Ride to the Confluence

      Sunday, it was time for another putt. It was 1:30 and my wife was napping. I was left on my own. Looking at the bike, I decided that probably riding it was the obvious and best solution to what was promising to be a non-productive afternoon. I threw a few cold drinks in the bags and took off, going north to Arnaudville where I headed west.
     During last week's visit to Lafayette, looking for Florian had brought me to General Mouton's Daddy's house, now the Lafayette Museum. The nice lady in there had pointed me to the St.Johns's Cathedral Cemetery Bookstore and Gift Shop where I plan to visit again tomorrow.
(Keep the faith Fagan, I still have those Pat's names with me.)
     Andy in Jennings had sent me a couple of pictures of historical markers near Sunset and I lost one of them. They were weighing on me as I tried to decide which way to go. Add to that, I'd been out to the historical marker at Camp Pratt and David had led me to believe there was a cemetery back in the back and to be sure not to go back there at night. All that is bait on the bottom for this catfish and you know I'll be back.
      I decided I was headed to Bayou Bourbeux to get the feel of the battleground which, sometimes goes by that name. Bayou Bourbeux is crossed by the first bridge going north on La.182 out of Sunset. La.182 is not Old US 90 here, it is Old US 167. La. 182 is a catch all for all the old deserted US Highway routes that are still functional and need a number. Ok, I won't get wound up with that again.
     I turned off 182 and immediately turned left (s) and joined the bayou on Bourdeux Rd which joined Cretien Point Road. where the Semmes marker was in front of Cretien Pt. Plantation, tours and B&B avaiable.
     I had read a Texas soldier's journal which described his actions in this battle. He moved on from this last minute loss and had been a part of the Fort DeRussy surrender, a more or less instant overpowering win by the Federals.
     All this stuff is coming together for me and it has further enhanced my enjoyment of the area. A bayou is not a bayou anymore. It takes on strategic significance. A plantation, isn't just a plantation. It's a hospital. Towns are not just a place to get gas, they are destinations of escape from a pursuing army. True, following the trails left by history lead to places that only the imagination can enhance. You first have to have a little enthusiasm to peddle you along. Your first find takes care of that.
    I got to the end of Cretien Pt. Rd and took a right (w) heading into the country, eventually ending up in Church Point. I headed out La.95 and released the handlebars, telling her to just go. Which she did.
     This ride had no direction or reason until lightning stuck. These pictures are what I saw interesting or pretty or interesting along the way. For those non-Premium Viewers, the conclusion will remain a mystery untill the conclusion.

Confluences

" If you'da went under that chain and down that trail into Camp Pratt we'd probably be searchin fo you bout now. Ever get really spooked pokin round them ole cemeteries like you do ....all by yo self? I bet you catch your self whistleing sometimes don'tcha boy? Bet if we were there to see it, we might sometimes watch a scared lookin, sorta pale, quick steppin texicajun
headed for that blue bike an lookin back over his shoulder......Huh. Try that at night for a real THRILL, HA HA HA !!!!!".

Below, Premium Viewer, David, replied when I sent him the day's outing. I confronted him about whether he was jiving me or not and there was no reply.
Until later....... Below is his first note.

"Steve....
No, I wasn't saying that I had been back into Pratt, perhaps just alluding to the possibilities that's all. Hey, if you're ascaredt t'go, I'll go with you but gimme a little time to get some gear together: machette, Q-beam, shotgun, compass, flares, E-perb etc. OK? Oh and I'll have to get my affairs in order too.....kiss the wife.....pet the dog....put out the trash...now I'm ready. No , if I knew anything at all about it I'd tell you I just thought that trail into the woods looked forlorne".

Thanks, Dave. I think.

A Soldier's Journal

The Battlefield Then

Now

Report of Brig. Gen. Thomas Green, C. S. Army, commanding Cavalry division, of engagement at Bayou Bourbeau. Headquarters Division of Cavalry, Opelousas, November 4, 1863.

