|
|
|
NIBLETT’S BLUFF WARTIME TIMELINE |
Transcribed by Leora White
May 2007
COMPILED BY
MICHAEL DAN JONES
Niblett’s Bluff Wartime Timeline
Official Records War of the Rebellion, Union and Confederate Armies
Volume 15, Series 1
May 2, 1863
Union Brig. Gen. W. H. Emory reported from Opelousas that he had sent the 4th
Wisconsin Mounted Infantry to the Texas road toward Niblett’s Bluff to drive off
or disperse "rebel" cavalry on his brigade’s flank and rear. Page 333
Volume 26, Series 1 (Part II)
May 14, 1863
Brig. Gen W. R. Boggs, chief of staff at Trans-Mississippi Headquarters in
Shreveport, reported that Brig. Gen. Mouton was in Niblett’s Bluff commanding
cavalry forces gathering there. He said Mouton’s command had been increased by
two regiments of cavalry and a battery of light artillery. He was directed to
attack the enemy’s flank and rear in the direction of Opelousas. Page 6
May 14, 1863
General Boggs ordered all infantry forces concentrated at Niblett’s Bluff to
move to Nacogdoches to await supplies before moving against the enemy in
Louisiana. Page 8
May 15, 1863
Captain Edmund P. Turner, assistant adjutant general at the Texas District
Headquarters in Las Animas, by district commander Major General J. B. Magruder,
instructed Brig. General Scurry, in command of the eastern sub-district of
Texas, to send one regiment and a small quantity of artillery to Niblett’s
Bluff. Page 6
May 16, 1863
Lieutenant General E. Kirby Smith, Trans-Mississippi Department Commander in
Shreveport, informed Major General Richard Taylor, commanding the Army of
Western Louisiana, that he had ordered the infantry from Galveston and Houston
to concentrate at Niblett’s Bluff. Page 7
May 19, 1863
General Smith informed General Magruder that the enemy was withdrawing from
Alexandria and was turning its attack to Port Hudson. He ordered the forces
concentrating at Niblett’s Bluff to cooperate with General Taylor’s command in
offensive operations against the enemy. Page 11
June 6, 1863
General Magruder informed General Boggs in Shreveport that he had assumed
command of Niblett’s Bluff and asked permission that it be included in his
command, the District of Texas. Page 38
June 9, 1863
General Smith reported to General S. Cooper, adjutant general in Richmond,
Va., the situation in the Trans-Mississippi Department. He said he had ordered
General Walker’s division in Arkansas to concentrate at Niblett’s Bluff to
reinforce General Mouton to operate on the rear and flank of the enemy at Port
Hudson. He also said General Magruder was expecting to bring together a force of
8,000 at and near Niblett’s Bluff to defend Texas. Page 41-42
June 11, 1863
General Smith informed General Magruder that in the event of the enemy taking
Port Hudson, he could expect a Union invasion of Texas and he advised him to
concentrate forces at Niblett’s Bluff to meet this invasion. Smith said Niblett’s
Bluff presented the advantages of a place to rendezvous his disposable forces
because it was on the flank of the enemy if he should stage a campaign in the
Red River valley of central Louisiana. Troops could also be speedily transported
from Niblett’s Bluff to threatened points on the Texas coast. He also ordered a
military road be constructed between Niblett’s Bluff and Vermilionville (modern
day Lafayette). Pages 47-48
June 18, 1863
S.S. Anderson, assistant adjutant general in Shreveport, informed General
Magruder that General Smith had approved his taking command of Niblett’s Bluff
and that it would be under his command in the District of Texas. Page 74
July 9, 1863
General Smith wrote to General Taylor and recommended he remove the stores he
