Union Major General John M. Schofield, commander of the Army of the Frontier, split his army placing two divisions near Springfield, Missouri and another division in Northwest Arkansas, led by Brigadier General James. G. Blunt. When Hindman sent Marmaduke north to attack blunt on November 28th, Blunt moved south to meet the confederate forces and they clashed in Cane Hill. Marmadukes troops consisting of 2000 men were no match for the 5000 soldiers and thirty cannon commanded by Blunt. After the Confederate attack, Blunt remained in the Cane Hill region gathering supplies for winter. One week later he learned that Hindman was moving his troops north to attack and Blunt decided await the Confederate attack in Cane Hill and send for reinforcements from Springfield.