Charles Henry Dyer

RECORD OF C.H. DYER

Rochester. Vermont - December 10th, 1861. A record of the part that C H Dyer took in the 2nd Battery of Light Artellery Vermont Vonlunteers from the beginning.

The weather was warm and fine for the season but very muddy under foot as the snow was melting jest enough to make it sloshery under foot, but I was under the influence of the war and eager for the Frey again, having got through with the servis with the Boston Light Artillery, Cokes Battery, three months servis. We was at home on the farm that had been purchased by my Brothers A B Dyer and J C Dyer - which was situated near the intersection of the lines of Rochester, Granville and Hanck towns. When by a great effort and running around we made out to get a carradge togeather so as to drive two horses abrist and got well off one oclock. Then we drove to Hancock and got a shoe set and traded horses and get started for Branden over the mountains. The road was good and well used and we traveled at a rate and arrived at the Branden house at 9 oclock pm. We found the house full of Recruits for the Artillery Company but we got good accomindations with J W Chase who was running the Chase House and had his own house with his family - and retired at 11:30 oclock.

On December the 11th the next day we went over to the Chase House, E S Williams and I and enlisted in the 2nd Battery Light Artillery which had been partly organized in June as Sprages Cavelry and by agreement the men who wanted to go into the Battery come in as origernal enlistment, and there time comence at the date of there enlistment in the calvery. After a few days Williams and 1, we got a team for three dollars which took us over to Rochester and then we walked up to Godners and got our combined Dinner Supper and then we got a ride home and arrived at about 5 oclock p.m. The next day being Sunday we staid at home and packed our things ready for three years Service and what we had left from the three months service which quit a pack.

Next thing come the hard part of leaving which was the most differcult of all. When it come to leaving Mother Father and Brothers and Friends perhaps forever and exposed to all of the hardships and dangers in and out of the field, but we passed through as best we could for we could not speak of our feelings as we was choked up to much for expression. Monday morning we started, B S Williams and I - with John C Dyer driving the team and arrived at the Chase House in time for supper, and John returned home the next day.

Nothing happened of note until we was paid by the State of Vermont for the time up to the time we was mustered into the U.S. service. Some of the men who went In first got about three months pay. I had charge of the paying under the State offercer and all of the men had to sign a pay roll befor he was paid. We got through before night - the first servis that I had to do was to go down to Pitford and get a absentee and started back about 2 oclock pm and had to walk some five miles through the snow. We was two hours walking it. We got our man who name was Latherbash. We went to the falls in the cars then back to Branden. When we got back to Branden where the company was ready to start - we took the trains and proceeded to Montpelier and got Dinner and Supper and was quartered in a large Hall over the Depot. At 11 oclock we took the cars for Lowell and ar-rived there the next day which was Christmass about two oclock, and marched to the grounds which was the Fair Grounds. We was received with chears and was quarters in the Building as we could not get tents up it was so cold.

December 25th, 1861

The first night we slept in the building that was used for the fair and al-though it was very cold we made our selves verry comfortable in the hail of the 2nd storry. The next day we received our tents. They were of the Sybley pattern with a stove on the pole in the center - they were designed to hold seventeen men each and we were comfortable. It was so cold and the ground was frozened so hard that we used pick axes to make the hold for the tent pins, and place the pins in the hole and fill it up with water and it would freeze In a short time so we could put up our tents. After a few days we get the camp straightened out so that we went along very well. Our living we had furnished by a man of Brown and lived very poorly but we soon drew our rations and we lived better. The weather was such that we could not do much drilling but we made the best of It. We had the use of some cannon, G pounder and some Parott 20 pounders, but did not make much use of them - the weather was so cold. We turn out for roll call at 6:30 and at 7 breakfast, and drill call, at 12 Dinner at 2 oclock Drill Call at 5 oclock supper. Retreat at 9:30 and light out then all things are quiet.

Camp Chase - Feb. 6th 1862 Lowell Mass.

Order to break up Camp, and we went at it with a good will and in earnest and it was little time before we had every thing ready to put on the cars to go to Boston. We slept in the Building the night after striking the tents. I had the command of packing our traps on the cars until about 4 oclock when I when I went into the town on special Duty and did not return until about eleven oclock. I had a nice tune in the city, as I saw all of my aquaintances, AIlie Platt included and had my picture taken and sent one home. 1 left my watch at Mr. Sanboums Old Post Office corner on Central Street with the agreement that he should fixe it and send it to me by Butler or some one of his aids, but if that was not possible John was to have it by calling for It in my name. It will cost about five dollars. We started the next day for Boston - but I was detailed to take charge of some men and pack things in the cars which I finished and took the 1:30 oclock train down.

Camp Chace - Feb 6th 1862

We started from Camp Chace Thursday Feb. 6th at 8 oclock am and took a special train for Boston and jest as we were starting I was detailed with 8 men to take care some baggage that was left over the day before as all but that was put on the cars. I could not refuse so I went to work and was all through by 9 oclock and started at 9:30 oclock and arrived in Boston at 11:30 oclock and marched down to the wharf with the men and placed them inside of the lines, and waiting for noth-ing more but started up town and jest as I got to the head of the wharf I found one of men with a canteen of Whiskey and I jest him on board of the ship but he thought he would take a bath inside and so he went up the slip on the ship and went to far on one side and having to freight on one side, down he went canteen and wiskey and when he came out the whiskey was lost the same as did the Tea in the old times into the dock. Having disposed of him I started again and called upon my friends. I called upon the Members of Old Battery in the armery corner of Cooper & North Margin Street and saw some of the men who was in the Battery in the three months servace with me. They were keeping up the old organization and had sent out one or more Companys to the Patomac Armerys. They were commanded by a Seargent and will hold the Property and Arinery for the purpose of organizing new Batterys. They have repersentives in several different Batterys now. I staid in the City of Boston over night for the reason that I was left on shore and could not get on the ship until the morning. I went board and found the two Batterys that was at Camp Chase - our Battery and the 1st Maine and of Infentry and arrangement made for accomerdatton between docks consisting of bunks allend two sides and through the center. We stayed there all day and night and started for Ship Island the morning of the 8th of February, 1862. With a fair wind but cold which continued two or three days. then we had calms and head winds until we came to Key West when it come fair again. At Key West I sent a letter home. A pilot who come along side, we threw our letters over to the Pilot in Picket Bolles into the water. I had been about half sea sick up to this time.

