Fiercely assailed by both sides

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

On Oct. 21 and 22, two battles occurred between Kansas City and east of Independence, Mo. These battles were those of the Little Blue and Big Blue that were named after two streams, the crossing of which was contested by both Union troops from Kansas and Confederate forces that were advancing towards Kansas City. Both of these battles were Confederate victories. However, by engaging the enemy the Union troops delayed the Confederate advance which allowed more Kansas troops to arrive and strengthen the Union defense of Kansas City, and they allowed a provisional Union Army, commanded by Major General Alfred Pleasonton, that was marching west from Jefferson City to close the gap between it in pursuit of the Confederate forces commanded by Major General Sterling Price.

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