CHAPTER VII.

ARRIVAL OF THE NINTH AT THE SOUTH WEST PASS — UNDER FIRE AT THE ATTACK ON FORTS JACKSON AND ST. PHILIP - ENTERS THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS PROCEEDS, LATER, TO CAMP PARAPET, UP THE RIVER — LEAVES THERE FOR THE CITY OF BATON ROUGE, THE CAPITAL OF LOUISIANA - ENGLAND'S ENMITY TO THE UNION.

CAPT. MCH’L McCARTEN, CAPT. WM WRIGHT,
CAPT. T.C. COATES, CAPT. PATRICK GARVEY

THE trip of the Matamas, with the Ninth on board, to the South West Pass, was devoid of special inci¬dent. The steamer continued towing the E. Wilder Farley, on which was the Twelfth Connecticut. Thursday morn¬ing, April 17, 1862, opened clear and warm. Officers and men of the Ninth were earlv on deck. At intervals, ships of the Union blockading squadron were sighted, while the coast line could be dimly seen just above the horizon. As the Matanzas neared the Pass, the interest of those on board continued to increase. The gulf coast of Louisi¬ana is not remarkable for attractiveness, but on this occasion every feature was noted with interest by the men aboard the ships. Arrived at the Pass, the Ninth had a view of the U. S. frigate Colorado, and the British frigate Rinaldo, anchored there. Entering the Missis¬sippi, the great "Father of Waters," the Ninth beheld a desolate scene. The waters of the mighty river are of a yellowish hue which they assume after their confluence with the Missouri. This hue is caused by the mud brought down in such great volume that it tinges the fierce current of the river for several miles out into the Gulf. The bed of the Mississippi, near its mouth, is con¬tinually changing in character, forming new bars that puzzle and menace the pilots. It was these bars that so retarded Farragut in getting his big ships into the river,

and it was only after transferring the heavy batteries from the ships to lighters that he at length succeeded.

Crowded conditions prevailed aboard the Matanzas. Only 260 men could be accommodated below decks at a time and, therefore, the men had to sleep by reliefs, that is, a part at a time. On one occasion, the Matanzas took the Great Republic in tow, the latter being helpless owing to the loss of her rudder.

Sixty miles below New Orleans, then held by the rebels, and toward the mouth of the river, were Forts Jackson and St. Philip, strongly constructed and heavily armed by the Confederates, for the defence of the city. The rebels considered them impregnable, and believed they would prove an impassable barrier to any Union force attempt¬ing to come up the river from below. But in this they were mistaken, as the result proved. Some twenty-two miles below the forts, just mentioned, were the heads of the five passes of the Mississippi through which access could be had to the gulf. These passes were the South West, the South, the South East, the North East and Pass a la Outre. The largest and most utilized of these was the South West.

As the Ninth, aboard the steamer Matanzas, proceeded up the river, by way of the South West Pass, the men gazed upon the neighboring shores.

"Do you know of the dreary land,
If land such region may seem,
Where 'tis neither sea nor strand,
Ocean, nor good, dry land,
But the nightmare marsh of a dream?
Where the Mighty River his death-road takes,
'Mid pools and windings that coil like snakes,
A hundred leagues of bayous and lakes,
To die in the great Gulf Stream?"

Pilot Town, a cluster of houses, was noted about two miles from the mouth of the river, and elicited much comment. The houses were all built on piles to keep them clear of the river. Here resided gulf and river pilots,

from whom the place derived its name. Nearby, stood a tower, 75 or 100 feet high, used by the pilots for keeping a watch on the river and gulf in search of vessels needing their services. A naval hospital was also located at this point. Anchored near Pilot Town were the barque Almo and the gunboat Miami. The Ninth continued up the river toward the head of the passes already mentioned. Not long after, could be heard the boom of the heavy guns of Farragut's fleet, including the mortars of Porter's flotilla, in their bombardment of Forts Jackson and St. Philip. A member of the Ninth, writing, after the war, of this period, says:

« * * * The facts, I believe, are these: Gen. Phelps being on board the Matanzas with the Ninth was extremely anxious to witness the bombardment of the forts and, pushing by Gen. Butler, moved up in their direction. Soon a solid shot came skipping across the bow of the Matanzas.

