Brig. Gen. John S. Marmaduke, CSA

Clayton had a weak garrison, two small cavalry regiments and a company of state militia; Marmaduke had a cavalry division.

The garrison lost about 60 men; Confederate losses are not recorded.

At 8am, October 25, Col. Powell Clayton sent a company of cavalry toward Princeton which ran into Brig. Gen. John S. Marmaduke's men, out on a raid against the important Union garrison.

After scattered shots, the Rebels sent forward a flag of truce and demanded surrender. Lt. M.F. Clark answered that there would be no surrender. Clayton withdrew slowly into Pine Bluff, where he would at least have the protection of the buildings. In the meantime, about 300 African-American soldiers rolled cotton bales out of warehouses, making barricades to protect the main square. After failing to take storm the square, the Rebels attempted to burn the Union out but to no avail. The Confederate forces retired, leaving Pine Bluff, an important river garrison, to the Federals.

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Selected sources:
American Battlefield Protection Program, Heritage Preservation Services, National Park Service.