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Battle of Sabine Pass
47 Confederates defeated an invading force of more than 4000 Union Soldiers and 20 warships, accomplishing this feat with six artillery guns and a fort constructed of compacted mud (Known as Fort Griffin). However, the success should be attributed to the superior information obtained mostly via the lighthouse several hundred yards away from the battlefield, the inferior orders given to the Union soldiers, and the geography of Sabine Pass, keeping all but the smallest warships from getting in. -
Battle of Galveston
In an attempt to seize an advantage, the Union soldiers had invaded Galveston Bay. On New Year's Night, the Confederates decided to take it back. The Union’s naval guns helped drive back the assault, but the Confederates managed to strike from the rear of the Union attack squadron. In the end, the Union ships sailed off, ignoring demands of surrender. The Confederates had retaken Galveston with a loss of twenty-six killed and 117 wounded. -
Battle of Palmito Ranch
When the Union soldiers headed towards Palmito Ranch to scatter the Confederates, Branson and his men remained behind to feed the horses. At 3, however, a Confederate force appeared, forcing the Union to stay at White’s Ranch. After skirmishes and sharp fighting, Barret led his men down to a river bluff where his men could eat dinner and rest. As they had settled down, a Confederate cavalry approached, and hammered the Union soldiers with their artillery. Barrett ordered a retreat shortly after.