Diary of 2nd Lieutenant John S. Morgan: Sunday, March 26, 1865

Nothing unusual last night. I am relieved at 6. A. M. & marched the pickets to the Regt. which is on the road at 6.45, at which time the train is getting up. The troops move out on 3 roads. Bertrams Brigade on the left, Smiths Corps on the right & Grangers corps in the centre, as we march through the camp ground of 16th Corps am surprised at the completness & extent of the breastwork constructed by them last night. At 12. M. our advance is fixed on by a Reb Picket post, on a hill on which the corps halts & goes into camp at 7, good running water near. We fortify immediately. A negro comes in who reports having seen Steeles army near Blalcely, we are tonight within 2 miles of Spanish Fort a strong position on top of a hill mounting 16 heavy guns besides other bateries about it, the 3 columns fire each a signal gun on their camp ground to denote their situation, this is responded by the Gunboats, in the Bay. Expect to invest Spanish Fort tomorrow. It is rumored that Bertram captured by surprise battery of 6 guns. (doubtful)

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 8, April 1923, p. 580

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant John S. Morgan: Monday, March 27, 1865

The whole command stood to arms from revelie until daybreak, troops in the rifle pits too. at 9.15 the column moves out at 10. we are in line of battle & the artillery opens on the forts of which we discover 3. Bertram brought his brigade up to our camp at daylight but was ordered back double quick, he had taken out of the road 15 torpedos, an orderly had been killed by the explosion of one last night, begins to sprinkle at 10. & P. M. rains quite hard. Our batteries keep up a steady firing to get the range & get a reply but the enemy replies but little. The skirmish line pushes up to within 150 yds of the Reb works and keep them well down behind them, it is reported that Smith who has closed in on the right had captured a rebel ammunition train. Regts are camped at dark in hollows behind hills protecting them from the fire of the enemy, large working parties are out all night building breastworks & strong skirmish line is kept out to protect them. I hear of 3 men killed & some 10 wounded. The Bay in front of the Fort is said to be litterally sown with torpedos & this Fort is said to be the Key of Mobile protecting one of the main channells of the Bay

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 8, April 1923, p. 580-1

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant John S. Morgan: Friday, March 31, 1865

Rested tolerably last night, At 8. A M. The batteries open on the Forts & keep up a vigorous shelling for 3 hours. P. M. the felled timber front of the forts where our skirmish line is gets on fire. Rebs open on them with shell & small arms. Could not see how the skirmishers could stand the heat & firing but they did it nobly, firing became so heavy at 6. P. M. the men were ordered to arms Co G. was ordered to the forward rifle pits to reinforce Co. B as a support to the skirmishers, Capt Ledyard was on duty as Brig off of the day, which left me in comd of the co. I took them down on the double quick although almost too week to stand. The bullets whistled thick arond but no one was struck. At 11. P. M. the heavy firing ceased & I reed orders to keep my co in the pits all night. I hear of several men being killed but none from our Regt, hear a report that on our right Smith with some of the heavy Parrots disables one of the Enemy's gunboat & drives another off 2 miles, one battery of heavy guns on our left is silenced by the fire save the main Fort. It is rumored that Thomas has made connection with Steele. The Gunboats advance slowly taking out the torpedos, advanced about 100 yds and that Genl Maury commands at Mobile & Genl Gibson at Spanish Fort. We rec mail today one from cous John who is with Thomas & says under date of 10th Feb that the comd was preparing for an expedition against Mobile.

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 8, April 1923, p. 582

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant John S. Morgan: Tuesday, March 21, 1865

Rains hard all night. grond flat & all drawn out of bed Rains all A. M. 1st Brig 2Div starts out early men pull the batteries through. Some Rebs seen yesterday, one Brig reported within 3 miles (?) train did not get through, heavy detail out cording the road & building a bridge washed away by last nights rain heavy cannonading on the Bay. all P. M. Bertrams Brigade gets through to Fish river & find 1 Div of Smiths corps there, we have good fires of resin

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 8, April 1923, p. 579

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant John S. Morgan: Wednesday, March 22, 1865

