The Battle of Wilson's Creek, August 10, 1861

We return to Missouri for another test game, this time the Battle of Wilson’s Creek. Fought on the 10^th of August between Federal forces commanded by General Lyon and the Missouri State Guard under Sterling Price, this was a noteworthy engagement as the Federal troops split their forces with the intent of catching rebel forces in two prong attack. A bold plan as the Federal troops were outnumbered by twice their strength.

Order of battle

Federal Troops, Brig.-Gen. Lyon

1^st Brigade, Maj. Sturgis:

1^st US. Infantry,  2^nd Mo. Infantry (bn),  2^nd US Arty, Kansas Rangers, 1^st US Cav.

2^nd Brigade, Lt.-Col. Andrews:

2^nd US Infantry (bn), DuBois Baty, 1^st Mo. Infantry

3^rd Brigade,  Col. Deitzler:

1^st Kansas, 2^nd Kansas,

Missouri Volunteers

2^nd Brigade, Col. Sigel

3^rd Mo., 5^th Mo., 1^st US Cav, 2^nd US Dgns., Mo. Arty.

Unattached 

1^st Iowa, Mo. Home Guard Cav., 1^st US Cav.

Union total: 5,400 and 16 guns

Missouri State Guard, Major Gen. Sterling Price (5,221)

Rain’s Division

1^st Brigade: 1^st Infantry, 3^rd Infantry, 4^th Infantry (bn.), 5^th Infantry, Bledsoe’s Baty.

2^nd Brigade: not given in official records.

Parson’s Brigade: Kelly’s Infantry, Brown’s Cavalry, Guibor’s Baty.

Clark’s Division

Burbridge’s Infantry, 1^st Cav. (bn)

Slack’s Division

Hugh’s Infantry, Thornton’s Infantry (bn), Rive’s Cav.

McBride’s Division

Wingo’s Infantry, Fostor’s Infantry, Campbell’s Cav.

Arkansas State Guard, Brig. Gen. Pearce (2,720)

1^st Ark. Cav, 3^rd Infantry, 4^th Infantry, 5^th Infantry, Woodruff’s Baty, Reid’s Baty.

McCulloch’s Brigade (2,234)

1^st Ark. Mtd Rifles, 2^nd Ark. Mtd. Rifles, Ark. Infantry (bn). So. Ks-Tx Mtd., 3^rd La. Infantry

Confederate total 10, 175 and 15 guns (Battles and Leaders describes 6 – 7,000 as fit and equipped)

On the day the Confederates were to move on Springfield (9 Aug.) it rained. At daybreak (06.00 hrs.) on the 10^th many were preparing a morning meal when the Federal troops of Lyon and Sigel made their assault.