The Federal Red River campaign is fizzling out. Frederick Steele’s Army of Arkansas begins returning to Little Rock, while Federal naval forces on the Red River in Louisiana are in grave danger of being stranded in shallow water.
Tag: David D. Porter
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.
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.
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.