turns of the casualties has been very severe, being in
all, ninety-six killed and wounded out of 350 with which the regiment
went into action."

From this point the regiment marched up to within six miles of the Red
River and of this march the regimental report speaks thus: "What with
our loss in battle, details for special service and the number who have
given out on our very long and severe marches, this regiment is much
reduced and has today only 299 men present of whom but 248 are fit for
duty. You will thus see, though this campaign has been eminently
successful, driving the enemy before us through the entire valley of
the Teche, from its mouth to its source, it has been very trying upon
the troops. Four engagements and 300 miles march in twenty days call
for proportionate suffering which cannot be avoided."

During May and June the regiment was actively engaged in the siege of
Port Hudson, and was almost constantly under fire in the trenches and
in the various assaults on that stronghold, leading the advance on the
23rd of May when a junction was formed with General Auger's column
which completed the investment of the place. During all the siege the
regiment was constantly in the front and finally participated in the
glories of the surrender of the fortress on the 8th of July, having
been in almost constant, arduous duty, marching and fighting since
early in March.

After the surrender of Port Hudson, the regiment returned to
Donaldsonville, where it encamped till the expiration of term of
service. Colonel Bissell sent to General Banks and offered himself and
his command to remain longer in the department if our services were
needed; but he replied that there would probably be no more fighting,
and thanking us for our offer, he issued an order returning us to our
homes. The regiment was finally mustered out at Hartford, August 26,
1863.

In closing this brief sketch of the history of the gallant Twenty-fifth
Regiment, a few words may be permitted in praise of the good and true
men of which it was composed. With very few and unimportant exceptions,
they were of the best sort of men, who were ever banded together for
the defense of their country. They submitted to rigorous discipline
cheerfully, they marched promptly and they fought bravely. A review of
official records shows that the regiment was complimented a great many
times by General Grover A. Birge for the promptness with which it
always moved and for it