In pursuance of orders from General Sherman, I reported to Admiral Porter for orders, who turned over to me all the land-forces in his fleet (about one hundred and fifty men), together with two howitzers, and I was instructed by him to retain a sufficient force to clear out the sharp-shooters, and to distribute the remainder along the creek for six or seven miles below, to prevent any more obstructions being placed in it during the night.  This was speedily arranged, our skirmishers capturing three prisoners.  Immediate steps were now taken to remove the coal-barge, which was accomplished about daylight on Sunday morning, when the fleet moved back toward Black Bayou.  By three o’clock p.m. we had only made about six miles, owing to the large number of trees to be removed; at this point, where our progress was very slow, we discovered a long line of the enemy filing along the edge of the woods, and taking position on the creek below us, and about one mile ahead of our advance.  Shortly after, they opened fire on the gunboats from batteries behind the cavalry and infantry.  The boats not only replied to the batteries, which they soon silenced, but poured a destructive fire into their lines.  Heavy skirmishing was also heard in our front, supposed to be by three companies from the Sixth and Eighth Missouri, whose position, taken the previous night to guard the creek, was beyond the point reached by the enemy, and consequently liable to be cut off or captured.  Captain Owen, of the Louisville, the leading boat, made every effort to go through the obstructions and aid in the rescuing of the men.  I ordered Major Kirby, with four companies of the Sixth Missouri, forward, with two companies deployed.  He soon met General Sherman, with the Thirteenth Infantry and One Hundred and Thirteenth Illinois, driving the enemy before them, and opening communication along the creek with the gunboats.  Instead of our three companies referred to as engaging the enemy, General Sherman had arrived at a very opportune moment with the two regiments mentioned above, and the Second Brigade.  The enemy, not expecting an attack from that quarter, after some hot skirmishing, retreated.  General Sherman immediately ordered the Thirteenth Infantry and One Hundred and Thirteenth Illinois to pursue; but, after following their trace for about two miles, they were recalled.

We continued our march for about two miles, when we bivouacked for the night.  Early on Monday morning (March 22d) we continued our march, but owing to the slow progress of the gunboats did not reach Hill’s plantation until Tuesday, the 23d instant, where we remained until the 25th; we then reembarked, and arrived at Young’s Point on Friday, the 27th instant.

Below you will find a list of casualties.  Very respectfully,

Giles A. Smith,
Colonel Eighth Missouri, commanding First Brigade.

P. S.-I forgot to state above that the Thirteenth Infantry and One Hundred and Thirteenth Illinois being under the immediate command of General Sherman, he can mention them as their conduct deserves.