Fine day; lay in camp all day quite a no of the men out to forage, see some Rebs. Capt sent back with detail for rations. Men pull the wagons. Evening Genls Granger & Veach have Hd Qtrs in our camp. Heavy artillery heard all day supposed by some to be Steele fighting Genls. Canby Smith & Osterhaus are at Fish river Foragers sees the ruins of a large turpentine factory. destroyed by fire about 2 weeks ago, which accounts for the big smokes we had noticed & find 100 prs good new drawers & 200 prs negro's cotton pants

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 8, April 1923, p. 579

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant John S. Morgan: Friday, March 24, 1865

Fatigue party goes out at 5. a. m. to unload boats, spend A. M. going to the Commissary for grub. and writing. P. M. go with Lt Loughridge to camp of 8th Iowa, while there this Regt rec's orders to be ready to march at daylight tomorrow morning with 4 days rations in their haver sacks. Genl Smiths whole corps rec's the same orders. We see post of the line of breastworks about this camp, which are good & strong & 9 miles in extent, seems as though these things come by magic, they rise so quick. Genl Veachs Div gets in this P. M.; After dark the train comes in, there is a big shout when the train crosses the pontoons. They lost by bushrangers 14 men drivers. & as many mules Lt Loughridge & I were out after Tattoo to learn the cause of the cheering when the train was coming in, & hear some sweet music in another Regt. Word in camp that in a skirmish 3 miles from camp this P. M. several men were wounded. 2 ambulance loads said to have come in.

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 8, April 1923, p. 579-80

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant John S. Morgan: Saturday, March 25, 1865

Genl Smiths corps commences moving at daylight; go out to see them pass; we rec orders to drill from 10. to 11. A. M. This order is countermanded & orders to be ready to move immediately. 5 days rations are issued to the men to be carried in the haver sacks. The 13th Corp begin to move at 1. P. M. at 3.30 Regt falls in line & moves out. march slow, and are to 9. P. M. getting to camp 5 miles from Fish river station. Saw where the trees were marked where the skirmish had occurred. I was detailed for picket as soon as I got to oamp, had to go right out. The train sticks in the mud 3 miles back & our grub did not get up, boarded with the boys. Lt Hook Co C. detailed today as A. C. M. 3d Div. The following promotions in co "G" are announced today. Sergt A. Templeton to be 1st Sergt. Corp A. J. McColIum to be sergt. Privates W. H. Downing T. J. Vineyard. H. J. Vanderwan & J. Lemons to be Corporals, Corp W. Thomas at his own request is reduced to the ranks

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 8, April 1923, p. 580

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant George G. Smith: May 19, 1864

Rapid and heavy firing in the rear across the bayou so the First Louisiana marched back toward the landing, and found the whole army crossing on the bridge of steamboats. But the firing was occasioned by our rear guard. Smith was playing another joke similar to the army wagon joke previously related. General Dick Taylor had like the Turk, “been dreaming in his guarded tent of the hour” when the tail end of Banks army, “should bend their knees in suppliance to his power” when they crossed the Atchaffalaya Bayou. But it so happened their knees did not bend at all. The cunning Smith had foreseen what would happen, so he laid another ambush and when the army was nearly across Dick run into it and was terribly cut up. That was the last we saw of Dick Taylor or his army. The rebels had no means of crossing the Bayou, and they very well knew if they did they would be captured or driven back into it. Whole army marched fifteen miles towards the Mississippi river and encamped for the night.

SOURCE: Abstracted from George G. Smith, Leaves from a Soldier's Diary, p. 120-1

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant John S. Morgan: Saturday, March 18, 1865

Regt on the road at 6. at 7.30 made Bon secure bayou, see great heaps of oyster shells more low ground today. they bay & gulf one place at the neck not more than 3/4 of a mile apart. Hear heavy guns all P. M. supposed to be the fleet at Mobile, move about 10 miles today. We see one happy wench, we were the first yankees she had seen. After dark a squad of 15, belonging to the Div. 2 of whom belong to our Regt get into camp. They were at Ft. Gaines Hosp. crossed to Morgan & finding their Regt gone pushed on & walked all the way from the Cove today. They report Genl. Veaches Div. coming right on & Genl Smiths Corps landing at the Cove & will start Monday The Estimate is 10000 men with us & 20000 more to follow & we expect to form junction with Steele, who started from Pensacola the 17th with between 20000 and 25000 men

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 8, April 1923, p. 578

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant George G. Smith: May 17, 1864

