nd as our rapid advance had left the
infantry far to the rear, feints were made to the right and left to
develop his position and strength.

The village of Pleasant Hill occupies part of a plateau, a mile wide
from east to west, along the Mansfield and Fort Jesup road. The highest
ground, called College Hill, is on the west, and here enters a road from
the Sabine, which, sixteen miles to the east, strikes the Red River at
Blair's Landing; while, from the necessity of turning Spanish Lake, the
distance to Natchitoches and Grand Ecore is thirty-six miles. The
Federal fleet, with accompanying troops, was now many miles above
Blair's, which by river is forty-five miles above Grand Ecore. Driven
from Pleasant Hill to the latter place, the Federal forces would be
widely separated, and might be destroyed in detail. Though it appeared
to be the enemy's intention to continue his retreat, as he was known to
be moving back his trains, yet if undisturbed he might find courage to
attempt a junction with his fleet at Blair's Landing; and I did not wish
to lose the advantage of the _morale_ gained by success on the previous
day.

Our reconnoissance showed that the Federal lines extended across the
open plateau, from College Hill on their left to a wooded height on the
right of the road to Mansfield. Winding along in front of this position
was a gully cut by winter rains, but now dry, and bordered by a thick
growth of young pines, with fallen timber interspersed. This was held by
the enemy's advanced infantry, with his main line and guns on the
plateau. Separating the gully and thicket from the forest toward
Mansfield was an open field, several hundred yards wide near the road,
but diminishing in width toward the west. Here the Federal commander had
concentrated some eighteen thousand, including A.J. Smith's force, not
engaged on the previous day.

My plan of attack was speedily determined. Orders were sent to the
infantry to fill canteens at the mill stream, and to the trains to park
there. Shortly after midday the infantry appeared, Churchill in advance;
but a glance showed that his men were too much exhausted to attack. They
had marched forty-five miles, and were thoroughly jaded. Walker's and
Polignac's divisions had been heavily engaged on the previous day, and
all were suffering from heat and thirst. Accordingly, two hours were
given to the troops to lie down and rest.

At 3 P.M. Churchill, with two batteries and three regime