Operations in West Louisiana
The Operations in West Louisiana, also known as the First Bayou Teche Campaign, was a pivotal yet brief military engagement during the American Civil War. Taking place in April 1863, this campaign saw Union forces under the command of Major General Nathaniel P. Banks aiming to dislodge Confederate troops from western Louisiana and establish a crucial link with the Mississippi River north of Port Hudson, a formidable Confederate stronghold.
Strategic Context
In March 1863, Major General Nathaniel P. Banks, stationed near New Orleans, recognized the strategic importance of controlling western Louisiana. His objective was twofold: to drive back the Confederate forces operating in the region and to secure a vital route that would connect his forces with the Mississippi River, specifically north of Port Hudson. This connection was essential for maintaining supply lines and coordinating military operations.
To achieve this, Banks assembled a combined force of infantry and naval vessels from the Union Navy. This combined arms approach was designed to maximize their offensive capabilities as they advanced up the Bayou Teche, a significant waterway in the region. Opposing them were Confederate units under the overall command of Major General Richard Taylor, a seasoned military leader tasked with defending Confederate interests in western Louisiana.
Fort Bisland – April 12, 1863
The Battle of Fort Bisland, an integral part of the Operations in West Louisiana campaign, unfolded during an expedition up Bayou Teche. Major General Nathaniel P. Banks orchestrated a strategic maneuver, moving two divisions across Berwick Bay from Brashear City to the western side at Berwick on April 9, 1863. Simultaneously, on April 12, a third division ascended the Atchafalaya River, with the intent of landing in the rear of Franklin. This maneuver aimed to either intercept a Confederate retreat from Fort Bisland or outflank the enemy’s position.
In response, Major General Richard Taylor dispatched Colonel Tom Green’s regiment to the front lines to assess the enemy’s strength and delay their advance. The Yankees initiated their advance in earnest on the 11th. By late on the 12th, Union troops had reached the outer defenses, forming a battle line. An intense artillery barrage ensued from both sides, lasting until nightfall. The Yankees, suffering casualties from Rebel cannon fire, retreated and camped for the night.
At approximately 9:00 am on the 13th, Union forces renewed their assault on Fort Bisland. Combat commenced after 11:00 am and continued until dusk. Rebel forces within the earthworks were supported by the gunboat Diana, which had fallen into Confederate hands and shelled the Yankees. U.S. gunboats joined the fray in the late afternoon. The fighting ceased thereafter.
Later that night, Taylor learned that the Yankee division that had ascended the Atchafalaya and landed in his rear was now positioned to cut off a Confederate retreat. Consequently, Taylor began evacuating supplies, men, and weapons, leaving behind a small force to slow any enemy movement. The following day, the Yankees discovered the fort abandoned. Fort Bisland, the only fortification capable of impeding the Union offensive, had fallen. The Union victory resulted in 234 Union casualties and 450 Confederate casualties.
Irish Bend – April 14, 1863
The Battle of Irish Bend, also known as the Battle of Nerson’s Woods or Franklin, was a significant engagement during the Operations in West Louisiana campaign. While two Union Army Corps divisions advanced across Berwick Bay towards Fort Bisland, Brigadier General Cuvier Grover’s division moved up the Atchafalaya River into Grand Lake. Their mission was to intercept a Confederate retreat from Fort Bisland or to turn the enemy’s position.
On the morning of April 13, the division landed near Franklin, Louisiana, dispersing Rebel troops attempting to prevent their disembarkation. That night, Grover ordered the division to cross Bayou Teche and prepare for an attack on Franklin at dawn. Meanwhile, Confederate Major General Richard Taylor dispatched troops to confront Grover’s threat.
On the morning of the 14th, Taylor and his men positioned themselves at Nerson’s Woods, approximately one and a half miles above Franklin. As Grover’s lead brigade advanced, it encountered Rebels on its right, leading to skirmishes. The fighting escalated, and the Rebels launched an attack, forcing the Yankees to retreat. The gunboat Diana arrived and anchored the Confederate right flank.
However, the Confederates were outnumbered, and as Grover prepared for an attack, they retreated, ceding the field to the Union. This victory, coupled with the one at Fort Bisland two days earlier, ensured the expedition’s success in West Louisiana. The Union victory resulted in 353 Union casualties, while Confederate casualties remain unknown.
Vermillion Bayou – April 17, 1863
The Battle of Vermillion Bayou was another key engagement during the Operations in West Louisiana campaign. While Rear Admiral David G. Farragut remained above Port Hudson with USS Hartford and Albatross, Major General Nathaniel P. Banks decided to pursue Major General Richard Taylor’s Confederate forces in western Louisiana. He moved by water to Donaldsonville and began a march to Thibodeaux up Bayou Lafourche.
Banks defeated Taylor at Fort Bisland and Irish Bend, compelling the Rebel army to retreat up the bayou. Taylor reached Vermillionville, crossed Vermillion Bayou, destroyed the bridge, and rested. Banks, in pursuit, dispatched two columns on different roads toward Vermillion Bayou on the morning of April 17.
One column reached the bayou while the bridge burned, advanced, and skirmished. Confederate artillery, strategically positioned, forced the Yankees back. Federal artillery engaged in a duel with its Confederate counterpart. After dark, the Rebels retreated to Opelousas, having successfully slowed the Union advance. The number of casualties in the Union victory is unknown.
Aftermath
Commander Nathaniel P. Banks’s successful campaign led to Confederate Major General Richard Taylor’s retreat from the Teche region. Following this, Banks captured the Confederate fort at Butte a la Rose and Alexandria, further solidifying Union control in the area.
Significance
The Operations in West Louisiana were crucial in the broader context of the Civil War. The Union victories at Fort Bisland, Irish Bend, and Vermillion Bayou enabled the Union to secure a vital route to the Mississippi River, which was essential for maintaining supply lines and coordinating military operations. These victories also weakened Confederate forces in the region, contributing to the eventual Union triumph in the war.