Wednesday February 26th 1862.

We had fair which continued for two days, then it changed a little up to the 3rd of March when it squall and blued hard all day to our diservantage. The ship was a full ridged ship with two decks and the wind which struck us it was blowing at a valesity of fifty miles per hour and hit us head on and then we was moving backwards, then we turned sideways and turned one half over on its side until the spars of the yard arms went down into the water which put us in a verry danger-ous position.. The men on one side In the bunks and In the center rowe went into the sea scupper one on top of another - kicking scrabling snorting and cursing biting and scraching and some was praying and there would have been need of all of that is it had not been for the men belonging to the 1st Maine Battery, a com-pany who was nearly all seamen or fisherman who rushed on the deck they got there somehow, and took orders from the ships offercers to let go all sail ropes and which let down the sails and redused the presser of the wind, and they they maned the ropes and pulled the yard arms over so as to balance the ship which had to come back on a level keil, but It took some time to get things strelght again. The next day it was carlm and pleasant on the 5th & 6th good weather and a smooth sea - and a good moon - so the 7th we come in sight of Ship Island, and it was so nice moon lit night and the water so smooth that it was desided to try to make the Harbor or landing without waiting for a pilot, in fact there was no pilot to be had and we run aground at 10:30 and stuck fast and good. We sent a boat for relief, but did not get any and they did not return until morning - when a Gun-boat came to try to pull us off, but could no do so. Sunday we were still full in the sand. Monday we commenced to lighten the ship by discharging a part of the cargo over the sides into the water, and we put off some camp equipment and tents. The ship was made to float and was got to the pier and then a storm came up with heavy winds and we could not unload our freight for several days, and then we had to use boats. The work was can-ed on day and night until It was finished, then it was discovered that the ship was leaking verry badly, so much so that the man pumps would keep her free of water. There was a Donkey Engine got from some where and ridged upon Deke to run the pumps and thought it was all fixed to last until the ship could be gotten to a port there the leak could be stoped and started for Key West when it meet a storm and it filled with water and sunk - but the men was saved. So that was the end of the Great ship Idiaho.

SHIP ISLAND April 11th 1862

This island is all sand and nothing else, not a tree or grass nothing to be seen but sand and sea sand at that. Fort Massachetts is situated at this end of the island and is made of brick and bags of sand. It contains six guns inside and two on the outside. The Rebels occupied it before we come and took it from them. They had three guns mounted and the rest of the port holes was filed with black logs so as to look like guns, before they left they berried their provisions and amernition in the sand which was found and dug up.

We made out camp on the beach, a flat peiee of sand. We put up our tents and drove the stakes as deep as we could, but when a storm came up it raised the water up over the whole camp and nearly over the island. This soften the sand, and the tents all went down and we was drowned out. We just crawled out from under the tents and hunted for a dry place, but there was none. We jest sat on our heals all night, and in the morning we was full of sand, our hair, ears and closes and we could lesten to the tails of a great storm which covered all of the Island and none escased. We had to ware goggles to protect our eyes from the sand blowing into them. We are in good health considering the circumstances, comparing our with some of the other Companys. Meny of our men had bad cases of measles at Camp Chase but are now as good health. We have to cut our wood which is fallen pines at the other end of the island, where it grows to sise and float it down and then carry by hand or on our backs to the cook house which is a hole and to stakes and a few mud brick into the shape of a fire place and sum boxes for a flew. We have a plenty of news by Grape Vine but we take little stock in them. We have soft bread baked here and hard bread to go with it and what we can buy at the Sutters we live very well. Buildings are being build quite fast here now - some five are underway and we have a railroad of abut 40 rods in the leanths and it has a junction perhaps it is not so much of importance as the Massasses or Washington but if It should be cut off we should have put the other in operation which is a plank road with soulders for the cars. We have one that extends two miles and vast amount of provien pass over it daily. I went up the Island for wood and found some rafts on the shour so we had a plenty of time to explore that reagion. I found it quite low and full of bogs. Theas are covered with grass and rushs. In one of thease we saw some of those beautiful birds without fethers, called Allegators. Now theas are not so easley taken as one would sup-pose for unles they a shot in the eye they will keep winking atyou as saucery as you please. I had to practis before I could shoot on water and hit my mark and after wasting a lot of lead 1 succeeded in being able to hit my mark almost every time and I soon settled some half dozen and succeeded in capturing one after putting a ball through his eye then waiding into the mud and water and stiking a strap over his head and caning him safe to the shore we started for home camp, but owing to the wind we drifted nearly over to Rebeldon and had to cut loose one raft to stop ourselves. We arrived safe at sunset with my Bird which I gave to the men to show that we had some sport off of it and a mess also. There has been here about thirteen thousand soulders here, but today there was about four thou-sand embarked on ship to advance upon New Orleans. An inserdent hapened in this way a boat was picked up by the Gunboat New Lundon which contained four men and a little girl. The girl was put on a schooner with Maj. Strong and four men as a crew and under a flag of truce went over to Blo~de and landed the girl, and then some forty men in boats ordered the Major to surrender and he said that he did not see It that way and sent one of his men down below who In a few minutes make as if there was some dozen men of his self by appearing In different places and the Major calling at them all the while and at least he could not stand it any longer, he pretened that he would bust there heads If they did not obey him and keep down. This made his friends on the outside to think that the hold was -full men and not wanting to fire which held them off and the Major came home thinging that he had bluffed them off.

