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Scenerio of
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The
Fight for Liendo
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This is
historical fiction. We encourage first person impressions and are providing
this theme for use as a common background for all participants. Liendo
was the site of several extensive camps during, and after the War. Although
no engagements were fought here, we have put this scenario together to
represent what could have happened.
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It is early October,
1862. The year has not gone well for the Union in the East. The idea of
a 30 day war has long been forgotten, and the North is attempting to chip
away at the Confederacy at any perceived weak point it can find. Federal
forces in the West have had a better time of it though. With victories
at Pea Ridge and New Orleans, Federal troops in the West are seen as ready
to go on the offensive. Texas is seen as a supply line to Mexico, and an
area rich in resources. General Grant, preparing for the siege of Vicksburg,
also wants to draw away any re-enforcement's, which could be raised in
Texas and sent to oppose him.
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Federal forces
defeated Sibley in New Mexico eight months ago, but have too much ground
to cover to get at the lifeline of Texas along the coast, not to mention
any "friendly" Indians he might encounter along the way. So General
Butler in New Orleans is ordered to relinquish a detachment of troops to
raid supply and communication lines in Texas. Butler takes his time about
releasing the troops and arranging their transportation, delaying the operation
until mid-November. On November 13th, the same day Grant occupies Holly
Springs, Mississippi, the invasion force lands undetected at the mouth
of the San Bernard River on the Gulf Coast, and winds it's way up the San
Bernard to the Brazos River looking for the termination of the rail line
at Hempstead.
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The Union troops
are not overly enthused about tramping behind enemy lines in winter. In
New Orleans they had the run of the city with Butler to protect them and
warm beds to sleep in. Farragut had received all the credit for taking
the city, so what morale there is, is generated by this opportunity for
the men to prove themselves. All they have to do is keep a few Texans busy
repairing railroad and telegraph lines until Grant takes Vicksburg, which
shouldn't take too long considering what he's already accomplished at Ft.
Donaldson and Ft. Henry.
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As all this unfolds,
General Magruder, head of the Department of Texas, has issued orders for
winter quarters for the troops within Texas. Regiments returning from campaigns
in Arkansas and Louisiana are to be stationed at various camps within the
state along with newly formed units to train and prepare for spring deployments.
One of these camps is at the Groce family plantation, Liendo. It is located
along a vital transportation and communications route from Austin through
Harrisburg (now Houston) and Galveston to points further east, all the
way to Richmond itself.
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By early November,
most of the troops have arrived and are preparing to settle in for the
winter. Many local soldiers have been granted furloughs to visit families,
while others have their families staying with them in camp. With the holidays
fast approaching, the men are in good spirits, savoring the victories they
have won for their new country, and the break from the tedium of life on
the march. Several local tradesmen and businessmen have set up temporary
shops within the camp to cater to these newly paid and eager customers.
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The camp commander
has to keep supplies and communications flowing through Hempstead, as well
as see to the well-being of the soldiers under his command. But this is
the heart of Texas, and any perceived danger from the enemy is low.
So, to achieve these ends, token patrols are sent out primarily to pick
up stragglers and discourage highwaymen.
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The fateful afternoon
in late November 1862, will long be remembered....
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