Monday. The Laurel Hill ran in to the landing, & skirmishers were sent out, who soon fell in with the enemy, & we then first heard the crack of rebel muskets.
From our boat there seemed to be a pretty sharp skirmish going on, but as we were a mile distant, could not see much but the smoke of the guns.
Our big guns soon sent some dozen shells into the woods to the N. of the landing where the Laurel Hill was lying, & seen the firing on shore ceased. Probably there was only a small force of rebels.
We landed about 8 A.M. My Co. the first of our Reg. to go ashore (only the 7 right Cos. Having come from Brashear City)—we soon marched up through a rough road through the woods & cane brakes, to a plantation about a mile from where we landed.
Here we found ourselves in front of the enemy—cavalry & artillery. Cavalry & infantry were sent out as skirmishers, while our Reg. took post behind a fence. The rebels sent round shot and shell at us, but with no damage. One round shot passed over our Reg. & landed in a stump in our rear.
About noon the 22d moved up to a place a few hundred yards from where the rebel guns had been posted, where we lay till 5 o’clock. The N.Y. 6th was sent out as skirmishers in the forenoon, & pursued the enemy down the bayou fro a mile, two guns of our batteries also following up. A large no. of Regts. marched up from the lake during the day & moved to the front.
Our Reg. Having stopped for some rations to be brought up, marched down the E. side of the bayou & stacked arms near the rest of the Brigade. Made fires & cooked coffee & grizzled pork, & made a good supper. Soon after dark fell in & marched back to the bridge over which the rebels had retreated & destroyed in port. Here we halted till the bridge could be repaired.
While we were waiting here we had several smart showers, but the men covered themselves with their rubber blankets, & lay quite comfortably. It was late, & very dark when we crossed the bridge, & we marched but a short distance & bivouacked in a rough field. Pitched no tents, but lay [illeg. word] on blankets on the rough ground.
Diary of Isaac Winslow Case [Miscellaneous Manuscripts Collection]