The Battle Begins

The Battle Begins. Honey Springs Battlefield. After a brief rest, the Federal Army moved south toward the Confederate forces concealed in the timber north of Elk Creek. They formed a battle line about one mile wide centered on the Texas Road. Artillery opened the battle; 12 Federal guns dueled 4 Confederate guns for over an hour. The hot, humid day caused the smoke from the guns to hug the ground, obscuring 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. With their line broken, the Confederates began a retreat south toward the Elk Creek Bridge. , At about 10 a.m., I formed them in two columns, one on the right of the road under Col. Judson, the other on the left under Col. Phillips.... I moved them forward in line of battle, throwing out skirmishers in advance and soon drew their fire, which revealed the location of their artillery. The cavalry... on the two flanks, was dismounted and fought on foot with their carbines. My men steadily advanced into the edge of the timber, and the fighting was unremitting and terrific for two hours. , Maj. Gen. James G. Blunt, USA