e north, had about the same number of horse and a four-gun
battery. From Texas, if at all, the delayed reenforcements must come,
and it was vital to cover the roads from the Sabine.

From the Boeuf, on the 16th, I marched on the Burr's Ferry road to
Carroll Jones's, which was reached on the evening of the 18th. Here,
where the Burr's Ferry and Natchitoches roads separated, was a depot of
forage, and I camped.

Polignac's and the Louisiana brigade, under Colonel Gray, were united in
a division for General Mouton. Vincent's horse, from Opelousas, joined
on the 19th, and on the following day was sent forward to the Bayou
Rapides, twelve miles, where it skirmished with the enemy's horse from
Alexandria, twenty miles below. At dawn of the 21st Edgar's battery,
four guns, was sent to strengthen Vincent, and posted in a strong
position near James's Store, where it overlooked and commanded the
valley.

Meanwhile, couriers were dispatched to the Sabine to inform approaching
reenforcements of my position, and direct them on to the Fort Jesup
road. The 21st proved to be a cold, rainy day, with gusts of wind.
Toward evening the sound of Edgar's guns was heard. Fearing a surprise
during the night, Captain Elgee of my staff was sent to withdraw the
battery and warn Vincent of the necessity of vigilance; but the enemy
had been too prompt. Vincent's pickets found their fires more agreeable
than outposts. At nightfall the battery and a number of the horse were
captured, as was Captain Elgee, who rode up just after the event. We
lost the four guns, with their caissons, and two hundred men. Vincent,
with the remainder of his command escaped. In truth, my horse was too
ill disciplined for close work. On the 22d we marched to Beaseley's,
twelve miles, and remained until the 29th, hoping that reenforcements
would reach us. Beaseley's was a depot of forage, and covered roads to
Fort Jesup and Natchitoches; and a cross road reached the Red River
valley at a point twenty-five miles below the latter place, by which
some supplies were obtained. As no reenforcements arrived, and the enemy
was moving up the river, the troops were ordered to Pleasant Hill via
Fort Jesup, forty miles, and I went to Natchitoches, thirty miles. Here,
on the night of the 30th, I met Colonel McNeill's regiment of Texas
horse, numbering two hundred and fifty men, of whom fifty were without
arms; and the following morning Colonel Herbert came in, with a hundred
and twen