[1] Smith's force had been ordered to set off from Memphis, Tennessee, and rendezvous with the main Union army of 20,000 that was marching on Meridian, Mississippi, and was under the command of Major-General William T. Sherman.

Forrest began a frontal assault and probing flank attacks, and with Confederate reinforcements, cut gaps in the Union battle lines and prompted a general retreat, with five cannons being abandoned.

[2] The Union forces reformed on a ridge, and during a flurry of attacks and counterattacks[1] Col. Forrest, the major general's younger brother, was killed by a shot to the neck.

"[2] Faltering after the colonel's death, the Confederate attack was revitalized by the older Forrest, who led a charge to "exact vengeance" and break the Union positions.

[2] The Union forces began an eleven-mile running battle as they withdrew, falling back through a series of defensive positions including plantations and roadblocks.

[2] Forrest quickly ordered the end of the pursuit due to lack of ammunition, but Smith was forced to contend with other Mississippi militia units for the rest of his retreat to the Tennessee border.