" 'Col. Cahill, what do you suppose they're firing for?' facetiously inquired the General.

" `I don't know, sir!' replied the Colonel in the same vein.

" 'Nor I, either!' rejoined the General. 'Go on!'

"Butler is reported to have been very much offended at this action, but Phelps witnessed the fighting and enjoyed it like the veteran soldier that he was."

Capt. Lawrence O'Brien, of the Ninth, writes: "While we were on board the Matanzas, the latter was employed in towing many of the sailing vessels close up to the fleet. Two of Porter's mortar schooners were taken in tow by us after they had been disabled by the guns of the forts. The Matanzas was twice under the fire of both forts, and while we were making fast to the disabled mortar schooners, shots from the forts passed clear over the deck of our steamer. A large heavy chain which had been stretched across the river between the forts was cut in two by sailors of the fleet, and on April 23 Farragut

was all ready to run his fleet past the forts. As each vessel passed us, we knew that the great and final effort was about to take place. Darkness came on, but there was no sleep for soldier or sailor that eventful night. A red light had been hoisted at the masthead of the Hartford, Farragut's flagship. The forts commenced firing after midnight, and continued for some time. We, of the Ninth, could see the answering flames of fire from the sides of our fleet, the whole making an almost continuous blaze of light. We knew when our friends were past the forts by the flash and noise from above. In the morning, we were ordered to sail with the transports around to the rear of Fort St. Philip, and one regiment,—the Twenty-sixth Massachusetts—reached the river bank above. We were preparing to attack the forts when the latter sur¬rendered. * * * We were then ordered to return on board our vessels, and sailed up to New Orleans."

So confident were the Confederates in the strength of the two forts that a New Orleans paper declared: "We have made such extensive preparations to receive them, [the Union forces], that it were vexatious if their invinci¬ble armada escapes the fate we have in store for it." Farragut's force comprised 47 armed vessels. The mortar boats, under Porter, took the lead, and on April 18, began the attack on Fort Jackson, and were sup¬ported by the gunboats. The forts were not at first much affected by this attack, and it was decided to run by them on the night of the 23d. It was a perilous undertaking. The night was an intensely dark one, and at 2 o'clock in the morning the daring passage began.

"Right abreast of the Fort
In an awful shroud they lay,
Broadsides thundering away,
And lightning from every port;
Scene of glory and dread!
A storm-cloud all aglow
With flashes of fiery red,
The thunder raging below,
And the forest of flags overhead!"

Farragut Passing Forts Jackson and St. Philip.

In addition to the opposition of the forts, Farragut also had to contend with a Confederate naval force, but was victorious against every odd. While the movement was in progress, Butler landed his troops and got them around to the rear of Fort St. Philip, thus bringing about a prompt surrender of that stronghold.

As soon as the news of the Confederate disaster reached New Orleans, a great panic ensued there. Peo¬ple fled from the city, cotton was got ready to be set on fire, some $4,000,000 in specie was removed from the banks, and other steps hastily taken. Upon the approach, April 25, of Farragut, Gen. Lovell, the rebel com¬mander, and his forces deserted the city, the torch was applied to cotton on the levee and 15,000 bales were burned; also a large number of steamers, uncompleted gunboats and other vessels. Farragut kept the city under the guns of his fleet until May 1, when Gen. Butler took possession. The loss of New Orleans was a staggering blow to the rebels. Fort St. Philip had a record as a place of defence, previous to the construction of Fort Jackson. It was Fort St. Philip that, in the war of 1812-15, held an English naval force at bay for over a week and at last obliged it to retire down the river.

