Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, May 11, 1864
Letter from Assistant Surgeon Beecher, of the 114th NY
Description of the Red River Battles
Headquarters 114th N.Y.S.V., Grand Ecore, La, April 12, 1864
When I dispatched my last from Natchitoches, I expected my next would be written at Pleasant Hill or Mansfield, perhaps at Shreveport, or someplace in the advance.
We are here, though the incidents which I am briefly to relate, lie beyond. As I stated, we expected to move the following day, and so we did. About 8 o'clock A.M. of the 6th, the forces moved in the direction of Pleasant Hill, 35 miles distant, through a perfectly barren and wilderness country. We Marched 15 miles, passing scarcely a human habitation and but one decent dwelling, and a few scattering hovels of blocks or logs, and bivouacked late at night, jaded and tired and mostly without supper, in the pine woods. The next day we moved early, and marched through a country similar in appearance, and encamped, also late, in the same condition as the previous evening, at Pleasant Hill. The cavalry, with several batteries of flying artillery, were several miles in advance, and kept up a sharp skirmishing, in which numbers were wounded and a few killed.
In the woods, about 12 miles from Pleasant Hill, there was quite a severe engagement, but the enemy or their pickets fell back, and pursuit was continued. Just before we reached our second night's encampment, and three or four miles in advance, there was a sharp and spirited contest, between the 87th Illinois mounted infantry, and the 1st Louisiana cavalry, aided by the 1st Missouri battery. The enemy were dismounted infantry, or cavalry, and fought and charged from behind the trees. About 10 of our men were wounded, including several officers, and a few killed.
I visited at evening the Hospital at Pleasant Hill to which the wounded had been removed. The injuries were mostly of a severe character.
On the morning of the 8th, we also moved early through the same condition of country, with considerable hills, and in many places roads bad. About 2 P.M. having travelled some 12 miles, we passed into an open field, or one partially cleared, where several lines of battle were formed, artillery and cavalry placed in position, and where presently we were ordered to bivouac. We anticipated time for a breathing spell and an opportunity to cook our scanty rations and serve a cup of coffee to the weary men, but in this we were disappointed. Our rest was short. Orders presently came to leave our baggage and supply train and prepare with two days rations for a speedy advance! There was, evidently, trouble ahead! The 13th army corps as they had been all the way, excepting the scouts and skirmishers, and a large cavalry force, were in the van. The enemy it seemed, had been playing smart, as is their custom, when they have an opportunity, and kept fighting and falling back, just enough to lead us on! As we advanced (considerable resistance having already been made on the spot we occupied to our cavalry, in which several on both sides were killed and wounded) we heard in the distance the roar of artillery and the rapid booming of heavy guns. The ball was opened! Shortly, as we neared the field of mortal combat, which as we took up our line of march was six miles distant, the rattling of musketry reverberated upon our ears. The narrow and single road for miles was nearly blocked by immense wagon trains, and was completely so the nearer we approached, by returning cavalry and artillery, which having become useless, or not available at all, were ordered to the rear. The negros, sometimes or in some places known as "blessed lambs," were of course thick as blackberries and were not a little in the way.
Finally, by dint of hard labor the 19th army corps, which at present, except the cavalry, consists of but one division, commanded by Gen. Emory reached the field of battle. The 1st Brigade, consisting of the 114th, 116th, 153d, 161st, New York, 29th Maine, commanded by General Dwight, excepting the 153d, who were guarding the train, quickly advanced and formed in line of battle. the 2d and 3d Brigades, commanded respectively by Gen. McMillen and Col. Benedict, of the 162d N.Y., also formed in battle array on either flank, a little to the rear. The battle ground is an opening of considerable extent perhaps a mile and a half in length, and a mile in width, surrounded by dense woods, the road running quite to the left of the field.
