2008-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008
Autograph Document Signed, “J.B. Briggs Lieut. Comdg.” 7p. quarto, and reads in part: “...On the morning of the 14th, advanced upon Centreville and the gunboat JA Cotten, which were distant about three miles. the infantry which had been landed the day before, had been formed in line of battle, and advanced in that manner. The section of the 4th Mass. Battery was ordered by Gen. Weitzel to cooperate with Capt. Bainbridge’s 1st U.S. Battery, which was in front, the Artillery marching in column. When within two miles of Centreville, the rebel gunboat opened upon the Union boats, which were on a line of the front of the column of Artillery distant 20 yars. our boats advanced returning their fire, until the obstructions in the bayou were reached, where Lieut. Buchanan was killed...Capt. Bainbridge’s battery and the section of the 4th Mass were then ordered into battery, upon the bank of the bayou. The Cotten was soon obliged to retire, out of range, to repair damages, and care for her wounded. She again came down and again was repulsed...Lieut. Brigg’s section was now ordered to advance tot he front to drive some sharpshooters, who annoyed our pickets, from a sugar house, which was near the village. After firing a few shells, the enemy as they afterward expressed it ‘skedaddled.’ Information wwas here brought Lieut. Briggs that there was a field piece planted just to the rear of the village, and he was ordered to advance and shell it...After expending thirty six rounds of ammunition, Lieut. Briggs thought it advisable, especially as he could not see the enmy, they being behind the village, and they could see him, as was evident from the exact range which they obtained to retire. This ended the battle...” VG.
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