The Post of Pine Bluff, a U.S. garrison commanded by Colonel Powell Clayton, successfully defended the town against attacks led by Confederate Brigadier-General John S. Marmaduke's cavalry division.

Confederate Brigadier-General John S. Marmaduke, commanding a cavalry division, decided to test their strength at Pine Bluff.

On Sunday, October 25, Marmaduke attacked the Post of Pine Bluff, a U.S. garrison commanded by Colonel Powell Clayton of the 5th Kansas Cavalry.

The 550 federal cavalrymen and Missouri militia, supported by 300 freedmen, barricaded the court-house square with cotton-bales and positioned the cannon to command the adjacent streets.

Marmaduke's Division made several attacks upon the square, then attempted to set the county court-house on fire.