5th Louisiana on the Peninsula

From a New York Times article printed May 26, 1862. It is in reference to George B. McClellan's push up the peninsula toward Richmond in early 1862. This story mentions the 5th Louisiana Infantry and thus has made it to this blog. I've edited the article's numerous topics to the small piece mentioning the 5th Louisiana.

MCCLELLAN's HEADQUARTERS, Saturday, May 24.

The driving of the rebels from the vicinity of New-Bridge by our artillery, yesterday, was followed up to-day by a movement wholly unexpected to our adversaries.

A reconnoissance, composed of the Fourth Michigan Regiment, Col. WOODBURY, and a squad of the Second Cavalry, Capt. GORDON, was made, which is worthy of special mention. Five companies of the Fourth Michigan, under BOWEN, of the Topographical Engineers, and Lieut. CUSTER, of the Fifth Cavalry, acting with the Topographical Corps, crossed the Chickahominy a short distance above New-Bridge. A small command of 30 men, of the Fourth Michigan, succeeded in getting between four companies of the Fifth Louisiana Regiment, who were out on picket duty at the Bridge, and a brigade of the enemy who were supporting them.

In the meantime, the rest of the regiment and the squadrons of cavalry approached the bridge from this side, thus attracting the attention of the four Louisiana Companies. The first knowledge the rebels had of the near presence of an enemy, was the firing from thirty muskets at pistol-shot range, making havoc in the ranks and causing a serious panic, while the main body advanced in front and opened a deadly fire.

The result was that 31 of the enemy were taken prisoners, 15 wounded, and between 60 and 70 left dead on the field. Among the prisoners was a lieutenant.

The casualties on our side were 1 killed, 1 mortally and 6 slightly wounded. Lieut. BOWEN had his horse shot under him during the skirmish.