Major: After having retired from Opelousas, October 20, with the division of cavalry under my command, before the advancing enemy, in three columns, to wit, Major's brigade up the Chicot road, and Bagby's and the artillery up the Boeuf and Big Cane roads, to a point where forage could be procured for our horses, only a few days' rest intervened when my scouts reported that the enemy had fallen back from the vicinity of Opelousas and Barre's Landing. at which places they had encamped in considerable force. Upon this information being conveyed to the major general commanding, I was ordered to pursue and harass the enemy with my division of cavalry and three regiments of infantry, then on outpost duty, to wit, Colonel [O.M.] Roberts' Eleventh Texas, Colonel [W. H.] King's eighteenth Texas, Colonel [J. W.] Speight's Fifteenth Texas 9the latter commanded by Lieutenant colonel [James E.] Harrison), and three sections of artillery.

In pursuance of orders, I took up the line of march in the direction of Opelousas on the 1st instant, and overtook the rear guard of the enemy on Bayou Bourbeau, 7 miles below that place, consisting of two brigades of infantry, commanded by General Burbridge, of the Thirteenth army corps, and three regiments of cavalry and two batteries. After having sufficiently reconnoitered the position of the enemy, i determined to attack him, and made my dispositions accordingly. Colonel Roberts, in command of the three regiments of infantry before mentioned, was assigned to the command of our left wing, and was directed to sweep down the Bellevue road and occupy the timber below the enemy on the bayou, and assail his right flank. Colonel [j. P.] Major, with his brigade of cavalry, constituted our right wing, while colonel [A. P.] Bagby, with his brigade of cavalry, occupied our center. Two of his regiments ( the Fourth and Fifth) were dismounted, and acted as infantry for the occasion, supporting our artillery, which consisted of a rifle section of Daniel's battery and a section of the Valverde, commanded, respectively, by Lieutenants [Samuel M.] Hamilton and [P. G.] Hume, both sections being placed for the occasion under the command of Lieutenant Morse. These dispositions having been made, and the brigade commanders occupying the ground assigned to them, I ordered an immediate advance.

About 11 a.m. of the 3d instant, Colonel Roberts drove in the enemy's skirmishers on his right flank, and commenced the attack. Our infantry was engaged for half an hour before our cavalry and dismounted troopers, with the artillery, were closely engaged on our right and center. Our infantry was most stubbornly resisted by the enemy, but they gallantly and steadily moved forward, without for a moment faltering, under a most terrific fire of artillery and musketry. Our artillery was brought up within 400 yards of a line of the enemy's infantry, in front of their encampment, and fired a few shots into them, but about this time the cavalry, under Colonel Major, on our extreme right, dashed into the left flank of the enemy, while Colonel Bagby, with Herbert's regiment and Waller's battalion, mounted, and Hardeman's and McNeill's regiments, dismounted, charged them in front, the cavalry making, on a partially concealed foe, the most brilliant charge on record. Our gallant infantry, under their brave officers, had given the enemy such a chastisement on his right flank, pushing him back to his encampment, that the whole Federal force gave way as soon as the engagement became general and close.

The victory was complete, the fruits of which are about 250 of the enemy killed and wounded, 100 of whom are estimated to have been killed and over 600 prisoners, 32 of whom were officers. Prisoners were taken from the following regiments: Sixtieth and Sixty seventh Indiana, Twenty third Wisconsin, eighty third and Ninety sixth Ohio, first Louisiana Cavalry, and two batteries. Besides a large quantity of improved small arms and accouterments, three pieces of artillery fell into our hands. We only had horses, however to bring off one fine Parrott gun and caisson, most of the horses of the enemy's guns being killed. Two hours after our victory, General Weitzel, of the Nineteenth (U. S.) Army corps, came up with a division of infantry of three brigades from Carrion Crow Bayou, 3 miles distant, and two regiments of cavalry. Deeming it imprudent to fight this large additional force, after a warm skirmish, I withdrew slowly and without loss, the enemy not attempting to follow me.

I cannot say too much for the gallantry of the officers and men under my command in this action. It was above all praise. I have never before witnessed good conduct in battle so universal.

I am greatly indebted to my own staff for their efficiency. captain Hart, who always distinguishes himself in battle, was placed under the command of Colonel Roberts, to assist him on our left, and for his conduct I refer you particularly to the report of Colonel Roberts. Captain [C. B.] Sheppard, of my old military family, was (as ever before in battle) gallant and useful. I cannot say too much in praise of Acting Assistant Adjutant General [E. R.] Wells. My engineer, Captain Ellis, and lieutenant [J,] Avery, and Volunteer aide-de-Cap 9for the occasion) George [T.] Madison, were also very useful and efficient. I herewith submit a statement of casualties. a full list of names as soon as procured will be forwarded.

