Letter from James to Parents, July 6, 1863#

In the Belleville Iron Works

Algiers Opposite

New Orleans

July 6th 1863

Dear Parents,

I have so much to write about. I hardly know where to begin, so I will pitch right into the subject at once. The Regt., or a portion of it at least, have had a battle with the Rebels and have licked them splendidly. The larger portion of the Regt. under the command of Major Morgan were stationed at Lafourche Crossing together with some Connecticut troops – about 700 altogether, I should suppose from what I hear, as I was not there myself. The Rebs attacked this place with about 500 Texans, the very best troops they could raise, armed with rifles, revolvers, and Bowie knifes, bound to take the place or die. Well, they did not take it. It was a most desperate fight. They rushed right over the entrenchments at our boys, shooting right and left with their revolvers, but they soon rushed back again. Those that got in our works never left them alive; our boys ran them through with bayonets. The fight lasted about an hour when the Rebels had to run for it, leaving half of their number on the field, dead or wounded. Our loss was very small, considering Harry Barton and Simmons were shot dead at the first fire. Sgt. Evans was shot 3 times but is yet living. Will is all right. I have not seen him yet and the fight was about 3 weeks ago. He is with his Regt now, encamped at New Orleans. I will try to get over to see him tomorrow. Now a word about myself. I was doing duty at Brashear City with about 140 of our Regt. Brashear City has been a convalescence camp and there were about 800 sick with muskets the only available force fit for fighting, besides our Regt. and a Co. of Indiana battery with 3 large 24 pounders. Well, the Rebs attacked us with artillery and infantry about 3 o’clock in the morning of the 23rd of June and in half an hour we were all prisoners. It was a complete surprise. The officers made no disposition of the men to defend the place. The Provost Guard, of which I had the honor of being a member, made a good fight. Five out of twelve of us were shot. I

was not even scratched; I consider myself quite lucky. We had to march from Brashear City around through roads cut through the swamp to New Orleans – something over 100 miles. I arrived at this place this morning and feel first rate.

There is some talk of sending us to Ship Island in the Gulf of Mexico until we are exchanged and they may send us home. We are paroled not to fight until we are exchanged

I can write no more at present. My health is first rate and they say Will is strong and robust.

Your affectionate son,

James D Wade