In The End

Colonel Baker was killed between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m. There are many stories about how he died but no firm historical consensus. Col. Milton Cogswell of the 42nd New York then took over and attempted a breakout that would have allowed the Yanks to move downriver toward Edwards Ferry where other Union troops had crossed. When the attempt failed, there was panic.

The beaten men had fought hard and well but finally were overwhelmed by fresh troops from the 17th Mississippi just before dark. Many were injured or killed trying to climb or jump down the steep cliff. Many others attempted to swim the swiftly-running river to Harrison’s Island and either drowned or were shot by Confederates on the bluff above them. Over 500 surrendered.