In 1864, General Sherman retreats from Meridian to Vicksburg after waiting for Smith's Cavalry. Meanwhile, clashes occur between Federal and Confederate troops near Olustee, resulting in a significant number of casualties. The Battle of Olustee becomes the largest and bloodiest in Florida history, ending hopes of a pro-Republican Government in the state.
Smith is retreating towards Okolona, but Forrest will soon be hot on his trail. By nightfall Smith's forces are within two miles of Okolona where they camp. Forrest's men stay put for the night, but tomorrow the Wizard of the Saddle will meet Smith for the last time. https://t.co/ZEM0DStYRh
To cover his retreat Smith orders the 2nd Iowa Cavalry and a detachment of troops of the 6th Illinois Cavalry to attack Jeffery Forrest's Brigade. The two forces clash at a bridge over the Sakatonchee River. They fight a two hour engagement and then break off and retreat. https://t.co/eIAjsG7GyN
February 21st, 1864 Smith decides in a final act of disobedience and directly against Sherman's orders, to withdraw back to Memphis, not completing his ride to link with Sherman. This is partially due to the mounting threat of Forrest's Cavalry. https://t.co/vCbz4b7zy3
Good morning all & OTD in 1916, the Battle of Verdun commenced. It will be the longest single battle of the Great War and will lead to 400,000 French casualties and 350,000 German casualties. The French Army's losses will be felt throughout the French nation for generations. https://t.co/oDtWw5Nvb9
The Federals fall back to Jacksonville where they will remain for the time being, the Confederate victory at Olustee effectively ends any hopes of establishing a pro-Republican Government in Florida. https://t.co/aYjYhbPlFm
The casualties of Olustee are staggering, 1,861 Federal soldiers were made casualties while 946 Confederates were wounded or killed during the fight. It was the largest and bloodiest battle in Florida history. https://t.co/9meXb3r2YY
During their retreat the Federals leave behind wounded men, guns, and even the flag of the 8th USCT. There are some accounts of Confederate troops mistreating black POWs and wounded, but for the most part the Confederates simply treat them like the captured white soldiers. https://t.co/g8wDu4ooKt
Darkness falls early over the battlefield, and the 54th Massachusetts eventually pulls back, having fought extremely bravely but being quite battered. Finegan wants to pursue the Federals, but is dissuaded by Colquitt due to a lack of supplies and the tiredness of the troops. https://t.co/XdBEtqaF7d
After the battle ended, "Confederate soldiers shot and clubbed to death as many as fifty wounded black soldiers before the men could be rescued." (Tell me again why #Florida wants to protect Confederate monuments.) https://t.co/uL8gVCPGPB https://t.co/cBc8dgZvGF
By noon the Federals reach Sanderson, 11 miles away from Olustee. As the blue troops enter the small town they are warned by locals that the Confederates are just ahead waiting for them. Paying no heed to the warning, the Federals continue marching ahead. https://t.co/kMe2tltyxl
While Sherman begins his retreat, Smith is moving towards West Point. Forrest has sent his brother Jeffery's Brigade from Aberdeen to West Point. There Forrest's men clash with the 2nd Iowa Cavalry, but after a short fight Jeffery decides to withdraw to avoid a large engagement. https://t.co/T1yrlsU01U
February 20th, 1864 Sherman in Meridian has grown impatient waiting for Smith's Cavalry to arrive, after waiting several days and with no word, Sherman decides to retreat back to Vicksburg, not having achieved his goal of marching on Selma. https://t.co/cNB1ccxd2a
#OnThisDay in 1864 the Battle of Olustee was fought in Baker County, Florida and ended up being the largest battle fought in Florida during the American Civil War. https://t.co/HUopesFp2E