March 31, 1863, The New York Herald
The United States steam transport New Brunswick, Captain Winchester, from New Orleans 23d inst., arrived here yesterday morning.
Advices per the New Brunswick report the return of Gen. Grover’s forces to the vicinity of Baton Rouge. Three hundred and fifty bales of cotton, twelve to fifteen hundred hogsheads of sugar and over three thousand barrels of molasses were secured, and much more can be readily obtained. Captain Youngblood, chief of General Gardner’s staff, and five members of the rebel signal corps were captured. Youngblood says that the rebels have a force in reserve which can readily be thrown into Port Hudson or Vicksburg. At latest accounts General Dudley’s brigade was encamped at the head of Prophet Island. General Grover’s headquarters are on the cross road leading from Taylor’s house to the Bayou Sara road.
We learn that the steamship Bio Bio, which arrived at New Orleans on the 22d inst., from New York and Havana, was totally destroyed on the morning of the 22d by fire, together with the passengers’ baggage and her cargo, while lying at the wharf. The origin of the fire is unknown.
We have a full and detailed report of the movements of the army under Major General Banks, with the intention of supporting the operations of the fleet. The military forces approached to within two miles of the fortifications of Port Hudson, but for reasons detailed by our correspondent did not come into action at all. General Banks, however, made a thorough reconnoissance of the country and obtained much valuable information, with a view to future operations. The whole army returned in safety to Baton Rouge without any other casualty than the wounding of Colonel Clark. We have not room for the publication of this report to-day, the naval operations occupying our space.
The United States steam transport McClellan, Captain A. T. Gray, from New Orleans, also arrived yesterday, with mails, passengers and $63,258 in specie. She left the mouth of the Mississippi at seven A. M., on the 23d inst.