Federals Withdraw to Lebanon - August 21, 1861

There was a brief action near Carothers on August 21st. Federal infantry (Brigadier General Solomon Lewis' ad hoc command) deployed across the Clinton Pike at the Jenkins Farm, west of Carothers and the Carothers Furnace.

Confederate infantry (with artillery to the rear) deployed just west of the Carothers Farm, with Walker's (Arkansas) brigade on the right and Taylor's (Louisiana Brigade) on the left.

As the Confederates advanced, guiding center on the Clinton Pike, the left of Taylor's Brigade and right of Walker's Brigade were slowed by brush and trees on the side of the road. This resulted in the 3rd and 1st Arkansas getting ahead of the other regiments and leading the engagement.

The Union front line opened fire, with the 2nd Indiana near the Jenkins barn, 2nd Ohio to their right, and the 1st Battalion, 1st Kentucky Cavalry dismounted in the woods to the left. The 1st Indiana and 3rd Ohio were in the rear in reserve.

After a very short period of fighting, the Union artillery to the rear (left section, Battery "A," 1st Michigan Light) limbered up and moved west down the Clinton Pike. The infantry then retreated, formed to the rear, and withdrew westward toward Lebanon before the bulk of the Confederate force could engage. They will find Lebanon town and cross roads occupied by Brigadier General John Wharton's Cavalry Brigade. But that will be another engagement on another day...