the troops on the right of the
Teche were raw, and had never been in action. As shot and shell tore
over the breastwork behind which they were lying, much consternation was
exhibited, and it was manifest that an assault, however feeble, would
break a part of the line. It was absolutely necessary to give the men
some _morale_; and, mounting the breastwork, I made a cigarette, struck
fire with my _briquet_, and walked up and down, smoking. Near the line
was a low tree with spreading branches, which a young officer, Bradford
by name, proposed to climb, so as to have a better view. I gave him my
field glass, and this plucky youngster sat in his tree as quietly as in
a chimney corner, though the branches around were cut away. These
examples, especially that of Captain Bradford, gave confidence to the
men, who began to expose themselves, and some casualties were suffered
in consequence.

From the extreme right Colonel Green sent word that his corner was
uncomfortably hot, and I found it so. The battery near him was cut up,
its captain, Sayres, severely wounded, and Major Brent withdrew it.
Green was assured that there were no places on our line particularly
cool, and there was nothing to be done but submit to the pounding.

A heavy fire was concentrated on the twenty-fours and the Diana. Captain
Semmes, son of Admiral Semmes of Alabama fame, and an officer of much
coolness in action, had been detached from his battery and placed in
command of the boat. A message from him informed me that the Diana was
disabled. She was lying against the bank under a severe fire. The waters
of the bayou seemed to be boiling like a kettle. An officer came to the
side of the boat to speak to me, but before he could open his mouth a
shell struck him, and he disappeared as suddenly as Harlequin in a
pantomine. Semmes then reported his condition. Conical shells from the
enemy's Parrotts had pierced the railway iron, killed and wounded
several of his gunners and crew, and cut a steam pipe. Fortunately, he
had kept down his fires, or escaping steam would have driven every one
from the boat. It was necessary to take her out of fire for repairs. To
lose even temporarily our best gun, the thirty-pounder, was hard, but
there was no help for it.

During the day staff officers were frequently sent to Mouton to
ascertain his condition; and, as the bridge over which they passed was
in the line of fire directed on the Diana and the twenty-fours, the
prome