estroyed, and the transportation of supplies was
getting quite precarious, but the surrender of Port Hudson put a stop
to their amusement. We landed at night, slept on our arms, and woke up
in the morning close to the enemy's pickets.

On the 14th a Brigade commanded by Colonel Morgan, of the 90th N.Y.
Volunteers, advanced upon the Bayou about four miles, driving the
enemy before him. The 159th was on his right flank doing picket duty,
and the Company I belonged to was on the outside post in command of
Captain William H. Sliter. Colonel Morgan came up to us and ordered
us to go with him. The Captain told him he _would not leave his post_,
a most important one, that the whole Brigade depended upon.

On the fifteenth the enemy made a stand under cover of a thick wood,
protected by heavy artillery. Finding our forces not very formidable,
the enemy advanced in force on our left flank, taking a number of
prisoners. Reinforcements at this time came up, and the enemy fell
back west of the Atchafalya River.

July 16th the 159th was detailed to guard wagon trains on the west
side of the Mississippi. Arrived at Carrolton, where we were allowed
to rest, remaining until the last of August, when we were sent to
Thibodeaux, La., _via_ Algiers.

September 1st, reached Thibodeaux. General Birge was in command of the
District of Lafourche. Our Regiment, with the 13th Connecticut, was
detailed to do provost and picket duty, while the other troops were
distributed over the District.

Colonel Molineux was appointed on General Franklin's Staff on the 24th
of September. We remained at this position until March 18th, 1864.
Quiet prevailed during our advent here, only a few night alarms
occuring, causing the long roll to beat and the men to turn out, but
they amounted to nothing serious.

January 1st, 1864, Lieutenant-Colonel Burt took command of the
Regiment at Thibodeaux, Colonel Molineux was relieved from duty on
General Franklin's Staff, and assigned to command the Lafourche
District, in place of General Birge, relieved on furlough.

On the 7th, Lieutenant-Colonel Burt resigned his Commission, on
Surgeon's certificate, and was honorably discharged, and the command
devolved on the senior officer, Captain Hart. His reign, however, was
short. Major Gaul, who was on detached service at Albany, N.Y., was
appointed Lieutenant-Colonel, _vice_ Burt, and Captain Waltermire made
Major. This arrangement was highly satisfactory to the whole Re