had captured at Berwick Bay to Natchitoches or Niblett’s Bluff. He also approved
of the line of supply depots he had established between Niblett's Bluff and
Vermilionville and advised him not abandon the Red River Valley if Vicksburg
fell. Pages 106-107
July 14, 1863
General Taylor informed Maj. E. Surget, assistant adjutant general in
Shreveport, that in light of the fall of Vicksburg and Port Hudson, he was
planning to arrange supply depots between Vermilionville and Niblett’s Bluff, in
case he had to retreat to Texas. Page 110-111
July 18, 1863
General Magruder ordered Lt. Col. C. G. Forshey to build a "tete-de-pont"
type fortification at Niblett’s Bluff to protect the river crossing and road to
Niblett’s Bluff. Page 101
July 18, 1863
Colonel Forshey recommended the main defensive works, supply depot and
hospital be built at Orange rather than Niblett’s Bluff because of greater
defensive attributes and the direct rail connection to Houston. Page 135
July 29, 1863
General Magruder informed General Taylor he had ordered two companies of the
20th Texas (Elmore’s) Infantry regiment to Niblett’s Bluff to protect
army supplies at that point. He said he had also ordered large quantities of
supplies to be stored at Orange, Texas because it was more defensible than
Niblett’s Bluff. Page 121
July 29, 1863
Captain Turner informed Brig. Gen. W. R. Scurry that Niblett’s Bluff would be
part of his eastern sub-district. He ordered him to gather laborers and
implements to work on the fortifications there under supervision of Colonel
Forshey. He also ordered that six ferry boats be built in Orange for use of
transferring troops and supplies from Orange to Niblett’s Bluff. He also ordered
that strictest military discipline be enforced by the troops at Niblett’s Bluff
and that military police permit no abuse to exist. He said a system of guard be
established by the provost marshal to check all people passing through there and
to detain suspicious characters and to keep the place free from marauders and
spies. He also advised the troops there to penetrate dens of thieves and jayhawkers
in the area and "shoot then down unless they surrender at discretion." They were
also to stay in close contact with headquarters in Houston. Pages 125-126
August 2, 1863
Colonel V. Sulakowski, chief engineer at Galveston, informed Captain Turner
that since he hadn’t received a report from Colonel Forshey on the status of the
fortification at Niblett’s Bluff, he was ordering Major Kellersberg there to
start the necessary work. He suggested that 10 days rations be kept at Niblett’s
Bluff, 20 days rations at Orange and the main depot at Beaumont. Page 133
August 14, 1863
General Magruder wrote to Captain Turner that Niblett’s Bluff had already
been made a supply depot. Page 167
August 27, 1863
General Magruder ordered the Third Texas Infantry regiment to send two
companies to Niblett’s Bluff under command of Major Kampmann. Elmore’s companies
would then be transported to the Sabine. Page 183
September 4, 1863
General Magruder reported to General Boggs in Shreveport that he had reason
to believe the enemy would attempt to take possession of the Sabine River from
its mouth to Niblett’s Bluff to cut communications with and occupy Louisiana. He
also said a supply depot had already been established at Niblett’s Bluff in case
General Taylor’s army had to fall back there. Pages 204-205
September 4, 1863
Major J. C. Stafford, quartermaster, reported from Niblett’s Bluff to Major
B. Bloomfield, chief quartermaster for the District of Texas, that three depots
had been established by him and two supply trains escorted by Captain L. G.