April 2nd - This morning there was about two thousand men put on the steamer the Black Lewis, which was a river boat - side wheels and had been used as a freighter, and was captured as a blockade runer from Cuba by the Gunboat New London. This experdition started for Bloxia and we have heard some heavy can-nonading since. This is the second time we have heard that noyse for some time. I saw the New London engage three reble boats and drive them on shore and kepted them there. Today April 2nd, those other two regerinent started out in towe of some gunboats - there desternation is Fort Jackson, I understand by the reports.

We started on the 17th of April 1862 for the Missippi River on an old River Steamer which had been captured from the Rebels as a Blockader which was in bad condition and un sea worthy unfit to be used any time. Theas facts as to the boats condition was reported to Army Headquarters and we refused to be trans-ported on it as it would be bad judgment to start on a boat that we known was verry rotten and in a condition to go to peices and sink, but we was ordered to proceed on it as it was that or nothing - so we started. We sailed along about three hours when we had to put back on account of hard wind and rough water. We managed to get in behind the Shandelear Light and Island and come to an-chor. We amused ourselves as best we could - some starting to fish others singing and some thinking of home.

In the morning we started again with light winds, but it raised so ittlowed very hard by three oclock that we thought that we was going to the botom. The whole top works was near being blowed off. I think the Wheel House was all that saved it and us - as it was the flange on one of the engines broke of and let all of the steam out of the three or four boilers. Then there was a Merry Hell to pay. I was on the Cabin Deck and at first we could tell what had hapened. I stood still and waited for the others to do something, which I saw was some funny thing and act. Lieut. Chase h4d a rubber vest inside of his uniform vest that had to be blown up to make a life preserver of it, and he blowed and stoped to see what was agoing around him and then some more blowing upon the pipe and so on until the steam quit coming. I went on the deck and found jest what had hapened. The men was in all places and conditions - some were hanging over the sides on the gards - some was under guns some had ropes tied on to let themselves down, sum run hither and trying to hide while others stood still, but no one was hurt, so the fires was extinguised and we come to anchor, and sent a boat to try to find assis-tance. We laid at anchor all night, and in the morning we landed on an island, and commenced to repair the steam pipe, by cutting out one of the engines by capping the inlet on the steam chest and closing the steam valve on the boiler. They were able to work one of the engines and by stearing against it we managed to get behind a Island where they managed to hammer a new flang to the steam pipe. During the time of waiting we filled sum water casks and geathered curios-ity - then the whistle blowed and we went on board and found that our boat had returned with the Steamer Saxon and River steamer P.C. Wallace, like the Lewis, and we up anchor and started out met them and the PC Wallace made fast to our boat and we proceeded on our corse. The Wallace was sent in to towe us out to deep water so the Saxton could hitch on to us, which they did and got into the Pass A Loite (?), and the Saxon went back for the P.C. Wallace, for the wind was blowing a gale all the time. The Saxton made fast to the Wallace and was proceed-ing twords to the mouth of the river, when the Wallace broke in to and sunk, The men on board had got all of there boats ready and launched them in time so that nobody was lost. The Wallace was a river steamer captured from the Rebels and same as the Lewis, and we would have shared the same fate if the Saxon had not taking us in tow and keept us steady on the rough water.

April 22d 1862

On board the Steamer Lewis laying in the mouth of the Pass Eulatia (?) - At about midnight the company and crew from off the PC Wallace come on board. They had lost everthing, and had no blankits or clothes except what they wore, and nothing to eat. Our men took them in and devided with them bed and board. They were a Lousey set and the Lice staid with us, but the Then were taken off during the day on some steamers, Sexon and Matumas and taken up to the head of the Passes, but it took several months to get rid of the lice.

Our steamer was in bad shape. The corking was out of the seams and the wafter was squirting up all around in the bottom, and we had about twenty men bailing al the time with camp kits and pans, and plugging the seams with wedges made from the Hardtack boxes - broken up and diven in a row, and other kinds of corking - by such means and the Donkey Engine pumps we managed to keep the old Hulk aflote. We were out of coal and wood, and could not move on up river. We found an old wreck on the bank of a schooner, and we broke it up for wood so as to get up steam. After starting we missed Gibbs who must have been killed by falling down the hatch way on the wreck, which was confirmed afterwards by a sea Captain who visited the wreck. We had the prolnace of coal If we could get to the head of the Passes. At the head of the Passes we saw all of the expedition and ships which had left ahead of us at Ship Island. We are all anxious to go on up and see the fighting that is a going on at Fort Jackson and St Philips on the Missippi River. The river is very high and rough and rappid but the weather Is clear. The Saxon and Matanza steamers has gorn down the river through the south west pass to tow the Great Republic over the bar. This is a great full ridge ship and has three rldgerments of Western Troops on It. Our men are badly worked down bailing and working keeping the old hulk aflote and some are sick and not able to do anything.

