4th Louisiana Cavalry (CSA)

[wtexas]

I am seeking any primary sources that indicate that the 4th Louisiana Cavalry (CSA) fought at Wilson's Farm (Louisiana) on April 7, 1864.

The late Arthur W. Bergeron, Jr. has them listed there in his book Guide to Louisiana Confederate Military Units 1861-1865 and he has the unit listed as the 7th Louisiana Cavalry.

The regiment was commanded by Louis Bush and there is mention of them in the ORs but I cannot find anything about them being at Wilson's Farm nor their role in the fight, if they were there.

Many thanks!

 

[Stryker65]

If it was commanded by Colonel Bush, then you mean the 7th Louisiana Cavalry. The "4th Louisiana Cavalry" was a separate unit, commanded by Colonel A. J. McNeill. While it is true that Bush's unit was, at the time, known confusingly also as the 4th, it was redesignated as the 7th a few months later to reduce that confusion.

Stewart Sifakis also lists Wilson's Farm as a battle of this regiment, in his Compendium of the C. S. Armies: Louisiana (page 52).
You most likely have already seen this resource on the battle.

However, in an earlier thread, @danny amassed quite a bit of information on the 7th, including its participation at Wilson's Farm. Perhaps he could share some of that with you.

 

[Nathan Stuart]

I am seeking any primary sources that indicate that the 4th Louisiana Cavalry (CSA) fought at Wilson's Farm (Louisiana) on April 7, 1864.

The regiment was commanded by Louis Bush and there is mention of them in the ORs but I cannot find anything about them being at Wilson's Farm nor their role in the fight, if they were there.

Thought the 4 LA Cavalry (CSA) did not fight in this particular action. Although not from primary sources, put together some bits of found information from various secondary sources to determine whether the 4 LA Cavalry was present at Wilson's Farm (Plantation) on Apr. 7.

It seems the 4 LA Cavalry scattered after it was attacked at Campti on Apr. 4. The regiment then helped in harassing Union vessels retreating down the Mississippi River during the relevant period. (see (See http://www.acadiansingray.com/4th Regt. Cav.htm ).

There is no mention of the 4 LA Cavalry being present in the small cavalry engagement at Wilson's Farm on Apr. 7 at various secondary sources viewed. Apparently the only Southern cavalry engaged were troops from Col. Tom Green's Texas Cavalry who had recently arrived from Texas. (See http://www.acadiansingray.com/4th Regt. Cav.htm and SRHB_Red_River_WEB_READY.pdf @ page 100).

All of the units comprising Green's Cavalry Corps during April, 1864, are shown at the following source, https://greens-cavalry-corps.blogspot.com/2007/06/greens-texas-cavalry-corps-order-of.html (Also, no mention of the 4 LA Cavalry here).

 

[Stryker65]

The 4th (7th) Louisiana Cavalry served, however, in the District of West Louisiana, and may have been present as part of the "local troops," which is why they may not have been mentioned as regular cavalry in the action reports.

 

[danny]

I am seeking any primary sources that indicate that the 4th Louisiana Cavalry (CSA) fought at Wilson's Farm (Louisiana) on April 7, 1864.

The late Arthur W. Bergeron, Jr. has them listed there in his book Guide to Louisiana Confederate Military Units 1861-1865 and he has the unit listed as the 7th Louisiana Cavalry.

The regiment was commanded by Louis Bush and there is mention of them in the ORs but I cannot find anything about them being at Wilson's Farm nor their role in the fight, if they were there.

Many thanks!

If it was commanded by Colonel Bush, then you mean the 7th Louisiana Cavalry. The "4th Louisiana Cavalry" was a separate unit, commanded by Colonel A. J. McNeill. While it is true that Bush's unit was, at the time, known confusingly also as the 4th, it was redesignated as the 7th a few months later to reduce that confusion.

Stewart Sifakis also lists Wilson's Farm as a battle of this regiment, in his Compendium of the C. S. Armies: Louisiana (page 52).
You most likely have already seen this resource on the battle.

However, in an earlier thread, @danny amassed quite a bit of information on the 7th, including its participation at Wilson's Farm. Perhaps he could share some of that with you.

Any information that I may have previously posted represents all that I have.

Perhaps there may be something of values in the following:

Bringier's papers are located at LSU

Civil War letters reflect camp life, destruction of property, scarcity of food, slavery, & the search for "jayhawkers" & deserters. Military correspondence includes letters by Col Louis Bush & Simon B. Buckner & relates the history, organization, & election of officers of the 4th La Cav Regt. Other letters discuss camp conditions, morning report, & election of officers of the 7th Cav.

 

[wtexas]

Much appreciated everyone! Thank you!

 

[Bryce]

I am seeking any primary sources that indicate that the 4th Louisiana Cavalry (CSA) fought at Wilson's Farm (Louisiana) on April 7, 1864.

