The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union And Confederate Armies. Series 1, Volume 17, In Two Parts. Part 1, Reports. Page: 695
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No. 35.
Reports of Col. Allen Thomas, Twenty-eighth Louisiana Infantry, of skir-
mishes at Chickasaw Bayou.
HEADQUARTERS,
In the Field, January 2, 1863.
GENERAL : Having received orders from you on the morning of the
27th ultimo to move my regiment to your left to prevent the completion
of a pontoon about to be thrown across the bayou by the enemy, I ad-
vanced my regiment to that point under a very galling fire from the en-
em.y's artillery and sharpshooters. I immediately placed two companies
of the Twenty eighth Louisiana and four companies of the Forty-second
Georgia on a mound opposite to and commanding the pontoon. The
enemy had here massed a considerable force, whose incessant fire caused
us considerable loss. Our forces succeeded, however, in holding them
in check, preventing the completion of the bridge.
At about 11.30 a. m. I observed the enemy crossing the bayou in large
force and forming line of battle with the evident intention of storming
.our works. At the same timehe threw out a force across a fence to your
left, opposite my extreme right, for the purpose of turning your flank.
I immediately advanced the remaining companies of the Twenty-eighth
Louisiana and Forty-second Georgia to my right, compelling the enemy
to retire with considerable slaughter.
About this [time] you had completely routed his columns, which had
attacked your center. The line which'I had been placed in command
of was incessantly annoyed by sharpshooters, who were in very easy
range, as it was near the woods which he occupied. This caused the
loss on our side of a number of brave men, compelling me to keep the
men covered by day. At night, however, I succeeded in throwing up
temporary breastworks.
The brigade which I had the honor to command. consisting of-the
Second Texas, Twenty-eighth Louisiana, Fourth Mississippi, Forty-
second [Georgia], and Thirty-first Alabama, behaved well, evincing h
strong desire to meet the enemy.
My thanks are due to Lieut. J. G. Clark, who had been ordered to
report to me, for efficient service.
All of which, general, I have the honor to submit.
ALLEN THOMAS,
Colonel, Commanding Brigade.
HEADQUARTERS,
In the Field, January 2, 1863.
GENERAL: In obedience to orders I took position on the evening of
the 27th ultimo in the advance on Mrs. Lake's place, across Chickasaw
Bayou, relieving Colonel Richardson's command, which had been hotly
engaged with the enemy.
Early on Sunday morning the enemy opened on my advance, which
I had placed in a shallow ravine, the nature of the ground being such
as to afford the best protection to the command. My advance suc-
ceeded in holding in check for some time a very large force of the en-
emy, but were finally dislodged and driven in, when I advanced my
preserve and drove the enemy back. Having received large re-enforce-
,ments, the enemy renewed the attack, and after several hours hard
fighting, my ammunition being nearly exhausted and the amen wearied,695
oLY. XXIX.)
VICKSBURG
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The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union And Confederate Armies. Additions and Corrections to Series 1, Volume 17. (Pamphlet)
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United States. War Department. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union And Confederate Armies. Series 1, Volume 17, In Two Parts. Part 1, Reports., book, 1886; Washington D.C.. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth154626/m1/706/?q=%221862%22&rotate=90: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.