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Ok guys I would like to start a new discussion. Let me start with some questions.
Next Thursday September 19th marks the 138th anniversary of what is considered the last major Confederate offensive operation of the war. It was not nearly as large as Lee’s invasion of Pennsylvania in 1863, only about 12,000 troops. Some call it a raid and some call it an invasion.
1. Where did this campaign take place?
2. Who were the major confederate generals involved?
3. Name at least 3 battles of this campaign?
4. What do you think the significance of this campaign was?
I’ll give you two hints. The climatic battle is sometimes referred to as the Gettysburg of
The ______. Remember who started this thread.
Let's see...I think you refer to Price's Missouri Expedition in the fall of 1864. I'm a bit weak in knowledge of the campaign and hope some others pitch in with some replies. This campaign appears as a sort of last hurrah for control of Missouri. The climactic battle took place at Westport around Oct 23rd and is sometimes called The "Gettysburg of The West." I believe this was the last major campaign action west of the Mississippi River.
Confederate generals involved included Maj Genls Sterling Price, John S. Marmaduke, and James F. Fagan.
Battles were also fought at Lexington, Mine Creek, and Newtonia., to name a few. The Federals pursued the Confederates into retreat, but failed to destroy or capture them.
Missouri before, during, and after the WBTS is very interesting and I hope to spend more time studying it.
1. I was a little surprised that John got Marmaduke and Fagan. Not the most famous of generals. There were a couple of more. Who were they? Hint, one was known as the “Swamp Fox” and the other never surrendered.
2. What is unique about the battle of Mine Creek? No hints.
3. What was the first battle of the Invasion of Missouri? Who was the federal commander? Why is his name significant?
4. What was Price’s first objective?
"Swamp Fox" - That was Jeff Thompson. Jo Shelby never surrendered (along with the Outlaw, Josey Wales ,lol!). Shelby later went to Mexico.
Unique about Mine Creek? Was it Gen Marmaduke being captured by a Union private? I'm heartily impressed with the work of the Mine Creek Battlefield Foundation and the CWT for their efforts and encouragement in preserving the area.
I think that is pretty unique.
1st battle of the invasion? I think it was Fort Davidson/Pilot Knob. The fort was defended by a small garrison, led by the hated Gen Thomas Ewing.
Price, it appears, lost too many of his men in repeated attacks. He wanted St. Louis and the Federal supply of arms there, for many of his recruits were without adequate weapons and some had none at all. I think that this engagement sort of changed his mind about that - at least for the time being.
Ok - where's a good book or two, to read?
Regards,
CY
p.s. Where is everybody? This stuff is interesting.
Fort Davidson could and should have been bypassed. But, Ewing was the Union General who issued the infamous General Order #11. More about that later. Price lost 15,000 men in two assaults. You are right about the weapons, of the 12,000 men Price started with 4,000 were unarmed when he crossed the border.
Mine Creek was the only battle of the Civil War fought in Kansas, between “uniformed troops.” I have more to say about that later, also.
I only have a few moments right now. I’ll be back on this later.
I am off for a few days, and I am going to the very hart of Yankee land, Ohio, to see family. I’ll be back next week. Hope to see some good discussion when I get back. J
Ohio is the native state of two of the era’s most interesting characters, John Brown and William Clark Quantrill.
Doug I think the answers are
1.started in West Ga.,North Al, and thought Tn
2.Gen. Hood, Gen. Forrest, Gen. Cleburn
3.Decatur Al, Spring Hill Tn, Franklin Tn
4.to make Sherman give up Ga.
I agree with you!! Franklin was called the "Gettysburg of the West" due to Hood's assualt along the Turnpike from a position crossing nearly two "open" miles. I think you hit the nail on the head.
However, how could you forget Nashville!! LoL!! nothing like a good ice storm and starvation to cause your army to melt away!
Lots of interesting Union generals facing Price's Army in Missouri in '64. Besides the hated Ewing, there were Curtis, still languishing out West after his fateful Pea Ridge victory, Rosecrans banished to Missouri, Pleasanton banished to Missouri, Lane and his Jayhawkers, amongst others.
Doug, are you saying that General Ewing's presence at Ft Davidson prompted General Price to make rash headlong attacks upon the works that he might not otherwise have done?
And i echo Sean and Micheal in identifying Franklin as 'The Gettysburg of the West.' That has always been my understanding, but different historians or popular tradition may call things by overlapping names. To us, it's 'The Civil War', but the English have their own 'Civil War', and the Mexicans have any number to choose from.
Regards, friends, ewc
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