Battle of Marshall

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

Imagine a daring cavalry mission that spanned over 800 miles through the heart of the Confederacy during one of America’s most tumultuous periods. This was Shelby’s Raid, led by Colonel Joseph Orville Shelby from August 21, 1863, to November 3, 1863.

Shelby’s mission was multifaceted: it aimed not only to recruit more Missourians but also to divert federal troops and potentially gain a promotion if successful. The political climate in Missouri was dire, with widespread demoralization among the rebels. Could this raid be the spark needed to ignite hope and morale?

Before embarking on his mission, Shelby had to navigate through a complex chain of command. Despite initial hesitations, he received orders from General Price on August 21. The combined force of 600-700 men moved swiftly through Federal territory in Missouri, crossing the Arkansas River undetected.

At Pineville, Shelby joined forces with Colonel John Trousdale Coffee’s contingent and launched an attack on a Federal garrison in Neosho. The garrison surrendered after a brief exchange of small arms fire. This was just the beginning of a series of engagements that would test both Confederate and Union forces.

Shelby’s troops plundered Bowers Mill, set it ablaze, and continued their march to Greenfield on October 5. Here, they clashed with Capt. E.J. Morris’ troops, who scattered after the initial engagement. Shelby took control of the town, capturing four prisoners, taking rifles, horses, provisions, and burning the courthouse.

The raid continued through Stockton, where residents had evacuated but Shelby’s forces did not harm private property. Instead, they fought Federals guarding the courthouse and burned it down, resulting in 25 killed or captured Federals. This engagement was just one of many skirmishes that marked the path of Shelby’s Raid.

On October 6, Shelby arrived at Humansville and engaged in minor skirmishes, capturing 30 wagons with provisions and seizing control of a Federal garrison led by Lieutenant Thomas Keithley. The Federals struggled to determine Shelby’s location after these events, leading General John Schofield to inform Ewing that Shelby was heading towards Fort Scott or Springfield.

Shelby’s forces approached Tipton on October 10 and encircled the town before launching an attack. Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Leonidas Crittenden escaped from the raiders, but the engagement resulted in significant losses for the Federals. Meanwhile, Shelby’s rear guard encountered Majors Kelly and Gentry at Syracuse, six miles west of Tipton.

On October 11, Shelby moved his forces towards Boonville, capturing it without incident as the mayor surrendered. Federal forces strategically divided to surround Boonville, with Lazear and Brown’s command contributing to the operation. Lazear directed units to intercept Shelby’s rear guard, initiating a pursuit that led to skirmishes and the capture of multiple prisoners.

Shelby set up an ambush at Dug Ford but was forced to shift west when faced with resistance from Lazear’s force. The dense terrain provided challenges for both sides, leading to a four-hour battle where Shelby consolidated his forces and broke through a vulnerable point in the Federal’s left flank. However, Major Young led a mounted charge that disrupted Shelby’s strategy, causing him to scatter.

The Federals suffered 5 killed, 26 wounded, and 11 missing. Shelby’s losses were 53 dead, 98 wounded, and an unspecified number captured. Despite being outnumbered, Shelby broke through Lazear’s lines at Marshall and halted his forces to regroup with Hunter’s detachment.

Shelby continued to Waverly, evading Federal forces led by Colonel Phillips. The pursuit resumed on October 14, with General Ewing taking over. Shelby successfully evaded capture, crossing the Grand River at Settle’s Ford and eventually reaching Carthage. Here, a lapse in alertness resulted in the capture of 30 rebels from Coffee’s command.

Hunter’s detachment traveled northeast, gathering supplies and battling a garrison in Florence before camping near Greenfield on October 16. Hunter’s troops moved south with minimal opposition, joining Shelby’s forces near Diamond Springs. General Ewing pursued then returned to Fort Scott as McNeil joined the hunt closer to Shelby.

Shelby changed direction, sabotaged telegraph lines in Cassville, and left a portion of his force in Arkansas for reorganization. The raid ended with severe weather conditions, but Shelby received a promotion on December 15, 1863. This daring mission not only tested the resolve of both Confederate and Union forces but also played a significant role in shaping the outcome of the Civil War.