Mansfield State Historic Site
A sign marks a key location of the battle
Nathaniel P. Banks
Backstory and Context
Maj. Gen. Nathaniel Bank
arrived at Red River in March, 1864. With him were 30,000 men, for the
objective of capturing Shreveport, Louisiana. Having control of the Red River
pushed the Confederacy back and hurting them logistically. The French-Mexican
forces used the river to supply the Confederates.
As Maj. Gen. Richard Taylor has been retreating up the river while reinforcing his army. When April comes around he finds a spot that he can hold and have an impact of the Union Army. After marching for almost a month Taylor was ready for the fight and it did not matter to him the Union troops almost doubled his. The upcoming battle left the Union forces spread thin because of the narrow road and Banks unaware the Confederates were about to go on the offensive.
Banks developed a plan to trick the Union forces and draw them into their trap. The Confederates attack with Maj. Gen. John G. Walker’s troops engaging first on April 8, 1864. Gen. Alfred Mouton’s soldiers, and Brig. Gen. Thomas Green’s cavalry also attacked on the left and right flanks. Brig. Gen. Thomas Ranson wanted to pursue the Confederates but Brig. Gen. Albert Lee elected to hold their position and wait for reinforcements because of the unsure number of Confederate soldiers ahead. Taylor did not plan on the Union to stop so he sent infantry and artillery to attack. Hoping the Union will fall for the trap and continue to push. Banks instead waited, not falling for Taylors trap.
With the Union stopped and waiting for reinforcements, Taylor decides to send all of his troops to attack Banks line. The Union’s forces consisted of 6,400 that were intercepted by the Confederates force of 10,500. After the Union lost their left side they began to withdraw leaving behind valuable pieces of artillery. On the retreat Banks calls for reinforcements, Brig. Gen. Robert Cameron’s division advanced to strengthen the Union line. Even with the reinforcements the momentum the Confederates had keep pushing back the Union.
On April 9, 1864 Brig Gen. William H. Emory repositioned his troops without orders to help stop the advancement of the Confederates. After finding a defensive position he dug in, unwilling to withdraw. With multiple attacks from the Confederates Emory was able to hold his line, stopping the advancement. As night falls Taylor’s forces retreat but with valuable supplies. The Confederates had around 1,000 casualties compared to the Union with approximately 2,800 casualties.
Commanders of the Battle of Mansfield
Maj. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks
Brig. Gen. Albert Lindley Lee
Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Cameron
Maj. Gen. William Hemsley Emory
Brig. Gen. Thomas Edwin Greenfield Ransom
Maj. Gen. Richard Taylor – Son of President Zachary Taylor
Maj. Gen. George Walker
Maj. Gen. Camille Armand Jules Marie de Polignac
Brig. Gen. Alfred Mouton
Brig. Gen. Thomas Green