The Battle Begins

After a brief rest, the Federal Army moved south toward Confederate forces concealed in the timber north of Elk Creek and formed a battle line about one mile wide centered on the Texas Road. Artillery opened the battle as 12 Federal guns dueled 4 Confederate guns for over an hour, and the hot, humid day caused the smoke from the guns to hug the ground and obscure the battle lines. The Federals advanced toward the woods to within 50 paces of the Confederate line before firing commenced. Flanking maneuvers and Federal fire power collapsed the Confederate right flank and then the center, and with their line broken, the Confederates began a retreat south toward the Elk Creek Bridge. At about 10 a.m., Maj. Gen. James G. Blunt formed his forces in two columns, one on the right of the road under Col. Judson and the other on the left under Col. Phillips, then moved them forward in line of battle with skirmishers in advance. Their fire soon revealed the location of the Confederate artillery, while cavalry on the two flanks fought dismounted on foot with their carbines. The Federal troops steadily advanced into the edge of the timber, and the fighting was unremitting and terrific for two hours.

Oklahoma · United States