Port Hudson in East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
Flag of Truce
"At this junction what was supposed to be a flag of truce was raised, and the rebels, thinking it was a signal for a cessation of hostilities, ceased firing along the line, during which the regiment sought and secured a safer position not quite so near the works..."
--Lieutenant William F. Tiemann,
159th New York Infantry Regiment
Trapped here between the withering crossfire from Fort Desperate and Commissary Hill on May 27, an officer of the 159th New York Infantry Regiment raised a flag of truce. The Confederates on this end of the line honored the flag and stopped firing, and the New Yorkers and other Union troops escaped to safety. The Union commander had not authorized a truce nor did the Union soldiers follow the proper military procedures of the day pertaining to a truce. The following day, Union commander Major General Nathaniel P. Banks formally apologized to Port Hudson's Confederate commander, Major General Franklin Gardner, for the error.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. 30° 41.347′ N, 91° 16.706′ W. Marker is in Port Hudson, Louisiana, in East Feliciana Parish. Marker can be reached from U.S. 61, one mile north of Plains/Port Hudson Road, on the left when traveling north. The marker is located about half mile along the trail past Fort Desperate, part of a 6-mile walking trail. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 236 US Hwy 61, Jackson LA 70748, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Union Battery No. 6 (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Steedman Headquarters (about 600 feet away); Exterior Rifle Pit (about 800 feet away); Confederate Tunnel (approx. 0.2 miles away); Union Trench (approx. 0.2 miles away); Union Sap (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sharpshooter Tower (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fort Desperate Artillery (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Hudson.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 25, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 26, 2016, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 439 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 26, 2016. 3. submitted on December 26, 2016, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.