockley, Co. A, mortally. Niles Slater, Co. A, slightly. Daniel Rupe, Co. E, slightly. William Rockdey, Co. F, severely. Nolin, Co. H, slightly. Ran away disgracefully to Cassville, Lieut. C. C. Wells, Regimental Quartermaster First Arkansas infantry. Missing-thirty-five. Mostly stampeded to ward Cassville during the engagement. Prisoners: One lieutenant and eight men, First Arkansas cavalry, taken while absent without leave at a dance nine miles from town. Also, one private, First Arkansas infantry, and six privates from other commands, taken in town. Total killed, four; wounded, twenty-six; prisoners, sixteen; missing, thirty-five. Since the battle I have ascertained the following particulars: General Cabell and staff, with about two thousand men and two pieces of artillery, left Ozark on Friday morning with three days' rations and a full supply of ammunition. They halted at the crossing of the mountains at a little past noon and rested until nearly sunset, afterward marching rapidly toward Fayetteville They were delayed by the darkness of the night and the incumbrance of their artillery so that they did not commence the attack as early by nearly two hours as they had intended. Colonel Munroe recommended a cavalry attack, to be supported by the artillery, but was overruled by Cabell, and a halt was made until the artillery could come up. Their force was made up as follows: Brigadier-General W. L. Cabell, commanding, accompanied by staff and escort; Carroll's First Arkansas cavalry regiment, Colonel Scott, of Virginia, commanding, assisted by LieutenantColonel Thomson. Munroe's Second Arkansas cavalry, Colonel Munroe commanding in person. First battalion Parson's Texas cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Noble commanding. One section of artillery, commanding officer not known, four companies bushwhackers, commanded by Mankins, Palmer, Brown, and others. The enemy left all their dead and wounded which they could not take away on their retreat in our hands, leaving Inclosed please find a rough sketch of the po Surgeon Russell and Assistant-Surgeon Holder-sition of forces at nine A.M., when the battle culness to take charge of them. To-day Captain Alexander arrived at our picket with a flag of truce bringing a communication from General Cabell, a copy of which I inclose. The flag was immediately ordered back with my reply, a copy of which is also inclosed. The following is a list of casualties on our side: First Arkansas Infantry.-Killed: S. Cockerill, Co. A. First Arkansas Cavalry.-Killed: Privates H. Morris and J. D. Bell, Co. I; R. B. Burrows, Co. A. Wounded: Captain W. S. Johnson, Co. M., right arm, dangerously. Sergeant Frederick Kise, Co. A, slightly. Sergeant John Asbill, Co. D, severely. First Sergeant W. M. Burrows, Co. E, severely. Commissary Sergeant Ben. K. Gra The enemy's loss is not accurately known. At and about this post are not less than twenty killed and fifty wounded. Citizens report one Colonel and several men as having died on the retreat; also a large number of wounded still moving on with the command. We captured, during the engagement, Major Wilson, General Cabell's commissary, wounded, and Captain Jefferson, of Carroll's regiment; also, four sergeants, three corporals, and forty-six privates, a part of them wounded; also not less than fifty horses and one hundred stand of arms, mostly shot-guns. Among their killed are Captain Hubbard of Carroll's regiment, and a captain of bushwhackers. The enemy admit the loss of over two hundred horses, killed, taken, and stampeded. minated. Every field and line-officer, and nearly every enlisted man fought bravely, and I would not wish to be considered as disparaging any one when I can mention only a few of the many heroic men who sustained so nobly the honor of our flag. Lieutenant-Colonel Searle and Major Ham, in command of the reserve, did good service in keeping their men in position and preventing them from being terrified by the artillery. LieutenantColonel Bishop and Majors Fitch and Hunt, of the First cavalry, led their men coolly up in the face of the enemy's fire, and drove them from their position. Captain W. S. Johnson, company M, First cavalry, had his right arm shattered while leading his men forward under a galling |