An exciting incident took place early on the morning of April 27. A spectator thus describes it: "At 3 a. m. everybody on board was aroused from his sleep, in a hurry, and rushed on deck to ascertain the cause. Looking up the river, we saw a large raft loaded with all sorts of combustible material coming down, whirling and twisting with the current. It had been sent down by the rebels and was only about three miles above us, and the glare sent up by this mass of burning stuff lighted up the surrounding country with the brightness of day. As it swept swiftly down, we could see that the raft was about 200 feet long by about 50 in width. It was piled high with what seemed to be pitch pine, and sent up smoke and flame to a height of about 40 feet. When the

raft was less than a mile from the line of gunboats, the Jackson slipped out and, under a full head of steam, dashed at the raft, striking it amidships and scattering the fire in all directions into the river. Lines were then hitched to the raft and, being towed to the west bank, it was grounded and allowed to burn itself out."

Passing up the river toward New Orleans, a soldier thus records what he saw: "Some time after leaving Quaran¬tine, the scenery on both banks of the river began to change. In place of low, swampy lands, beautiful planta¬tions began to appear. We saw people working in the fields, riding in carriages on the roads behind the levee, beautiful villas nestling in groves of fine trees. * * * Some of the plantations that we passed seemed deserted, as nobody could be seen. At one plantation, we saw about 50 negroes at work on what seemed to be sugar cane. All hands, even the overseer, stopped in their work to gaze, at the Yankees. At intervals we passed a house upon which the white flag appeared. Again, we would pass a house which displayed a small flag—the Stars and Stripes—at door or window. Whenever this happened, there was tremendous cheering on board. About 4 p. m. we were up with a fine plantation, located on the east bank. The owner's residence, a beautiful white house with broad verandas about it, and embowered in a fine grove of trees, was thrown open and the verandas were occupied by the family. As we passed it, we were greeted with handkerchief waving, and, suddenly, out of the front door, appeared the Stars and Stripes. Our troops yelled, their delight was so great at this incident." At Chalmette, some miles below New Orleans, the rebels had con¬structed two batteries, one on each side of the river, but the guns of Farragut's ships easily knocked them to pieces. Another battery about a mile above Chalmette experienced a like fate. Upon taking possession of New Orleans, Gen. Butler established his headquarters at the St. Charles Hotel.

Nearby was posted the Sixth Massachusetts battery and other troops. The populace was in an ugly mood and soon after his arrival, Butler decided to parade a regiment through the city as an object lesson. He selected the Ninth Connecticut, then quartered at the Reading Cotton Press, for this purpose, an honor the regiment duly ap¬preciated. The command made a fine showing, and the effect on the belligerent populace was a salutary one.

While the Ninth was in New Orleans, at this time, Pri¬vate Mark O'Neil, of Company D, while taking a walk in the city on the evening of May 4, 1862, was attacked and assassinated by thugs. He was in uniform at the time, and alone. When information of the murderous happening reached the quarters of the Ninth, the men of the latter became furious and evinced a desire to rush out and wreak vengeance for the loss of their comrade. They were finally quieted, however, by their officers. Private O'Neil belonged in New Haven and had enlisted Sept. 27, 1861.

When Butler took possession of the city he was confronted by many serious difficulties. The populace was sullen and, though not openly hostile, found many ways in which to show their dislike for the new-comers. Butler, however, was fully equal to the situation, as he abundantly demonstrated. Among the Confederate or¬ganizations in the city had been one known as the "Foreign Legion," which was promptly put out of ser¬vice upon Butler's arrival.

