April 16th. Mr. Eaton, of U. S. A. Signal Corps, receiving despatches from and transmitting despatches to U. S. S. Richmond, by means of signals from main-masthead. Albatross engaged shelling the woods on the point opposite Port Hudson, where rebel pickets were stationed—our mail matter being on its way overland, in charge of an officer and some of the crew of the Richmond, at this time. At three P. M. our mail arrived, and the Albatross’s boat fetched it on board of us, returning again with the party who brought it over to us, renewing her shelling of the woods while it was returning below again. These carriers of the United State mail (overland), while in the performance of their duty this day, were fired at by rebel bushwhackers, chased, and came near being captured by same, before reaching the river’s edge and coming under the protection of our guns.
At five P. M., up anchor, got under way, and stood up the river a little farther; at seven thirty P. M., came to anchor a short distance above the village of Bayou Sara, opposite a large and splendid plantation, upon which, and but a few yards from the river’s bank, with fine shade trees in front and rear, loomed up a fine planter’s residence, and, adjoining same, an overseer’s humble cottage, near which were the quarters for the hands employed on the place.
