On the eve of Friday, 10 March 1863, the troops arrived in the small town of Gainesville, AL. This town is located near the AL-MS state line on the Tombigbee River. When the troops arrived, they were cheerfully greeted by the townspeople. The local folk fed the troops a good, hearty meal and offered them a place to stay. Gratefully, the troops accepted as they had travelled long and hard that day. Thinking they were safe, the troops bedded down for the night.
11 March 1863
On the morning of Saturday, 11 March 1863, the troops awoke to the smell of food cooking on the open fire. Unbeknownst to the troops, as they were sleeping away the night before and cooking their breakfast, the opposing forces had moved into position around them. Sometime around 2p.m., several scouts were sent out and were atttacked. A quick battle ensued. The Confederate forces won. The Federal forces retreated, and all was quiet for the rest of the night, except for the noises coming from the camps. Once again, the local townspeople fed the troops and held a dance in the barn of a farmer nearby.
12 March 1863
The morning of Sunday, 12 March 1863, dawned clear and bright. After a peaceful night, the troops were well-rested. During the day, the troops were on the lookout for any signs of the opposing forces. Shortly after lunch, the troops that occupied the town were attacked. The townspeople were apalled that the Federals would attack their town again. The attack was short. There were several casualities from both sides. Unlike the events of the day before, the Federals won this small battle. The Confederates were forced to fall back behind the line. Soon afterwards, they began the long march to a town several hundred miles to the Northeast.
