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The Battle of Independence

August 11, 1862 in Independence, Missouri

Union Forces Commanded by
Lt. Col. James T. Buel

Strength	Killed	Wounded	Missing / Captured
± ?	14	18	312

Confederate Forces Commanded by
Col. J.T. Hughes and Col. G.W. Thompson

Strength	Killed	Wounded	Missing / Captured
± ?	?	?	?

Conclusion: Confederate Victory

On August 11, Col. J.T. Hughes's Confederate force, including William Quantrill, attacked Independence, at dawn, in 2 columns on different roads. They drove through the town to the Union Army camp, capturing, killing, and scattering the Federals.

Lt. Col. James T. Buel, commander of the garrison, attempted to hold out in one of the buildings with some of his men. Soon the building next to them was on fire, threatening them. Buel then, by means of a flag of truce, arranged a meeting with the Confederate commander, Col. G.W. Thompson, who had replaced Col. J.T. Hughes, killed earlier.

Buel surrendered and about 150 of his men were paroled, the others had escaped, hidden, or been killed. Having taken Independence, the Confederate force headed for Kansas City. Confederate dominance in the Kansas City area continued, but not for long.