ADDRESSES 161 



who from their position in the south could fall upon our un- 

 protected rear or make a dash for New Orleans. Returning 

 then to our camp at Baton Rouge, after a few days' rest, 

 we were suddenly divided into two forces, one marching 

 down through the country to engage the enemy at New 

 Iberia, and the rest of us sent round by water and up through 

 the Atchafalaya to intercept and cut them to pieces. 



It was only a partial success. Driven from their position 

 in Fort Bisland, they fell upon us in their retreat before 

 we were fairly in position, and held us in check while the 

 whole army slipped by. Then commenced the long pursuit, 

 enlivened by daily skirmish and fighting, which lasted 

 from the shores of the Gulf to Shreveport in the extreme 

 northwestern corner of the State, where they were driven 

 across the border into Texas. 



It was on this march that the incident occurred which I 

 am about to narrate. We had been marching all day, in 

 fact from before the dawn, trying to reach the Bayou Ver- 

 milion before the enemy could destroy the bridge. Men fell 

 out by the score, but still we hurried on with all the speed 

 our wearied limbs could support. Just as it was growing too 

 dark to see, a battery opened upon us and there was a sharp 

 charge of cavalry. We were hastily thrown into position 

 to receive them, but in an instant, wheeling, they had 

 dashed across the bridge, destroying it in our very faces 

 before it could be prevented. 



The next day was Sunday, and while we camped there, 

 waiting for the construction of a new bridge, about half 

 the advance division took the opportunity to strip and go 

 in bathing. Suddenly, without an instant's warning, a troop 

 of cavalry dashed down the opposite bank and opened fire 



