Camp opposite Vicksburg

                                                                        Young’s Point Louisiana March 29/63.

 

            Dear Sir!

Fearing, that You may not have received my first letter, I address You these few lines, trusting, that You will have patience with such an intruding Correspondent, as I have prooved myself to be.

 

An other great expedition is finished. At 4 o’clock A.M. of the 14^th inst. Reveille was beat, and in less than four hour’s You might have seen our Division steaming up the Yazoo. Where in the name of mercy, tell me, where are we going to? You will see directly! up the Yazoo, by the left flank down Cypress Creek, and, but stop, let me explain. By Order of General Grant the Levees above had been cut, and the whole country between the Yazoo and the Mississippi is under Water. From Cypress Creek there runs a small Bayou (black Bayou)[a name by the by, which it richly deserves on account of the Color of the Water], in-to Deer Creek and from there into Rolling Fork, and so if we had succeeded, our Army would have arrived in rear of Haines--Bluff, under which circumstances, Vicksburg would have been in a precarious position. Every unprejudiced man must give General Sherman, although unsuccessful, credit for this daring enterprise. Our boats run up that little Creek, where the fancy of the wildest dreamer never would have anticipated to see any-thing larger than a skiff, inded we were often at a loss wether we were on land or water. At last after breaking boats and Trees alike we arrived in Deer Creek near Hills (a Rebel-General’s) Plantation, where our Division, disembarked, and went up on foot near Deer Creek, at a “double quick” in order to assist our Gunboats. Indeed/the Gunboats five in number had gone up about 7 Miles farther, when they found the Creek so obstructed with timber, that it was an impossibility to proceed, and were suddenly attacked by a large Rebel force, whose sharpshooters prevented our gunners’ entirely to handle their guns. Rear-Admiral Porter had given already orders to blow the steam-boat up, when our Division just arrived in time to save our Gunboats. So for the first Time in this War, the Army saved the Navy. This are facts, I was an eye-witness to it. The Rebels as well, as we ourselves’ fell back, on account of the terrible mud. Suddenly however the Rebel Guerillas appeared in our Rear, picking up Stragglers, amonst whom was Tom Hartgraves, that little barberizing Englishman of Comp. “G”. It did not come however to any engagement, only one man of the 83^d Indiana was Killed, nobody wounded. So we returned, and arrived here at Young’s Point late last night. Two heavy iron-clad boats have run the blokade at Port Hudson, and are now, on the lower end of the Canal. Early this Morning about 4 o’clock A. M. our boats commenced a most terrific Cannonading, which lasted about one hour. I do not pretend to be the Daring mortal, who ventures to raise the misterious veil of future, but that much I believe I may tell that the battle of Vicksburg will be the battle of the War; and the record of it will be amongst the bloodiest annals of History.

 

Our Navy is Daily reinforced by new Boats coming down, and the deciding Day can not be far distant. News from our Regiment I can not tell You of any importance. Lieut. Baulder has left during our expedition, and has disgraced himself and the position he occupied by his conduct. Selling, and loosing Articles not belonging to him; Lieut. Cutter most likely will let You know the particulars. Sergeant Reese of Comp. “B” and the Sergeant Major have received Commissions, the Orderly and second Sergeant of Comp. “A” have been recommended, as Capt. Kirby informs me. Please Sir and write to me often, I sincerely trust,/that You and Your Family will be in the best of health, and enjoy all the felicity You so richly deserve. You may be happy indeed, to be free from the chains of War; where hardships, danger, and injustice are the common fare of the Day. Desertions beginn to be frequent again, inspite of severe laws, 5 of our Regt. have deserted, amongst them Sergt. Baxter of Comp. “H”. Letters for You have not come since, if there should be any hereafter, they shall be attended to, as You Desire.

 

If You should see Capt. Richardson, please and tell him, that I have written to him twice, and should like very much to hear from him. I have received very encouraging letters from New York, if I only could return to civil life, but alas, here I am Married by word and honor; and who Knows for how long. Did You receive Your Salary yet! please write to me the particulars in regard to the Bounty, it is for Fr. Nicolai, he says, if he could get his Bounty, he would take his Discharge, if not, he is going to serve his Time out. Please and remember me Kindly, and believe me to be

 

                                                                                    Truly you

                                                                                                obedient Servant

                                                                                                            Charles Trenk

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