Larry, I'm certainly not an authority on the battle of Prairie D'Ann, however hopefully, someone can give you more in-depth information on the battle. Gen. Steele and his troops left Little Rock in an effort to support Union troops coming up the Red River in Louisiana. This was known as the Red River Campaign. The idea of the campaign was to for the union to get a foothold in Texas and southern cotton. I believe Gen. Steele did not wholeheartedly want to participate in the campaign and leave Little Rock basically defenseless. The Union troops met up with the Confederates at Prairie D'Ann and a battle ensued. Confederate Gen. Price believed that the Union troops were bound for Washington, Ar. where the Confederate Govt. was set up. The Confederate set up a defensive line north to south near the present town of Prescott. Gen. Steele felt it best to turn south toward the Washington-Camden Road and head for Camden, Ar. where he could obtain forage and supplies badly needed. The events turned sour for the Union troops on the Red River and Gen. Steele's support there would not have helped. Gen. Steele and his troops traversed the swamps south of Prescott (which is my main interest) and then hit the Washington-Camden Road east to Camden. I'm not sure where the hospital was located but I'm quite certain that it would have been located in the vicinity of the battle. From Prarie D'Ann to the Washington-Camden Road more or less had to be a rough ride. I do know that between Prescott and south to Cale Road you have to cross seven bridges. The Terra Rouge creek widens at that point and it is basically all swamp land or was. I recommend that you read up on the Red River Campaign and you should be very proud of your grandfather and his service.