Clepper’s company of Elmore’s regiment and a guard was left at each depot,
for Brig. Gen. Mouton’s command. Pages 207 and 208
September 5, 1863
Major Stafford reported to Major Bloomfield that he had pushed forward
General Mouton’s commissary stores with the utmost dispatch. He also reported he
was keeping supplies of forage at Niblett’s Bluff, Orange and Beaumont. Page 208
September 5, 1863
Captain Turner reported to Leon Smith of the Marine Department that
extortionate rates were being charged the government for transit of supplies by
boat from Beaumont to Niblett’s Bluff. He requested the railroad from Beaumont
to Orange be put in running order. Page 210
September 10, 1863
General Magruder wrote to General Taylor, in the aftermath of the Battle of
Sabine Pass which occurred September 8, asking that his forces be concentrated
at Niblett's Bluff as soon as possible. He said he had also asked General Mouton
to concentrate at Niblett's Bluff as well. Magruder said he thought by combining
forces they would be able to crush the enemy and prevent him from ascending the
Calcasieu River. He said prisoners had told him the enemy had planned to take
possession of Niblett's Bluff to cut off Taylor's retreat to Texas, and then
throw Union forces across to Alexandria. page 218
September 10, 1863
Captain Turner wrote to Captain Matthew Nolan of Company G, 2nd
Texas Cavalry, at Niblett’s Bluff, that the enemy had been repelled in the
attack on Sabine Pass September 8, and it was expected they would attempt to
land at the Calcasieu River. He ordered Nolan’s company to the Calcasieu and
establish a line of couriers to Niblett’s Bluff to keep a sharp lookout for the
Union fleet. He was to communicate any contacts to headquarters in Beaumont and to
General Mouton. Page 220
September 12, 1863
General Magruder wrote to General Taylor that enemy prisoners had told him
had they captured Sabine Pass on the 8th, they would have proceeded
immediately to Niblett’s Bluff and cut off General Taylor and then marched on to
Beaumont or Houston. He said he then believed the enemy transports had returned
to Berwick Bay, but would then try to force his way across land to Niblett’s
Buff. Magruder said Taylor ought to fall back to Niblett’s Bluff or a least to
the Calcasieu River. Page 224
September 15, 1863
Colonel Joseph Bates of the 13th Texas Volunteers that he had been
ordered back in May to report to Niblett’s Bluff and arrived there May 28 and
received orders to march as soon as possible and he left there June 5 and
arrived in Opelousas June 13. He was explaining the delay in his movements to
General Magruder. Page 230
September 17, 1863
General Smith wrote General Taylor it wouldn’t be wise to fall back to
Niblett’s Bluff as requested by General Magruder, until the enemy’s intentions
were fully developed. He noted the character of the country in Southwest
Louisiana would cut him off from defending the Red River Valley. Page 238
September 17, 1863
Captain Turner wrote to General Mouton that it would be dangerous for him to
fall back to Niblett’s Bluff. He said General Magruder had a good position at
Sabine Pass and would resist another enemy attempt at invasion at that point. He
said he who holds Houston with its railroad communication is master of Texas,
and virtually master of the whole Trans-Mississippi Department. Page 235
September 22, 1863
General Mouton wrote to Captain Turner to tell him that General Taylor
believed it to be impossible to heed General Magruder’s call to fall back to
Niblett’s Bluff. He said the enemy may attempt to march from New Iberia to
Niblett’s Bluff with a force of 20,000 to 30,000 men. He said if they tried, he
intended to inflict a disaster on the Union forces or make them very unhappy.
Pages 246-247
September 26, 1863
General Magruder again appealed to General Taylor to fall back to Niblett’s
Bluff. He said he had order Captain Nolan to retain 12,000 rations of
breadstuffs and beeves on the other side of the river for his use. If he still
chose not to render him assistance, he asked that he so inform Captain Nolan.
Pages 259-160
September 26, 1863
General Magruder wrote to General Smith that he expected the enemy to renew
its attack on Texas with one force coming across land to Niblett’s Bluff and
trying to reach Houston by railroad from there. The other he expected to make
another coastal landing. He asked for reinforcements from Taylor’s army to help
him. He said by General Taylor occupying Niblett’s Bluff and the road to
Calcasieu River, the enemy could be confined to the Bayou Teche and Bayou
LaFourche. He said he considered it unfortunate General Taylor hadn’t already
fell back to Niblett’s Bluff. Pages 261-262
September 27, 1863
General Magruder from Sabine Pass wrote to Brig. Gen. Henry McCulloch,
commander of the northern Texas sub-district, that the enemy was at or near
Vermilionville with some 30,000 troops where the road turns off to Niblett’s
Bluff. He said he’d let hem know if they turn off there or go toward Alexandria.
