May 6, 1862

2d Lieut. Elliot:
Diary:

     May 6-Tuesday

     Time 11 A.M orders to provide one day rations and go up Opelousas R.R. under command of Lt. Kinsman of Gen Butlers staff, For an expedition. went over to Algiers and took cars. one Section of Battery consisting of two Steel Rifled Guns and one Corp 21st Indiana Reg’t and got under weigh found our Engineer from the Indiana and go on our way at 3 ½ O Clock.

     Found that a detachment of Indiana under their Col had been up an expedition and saw 2 French guns they have captured.

     Met the Col of 21st up some miles farther without either wood or water and after helping them out of their trouble proceeded on our way. Alligators plenty and palm leaf in any quantity all along out route which is through a very large swamp.

     We go some 70 miles up the road and took possession of the Rail R. Station for our Quarters through the night. posted gaurd and I lay down in a freight car & slept until morning. Everything quiet and right.

Corpl. B. B. Smith:

Diary:

     Tuesday 6
     Had a shower this morn but
     Have had a fine day nothing
     Stirring.  Beginning[?] a little
     ????? Every thing quiet.
     Corp Perkins taken to the Gen
     Hospital.  Luke Maegher taken
     To[?] the Regt Hospital W ???ber
     ???? taken to the Regt Hosp
     Nothing stirring.