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My History can beat up your politics wherever you get podcasts. You're not going to be here. Oh, Hey everyone. Thanks for tuning into episode number 471 of our Civil War podcast, my name is Rich.

And I'm Tracy.

Hello y'all, welcome to the show.

As you guys will recall, by the end of the last episode,

the Federal's Red River expedition was about to run into

trouble with a capital T as General's Nathaniel Banks and William Buell Franklin were going to stumble into the Battle of Mansfield on Friday, April 8, 1864.

On that day, Confederate Major General Richard Taylor was ready for the Yankees

thanks to the time bought for him by Tom Green's Texas Cavalry.

After his frustrating meeting with department commander Kirby Smith on April 6th, Dick Taylor had

taken advantage of Smith's failure to issue specific orders, and Taylor had taken matters into his own hands to prepare for the

coming battle.

At their meeting, Taylor had been appalled at Kirby Smith's lack of resolve about how to confront the federal column.

During the first week of April, even before their meeting, as Kirby Smith had vacillated, Taylor wrote to him concerning the need to do something.

Quote, action, prompt vigorous action is required.

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