The late Arthur W. Bergeron, Jr. has them listed there in his book Guide to Louisiana Confederate Military Units 1861-1865 and he has the unit listed as the 7th Louisiana Cavalry.

The regiment was commanded by Louis Bush and there is mention of them in the ORs but I cannot find anything about them being at Wilson's Farm nor their role in the fight, if they were there.

Many thanks!

I remember there was an issue of north and south that contained an article by a couple of historians that discussed Wilson's Farm. Maybe you could find the back issue and learn who the authors were and contact them.

 

[wtexas]

I remember there was an issue of north and south that contained an article by a couple of historians that discussed Wilson's Farm. Maybe you could find the back issue and learn who the authors were and contact them.

Actually, that was likely me.

 

[Bryce]

I have in front of me a two page report written by Louis amedee bringier of the seven Louisiana Calvalry on the engagement at Wilson's farm. Call me if you wanna copy 202-556-8483.

 

[Bryce]

Actually, that was likely me.

I would love it if you sent me a copy of the article as an email attachment

 

[Bryce]

I've offered you the official report of the seventh Louisiana Cavalry

do you want it?

 

[Stryker65]

I've offered you the official report of the seventh Louisiana Cavalry

do you want it?

I'll take it. Is there anything on its services in 1865?

 

[wtexas]

I would love it if you sent me a copy of the article as an email attachment

Let me work on it. it was done a number of years ago and my more recent research would see a few things changed.

 

[CdubeJr87]

Thought the 4 LA Cavalry (CSA) did not fight in this particular action. Although not from primary sources, put together some bits of found information from various secondary sources to determine whether the 4 LA Cavalry was present at Wilson's Farm (Plantation) on Apr. 7.

It seems the 4 LA Cavalry scattered after it was attacked at Campti on Apr. 4. The regiment then helped in harassing Union vessels retreating down the Mississippi River during the relevant period. (see (See http://www.acadiansingray.com/4th Regt. Cav.htm ).

There is no mention of the 4 LA Cavalry being present in the small cavalry engagement at Wilson's Farm on Apr. 7 at various secondary sources viewed. Apparently the only Southern cavalry engaged were troops from Col. Tom Green's Texas Cavalry who had recently arrived from Texas. (See http://www.acadiansingray.com/4th Regt. Cav.htm and SRHB_Red_River_WEB_READY.pdf @ page 100).

All of the units comprising Green's Cavalry Corps during April, 1864, are shown at the following source, https://greens-cavalry-corps.blogspot.com/2007/06/greens-texas-cavalry-corps-order-of.html (Also, no mention of the 4 LA Cavalry here)

Do you have any additional information on the April 17th action near Bayou Des Cedars on April 17, the April 24 raid into Pineville, and the actions near Hadnot's Plantation on May 1st during the Red River Campaign? Where are they mentioned in the Official Records?

 

[Nathan Stuart]

Do you have any additional information on the April 17th action near Bayou Des Cedars on April 17, the April 24 raid into Pineville, and the actions near Hadnot's Plantation on May 1st during the Red River Campaign? Where are they mentioned in the Official Records?

Sorry, no additional information found on these subsequent actions inquired about.

From the Official Records (OR), only found the unit briefly mentioned at the following pages:-
'OR': Vol. 34, Part 1, @ page 449 &
'OR': Vol. 34, Part 3, @ page 459.

 

[Stryker65]

Do you have any additional information on the April 17th action near Bayou Des Cedars on April 17, the April 24 raid into Pineville, and the actions near Hadnot's Plantation on May 1st during the Red River Campaign? Where are they mentioned in the Official Records?

On Hudnot's Plantation...

...these were the Union troops engaged. There is no record of the Union troops fighting at Bayou Des Cedars on April 17th or atPineville on the 24th.

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

The late Arthur W. Bergeron, Jr. has them listed there in his book Guide to Louisiana Confederate Military Units 1861-1865 and he has the unit listed as the 7th Louisiana Cavalry.

Arthur Bergeron was a true treasure.

Although I have nothing to add to this thread, I will say Louisiana Cavalry units can be more than confusing.

I encountered similar issues when researching Wingfield's 3rd Louisiana Cavalry Regiment.
It's primary predecessor was the 9th battalion Louisiana partisan rangers. Both groups of men were primarily from the eastern Louisiana "Florida " Parishes.

The records of the regiment and battalion were often mixed up.

I think Mr. Bergeron was even confused at times.

 

[Stryker65]

deleted

 

[Stryker65]

I've offered you the official report of the seventh Louisiana Cavalry

do you want it?

I also have this. I will PM it to you, @wtexas, if you so wish.

 

[wtexas]

I have it. Thank you though.