Situation 07.00 – 08.00 hours. (Northside)
With the initial shock
passed, Price was able to stiffen the line with the arrival of troops under his
command. The Missouri Guard were now pouring regular and effective volleys into
the blue ranks of Lyons force. Just before 08.00 hrs. Lyon’s 1st brigade
was destroyed at a spot that would later be called “bloody hill”.
A very precarious
situation presented itself as Lyon had lost one of his best brigades and
secondly, he was too deeply committed to withdraw. (Lyon’s command was one unit
short of demoralization).
Situation 07.00 – 08.00 hours. (Southern end)
Continuing their pursuit, Federal
infantry deployed skirmishers and moved forward, while the artillery
concentrated on the enemy near Sharp House. Having left the security of the
heights Sigel contemplated the wisdom of the two pronged assault as the enemy
were improving their position and composure. Re positioning his artillery to the
hill would improve their support role and the infantry line would help, but
Sigel could feel the initiative slip away.
Collecting their wits and
horses, Pearce’s mounted brigade were able to form up north of the Springfield
road. Dismounting near the base of the
hill, the Arkansas Guard formed a loose line formation and awaited the order to
advance.
McCulloch’s troops could be seen in the distance and together they
would give the Federal troops a good whipping.
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