CAPTAIN: Left camp with 225 of my command at 9 p. m. the 19th and arrived at Bayou Alabama at 7.30 next a. m. after the hardest march I ever had. Crossed the bayou, captured the camp of Captain Ratliff after a short skirmish, and returned to this camp, where I arrived at 1 p. m. to-day, having fed my men and horses but once in the time, as the march was through woods and swamps. Captured at the camp of Captain Ratliff, 1 pieces of artillery, 3 carbines, 6 pistols, 4 sabers, 3 prisoners of war, 15 horses, 4 saddles, large chest of medicines, large quantity of clothing and ammunition, and a large mail. Spiked the piece of artillery, filled it with shell, &c., and sunk it in the middle of the bayou after dismounting it. Water about fifty fee deep. Had no means of bringing it away and the roads were impassable for artillery.
What ammunition could not be brought away was thrown in the bayou or burned with the building. Burned the whole camp, which consisted of houses, barns, negro quarters, and a saw-mill. Too much cannot be said in the praise of Lieutenant Westinghouse and Sergeant Cadwell, of my regiment, who swam across the bayou in front of the enemy's sharpshooters and brought across the flat-boat by which I crossed my men.
Inclosed I send you a few of the letters captured; will send more and report more particularly as soon as I can get time. The citizen prisoner, Howard, was arrested, as Mrs. Frank Harding, of Bayou Grossetete, accused him of coming with Captain Pryne and arresting her husband and sending him across the Atchafalaya for during the war on account of his Union sentiments and because he took the oath of allegiance.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. L. GURNEY,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding
Capt. B. WILSON,
Assistant Adjutant-Gen., U. S. Forces.
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