Brig. Gen. Douglas H. Cooper alerted his troops to the coming battle and placed his men on both sides of the Texas Road, with seasoned veterans in the center to face Federal troops. On the right stood the two Cherokee regiments. Moving forward to a position north of Elk Creek, he found Capt. Lee's light howitzer battery posted there with support from Col. Bass' regiment, part of the 2nd Cherokee Regiment, and skirmishers on the right under Capt. Hugh Tinnin of the 1st Cherokee Regiment. After movement on the right was detected and Capt. Tinnin reported that the skirmishers would soon be engaged, one half of Col. Bass' regiment under Capt. Johnson was ordered to support him. Cooper then rode to the position, recognized a body of troops on the extreme right, and ordered up part of the 2nd Cherokee Regiment, newly returned from a scout to Prairie Springs, conducting them himself to the right.