Part 3

May 11th, the 159th with some artillery and cavalry, were placed in charge of Alexandria and defences, under Colonel Molineux, and remained there while General Banks moved on Shreveport.

The engagements of Grandecore, Sabine Cross Road and Cane river, occurred while we were here. General Banks not being able to keep up his supplies, as the gunboats could not pass up in consequence of the rapid falling of the river, was obliged to fall back.

On the 16th, while passing through Marksville, the enemy made considerable show of resistance. The union forces deployed in line, making a grand and imposing appearance, extending for several miles over an almost level plain. The artillery on both sides belched forth for some hours. The casualties were light, and the enemy driven back. This is called the "Battle of Mansura."

On the 19th, reached Simsport; this was our second advent here.

The enemy continually harrassed us from the time we left Alexandria, from across the rivers and Bayous, and on our flanks and rear, but accomplished but little damage.

Crossed the river on the steamer Cumberland, and reached Morganzi, La., on the 22d. This terminated the "Red River Expedition" of 1864.

June 19th, General Grover's Division proceeded up the river as far as Fort Adams, and scoured the banks on either side for guerillas, who were numerous, firing into all boats passing on the river. Captured a few prisoners and returned. July 2d, Lieutenant-Colonel Gaul resigned, on account of disease contracted in the campaign, and Major Waltermire was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel.

July 3d, took steamer Lancaster, and arrived at Algiers, opposite New Orleans, at 6 P.M., July 4th.

July 17th, went on board the U.S. Transport Cahawba. At 12 o'clock that night moved down the river and arrived at the Rip Raps and Fortress Monroe, on the 24th. Received water, and on the 25th proceeded up the James river, arriving at Bermuda Hundreds at 5 P.M. Move up to the entrenched position, and were kept continually moving about while there.

August 1st, went on board the steamer Winona, and arrive at Washington, D.C., the next day. Put baggage on cars for Harpers Ferry, but orders countermanded before we got off. Marched through Washington to Tenallytown. Remained there until the 14th, when we started to join General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley, through Snicker's Gap. Crossed Chain Bridge and encamped at Owl Run, Va., that night. Arrived at Leesburgh on the 17th; passed through Hamilton, and within four miles of Snicker's Gap. Here a dispatch notified us that the enemy was hurrying to cut us off at the gap. This notice was timely, and saved us a serious disaster. Immediately moved on, forded the Shenandoah river, marched nearly all night, and reached Sheridan's forces on the morning of the 18th, having marched about forty miles the previous day and night.

Fighting had been going on in that vicinity for some time before we arrived. Were ordered to throw up temporary breast-works, which was quickly accomplished.

Early in the morning of the 21st, heavy artillery firing was heard on our right. The 6th and 8th Corps were engaged in a heavy battle that day, and late in the afternoon our Division was moved to the right of the 6th Corps and in front of Charlestown. In this engagement the loss was heavy on both sides.

General Sheridan then drew his forces back to the rear of the defences of Harper's Ferry, at Halltown, the 19th Corps covering the movement. Our Regiment was put on picket duty behind Bolliver Heights, and a constant picket firing was kept up on both sides.

On the 24th, our Regiment, with the 22d Iowa and 11th Indiana, under command of Colonel McCauly, advanced on the skirmish line to reconnoiter the enemy. Drove them back some distance, advancing in good style under a heavy fire, and maintained our position until ordered to retire. We were under a heavy artillery fire for about two hours, and our Regiment lost one officer and twelve men.

Two officers and sixty picked men were selected to join others to advance for the purpose of bringing on an engagement, but news came that the enemy had retired. The cavalry followed them, and occupied Charlestown.

A grand advance was ordered, and on the 3d of September we started off with four days' rations in our haversacks.

Advanced to near Berryville, where heavy artillery firing was heard in front, soon followed by musketry, gradually growing more rapid. The enemy had gained a slight advantage on the left of the 8th Corps. The 19th Corps moved quickly to their support, when the enemy fell back, but firing continued until after dark.

On the morning of the 5th, three lines of rude breastworks were thrown up in double quick time--hand, feet, bayonets, tin cups, old shoes, every thing was brought into requisition to accomplish the work, which was completed during a heavy rain.

On the 6th, the enemy fell back to the Opequan Creek.

On the 7th our Regiment proceeded to the Opequan, reconnoitered the enemy, and returned the same day after accomplishing our objects.

On the 11th captured the 8th South Carolina Regiment, with all its officers.

September 17th, General Grant made a short visit to "Little Phil," which was set down as indicating hard work ahead, in which supposition we were not disappointed.

At 1 o'clock, A.M., on the 19th, a general movement of the whole army began. Skirmishing towards Opequan Creek became more and more brisk, till it assumed all the proportions of a fierce battle, lasting the whole of the day. Alternately the opposing forces were repulsed in turn, either side contesting for the superiority with the most dogged persistency. Only the ability and determination of the gallant "Little Phil." could have secured success. We had 5 men killed, 4 officers and 36 men wounded, and 1 officer and 20 men taken prisoners.

The enemy was closely followed up to Fisher's Hill, behind Strausburg, a well fortified and naturally strong position.--Gaining the point we desired on the 22d, it was determined to force the enemy up the valley, and occupy this stronghold.

The 6th Corps was thrown around to the left and rear of the enemy by the base of the mountain; this movement took almost all day. The 8th Corps was on the left, and the 19th in the centre. When the 6th Corps reached sufficiently near, a grand movement was made, our boys forcing the centre. This action took the enemy by surprise and they retreated up the valley in tall style. About a thousand were not able to carry out their intentions, and it devolved on us to pilot them to the rear.

The chase was kept up all night, and we reached Woodstock the next morning. We suffered no loss on this occasion. It was indeed a cheap victory. We captured a number of horses and wagons, artillery, and any quantity of small arms, which our Regiment was detailed to take charge of and convey to Winchester, with the prisoners.

We left Woodstock at five P.M., and delivered the property and prisoners at Winchester, and on the 25th started for the front again, in charge of a supply train.

On the 27th, at three P.M., arrived at the front at Harrisonburg, having marched over one hundred miles in less than four days.