General Lyon led Kansas troops into battle to drive back the rebels' second attack, crying, “Come on my brave boys, I will lead you forward!” A volley of fire exploded in front of him, and a bullet tore through both lungs and his heart. Moments later, Lyon slid from his horse and died. Early investigations placed the spot where he died in this glade, but more recent scholarship indicates that he was only slightly wounded here by an exploding shell during the first Southern assault, when his horse was killed. After receiving a new mount, Lyon remained in the center of the line, and when he received his fatal wound he may actually have fallen near where the parking area is now. As Lyon’s body was being removed from the field, his aide Lt. William M. Wherry arrived, ordered news of Lyon’s death concealed as long as possible to prevent fear among the men, determined that Major Samuel D. Sturgis, U.S. Cavalry, was next in command, and set out to notify him of his new role.