On Steamer Lewis April 24th 1862, at the mouth of the Missippi River oppersite of Pilot town. We come down the river to help the Great Republic over the bar and have transfered the tewnty first riderment to other ships and back as the orders was counter manded. The steamer Missippi and some of the others have gone outside and we are to back to the end of the passes1 maybe to Fort Jackson. What to do there we do not know. The chain has been broken and our fleet is on the other side of the fort or ready to go. We went to the head of the passes and back down Pass Eulutia and into Back bay - in the rear of Fort St Philips. While taking the troop off of the ship the Great Republic we saw about twenty seven hundred men on deck killing lice, as it was the first sunny day they had for two or three week and they were taking advantage of It to clean up. There were on the ship the 4th Wisconsin - 6th Michigan and the 21st Indiana - about all the soulders are doing somthing, kicking about there rashions the weather, the delays and everything else they can thin of. We were sent Into the back bay to assist in landing troops in the rear of the Querteen Station with one company of Pioneers, the same what come off of the Wallace and some troops had been landed by small boats, but we was stoped work. We were located about one mile In back in the rear of Fort St. Philip, and about midnight we had a chance all that was taking place on the river - saw the fire rafts blaze up as they were sent down the river to set our fleet on fire, but our Navy was ready for them. They jest towed them to the bank and tied them up. We saw the Morter Boats with there 22 inch morter bombard the two forts, theas boats had only one mast and each had branches of treas on top so they could not be distinguised from the trees. All of the fleet had branches of trees on there masts, as all of there small sales and riging was left at Ship Island. We saw all the Navy fleet go on by the two forts, and the Rebel's boats trying to stop them by shooting cannon. Two of our gun boats was sunk off side of the quarnteen, but the Ram Louisina was run ashore and blowned up, but our fleet went on up river shooting at eveiyLhing in sight that had a gun on it. All of this happened after midnight, and day light, it was a grand sight and never can be forgoten by me.

April 28th

At day brake we could see that the Forts had surrendered and the stars and stripes was flying over them. We now have a schooner in tow loaded with coal and go up to the head of the passes - arrived at 7 P.M. the engines in bad shape.

ON BOARD STEAMER LEWIS April 30th 1862

We moved up the Pass Aloutrate (?) to the mens bailing and working to keep afloat. A detail was kept at it all the time and with the donkey engine they could jest keep even. All the camp kitts and mess pans was about worn out. After getting a supply of coal we started up river as far as the Correnteen, about six miles above Fort Jackson and St Philip. We have come all the way from the mouth of Pass Aleutia and have seen meney objects of interest that was left after the fleet had passed the Forts on up river to New Orleans. We saw the parsial burnt cotten that come from the flat boats that was used for rafts - others loaded with wood ready to be fired, some had been fired and refused to burn In time, as the fleet went by in a hurry shooting in all direction and receiving the fire from the Rebels. Several of the ships was hit - there was two ships lashed togeather and protected each other when disabled. The most of the fire rafts had been towed to the shore and left to bum. Theas we continued to see all the way going up river ready to light and send down against the ships as they come up, but the fleet was all ready for them. I saw where the Morter Boats was placed which was marked by white cloth on bushes to distingus them from the fire of the fleet. One of the Born boats sunk herself - .jest shook her self to pices by the concussions of the Morters. The Morter Boats was a lot of schooners, one masted and carried one 22 in. Morter, and timbered up from the keel so as to stifened the foundation. There was a great meney of those 22 in shels throwned into the forts, but did not "do much damage as the water was high and the inside of the fort had two feet of water outside of the casemate - and the shells would go into the ground and make a hole six to eight feet deep and fill up with water, and the men had great sport in seeing some of them fall into them when were running from one casemate to an-other. Many of the Conferate Soulders out of General Twiggs W.S. Army which had be discharge in Texas so they would have to go into the Rebel Armey as they could not go any were else. I learned theas facts from the men who I enlisted in the Battery after we arrived in New Orleans. We got about sixteen men who had been in the Forts, and they were first class men - they had been in the army for years. The Fort never did surrender. All of the Officers and men jest walked out and took up the livery to New Orleans where the most of them hid out until the Confederates got out of town, the balance went off with General Lovell the Rebel commander who got out on river steamer and went up river - and some went acrost the lake and up Pearl River into the Confedersy.

All of the Forts look In good condition as we passed them, and did not show any effect of the heavey bombardment that they had expearence for days and weeks. We never received any Horses for our Battery. The Horses for the 1st and 2d Vermont Batterys was shipped from Boston on the Ship the Black Prince, and in a grate storm off of South Carolina the petition for the slates broke loose and all was piled togeather first on one side and then on the other, and all of the Horses was killed and the hatches cold not be taken off for 3 days and then the dead Horses was thrown in the sea.

The 26 Massachutes Infantry Ridgment was quarted at the Quarenteen and they were in good shape. This place had been used as a Hospital and is build of brick. There are some houses that are occupied by some of our troops. Jest above that point is a gun boat sunk. I think she was one of the Rebels. We have taken two steamers - one by the name of Diana, a fine river boat, I do not know the name of the other. We are taking on coal and will go on up the river tomorrow which must be the 31st of April. This place is about 40 miles from the mouth of the River and it is said to be 61 miles up to New Orleans. We have come 47 miles today and still bailing to keep from sinking. One section of our Battery was on the steamer Matanzia or the one used as the Headquarters of the Devlsion or experdition on which was Genl B. F. Butler and staff. This section was in charge of Captian R. E. Holcum and B.N. Dyer as 1st Lieutanaint and Lieut. Quitty. They were two days ahead of us and Jest behind the Navy so they landed ahead of us In New Orleans.

