It seems that the 53d Regiment, from this vicinity, was engaged in the recent severe battle before Port Hudson. The correspondent of the Fitchburg Reveille, dated May 28th, before Port Hudson, has the following particulars.
It was on the morning of the 15th inst., at 5 A. M., that we bid farewell to the town of Alexandria, and after long and tedious days' marching, on the 23d we arrived within about eight miles of Port Hudson. On the 23d the 3d division moved up to within a few miles of the enemy's fortifications and encamped. On the 29th, while encamped at Simnes, the request to fill vacancies in the 53d Regiment was granted by Col. Gooding and acting 2d Lieut. Bailey was choosen captain; Sergeant Jerome K. Taft, 1st lieut.; Corporal Fred A. Hale 2d lieut.; Corporal Alvin O. Stickney orderly sergeant; and Corporal Simonds promoted to sergeant of Co. A. This regiment was detached at that place to guard stores and ammunitions, and took transports to Bayou Sara, from which they marched to the brigade camping ground of the 21st inst., arriving just at dark.
At about noon of the 25th this division advanced through the woods, cutting a road through for our artillery, as they proceeded towards the enemy's works. They had not proceeded far, however, before they met the enemy, and sharp skirmishing and fighting continued till dark, many of our advance being killed and wounded, but steadily driving the enemy towards their works. At dark the 53d was thrown forward, and while skirmishing, Capt. Bailey of Co. I was wounded in the left side and arm, from the effects of which he died in the hospital last evening. Private Hinchcliffe of Co. F, and one from Co. I were also wounded. The day of the 26th was mostly occupied in skirmishing and getting our artillery in position. Yesterday morning at six a. m., our whole line advanced and continued to, throughout the whole day. Although the enemy contested every inch of ground with their infantry and artillery, we have driven them into their fortifications, not without considerable loss on both sides however.
Today there is a cessation of hostilities to bury the dead, but I do not think it will be long before the battle will commence again. All are confident that Port Hudson will fall.
I have heard but three from our regiment wounded, private Charles Robeson of Co. F, leg amputated below the knee, and private Charles Smith in the face; and one in Co. C. Co. A is detached to guard prisoners, about 20 of which were taken and sent to the rear yesterday for them to guard. (Worcester Aegis and Transcript; June 13, 1863; pg. 2, col. 6.)
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