MARCHING EASTWARD

On this day, in his diary, Pvt. Peter Perrine tells us the 16th Ohio, along with the rest of Gen. Nathaniel Banks' troops, resumed their march from Alexandria, Louisiana, eastward along the Red River, going very slowly. The 16th Ohio participated in the guarding of the wagon train which was eight miles long. Rebel troops were harassing the columns both in front and behind. The regiment marched 15 miles before camping for the night. Cpl. Theodore Wolbach adds:

On the 14th we made Gordon's Landing, a very short day's march. Frequent and long halts were made. Firing was kept up in front and rear almost continually during the day.

Pvt. Robert Newt Gorsuch, Company B, adds the following detail:

... Enemy make a dash on our cavalry but are repulsed. March till midnight and encamp near the place where the 120th Ohio was captured. ...

See more detailed and complete descriptions of Bailey's Dam in the Red River Campaign section.

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This period military map shows the approximate route taken by the 16th Ohio and other troops under Gen. Nathaniel Banks as they evacuated Alexandria, Louisiana, heading south and east along the Red River.The campsites of the 16th Ohio are highly approximated as information currently available does not provide detailed locations.

Note that original military attributions on the map reflect the earlier routes of Gen. Banks when he first marched up the Red River in an attempt to capture Shreveport, Louisiana.

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Modern day map showing the estimated route and location of the 16th Ohio on its march from Alexandria, Louisiana, southeast along the Red River toward the Mississippi River, retreating from the attacks of Confederate General Richard Taylor.

A - Alexandria, Louisiana, where the 16th Ohio fought and labored since April 26, 1864, leaving about 2:00pm on May 13, 1864.
B - Estimated location of the 16th Ohio when it camped for the night of May 13, 1864.
C - Highly estimated location of the 16th Ohio when it camped for the night of May 14, 1864.