That General Smith was a joker was conceded by everybody, our friends, the enemy, as well as the union army. When we were in Alexandria I was on guard at the pontoon bridge. An Irishman, stood at the end of the bridge, smoking a clay pipe. Smith returning from a scouting expedition at the head of his forces, rode up to the Irishman coolly took the pipe out of his mouth and put it in his own, and rode on smoking contentedly as though nothing had happened. The Irishman laughed heartily, well pleased with the joke. Many stories were reported of his pleasantries with the enemy while covering our retreat from Alexandria. At one time coming down the plank road he left a baggage wagon on the road and placed a company in ambush within easy range. The rebel hangers on in the rear spied it and made for it on the gallop with a yell. At the proper time the ambush rose up and many saddles were emptied and riderless horses were seen cantering through the woods. The force was nearly all killed or taken prisoners. At two times cannon were left with similar results. Marched into Simsport about noon. The day was hot and the roads were dusty so that our clothes were saturated with mud as well as sweat. It was my practice, during the whole time I was in the army to bathe whenever an opportunity presented itself, and so here was a good one The water in the rivers and ponds we had been passing were generally almost milk warm and I thought this would be, so without further ado I plunged in. “O my! Holy Moses, how cold it was!” I could hardly swim to shore. But I did, and got out too but I did not go in any more that day. The reason of the water being so cold was on account of the rise in the Mississippi river at this time of the year, called the June rise. It is caused by the melting snows in the Rocky mountains, at the head waters of the Missouri and in the Northern part of Minnesota, where the Mississippi rises, and it is a little strange, that water is nearly as cold when it reaches the Gulf of Mexico as it is when it leaves the snows of the Rocky mountains. When this mighty river is high it backs up the Red river and discharges its surplus waters through the Atchaffalaya Bayou into the Gulf of Mexico, so that bayou is really one of the mouths of the Mississippi. It was my turn to go on picket guard that night, so we crossed the bayou on a steamer and went up that stream about a mile and posted the pickets in the woods across the bottom where we fought mosquitoes all night. It was a question which was the worse, the mosquitoes or the rebels. I was not feeling very well from the effects of my bath, so after the guard was posted I hunted the dryest place I could find and laid down, but the conditions were not very favorable for a good night's rest. It did not however last forever.

SOURCE: Abstracted from George G. Smith, Leaves from a Soldier's Diary, p. 117-9

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant George G. Smith: May 16, 1864

In motion a little after sun rise. The enemy had fallen back during the night but after advancing two miles over fences and through fields the advance cavalry came upon them in full force with about twenty pieces of artillery and seven thousand mounted infantry. They were in front of a little town called Mansura and just before you leave the prairie and enter an almost impenetrable Cypress swamp which stretches between it and bayou DeGlaze, and is passed by means of a plank road. Taylor had placed his forces across the entrance to this plank road and disputed its passage. As soon as our infantry were in supporting distance, the cavalry began to press their lines when they opened all their batteries at once. This of course discovered their position and several batteries of the nineteenth corps soon came into position and the ball was open. Four lines of battle were in rear of us, all in supporting distance, composed of the First and Third divisions of the nineteenth corps and the thirteenth. On the right General Smith came up with the sixteenth army corps formed in line continuous with ours; making them two miles long. The bellowing of cannon screaming and hissing of shot and shell, the bursting of bombs and the prancing horses of the wheeling squadrons created a scene of excitement I never before witnessed and never expect to witness again. Solid shot and shell literally rained all around us for about three hours. The country being level, afforded a clear view as far as the eye could reach until obscured by smoke. The scene was grand. Many of the enemy's shells did not burst at all and many burst in the air. Many amusing incidents happened, one of which I will relate. A shell struck the ground a few feet in front of our line and ricochetted (bounded)over our heads and struck the ground again directly under a surgeon's horse, standing there, with his rider and bounded again. The doctor leaned over one side to see what kind of a hole it made in the ground, started his horse along a step or two and sat in the saddle as though nothing had happened. Sometimes the shells would strike the ground and roll end over end a long distance. It looked as though one might put out his foot and stop them. I did not try the experiment. So long as they did not disturb me, I thought I might as well let them alone. At this stage of the battle General Grover, on a large heavy bay horse galloped out between the lines five or six hundred yards, turned in a circle, rode back to the twenty-sixth New York battery. He spoke to the commander, and they limbered up and actually flew to the front about six hundred yards and in less time than it takes to write this, unlimbered and commenced one of the most rapid fires I ever heard from a battery of four guns. I could see the shells burst directly in their faces. The enemy did not stand that long and retreated in a complete rout. I learned, however, afterwards that A. J. Smith with a heavy force was creeping round on their right flank so we cannot give the twenty-sixth New York Battery all the credit for that victory. In regard to the losses I never learned. They must have been considerable on the enemy's side, but on ours I am sure they were not heavy. It was an artillery duel and the rebels proved to be such poor marksmen that not many casualties happened to us. When our friends, the rebels took such precipitate leave of us, we found ourselves in quiet possession of the plank road through the woods, of which we made good use, as soon as we could get into files of fours and marched to within eight miles of Simsport where we went into camp for the night, quite satisfied with our day's work.

