Surprise at the Ferry - North Fork 09:10 a.m.

At Blevins and Goat Ridges, the opposing I Corps from each army held their positions from 08:30 a.m. to 09:10 a.m.  They shelled each other, inflicting some light casualties but not altering the stalemate at Morton's Creek.  Back at North Fork town, however, it was a different story.

The 59th and 61st Arkansas Infantry Regiments were detached from Smith's Brigade of Bowden's Division (I Corps, Department of the Easter Frontier) before the division left for Goat Ridge. The two regiments were tasked with holding the river crossing at Martin's Ferry and preventing Brig. Gen. Augustus Kraft's Union cavalry brigade from crossing the White River.  Kraft has already descended from the bluffs ahead and threatened to cross.

Kraft's Brigade (3rd Brigade, Cavalry Division, Army of the Arkansas) joined the army in the midst of the campaign around Arkadelphia (WIA2). It has not been a remarkable brigade, like the other Federal cavalry, has suffered numerous setbacks in the field over several campaigns. The brigade formed into column and galloped across the pontoon bridge at Martin's Ferry, taking fire from the 59h and 61st as they crossed. Despite concerns from headquarters, the brigade surged forward and formed at the end of the bridge.

The right of the brigade engaged the 61st Arkansas in a close range fire fight. The left, led by the 10th Cavalry (USCT) charged the 59th Arkansas and engaged it sabre to bayonet.  As the 10th USCT drove the 59th back, the 11th Iowa cavalry continued forward and captured the colors and numerous prisoners from the regiment and then turned on the 61st, routing it as well. Kraft's Brigade carried the crossing and North Fork town and then disappeared down the Military Road.