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

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1864-03-22

state pride, and appear to have been the pets of Louisiana, they are well clothed and look healthy.  They feel a little chagrined at their capture and promise to repay us the first chance they get.  We captured about five hundred horses four splendid cannon, two twelve & two six pounders, I believe, of which the artillerists felt quite proud, for they have rung the death knell to many a union soldier, but now they  may avenge themselves, by sending the messenger of death into the rebel ranks and preach Liberty and Union to a deluded people.  The 35th Iowa ranks now with the bravest of the brave, and our friends at home can see that the confidence they bestowed on it is placed on the right men.  Every man and officer of the 35th Iowa did his duty, not one faltered when ordered to execute a command.

Tuesday 22  We remained till noon near the scene of action of last night, looking up everything of value and waiting for a rebel force said to be only twelve miles distant, under General D. Taylor and Walker, who are said to have two entire divisions of cavalry and fifty pieces of artillery, three messengers had been sent them the previous night, urging them to send reinforcements at once, but they were captured by us.  Finally we moved, our regiment guarding the prisoners riding the rebel horses and having charge of the rebel battery.  We marched till sunset and camped on Gen. Grahams’s plantation.

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state pride, and appear to have been the pets of Louisiana, they are well clothed and look healthy. They feel a little chagrined at their capture and promise to repay us the first chance they get. We captured about five hundred horses four splendid cannon, two twelve & two six pounders, I believe, of which the artillerists felt quite proud, for they have rung the death knell to many a union soldier, but now they may avenge themselves, by sending the messenger of death into the rebel ranks and preach Liberty and Union to a deluded people. The 35th Iowa ranks now with the bravest of the brave, and our friends at home can see that the confidence they bestowed on it is placed on the right men. Every man and officer of the 35th Iowa did his duty, not one faltered when ordered to execute a command. Tuesday 22 We remained till noon near the scene of action of last night, looking up everything of value and waiting for a rebel force said to be only twelve miles distant, under General D. Taylor and Walker, who are said to have two entire divisions of cavalry and fifty pieces of artillery, three messengers had been sent them the previous night, urging them to send reinforcements at once, but they were captured by us. Finally we moved, our regiment guarding the prisoners riding the rebel horses and having charge of the rebel battery. We marched till sunset and camped on Gen. Grahams’s plantation.