May 27, 1863 (Wednesday): Port Hudson Assaulted

US Cemetary at Port Hudson (CivilWarAlbum.Com)

 ON THE FIELD,

May 27, 1863.
    About half an hour by sun this morning the enemy opened an infernal fire on our lines. With occasional lulls, the cannonade continued until about 2 p. m., when I learned the enemy had formed in line of battle, and was advancing on General Beall's center and left. Without waiting for official notification, I at once pushed forward to his support every man I could spare. My men had barely got their position when the enemy opened fire, advancing with infantry and artillery. He was repulsed three several times, and has now retired. I am holding the field, General Beall's forces having gone to the left. What the enemy's loss is it is impossible to say. Subordinate commanders not having handed in their reports, it is impossible to give an accurate list of casualties. I will supply the omission hereafter.
     Respectfully, &c.,


     W. R. MILES,
     Colonel, &c.

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 26, Part 1, Page 169.

Port Hudson was located 25 miles north of Baton Rouge.  In March Admiral Farragut bombarded the works while passing up river to Vicksburg, losing the USS Mississippi.  From May 8-10 gunboats gain hammered the position.  On the 26th the 19th Corp of Banks Army advanced and made contact on the Bayou Sara Road, four miles  away.  This was followed by a larger assault on the 27th.  As was the case in Vicksburg, frontal assaults having failed, the position was invested and siege operations begun.