<P> Due to the length of Curtis's supply lines and a lack of the reinforcements needed for a further advance, Curtis decided to remain in position . He fortified an excellent defensive line on the north side of the creek, placing artillery for an expected Confederate assault from the south . </P> <P> The Confederate major general, Earl Van Dorn, had been appointed as the overall commander of the Trans - Mississippi District to quell a simmering conflict between the Confederate generals Sterling Price of Missouri and Benjamin McCulloch of Texas . Van Dorn's Trans - Mississippi District totaled approximately 16,000 men, which included 800 Indian troops, Price's Missouri State Guard contingents and other Missouri units, and McCulloch's contingent of cavalry, infantry, and artillery from Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Missouri . </P> <P> Van Dorn was aware of the Federal movements into Arkansas and was intent on destroying Curtis's Army of the Southwest and reopening the gateway into Missouri . He intended to flank Curtis and attack his rear, forcing Curtis to retreat north or be encircled and destroyed . Van Dorn had ordered his army to travel light so each soldier carried only three days' rations, forty rounds of ammunition, and a blanket . Each division was allowed an ammunition train and an additional day of rations . All other supplies, including tents and cooking utensils, were to be left behind . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Th> Key commanders (Army of the Southwest) </Th> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> <Ul> <Li> Brig. Gen . Samuel R. Curtis, Commanding </Li> <Li> Brig. Gen . Franz Sigel, 1st and 2d Divisions </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> </Table>

Who was involved in the battle of pea ridge