The Mississippi in the Civil War Message Board

Re: Skirmish At Fish Lake Bridge

Regarding Maury's April 11th report below, I question whether Bledsoe was with Ferguson at Fish Lake Bridge, Cypress Bend, in February.

It is strange that we cannot ascertain Ferguson's artillery units during this period, either in the OR or in Bearss. Might I suggest you
contact Terry Winschel, Park Historian at the Vicksburg National Military Park. He may have personal knowledge, or have in his
files unit data and perhaps personal diaries. He has been with the Park for 23 years holding the position previously held by Edwin Bearss.

George Martin

HEADQUARTERS MAURY'S DIVISION,
Vicksburg, March 18, 1863.

Brigadier-General FEATHERSTON:

GENERAL: Please move your whole command at once to Snyder's Bluff. You will proceed as soon as possible with two regiments and with a section of light artillery to the junction of the Rolling Fork with Deer Creek in order to check the enemy now advancing by Steele's Bayou and by Black Bayou. You will use every means to procure and forward information of the movements of the enemy.

Lieutenant Colonel Ferguson has been for several weeks operating in the vicinity of Deer Creek. He has under his command a squadron of cavalry, six guns, and a battalion of infantry 250 strong. General Stevenson desires that you will assume command, if necessary, of his forces. You will be further re-enforced, if necessary, from Snyder's Bluff. On account of their proximity and of the strength of the regiments, it is suggested that you take with you in the morning the Thirty-third Mississippi and the Fortieth Alabama Regiments, now at Chickasaw Bridge. The information on which these orders are based is that the enemy has sent five or more gun-boats, with transports carrying infantry and cavalry, up Steele's Bayou and by Big Black Bayou. Leave at Snyder's, under proper care, all heavy baggage of the troops you take with you to Deer Creek which is not necessary for active field service.

By order of Major-General Maury:
D. W. FLOWERREE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
OR LII/2, p. 436

-------------

HEADQUARTERS MAURY'S DIVISION,
Vicksburg, April 11, 1863.

General S. COOPER:

GENERAL: The official reports of Colonel Ferguson, his commander, and the concurrent statements of his brother officer's, represent the conduct of First Lieut. R. L. Wood, of Bledsoe's battery, during the operations on Deer Creek, Sunflower, and the Rolling Fork in March last, to be most distinguished. He was assigned by me to command of six guns and sent to report to Colonel Ferguson, when attacked by an overwhelming force. Colonel Ferguson's command was disorganized. Lieut. R. L. Wood is reported to have charged the enemy with his artillery, routing him, recapturing the prisoners and wagons, and saving the command. On several subsequent occasions his conduct was marked by the same energy and courage. I hope the Department will be able to promote First. Lieut. R. L. Wood, of Bledsoe's battery, or in some other suitable manner testify its approbation of his conduct.
I am, general, very respectfully yours,

DABNEY H. MAURY,
Major-General.
OR LII/2, p. 456

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