LaFourche Crossing
Civil War Louisiana

American Civil War
June 20-21, 1863

Major General Richard Taylor sent an expedition under Colonel James P. Major to break Union supply lines, disrupt Union activities and force an enemy withdrawal from Brashear (Morgan) City and Port Hudson. Major set out from Washington, Louisiana, on Bayou Teche, heading south and east.While marching, his men he conducted raids on Union forces, boats, and plantations and in the process captured animals and supplies and liberated slaves.

Brigadier General William H. Emory, commanding the defenses of New Orleans, assigned Lieutenant Colonel Albert Stickney to command in Brashear City and to stem the Rebel raid if possible. Emory informed Stickney of Major's descent on LaFourche Crossing and ordered him to send troops. Feeling that no threat to Brashear City existed, Stickney, himself, led troops off to LaFourche Crossing, arriving on the morning of the 20th.

That afternoon, Stickney's scouts reported that the enemy was advancing rapidly. The Rebel forces began driving in Stickney's pickets around 5:00 pm. Confederate cavalry then advanced but was driven back. After the Union troops fired a few rounds, the Confederates withdrew in the direction of Thibodeaux.

In the late afternoon of the 21st, Confederate soldiers engaged the Union pickets, and fighting continued for more than an hour before the Rebels retired. About 6:30 pm, the Confederates reappeared in force, started an artillery duel, and charged the Union lines at 7:00 pm. An hour later, the Confederates disengaged and retired toward Thibodeaux.

The Union held the field. Despite the defeat, Major's raiders continued on to Brashear City.

Result(s): Union victory

Location: Lafourche Parish

Campaign: Taylor's Operations in West Louisiana (1863) next battle in campaign    Campaigns

Date(s): June 20-21, 1863

Principal Commanders: Lieutenant Colonel Albert Stickney [US]; Colonel James P. Major [CS]

Forces Engaged: 838 men from eight regiments [US]; 2nd Cavalry Brigade [CS]

Estimated Casualties: 267 total (US 48; CS 219)


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Sources:
U.S. National Park Service
U.S. Library of Congress.