Orleans Independent Standard

From the Eighth Regiment.

In The Field, Camp Near
Port Hudson, June 16.

We are indebted to the Rev. George Putnam of Albany, for the following letter written by his son Orra, a member of the 8th regiment, and now before Port Hudson. - Ed.]

My Dear Parents - Again through the blessing of God I am able to write you that I am alive and enjoying usual health. I know you have been waiting anxiously for a word from me, but since I arrived here I've been expecting every day that we should take the fort and have delayed writing because I knew you would feel just as anxious as before, unless you knew I was out of danger. But the rebels hold out so long that I have concluded to write.

We arrived here three weeks ago yesterday; the next day we lay idle but on Wednesday a general advance was ordered and the fight commenced in good earnest. In front of us we could see nothing but works, and none appeared to know in what direction Port Hudson lay, or the distance. On Monday General Dwight's brigade had a spirited fight for the possession of this field and drove them into the woods about half a mile, where they lay until this morning. Two brigades were in front of us when we started, and they soon came upon the rebels posted behind a log breastwork. They poured a destructive volley upon us and I think would have driven us back, as the two regiments in front had already stopped - had not the 5th Vermont broke through and cleared the logs, which they did in handsome style. They were now fairly routed and retreated as fast as possible. They had masked batteries, but our regiment had nothing, until they came suddenly out of the woods in full view of the stronghold. Indeed, most of our boys supposed that we were going ahead, and rushed out in sight, while the rebels were hurrying behind their breastworks as fast as possible. If they had had a support and pushed right ahead, as they would have done in that case, Port Hudson would have been ours without a doubt. They were so close on them that they could not have fired their guns, loaded with grape, without shooting their own men. Here was where most of our boys were killed and wounded. Finding they were not supported they halted and fired as fast as possible - one man in our company firing three times before they returned the fire. They soon opened, and of course our boys had to fall back into the woods. There was also a steep bank just at the edge of the woods which protected them most effectually, and where they have remained until now. We lost about fifty men killed and wounded - ten killed in all I think. We are on the right as you stand facing the river, only the two negro regiments between us and the river. The negroes fought nobly that day, losing largely, and establishing without a doubt the fact that colored troops will fight. Thus ended the first day on the right, and we have remained there until now, or until last Sunday, but we have been ordered back again.

A merciful Providence protected me through the day. I was not in the ranks, for it was not my place, but I did my duty. Balls flew around me merrily, and after our boys got their position we who were carrying stretchers were in the most danger by all odds, but I did not receive a scratch, thank God. I was sick for several days after in consequence of that day's exertion.

The second assault was made on last Sunday, but we did not succeed in carrying the works. We took a strong position close to their breastworks and held it. Our brigade moved to the left before light in the morning, but the attack was not made until after light. I think it was well planned, but some of the troops who had an important duty to perform failed to do it. To describe it to you would take a long time. Suffice it to say that we were repulsed. Here company B lost its first man killed. Out of 40 in the morning we had 23 killed and wounded - three killed - Jason Farwell, and Geo. Brown of Canada. Lieut. Spalding was also killed, although acting adjutant - not having been with the company since we started. We lost about 85 from the regiment.

How long the rebels will hold out I cannot tell, but I think there is not much doubt about our taking the place finally. We have them completely hemmed in on all sides, and unless they have very heavy reinforcements we shall certainly take it.

Most affectionately,

Orra Putnam.