sed
to-day as second in bravery to none.

"I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

"DAVID TORRANCE,

"(_Late_) _Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding 29th C. V._"

DIARY OF THE THIRD REGIMENT DURING THE SIEGE OF PORT HUDSON.

"May 1st, 1863.--Regiment broke camp at Fort William, Baton Rouge, at 5
A. M.; marched out of Bayou Monticino on the road to Port Hudson. In the
evening Company G, under Lieutenant Quinn, was detailed for picket duty
on the Clinton Road. Colonel promised to encamp close by with the rest
of the regiment, but instead of doing so he fell back to the junction of
the Clinton and Port Hudson Roads, thus leaving the rebels a fine chance
to cross the bayou and cut off Company G from all support. Lieutenant
Quinn was doubtful of the colonel, and to satisfy himself sent 2d
Lieutenant Frederick Dame with twenty men back to the woods to see how
things were. Lieutenant Dame found that Colonel Nelson had retreated
back to Baton Rouge and reported. Lieutenant Quinn, feeling that if
attacked during the night he would not receive aid from the regiment,
changed his position from the place assigned in the woods by Colonel
Nelson, to one 300 yards further down in the woods, and on the
road-side. He then threw out his pickets in all directions, but only a
short distance from the remainder of the company who were held in
reserve. Every man was on that night. Occasionally horsemen were seen in
the clearing, but as they did not appear to know of our company's
proximity the pickets did not fire on them.

"12th.--Had a slight skirmish.

"13th.--Companies G and E, under Lieutenant Quinn, went on a
reconnoissance; returned at midnight.

"14th.--All quiet in camp.

"15th.--Fell back to Bayou Monticino.

"16th.--Commenced to build a second bridge at Monticino Bayou.

"17th.--Company G, Lieutenant Dame, and Company E, Lieutenant John
Keefe, went on a scout under command of Lieutenant Quinn, captured one
horse, cattle, and had a skirmish with rebel pickets.

"18th.--Company G on picket ordered to block the road with felled trees,
connecting the Clinton and Bayou Sara roads, to prevent the rebel
cavalry and artillery getting in the rear of Dudley's brigade, who were
camped near Plains Store.

"19th.--Colonel Nelson and Lieutenant Quinn rode to Dudley's
headquarters. The regiment marched two miles nearer to Port Hudson in
the evening; were ordered back and bivouack