DIY History | Transcribe | Civil War Diaries and Letters | George C. Burmeister diary, 1864

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1864-04-26 -- 1864-04-28

Tuesday 26.  Our division was rear guard today.  Marched three miles and as we came near a bridge over the bayou we would have to cross we turned into the timber and lay in ambush for the rebels who had been following us and skirmishing with our rear guard.  Our two batteries of 8 pieces were covered and we concealed ourselves in the timber and lay down.  There we waited till ten A.M. when the rebels approached driving our cavalry and cheering in their peculiar way but they discovered us too soon and turned our advanced infantry poured a volley into them, and our battery opened on them, with what loss to the rebels is not known, but they ran as fast as they could.  It grieved me a little that they did not run into our trap, and we marched towards town.  Gen. Mower also was angry It was very hot and thirsty and we took several cut offs, and rested quite a while in a beautiful shady place.  Reached town about sunset.  Went into camp near our old place.  

Wednesday 27  Took our tents from our boat and put up a regular camp.  Cleaned up and visited Mr. Nicolas’ family, they were glad to see me safe and sound.  Our gunboats cannot get over the rapids near this place.  The river seems to be falling.

Thursday 28  Everybody is praising Gen. Smith , and a great many are denouncing General Banks.  This afternoon quite an excitement was prevalent here, on account of the enemy approaching us.  The troops formed a line of battle and firing was heard in our advance,.  The 13th A.C. fell back to town and some sutlers and regiments lost considerable goods.  Our regt. was sent out as skirmishers, I had charge of two cos.  We lay out near a creek all night but no enemy came.

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Tuesday 26. Our division was rear guard today. Marched three miles and as we came near a bridge over the bayou we would have to cross we turned into the timber and lay in ambush for the rebels who had been following us and skirmishing with our rear guard. Our two batteries of 8 pieces were covered and we concealed ourselves in the timber and lay down. There we waited till ten A.M. when the rebels approached driving our cavalry and cheering in their peculiar way but they discovered us too soon and turned our advanced infantry poured a volley into them, and our battery opened on them, with what loss to the rebels is not known, but they ran as fast as they could. It grieved me a little that they did not run into our trap, and we marched towards town. Gen. Mower also was angry It was very hot and thirsty and we took several cut offs, and rested quite a while in a beautiful shady place. Reached town about sunset. Went into camp near our old place. Wednesday 27 Took our tents from our boat and put up a regular camp. Cleaned up and visited Mr. Nicolas’ family, they were glad to see me safe and sound. Our gunboats cannot get over the rapids near this place. The river seems to be falling. Thursday 28 Everybody is praising Gen. Smith , and a great many are denouncing General Banks. This afternoon quite an excitement was prevalent here, on account of the enemy approaching us. The troops formed a line of battle and firing was heard in our advance,. The 13th A.C. fell back to town and some sutlers and regiments lost considerable goods. Our regt. was sent out as skirmishers, I had charge of two cos. We lay out near a creek all night but no enemy came.