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Mobile Alabama
Jan'y 10th 1866

Statement of Serg't Wm B. Gilkeson of the 47th Ill. Vols.

Serg't Wm B. Gilkeson being duly sworn; says,

I left Demopolis Ala on Sunday the 7th inst, in charge of the Guard on the Steamer "Lilly" having been duly detailed for that purpose by my Comd'g Officer. I was informed that my duty was to guard a certain lot of Government cotton on board of said Steamer. On Sunday evening (the 7th inst) at about 8 o'clock P.M. the boat was fired upon by a party of armed men on shore. This was at Gay's landing on the Tombigbee River, Marengo Co., Ala. The party on shore demanded the surrender of the Boat; - saying to the Pilot "land that boat here or God Damn you we will shoot you". The pilot endeavored to land the boat and I protested against it. I ordered my men to fire upon the party on shore and we kept up a sharp skirmish fire until the boat was tied up. My ammunition being nearly all gone I

Transcription Notes:
GILKESON is the actual spelling.