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(PORT HUDSON CAMPAIGN LETTER)

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(PORT HUDSON CAMPAIGN LETTER)
An interesting post-war A.L.S. by Private Henry E. Phinney of the 13th Connecticut Volunteers, 6pp. 8vo., Canterbury, Conn., [n. d.], to the editors of the National Tribune concerning an assault made by volunteers upon the works at Port Hudson during the Vicksburg campaign. Apparently, Union Gen. Nathaniel Banks felt it necessary to offer some sort of incentive (in the form of promotions and medals) in order for the assault to be made. It wasn't until after the war that any action would be taken to uphold the promise, in part: "…there is a bill before Congress for the granting of medals to those whom volunteered in the 'Forlorn Hope' at Port Hudson…if it is just...that the promises made by a major general…when in his distress... appealed to his soldiers to volunteer to come to his assistance...the capture of Vicksburg from the greater number of men engaged overshadowed that of Port Hudson yet the defense of that place was conducted with greater determination…[and] loss...than at Vicksburg. The defenders of Port Hudson did not seek the shelter of their fortifications…on the contrary they meet our forces outside their defenses and fought them with the utmost stubbornness…every inch of ground gained was dearly bought by the blood of the Nation's soldiers…The situation…was depressing…our troops were concentrated at Port Hudson and the rebels taking advantage of this, had again overrun the country…They assaulted the fort at Donaldsonville…its defenders a few soldiers and invalids who [were] assisted by a gunboat (the Essex) repulsed a force twenty times their number…General Banks…appealed to his troops the day after the assault…he promised that every officer who volunteered should be promoted, that every enlisted man…should receive a suitable medal and that their names should be inscribed on the roll of honor…in the order in which they joined…when Port Hudson fell, his object gained, such things were of too little consequence to be remembered by the Hero of brilliant retreats…if the situation is urgent…he sometimes resorts to the Forlorn Hope…promising certain rewards in return for their self sacrifice…". Minor soiling, else very good.