OCTOBER 25, 1864:
The Battle of Marais
des Cygnes; The Battle of Mine Creek; The Battle of Marmiton River:
As General Sterling Price’s retreating Confederates pass into Kansas
they are attacked by Union cavalry three times in one day, in what becomes
collectively the largest cavalry battle west of the Mississippi River.
Although
the Confederates outnumber the Federals 7,000 to 2,500, the Union force routs
Price’s column in all three engagements, and much of Price’s precious supply
train is broken up or recaptured. Federal casualties are about 100 for the day.
Confederate casualties are unknown for the battle of Marais des Cygnes and the battle of Marmiton
River, but Price loses 1,200 men at the battle of Mine Creek, leaving him at
best with only 5,800 effectives.
