Hey Doyle, while transcribing some of my old hand-written research notes, I came across a letter that mentions Fort Pleasants, Cypress Creek and Gaines Landing. Since you've done extensive research on the war on the Lower Arkansas River, I thought you might want a copy for your files.

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Von Phul’s Battery, Drayton’s Brig.,
Price’s Div., Nov. 21, 1863.

Col. Clay Taylor, Chief Art., Dist. Ark.

Sir—In January last I was appointed by Gen. Hindman as 1st Lieut. in a six-gun battery under Capt. Gorham. The battery consisting of heavy guns was stationed at Little Rock to guard against the gun boats and transports coming up the Arkansas River. After remaining in Little Rock some 15 days I was ordered to take charge of the battery, Capt. Gorham having resigned, and proceed to Fort Pleasants, some six miles above Pine Bluff and on the Arkansas River. While stationed there I was ordered by Gen. Frost, then commanding Defenses Lower Arkansas, to accompany Col. Clark, com. Frost’s Brigade, on a trip to the Mississippi River to annoy transports and if possible to stop the navigation of the river between Memphis and Vicksburg. While gone my battery was in two engagements, Cypress Creek and Gaines Landing. At both fights my commander did me the honor to say that I acquitted myself with credit. At Cypress Creek we disabled three transports and one gun boat, killing some thirty men and 500 horses, they being scalded to death by the bursting of a boiler on one of the boats. In the fight I had four men wounded, one gun and its carriage almost entirely disabled, it having five spokes knocked out of one wheel. Nevertheless my guns were brought off the field under the terrible fire of three gun boats.

Since then I have not been in any engagements. My battery on two inspections, one under Col. Alburty and one under Maj. Johnson, I am informed passed both occasions, one of the best inspections of any battery in the District of Arkansas. What I wish, Col., is that my appointment as Sen’r 1st Lieut. may be confirmed by Lt. Gen. E. Kirby Smith.

I have been in the war ever since it has commenced, having commenced my career at Camp Jackson. Most of that time I have served as a private in Guibor’s & McDonald’s battery. I have been in some ten battles on the other side and this side of the river and have never had complaints made of me on any occasion. Trusting that you will use your influence in having my appointment confirmed,

I have the honor to be your obt. servt.,
BEN. VON PHUL,
Capt. Com. Bat. Lt. Art.