Comte de Paris, History of the Civil War in America. Vol. 1.
Henry Coppee , LL.D., Ed.

On the 4th of July Siegel encamped near Carthage, and learned that the enemy numbering from four to five thousand men, most of whom were mounted, occupied a position on the Lamar road, about fifteen kilometres to the northward. Notwithstanding the disproportion of numbers, he determined to attack them; and on the morning of the 5th he set out, followed at a distance by his supply-train. After crossing the stream called Dry Creek he met the combined forces of Parsons and Rains; who had taken their position upon the summit of an elevated piece of ground overlooking the Carthage and Lamar road, and were waiting for him. The first line of the Confederates consisted of about twentyfive hundred men, the infantry in the centre, the cavalry on the wings, and a strong reserve in the rear. The combat began at once. The Federals were very inferior in numbers and had no cavalry, but their soldiers were properly handled, better armed than their opponents, and their artillery was far superior to that of the enemy, which consisted of three old guns loaded with pieces of scrap-iron by way of projectiles. The fire of musketry and artillery continued for some time without either of the parties gaining ground; the most serious losses, however, were on the Confederate side. The latter decided at last to avail themselves of the advantages which their numerous cavalry gave them. This cavalry threatened, by a flank movement, to seize the supply-train of the Federals, and to cut them off from the road to Carthage. Siegel, being obliged to order a retreat, fell back upon the train and covered it, and recrossed Dry Creek, where the enemy's cavalry tried in vain to disturb him. Without allowing his lines to be broken or too closely pressed, he finally reached Carthage, where he defended himself for a sufficient length of time to enable his artillery to occupy the heights which were to protect his march beyond that village. In spite of the Confederate cavalry, to which he could offer no opposition, and which harassed him on every side, he succeeded toward evening in reaching some woods, which afforded him shelter, and by a night march he arrived at Sarcoxie, fortunate in having been able thus to escape, without great losses, from an enemy more numerous and more vigilant