Make a Demonstration On The Flank

Joseph Wheeler

A diversionary tactic, the Action at Maryville was fought in Tennessee in November 13^th 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 13^th 1863, and with a night march got between the Union soldiers posted at Maryville and their line of retreat.  The Union 11^th 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 1^st Kentucky Cavalry and the 45^th 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.