A contemporary has this to say of Co. Lyles regarding his service at Port Hudson: "The Twenty-third Arkansas, Col. O. P. Lyles, played a conspicuous part in the defence, not only holding part of Gen. Beall's centre, but responding promptly to the call for reinforcements in the woods, on our left, and afterwards on our extreme right, where they held, untill relieved, what was then preeminently the post of danger and of honor. Col Lyles was more than once called from the immediate charge of his position to do the duties of a brigadier..." [Source: "Port Hudson Its History From an Interior Point of View", Lt. Howard C. Wright, reprint of original article which appeared in "The Weekly True Democrat" 5 September 1863. Lt. Wright served in the 20th LA, later KIA in Georgia.
If anyone can track these elusive letters down, please let me know. My Great Grandfather, Maj. E. L. Black, served under Col. Lyle so I do have an interest.