In fact, much of the surrounding area was practically impenetrable by men or horses.
Before Col. Williams returned to his post, Confederate guerrillas under Maj. Thomas R. Livingston engaged the small Union force two miles from Camp Ben Butler.
Livingston, a recurring worry to Union forces in the area, was killed in a fight at Stockton, Missouri, the next month.
[5] After the attack the troops stationed at Fort Blair and the survivors from Blunt's force moved into Camp Ben Butler.
When word of the massacre reached Fort Scott, at least five companies of troops were sent to reinforce Baxter Springs.