When the regiment advanced on Port Hudson he was in the hospital sick of malarial fever. Hearing of the affair of Plains Store, the Captain, somewhat relieved of the fever but weak and emaciated, decided to join the regiment. The surgeons tried to induce him to remain a while longer, but not succeeding in this, gave orders forbidding it. The next morning the Captain put on his uniform, left the hospital, and took the early steamer for Springfield Landing. There he was met by the surgeons who called him a "walking ghost," and ordered him back to Baton Rouge. The Captain said he was not going on duty but only to visit the surgeon of his regiment and he was allowed to proceed.
He was there several days, remaining with Dr. Hurd, when he learned that there was to be a charge on the enemy's works the next day. He at once determined to go on duty. The Colonel and surgeon advised against it, withholding their consent, the doctor saying, "Captain, if you go into this fight and are not killed, your fever will come back and you will leave your bones in Louisiana." Capt. Sherman made the long march that night, with the aid of his soldiers, and led his two companies which carried the colors in the charge next day. When the charge did not succeed and the order came to get off the field, the Captain finally reached the ravine on the left, and was subsequently carried on a stretcher to the rear. Dr. Hurd found him exhausted, with the fever returning, and ordered him sent at once to the hospital at Baton Rouge.
Just as the Captain was being put into the ambulance he said to Dr. Hurd, "It is too bad about poor Captain Todd; he went down right in front of me and
