Although the Confederates greatly outnumbered Union troops at Mine Creek, the Union army held a clear advantage in weapons. The Confederates carried long muzzle-loading infantry rifles that were difficult to reload on horseback, while Union troops used shorter breech-loading carbines that could be quickly reloaded at the rear of the barrel. Many Confederates fired one shot, then turned their horses and fled. Others remained and used their rifles as clubs when the mounted forces collided in fierce hand-to-hand combat. Some Union troops gained position behind the Confederates, and fighting broke out near the creek. Recent rain had left the steep creek banks slippery and crumbling, the rushing water was deep, and wagons blocked the route. Union troops exploited these conditions and captured many prisoners, including Major General Marmaduke. By 11:30 a.m. the Confederates were in full retreat with Union forces close behind. Later that evening, Price ordered half the wagons burned so the army could move faster.