On the march at 7 a. m. Left the river and passed through a
forest five miles coming out on a plain or open prairie near Fort DeRussey. We
found the rebels in force with several pieces of artillery. A large part of the
army wheeled in position four lines deep. It was a beautiful sight all in open
view. The rebels fired a few shells and retreated. Quamtrell's [sic] guerrillas on the opposite side of
the river had a good time all day firing into our transports. A little beyond
the town of Marksville the advance came up again with the enemy at about
sundown. Our brigade was ordered to the front at double quick. We arrived
within supporting distance of the cavalry and night coming on the firing ceased.
We were soon supported by two or three other lines in our rear when we laid
down on the prairie and slept on our arms all night.
SOURCE: Abstracted from George G. Smith, Leaves from
a Soldier's Diary, p. 113
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