On July 4th, after learning that Sigel had encamped at Carthage, Jackson formulated a plan to attack the much smaller Union force. On the morning of July 5th, Jackson advanced towards Sigel, established a battle line on a ridge ten miles north of Carthage, and enticed Sigel to attack him. Opening with artillery fire, Sigel closed to the attack. Seeing a large Confederate force actually unarmed recruits moving into the woods on his left, he feared that they would ambush him. He withdrew. The Confederates pursued, but Sigel conducted a successful rearguard action. By evening, Sigel was inside Carthage and under cover of night; he retreated to Sarcoxie.