Desperate Fighting

Under cover of punishing Confederate artillery fire, Russell and Woodward's men dismounted and infiltrated the woods to the right and rear of the 50th Indiana while Starnes' 8th Tennessee moved west and south of the Federal left flank, turned their mounts, and galloped up the Lexington-Huntingdon Road. As Forrest's artillery pounded the Federals, the Confederates attacked: Starnes, supported by Biffle's force just arrived from Trenton, captured the Union supply wagons and advanced on the 39th Iowa, while Confederate troops on foot, concealed by thick underbrush, advanced to within 50 feet of the Union line and opened fire. The 50th Indiana maintained its composure, fixed bayonets, charged, and scattered the Confederates, but the inexperienced 39th Iowa faltered in the confusion when some men took an order to rally to the rear as a retreat. As Colonel Henry Cummings tried to reform his men, the 122nd Illinois and the remainder of the 39th Iowa turned, fixed bayonets, and charged to meet Starnes' attack. Colonel Dunham, followed by men from the 122nd Illinois, the 50th Indiana, and some of the 39th Iowa, pursued the Confederates southward into the woods, but Forrest's assault had cut the Federal force in two and separated Dunham and his men from those at the fence.

Parker's Crossroads, Tennessee · United States