...he enemy on his flank and rear, which, if not successful in preventing his further advance into the interior, would render it both slow and cautious. On May 4, 1863, Banks and his army moved from Opelousas toward Alexandria. Banks, on the road to Alexandria, was anxious to make sure of Farragut's fleet. He inquired, Can the admiral meet me at Alexandria on Red river in the last week in April? Rea...