Nathaniel Banks’s Federals were confronted by Richard Taylor’s Confederates in Louisiana. Grant finalized his overall Federal strategy, and the Lincoln administration continued reconstructing the conquered southern states. A controversial engagement took place in western Tennessee, and Jefferson Davis endured a personal tragedy.
Ulysses S. Grant issues “most emphatic” orders to take no action on agreeing to exchange prisoners of war without further notification. This is intended to deprive the Confederacy of manpower, but since it promises to worsen conditions for both Confederate and Federal prisoners, Grant’s directive initiates a grim new war policy.
Red River: Federals Advance from Natchitoches
Federal forces at Natchitoches, Louisiana, look to continue further up the Red River on the way to their ultimate goal of Shreveport and eastern Texas beyond.
Frederick Steele’s Federal Army of Arkansas encounters resistance while trying to cross the Little Missouri River en route to their rendezvous point at Shreveport, Louisiana.
Everything Indicates a Concentrated Attack
Robert E. Lee prepares his Confederate Army of Northern Virginia for active operations against the new Federal general-in-chief, Ulysses S. Grant. Despite being outnumbered and short on supplies, Lee looks to seize the initiative by meeting the Federal Army of the Potomac as soon as it crosses the Rapidan River.
Red River: Federals Detour Toward Mansfield
Nathaniel P. Banks’s Federal Army of the Gulf veers away from the Red River to confront Richard Taylor’s Confederates. But the Confederates are much closer and in a much better position than Banks had expected.
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.
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.
Arkansas: The Prairie d’Ane Engagement
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.
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 Second Fall of Fort Pillow
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.
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.
North Carolina: Confederates Target Plymouth
With help from the ironclad C.S.S. Albemarle, Confederates prepare to attack an important Federal post on the North Carolina coast.
North Carolina: Confederates Reclaim Plymouth
Confederate army and navy forces regain a town that enables them to open the vital Roanoke River to commerce on the North Carolina coast.
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.
William T. Sherman works to unite three Federal armies for a drive against Joseph E. Johnston’s Confederate Army of Tennessee. Sherman also targets the vital stronghold of Atlanta for what could potentially become a pivotal campaign in the war.
Arkansas: The Marks’ Mill Engagement
Confederates try to intercept a force searching for supplies to feed the hungry Federal troops isolated at Camden in southern Arkansas.
The Army of the Potomac is Ready
George G. Meade completes the reorganization of the Federal Army of the Potomac, with some help from new General-in-Chief Ulysses S. Grant. By month’s end, Meade has the troops ready for the spring offensive.
Red River: Porter in Grave Danger
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.
A New Federal Army on the Peninsula
Ulysses S. Grant orders Benjamin F. Butler and his new Federal army to begin moving up the Virginia Peninsula from Fort Monroe by May 5. Grant’s goal is to eventually link the Armies of the Potomac and the James for a drive on Richmond or Petersburg. Meanwhile, P.G.T. Beauregard is brought up from South Carolina to prepare the Confederates to defend against Butler’s army.
The Grand Federal Offensive Begins
Ulysses S. Grant orchestrates an all-out Federal offensive in which all major Federal armies are to launch a joint attack. One part of this offensive gets under way as Federals are on the move in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.
Last Updated: 5/2/2024