Marmaduke’s Missouri Expeditions in the Civil War – Legends of America

The year 1863 in Missouri echoed with the thunder of hooves and the crackle of gunfire as Confederate Brigadier General John S. Marmaduke launched two daring raids into the heart of Union territory. These expeditions, though ultimately repelled, served as a constant source of anxiety for loyal Missourians and emboldened Confederate guerillas already operating within the state. Marmaduke’s actions, fueled by strategic objectives and a desire to disrupt Union operations, provide a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of the Civil War in the Trans-Mississippi Theater.

The Prelude: Hindman’s Strategy and Marmaduke’s Ambition

The stage for Marmaduke’s raids was set in late 1862, when the Union Army of the Frontier, under the command of General James Blunt, advanced into Arkansas. Confederate General Thomas Hindman, seeking to halt the Union advance, tasked Marmaduke with a critical mission: to strike at the "rear and flank" of the Union Army in Missouri. Hindman’s intent was to disrupt Union supply lines and force a retreat, but he cautioned Marmaduke against engaging in a "general engagement."

However, Marmaduke, a man of action and ambition, saw an opportunity beyond mere disruption. Upon crossing into Missouri, he learned that Springfield, a vital Union communications center and supply depot, was lightly defended. Disregarding Hindman’s directive to avoid major battles, Marmaduke resolved to seize Springfield, aiming to compel the Union forces to withdraw from Arkansas and establish stronger defenses. This decision marked the beginning of Marmaduke’s first Missouri raid.

Marmaduke’s First Raid – January 1863: A Campaign of Boldness and Bloodshed

Marmaduke’s first foray into Missouri in January 1863 was characterized by swift movements, strategic targeting, and fierce engagements. His primary objective was to disrupt Union operations, secure supplies, and potentially draw Union forces away from other critical fronts.

Second Battle of Springfield – January 8, 1863: A Clash for a Vital Depot

The Second Battle of Springfield, fought on January 8, 1863, in Greene County, Missouri, was a key event in Marmaduke’s first expedition. Marmaduke’s forces approached Springfield, a crucial Federal communications center and supply depot, with the intent of capturing or destroying it. The city was defended by Union troops under Brigadier General Egbert B. Brown, who had hastily prepared for the attack after receiving intelligence about the Confederate advance.

The battle commenced around 10:00 am, with Confederate forces launching a series of attacks and counterattacks that persisted until nightfall. Despite the intensity of the fighting, the Union troops held their ground, successfully defending the Federal depot. General Brown was wounded during the battle, but his troops maintained their resolve. The Confederates withdrew during the night, and although they reappeared the following morning, they refrained from attacking, effectively ending the battle.

The Union victory at Springfield came at a cost, with estimated casualties of 163 Union soldiers and 240 Confederates. However, the successful defense of the depot ensured the continued flow of supplies and communications for the Union forces in the region.

Hartville – January 9-11, 1863: A Pyrrhic Victory

Following the Battle of Springfield, Marmaduke’s forces engaged in another significant battle at Hartville, in Wright County, from January 9-11, 1863. This battle was part of the same expedition into Missouri. The Confederate strategy involved a two-pronged approach, with Colonel Joseph C. Porter leading one column to assault Union posts around Hartville.

Porter’s forces successfully captured the small Union garrison in Hartville and occupied the town. On January 10, some of Porter’s men raided other Union installations in the area before rejoining Marmaduke’s column east of Marshfield. Marmaduke, anticipating a Union response, prepared for a confrontation.

Colonel Samuel Merrill, commander of the approaching Union column, arrived in Hartville and discovered that the garrison had already surrendered. He then set out in pursuit of the Confederates. The two forces clashed, and a fierce four-hour battle ensued. Despite suffering heavy casualties, the Confederates managed to push Merrill’s force back to Hartville, establishing a defensive line.

Although the Confederates emerged victorious in the Battle of Hartville, they were ultimately forced to abandon their raid and retreat back to friendly territory in Arkansas. The Confederate victory resulted in 78 Union casualties and 329 Confederate casualties, highlighting the high cost of the engagement.

Marmaduke’s Second Raid – April 1863: A Diversionary Tactic

Undeterred by the challenges and losses of his first raid, Marmaduke quickly began planning a second expedition into Missouri in April 1863. This time, his objectives were multifaceted: to draw Union troops away from Fayetteville, thus relieving pressure on Confederate forces; to prevent Union troops from reinforcing General Ulysses Grant at Vicksburg, Mississippi, or General William Rosecrans in Tennessee; and to acquire more supplies and recruits for the Confederacy.

Marmaduke’s second raid commenced on April 18, 1863, with his army of 5,000 troops divided into two columns led by Colonels George Carter and Joseph Shelby. The plan was to trap Union General John McNeil’s force at Bloomfield, Missouri, between the two Confederate columns.

However, McNeil received intelligence about Marmaduke’s movements and retreated to Cape Girardeau, a well-fortified position. Colonel Carter, despite being instructed not to pursue McNeil unless he retreated to Pilot Knob, followed him anyway, and was soon joined by General Marmaduke.

Cape Girardeau – April 25, 1863: A Failed Siege

The Battle of Cape Girardeau took place on April 25, 1863, as part of the pursuit of U.S. Brigadier General John McNeil by Confederate Brigadier General John S. Marmaduke. After McNeil found out about the plan of the Confederates to attack his troops near Bloomfield, he moved to the better-fortified post at Cape Girardeau.

At Cape Girardeau, an engagement erupted, involving four to five hours of artillery bombardment before the Confederates retreated to Jackson, Missouri, and then back to Arkansas. The Union victory resulted in 12 Union casualties and 325 Confederate casualties.

The Aftermath: Controversy and Consequences

Following the failed raid on Cape Girardeau, Union General McNeil pursued the retreating Confederate forces, engaging in minor skirmishes until they reached the border. Once there, Marmaduke was able to turn the Union forces back, effectively ending the pursuit.

However, the aftermath of Marmaduke’s raids was not without controversy. In September 1863, Marmaduke accused his immediate superior officer, Brigadier-General Lucius M. Walker, of cowardice in action for not being present with his men on the battlefield. Walker, deeply insulted by the accusation, challenged Marmaduke to a duel, which resulted in Walker’s death on September 6, 1863.

Conclusion: A Mixed Legacy

Marmaduke’s Missouri expeditions in 1863 represent a fascinating chapter in the Civil War in the West. While his raids failed to achieve their strategic objectives of capturing key cities or significantly disrupting Union operations, they had a significant impact on the morale of both Union and Confederate sympathizers in Missouri. The raids also served as a distraction, diverting Union resources and attention away from other critical fronts.

Marmaduke’s actions were characterized by boldness, ambition, and a willingness to disregard orders when he saw an opportunity. His legacy remains a subject of debate, with some viewing him as a courageous and resourceful leader, while others criticize his recklessness and disregard for authority. Regardless of one’s perspective, Marmaduke’s Missouri expeditions offer valuable insights into the complexities and nuances of the Civil War in the Trans-Mississippi Theater.