Branch Mint, New Orleans May 14th 1862

We landed here on the 2nd day of May on the levy and laid there two days, and we did not know what place we were able to go to but after two days We march down to the US Mint Sunday with the Mariing Battery and a company of infintty to the Custom House where the other section left us also the Battery, then we went to the Mint, where we campt on the sidewalk for the first night. The Sixth Michigan Ridgement was camped on the inside. They had good quarters inside and were a fine set of men - the same that was on the Ship Grate Republic. We had to sleep on the sidewalk the first night and the masceters about eat us up. We had not protections and we were a sight in the morning, all swolened up and pitted so we could harley see out of our eye. The next day we got quarters inside on the ground floor as the Regimen had moved out. The Citizens treeted us very well, but indignent, and kept there house shut up, but after a few days everthing was different as we commenced to trald with some of them with the shin plasters, as all we had. The city of New Orleans was about emty of eateables - it was darned that there was about six days rations to go on, and permission was given to the people for them to send a Steam Boat up Red River under a flag of truce to get and bring provision into the city, and the U S Government ordered it commis-sary to distribit Beef, Pork and Bread to those who applied for it, in dayly rations, and there was long lines on the street waiting there turn to be served with there basket. This meathered keeps meny from starving. Most of the people was greatfull, but some was very bitter against the Yankeys. There are meny Union People here and a Lady from Boston said that there husband and son have been drafted into the army and that they want to get out North so that they can live in peace.

We made a desent and raid on some buildings and search for controbands goods and found a large lot of old guns and pistols which no good. We got one sword and som R.R. Whiskey in the raid. We got a lot of old armes and shel shot and Pikes acruterments and a number of new Sprinfleld Rifles in cases. I got a rifle that had a card on it which had writtened upon it - This was My Fathers Gun and 21 Prise it More on that account and I hope that It will do My Country some good by Killing as meny Yankeys as It Is years old. I do not If I keep it or not.

One of our section of the Battery is stationed at the W T Custom House and Post Office on Canell Street, commanded by B N Dyer and the other is at the St Charles Hotel. When the section that come off of the Steamer that carried the Headquarters with General Butler marched up Canell St the side walks was lined with citerzens and rough and tuffs and as we had no horses the piceses was being puled by the men with the prolongs and they were guild in all kinds of names, they were called Mules,. Niger lovers and Yankeys and meny other hard names. After Mumford was hung at the Mint there was no more trouble on the streets.

Camp Parapet - June 7th, 1862

We arrived here on the 1st day of June and had a nice ducking by a shower. We got some tents pitched and made ourselves quite comfortable. This camp derived it name from the extensive Paripit that Is three miles long and runs from the River bank back into the swamp and is about 8 feet high with a center scarf -and a mote about ten feet wide and six feet deep filled with water all the time. We are camped along it inside closer up, and have our six guns monted on platforms on the swamp side beyond the New Orleans, Jackson and Great Northern Rail-road. The Rebels had about thirty cannon mounted all kinds and shapes - some old ship carremades mounted on the ship carriages and some 32 and 42 pounders. Some had been spiked1 and some of the carradges burned they were wourless as guns. We took the spiking out and make a noise from salleutiflg. The camp ground is part of a Plantation and Is level solt makes a good place to camp. I was out on the Plantation and saw some of the Old Slaves at work. They com-plained of there hardship but I did not see It that way, as the solders has a much harder thing to do and duty to perform - time from day light to 9 oclock p.m. The memory of our voyage on the old side wheel Steamer the Black Lewis and the fanality is worth the-recording the history facts. When we started up river we had a detail of about eighteen men to bail and plug the seams and holes - this bailing continued all the time, night and day until we arrived at the levy at New Orleans. The men and the camp kitts mess pans and the pieces of boxes to plug the seams were exausted and plade out completely, and after we got ourselves and our be-longings off of the steamer which took about two hours and one half - she filled with water and sunk at the foot of Canal Street in fifty foot of water - even the smock stacks went under. This showed what extream danger we were in from the time we left Ship Island until we landed.

There were only two sections on the steamer, but about all of the baggage belonging to the Battery, the other section was on the steamer Matanus, with the Headquarters with Genl. Butler. The first duty that we had to perform at the Camp Parrepet was to try to make the men comfortable, as we had no Horses to take care of. One of the first things that we did was to get lumber and put floors to all of the tents, and build a cook house trying to keep the men dry. The swamp humerdize was such that every thing moulded, our boots turned green over night with mould green and slimey, blankets and clothing were stickey to the feel, and the masceters was all about us by the millions, there was no rest night or day -they were all good fighters. We had no masketers bars, we could not get them, the only relief wc had was to go up to the river, as there were non there. By the time we got settled our men began to get sick, chills and fever, and bowel troCible. This continued until we had to give up and move out. About the midle of NoveThber when we get back to New Orleans and camped in Anensatler Square and in a Cotten Press. When we started from Camp Chase we had about one hundred and twenty men for duty. I enlisted about thirty six men the most of them come out of the Condedersy and Triggs Armer from Texas. We had to discharge a lot for diserbility and there was about thirty six died in the month of August 1862. more than one each day. At one time there was reported seventy six in the Hospital in New Orleans. Most of them were the Charity Hospital which was run by the Sis-ters of Charity belonging to the Calothic Church. They treated our men first class and at that time it was the only place we could send them. The men after ward the army established several, taking Hoteles for that use.

The records show that we moved up to Camp Parrapet June 1st 1862 with a full compliment of men and Offercers. Soon after this time Lleutenet B N Dyer and Lt C D Smith was court marsheld and dlssmissed the servace for miss approation of Goverment Property and John A Quiltry (?) resigned and I was ap-pointed a Lieutenant by Gen B F Butler, and John W Chase assumed the position of First Lieutenant, and later I was commissioned as 2d Lieut and then as Jr. 1st Lieut - and on 1st of August we was ordered with two sections of the Battery to geather a company of Infantry on board of a river steamer named the Grayhound on Lake Pontchartrain, and we proceeded to Pass Manshack and destroyed the railroad bridge - and up the Maderson River a few miles and had a skirmish with a squad of guerillas who we scattered with a few rounds of cannester and visited Bay St Louis and scouted all about the coast of the Missippi sound and returned to Camp Parapet, where we camped until about November 1st, 1862. Up to this time we had buried 16 men who had died in camp. All of the men who died here were burned jest outside of the Parapet. We dug the graves about four feet deep and the water would come up in It two feet and some one would have to stand on the coffin to hold it down when the grave was filled up. We had no minester of the Gospel and we used the Epistipal Ritual over the graives. There was discharged for diserbility about thirty men and the greater part of the remainder was sick In a Hospital or in camp. We did not have men to man the Battery and we left It standing at the Parapet and got back into Annunciation Square, and only 15 men.

