Donaldsonville
Civil War Louisiana


American Civil War
August 9, 1862

A number of incidents of artillery firing on Union steamers passing up and down the Mississippi River at Donaldsonville influenced the U.S. Navy to undertake a retaliatory attack.

Rear Admiral David G. Farragut sent the town notice of his intentions and suggested that the citizens send the women and children away. He then anchored in front of the town and fired upon it with guns and mortars.

Farragut also sent a detachment ashore that set fire to the hotels, wharf buildings, and the dwelling houses and other buildings of Captain Phillippe Landry.

Landry, thought to be the captain of the partisan unit, purportedly fired on the landing party during the raid.

Some citizens protested the raid, but, generally, firing on Union ships ceased thereafter.

Result(s): Union victory

Location: Ascension Parish

Campaign: Operations against Baton Rouge (1862) previous battle in campaign   Campaigns

Date(s): August 9, 1862

Principal Commanders: Rear Admiral David G. Farragut [US]; Captain Phillippe Landry [CS]

Forces Engaged: Three Navy ships [US]; a few partisans [CS]

Estimated Casualties: 849 total (US 371; CS 478)

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Sources:
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U.S. Library of Congress.