Confederacy Espionage, Reconnaissance, and Impacts
The Confederacy also used scouting tactics and techniques such as spying, reconnaissance, and screening. Reconnaissance was the main usage by the confederates, often used to examine where the union army was located as well as the strength of the army. For example, leading up to the battle Major Hathaway and Company A, 36th of Arkansas were deployed forward for reconnaissance in a field ahead. They captured seventeen Union soldiers and then returned stating that the union army was no longer on the field[1]. It was not uncommon for recon soldiers in the Confederacy to capture other soldiers. As we see leading to the fight, the Confederates arrest a child named Alice Compton, mistakenly believing that she was a boy spy[2].
Another example is Brig. Gen. Francis Asbury Shoup halting his attack on December 7, 1862. The Brig. Gen halted his attack until he heard back from Colonel Shelby, who was commanding his cavalry brigade. From his cavalry scouting brigade, Brig. Gen. Francis Shoup received accurate information on the position and strength of the opposing Union Army he was facing[4]. From this intelligence, his unit was outnumbered compared to the opposing Union forces. He was also informed of an excellent defensive position where he thought should be held by his command, while the rest of the units joined in the movements against Union James Blunt. However, upper command from this information ordered Brig. Gen. James F. Fagan to hold the defensive ridge and Brig. Gen. Francis Shoup to hold his position because he was notifed by Confederate cavarly scouts that James G Blunt was advancing from the direction of Cane Hill[4].
Additionally, reconnaissance may have been used by the Texas Spy Company. While no reports of their use at the battle of Prairie Grove exist, we do know that the Company was in similar areas in Arkansas at the time of the battle, possibly acquiring data on the size and location of the army before the battle[3].
These examples allow insight into how the Confederate acquired and also used espionage and recon, and the impacts from the events that allowed the Confederate military to prepare, adapt, and properly adjust for the battle of Prairie Grove.
Footnotes
1. Price, J. R. (2003, June 6). A COURAGE AND DESPERATION RARELY EQUALED: THE 36TH ARKANSAS INFANTRY REGIMENT (CONFEDERATE STATES ARMY), 26 JUNE 1862--25 MAY 1865. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA416346.pdf
2. Christ, M. K., & Williams, P. G. (2014). I Do Wish This Cruel War Was Over. Shibboleth authentication request. https://eds-s-ebscohost-com.proxy1.cl.msu.edu/eds/ebookviewer/ebook/bmxlYmtfXzc1OTQ5Nl9fQU41?sid=29933dda-a5a6-4cfe-8725-07d96bf2c6c6%40redis&vid=0&format=EB&lpid=lp_vii&rid=0
3. Hewett, J. B., Trudeau, N. A., & Suderow, B. A. (1995). TO THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. https://d2l.msu.edu/d2l/le/content/1807091/viewContent/14867271/View
4. Report of Brigadier-General Francis Asbury Shoup, C.S.Army, on the Battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, December 7, 1862. HEADQUARTERS, SECOND DIVISION, FIRST CORP, TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ARMY, CAMP NEAR VAN BUREN, December 11, 1862.https://d2l.msu.edu/d2l/le/content/1807091/viewContent/14867271/View
By: Connor Elliott & Jaden Vandalsen