Battle of Lake Providence facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Lake Providence
Part of the Trans-Mississippi Theater of the American Civil War
Lake Providence, Louisiana
Date June 9, 1863 Location Carroll Parish, Louisiana Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Hugh T. Reid	Frank Bartlett
Strength
800 infantry 200 cavalry	600 cavalry 2 guns
Casualties and losses
1 killed 1 wounded	2 killed 5 wounded 3 captured

The Battle of Lake Providence was a small but important fight. It happened near Lake Providence, Louisiana on June 9, 1863. This battle was part of the bigger Vicksburg Campaign during the American Civil War. It involved soldiers from both the Union and Confederate sides.

What Happened at Lake Providence?

A Plan to Attack Union Supplies

The battle at Lake Providence was part of a larger plan. Confederate General Richard Taylor wanted to attack Union supply bases. These bases were at Young's Point and Milliken's Bend. The attacks were planned for June 7, 1863.

Confederate Forces on the Move

However, the Confederate commander, Lt. Col. Frank Bartlett, was two days late. His soldiers had to build a floating bridge to cross Bayou Macon. On June 9, they finally moved towards the Union camp at Lake Providence. Bartlett's group included the 13th Texas Mounted Infantry and the 13th Louisiana Cavalry.

Union Soldiers Ready for Battle

The Union forces were led by Brig. Gen. Hugh T. Reid. His group was much larger than Bartlett's. Reid's soldiers included white soldiers from the 1st Kansas Mounted Infantry and the 16th Wisconsin Infantry. It also included United States Colored Troops from the 8th Louisiana Infantry.

First Skirmishes and Retreat

The Confederate cavalry reached Lake Providence, about six miles west of their target. They met two companies of the 1st Kansas Mounted Infantry at Bayou Baxter. In this small fight, Corporal William F. Parker of the 1st Kansas was badly wounded and later died. Bartlett's soldiers managed to capture nine supply wagons and 36 mules.

The Union soldiers then pulled back towards the town of Lake Providence. They crossed a bridge over the Tensas Bayou and then destroyed it. This made it harder for the Confederates to follow.

The Main Fight Begins

The Kansas soldiers took a position along the streambank. More Union troops joined them, including the rest of their regiment, the 16th Wisconsin, and the African American soldiers of the 8th Louisiana. Even with many Union soldiers ready, Bartlett formed his battle line. He had a small cannon supporting his advance.

Confederate engineers tried to rebuild the bridge. But Union sharpshooters (skilled shooters) drove off the cannon and the engineers. A short but intense fight followed. Second Lieutenant Francis Becker of the 1st Kansas and Sergeant Carlisle McClung of the 13th Texas were killed. A lieutenant and two privates from the 13th Texas were captured.

Confederate Withdrawal

Finally, a strong group of Union skirmishers (soldiers fighting in small, spread-out groups) forced the Confederates to retreat. Bartlett's forces pulled back towards Floyd, Louisiana. They had lost two men killed, five wounded, and three captured. The Union side lost one man killed and another who was badly wounded and later died, both from the 1st Kansas Mounted Infantry.

Outcome of the Battle

All three Confederate attacks against Union supplies in Louisiana failed. This meant the Union forces kept their strong hold on Vicksburg. The Battle of Lake Providence was a Union victory.

Who Fought in the Battle?

Union Forces

The Union forces at Lake Providence were commanded by Brig. Gen. Hugh T. Reid.

• 1st Brigade, 6th Division, XVII Corps
  • 1st Kansas Mounted Infantry: Led by Col. William Y. Roberts
  • 8th Louisiana Infantry (African Descent): Led by Lt. Col. Charles J. Payne
  • 16th Wisconsin Infantry: Led by Col. Benjamin Allen

Confederate Forces

The Confederate forces were led by Lt. Col. Frank Bartlett.

• Bartlett's Cavalry Brigade
  • 13th Texas Mounted Infantry Regiment
  • 13th Louisiana Cavalry Battalion (Partisan Rangers)
  • Artillery section, with one small cannon