Colonel Huckabee:

It is my honor to report to you the actions in which the 1st ARK participated in on the 3rd and 4th of April. We camped near Pleasant Hill LA. And were called to action at Mansfield LA on the morning of the 3rd where we had an arduous trip but upon arriving found the enemy on a long hill overlooking our position. As you will remember you split our battalion taking one wing yourself and sending the other with me into the woods where we might be concealed from the enemy. Once under the cover of trees we heard the Zuauves on our right engage the enemies skirmish line soon we were called into action as we cleared the tree line and moved up the hill we drove the enemy from their position with much style and ease. As we improved our position on a rail fence we saw your wing come out and brush aside the enemy in your sector. But then the sight on the hill smashed our elated feelings as we looked up three of the enemies battalions marched in and formed on the hill above us. They outnumbered us about 5 to 1 and prospects of victory looked bleak indeed. After much maneuvering they started after us and the fight was on we held for a good while but soon another battalion appeared to our left and drove the Zuauves in to our position forcing us to retire. As we fell back the enemy gave their flank and we charged along with your wing causing much confusion in their ranks but they soon recovered and started driving us again. They were pretty rough on us and nearly cut us off but the men worked well and covered each other as we withdrew. This ended the fight on Saturday; I would like to commend Captain Cooke and Captain Jerome and their companies for the gallant fighting and skill in which they executed commands on the field. We then moved on to Pleasant Hill and reformed awaiting the enemy again. As the day started with an artillery duel not much damage done to either side. Soon we could see the enemy in force moving out from behind their guns as they moved forward focusing on our troops on the top of the hill they failed to see the 1st ARK hidden in the woods as their flank passed our center we exploded into them causing much confusion in their ranks and drove them down the hill into a valley where we did much good work on them. But as they brought up more troops and artillery we were forced to with draw. But our men did withdraw in splendid form. We ended in a stalemate refusing to leave the field although out numbered 3 to 1. This concludes my report on the action in Louisiana. I must say that no troops any where performed their duty with as much zeal and confidence as did our men in this engagement.

Your Obedient Servant

Rob Sanders

Lt. Colonel 1st ARK Infantry