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(March 1993) The Fight for Willow Creek (Last
Confederate Line) east view. Old Rodney Road approximately 3/4 mile west of
Bruinsburg Road (the "Y"). Site Marker: Gen. W. E.
Baldwin's brigade reached Willow Creek about the time Gen. M. E. Green's
troops were driven from Magnolia Church. Confederate Gen. J. S. Bowen had
Baldwin form his troops in this undergrowth-filled bottom. Rebel
cannoneers emplaced guns on the ridge to the east. About noon May 1, Gen.
J. A. McClernand's Union corps renewed its advance. As the Federals
descended the ridge to the west they were fired on by Confederates.
McClernand sent a powerful battle line to drive the Rebels from this
bottom. Bowen ordered Col. F. M. Cockrell to take the Confederate reserve
(two Missouri regiments) and turn the Federal right. Cockrell's
Missourians surprised and rolled up Col. J. R. Slack's brigade. Because of
the canebrakes much of the fighting took place at ranges of 20 yards or
less. To stop this drive, Gen. A. P. Hovey massed 24 pieces of artillery.
Though Cockrell was repulsed, Bowen was undaunted. He told Baldwin to
attack. Baldwin's thrust was repulsed. Bowen had seized the initiative
from the numerically superior Federals. The Confederates held their ground
until 6 P. M., when word was received that the Yankees had defeated the
Confederates on the Bruinsburg road. Fearful-lest his command be isolated,
Bowen fell back |
