Looking for assistance regarding actions on the Atchafalaya River in the summer and fall of 1864. A division of Confederate Calvary picketed the river and made raids on the east side of the river. Based on CW era maps and a map called "Plan of Sterling Farm and Vicinity" there was a Rebel camp just south of Bayou Rouge at Centerport (a few miles north of present day Melville). There was a ferry at this location called Morgan's Ferry and/or Centerport Ferry.

Terrell's Brigade of Texas Calvary engaged Federal troops on Sept 17 on the east side of the river. Anticipating reinforcements and artillery being brought up, Terrell moved his brigade back across the river to their fortified camp. By Sept 20, the 4000 Feds were able to float a couple pieces of artillery across the river which gave them enfilading fire. Outnumbered and outflanked, Terrell retreated and the rear guard burned the pontoon bridge across Bayou Rouge. This information came from the ORs and "Horse Sweat & Powder Smoke, 1st Tx Cav" by Stanley McGowen.

In a letter written on Sept 22 to his wife, Pvt David Cook of Co "K" of Likens' 35th Tx Calvary states; "On the 11th of this month we fought Yankees all day. We had 4 killed and seven wounded. We don't know what the Yankees loss is. I am driving the ambulance. We retreated back 40 miles 5 or 6 days ago." Pvt Cook may have made an error with the date of the 11th or maybe there was another fight.

From the ORs: "On Oct 17, Col Terrell received information from an informant of a movement by Federal troops to steal cattle and horses in Vermilion Parish. This information resulted in a fight on the Atchafalaya." Reviewing old CW maps, it appears the only location Federal troops could have crossed was from Livonia to what is today Krotz Springs. This is only a guess on my part.

Saturday morning, Feb 24 I plan to be in the area. Although all traces of the camp no longer exist, is there some one knowledgeable about the area who could possibly add to what little I know or even pin point the location of the camp and where the action of Oct 17 may have taken place?