Joseph Wheeler |
A
diversionary tactic, the Action at Maryville was fought in Tennessee in
November 13th 1863.
Confederate
General James Longstreet crossed the Tennessee River with his infantry. The goal was to seize the heights on the
southern bank of the Holston River overlooking Knoxville, Tennessee. His cavalry, commanded by Confederate Major
General Joseph Wheeler was sent to make a demonstration on the Union flank. The cavalry moved to capture a Union force
located at Maryville, Tennessee.
Wheeler’s
trooper crossed the Tennessee River at Motley’s Ford on November 13th
1863, and with a night march got between the Union soldiers posted at Maryville
and their line of retreat. The Union 11th
Kentucky Cavalry was stationed at Maryville, and were outnumbered by the
Confederates. Wheeler surprised the
Union troopers when he attacked. The
Union cavalry were quickly routed and the Confederates captured 151 men. From a nearby camp Union Brigadier General
William Sanders sent in 1st Kentucky Cavalry and the 45th Ohio
Mounted Infantry, but they too were outnumbered by Wheeler’s men, and retreated
to Little River.
The next
morning Wheeler found the river crossing undefended. Union soldiers had pulled back toward
Knoxville. Wheeler put out skirmishers,
continuing to push back the Union cavalry.
After crossing the Stock Creek, the Confederates attacked sending the
Union troops into retreat, and placing another 140 prisoners in Confederate
hands.
1 comment:
Inconceivable points. Sound arguments. Keep going the truly amazing work.Gettysburg Museum of History
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