then left the line of the railroad, for a point between Magnolia and Liberty, intending to reach the Clinton road. Information was received that a regiment of Rebel cavalry was moving towards Wassita. They were found at Wall's bridge, in Tickfaw.

Our cavalry immediately rushed in among them, killing eight or ten, and wounding many more, and completely routing the balance. Our loss was one killed and five wounded. Colonel Blackburne, of the 7th Illinois, who had been conspicuous for his bravery, during the entire raid, was among the latter.

He received a wound in the thigh, and slight ones in the head and breast. It was believed he would recover, but it was thought best to leave him at a house by the road side, where a surgeon and one man remained with him.

After dispersing the Rebels, our forces proceeded East a short way, when they changed their course, and went directly South. At Edwards' Bridge they found another cavalry regiment posted there to dispute their

passage.

One battalion was sent to engage the enemy, while the main body went in the direction of Greensburg. At Edwards' Bridge the enemy could not be induced to fight, except in shirmishes, in which they lost several in killed and wounded, while not one of our men was hurt.

Thus far the appearance of our forces was a complete surprise to the Rebels wherever found. But at Oscia a deliberate plan had been laid for the capture of Grierson's command.

Hitherto the Rebels had evidently thought it was the intention of our forces to return to Lagrange, and had

made every effort to intercept them on such return. But they had at last become convinced of Colonel Grierson's purpose to pursue his hazarous raid entirely through their country, and resolved, if possible, to stop his further advance.

In proceeding further South, he must needs cross several bridges, hence a regiment of cavalry was so posted as to flank Colonel Grierson's men, while a regiment of infantry was placed in his front to hold him in check until their cavalry could attack him in front and

rear.

Seeing his danger, Colonel Grierson at once ordered a charge on the infantry, and dashing through their lines, in a few minutes left them far in the rear, without the loss of a man on his part; and so proceeded on to Greensburg, and thence to Clinton, crossing the Amite ten miles above.

On Big Sandy Creek a guerrilla Camp was attacked and 150 tents, camp equipage, and baggage destroyed, and several horses captured. Taking the Greensville Spring road, our forces then marched directly toward Baton Rouge.

About ten miles from the latter place they suddenly came upon Stewart's cavalry, who, after a short fight, retreated to the river, were surrounded and captured.

On Friday, May 1st, a courier arrived at Baton Rouge with the startling announcement, that a brigade of cavalry, from General Grant's army, having cut their way through the heart of the Rebel country, were within five miles of the city.

This information seemed at first almost incredible; but at four o'clock all doubt was removed, by Colonel Grierson and his heroes being escorted into the city by

by Captain Godfrey's cavalry. At the picket lines they were met by Colonel Dudley and staff, who extended to them a hearty welcome. Spontaneously, as it were, the air rang with three cheers, loud enough to echo along the hills to Port Hudson.

The importance of this expedition can hardly be realized, without reflection on what it accomplished. In seventeen days the troops marched over eight hundred miles, fighting wherever they met opposition; killing and wounding many of the enemy; capturing more than one thousand men, and over twelve hundred horses; and, destroying more than four millions of dollars worth of property, and completely cutting off all communication with the strongholds of the enemy on two important railroads.

As an instance of the activity and perseverance of Colonel Grierson's command, it is stated that while in pursuit of a Rebel cavalry force, they traveled, thirty hours, seventy-five miles, fought four battles, skirmished considerably, forded a river, and all the time neither men nor horses had any thing to eat.

On the evening of the 6th of May, the Union citizens of New Orleans gave to Colonels Grierson and Prince a magnificent reception at the St. Charles Hotel; complimenting Colonel Grierson, by presenting him with a splendid war-horse, and Colonel Prince, by presenting him with a superb military saddle and bridle. Long before the appointed hour, the rotunda was filled to its utmost capacity: The speeches usual on such occasions were made; Colonel Grierson giving all the credit of his success to the brave men and officers under his command.

SKETCH OF COL. BENJAMIN H. GRIERSON.

COLONEL BENJAMIN H. GRIERSON is a native of Pennsylvania-was born in Pittsburg in July, 1827. Consequently, he is (July, 1864,) thirty-seven years of age. At a very early age he was removed to Trumbull county, Ohio, in which State he resided nearly fifteen years, and then removed to Jacksonville, Illinois, where he resided when the great Rebellion broke out.

He was in the produce business, and, to use his own words, "was also a musician, being able to play on any instrument, from a jewsharp to a hand-organ.”

Shortly after hostilities commenced, he left for Cairo to join a company that had been raised in his town; but on arriving there he was called to the position of Aid to General Prentiss.

When the 6th Illinois Cavalry was organized, he was elected Major of that regiment, but remained on detached service as Aid to General Prentiss, with whom he served with distinction.

On the 28th of March, 1862, when Colonel Cavanaugh resigned, Major Grierson was unanimously elected by the officers to fill his place, and in December, 1862, he was ordered to command the 1st Brigade of Cavalry, consisting of the 6th and 7th Illinois, and 2d Iowa Regiments.

Colonel Grierson, with his command, had been engaged in all the cavalry skirmishes and raids of West Tennessee and Northern Mississippi, up to his memorable advent into Baton Rouge. In him were happily united to a good physical organization, sagacity and prudence, courage, tact, and indomitable energy, the natural precedents of glorious success.

INCIDENTS OF COL. GRIERSON'S RAID.

Although, in many instances, our troops passed themselves off for the rebel Van Dorn's, or Jackson's, cavalry, yet, whenever recognized by the country people, they were treated in the most respectful manner; and, on several occasions, the strongest demonstrations of Union feeling were voluntarily made.

Our men were frequently cheered, and invited to share hospitalities, in the name of the old flag-all showing that it is only necessary to once more establish the authority of the Government, to bring back to its allegiance the noble old State of Mississippi.

In many instances the inhabitants, along the different routes taken by our cavalry, when they found we were not as we had been described-namely, robbers and assassins, insulters of women and children, and everything else, base, and contemptible-bade us God speed, and acknowledged that they had been bitterly deceived. In every instance, private property was respected, unless found in the hands of guerrillas.

While several of our scouts were feeding their horses, at the stables of a wealthy planter of secession proclivities, the proprietor looking on, apparently deeply interested in the proceeding, suddenly exclaimed, "Well, boys, I can't say I have anything against you. I don't know but on the whole, I rather like you. You have not taken anything of mine, except a little corn for your horses, and that you are welcome to. I have heard of you all over the country. You are doing the boldest thing ever done. But you'll be trapped, though; you'll be trapped, mark me."

At another place, where our men thought it advisable to represent themselves as Jackson's cavalry, a whole