Tuesday, May 5, 1863

The Union troops were now operating in a rough and rugged country.  They had left the low, flat and swampy lands of Louisiana.  They now saw splendid mansions which, in earlier days, had sheltered the rich aristocrats.  Many of these residences would soon be burned to the ground.  The advancing and victorious army was not very conscientious, and it is reasonable to assume some overzealous actions were taken, especially when they were short on rations.