From The Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies in the War of the Rebellion,
Vol. 34
No. 47.
Report of Col. John Scott, Thirty-second Iowa Infantry, of the capture of Fort De
Russy
hdqrs. thirty-second iowa infantry,
Steamer Southwester, near Fort De Russy, La., Mar. 15, 1864.
captain : In relation to the part sustained by my command in the capture of Fort
De Russy, on yesterday, I have the honor to report that when the attack commenced
my regiment, preceded by the Fourteenth Iowa Infantry, Third Indiana Battery, and
Twenty- fourth Missouri Infantry, was approaching on the Marksville road, moving
by the right flank and about 2 miles distant. I advanced in this manner as rapidly
as was consistent with efficiency until within supporting distance of the battery,
and formed line of battle, my left resting on the road. I was here met by Brigadier-General
Mower, and ordered into position on the extreme right. To obtain a position partially
covered from the fort by uneven ground intervening, also some unfinished and unoccupied
works, but exposed to the fire of the water battery, it was necessary to cross an
open field. This was done under a heavy fire of shell and musketry, which fortunately
was too high to be very destructive. One shell exploded in the ranks, killing 1 man
and for a moment disabling others by the shock. Presently I ordered forward 12 men
to act as sharpshooters, and soon after advanced three companies from my right for
the same purpose. While in this position I was ordered, on hearing heavy firing on
my left, to advance the command, open fire, and take such cover as I could find within
short range of the works, but not to storm them. In obeying this order I soon discovered
that the works were to be entered at once. Officers and men dashed forward with shouts
into the ditch, over the parapet, and into the fort. In this advance 2 men were wounded,
1 very dangerously, 1 severely. While all behaved well, many acted with conspicuous
gallantry. Their highest compliment is in the words of the prisoners : "The men
on the right took the fort."
With devout thankfulness that the list is so short I append statement of casualties.*
I am, very respectfully, your most obedient,
JOHN SCOTT,
Colonel, Commanding Regiment.
Capt. C. T. Granger
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General
* Nominal list (omitted) shows 1 killed and 2 wounded
