The American Civil War saw countless skirmishes and strategic maneuvers, many of which are often overshadowed by larger, more famous battles. However, in the lesser-known western theaters, particularly Louisiana, Confederate Major General Richard Taylor waged a relentless and often successful campaign to disrupt Union control. Throughout 1863, Taylor’s forces engaged in a series of critical operations aimed at defending vital supply lines, reclaiming territory, and challenging Union dominance along the Mississippi River and its tributaries. His strategic prowess and the fierce determination of his troops defined a crucial chapter in the Bayou State’s wartime history.
LaFourche Crossing: A Gambit for Supply Lines (June 20-21, 1863)
Seeking to sever Union supply lines and compel a withdrawal from key points like Brashear (Morgan) City and Port Hudson, Major General Richard Taylor dispatched an expedition under Colonel James P. Major. Setting out from Washington, Louisiana, Major’s Confederates raided Union installations and plantations, gathering supplies and disrupting enemy activities.
As Major advanced towards LaFourche Crossing, Union forces, led by Lieutenant Colonel Albert Stickney, moved to intercept. On June 20, after initial skirmishes, the Confederates were driven back. The following day, renewed fighting saw an intense artillery duel and a direct charge on Union lines. Despite fierce engagement, the Confederates disengaged and retired towards Thibodeaux. Although a tactical Union victory, Major’s forces continued towards Brashear City, demonstrating the persistent threat Taylor’s operations posed.
The Fierce Defense of Fort Butler at Donaldsonville (June 28, 1863)
A week later, Taylor’s broader strategy included an attempt to capture Donaldsonville, Louisiana, a crucial Union stronghold on the Mississippi River. Under the command of Brigadier General Jean Alfred Mouton, Confederate brigades led by Brigadier General Tom Green and Colonel James Patrick Major launched an assault on Fort Butler, the town’s primary defense.
The night attack, beginning after midnight on June 28, saw Confederates attempting to breach the fort’s defenses. However, an unexpected wide ditch near the levee proved impassable for some attackers, and the timely intervention of the Union gunboat U.S.S. Princess Royal provided critical artillery support. Despite repeated, futile assaults, the Union garrison held firm. This strategic Union victory ensured their continued control over this vital Mississippi River point, frustrating Taylor’s efforts to dislodge them from the river.
Kock’s Plantation: Confederate Counter-Offensive (July 11-13, 1863)
Following the significant Union capture of Port Hudson, Federal divisions moved inland from Donaldsonville to consolidate control. They advanced up Bayou Lafourche, met by Confederate Brigadier General Thomas Green’s brigades strategically positioned on both banks. Skirmishes erupted on July 11 and 12.
On July 13, a Union foraging party encountered Rebel skirmishers at Kock’s Plantation (also known as Saint Emma Plantation). What began as a minor engagement quickly escalated, as a smaller, determined Confederate force launched a powerful counter-attack. The Union troops were systematically routed, forced to retreat six miles back to the safety of Fort Butler at Donaldsonville. This swift Confederate victory underscored Taylor’s ability to maintain control over the interior and inflicted significant casualties on the Union forces.
Stirling’s Plantation: Disrupting Union Plans for Texas (September 29, 1863)
After a Union defeat at Sabine Pass, Major General Nathaniel P. Banks sought to occupy strategic locations in Texas. His plan involved moving troops up the Bayou Teche and then overland. To prevent Confederate interference, Major General Ulysses S. Grant sent a division under Major General Napoleon J.T. Dana to garrison Morganza. A detachment of 1,000 men was stationed at Stirling’s Plantation to guard the road to the Atchafalaya River.
Recognizing an opportunity, Brigadier General Alfred Mouton tasked Brigadier General Tom Green with attacking the Union forces near Fordoche Bridge. On September 29, despite challenging muddy conditions and rain, Green’s cavalry engaged Union pickets, followed by a decisive assault by his main force. The Confederates routed the Union detachment, capturing many soldiers. Though Dana sent reinforcements, Green successfully withdrew. This Confederate triumph showcased effective maneuver warfare, though it ultimately did not deter Banks’ larger Texan objectives.
Bayou Bourbeux: A Surprise Attack at Grand Coteau (November 3, 1863)
Later in the fall, on November 3, 1863, another significant clash occurred at Bayou Bourbeux, also known as the Battle of Grand Coteau or Carrion Crow Bayou. Acting under Major General Richard Taylor’s orders, Confederate Brigadier General Thomas Green launched a surprise assault on a Union camp led by Brigadier General Stephen G. Burbridge. Green, reinforced with three infantry regiments, initiated the attack on November 2.
The ensuing battle in Southwestern Louisiana saw fierce fighting. Notably, Lieutenant William Marland of the 2nd Massachusetts Battery earned the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery during this engagement. This battle further exemplified the continuous struggle for dominance in the region and Taylor’s proactive approach to disrupting Union movements and consolidating Confederate positions.
Conclusion: Richard Taylor’s Enduring Legacy in Louisiana
Major General Richard Taylor’s operations in Western Louisiana during 1863 were a testament to his strategic acumen and the resilience of his Confederate forces. From disrupting supply lines at LaFourche Crossing to the intense clashes at Donaldsonville II, Kock’s Plantation, Stirling’s Plantation, and Bayou Bourbeux, Taylor consistently challenged Union advancements and maintained a strong Confederate presence in the region.
While not always resulting in decisive strategic victories that altered the overall course of the war, these engagements were crucial in tying up significant Union resources, protecting local interests, and frustrating Federal efforts to fully control Louisiana’s vital waterways and interior. Taylor’s campaigns highlight a vital, often overlooked, front where the struggle for the American South was fiercely contested.
