2024-01 Raynors Americana Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/20/2024
Confederate soldier's 3pp. letter written by John D. Austen of the Louisiana 4th Pvt., Corpl. Datelined, Bayou Sara Louisiana, Confederate States, March 11, 1861. In part, I promised to send you a Louisiana Medal and one of the celebrated 'Blue Cockades'. The medal I have not been able to obtain, but I enclose the 'Cockcade'. The one I send is the latest, made since the formation of our Southern Government. The original ones were like this with the exception that they did not contain the picture of His Excellency Jefferson Davis. They were worn on the left side of the hat by the gentlemen and the ladies wore them on their left shoulder. They were to denote that the wearer ..was in favor of immediate Secession. The streets of New Orleans presented a beautiful sight, as swarms of fair ladies passed wearing the badge of independence. The picture of President Davis looks a great deal like him. ... I have just returned from an Encampment of the Military of Woodville, Miss. Our artillery company was invited to join the encampment. ... Dr. Holt presented the Wilkinson Rifle Company one of the most beautiful and gorgeous flags I have ever seen. ... After the reception of our company of 'Bayou Sara Artillery' fired a grand Salute ... the tents were struck and the whole battalion marched into the Rail Road depot where we took the cars home ... Along the route of the march, the ladies honored us with waving their handkerchiefs. we had a glorious time of it. ...." 4th Infantry Regiment, organized at New Orleans, Louisiana in April, 1861, contained men from New Orleans and the parishes of St. Helena, Lafourche, West Feliciana, Plaquemines, West Baton Rouge, and East Carroll. The unit served on the gulf coast of Louisiana and Mississippi, then moved to Tennessee where it was engaged in the fight at Shiloh. Later it was assigned to Maxey's Brigade, Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana. It saw action at Vicksburg and Baton Rouge, and was on duty at Port Hudson. until March, 1863. Sent to Jackson and later Mobile, it then was assigned to Quarles' and Gibbon's Brigade. The regiment participated in the Atlanta and Hood's Tennessee campaigns, and in 1865 returned to Mobile. It sustained 209 casualties at Shiloh, had 403 present for duty in July, 1862, totaled 374 men and 391 arms in December, 1863, and had 161 fit for duty in November, 1864. The 4th was included in the surrender on May 4, 1865.
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