England's enmity to the Union was well known, hav¬ing been frequently displayed during the war. The Croffut-Morris work, speaking of the organization of the Thirteenth Connecticut, recalls that "England was just beginning to take sides with the Confederates; so the mustering-officer, in addition to the usual oath, bound the men to serve 'against England or any foreign power that may wage war against us.' "

In New Orleans at the time of Butler's advent was a 7

Confederate military company, composed of Englishmen. Parton, the historian, speaking of this company, says: "The British Guard consisted of fifty or sixty English¬men, old residents of New Orleans, many of them men of large property and extensive business. On returning to their armory, late in the evening, after the disbanding of the Foreign Legion, they had held a formal meeting, at which it was voted to send their arms, accoutrements, and uniforms to the camp of General Beauregard. On learning this, a few days after the occupation of the city, General Butler sent for Captain Burrows, the commander of the company, who confessed the fact. The general then directed him to order his company to leave New Orleans within twenty-four hours; and declared his in¬tention to arrest and confine in Fort Jackson any who should fail to obey the order. The violation of the law of neutrality had been clear and indefensible. These men had enjoyed for many years the protection of the United States government, under which they acquired wealth and distinction, and then embraced the first opportunity that had offered to give material aid to its enemies."

This action by Gen. Butler, as might be expected, called forth an exhibition of brazen effrontery from the acting British consul, who unblushingly declared that the enforcement of the order would "infringe the rights of British subjects residing in New Orleans."

But Butler replied: "I intend this order to be strictly enforced. I am content for the present to suffer open enemies to remain in the city of their nativity; but law-defying and treacherous alien enemies shall not." The order was enforced. Every member of the Eng¬lish company got out of New Orleans, except the Cap¬tain and another, who soon found themselves incarcer¬ated in Fort Jackson.

On another occasion an Englishman had boasted that he had challenged a Union officer to a duel, but that the latter had cowardly avoided the encounter. Butler heard

of the Englishman's boast and sent for him. After get¬ting him to admit that he had lied when he made the boast, and that the latter had no basis in fact, Butler re¬quested him to sign a paper to that effect. But the Englishman refused, saying in substance:

"You may fill my head with bullets, but I will never sign that paper!"

"Very well," nonchalantly replied Butler, and, turning to an officer, remarked: "Arrange to have the prisoner executed at sunrise. I am going to dinner."

And forthwith, the General left the apartment. He was gone but a short time, when a messenger came run¬ning up to him with the information that the Englishman had signed. So the latter's life was spared.

Speaking of the Trent case, and the Slidell-Mason affair, Boynton's History of the Navy During the Re¬bellion remarks that: "Almost as simultaneously as the telegraph could flash the account over the Kingdom, Great Britain blazed with excitement, and the real spirit of England was fully revealed. The feelings of hostility toward the North, which had been partially held in check for decency's sake, had now found an occasion and an excuse, if not a proper cause. It showed, in a manner that American statesmen would be wise to remember, even when it is forgiven, how, beneath all the friendly manifestations which lie on the surface, the old feeling of dislike and even animosity toward our country remains in the heart of England, so that a very slight cause will kindle it into a flame that will burn with all its former intensity of passion. England may respect us, may de¬sire and seek our friendship; but while she remains as. she now is, a country of classes, she cannot be a sincere and hearty friend."

Gen. Butler once expressed his opinion that we made a mistake in not accepting England's challenge at that time, even with civil war on our hand. "England of her own soldiers," said he, "has never had more than twenty-

five thousand men on any one battle-field. The time has gone past for buying Germans to fight her battles. We had more soldiers starve at Andersonville than England had men at Waterloo—and a large part of those at Waterloo were commanded by an Irishman. * * * Ninety days would have enlisted Irishmen enough to take Canada. * * * When patriotic Irishmen began to learn that there was a chance for war with England, they came to me in squads. And if I had said to them: 'Yes, I want you to march to Canada and take that first, and then for the western coast of Ireland, or against any Englishmen we can find against us down South,' I could have filled up not only one or two regiments in Massachusetts, but eight or ten."

