16. A Young Child Soldier’s Extensive Service
In 1862, Confederates captured Edward Black during the Battle of Baton Rouge, and he was imprisoned in Ship Island. However, he regained his liberty when federal troops overtook his captors and freed the Union prisoners. Soon thereafter, in September, 1862, Edward was discharged from the Union Army. He did not stay out of uniform for long, however. Edward reenlisted in February, 1863 with his old unit, which in the interval between his discharge and reenlistment had been converted from infantry to artillery.
The 21st Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment was reconstituted as the 1st Indiana Heavy Artillery Regiment. Edward returned to his old comrades, and served with them as the regiment was kept busy until war’s end. During that time, Edward saw active duty in Berwick Bay, and took part in operations in Western Louisiana. He also participated in the advance on and subsequent siege of Port Hudson, joined the Sabine Pass Expedition, and finally settled in for garrison duty, first at New Orleans, and then at Baton Rouge.