Little Rock campaign Confederate order of battle facts for kids
The Confederate States Army had many units and commanders who fought in the Little Rock campaign. This important event, also known as the advance on Little Rock, happened during the American Civil War. It took place from August 25 to September 10, 1863. This article tells you about the Confederate forces defending Little Rock.
Understanding the Army
When armies prepare for battle, they organize their soldiers into different groups. This list shows how the Confederate army was set up for the Little Rock campaign. It helps us understand who was in charge and which units were fighting.
Ranks and Terms
Here are some abbreviations used for military ranks and other terms:
- LTG = Lieutenant General (a very high-ranking general)
- MG = Major General (a high-ranking general)
- BG = Brigadier General (a general who commands a brigade)
- Col = Colonel (commands a regiment)
- Ltc = Lieutenant Colonel (second-in-command of a regiment)
- Maj = Major (commands a battalion)
- Cpt = Captain (commands a company)
- w = wounded (injured in battle)
- mw = mortally wounded (injured so badly they later died)
- k = killed (died in battle)
Confederate Forces at Little Rock
The main commander for the Confederates in the District of Arkansas was Major General Sterling Price. He led the defense of Little Rock. His army was made up of several large groups called divisions, each led by a general. These divisions were further divided into smaller groups called brigades.
Price's Division
Major General Sterling Price's own division was a key part of the defense. It was led by Brigadier General James F. Fagan and Brigadier General Daniel M. Frost. This division had several brigades, each with different regiments.
First Brigade
This brigade was led by Brigadier General Dandridge McRae. It included several Arkansas Infantry Regiments, like the 32nd Arkansas Infantry Regiment and the 36th Arkansas Infantry Regiment. They also had an artillery unit called Marshall's Battery.
Second Brigade
Brigadier General James F. Fagan also led this brigade. It had more Arkansas Infantry Regiments, such as Hawthorn's Arkansas Infantry Regiment and the 34th Arkansas Infantry Regiment. This brigade also had an artillery unit, Blocher's Battery.
Third Brigade
This brigade was commanded by Brigadier General James C. Tappan. His troops had just returned to Little Rock from Louisiana on August 20, 1863. They were kept as a reserve force south of the Arkansas River. Units included the 27th Arkansas Infantry Regiment and the 33rd Arkansas Infantry Regiment.
Fourth Brigade
Brigadier General Mosby M. Parsons led this brigade. It was made up of several Missouri Regiments, like the 7th Missouri Regiment and the 8th Missouri Regiment. They also had a Missouri Sharpshooters Battalion and a Missouri Artillery Battery.
Frost's Brigade
Also known as Clark's Brigade, this unit was led by Colonel John B. Clark. They moved from Fort Pleasant at Pine Bluff and joined the Little Rock defenses on August 17, 1863. This brigade included the 19th/24th Arkansas and the 8th Missouri Infantry Regiment. They also had two Missouri batteries.
Walker's Division
This division was led by Brigadier General Lucius M. Walker. It mainly consisted of cavalry units, which are soldiers who fight on horseback.
Dobbins's Arkansas Cavalry Brigade
This brigade was led by Colonel Archibald S. Dobbins, and later by Colonel Robert C. Newton. It included the 5th Arkansas Cavalry Regiment and the 1st Arkansas Cavalry Regiment. They also had Etter's Arkansas Battery.
Carter's Texas Cavalry Brigade
Colonel George W. Carter commanded this brigade. It was made up of Texas cavalry units, such as the 21st Texas Cavalry Regiment and Morgan's Texas Cavalry Battalion. They also had a spy company and the Tenth Texas Field Battery.
Marmaduke's Division
Brigadier General John S. Marmaduke led this cavalry division. Cavalry units were important for scouting and quick attacks.
Shelby's Iron Brigade
This famous brigade was led by Brigadier General Jo Shelby, and sometimes by Colonel Benjamin F. Gordon. It was known for its toughness and included several Missouri Cavalry units, like the 2nd Missouri Cavalry and the 5th Missouri Cavalry. They also had Bledsoe's Missouri Battery.
Second Brigade
Colonel William L. Jeffers led this brigade. It also had several Missouri Cavalry units, such as the 3rd Missouri Cavalry and the 4th Missouri Cavalry. Bell's Missouri Battery was part of this brigade.
