David Sanford Darling

David S. Darling son of Nathan and Harriet B Leonard Darling was born April 14 1844 in Medway He enlisted and was mustered into the United States service Feb 16 1862 for three years as a private of Co H 31st Regt Mass Vols He was in the expedition of Major General Butler for the capture of New Orleans La and witnessed from on board the transport the bombardment of Forts Jackson and St Philip by the fleet under Admiral Farragut In taking possession of New Orleans his regiment was the first to land He states that he was in the first advance before Port Hudson La from March 6 to 20 at Fort Bisland, April 12 and 13 again before Port Hudson from May 24 to June 17 and under fire nearly every day. On the 14th his regiment lay on the ground for many hours without shelter under a broiling sun when to rise would have been to receive a rebel bullet Dec 19 1863 his regiment was converted to cavalry February 29 started on the Red River campaign April 2 he was in a skirmish near Natchitoches April 8 in the battle of Sabine Cross Roads 9 and 10 battle of Pleasant Hill April 23 Cane River fight at Hudson's Plantation May 1 and Governor Moore's Plantation May 3 Marksville May 15 and 16 and at Yellow Bayou June 18 1864 He states that he was mustered out of service Feb 23 1865 in New Orleans, La.