THE WAR IN LOUISIANA: Further Details of the Battle on Cane River; Particulars of General Smith’s Operations (4/11/1864)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 4/11/1864

[Homer_J_Simpson]

From Our Own Correspondent.

ALEXANDRIA, La,, Wednesday, March 23, 1864.

Quite an excitement has been created by the first movements of the army from this point. On Monday, March 21, Gen. SMITH ordered a forward movement of about 3,000 infantry, under command of Gen. MOWER, accompanied by three regiments of Gen. LEE's cavalry, under command of Col. LUCAS, and four squadrons of Col. DUDLEY's command, led by Maj. MAGEE along the Red River road in search of the enemy. Col. LUCAS led the advance, and about thirteen miles out came up with skirmishers of Col. VINCENT's Second Louisiana rebel cavalry. This regiment had been constantly watching us since we left New-Iberia, and one or two small brushes had been indulged in. Col. LUCAS pushed forward, driving them seven miles, constantly skirmishing, until the enemy reached a strong position called Henderson's Hill, where he considered himself strong enough to spend the night. During the afternoon it rained heavy, and it might be supposed that any troops having a decent regard to the comforts of war would go into camp. But, arrived in front of their position at nightfall, a portion of LUCAS' cavalry, with a section of RAWLES' battery, was ordered to the rear. This was the Sixteenth Indiana mounted infantry, under command of Lieut.-Col. REDFIELD, while the balance of the cavalry amused them in front. After a detour of sixteen miles, Col. REDFIELD reached the rear of the enemy's position. Here he captured a courier, with dispatches from Gen. TAYLOR, who was advancing with a supporting force. A squadron of Col. REDFIELD was at times completely surrounded by TAYLOR's men, but managed to keep them in check, while Capt. DOXEY, with two companies, engaged the pickets of the enemy. This was cleverly done. His men, dismounted,

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1861-1865: Seminar and Discussion Forum
The American Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: May 2025.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

Posting history, in reverse order

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Link to previous New York Times thread

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

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The War in Louisiana: Further Details of the Battle on Cane River – 2-3
Army of the Potomac: Lieut.-Gen. Grant and the Troops – 3-4
News from Washington: Special Dispatches to the N.Y. Times – 4
Mr. Long’s Speech – 4-5
The Metropolitan Fair: A Week of Great Success – 5-6
Editorial: The Proposition to Expel Representative Long – 6
The Twenty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment – 6
Good for Health – 6
General News – 6
Shot While Attempting to Desert – 6
An Alleged Pickpocket Arrested – 6