Confederates Take Newport - August 19, 1861

The 1st Mississippi Infantry advance north on the Old Stage Road towards Newport. It was met by the 2nd Kentucky Cavalry (US), which was in a defensive position at the Davis house to the southwest of Newport town. As the Confederates approached, the cavalry opened fire. Armed with poor quality Dresden muskets, the Confederates advanced at the double quick to get into position to return fire. As they drew close, one of the Union battalions charged into the much larger Confederate unit and was driven back. A second battalion prepared to charge into the enemy, but the Union commander called a retreat and the cavalry withdrew across the South Branch River to North Bank, leaving Newport in control of the Confederates.