Alternate Paths: Baton Rouge

[OldReliable1862]

The Battle of Baton Rouge seemed to be a building to a Confederate victory, until the failure of the Arkansas to arrive forced Breckinridge to withdraw. I believe Baton Rouge was supposed to be the first step to eventually capturing New Orleans, but none of Van Dorn and Breckinridge's plans came to fruition.

But let's say the Arkansas manages to arrive, allowing Breckinridge to attack the Union positions. Van Dorn can probably bring his troops down the NOJ&GN RR to meet Breckinridge. Attacking New Orleans would likely require cutting the railroads leading into the city and laying siege, which would probably require more troops than the Confederates have.

How many troops did the Union have in and around the city in late 1862? Interestingly, President Davis issued a bill of attainder calling for Ben Butler's execution should he be captured, which could cause problems if the Confederates manage to do so.

 

[OldReliable1862]

Alternatively, there's Richard Taylor's 1863 plan to move down the Bayou Teche and recapture New Orleans which Kirby Smith disapproved of. Losing NOLA during the spring of 1863 would almost certainly force Banks and Grant to change their plans.

 

[Luke Freet]

If Baton Rouge were taken, given that Breckinridge had a large division at best, I doubt he'd have sufficient strength to march on New Orleans. That said, Baton Rouge would open up the mouth of the Red River to rebel traffic, making it easier for troops to be transferred from the Transmississippi to support operations against, say, Vicksburg