David,

From my reading of this battle, the 20th Tex Dsmtd Cav (Bass) and the 29th Texas Cav (DeMorse) were in the front line with the 5th Tex Part Rangers (Martin) in reserve.

In fact, their struggle with the advancing 1st KS Col Inf (79th USCT) was so severe it resulted in hand-to-hand fighting in an attempt to save Lee's Battery and to hold the Elk Creek bridge.

One other thing, as you're writing your article on Honey Springs (Elk Creek), might you consider reviewing the numbers usually stated for the Confederate force. The total of 6,000 Confederates is a figure from Blunt's reports not Confederate records. I've never been able to calculate over 4,000 Confederates in Cooper's force. The only way I can arrive at a figure near 6,000 is by including Cabell's force which, of course, did not arrive until after the battle. This 6,000 figure is published over and over again with no substantion other than Blunt's claim. Though Honey Springs was the largest battle in the Indian Territory, due to the poor and lighter armament, defective black-powder and roughly comparable numbers, the outcome was predictable. This was NOT an overwhelming victory of Union forces over much larger numbers. Blunt's move against Cooper's force prior to Cabell's arrival was the thing for which he deserves praise. The Confederates had little or no chance of defeating Blunt's much better equipped forces. I've always felt the willingness of Cooper and his troops to even offer battle without Cabell's presence was a heroic, though forlorn effort.

Just my thoughts!

Jim Martin