Report of Maj. Sherod Hunter, Baylor's (Texas) Cavalry, commanding
Mosquito Fleet, of the capture of Brashear City.
BRASHEAR CITY, June 26, 1863.
GEN.: I have the honor to report to you the result of the
expedition placed under my command by your order June 20.
In obedience to your order, I embarked my command, 325 strong, on
the evening of June 22, at the mouth of Bayou Teche, in forty-eight
skiffs and flats, collected for that purpose. Proceeding up the
Atchafalaya into Grand Lake, I halted, and muffled oars and again
struck, and, after a steady pull of about eight hours, reached the shore
in the rear of
Brashear City. Here, owing to the swampy nature of the country, we
were delayed some time in finding a landing place; but at length
succeeded, and about sunrise commenced to disembark my troops, the
men wading out in water from 2 to 3 feet deep to the shore, shoving
their boats into deep water as they left them. Thus cutting off all means
of retreat, we could only fight and win. We were again delayed here a
short time in finding a road, but succeeded at length in finding a trail
that led us by a circuitous route through a palmetto swamp, some 2
miles across, through which I could only move in single file.
About 5.30 we reached open ground in the rear of and in full view of
Brashear City, about 800 yards distant. I here halted the command, and,
after resting a few minutes, again moved on, under cover of a skirt of
timber, until within 400 yards of the enemy's position, where I formed
my men in order of battle. Finding myself discovered by the enemy, I
determined to charge at once, and, dividing my command into two
columns, ordered the left (composed of Capt.'s [J. P.] Clough, of
[Thomas] Green's regiment [Fifth Texas Cavalry]; [W. A.] McDade, of
Waller's battalion; [J. T.] Hamilton, of [L. C.] Rountree's battalion,
and [J. D.] Blair, of Second Louisiana Cavalry) to charge the fort and
camp below and to the left of the depot, and the right (composed of
Capt.'s [James H.] Price, [D. C.] Carrington, and [R. P.] Boyce, all
of [G. W.] Baylor's Texas cavalry) to charge the fort and the
sugar-house above and on the right of the depot; both columns to
concentrate at the railroad buildings, at which point the enemy were
posted in force and under good cover, each column having nearly the
same distance to move, and would arrive simultaneously at the point of
concentration. Everything being in readiness, the command was given,
and the troops moved on with a yell. Being in full view, we were
subjected to a heavy fire from the forts above and below, the gun at the
sugar-house, and gunboats below town, but, owing to the rapidity of our
movements, it had but little effect. The forts made but a feeble
resistance, and each column pressed on to the point of concentration,
carrying everything before them. At the depot the fighting was severe,
but of short duration, the enemy surrendering the town.
My loss is 3 killed and 18 wounded; that of the enemy, 46 killed, 40
wounded, and about 1,300 prisoners. We have captured eleven 24 and
32 pounder siege guns; 2,500 stand of small-arms (Enfield and Burnside
rifles), and immense quantities of quartermaster's commissary, and
ordnance stores, some 2,000 negroes, and between 200 and 300 wagons
and tents.
I cannot speak too highly of the gallantry and good conduct of the
officers and men under my command. All did their whole duty, and
deserve alike equal credit from our country for our glorious and signal
victory.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
SHEROD HUNTER,
Maj., Baylor's (Texas) Cavalry, Comdg. Mosquito Fleet.
Brig. Gen. ALFRED MOUTON,
Comdg. South Red River.
[Indorsement.]
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF WESTERN LOUISIANA,
Thibodeaux, July 6, 1863.
I would respectfully call the attention of the lieutenant-general
commanding to the gallantry and meritorious services of Maj. Hunter
and the officers commanding the detachments which composed his
expedition, and earnestly suggest that they may be brought to the notice
of the Government.
R. TAYLOR,
Maj.-Gen., Comdg.
Source: Official Records
PAGE 223-41 W. FLA., S. ALA., S. MISS., LA., TEX., N. MEX. [CHAP. XXXVIII.
[Series I. Vol. 26. Part I, Reports & Union Correspondence. Serial No. 41.]
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