To Chief Surgeon George Cupples great praise is due in using the limited means at his command in alleviating the sufferings of our noble soldiers and his great and untiring activity in the discharge of all his duties.

Owing to the breaking down of the horses in section of Semmes' battery, it did not arrive in time to participate in the action. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Thomas Green, Brigadier General, commanding Cavalry Division. Maj. E. Surget, Assistant Adjutant General, District of Western Louisiana. (WR XXXVIII: 393-5)

Yankee Journal
"It [the 96th OVI] moved to Brasher City October 3d, and took part in the Teche campaign.

The battle of Grand Coteau, a desperate fight against overwhelming numbers, occurred on the third of November. The regiment lost nine killed, thirty-three wounded, and sixty-eight taken prisoners.

This was one of the most desperate battles in which the Knox county boys were engaged, and companies A and B shared their proportion of the loss.

Nearly if not quite all these prisoners were subsequently exchanged and rejoined their commands.

This battle has been variously designated as "Bayou Bouf" and "Bayou Bourdeux," but Grand Coteau is the name generally adopted. It occurred six miles south .of Opelousas, Louisiana. The following vivid picture of this battle is from the pen of Dr. J. T. Woods, the surgeon of the Ninety-sixth

At two o'clock on the morning of the third (November) Colonel Brown, of the Ninety-sixth, received a request from General Burbridge to call immediately at his headquarters. The general at that late hour was busily engaged in writing. This interview was private and confidential, in which he notified the colonel that there was not the least doubt but that early in the day the command would be attacked by overwhelming numbers. He explained fully all the details, and notified him as to what he should expect of his regiment. Very early in the morning a council was held, in which all the commanding officers of regiments were present. The general explained to them the expected attack, and directed them to adopt every precaution in their separate commands to secure their entire strength and efficiency in the coming struggle.

Colonel Brown proceeded immediately to give certain orders to his officers. Then followed quickly the sounds of busy preparation. Every where was heard the click-, click, of the rising hammer, and then the sharp explosion of the caps, by which it was known that the tube was open; and the clear ring of the rammer as it was dropped into the barrel satisfied the soldier that he could rely upon his musket to do faithful execution in the moment of need. Cartridge boxes were carefully packed with forty rounds, and canteens filled with water.

It was scarcely 10 A. M when the sharp picket-firing in the distance confirmed our expectations, and at twelve our retreating cavalry-gave notice of the enemy's approach. The thrilling long-roll called every man to arms. In calm, calculating haste each man donned his battle trappings, and with clock-work precision fell into line.

Marching directly on the road that turned to the left close to the right of our camp, the rebel infantry advanced in force, while clouds of cavalry emerged from the woods, and deployed on the flanks of their infantry, scattering like wild Comanches and enveloping our camp.

Not an instant is lost in preparation. Our line of battle faces the woods on the right, close to and at right angles with our camp. The Sixty-seventh Indiana, in open prairie on our left, supports two guns of the Seventeenth Ohio battery. The Ninety-sixth Ohio and Sixtieth Indiana, with the remaining guns, form the centre. The Twenty-third Wisconsin, a little delayed in reaching its position, forms the right of our line. This disposition is scarcely completed, and we are face to face with more than eight thousand men, and the battle of Grand Coteau commences.

A part of the Sixtieth Indiana deploys as skirmishers, and promptly advance into the infested woods. Gallantry is unavailing against the frightful odds, and the whole. regiment advances to its support. They are few in number, and against them are hurled massed lines of battle. The quick crack of the skirmish rifle is followed by the crash of musketry, Undismayed by terrible loss they fall steadily back, leaving not an inch of ground uncontested.

A vindictive fight rages along the entire front. "Forward, Ninety-sixth," sends them to meet the solid lines of gray, and full in each other's faces the deadly volleys are exchanged. It is a host against which a handful of stout-hearted men are battling, and which it is impossible for them to withstand. Defiantly both Ninety-sixth and Sixtieth fall back.

