archieclement
Colonel
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2011
- Location
- mo
The first major engagement of Prices 64 Campaign, which arguably sets the tone for the rest of it. Two of Prices 3 columns converge in the Acadia valley were Fort Davidson was situated, It was command of General Ewing who had 1500 men and 7 artillery pieces. Gen Fagan arrived first for the Confederates driving back pickets up the valley and skirmishing on shepherds mountain. Price arrives late morning with Marmadukes brigade, Clarks brigade of Marmadukes division with 1100 men takes Shepherds mountain on the west side of the fort, Fagan's largest brigade Cabell's of 2000 men is positioned to the south, 1700 men of Slemmons and McRays brigade are ready to take Pilot Knob to the east, and lastly 500 men of Freemans brigade with Slaybacks Batt are to the north. The confederates launch a series of attacks that drive in the pickets and rifle pits but are unable to storm the fort itself. The Confederates lose around 800 men and the Union 200 men out of the 5000 and 1500 they had engaged respectively. Price attributes the poor performance to the poor performance of the "Arkansas jakes" all the principle brigades involved besides Clarks were Arkansas Brigades of Fagans Division. Dobbins brigade of Fagans division which had been held in reserve all day is moved to the north to close the trap and ladders are made to storm it the next morning.
Ewing finally realizes he is in a untenable position, less then half of Prices army had even engaged so far, so he makes plans to try to evacuate and escape, and blow up the fort. At 1 AM they begin to evacuate to the north passing within 50 yards of Dobbins Arkansas brigades campfires, and begin the retreat to St Louis to join A J Smiths forces
Ewing finally realizes he is in a untenable position, less then half of Prices army had even engaged so far, so he makes plans to try to evacuate and escape, and blow up the fort. At 1 AM they begin to evacuate to the north passing within 50 yards of Dobbins Arkansas brigades campfires, and begin the retreat to St Louis to join A J Smiths forces
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