Today in History:

Marks' Mills

Battle Name: Marks’ Mills
Other Names: None
State: Arkansas
Location: Cleveland County
Campaign: Camden Expedition (1864)
Dates: April 25, 1864
Principal Commanders: Lt. Col. Francis Drake [US]; Brig. Gen. James B. Fagan [CS]
Forces Engaged: Infantry brigade [US]; two divisions [CS]
Estimated Casualties: 1,793 total (US 1,500; CS 293)
Description: A Union force escorted 240 wagons from Camden to Pine Bluff to pick up supplies and transport them back to Maj. Gen. Fred Steele’s army. At first the Union escort rebuffed Rebel attempts to halt them. Then the Confederates moved in on the Union rear and front, causing a rout. The Rebels captured most of the men and all of the supply wagons. Thus, Steele gave up all thoughts of uniting with Maj. Gen. Nathaniel Banks on the Red River and realized that he had to save his army.
Results: Confederate victory

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