Banks brought up about a Corps; Taylor had about a division.

Casualties are unknown.

As Maj. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks’s Red River Expeditionary Force retreated downriver, Taylor’s Confederates attempted to slow the Union movements, pick off detachments and maybe even destroy them. The Union forces passed Fort DeRussy, reached Marksville, and then continued east. At Mansura, Taylor massed his forces in an open prairie that controlled access to the three roads traversing the area, where he hoped his artillery could cause many casualties.

Early on the morning of May 16, the Union forces approached, and skirmishing quickly ensued. After a four-hour fight (principally an artillery duel), a large Union force massed for a flank attack, inducing the Rebels to fall back. The Union troops marched to Simmesport. Taylor’s force could only harass their enemy, not halt and destroy them.

Content provided by:
eHistory Staff

Selected sources:
American Battlefield Protection Program, Heritage Preservation Services, National Park Service.