in October 1863 Catholic priest from Abbeville,La. Father Jean A. Poyette reported to Gen. Taylor that he had seen a Union force of 2000 cavalry escorting a pontoon train on the New Iberia - Abbeville Road heading West (La. 14 today). Taylor immediately advises Magruder that the Union intends to cross the Vermilion - Mermentau rivers on the Gulf Coast Road...Taylor also states that he is short handed and ask Magruder if he could assit in this matter. What ever happened to the union force and is the Gulf Coast Road mentioned La.82 today ? I believe they arrive at the Mermentau River but the operation is called off by Gen. Banks sometimes before the Battle of Bayou Bourbeau...but I do not for certain.