Brisbin, James S. (James Sanks) (1837-1892) to Jane Brisbin
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01505.05 Author/Creator: Brisbin, James S. (James Sanks) (1837-1892) Place Written: Grande Ecore, Louisiana Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 April 1864 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses the Battle of Sabine Crossroads with Jane, his wife. Writes, "We have had a great battle. Three days fighting. The 1st day we whipped them. The 2nd day they whipped us and the third day we whipped them. The fighting was dreadful and we have lost terribly. In the 2nd days fight, my horse had his head blown off by a shell and fell on me holding me fast. I came near being captured but got my leg out from under him and mounted on a rebel horse whose rider had been shot, I escaped from the field. I have the horse, saddle and bridle." States his company lost supplies and personal money in the battle. Declares "I did well in the battle. I never fought better in my life- and I think my reputation as a brave man is now established beyond a doubt." Reveals that Union forces are being pushed back, and expresses hope that they will retreat to New Orleans. Relates that many Union leaders were wounded, and that after three days of battle they lost twenty cannons and more than 100 wagons. States that General Ransom (possibly Thomas Edward Greenfield Ransom) sustained a shot in the knee. Reports that General Lee (possibly Albert Lindley Lee) was hit but not injured, and that Colonels Lysander Webb, Benedict Lewis, and [Lindsy] were killed during the battle. Recounts that 17 regimental commanders were killed, that Captain Chapman's legs were shot off, and that General William Buel Franklin "had two horses shot under him."
Brisbin enlisted in the military as a private in 1861, advanced quickly in rank, and was brevetted numerous times for his bravery and meritorious service. He served in the campaign of the Army of the Potomac (1862), the Red River expedition (1864), as a recruiter in Lexington, Kentucky (1864), and as Chief of Staff to General Stephen Gano Burbridge (1864). Brisbin is noted for his leadership of the 6th United States Colored Troops Cavalry (1864) and for his recruitment of many African American soldiers. He received an appointment in 1865 as Major General, United States Volunteers.
The Battle of Sabine, part of the Red River campaign that was fought between 10 March to 22 May 1864 along the Red River in Louisiana, was fought on 8 April 1864. After Brigadier Albert L. Lee's Union troops were overtaken by General Alfred Mouton's Division (under the command of Confederate Major General Richard Taylor) the Union troops were force to retreat. As described in Brisbin's letter, the Union army took a heavy toll, losing 20 cannons, 150 wagons and around 1,000 horses. Mouton was killed in the attack.
Hd Quars Cav Div
Grand Ecore LA
April 111 1864
Dear Wife
I am alive and well and dirty. We have had a great battle. Three days fighting. The 1st day we whipped them. The 2nd day they whiped us and the third day we whiped them. The fighting was dreadful and we have lost terribly. In the 2d days fight, my horse had his head blown off by a shell and fell on me holding me fast. I came near being captured but got my leg out [inserted: from under him] and mounted on a reble horse whose rider had been shot, I escaped from the field. I have the horse saddle and bridle - he is a nice horse and was a reble officers I think. We lost all our baggage in the fight mess stores and cooking utensils. I have nothing in the world but what I have on - the old black citizens pants my blouse coat and vest and a dirty shirt. All our staff lost their clothing. I lost one Hundred dollars in green backs that I had in my carpet bag and Three Hundred dollars in Confederate money. I am almost naked and penniless but thank God my life is spared and I will not complain. I did well in the battle. I never fought better in my life and I think my reputation as a brave man is now established beyond [2] a doubt. You will no doubt read accounts of the battle before this reaches you and I hope see your husbands name in them.
I am only going to send you a line this time to say I am alive. A messenger is going to New Orleans and will leave in an hour. Our Army is falling back and I hope we will go to New Orleans - when I can send for you we got the worst of it in the three days fighting and lost 20 Cannon and over a hundred wagons. Many Genl Colonels and Officers of all grades were killed and wounded and the field looked like a slaughter shop. Many of our wounded are dying as we have had to haul them 35 miles on wagons over [unfit] roads. My friend Genl Ransim is here shot through the knee and I fear will loose his leg Genl Lee was hit with a spent ball but not hurt Col Webb Col Vance Col Benedict Col Lindsy were killed and many wounded, including 17 Commanders of Regiments. my friend Capt Chapman had both legs taken off by a round shot. It was a Jolly fight and I [struck: and] am glad it is over. Col Webb was shot by my side and instantly killed the ball going through his head. Gen Franklin had two horses shot under - him, but I must close I will send you a full account of the battle in a few days. God bless you my wife - good bye and here are two kisses [inserted: from] Your affectionate
Husband,
Jim
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