"The Battle of Carthage, Missouri, was the first full-scale land battle of the Civil War. The two armies collided on July 5, 1861. The New York Times called it "the first serious conflict between United States troops and the rebels." Described are the events leading up to the battle, the battle itself, and the aftermath" --Provided by publisher.

Part I.Rebellion and reprisal --|t Crisis in the making --|t Trouble in southwest Missouri --|t Federal occupation of Springfield --|t Rebel rendezvous at Roup's Point --|g Part II. -- Signs of war --|t Lyon and the great comet --|t Generals at opposite ends --|t Union blockade at Neosho --|t Closing forces --|t Carthage, blossom on the prairie --|t Slavery in Jasper County --|t On the brink of battle --|g Part III. -- The Battle of Carthage --|t First contact --|t The advance --|t State guard order of battle --|t Itching for a fight --|t Sigel's nationals --|t Shotguns and cannons --|t The cannonade --|t Rebel cavalry on both flanks --|t Standoff at Dry Fork Creek --|t Charge at Buck Branch --|t Spring River crossing --|t Melee in Carthage --|t Chase up the Sarcoxie Road --|g Part IV. -- After the battle --|t A late supper --|t Uncertain victory --|t Hell on retreat.