A cloud of cavalry is swooping down on the Sixty-seventh and the two pieces of artillery on the prairie to our left. The regiment quickly fortes a hollow square to receive the cavalry. In doing so a gap is left in our line, and it is entirely detached from support. A command to reform and move to the right to fill the gap is instantly sent by General Burbridge. In attempting to execute this manoeuver under fire it becomes confused, and from confusion it is quickly panic-stricken. The fierce cavalry sweep like a whirlwind among the men with gleaming sabers; the swift riders enfold them, and almost without resistance march them away captive before our eyes.

The men of the Twenty-third Wisconsin, on our extreme right, are enveloped in smoke, but here, as everywhere, maintain their well-deserved fame. It is only by sheer weight of numbers that they are forced slowly back. Their intrepid colonel stands staunchly and firmly in the thickest of the fight, and, wounded, falls into the hands of the enemy.

Twice has the Ninety-sixth been repulsed, and, rallying, returned to the hopeless charge. The three regiments still maintain an irregular line; the rebels are plainly enveloping our flanks. The Twenty-third Wisconsin is almost muzzle to muzzle with the enemy, who, on its right, overlaps it and pours in a deadly enfilading fire. Nothing can save it or even prolong the contest, but to fall quickly back and form an angle to face the foe in front and on the right. The Sixtieth Indiana maintains a position on the right of the Ninety-sixth, but its left is driven far back, and a fatal gap is thus made between the regiments. The Ninety-sixth makes an attempt to close the gap, but it is a fruitless effort; the Sixtieth breaks, and a portion rushes through our right.

While this furious struggle is raging, our rear presents a most singular sight. At the summons of the long-roll, the stores of the brigade had been promptly loaded, and started poll-moll for the rear. In mad haste some dashed into the deep ravine, to find their wagons instantly mired. Others with more coolness took their places, rapidly flew over the bridge and with lavish use of whip and spur, escaped. Haste was never more demanded, as both the camp they left and the woods through which they must pass, are already full of roving rebel cavalrymen, who unexpectedly, and for some strange reason made little effort to prevent the escape of their legitimate prize and booty. A Federal officer rode through the woods unmolested, although they were thick around him. He noticed a stolid German artilleryman, stoically marching to the rear, carrying his swab-stick on his shoulder. A cavalryman rode behind him, brandishing a revolver and shouted: Halt! you Yankee vagabond!" The indignant gunner instantly turned on his heel with an oath, and furiously swinging his swab-stick, smashed the head of the would-be captor into a jelly, and 'shouldering arms' marched on as unconcerned as before.

The artillery has been, by dint of both valor and good fortune, removed from the field-the piece last passing through the woods being temporarily captured by a half dozen or more resolute rebel cavalrymen shooting down the artillery horses.

There is nowhere a trace of terror. Men fall in promiscuously, maintaining the semblance of a line, and move back delivering their fire defiantly to the last. We know we are doomed, but only press more closely together, Lieutenant-colonel Brown inspires, both by word and deed, the men, who keep their eyes on him, moving only as he directs and contesting every inch of ground. The gallant Burbridge rides up and down the tattered fragments of his brigade, directing and encouraging the men. No aid comes, and stumbling to certain death over comrades dead and dying, even the most dauntless spirit must falter. The movement is more than sublime, as each, without a murmur asks his own soul, in agony, can we stay? must we go?

Impulses are like avalanches, and as if to spur souls that have never faltered, the heroic Burbridge seizes the battle-flag of a regiment, and waving it above him in this yawning battle-hell, in the face of defeat and death, in full defiant tones begins himself to sing that grand old battle-hymn

'Rally round the flag boys
Rally once -again;
and amidst the crash, roar, and 'thud' of the minnie-bullet, a hundred voices mingle in the chorus
Rally once again
Shouting the battle-cry of freedom'

Now comes the appalling shout of the rebel horde, followed by a bullet-storm, and an advancing line of gray thickly fringed with glittering steel.

The Ninety-sixth gather closer around their commander and at his word deliver their fire. By the returning volley they are shivered to pieces as if by a thunder-bolt. They are completely routed, but as if by instinct they gather in squads, and fall back, firing wherever a foe presents. Everywhere they turn, right, left, or rear, rebel cavalrymen are using pistol and saber.

