the campaign lasted from march to may 1864, and was a major failure. banks's army was routed at the battle of mansfield (april 8) by general taylor and retreated to make a stand the next day at the battle of pleasant hill. despite winning a tactical victory at pleasant hill, banks continued the retreat to alexandria, his force rejoining part of porter's federal inland fleet. that naval force had joined the red river campaign to support the army and to take on cotton as a lucrative prize of war. banks was accused of allowing "hordes" of private cotton speculators to accompany the expedition, but only a few did, and most of the cotton seized was taken by the army or navy. banks did little, however, to prevent unauthorized agents from working the area. a cooperating land force launched from little rock, arkansas was turned back in the camden expedition.