Civil War along the Buffalo River. General Sanborn favored driving the rebels across the Arkansas River and then holding the river line strong enough to release troops north of the river for duty elsewhere. He hoped to retain troops in southern Missouri and northern Arkansas long enough to wipe out guerilla bands and raise home guards to police the areas. Otherwise, the only option was to destroy everything in northern Arkansas so that no one could live there. As Capt. Turner skirmished on Richland Creek, Major Melton sought out these Rebel groups in the upper Buffalo River region. Rebel leader Cooper hit Federal supply lines in their rear on King’s River. Major Melton took off in pursuit but eventually had to report back to camp due to lack of rations, underscoring the acute forage and food situation.