SOURCE: Abstracted from George G. Smith, Leaves from a Soldier's Diary, p. 113-7

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant John S. Morgan: Wednesday, February 22, 1865

The 28th Wis embark on the Belle ve Dere. Raining still. Our wagons loaded on Bell ve & detail sent arond with them, the Regt to go by car to lake Ponchertrain Genl A. J. Smiths Corps landing 4 miles below on the east side continues to rain & blow. Washingtons Birthday hundreds of flags & a national salute.

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 8, April 1923, p. 575

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant John S. Morgan: Friday, February 17, 1865

Boat landed at 12. O clock last night at Scippers landing to unload freight was up saw several hundred bales of cotton guarded by a gunboat. at 9. a. m. landed to ward 1 mile below Millikens bend got off and took a walk. At 12. M. landed at Vicksburg. walked over town was in some 20 of the celebrated holes, & on top of the Court house boat leaves at 7. P. M. Genl M. L. Smith commands here. Genl A. J. Smith will comd an expedition from here soon, his comd is here. Met & recognized Dr Huntsman [?] Beautiful weather.

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 8, April 1923, p. 574

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant George G. Smith: April 26, 1864

Smith's corps coming in all day. Rebels did not trouble him much, after the thrashing he gave them at Caney river.

SOURCE: Abstracted from George G. Smith, Leaves from a Soldier's Diary, p. 105

Brigadier-General Thomas Kilby Smith to Elizabeth Budd Smith, January 15, 1865

Headquarters Third Division,

Detachment Army Of The Tennessee,

in The Field, Sunday, Jan. 15, 1865.

I am now once more fairly in the field, and at the head of my command. My tent is pitched upon a pleasant knoll in a very hilly, almost mountainous country, from whence I have a view of the Tennessee river, and parts of three States, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama. The ground is gravelly and the forests pine, so that I keep comparatively dry; the floor of my tent is carpeted with pine boughs that make a pleasant smell. For some days past the weather has been delightful, clear, bright and warm, yet bracing. Already the rose and briar are putting forth green leaves and bulbous roots are springing from the ground. The atmosphere is about as it would be in your latitude, say the 1st of May, or thereabouts. My health improves, bowels decidedly better, appetite pretty good, and the most that troubles me now is a tendency to take cold, cold with an irritation of the throat. This is to be expected, for I could hardly go from careful nursing directly into the field without some shock to the system.

My command is not yet thoroughly organized, and I have some new appointments of staff officers to make; in the course of a day or two I shall publish my staff, and will send you a copy. . . . I have three brigades; our detachments are about being organized into a corps of three divisions, each division of three brigades. The division commanders are General McArthur, General Garrard (Kenna Garrard of West Point, oldest son of Mrs. McLean), and myself, all under command of Gen. A. J. Smith.

A large mail has come to-day with the fleet that brought up General Thomas and troops, but I am disappointed in finding nothing for me.

SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 378-9

Brigadier-General Thomas Kilby Smith to Elizabeth Budd Smith, January 6, 1865

On Board Flag Ship “Fairy,”

Up Tennessee River On The Alabama Side, Three

Miles Above Eastport, January 6, 1865.

My Dear Wife:

My heading will show you my position, that you can the better learn from the map. I am now, in point of fact, within the Alabama lines. I reported the day before yesterday to Major-Gen. A. J. Smith, at Clifton, Tennessee, in person, and immediately received the following order:

Special Orders

No. 3.

Extract II.

