As the month of May wore away boat load after boat load of troops arrived at Baton Rouge and it soon became evident that the long-looked for movement against Port Hudson was at hand. The 48th received marching orders on the 11th and on the 18th was again on the familiar road to Port Hudson, starting on an expedition from which many in that column were never to return.
That night we camped sixteen miles from Baton Rouge where we remained until the 21st, on which day we received our baptism of fire. The regiment got into line at an early hour and took up line of march for Port Hudson. We had not moved a mile before the booming of guns ahead announced that our advance had found the enemy and in all probability we would soon be engaged.
On arriving at the intersection of the Bayou Sara and Port Hudson roads near the "Plains Store," so called, located at that point, the advance was checked by shots from a rebel battery planted at the "store." Col. Dudley's Brigade was in the advance and received the first shock; some of his troops skirmished in front while others made a flank movement, and the rebels were routed after quite a sharp engagement.
Lieut. Tucker of the Massachusetts 49th, acting on Col. Chapin's staff, lost a leg by cannon shot. After the battle was supposed to be over, and the rebels had precipitately retired, the Division (excepting the 48th) made preparations to bivouac in the field at the right and left of the Bayou Sara road near the "Plains Store." A section of the 5th U. S. Regular Battery was sent a short distance up the Port Hudson road and the 48th Massachusetts was ordered to its support.
