Battle of Marshall

Shelby’s Raid: A Confederate Cavalry Incursion into Arkansas and Missouri

Imagine a time when the American Civil War was raging across the nation, with battles fought not just on the battlefield but also in the hearts of those who lived through it. Shelby’s Raid, led by Colonel Joseph Orville Shelby, was one such incursion that left its mark on history.

The Context: A Weakened Confederate Position

By 1863, the Confederates had suffered defeats at key locations like Prairie Grove, Fort Hindman, Helena, and Little Rock. Their position in the region was weakened, and the Battle of Gettysburg had resulted in heavy casualties for General Lee’s Army. Union victories at Vicksburg and Port Hudson opened up the Mississippi River, further isolating Confederate forces.

A Political Campaign for Approval

Colonel Marmaduke initiated raids on Springfield and Bloomfield, Missouri, but was repelled by Union forces. This led to Colonel Shelby launching a political campaign to gain approval for his raid. His goals were clear: boost morale among Missourians and divert federal troops from reinforcing the Union campaign in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Approval and Execution

Governor Reynolds pledged a promotion to brigadier general for Shelby if the raid proved successful. Despite some uncertainty surrounding the operation’s chain of command, Shelby received orders on September 22, 1863. His forces crossed into Missouri and reached the Arkansas River by September 27 without detection.

The Raid Begins

Colonel DeWitt Clinton Hunter joined Shelby’s formation at McKissick Spring, bolstering their ranks with 200 newly recruited cavalrymen. The unified troops proceeded to Pineville, Missouri, where they encountered Colonel John Trousdale Coffee’s contingent. Shelby then launched an attack on a Federal garrison in Neosho, capturing the town and its estimated 165-185 soldiers.

Continued Raids and Skirmishes

The raiders gained extra weapons, ammunition, food, and clothing. They stopped at Jones Creek for a five-hour rest before resuming their journey through Sarcoxie to Bowers Mill, where they plundered and set ablaze the town due to its use as a safe harbor for Union militias.

Engagement with Federals

On October 5, Shelby’s forces reached Greenfield. After engaging Capt. E.J. Morris’ 7th Provisional Enrolled Missouri Cavalry, they took the town, taking four prisoners, twenty-five rifles, horses, provisions from stores, and burned the courthouse.

Further Advances

Shelby’s forces arrived at Humansville on October 6 and engaged in minor skirmishes. They seized 30 wagons laden with commissary provisions and compelled a Federal garrison to retreat. On October 7, Shelby arrived in Warsaw from the south and launched an attack on the town, taking 79 prisoners.

Challenges and Ambushes

Federal authorities faced challenges in determining Shelby’s exact location following the events in Humansville. General John Schofield informed Ewing that Shelby was heading towards Fort Scott or Springfield. On October 10, Shelby approached Tipton and engaged Federals guarding the courthouse in Stockton, killing or capturing 25.

The Battle of Marshall

On October 13, the Battle of Marshall unfolded with Shelby positioned between two formidable forces: Lazear’s front and Brown’s rear guard. Shelby attacked Lazear first, aiming to eliminate it before dealing with Brown’s troops. Both sides prepared for battle, with Shelby ordering to destroy the bridge across the Salt Fork to deny Brown’s forces a crossing point.

Retreat and Pursuit

Shelby launched an assault on Lazear, with Major Mullins holding the center and Major Gentry holding the left flank. The terrain provided advantages and challenges for both sides as they prepared for battle. Shelby broke through the Federal’s left flank and retreated northeast with most of his men. The Federals suffered more casualties than Shelby’s.

Final Movements

Shelby changed direction towards the southeast, sabotaged telegraph lines, and joined Hunter’s men near Berryville on October 20. He received word about Federal troops in Huntsville and avoided them, instead heading to the Boston Mountains and crossing the Arkansas River at Clarksville on October 26.

Conclusion

Despite difficulties, Shelby claimed to have inflicted 600 casualties, captured 500 prisoners of war, destroyed ten forts, and caused over $2 million in damage. However, some historians question the accuracy of his report. Shelby’s Raid remains a significant chapter in the history of the American Civil War, showcasing the strategic importance of cavalry operations during that tumultuous period.