February 9, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
PORT HUDSON, February 6, – Deserters are constantly coming in from the enemy’s fleet at Baton Rouge. For the past two weeks two per day have arrived. All concur in confirming the reported disaffection in BANKS’ army. They state that numerous officers have resigned in consequence of the arrival of negro regiments; that the army is completely demoralized. In some cases it has reached to open revolt. One regiment is confined in the penitentiary for laying down their arms. Reliable information states the force of the enemy at Baton Rouge at 15,000. There are at present no indications of an advance. The reported movement several days since arose from a change of camp. BANKS is reported to have said, ‘My army has gone to hell, and it is useless to deny it.’
A report, coming from Baton Rouge, represents the sinking of the sloop- of-war Brooklyn by the Confederate steamers Alabama, Florida and Harriet Lane, the Brooklyn having been sent in pursuit of the latter.
The Essex made her weekly visit on Sunday last, and was fired upon by our pickets. One Yankee reported killed. She shelled our pickets for one hour. Nobody hurt. Deserters state that BANKS cannot depend upon his army; hence the delay in advancing.
One regiment of Yankees had deserted from the Yankee army at Baton Rouge, and were making their way to our lines, when they were overtaken by two regiments that had been sent after them. A fight ensued, and the estimated number killed on both sides is 100. The deserters were finally captured and taken back.