Location: Clay County, Arkansas

Campaign: Marmaduke’s Second Expedition into Missouri (1863)

Date: May 1-2, 1863

Principal Commanders:
Brig. Gen. William Vandever [US];
Brig. Gen. John S. Marmaduke [CS]

Forces Engaged: 2nd Division, Army of the Frontier and force under command of Brig. Gen. John McNeil [US];
Marmaduke’s Cavalry Division [CS]

Estimated Casualties: Unknown

Description:
Union Brig. Gen. William Vandever pursued Brig. Gen. John S. Marmaduke to Chalk Bluff, where the Confederates hoped to cross the St. Francis River. To ford the river, Marmaduke established a rearguard that received heavy punishment on May 1-2. Although most of Marmaduke’s raiders crossed the St. Francis River, they suffered heavy casualties and therefore ended the expedition.

Result: Confederate tactical victory (The results, however, forced Marmaduke to end his expedition, making this a Union strategic victory.)