On December 30, Forrest's men moved speedily toward Red Mound or Parker's Cross Roads. About one-and-a-half miles from the crossroads, Forrest placed his men in line for battle. The federals appeared from the north-northeast and formed an opposing battle line. A battle ensued and the federals retreated toward the crossroads. The federals reformed their battle lines with 1,800 men to Forrest's 1,200 men: Morton's battery in the center, Freeman's battery on the flanks, and General Forrest driving the entire line.
