Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
The deadline arrives for Nathaniel P. Banks to return Federal troops on loan from William T. Sherman. But the situation becomes complicated because Banks fails to reach Shreveport and the Red River is falling dangerously low.
Nathan Bedford Forrest’s Confederate troopers attack a Federal garrison on the Mississippi River that included newly recruited former slaves and Tennessee Unionists. The recapture of this garrison results in a high number of Federal casualties, especially among the black troops, which sparks controversy and threats of retaliation.
The lowering water level on the Red River becomes a serious concern for David D. Porter because it threatens to trap his massive naval squadron in hostile territory.
Frederick Steele’s Federals clash with Confederates while trying to move through southern Arkansas and join forces with the Federals at Shreveport. Steele ultimately reaches Camden but their delay in resuming the march enables the Confederates to gain strength.
Nathaniel P. Banks’s Federals retreat to Pleasant Hill, where Richard Taylor’s Confederates track them down. Banks decides to make a stand as Taylor seeks to drive him out of western Louisiana.
Nathaniel P. Banks’s Federals unexpectedly run into Confederates under Richard Taylor blocking their path to Shreveport, which results in heavy fighting in western Louisiana.