Battle of Marshall

Shelby’s Raid: A Confederate Cavalry Incursion During the American Civil War

Imagine a time when the American landscape was torn apart by conflict, and one man led a daring cavalry incursion that would change the course of history.

The Prelude to Shelby’s Raid

In December 1862, the Confederate army suffered a significant defeat at the Battle of Prairie Grove. This setback allowed Union forces to seize control of northwestern Arkansas, weakening Confederate positions in the region. The capture of Little Rock by Union troops in September 1863 further diminished Confederate control over key territories.

These strategic defeats led to widespread demoralization and a significant number of casualties among Confederate forces. In this context, Brigadier General John Sappington Marmaduke initiated raids targeting Springfield, Missouri, but his efforts were thwarted by Union Captain Milton Burch’s forces in January 1863.

Despite these initial setbacks, Marmaduke and Colonel Joseph Orville Shelby planned a second raid. Their objective was to challenge Union control in Missouri, recruit more Missourians, and divert federal troops from reinforcing the Union campaign in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The Launch of Shelby’s Raid

Shelby’s combined force of 600-700 men crossed the Arkansas River on September 27 without detection. They committed sabotage by cutting telegraph wires and joined forces with Colonel DeWitt Clinton Hunter at McKissick Spring, Arkansas, bolstering their ranks with 200 newly recruited cavalrymen.

Shelby’s raid began in earnest as his forces attacked a Federal garrison in Neosho. After capturing approximately 180 soldiers and gaining extra weapons, ammunition, food, and clothing, Shelby moved northeast to Sarcoxie, stopping at Jones Creek for rest before continuing their journey through Greenfield.

At each town they passed, Shelby’s forces engaged in skirmishes with local militia, captured prisoners, and destroyed property. Their path was marked by destruction and conflict as they advanced towards the heart of Missouri.

The Battle of Marshall

On October 14, Colonel Brutsche joined Phillips in pursuing Shelby’s men, leading to a chase until reaching Davis where Lazear abandoned the pursuit. Ewing took over the pursuit and chased Shelby to Carthage, where 30 of Coffee’s men were captured due to lack of rear guard.

On October 16, Hunter’s detachment engaged in skirmishes with Federal forces before hiding near Greenfield. Hunter’s troops moved south with minimal opposition and joined forces with Shelby near Diamond Springs. General Ewing renewed the pursuit but then returned to Fort Scott as General McNeil was closer to Shelby’s forces.

Shelby changed direction towards the southeast, sabotaged telegraph lines in Cassville, and rejoined Hunter’s men near Berryville on October 20. As a result of the raid, Shelby received a promotion to Brigadier General in December 1863.

The Impact of Shelby’s Raid

Shelby’s raid was celebrated by some veterans as a notable military achievement, likening it to Jeb Stuart’s ride around McClellan. However, the impact on Missourians was far more complex. The raid left them grappling with property damage, food theft, and loss of lives.

The raid also had strategic implications, diverting federal troops from Missouri but leaving a lasting mark on the region. Shelby’s forces inflicted approximately 600 casualties on the Federal side, captured 500 prisoners, destroyed ten forts, and caused over $2 million worth of damage. However, historical interpretation suggests that Shelby’s final battle report may be exaggerated.

Shelby’s Raid was a pivotal moment in the American Civil War, showcasing the resilience and determination of Confederate forces. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest times, acts of bravery can leave indelible marks on history.