(Private)
New Orleans, January 16th, 1863.
Dear Sir: I
have just been informed by Gen. Banks that the expedition to the Teche under
Weitzel, was completely successful and accomplished all he intended. The rebels
had in the Bayou a large and powerful gunboat called the “Cotton,” which boat
got aground below their fortifications. This boat we destroyed. They have no
other boats in any of the bayous below Red River.
Gen. Banks can now take the Teche country whenever he
pleases. Weitzel's force has returned, but, I judge, Gen. Banks intends
occupying the country by flank movement according to suggestions made by me at
first.
I hear much complaint of Gen. Banks that he has not
accomplished, or prepared to accomplish, anything — that his time is occupied
in listening to complaints of secessionists — that four weeks of fine weather
have been lost without military operations—that no step has been taken to open
the river — and other similar complaints.
Gen. Banks told me this morning, he cannot yet undertake the
opening of the river, because he has no cavalry — no transportation — no
medicines, &c. He says everything has been done that ought to have been — and
that he shall operate up the River at the earliest day possible. I will say one
thing strongly in his favor — that he conceals his plans (whatever they may be)
perfectly — and I hardly think even the members of his staff know his
intentions.
SOURCE: Diary and correspondence of Salmon P. Chase, Annual
Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1902, Vol.
2, p. 350
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