Casualties High As Feds Are Victors
'Despite heavy losses, Union troops crashed through Rebel lines to win the battle at Pea Ridge. Led by General Curtis, the Northern
forces ended the bloody combat in three days. Both sides made use of Indians in fighting their enemy. Often the Indians engaged in
battles between themselves but they also attacked the soldiers unmercifully. Tomahawks and knives were as common a weapon as the
Army rifles. Earl Van Dorn, the Confederate leader, was largely responsible for the defeat of his own men. Faulty strategy put his
enemy between the Southern forces and the Confederate supply train. With ammunition and food running dangerously low, the Rebel
troops could not function effectively.'
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