line all night. A few of our men were wounded.

At early dawn of the 14th of April, the lines advanced without
breakfast, marching about a mile and a half. The enemy was strongly
posted in a wood at a bend in the Bayou. Covered by the gun-boats, the
25th and 13th Connecticut and 26th Maine, commanded by Colonel Birge,
were skirmishing briskly in front. Colonel Molineux was ordered to
take his Regiment, the 159th, and advance and charge the woods.

We advanced in good style over a plowed cane-field in line, passing
over the 26th Maine, who were lying down. Passed the skirmish line of
the 25th Connecticut, who were under cover of the cane on our right.
Several of our men fell in the advance. Reached within pistol shot of
the fence and wood where the enemy was concealed. Scarcely one could
be seen while they poured a most effective fire on us, but we steadily
advanced 'till ordered to lay down. At this time the men were nearly
exhausted, marching at double quick over rough ground with heavy
knapsacks; it took a little time to catch fresh wind and unburthen
ourselves of our heavy load. We could not have stopped at a more
uncomfortable place, for the enemy gave it to us hot and sweet, while
we did not have a chance to see them. They came out of the wood
through the cane to the rear of our right flank, and right on top of
us. We no doubt would have layed there 'till every man of us was shot
had not the order come to fall back to the left. Several of our men
were taken prisoners, the enemy rushing upon us while rising up from
our position, and poured a most deadly fire into us with fearful
effect. The 91st N.Y.S. Volunteers coming down to our aid, the rebels
skedaddled, but not without some loss and a number taken prisoners.

Col. Molineux was severely wounded in the mouth, Lieut-Col. Draper and
Adjutant Lathrop were killed; the Colonel, Lieut-Colonel and Adjutant
were nobly doing their duty in the advance, leading their men. No
officers could have done better or been more brave. They were picked
out by the enemy's sharpshooters posted in the trees near by.

The victory was ours, though the Regiment paid dearly for this, their
maiden fight. Second Lieutenant Lockwood, of Company G, was killed
while nobly leading his Company. Lieutenants Plunket and Price were
mortally wounded. Lieutenant Manley, of Company A, was killed, and
Lieutenant Tieman and Captain Petit were slightly wounded. Our total
killed, wounded and missing amo