Battle Detail - The Civil War (U.S. National Park Service)
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Contact UsReturn to ResultsOther Name:Magnolia CemeteryCampaign:Confederate Offensive Against Baton RougeDate(s):July-August 1862Principal Commanders:Brigadier General Thomas Williams [US]Major General John Breckinridge [CS]Forces Engaged:0 total (US 0; CS 0;)Estimated Casualties:849 total (US 371; CS 478;)Description:In an attempt to regain control of the state, Confederates wished to recapture the capital at Baton Rouge. Maj. Gen. John C. Breckinridge planned a combined land/water expedition with his corps and CSS Ram Arkansas. Advancing west from Camp Moore, the Confederate land forces, coming from the east, were only ten miles away on August 4. They reached the outskirts of the capital early in the morning, formed for an attack in two divisions, and began to drive back each Union unit they encountered. Then, Union gunboats in the river began shelling the Confederates. The Arkansas could have neutralized the Union gunboats, but her engines failed and she did not participate in the b...