Stirling's Plantation
Fordoche Bridge
Civil War Louisiana

American Civil War
September 29, 1863

Following the Union defeat at Sabine Pass earlier in the month, Major General Nathaniel P. Banks intended to occupy important locations in Texas. He decided to send troops up the Bayou Teche, disembark them on the plains and march overland to Texas.

Major General Ulysses S. Grant sent him a division, commanded by Major General Napoleon J.T. Dana to garrison Morganza and prevent Rebel troops from operating on the Atchafalaya River. A 1,000-man detachment, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel J.B. Leake, was at Stirling's Plantation to guard the road to the Atchafalaya River and deter any enemy troops from passing by.

Brigadier General Alfred Mouton, commander of the Sub-District of Southwestern Louisiana, decided that he had a favorable opportunity to defeat the Union forces around Fordoche Bridge. On September 19, he instructed Brigadier General Tom Green to prepare for such an attack. Mouton provided Green with reinforcements and gave the order to attack on the 25th.

Green's force began crossing the Atchafalaya River on the 28th, and all were over after midnight of the 29th. At dawn on the 29th, Green's men marched out. Confederate cavalry began skirmishing with Union pickets at Fordoche Bridge before noon and continued for about a half hour. Green's other troops then hit the Union force, drove them and captured many, although most of the Federal cavalry found an escape route.

Although Dana sent reinforcements, mud and rain slowed their progress and allowed Green to get away. Green had defeated this Union force handily, but it did not deter Banks from his intended movement.

Result(s): Confederate victory

Location: Pointe Coupeé Parish

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

Date(s): September 29, 1863

Principal Commanders: Major General Napoleon J.T. Dana [US]; Brigadier General Tom Green [CS]

Forces Engaged: 2nd Division, XIII Army Corps [US]; forces on the Atchafalaya River [CS]

Estimated Casualties: 575 total (US 454; CS unknown)


Grant's Lieutenants: From Chattanooga to Appomattox
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American Civil War Book Titles

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Baton Rouge Louisiana City History and current weather

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