Skirmish with the Confederates near Vermillionville, Louisiana

Skirmish with the Confederates near Vermillionville, Louisiana

Battle scene.

November 11, 1863

Recto: "Reb. Artillery // 1 1/2 miles distant // Road to Carrion Cross Bayou // Note. Field in front is weeds. Infantry lie down in front of batteries, and sheltered by ditch bank and weeds."

Verso: "Skirmish with the Confederates near Vermillionville, La - Nov. 11th/63 // The Union forces consisted of one brigade of infantry commanded by Col. Benedict and about 1200 Cavalry, 8 pieces of artillery (Capt. Nims battery & 4th Mass Battery, Capt. Trull), the whole force under command of Brig. Gen. Lee, Chief of Cavalry. The enemy were mounted infantry about 2500 strong with three pieces of artillery. Supposed to be commanded by Gen. Greene of Texas, and was a part of the same force which were at the battle of Grand Coteau, La. a few days since. The Union forces had been sent out on a reconnaissance and came upon the enemy about two miles beyond the view I represent. After some skirmishing and artillery firing Union forces fell back to the place I represent, the enemy charging upon our rear guard. The last stand was made hoping to draw them on. The infantry was ordered to lie down in front of batteries, cavalry support in rear of batteries. The enemy came down, when our artillery opened upon them, the first fire cause several horses on the left of the road to stampede with 'empty saddles'. They held this ground, however, and returned the fire with vigor, their shells exploding in the midst of our batteries. One shell burst in front of one of Nims' guns killing a private in the 110th N.Y. but injuring no battery men. Another shell fragment knocked the bridle bit out of a horse's mouth, the horse threw the rider but he was unhurt. The fire on both sides was very severe. The infantry took no part here. Both sides finally withdrew leaving their picketts as before. The smoke in the distance comes from houses which had been fired by our men to prevent their being used by the enemy as lookouts. // Union loss 18 in killed and wounded. Up to this time have received no estimate of the enemy's loss - they hold the ground. Capt. Marsh. // [signed] C.E.H. Bonwill."

Vertical folds; rip along left and right margins; dog ear upper right.

Graphite on wove paper

6.5 x 10 in.

Graphite drawings--American--1860-1870

Panoramic views--American--1860-1870

30.2240897, -92.0198427

Original drawing location: CW-CB-LA-11/11/63 (Box 7.)

http://hdl.handle.net/2345/4647

(Becker)CW-CB-LA-11/11/63