Page 266
September 29, 1863
Captain Turner directed Major J.C. Stafford, listed as commanding at
Niblett’s Bluff, to send the clothing, shoes and etc. belonging to Sibley’s
Brigade at Niblett’s Bluff, to Sabine Pass by the steamer Florilda. He also
wanted him to send molasses, salt beef and bacon at Niblett’s Bluff to Captain
E. P. Alsbury at Sabine Pass. Stafford was to retain enough food for Captain
Nolan’s Company at Niblett’s Bluff. He was to send all of the bagging and rope
at the Bluff to Major Bloomfield in Houston. Other items he was to send to
Sabine Pass were sugar, weapons being repaired, axes, and impressed horses. He
also directed Captain Clepper’s company at Niblett’s Bluff to relocate to
Spike’s Ferry. Pages 271-272
September 30, 1863
General Taylor wrote to General Magruder asking him to keep supplies at
Niblett’s Bluff. Page 276
October 1, 1863
Major Stafford wrote from Niblett’s Bluff to Captain Turner that Captain
Nolan was on the Calcasieu River and had sent a detachment to the Mermentau
River which saw nothing of the enemy. He mentioned the clothing for Sibley’s
Brigade had sent to Beaumont. Page 283
October 1, 1863
Captain Nolan wrote from Clendening’s Ferry on the Calcasieu River to Major
Stafford at Niblett’s Bluff that his detachments have found no enemies. He said
he questioned two travelers from Lake Charles Sunday, September 28, who told him
there were no enemy troops there and there were none to the west of Franklin. He
said he would head back to Niblett’s Bluff that afternoon. He also enclosed a
statement for Deputy Marshal W. H. Haskell. Pages 283-284
October 1, 1863
W. H. Haskell, Deputy Confederate States Marshal, wrote a note to Captain
Nolan that the schooner Derby from New Orleans was lying at the Mermentau River
with a cargo of flour, coffee, Irish potatoes, etc. He was satisfied the Yankees
were not above Berwick Bay but may have scouts out but not as far as Franklin.
Page 284
October 6, 1863
General Mouton reported to General Taylor that the enemy were in large force
at New Iberia and prisoners had told him they were on their way to Texas. Page
291
October 8, 1863
General Smith advised General Taylor that he agreed with his decision to not
remove his command to Niblett’s Bluff before the enemy moved from Berwick Bay
and developed their plans. Page 293
October 9, 1863
General Magruder wrote to General Taylor that he had withdrawn his supplies
from Niblett’s Bluff but was prepared to send them there as soon as he moved in
that direction. Page 297
October 14, 1863
Benjamin Allston, inspector-general of the Trans-Mississippi Department,
wrote to General Smith that Colonel Augustus Buchel was in command from
Niblett’s Bluff to Sabine Pass and sends scout as far as the Calcasieu River. He
had 1,500 troops under his command. He said there were nine companies of the
Third Texas infantry in that area and their clothing and equipment was good,
armed with Springfield and Enfield rifles, in good condition, and their drill
was ordinary. Page 318
October 15, 1863
General Smith wrote General Taylor if the enemy moves from Opelousas toward
Niblett’s Bluff he was to spare no efforts in retarding his march and cooperate
with General Magruder in defense of Texas. Page 323
October 17, 1863
General Magruder wrote to General Bogs notifying him he had received word
from General Taylor that the enemy was on the march for Texas via Niblett’s
Bluff. He asked for reinforcements. Page 333
October 17, 1863
Captain Turner wrote to Colonel Buchel directing him to send scouts to the
mouth of the Calcasieu River to see if there was any enemy activity there and to
see if the enemy could by coming by way of the coastal road. Page 333
October 18, 1863
General Magruder then wrote General Boggs that the enemy was moving with a
pontoon train in the direction of Niblett’s Bluff in strength estimated from
30,000 to 40,000 men. He said he could not concentrate more than 8,000 men at
any one point. He recommended that General Taylor move from Alexandria to
Niblett’s Bluff to operate on the enemies flank and cooperate with his troops.
Page 335
October 18, 1863
General Magruder wrote General Taylor at Alexandria asking him to move to
Niblett’s Bluff and that he would have supplies waiting for him there. Page 336
October 18, 1863
Colonel Buchel at Sabine Pass wrote to Captain Turner asking him for
instruction as to destruction of vessels lying in Lake Charles, should the enemy
advance on Niblett’s Bluff. Page 337
October 20, 1863
Colonel Buchel wrote from Niblett’s Bluff to report his arrival there with
five companies of his regiment (1st Texas Cavalry Dismounted) and one
section of Captain O. G. Jones’ Texas Light Artillery. He said more cavalry was
needed. He said they were waiting on the other part of his regiment and Lt.
