In June, 1863, Colonel James P. Major was ordered to lead an expedition to break Union supply lines, disrupt Union activities and force an enemy withdrawal from Brashear (Morgan) City and Port Hudson, Louisiana. As the Confederate cavalry prepared to advance, Lt. Col. Albert Stickney, the Union commander at Brashear City, was informed of the Confederate offensive, and moved to prepare defenses at LaFourche Crossing. For two days, Col. Major ordered attacks against the Union defenses before he withdrew his forces. Despite the defeat, he continued toward Brashear City.