As near as I can learn or have time and brains to transmit in the flurry and excitement of the field, with anxiety, and doubt and confusion all around, the battle commenced, or an obstinate and determined stand was made by the enemy, about 10 A.M., at or near Mansfield, a small town or settlement about three miles in advance of the clearing or field already described. our cavalry it appears, drove in their pickets and skirmishers to this point, where their infantry was formed in a hollow, in a battle array, to receive us. The cavalry force, being of course unable to cope successfully with so formidable an opposition, fell back followed up by the enemy, but keeping up the fight, to the support of the artillery. The guns, from their position in the woods could not be well and effectually handled and were not of the most efficient service. They were gradually repulsed to the position occupied by the 13th army corps, in the woods beyond the open field of which I have spoken, known as the Plum Orchard. This corps consisted of scarcely 5,000 effective infantry, many regiments having re-enlisted as veterans, and gone home, with a strong arm of artillery. The battle now raged with intense fierceness. It soon became apparent that the enemy outnumbered our force engaged two or three to one, besides having a thorough knowledge of the surroundings, and the advantage of position. Our men fought with desperation, though they were obliged to change positions, and occasionally yield some portion of the ground.
They fought and fought on, we losing considerable numbers in killed and wounded, the enemy perhaps as many. They took from us Nim's Battery, several pieces of the Chicago Mercantile Battery, a part of the 21st Indiana and 5th Regular Batteries, in all some 20 guns. They captured also a large portion of the cavalry supply train, some ammunition, with a number of hospital wagons and ambulances belonging to the 13th army corps. A good many, how many it is impossible to tell, were taken prisoners. In short, we came near sustaining a complete rout, at one time a perfect stampede seemed imminent. At this opportune moment (it would have been more fortunate had it been a few hours earlier) the 19th army corps under exceedingly trying and forbidding circumstances, took the field of apparently disastrous conflict. Cavalry, artillery, and immense wagon trains that had been imprudently crowded to the front, what could get away, with the fleetness of jaded horse flesh under the whip, all jumbled together, confusedly and hurriedly were returning. Men on horse and men on foot, with images of scare and despair depicted in their faces, were getting out of the way and in the way, as fast as possible. During this condition of affairs, brave men led by brave officers, made their way through the motley mass, animate and inanimate, stemmed the rushing tide of a second Bull Run, well-nigh, and came to the rescue! Grimed, wounded, and bleeding men, were making their exit from the front to the rear. They cheered us as we came in, said they had been fighting them all day, and told us to "go in" and give them what they deserved. Never shall I forget the determined yet anxious faces of the men of our noble regiment, and others of the first brigade, as they filed through that narrow and well-nigh obstructed defile and formed as already stated in line of battle. There was serious work on hand! They took their position and kept it! They were like a stone wall which could not be moved. They waited or kept their fire, which seemed scarcely a moment, till the enemy advancing in solid line came within 125 yards, when such a volley of musketry, I verily believe, was never heard before. The battle, which was terrible, lasted for nearly two hours, when the enemy's guns were silenced, and night covered, if it did not end, the fearful scene.
The maddened and desperate foe came up in line after line and were cut down like grass before the mower's scythe. They tried flank movements, both upon the right and left, but were foiled and repulsed at each and every attempt.
I cannot describe with my feeble powers a battle scene like this. Its effect is too amazingly grand and terrific. The fields and the woods must have been strewed with the wounded, the dead and the dying. Many of these could not be reached to be removed, others could not be found. After the several brigades of the 1st division had taken their position, General Banks rode through the lines cheering and encouraging the men. "My brave men of the 19th army corps," he said, "stand your ground, and we shall win the day." They did stand their ground and as General Dwight said today in complimenting his brigade for their coolness and courage under the most trying circumstances, our regiment and one or two others in a special manner, "saved the army." Had re-enforcements been brought into action half an hour later, it is certain all would have been lost. In the midst of the engagement, Lt. Col. Morse, commanding the 114th, was severely shot in the arm, and it is feared, may be obliged to lose his limb. Gen. Dwight expressed his regrets that our gallant Lt. Colonel had been so seriously wounded, was sorry that we were to be deprived for a time of his valuable services, and he should rejoice with us upon his return.