Sergeant Forbes of company B., being wounded, had, early in the engagement requested Color-sergeant Isaac Ivins, as he could no longer use his gun, to exchange with him, and, with one mangled hand, he bore the banner safely through the battle, while the sergeant as bravely used his gun.

Falling back toward the edge of the wood near the camp, Colonel Brown notices a boy in the act of raising his gun to fire, when a bullet whistles through his breast. Running to him and raising his head, his lips move, and putting his ear close to them, he hears the whispered word 'mother'-and Charley Stanfield is dead. Close before him rides three rebel cavalrymen, one of whom has shot the boy. The colonel instantly picks up the gun the boy had dropped with the hammer already raised, fires and the middle one of the three Texan rangers rolls from his saddle.

The bearer of the colors has planted the staff in the ground that he may use a musket, when he is whirled away, and, in the melee the flag is pushed over. The colors on the ground shocks the soldierly pride of Sanderson, orderly of Colonel Brown, and calling the colonel's attention to it asks if he shall get it, receiving for a reply : ' It is a terrible place to go to, but bring the colors if you can'. Gallantly he rushes among the reeling, swaying combatants, and bears it safely to the rear.

Not an organized command remains, and Colonel Brown mounts his horse ; soldiers in squads around him deliver a desultory fire into the troop of cavalry that are close down upon them. The colonel says: "Boys, to stay is death; fall back as best you can to the other side of the woods; we will rally there;" and empties his revolver into the advancing rebel cavalry. The return fire luckily inflicts a slight wound on his horse, and in mad frenzy the animal dashes away to our left and rear, and with one desperate leap clears the ravine. The rebel horsemen are sufficient in number to capture every man, but are strangely inefficient. In squads we battle our way through them to the rear of the wood. The voice of Colonel Brown, whose horse had saved him by running away from the saber-points of the enemy, is heard, and at his word the brave men halt in the teeth of the exultant foe. No sign of the hoped for aid is visible, yet with wonderful eagerness they fall into line. It seems like stubborn rashness, for masses of rebel infantry are surging along our front, and a cloud of cavalry deploying from right to left across our rear. They are no mounted mob, but proud knights of the sabre, whose lines are swiftly enfolding us. They ride rapidly on, when, as if by magic, there rises from the thick grass a line of men, till this moment unseen, who with level muskets pour into their ranks a volley that sends them reeling back with many an empty saddle. To our delight and surprise it is the Forty-sixth Indiana, whose colonel, hearing the roar of battle, instantly formed his command, and waiting for no orders, with the instincts of a true soldier, had marched at double-quick, and halting for a moment to take breath, found this opportunity to save us from utter annihilation. We join these brave comrades and charge upon the line of gray and steel, with a cheer. A short sharp struggle with the bayonet, and they flee through our camp so swiftly that they find no time to disturb anything.

For two long miles we pursue them, then return to our camp, both humiliated by defeat and exultant by victory. The camp has been twice swept by the storm of battle. All are there, save many of our comrades-the bravest and best, who wounded or dead lie all around us in ghastly pools of blood. The wounded are sent to the rear for medical attention, and the dead-a fearful number-are gathered for burial. Those of the Ninety-sixth we place in a row in our camp, and, with hearts bowed down in sorrow, the living gaze upon their loved comrades,

"With the red rents in their bosoms,

And their young eyes closed on life."

In the glimmering twilight we take our last look at the little yellow mounds as we march away for Carrion Crow Bayou." (History of Knox County, Ohio 1881: 323-4).

Below is all copied from Ninety Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry Operations in 1863

For those interested, below are accounts of the battle. The Soldier's Journal linked above gives a Confederate's side. General Green, whose letter is below, was one of General Richard Taylor's right hand men. He was a Texan and ranks high on my Superb SOB List. That's good thing if you didn't know.

I pressed hard for the truth and he replied in a no less psycotic message.

I know that the Civil War is not eveyone's interest. This ride is not about the Civil War and it won't be mentioned again on this one. I was here and thought you might want to know what happened between the bayous so close to home.

To go to the next page of the article press Next.

About The General

Semmes Battery is mentioned all over the war, I am trying to find a definitive web link.

AndyPics

www.google.com

There's another one below all that writing.