About November 1st 1862 we went up in Annunciation Square in the city of New Orleans with only fifteen men who could report for duty and one half of them could crawl around between shakes and chills. We had the same Sibley Tents, with wood floors. Thease tents were designed to quarter sixteen men- sleeping around the pole in a circle. It was about this time that we got our Horses, or what would pass for them. They were picked up about the city - taken from Dar5res and buses or any ware they could be had. We used a large Cotton Press for a stable and storadge. The Battery was parked in the Square. We had to go up about a mile on St. Charles Street to a vacant lot to find room to drill the Battery, and I was the only one to do it, as Captain Holden would not help and Lt Chase could not so I had to work the Whole Business and it was hard work. We remained In this camp until the 29 of December 1862 when we were ordered to joine the Experdition and proceed to Galveston Texas, I with Captain Holcomb with the Guns and Horses of the Battery started on the Steamer Honduras a small side wheel - low deck and Bulwarks.

Head Quarters Army of No. Virgina 10th April 1865
GENERAL ORDER No.9}

After four years of arduous service marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources.

I need not tell the brave survivors of so many hard fought battles, who have remained steadfast to the last, that I have consented to this result from no distrust of them.

But feeling that valor and devotion could accomplish nothing that would compensate for the loss that must have attended the continuance of the contest I determined to avoid the useless sacrifice of those whose past services have endeared them to their country men.

By the terms of the agreement Officers and men can return to their homes and remain until exchanged. You will take with you the satisfaction that proceeds from the conscious-ness of duty faithfully performed, and I earnestly pray that Merciful God will extent to you His blessing and protection.

With an unceasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to your country and a grateful remembrance of your kind and generous consideration of myself. I bid you all an affectionate farewell.

Brig. Genl. W.H. Stevens
Chief Eng. A. N. Va.

Apri1 2nd

We went up the island for wood and found some rafts on the shoar and had plenty of time to explore the reagion. I found it quite low and full of bogs - theas are covered with grass and rushes. In one of theas we found some of thoes Beautifull Birds called Alligators. Now theas are not so easy taken as one first suppose, for unless they are shot in the eye or back of the forelegs they will keep winking at you as saucy as you please. I had to get practice before I could shoot on water and then to hit my mark and after walsting some two lbs of lead I succeeded in being able to take them every time and I soon settled some half dozen and suc-ceeded in capturing one after piting a ball trough his eye then waiding into the mud and water and sliping a strap over his head and carried him safe on shoar. We started soon after we started for home "Camp" but owing to the wind we drifted nearly over to Rebeldon and had to cut loose one raft to stop ourselves. We arrived safe at sunset with Bird which I gave to my men to show and we had some sport off of it and ended in a MESS. There has been about thirteen thousand here but today there was four thousand embarked on the ships to advance upon New Orleans but an insedent happened last night that turned the scale some - it hap-pened In this way. A boat was picked up by the New London which contained four men and a little girl. This girl was put on a schooner with Maj. Strong and four men as crew and under a flag of truce went over to Bloxia and landed the girl and then some forty men in boats ordered the Maj to surrender and he sayd that he did not see it In that light and at the same time sent one of his men down below who in a few moments made some dozen men of himself by appearing in so many places and the Maj scolding at them all of the while and at last he could not stand it any longer threttened to bust his head if he did not obey him and keep down. This made his friends on the out side to think that the hole was full of men and not wanting to engage them in the next fraye hold off and the Maj came home thinking that he had bluffed them off. This ended this morning. This morning thear was two thousand men put on the Black Lewis and togeather with the New London & another started for Bloxia and we have heard some heavy cannonadering since. This is the second time we have heard that noyse for some time. I saw the New London engage three Reble boats and drive them on shoar and kept them thair some time. Today those other two Rigerments started out in tow of some Gun Boats. Thair desternation is Fort Jackson (?).

Sunday April 20th 1862

In the mouth of the Misseslppi River we have arrived safe at last from Ship Island which we started the 17th In an Old River Steamer that we took from the Rebles fit for nothing but that work and after samng about three hours we had to put back behind the Shundeleas (?) Light and Island and at sun set came to an-chor and we arnmused our selves as best we could some fishing, others singing and some sitting of Home perhaps. In the morning we started again with light winds but it raised so it blowd quite hard so much so that by three oclock we had a bust up and there was a grand rush to I dont know where. Some hid under the cannon and in the State Rooms, some peeled their boots off ready to shove off, some got ropes to let them selves down, others stood still wile others ran hither and at last it was asertatned that a steam pipe had bust and no one was hurt. All of the fires was put out and we came to an anchor, then we sent a boat off to find assistense.

April 17th 8a

We lay thair all night and in the morning we sounded and repaired the engine so that we could run one wheel and we got up steam and run in behind an Island into cairn water. We laid thair all night and in the morning we went on shore and made a well and filled a cask of water and geather some curiosity then the whistle blowd arid we went on borde again and found that our boat had returned with the Steamer Saxon and P.C. Wallace an another River Steamer like the Lewis and we up anchor an started out and met them and the P.C. Wallace made fast to us and towd us out to the Saxon then she made fast to us and we preseeded on our course and a rough time of it but we arrived safe at last but the Wallace had harder fair being cripple she was left bhind and the Saxon has gain arfter her. Fort Jackson was attacked day before yesterday an we have hurd the reperts of the cannon ever since by night an day and what the success if I am unable to write at present. The Saxon is coming.

