Today in History (general history)/ On This Day In Confederate History/ Confederate General Birthdays, Oct. 21.

Click 👉Today in History (general history) Oct. 21. 

On This Day in Confederate History, Oct. 21.

1861: The Battle of Ball's Bluff, Va. is another early war victory in this promising year of victories for the Confederates, including the First Battle of Manassas, Va., July 21, 1861; the Battle of Oak Hills (Wilson's Creek) Aug. 10, 1861; and the Battle of Ball/s Bluff, Va. Oct. 21, 1861. Brig. Gen. Charles Stone and Brig. Gen. Edward D. Baker (U.S. Sen. & Friend of Lincoln) was in command of about 1,720 Federals. Brig. Gen. Nathan G. Evans commanded 1,709 Confederates. The battle developed a reconnaissance and an intended raid on Leesburg, Va. They eventually ran into Gen. Evans' Confederates at 3 o'clock that afternoon which developed into a serious battle. The Southerners drove the Northerners to the rear of the bluff, with Baker being killed at about 4:30. The 17th Mississippi Infantry arrived on the scene late in the battle and staged an assault that broke the Federal line and routed the bluecoats. Many Northerners drowned while crossing the Potomac River. The Federals lost 223 killed, 226 wounded, and 553 captured. The Confederates lost 36 men killed, 117 wounded, and two captured. Baker is the only sitting U.S. Senator to ever be killed in battle. 

Col. Winfield S. Featherston

Commanded the 17th Miss. Inf. at Ball's Bluff

1863: The Battle of Opelousas took place on this day at a railroad crossing three miles south of that important strategic town in St. Landry Parish, La. in the Great Texas Overland Expedition. Confederates have about nine regiments of cavalry, two battalions of infantry, and several artillery pieces under Brig. Gen. Tom Green. Maj. Gen. William B. Franklin commanding the Army of the Gulf had an overwhelming force. The powerful Federal artillery opened on the Southerners and the arrival of infantry drove the Confederates back and the bluecoats occupied Opelousas, one of the temporary capitals of the state. Franklin held this area while awaiting further orders.

1864: Franklin-Nashville Campaign: Gen. John Bell Hood's Army of Tennessee on this day raided the Nashville and Northwestern Railroad in Tennessee which supplied Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman's Federal army from the major supply depot at Johnsonville, Tenn.

Confederate General History, Oct. 21.

None.