Civil War fact of the day. On this day in 1864, Richard Taylors Confederates checked Banks advance and forced the Union forces into a retreat at the Battle of Mansfield. Read Richard Taylors reports from throughout the day below to get a sense of the Confederate view of the action. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT, OF WEST LOUISIANA, In the Field, near Mansfield, April 8, 1864-9.40 a.m. Brigadier General W. R. BOGGS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The cavalry forces under General Green had a very severe skirmish with the enemy yesterday afternoon, inflicting on him more loss than was sustained by our own troops. He did not fall back last night, and General Green reports him advancing this morning. Moutons division has been ordered to the front, and Walkers and Churchills will be brought forward. I am not aware whether the enemys whole force is in my front; if so, and he means to move on Shreveport, I consider this as favorable a point to engage him at as any other. Your obedient servant, R. TAYLOR Major-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST LOUISIANA, In the Field, April 8, 1864-6 p.m. Brigadier General W. R. BOGGS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: We commenced skirmishing with the enemy about 2.30 p.m., which continued heavy for some time, the battle becoming general about 4 p.m. We have driven the enemy at this hour 3 miles with a loss to him of six guns, and, as far as ascertained, many hundred prisoners. We are still driving him. We have lost some very valuable officers, among others the gallant and chivalric General Mouton. The force of the enemy consists, as far as ascertained, of the Thirteenth Army Corps and troops from other corps, together with the enemys cavalry force, which is large. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. TAYLOR, Major-General. Will report again at the close of the action. Churchills troops were not up in time to take part in the action, and will be fresh in the morning. I shall push the enemy to the utmost. IN THE FIELD, April 8, 1864-7.30 p.m. Brigadier-General BOGGS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Since my last I have driven the enemy at least 3 miles farther, captured hundreds of wagons, many guns, caissons, ordnance wagons, &c. Some prisoners of the Nineteenth Army Corps have been captured. Banks and Franklin were both on the field. I shall push the enemy with Churchills fresh troops in the morning. Very respectfully, R. TAYLOR, Major-General. The battle still rages, and my loss in officers has been heavy. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST LOUISIANA, Mansfield, April 8, 1864-10.30 p.m. Brigadier General W. R. BOGGS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that the fighting continued until night. The fight then for water was very severe, the enemy being at that time re-enforced by the Nineteenth Corps. We fought the Thirteenth Army Corps all day, and late in the evening met the Nineteenth Army Corps; repulsed and drove them back. We have captured about 2,000 prisoners, 20 pieces of artillery, 200 wagons, and thousands of small-arms. Our loss in officers has been severe, and we have many wounded. Send all the medical assistance and medical stores you can, and if you have any re-enforcements hurry them down. Churchills and Parsons divisions, which did not take part in the fight to-day, have been ordered to the front before daylight to-morrow morning. I shall continue to push the enemy with the utmost vigor. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. TAYLOR, Major-General, Commanding.
Posted on: Tue, 08 Apr 2014 14:47:41 +0000
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