Robira’s section of Jones’ artillery, one 32-pounder gun and two mountain
howitzers. He also enclosed a scouting report from Captain Baillie P. L. Vinson
of the Second Louisiana Cavalry, which gave a report on the enemy forces at
Franklin. He said 51 pieces of artillery and 20,000 men. Page 340
October 21, 1863
Captain Theodore Kosse, assistant engineer, reported to Colonel Buchel at
Niblett’s Bluff that the main defenses there on the Louisiana side were nearly
finished. He said he needed laborers and axes and shovels to complete them. He said the trees in front of the works needed to be cut down and
brush removed from the abatis. In addition, he said a magazine for the
ammunition and a bombproof needed to be built. He said two of the six flatboats
being built in Orange were finished and the third near completion. Each flatboat
was designed to carry 100-150 infantrymen or two field pieces of cannon, with
caissons and horses. Page 345-346
October 22, 1863
Colonel Buchel wrote to Captain Turner in Houston that he was having trouble
getting Texas militia to cross the river into Louisiana to reinforce Captain
Nolan on the Calcasieu. He said only Captain Bland and 10 volunteers agreed to
do so. He also reported that the rest of his regiment had arrived, along with
the other section of Jones’ artillery, and on 32-pounder howitzer under command
of Lt. A. Robira. He said 1,500 men are needed to defend Niblett’s Bluff. Page
347
October 24, 1863
Colonel Buchel reported from Niblett’s Bluff to Captain Turner that laborers
had not yet arrived to finish the works. He said he needed 1,500 infantry, more
artillery, a full supply of subsistence supplies and ammunition to defend the
place. At that, he said he would only be able to mount a defense as long as
supplies lasted, as he expected to be cut-off from re-supply from Texas. He
asked for more reinforcements. He reported five mule-carts with corn were sent
to Captain Nolan that morning. He said 52 mounted men under command of Captain
Edward Beaumont were sent to reinforce Captain Nolan. Page 351
October 25, 1863
General Smith wrote to General Magruder that he believed the enemy’s
objective was Niblett’s Bluff and Houston. He said more disposable forces should
be concentrated as near Niblett’s Bluff as possible. He said General Taylor
could stop the enemy advance at the Calcasieu River. Page 353
October 26, 1863
General Smith wrote General Magruder that he thought the enemy’s plans had
changed and now Louisiana’s Red River Valley line was more likely the objective
point than Texas. He noted that the military road from Niblett’s Bluff to
Alexandria is 120 miles long and he could use it to reinforce General Taylor.
Page 356
October 26, 1863
General Magruder wrote in a general order the situation as then known, and
that the road from Vermillionville to Niblett’s Bluff was 130 miles long and the
country in the area could furnish no corn. He was also concerned there would
also be a landing on the coast as well. Page 360
October 27, 1863
William Kearny, assistant inspector-general in Houston, wrote Colonel Buchel
that General Magruder orders him, if reports of the burning of Franklin are
true, that he immediately proceed to Sabine Pass with his regiment and
artillery, order all state troop’s in the vicinity of Niblett’s Bluff to
Beaumont. He was to leave Captain Nolan’s and Captain Beaumont’s companies at
Niblett’s Bluff in charge of stores, and keep pickets on all roads, and keep the
commanding general informed of the movements of the enemy. Page 361
October 28, 1863
Colonel Buchel wrote to Captain Turner that if the enemy crosses the
Mermentau, he could order state troops forward from Beaumont to the Calcasieu
River. He said Lieutenant Aikens with 20 men were guarding crossings of the Mermentau;
Captain Beaumont with his company at Pine Island, between the Calcasieu and
Mermentau: Captain Nolan was at Lacassine Bayou trying to
secure powder on the Antelope, and Captain Montgomery was at Calcasieu Crossing.