Lossing, referring to England's sympathy for the South, observes that "The Confederates organized a navy department, and gave places to the officers who had de¬serted the National flag; but their means for the creation of a marine force were insignificant. So they looked to Europe for aid, and, in the greed of England for the 'supremacy of the seas,' they found a steadfast friend and a helper. The first formidable pirate ship put afloat was the Sumter, Capt. Semmes, whose destructive career was ended at the close of 1861. Meanwhile, arrangements were made by the Confederates with Laird, a member of the British Parliament and a ship-builder, at Liverpool, to construct several powerful steamships for their use. The Oreto (afterward Florida) was soon at sea, and, in September, 1862, she ran the blockade at Mobile under English colors. She went to sea again in December, and made havoc among American merchantmen. She was never again in a Confederate port, but always found a welcome in British colonial harbors.

"Semmes was soon in command of a powerful vessel, built by Laird, called the Alabama. She was essentially a British pirate ship, with a Confederate commander and flag; and she fulfilled the expectations of the British ship-

ping interest, by frightening American commerce into British vessels, and giving them a monopoly of the carry¬ing trade. She always avoided our national vessels sent after her. She was finally blockaded in the French port of Cherbourg, by the Kearsarge, Captain Winslow. The French Government ordered the pirate to leave their waters. She went out on the 15th of June, 1864, met the Kearsarge, and, after a short conflict, was sent to the bot¬tom of the sea. Her commander and others were picked up by an English vessel in attendance, which carried them to England to save them from their conqueror."

The Alabama, says Lossing, "was built, armed, and furnished in England, and almost wholly manned by Brit¬ish subjects, several of them from the Royal navy. She sailed out of England under a British flag, and was always welcomed into British ports. And before she went into battle with the Kearsarge, her commander, in a little speech to her officers and crew, repeated the words of Lord Nelson, 'England expects every man to do his duty!' She was not allowed to carry her prizes into British ports, and so her commander generally plundered and burnt them at sea. The Alabama captured and de¬stroyed 64 American vessels." The estimated value of property destroyed by the pirate was $10,000,000.,P. The Rev. Frederic Denison, in his History of The Third Rhode Island, states that: "However others may, we cer¬tainly never shall forget how, through English sympa¬thy and English capital, the slaveholders' Rebellion was encouraged and strengthened and prolonged. * * * We were obliged to contend with English sentiments and English guns. After due consideration we have cred¬ited the toil, treasure and blood of the last two years of the war to England—a heavy account certainly. * * * As John Bull selfishly, if not madly, gored us in the hour of our calamity and affliction, we shall claim the right of remembering our wounds in the years of our prosperity.",p. The Ninth remained in New Orleans but a few days,

at this time, being then transferred to Camp Parapet, about seven miles above the city. This fortified camp had constituted one of the defences of New Orleans, and comprised fine earthworks, some two and a half miles in length. The rebels had mounted twenty-nine guns in the place.

During the stay of the Ninth in New Orleans, it was thus referred to, May 3, 1862, by the Evening Delta of that city: "A regiment of soldiers this morning took up their line of march, apparently towards the Jackson Rail¬road station. The crowd that followed them was much larger than any we have yet seen upon the streets upon any similar occasion. We think that this idle curiosity displayed by our citizens has had sufficient vent, and it is high time that orderly people were betaking themselves to indoor amusements. If they have nothing to do, let them stay at home, avoid the sun, and preserve their health." From which, the temper of the Delta could be readily judged.

Corporal Peabody of the Fourth Massachusetts battery, already quoted, writes in his diary, under date of May 5, 1862: "Monday. Weather clear and hot. * * * After dinner an up-river movement began. The Ninth and Twelfth Connecticut, except one company of the Ninth, embarked on the steamship Mississippi, and, about 2 p. m., sailed for Carrollton, some miles north of the city. Shortly after the departure of the big steam¬ship, the river steamer Diana hauled into Pier 17 [New Orleans], and taking on the baggage and guard of the troops just gone, cast loose about 4 p. m., and proceeded up-river. About 4.30 o'clock, the river steamer Ceres hauled into Pier 17 to take on board our battery. De¬positing knapsacks, haversacks and canteens on the mid¬dle deck, we returned to the pier and began loading , battery; this work we completed about 6 p. m. At 6.15, lines were cast loose and we started up-river. We had a fine view of the river up and down for several miles.