Brig.-Gen. Thomas Kilby Smith, U. S. V., having reported at these headquarters for duty, is hereby assigned to, and will at once assume command of, the Third Division, Detachment Army of the Tennessee.

Col. J. B. Moore, now commanding the Third Division, is hereby relieved from such command, and will report to Brig.-Gen. T. K. Smith for assignment.

In relieving Colonel Moore, the Major-General commanding desires to express his high appreciation of the able, thorough, and soldierly manner with which he has executed the trust confided to him in the command.

By order of Major-Gen. A. J. Smith,

J. Hough, Asst. Adjt.-Gen.

I have transcribed the order in full because it contains a well-deserved compliment to a soldier of my own making, and who received all his training from me, and who has done full justice to his preceptor in the important responsibilities thrust upon him in my absence. I have not yet assumed command, because I am reconnoitring the river with Gen. A. J. Smith, upon Admiral Lee's ship, with a view to position and the debarkation of our troops. Admiral Lee, who is in command of the Mississippi Squadron, has been immensely polite to me, and has made me quite at home with him. All my officers, and those at General Smith's headquarters, have expressed much joy at my return, which I assure you is mutual; on my part I am gratified beyond expression in being once more restored to my command and associated with my comrades in arms. I write under some difficulty, for the boat is shaking excessively, and I can hardly keep my pen to the paper, but as a despatch boat will be sent down this evening, I avail myself of the opportunity, as I do of each that presents itself, to advise you of my movements and physical condition. My health is tolerably good; I am not as well as when on the Cumberland, and from two causes — the weather is murky and the Tennessee water unwholesome, added to which my food has not for two or three days been as good as usual, and I suffer from the confined air of the boats. Heretofore I have had the boat exclusively to myself, but since arriving at Clifton, there has been a necessity for transportation of troops and the boats are all crowded with soldiers. However, I am every way better than I expected to be at this time, and certainly have no right to complain. Joe and the horses are in good care, and when we get to some place I will write you a long letter.

Since writing the above, our boat has stopped at Eastport, and I have been ashore on horseback with General Smith, reconnoitring the country, and such a desolate, cursed, God-forgotten, man-forsaken, vile, wretched place I have never yet seen in all my campaigning. If I shall have to stay here long, I shall well-nigh go crazy. We hear Hood is moving south; his pickets disappeared from this place night before last, and there is what has been for them a strong fortification. There are but two or three families left, and they in the last stages of destitution; whenever you offer a prayer, petition that you or yours may never be in the war-path. You read of horrors of war, but you can form no conception of those horrors until you are an eyewitness of its results upon the inhabitants of the country where it has raged, where they have been, as they usually are, the prey of both contending parties. I shall probably go down the river as far as Clifton, where my own command is, to-morrow, to be governed by circumstances that may transpire after my arrival. As the case now stands, in all probability, I shall go into winter quarters somewhere hereabouts, and General Thomas's orders are “Eastport.” My third winter in the South does not promise more comfort than the two that have preceded it. Four winters ago it was Camp Dennison and Paducah, the next Young's Point, before Vicksburg, in the swamps, the next between the Black and Yazoo Rivers, the worst country, save this, I ever saw, and this winter, here, up the Tennessee. I think I have had my share of the dark side of the war, but my motto is, a stiff upper lip, and never say die. If health, the great desideratum, is spared, the rest will come. General Garrard, one of Mrs. McLean's sons, is here. His head is as bald as an egg, and he looks to be a thousand years old. War adds age fast.

You must address your letters to me as General commanding Third Division Detachment Army of the Tennessee, via Cairo. I suppose I shall stand a chance of getting them sometime within a month or less.

SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 375-7

Brigadier-General Thomas Kilby Smith to Elizabeth Budd Smith, December 26, 1864

26th. – Detained at Clarkesville by the unwarrantable interference of the officer in charge of the gunboat fleet who deemed it necessary to give us convoy against guerillas, lay there all night and until 9 A.M. of the 27th, which passes without event. Scenery on the river beautiful, high rocky cliffs of limestone, iron in abundance in these hills. Arrived at Nashville about two o'clock in the morning of the 28th. City dirty and disagreeable; has been the abode of wealth, as evidenced in the splendid architecture of the private dwellings, but everything now shows the brunt of war and war's desolation.

