 There had been a number of clashes in the Charleston and Bird's Point area for the previous week between pro-Union forces and secession groups.Colonel Dougherty, commanding the 22nd Illinois Infantry and Lieutenant Colonel Ransom of the 11th Illinois, which was stationed at Bird's Point, took 250 men and went by train to Charleston, where a force of Confederate infantry and cavalry belonging to the Missouri state troops was stationed.When near the city the troops were divided into two parties, one commanded by Dougherty and the other by Lieutenant Colonel Hart.