Charles Adams, Co B, was the first man wounded, a few feet from me, before the firing on our part had commenced, just as he was taking the horses of Col. Morse and Major Curtis to lead to the rear. J.S Smith, Co. E, was severely wounded in the thigh; John Hanrahan and Solomon White, Co. C, severely in the face; Lieutenant Lewis arm, slight; James Lock, Co. I, side, severely; also in the head. He is missing and it is feared he is either dead or taken prisoner. This is the extent of the casualties of the 114th in the battle of Mansfield, or "Plum Orchard," which considering its severity, and compared with others, is remarkably fortunate. Under cover of night, all lights and fires near the front lines being extinguished, the wounded as far as possible, were removed from the field to the rear. Soon they were put in ambulances and brought back to Pleasant Hill. The trains of all kinds returned, as well as troops of every description. The 1st division of the 19th corps lay silently upon their arms till near midnight, when they marched in the rear covering the retreat.
The movement was kept up during the entire night, and about 8 o'clock A.M. of the 9th, nearly the whole force reached Pleasant Hill, near the time we left the same place the day before. Within 24 hours, advancing and falling back, we made a march of over 30 miles, and fought one of the severest battles there has been fought in the cotton states during the war. Scarcely had we reached Pleasant Hill when the advance of the enemy were upon us. Here we were re-inforced by the 16th corps, under Gen. A.J. Smith, and the whole force and all commands rapidly formed in battle array.
This day the battle, which began in earnest about 2 P.M. though there was sharp skirmishing all the morning, was of longer duration, and perhaps more severe in character, as nearly the whole army, all divisions, brigades and commands, were engaged. The open field, which was large, probably contains over 500 acres, was strongly guarded on all sides by cavalry, infantry and artillery, to prevent the enemy flanking us on either side, or getting in our rear. We held the ground till our trains and the sick and wounded were sufficiently out of the way, and then fell back a short distance, and invited the enemy to come in. At this time the carnage and slaughter was terrible! No realizing description can be given. They were driven back eight miles, still continuing their flight. We re-captured most of the guns they took from us, and from 1,000 to 1,500 prisoners. They punished us considerably the first day, we them pretty badly the second. The place probably could have been held, but being remote from supplies, it was deemed advisable to fall back to Grand Ecore. I left the front on the evening of the 9th and found Col. Morse and others of the wounded in the ambulance train, in the night. We halted for a while, and I slept or rather lay in the back end of an army wagon, a couple of hours. We reached here about noon of Sunday, the entire force about 24 hours later. Most of the buildings were filled with wounded, till last evening, when some 300 and over, upon the "Laurel Hill," were sent to New Orleans. Others yet remain to be sent off as fast as transportation can be obtained. Col. Morse left with our wounded, quite comfortable. I felt anxious for him, for he is a noble, generous-hearted man, and a brave officer, as I do for all seriously injured, and trust they may do well. I interested Dr. McGrew, medical director of the 13th corps, in whose care they were sent, in behalf of the Colonel and our men.
Things look a little mixed, doubtful, and uncertain just now. The enemy, it is said, have planted batteries on the river above, to prevent the return of transports that have passed up with supplies for the army, Shreveport being their destination. Gen. Grover, with the 1st brigade of his division, arrived here today, when I saw that long train reaching all together 15 or 20 miles, marching in single column into the wilderness country of the enemy, which could afford us scarcely any assistance, I could but feel apprehensive of disastrous results. Those who anticipated that a stand would not be made, it seems have been disappointed. But we have followed the flying foe all over Louisiana for the past year, trying to bring them into battle; now if they will fight, let them come! I am in no condition to write, weary in body and mind, as I am, with no conveniences, and excitement all around yet if you can make anything out of this letter you are welcome to it. We are under orders to move at a moment's warning, somewhere, but where, none of us know. I sent a list of the casualties of the 114th in the engagements at Mansfield and Pleasant Hill, on the 8th and 9th, except several missing ones, not wounded as we know of who may yet return. Gen. Ransom, commanding the 13th corps, was wounded in the knee in the first day's battle, and Col. Benedict, of Albany, commanding the 3d brigade of our division, on the second day. He was literally riddled with bullets, receiving at least five shots in his person, one through each wrist, fracturing the bones; one through the leg; one in the foot; and one, which was probably the immediately fatal one, through the head or temple. He was a very popular and brave officer. I assisted in embalming his body, and he was sent to New Orleans on the hospital boat, thence to be returned to his surviving friends a lifeless form, one proud and noble, endeared in the memory of his co-patriots in arms for his excellent qualities of heart. The mail closes this moment.
Harrison H. Beecher