I find many friends and am hospitably entertained at the quarters of General Sawyer, General Sherman's Adjutant-General. The military are all agog at the good news from Sherman, but everybody here is as ignorant as I am of Hood's movements, of Thomas's intent. I have telegraphed to Gen. A. J. Smith, who is far to the front, but as yet receive no response. Railroad communication will be opened soon, we hope, to near the front, when I shall progress as soon as possible.

P. S. — You may have noticed in the papers that the train from Louisville to this point was attacked and captured, and that thus travel by rail was interrupted. With my usual good fortune, I have escaped this calamity, and it is doubly well with me that I came by boat.

SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 373-4

Brigadier-General Thomas Kilby Smith to Elizabeth Budd Smith, April 29, 1864

Mississippi Squadron, Flag Ship “Cricket,”

Alexandria, April 29, 1864.

My Dear Wife:

I am safe after a most severe campaign. I had three fights, battles, on my own hook, inasmuch as I had the honor of bringing up the rear of the army to this point. These three fights were exclusively my own, and in every instance entirely victorious. I have only time to say that my opinion is, we (I mean A. J. Smith's command) will get through safely to the Mississippi; after that, there will be work enough for us. I will give you full details so soon as opportunity offers. Meanwhile, rest assured of my health and personal safety. Admiral Porter is safe and sitting by my side as I write. He is a noble fellow, game as a pheasant; so is old A. J. a perfect trump.

I hope you are all well. I am in first rate spirits, stiff upper lip, “never say die.” Do not be discouraged about me, in the slightest degree. We can whip these fellows whenever we get the chance.

SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 362-3

Brigadier-General Thomas Kilby Smith to Elizabeth Budd Smith, March 17, 1864

Headquarters Div. Seventeenth Army Corps,

Red River Expedition, Fort De Russey,

Avoyelles County, Louosiana, March 17, 1864.

My Dear Wife:

My last hurried letter to you was dated from on board ship at Vicksburg. The fleet of transports under my command sailed from that point at seven o'clock, Thursday, 10th inst., arrived at mouth of Red River and reported to Admiral Porter on Friday at noon. At 10 A.m., Saturday, sailed up Red River and Atchafalaya under orders and signals from flagship Black Hawk, to Simmesport. Morning of Sunday debarked my troops for inspection, review and drill by regiments. At seven o'clock P.M., received marching orders, and at 8 P.M. marched, bringing up the rear of the column, repaired bridges through the night, roads for greater part of the way bad and swampy; bivouacked at 4 A.M., Monday, eight miles from Simmesport. Meanwhile, Gen. A. J. Smith, with General Mower's command, had reconnoitred the front, driven four regiments of the enemy from a fortification, situate some five miles from Simmesport, and was making across country for Moreauville on Bayou L'Eglise. Gave my troops rest two hours; at six o'clock took up the line of march, moving forward rapidly till eleven o'clock, when I halted, ordered coffee for the men and fed the animals. Meanwhile pioneers were reconstructing bridge destroyed by the enemy. At noon resumed march which till this time had led us for the most part through a rich and highly-cultivated country past extensive canefields and sugar-houses, now crossing a bayou and penetrating a swamp spreading some few miles before us. Ascending a slight elevation, we suddenly emerged in one of the most beautiful prairies imaginable. High table land, gently undulating, watered by exquisite lakes occasional groves, the landscape dotted with tasteful houses, gardens and shrubberies. This prairie, called Avoyelles, is settled exclusively by French emigrés, many of whom, as our army passed, sought shelter under the tricolor of France. Pushing forward rapidly, we gained Marksville at 4.30 P.M. Deserters had warned us that the enemy were on our left flank and rear as early as three o'clock. My troops were well closed up. Two and a half miles beyond Marksville, I formed line of battle at 5.30, my right resting immediately on the left of the advanced forces. My transportation and ambulances parked far to the rear. As my command came to front, brisk musketry firing commenced at the fort. Some shells fell to the rear and right of my line. I was ordered by the general commanding to look well to my rear and left wing, that I might anticipate attack from General Walker with six thousand Texans. I stood to arms. At 6.30 news was brought me that the fort had surrendered. I threw out heavy pickets, stacked arms and went into bivouac, a piercing cold “Norther” sweeping over the plain. In summary, I remark that the command on the 14th inst, marched twenty-eight and a half miles, built a substantial bridge of sixty feet in length, repaired minor ones, and took a fort between sunrise and sunset. But one brigade, Colonel Ward, commanding, was actively engaged; their casualties nine killed, thirty-seven wounded. The substantial results I enclose in memorandum of ordnance and ordnance stores, to which may be added a large amount of commissary stores, flour, beef, sugar and molasses, and three hundred and thirty-four prisoners, thirty-four of whom were officers from lieutenant-colonel to third lieutenant.

