Nathaniel P. Banks assembles the largest Federal force west of the Mississippi River, but he soon finds himself facing several problems as he tries to advance on the key city of Shreveport.
Tag: Nathaniel P. Banks
Red River: The Two-Pronged Advance Finally Begins
Nathaniel P. Banks’s Federal forces in Louisiana concentrate at Alexandria, while Frederick Steele’s Federals finally begin moving out of Little Rock in Arkansas. The two-pronged mission to capture the key cotton-producing city of Shreveport is now under way.
The Henderson’s Hill Engagement
Nathaniel P. Banks assembles 27,000 Federal troops and the largest naval flotilla west of the Mississippi for a drive on the vital supply center at Shreveport, Louisiana. A small Confederate force tries to impede the Federal advance at Henderson’s Hill.
Red River: Federals Target Alexandria
Federal army-navy forces follow up their capture of Fort DeRussy by continuing up the Red River toward Alexandria, Louisiana.
Restoring Unionism in the South
Federal authorities try implementing President Abraham Lincoln’s “Ten Percent Plan” in many states. The plan involves loyalty pledges and supervised elections meant to establish Unionist governments in several southern states. Lincoln suggests for the first time that black men be given the right to vote, but the issue remains contentious.
Red River: The Fall of Fort DeRussy
Federal forces embarking on a campaign to conquer western Louisiana and eastern Texas approach a small Confederate fort on the first leg of their journey up the Red River.