Correspondence
Captain Jackson V. Parker
May 10, 1862 Fort Pike LA
Dear Parents,
As I have a few moments to myself today I will write you a few lines concerning matters and things in this section of the South. As we are the first to take possession of this important post after its’ evacuation by the Rebels perhaps I can write you a few lines that will be fresh and new. It is hard though now days to be in advance of the press for seemingly they intercept every movement in action and it is announced to the public. Perhaps but little damage is done by this as victory seems to be on our side everywhere at the present time.
Our force here now is composed of Co B (Capt. Cronan), Co G (Capt. Porter), a detachment of Co D (Lieut. Thrale (sp)) detachment of Co G (Lieut. Bingham), detachment of the 1st VT Battery (Capt. Duncan). Total 250 rank and file. When we received our orders at Ship Island to get ourselves in readiness in 4 hours to march, the wildest enthusiasm prevailed amongst our men. There seems to be but one prevailing spirit and that was to go where ever ordered and if they were called into action all seemed determined to give a good account of themselves.
After 2 days sail we landed here all excitement subsided, anxiety was lulled to sleep. Our great victory was won..we had taken possession of an abandoned fort. At first sight every thing seemed to lay in ruins but we had no time then to make an examination. We raised the Stars & Stripes and gave three rousing cheers for the Union and the 1st Green Mountain Boys that invaded the hostile soil of Louisiana. We finally ended with 3 cheers and a ______ for our young and gallant leader Mgr. Holbrook. We then broke ranks at a hard ______ and each man for himself selected the softest brick he could find for a pillow and lain down to rest.
The next day we made a thorough examination throughout the fort and found that there had been an attempt on the part of the rebels to thoroughly ruin everything but in their great haste, they only half done their work. The guns were all spited (?) but can be blown out. The carriages (or caissons'? ) are all ruined without few exceptions by fire. The buildings within the fort are all in ruin. I wonder they did not cut down and destroy the fine fruit trees that render the post pleasant and beautiful such as peach, fig, orange, and lemon trees.
We have been here now 6 days and our boys have performed wonders. The rubbish is nearly cleared out. we have about a dozen heavy guns in good condition. I believe if the old fort ground gives her opinion, she would say she felt secure in our hands.
This fort has been a very important post for the Rebels it being at the lower side of Lake Ponchatrane and fully commands the channels that connects it with the Gulf. This has been the great thoroughfare for small Rebel craft since the Blockade. They come down from New Orleans and trek through here into shallow water and bring defiance to our navy but now we have their last communication by water cut off. The South is doomed to fall. Inch by inch this great rebellion will be crushed. I hope the day is not far distant.
We have captured several sails since we arrived here but have only returned one. All the crews profess strong Union sentiments but I think but little dependance can be placed upon their word. I boarded several schooners the 2nd day after we arrived here nd captured on board of one, a large south Flag, the first one taken by any one in our Regiment. Schooners began to come in with papers signed by General Butler. This must be humiliating after boasting so much, to sail with a passport signed by a Yankee General and what is more humiliating from this principal port and city.
I have written all that appears to me interesting now will draw things to a close by wishing you well.
From your son,
Lieut. J.V. Parker
Jackson and Charles Parker's letters are provided courtesy of Karen Parker-Galvin, Charles' great-granddaughter.