* * * All along the levee in the city, were river steamers, some partially burned and many others burned to the water's edge. * * * About 7 p. m., we passed the beautiful town of Carrollton, on the east bank of the river, and about five miles above New Orleans. Fifteen or twenty minutes later, we reached Camp Parapet, two miles above Carrollton. * * * Here we found the Mississippi, anchored out in the river, and the Diana at the levee and tied up. The Ceres also hauled into the levee at the stern of the Diana and made fast for the night."

The next morning, May 6, 1862, the Diana was busily engaged transferring the Ninth and Twelfth Connecticut regiments from the Mississippi to the shore. The Fourth Massachusetts Light Battery landed from the Ceres. By noon, nearly all the property of the Ninth regiment was on shore. The troops, numbering about 2,000 men, went into camp, the line being made up as follows, from right to left: The Ninth Connecticut on the extreme right on the low ground toward the Matarie Ridge road. Then came, in line, the Third section of the Massachusetts bat¬tery, under Lieut. Taylor; the Second section, under Lieut. Davidson; the Twelfth Connecticut regiment; and then the First section of the battery. This section was located in a charming orange grove. The entire force was commanded by Gen. Phelps, who had established his headquarters in the rear of the Twelfth Connecticut. Gen. Phelps' staff was made up as follows: First Lieut. Alfred G. Hall, Ninth Connecticut, A. D. C, and acting assistant adjutant-general; Surgeon William B.Brownell, Twelfth Connecticut, medical director; First Lieut. Erwin U. N. Hitchcock, Seventh Vermont, A. D. C.; First Lieut. Frank Wells, Thirteenth Connecticut, quar¬termaster and commissary; First Lieut. George W. Pot¬ter, Twelfth Connecticut, provost marshal.

The fortifications of Camp Parapet extended from the river to a point in the swamps between Matarie Ridge

road and Lake Ponchartrain. The rebel garrison had consisted of Louisiana troops. Across the river on the west bank the enemy had also constructed a redoubt, mounting six guns. Previous to vacating Camp Para¬pet, they had dismounted and spiked the guns and thrown fifteen of them into the river. The gun carriages had been set on fire, and the platforms and traverses smashed. A huge raft had previously been constructed, and stretched across the river as an adjunct to the fortifi¬cations to prevent Davis' fleet and Halleck's troops from getting by from above. But the Federal forces had at¬tacked the rebels in the rear and compelled them to abandon the Works.

The location of the Ninth at Camp Parapet was less desirable than the ground occupied by the other organi¬zations, but the men made the best of their surroundings and improved their quarters as much as circumstances would permit. The water of the Mississippi was gener¬ally used for washing and cooking purposes, and though yellow in hue, it was found to be clean and quite cold. The Ninth had a good view of vessels going up or down the river, and this added variety to the scene. On the afternoon of May 7, the steamer Diana, which had gone down to New Orleans, returned, bringing Weitzel's com¬pany of Pioneers to camp. There was already consid-able sickness at Camp Parapet, and the chief trouble being diarrhoea, attributed largely to the river water. On Sunday afternoon, May 18, Gen. Butler and his staff passed through the camp.

Capt. Michael McCarten, of Co. C, of the Ninth, had resigned April 15, 1862. He was one of the most popu¬lar officers in the regiment, and his departure was very generally regretted. He resigned on account of the serious illness of his wife, her physician expressing the opinion that if the captain did not soon return home she would not live. Capt. McCarten felt very badly over this piece of information, and received much sympathy from

his brother officers. He wrote out his resignation and tendered it. After some difficulty, it was accepted, and he made preparations to leave. This was shortly before the Ninth left Ship Island for the South West Pass.

