Confederates continue to harass the Federals retreating down the Red River in Louisiana. David D. Porter’s Federal naval flotilla reaches Alexandria, Louisiana, but it still faces potential destruction as the Red River continues falling.
Category: Louisiana
Red River: Banks Tries Returning to Alexandria
Nathaniel P. Banks’s Federals move out of Grand Ecore, Louisiana, on their way back to their expedition’s starting point at Alexandria. Meanwhile, the Federal naval squadron continues to struggle to get back down the Red River and out of harm’s way.
Red River: Banks Misses His Deadline
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.
Red River: Porter Struggles to Withdraw
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.
The Battle of Pleasant Hill
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.
The Battle of Mansfield
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.