earance of the enemy.

"On the 23d of December the signal-gun announced
the approach of the enemy. The previous night they
had surprised and captured one of our pickets; had
ascended a bayou, disembarked, and had taken
possession of the left bank of the Mississippi,
within six miles of New Orleans. The energy of
every officer was put in requisition, to
concentrate our forces in time to meet the enemy.
Capt. Butler was one of the first to arrive at the
general's quarters, and ask instructions; they were
received and promptly executed. Our regiment,
stationed on the opposite side, was transported
across the river. All the available forces of our
army, not much exceeding fifteen hundred men, were
concentrated in the city; and while the sun went
down the line of battle was formed; and every
officer took the station assigned him in the fight.
The infantry formed on the open square, in front of
the Cathedral, waiting in anxious expectation for
the order to move. During this momentary pause,
while the enemy was expected to enter the city, a
scene of deep and thrilling interest was presented.
Every gallery, porch and window around the square
were filled with the fair forms of beauty, in
silent anxiety and alarm, waving their
handkerchiefs to the gallant and devoted band which
stood before them, prepared to die, or defend them
from the rude intrusion of a foreign soldiery. It
was a scene calculated to awaken emotions never to
be forgotten. It appealed to the chivalry and
patriotism of every officer and soldier--it
inspired every heart, and nerved every arm for
battle. From this impressive scene the army marched
to meet the enemy, and about eight o'clock at night
they were surprised in their encampment,
immediately on the banks of the Mississippi.
Undiscovered, our line was formed in silence within
a short distance of the enemy; a rapid charge was
made into their camp, and a desperate conflict
ensued. After a determined resistance the enemy
gave way, but disputing every inch of ground we
gained. In advancing over ditches and fences in the
nigh