This is a group of five bullets recovered on private property in Ascension County, Louisiana, near the site of the Battle of Donaldsonville, Louisiana that took place 28 June, 1863. This is considered to be a part of Confederate Major General Richard Taylor's operations in west Louisiana. On the morning of 28 June, 1863, two Texas brigades, one under the command of Brigadier General Tom Green, the other under the command of Colonel James Patrick Major, to take the town of Donaldsonville. In order for this to be accomplished, Fort Butler, a Union post that was occupied by only two companies of the 28th Maine Infantry Regiment, would have to be taken. The Confederate forces, approximately 4,000 between the two brigades, initially had success, surrounding the fort and passing through outer obstacles very easily. Eventually the troops attacking along the levee ran into a ditch to wide to cross. At this point, the Union gunboat, USS Princess Royal, began to shell the attacking Texans. Eventually the Confederates were forced to cease operations and retire from the area.Union casualties were reported as 23 killed, wounded or missing, while the Confederates suffered 301 casualties, killed, wounded or missing. This battle is considered a Union victory, as the Union forces remained in Donaldsonville. These five bullets were all recovered on private property.

Item # AA2573

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