We live very well havelng the controll of the stors. We have flour hard bread pork beef and a good chance to cook them and we have and we have fine times hear in this cabin. They are laid two deep to keep warm for it is quite cold for this place. We axe dragging our anchor at present and before morning we may be out to sea.

April 22d, 1862

On Borde Steamer Lewis laying In the Mississippi River ware we arrived last night. We have had news from the P.C Wallace for we have her crew and men on borde of us. She arfter leaving us struggle with the Rolff and Broke in to and went down caning everything with her but the men who came off in the boats. This steamer was taking from the Rebles about a month ago and had some repairs don on her before she started for us. We should have shared the same fate had It not been for the Saxton towing us In and kept us steady as it is we are safe and re-pairing our engine and we have a wood party getting wood to fire with as our coal is all gom. Cannonading is still hurd from Fort Jackson with not better results than that we have not lost anything yet. Also the Fleet that started from Ship Island before us are hear anchored in the stream. The Saxton and Matanzous has gom down the south west pass to tow the Great Republic up which contain troops. The river is very high and rappid the scene is beautifull and pleasant to us that have jest come from that sand barr of Ship Island. We are all anxious to go up river and see the fight go on but expect to stay down hear for five days longer.

This Expedition seems to work backwards and a great many disasters at-tend it. But we are in hopes that it will come out strait. Jackson and Lt Philip must surrender then New Orleans will go up, and by the time they will get ready to pay a soldier his dews. The men are worked down somewhat and a number is sick.

Steamer Lewis April 24th 1862

At the mouth of the Missisippi River oppersit Pilot Town. We came down river to help the Great Republic over the bar and have tranperted the 21st md Rigerment to other ships and back as the orders was Countermanded. The Steamer Missisippi and some others have gone out side and we are to go up to Fort Jackson but what to do thair I do not know. We have broken the chain and our fleet is the other side of the Fort and we are to operate some ware. We have some quear lights hear. Some are dancing and singing and some are killing lice for allmost every body is lousy. Some are growling at thair rations and some are pleased with them. We have some fine scenes on this river the low banks and the tall waveing grass and shine creeks that devide the land and the burds that enjoy the sun scale about and the Alegators lay lifeless perhaps watching for some prey and the cottages that are built on the shore look so inviting to a poor soldier worn out by delays and laying about when we get a chance. Makes things look very pleasant. We had a large family come in back in the shape of lice - Gray back -now we have lots of HUNTERS.

April 25th

Still on board the Lewis and bound for Fort Jackson wlch has surrended and the Stars and Stripes float prouldy over that on Fort St Phillip. We have been sent out of the river to land boats above the fort and have succeeded in do so to the amount of 1500 men. This movement has changed the operation. I saw a Reble steamer burnt yesterday and when it blew up it was the most splended sean I ever saw. We now have -in tow a schooner loaded with coal arid go up to the head of the Passes for our men. Arrived at Pass 7 oclock P.M. the engine in bad state

Steamer Lewis April 30th 1862

At a place called Correnteen six miles above Fort Jackson we have come all the way from the mouth of Pass Sluter and have seen meny objects that are inter~ esting, the first was the cotton partial burnt wlch cum from rafts and there was fire rafts, theas are made of old lighters that are used on theas rivers loaded with wood arid tar and other combustable were sent down river but did no harm as we (the gun boats) towd them to shore and let them burn. Theas we continued to see all of the way up all ready to light and send down but the Gunnerys were prepared for setch things and had graples ready. I saw ware the Morters flet stood this was marked by white cloths on bushes and the one that sunk herself shoud how pow-erful the shock must have been to cause a well made Schooner to fall to pieces such was the case this remarkable fleet was secreted from the fort by bushes and the mast was trimed like trees by having limbs put on them so the rebles see them at alL The fort showd but little of the effects that theas heavy shells produced upon the out side but some of the fence was dismounted and the banks was tore up some, this all that presented itsself but upon the inside thair must have been some fearfull work. Fort St Philip looks In good condition there was but few men in there. This place is used for Quarters for the 26 Maps (?) Rigement and they are very comfortable - this has been used for a Hospittel and is made of brick. Thear is also some other houses hear that are occupied by us. Jest above us there is a gunboat sunk she was one of the Rebles. We have taken two steamers one Diana by name a fine river boat the other I have not seen yet. We are takeing In coal and will proceed up river tomorrow up to New Orleans In 61 miles and we have come forty seven today.

????Page 23

Report from the Second VT. Battery, Port Hudson. La. July 17, 1863

Peter T. Washington, Adjutant and Inspector General:

Sir - I have the honor to report the part the part the 2nd VT. Battery has taken in the recent active movements of the army in this department.

We left Baton Rogue on the 18th of May last. The following day went out with Dudley's Brigade on the Bayou Sara road to Plains, six miles from this place; met a small cavalry force of the enemy which disappeared after we had fired a few rounds.

On the 21st of May Chapin's brigade joined us, the whole belonging to Major Gen. Augur's command. Met the enemy at the Plain Store, where they had a battery posted, supported by 300 Infantry and 200 cavalry. One section of the 18th New York battery was ordered up, and after firing four rounds retired, and four pieces of Co. G, 5th Artillery, USA were then ordered up, and after firing some time, exhausting their ammunition, also retired, retired, when the 2nd VT. Battery was ordered up, and after fifteen minutes' sharp firing the enemy was completely routed.

