Alexandra, Louisiana
March 26, /64
Dear friends:
This day finds me near Alexandra in good Health and good Spririts but somewhat weary & tired from the long march which we have accomplished in the past two weeks.. we arrived in the
vicinity of Alexandra after a march of 11 days which was two hundred miles.. we marched 11 days in a Rebel land without communication and when got in to the vicinity of Alexandra (at which place we expected to have a fight) we met our troops who informed us that the place had been taken Several days before by a force that went up Red River under Gen A. J. Smith. our troops (with the help of the Gun boats) routed the Rebs after about one hours fight.. our loss was light.. Six Killed & 30 wounded.. we took about 400 Rebel Cavelry Prisoners & 4 pieces of artilery..
Gen Smith with his force have gone on up the River towards Shrievesport & we expect to follow them in a few days.. we had a very good time on our March so far.. I never stood it better to march in my life I caried my Knapsack through except three days when the roads were very good and all the Regt got them halled.. we came the same road that we marched over when we were out last fall. that is a far as Oppelousas.. we passed over the old Battlefield but did not have time to look round much.. the Rebs do not seem much inclined to fight. I think they will soon be cleaned out on this side of the River. I guess I will have to
stop for this time the male is going out in a few minutes. and my
pen is so mean I can hardly make a mark.. when I was at N.O. [New Orleans] I got me a Gold pen and it was a good one worked first rate untill I spoiled it. I broke the diamonds of so it is a miserable thing now my health is good. never was better in the wourld.. we have lived first rate while on the march all the
fres beef we wanted & Sugar. I will close write soon
Lu. Carhart