Defending the Bridge · and other Fighting along Elk Creek

Defending the Bridge · and other Fighting along Elk Creek. Honey Springs Battlefield. After the Confederates gave way and the main line collapsed, the fighting became frantic as they made several stands at the bridge and along the creek to halt or slow the Federal advance. The remaining three Confederate cannons retired across the bridge, retreating to safety. Confederate forces reformed on the prairie to the south and held the line, buying time to salvage what they could of their army and supplies at Honey Springs. , I advanced, under a destructive fire from the enemy, after hard fighting, gained a position in the timber, and finally drove them across the stream, on the left of the bridge, the enemy forming several times, and desperately contesting every foot of ground. , Col. S. H. Wattles, , 1st Indian Home Guard, USA, After crossing the creek, I charged into a large body of rebels, whom I supposed to be Stand Watie's Indians and a regiment of Texans. They fell back to the woods and made a stand. My men dismounted, and opened a vigorous fire on them, which, together with the effective fire of the howitzers, soon drove them in confusion. , Lt. Col. W. T. Campbell, , 6th Kansas Cavalry, USA, [Photo Caption:] , Lt. Col. William Campbell , Commanding , 6th Kansas Cavalry, USA , (Photo Oklahoma Historical Society)