I had read that also, in fact one Col. Said they had camped 500 yards from the river and another regiment had camped somewhat closer to Marksville. You read so many things on line that it becomes confusing to determine what really happened.
If Smith (A.J.) is at Moreland on 5.13 when Banks departs Alexandria, did Smith go directly to the Red River, let's say to the Lantanier region about 2-3 miles distance, or did his forces go to Alexandria first, then follw the retreating army down Red River ? At some point, when Alexandria is burning, I read that Smith rode through the streets in a rage of joy, so, he must have been in Alexandria when the fires were set on 5.13. and then handled rear guard action. I presume Smith (T.K.) becomes attatched to A.J.'s forces at Alexandria and follows the retreat as rear guard action as well (with A.J.). Does this rear guard force depart Alexandria the day of the fire's of 5.13, or, they departed Alexandria the following morning (after midnight) on 5.14. ?
I'm trying to figure out at exactly what point did the Confederacy reoccupy Alexandria.