Having succeeded in this we advanced to the Plain Store and found the enemy posted about 1000 yards distant on the Bayou Sara road. We again opened fire upon them, and while engaging a battery in our front were also ex-posed to a flank fire from a battery on or left. After firing about one hour we suc-ceeded in dismounting one of their pieces, crippling one, and killing one Lieuten-ant, sixteen men and several horses, and silencing their fire. After this their cav-alry formed within 300 yards of us, when a few rounds of canister immediately dispersed them. This done we then bivouacked for the night on the field of battle.

On the moring of the 24th of May we took up our march for this place, and took our position about three fourths of a mile from the enemy's works, where we remained until the moring of the 27th. On the morning of the 27th one section was ordered forward to within about 800 yards of the enemy's fortifications to shell their pickets and skirmishers out of the woods. At 2 o'clock PM the entire battery was ordered up to within 700 yards of the enemy's batteries, and ordered to fire one hour, when the infantry assaulted their works and were replused with heavy less, upon which our battery resumed its former position, where we re-mained until the moring of the 13th of June, when we took a position within 300 yards of the enemy's works in the center of our line, on Clinton road, protected by earthworks.

On the moring of the 14th, at a quarter before three o'clock we were ordered to open fire and continued firing rapidly until six o'clock, and at Intervals until noon, when our attacking party was again repulsed with great loss. From this time to the time of surrender we fired more of less daily, keeping the enemy from strenghening their fortifications, and damaging them much.

The men exhibited the utmost coolness and the traits of the true soldier throughout. We lost none killed. Appended is a list of our wounded; At Plains Store, May 21, Private Frank Sebastian, New Orleans, slightly in heel, Private David Sweenier, WHitings In Heel slightly.

June 14, Artificer James M. Pixley, Rochester, slightly in head; Pri. Joseph Shoro, Brandon, slightly in face.

June 18, Corp. Edwin Ayers, Goshen, in leg, dangerous. June 21, Sergt. Charles Jacobs, mortally through lung. June 22, Private George Schneider, New Orleans, slighlty in breast.

July 2, Private Wm Quln. in knee, leg amputated; Pri. Joseph N. Howard, slightly in side.

July 7, Private Jacob M. Myers, Hubbarton, found dead near the field, cause un-known.

I wish to bear hearty testimony to the gallantry, good conduct and steadi-ness under fire of Liuets. Chase and Dyer. Veterans could not have behaved better in the presence of an enemy.

I would respectfully recommend Sergt. Major Perry A. Baker and Sergt. Geo. W. Daskane for promotion, for gallantry before the enemy.

Among the non-conimissioned officers and men it is difficult to discriminate, for all are brave. -

I am, Sir
Very respectfully,
Your ob't. servant,
P.E. Holcomb
Capt. 2d Vt. Battery, Lt. Artillery.

P.S. -I omitted to mention that at the battle of Plain Store and during the siege, that all of my pieces were temporarily disabled, one having a wheel broken by a twelve pound shell, and one by a thirty two pound shot, and four axles by recoil of pieces. We fired during the time about two thousand rounds of shell and canister.
P.E.H.

Deposition of Lieut. Charles H. Dyer, 2nd Battery-

Started from Port Hudson on the morning of the 2nd August 1863 taking cross roads through plantations and arrived at Jackson about half arfter six oclock pm. and camped at Louisiana College. My peaces was ready for action and the horses was not taken care off of the carriages.

Monday 3rd August we received infermation that thatr was 1500 cavelry to be thair and atact us that arftemoon or evening, we sent out some scouts upon the several roads who reported seeing Rebel and that some of the scouts was cut off and taken prisemers. Several officers told me that they thought it unsafe to remain thair with so small of force when the Rebels had a larger one and thought it prudent to fall back upon the Port Hudson road and take a position for defence wich was not done. At 6 oclock pm I had my men at thair post and the drivers was felding thair horses when I heard some firing in fromt and saw Rebel cavalry fighting some stragerlers of the InIintry (black). I did not fire my Peaces for fear of damage to our men as I supposed that we had some pickets in my front as at least a few sentemals to give us warning. Arfter the InfIntry was formed I asked Lieut. Harmon (or as he was called Lieut. Col) if he had any men in my front and ;he did ;know. I thought that he was not the man for place or he would know about thoes things that our safety depended upon. I opened fire with shell an cannester and received the same in return from thair artillery. I had silanced them when we was attacked in the rear. My support was formed so close to my horse that one caissen became runaway braking a pole and doing other damage. When attacted us it was my support left me also the (?) and went thair leaving me along exposed to the enemy in front. The -buildings was so formed that thirty men could keep at bey a verry large force te Nigroes and cavelry retreated twords the road wen Lieut. Hammon ordered ;me to Limber to the rear, which I did and follered down Into the hollow whare Lieut. Hannon commensed ffirming his line of battle but was pursuaded not to as it was to mulch exposed. We then marched to the Insane assylum and took up a persition for defense. While in Thomson Creek I was wounded in leg and saw about two hundred 'Rebel cavelry cross over about two hundred yards above me and I halted and unlimbered one peace with the inten-tions of giving them cannester, but seeing that I ad no support I limbered up and went up to the assylum and opened fire then the Rebels opened fire with artillery and Infintiy wich I silenced In a few moments. Lieut. Hannon ordered the cavelry (about twenty five in number) to open te gate and lead ;Into the enclosure and engage two hundred cavelry wleh they would not do. and every thing was quiet In front her ordered me to limber to the rear wlch I did asking him what he was agerny to do he remarked that he wasa agoing the charge and take back the eight wagons, that he very fooling abandon when he could brought them away very easy.

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