Due to illness C.S.A. Lieutenant-Genearl Holms ordered C.S.A.Major-General Sterling Price to assume command on July 23rd.
U.S. Brigadier-General John W. Davidson was ordered to move his Brigade from Helena to Clarendon then on to DeValls Bluff. On August 22nd Davidson moved his Brigade to Deadman's Lake. On the 24th Davidson's brigade left Deadman's Lake with 6,000 cavalrymen and 16 pieces of artillery on Wire road towards Little Rock.
August 23rd C.S.A Brigadier-General John S. Marmaduke received orders from Major-General Price to march his brigade to Brownsville and report to C.S.A.Brigadier-General J. W. Walker. With 1,300 cavalrymen and 2 pieces of artillery. Marmaduke held his forces in the vicinity of Brownsville to guard the main approach to Little Rock.
At sunrise on August 25th the enemy was advancing in force. A sharp engagement ensured between the Federal forces and the Confederate force. Being outnumbered Marmaduke retreated through Brownsville about six miles.
Soldier J.Percival