Lieut. John G. Healy, of the Ninth, had been pro¬moted in April, and succeeded Capt. McCarten, as cap¬tain of Co. C, of the regiment. While at Camp Parapet, in May, Capt. Healy was ordered to take a detail and proceed to the Court House in Carrollton. Information had been received that some boxes of arms and ammu¬nition had been stored in the Court House, by the enemy, and Capt. Healy was directed to get possession of these. He accordingly selected fourteen men and marched to the place, entered the village, and, followed by a large crowd, proceeded to the building just mentioned. Ar¬riving at the Court House, he posted a guard to keep back the crowd, and then entered the building. A thor¬ough search was made, but nothing in the line of war material was found, save a number of empty musket boxes. Capt. Healy next visited the jail to ascertain the number of prisoners. He found twenty-three confined there, but as none had been locked up for political of¬fences, he did not release any. Capt. Healy discovered two men in the village with loaded muskets. He took these muskets away from them, and let the two men go.

Corporal Michael P. Coen, of Company F, of the Ninth, writing home to Waterbury, from Camp Parapet, May 24, 1862, informs his relatives that "We have got a full suit of new clothes here now, of a style similar to those of Gen. Thomas Francis Meagher's Irish Brigade, —sky blue overcoats, dark blue or black dresscoats, blue trousers with a green stripe, high black dress hats with a pair of green tassels, a green scarf of silk around the waist, besides our belts," etc.

On May 21, 1862, Adjutant Alfred G. Hall, of the Ninth, who was then acting assistant adjutant-general on the staff of Gen. Phelps, started for Lake Ponchar-

train, accompanied by Corporal W. M. Peabody of the Fourth Massachusetts Light Battery. They set out on horseback at 7 a. m., and reached the lake about two hours later. The scenery at this point was beautiful, and the place had been a popular Summer resort. Lake Ponchartrain is some forty miles long by twenty-five miles in width, forming a magnificent sheet of water. Here Adjutant Hall and Corporal Peabody separated, the former embarking for Ship Island, and the Corporal returning to Camp Parapet with the horses. The Fif¬teenth Maine regiment landed at Camp Parapet May 31. The same day, the Ninth Connecticut began embark¬ing at 10 a. m., enroute to Baton Rouge. The regiment and its camp equipage was all aboard about 4 p. m., lines were cast off and the two steamers conveying the Ninth and its appurtenances headed up the river.

Baton Rouge is about 123 miles above where Camp Parapet was located. A good idea of the scenes along the route is given by a soldier, who went up the river some weeks after the Ninth. He says: "About 6 a. m., passed Kenner, a small town on the east bank of the river, eleven miles above Camp Parapet. About 2 p. m., we were up with the beautiful town of Donaldsonville, on the west bank, fifty-four miles by river from Camp Para¬pet. All the way to this point we had seen fine planta¬tions, but about this vicinity the scenery was magnificent, surpassing anything we had heretofore witnessed on the river. All nature is smiling on magnificent fields of cot¬ton and sugar cane, while the white villas of the planters, snugly ensconced among fine and cool-looking groves, and the plantation hands, working in the fields, would almost lead one to believe that profound peace reigned in the land. But after a glance inboard, the sight of a 12-pounder cannon looking you in the face changes your thoughts." Baton Rouge is located on the east bank of the river, and was then a place of some 7,000 people, and the capital of the State of Louisiana. It is built mainly

on a bluff, the latter extending from a point about ten miles below the city to Port Hudson, many miles above. The capitol building, or State House, was quite an im¬posing structure, with handsome grounds. The building had been set on fire by the enemy, on the approach of the Union forces, and badly damaged. Brig.-Gen. Thomas Williams took possession of the city, for the Union, May 10, 1862. At the time the Ninth arrived in Baton Rouge, there were two churches there, a Catholic and a Presbyterian. The former was built of brick, in Gothic style. A rectory adjoined it, and, as was stated at the time, "the reverend father is at home to all visitors."