Meanwhile, convoy and fleet had made slow and devious way through the tortuous windings of Red River, where navigation at present stage of water is difficult. Rapid current, frequent eddies, sharp bends and snags, are the natural obstacles; to these the enemy added rafts and spiles; nevertheless, as the fort surrendered, the Black Hawk rounded to land shortly afterwards the general commanding received the congratulations of the Admiral, whom he will compliment by present of the nine-inch Dahlgren, of the Indianola, and the two heavy guns of the Harriet Lane, recaptured. My command is in occupation of the fort, and will be engaged to-day and to-morrow in the demolition of the casemates, bridges, etc., etc., and finally the blowing-up of the magazines, in which we shall permit to be destroyed vast quantities of powder. The main body under command of General Mower, convoyed by Admiral Porter, sailed last night for Alexandria, where I expect to join them in three days. Gen. A. J. Smith remains with me, and gunboats Essex and Benton, Captains Grier and Townsend.

A glance at the map will give you my present locality without the aid of sketch; but I will enclose herewith draft and dimensions of fortifications that you may intelligently answer questions; to which end, indeed, I have written you a sort of condensed report. If you have not “Colton's” maps, you had better buy first volume, North and South America; meanwhile you can borrow and trace me down the Mississippi, up the Atchafalaya, pronounced “Chafalia,” to Simmesport, across country to Marksville, from thence to Fort De Russy, on the Red, thence up the river to Alexandria.

SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 356-9

Brigadier-General Thomas Kilby Smith to Eliza Walter Smith, March 9, 1864

Headquarters First Div., Red River Expedition,

Detachment Seventeenth Army Corps,

Vicksburg, Miss., March 9, 1864.

My Dear Mother:

I have promised myself the pleasure of writing you a long letter, in which I should essay some attempt at description of the expedition from which we have just returned; but scarcely have I taken a long breath ere I find myself ordered upon active and increasing service. I am highly complimented by my commanding generals, and promoted to the command of a division composed of picked men and the very flower of the Seventeenth Army Corps, with instant orders to embark for the Red River. I shall probably report to General Banks and my destination is still South. My trust is delicate and highly responsible, my command magnificent. No hope of home or furlough this summer. I had a vague and latent hope that having served so long and as I believe so faithfully, that opportunity might offer for at least the preferring of a request for leave; but I never yet in this war have seen the time that I could ask a furlough, being always on the march or in the presence of the enemy.

Enclosed please find the rough notes most hastily thrown together from which was blocked out the official report of the expedition. It is doubtful whether you can decipher or make sense of them — certainly more than I can do. It is all I have time to offer you, and with the aid of the map it may serve as some guide. We traversed the entire State of Mississippi from the river to the border due east, driving the enemy at all points. Completely destroyed the railway system of the State and returned leisurely, living for the most part upon the country. It may chance that I have opportunity to write you from the transports, in which case be sure you shall hear from me. Give your earnest prayers for the success of this expedition. It may be the turning-point of my military career. I am standing now on a dizzy height, lofty enough to make a cool head swim. I feel the power within me to rise to the occasion. Confidence is half the battle, but all is with God.

I have met General Sherman frequently upon the march, and to-day saw him for a little while. He is the man for the Southwest. The expression is trite, but he is the Napoleon of the war. In time to come you will revert to some of my former letters and believe that I have written with a prophetic pen.

My sword sash and belt have at last arrived, most costly and elegant. Said, aside from the jewels, to be more elegant than the one presented to General Grant. I wish it was at home to place among the archives. Much too valuable for field service. There are two sashes, Russia leather belt and gold sword-knot, all enclosed in rosewood box, lined with white satin and blue velvet.

There will be a General A. J. Smith in this command, with whom I will be confounded continually. He is my superior officer, an old man, and an old regular army soldier graduate of West Point. I have been with him in battle on three occasions. He is gallant.

SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 355-6