Rifenburgh, Peter E. (1843-1863) to Sister
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08914.027 Author/Creator: Rifenburgh, Peter E. (1843-1863) Place Written: Port Hudson, Louisiana Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 June 1863 Pagination: 6 p. ; 20.5 x 13.2 cm. Order a Copy
Marched to Port Hudson on May 20th. Boarded the steamer Bard and sailed until sundown, when they arrived at Baton Rouge. Sailed 10 more miles the next day, and landed on shore. Got 100 rounds worth of cartridges, and then marched the rest of the way to Port Hudson. Rained "like the devil" that night; were "wet as cats." Marched the next afternoon until they were within two miles of their current position. Made their way to their current position the next day. The next day "our regiment made a charge on the Rebels in the wood and drove them all out and burned five houses." Has fallen back since then to their old position. Made another charge at the Rebels the next day, getting "within 100 yards of the Rebel breastworks." Pushed back by grape shot and artillery shells. Fell back, and then made another charge, getting to the same spot as before. His colonel "took out his sword and swung that and gave the command forward." He got shot twice and was dead within the hour. After he got shot, he said "boys, I have done my duty." Battle lasted until 5:00 PM. Three from his company were killed. Worked to build breastworks the next day. His house is "made out of brush, and when it rains we almost drown." Ephraim Lasher and James Patton are wounded. Was "one of the lucky ones." Lewis Brooks is down at Camp Parapet away from the battle. Will be able to write more after Port Hudson.
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