Page 367
October 28, 1863
General Magruder ordered Colonel Buchel to remain at Niblett’s Bluff. He was
to be reinforced by three companies of Debray’s regiment, commanded by Major
Menard, who had been ordered to Niblett’s Bluff. Page 367
October 29, 1863
General Magruder reported to General Smith that he was making effort to
maintain his troops at Niblett’s Bluff. However he noted that he country east of
the Sabine River could supply almost nothing in the way of provisions. At the
time he had six companies of cavalry and a battery of artillery at Niblett’s
Bluff. He said he hoped to soon have 1,000 cavalry and a battery at the
Calcasieu River.
October 29, 1863
Captain Turner told Colonel Buchel the state troops were now willing to cross
the Sabine River to oppose the enemy’s crossing the Calcasieu River. He told
Buchel not to leave Niblett’s Bluff unless the enemy made a move on Sabine Pass
or unless he was forced to leave by the enemy. Page 370
October 31, 1863
Colonel Buchel reported to Captain Turner the cargo of the schooner Antelope
had been saved and was en route to Niblett’s Bluff. Captain Nolan reported to
him no sign of the enemy had been seen in the vicinity of the Mermentau. He had
not yet received the two mountain howitzers. Page 375
November 1, 1863
October Returns for District of Texas
Niblett’s Bluff, 39 officers, 523 men and five pieces of artillery. At the
Calcasieu River were two officers and 38 enlisted men. Page 376
November 2, 1863
Lieutenant H. E. Lockett, provost marshal at Houston, reported to Major
William Hyllested that Federal deserters had been questioned and information
about enemy troop’s strength and dispositions were obtained. He said the
prisoners were of the opinion that there would be no Union movement from
Vermilionville to Niblett’s Bluff and the whole force would move to Opelousas.
Page 380
November 9, 1863
Colonel Buchel asked Captain Turner what to do if the enemy retreated form
Vermilionville, as he thought he would no longer be needed at Niblett’s Bluff.
Page 400
November 16, 1863
Captain Turner ordered Colonel Buchel at Niblett’s Bluff to send a heavy
cavalry force toward Vermilionville to drive of the enemy’s small force, and to,
if practicable, to fortify the Calcasieu so that a small force could hold off a
large one. Captain Reeves was also to be the post commissary officer. Page 415
November 21, 1863
With the withdrawal of Federal forces to New Iberia, General Magruder told
General Taylor he believed the enemy would soon land somewhere on the Texas
coast, and he requested reinforcements be sent to by rapid marches to Niblett's
Bluff. He said he would have necessary provisions and supplies there. Page 434
November 28, 1863
General Magruder wrote to General Taylor he had a half dozen wagons at
Niblett’s Bluff. He sent the message by special messenger from Niblett’s Bluff
to Vermilionville. Page 455
November 30, 1863
General Magruder wrote General Boggs that he had 250 men at Niblett’s Bluff.
Page 461
December 1, 1863
Stephen D. Yancey, acting assistant adjutant general for General Magruder,
wrote Colonel Buchel that his brigade was being concentrated at Indianola,
except for Davidson’s battalion remaining at Niblett’s Bluff. Page 467
December 4, 1863
General Taylor wrote to General Magruder asking him to provide supplies and
forage for General Thomas Green’s division at Niblett’s Bluff, for his transit
back to Texas to meet the Federal invasion of the lower Texas coast. Page 476
December 7, 1863
Captain Turner wrote to Brigadier General Bee that Green’s and Major’s
brigades were to march to Texas, via Niblett’s Bluff. Page 492
December 17, 1863
General Green wrote General Magruder that he was preceding with his command
to Texas via Niblett’s Bluff and was then on the Mermentau. Page 512
December 21, 1863
General Boggs wrote to General Magruder that Green’s brigade was by that time
near Niblett’s Bluff and would be in position to resist any Union movement into
the interior of Texas. Page 518
December 22, 1863
General Magruder wrote General Bee that Green’s brigade was still on the way
but hadn’t yet reached Texas. He said he had positioned supplies for it at
Niblett’s Bluff. Page 524
Library Home Page | Archives Home Page | Archives Collection Page
 |
|
|
|