The Arizona Brigade vs Juan Cortina's guerrillas | #CivilWarHistory

Summary

In the summer of 1864, the Fourth Texas Arizona Cavalry experienced its first major battle, with Lt. Colonel Dan Showalter taking command. They initially had successes, including driving off Federal pickets and defeating Juan Cortina's guerrillas. However, Showalter's reputation was tarnished after a defeat at the First Battle of Palmetto Ranch, rumored to be due to his intoxication. Meanwhile, Captain Kennedy, after a perilous journey, returned to a collapsing Confederacy, highlighting the chaotic and tumultuous nature of the American Civil War era.

Takeaways

• 🔥 The Fourth Texas, Arizona Cavalry experienced its first significant combat in the summer of 1864.
• 🧔 Spruce beard resigned, leading to Lieutenant Colonel Dan Showalter taking command and being promoted to Colonel on June 25th, 1864.
• 🏞️ In July, the cavalry had a victory against Juan Cortina's pro-Union guerrillas at Rancho del Carmen.
• 🤝 Cortina's forces were a mix of Tejanos and Mexicans fighting for both the Union in the American Civil War and Benito Juarez against the French.
• 🚢 Showalter's reputation grew after capturing the Union River gunboat USS Arc in August.
• 📉 Showalter's prestige declined in September when his troops were defeated at the first battle of Palmetto Ranch, with rumors of his intoxication affecting leadership.
• 🛳 Kennedy traveled to Mazatlan and reached the Texas border on January 19th, 1865, with 30 Southerners he recruited in Mexico.
• 🔪 Kennedy's camp was attacked, resulting in casualties and desertions, with the attackers' identity remaining unknown.
• 🐎 After the attack, the surviving Confederates were left to eat their horses due to lack of provisions.
• 🏰 Upon returning to San Antonio, Kennedy found out the Confederacy had nearly collapsed during his 10-month absence.

Q & A

What significant event did the Fourth Texas Arizona Cavalry experience in the summer of 1864?

The Fourth Texas Arizona Cavalry experienced its baptism of fire in the summer of 1864, which marked their first significant combat engagement.

Who took command of the regiment after Spruce beard resigned?

Lieutenant Colonel Dan Showalter took command of the regiment after Spruce beard resigned and was promoted to Colonel on June 25th, 1864.

What was the outcome of the attack on Federal pickets at Rancho Las Arenas?

The 250 Texas Arizona cavalrymen attacked and drove the Federal pickets from the field at Rancho Las Arenas with approximately 20 killed on each side.

Who were Juan Cortina's guerrillas and why did they fight for the Union?

Juan Cortina's guerrillas were Tejanos and Mexicans from the northern Borderlands who fought for the Union in the American Civil War and for Benito Juarez as Republican forces against the French.

How did the Fourth Texas Arizona Cavalry fare against Cortina's guerrillas at Rancho del Carmen?

The Fourth Texas Arizona Cavalry defeated Cortina's pro-Union guerrillas at Rancho del Carmen in July.

What notable achievement did the Fourth Texas Arizona Cavalry accomplish in August?

In August, the Fourth Texas Arizona Cavalry captured the Union River gunboat, the USS Arc, which significantly boosted Showalter's prestige.

What event led to Colonel Showalter's disgrace in September?

Colonel Showalter's prestige turned to disgrace when his troops were defeated by Cortina's fighters at the first battle of Palmetto Ranch, with rumors circulating that he was too drunk to lead his troops.

What challenges did Kennedy face after reaching the Texas border in January 1865?

After reaching the Texas border, Kennedy's camp was attacked by an unknown group, resulting in the death of seven recruits, wounding of seven more, and six fleeing back to Mexico.

What was the state of the Confederacy when Kennedy returned to San Antonio in late January 1865?

Upon his return to San Antonio, Kennedy found out that the Confederacy had virtually collapsed during the 10 months he had been gone.

What is the significance of the music in the script?

The music in the script serves as a narrative device to punctuate the dramatic and emotional moments of the historical events being described.

What were the possible identities of the attackers who assaulted Kennedy's camp?

The attackers who assaulted Kennedy's camp could have been Federals, renegade gangs, or Juan Cortina's pro-Union guerrillas, but their identity remains unknown.