Second Battle of Mesilla facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Second Battle of Mesilla
Part of the Trans-Mississippi Theater of the American Civil War
Date July 1, 1862 Location Mesilla, Confederate Arizona Modern Day: Mesilla, New Mexico Result Union victory, Confederates minor loss.
Belligerents
Confederate States	United States
Commanders and leaders
Captain Sherod Hunter	unknown
Strength
Company A, Herbert's Battalion of Arizona Cavalry 7th Texas Infantry	New Mexican guerillas California Column
Casualties and losses
none, lost several horses and their equipment	none known

The Second Battle of Mesilla was a small but interesting fight during the American Civil War. It happened on July 1, 1862. This battle was the very last time Union and Confederate soldiers fought in the Arizona Territory. The fight took place near Mesilla, which was the capital of Confederate Arizona.

A group of Confederate soldiers was looking for supplies, like food for their horses. They were met by local fighters who supported the Union. These local fighters were called guerrillas. They used surprise attacks to resist the Confederates. The Union-supporting guerrillas won this skirmish. Reports say that some Confederates were killed, including their leader, Captain Cleaver.

What Happened at Mesilla?

A Fight for Supplies

The American Civil War was a tough time. Armies needed lots of supplies to keep going. Sometimes, soldiers had to go out and find food and other items for themselves and their horses. This was called a "foraging expedition."

On July 1, 1862, a group of Confederate soldiers from the 7th Texas Infantry was on such a mission. They were near Mesilla, trying to gather supplies.

Local Resistance

However, the area around Mesilla had many people who supported the Union. These people didn't want the Confederates taking their supplies. They formed groups of guerrillas. Guerrillas are fighters who are not part of a regular army. They often use hit-and-run tactics.

The local New Mexican guerrillas attacked the Confederate foraging party. It was a quick and fierce fight, known as a "skirmish." The guerrillas managed to defeat the Confederates.

The Outcome of the Battle

The Second Battle of Mesilla was a victory for the Union-supporting guerrillas. The Confederates lost some soldiers and also some horses and equipment. This small battle showed that even local groups could make a difference in the war.

Why Was This Battle Important?

The Last Fight in Arizona

This battle was special because it was the last time Union and Confederate forces fought in the Arizona Territory. After this, the Confederates began to leave the area.

The California Column Arrives

Just a few days after the battle, on July 4, 1862, a large group of Union soldiers arrived. This group was called the California Column. They came from California to help secure the Southwest for the Union. Their arrival made it clear that the Confederates could not hold onto Arizona.

Confederate Withdrawal

Because of the California Column's arrival, the Confederate army decided to pull back. They started moving towards Franklin (which is now El Paso) and then further to San Antonio. Captain Sherod Hunter's soldiers, known as Herbert's Battalion of Arizona Cavalry, stayed behind to protect the retreating Confederates. This meant the Confederates were leaving Arizona for good.