William Hardee, D. H. Hill and A. P. Stewart combine to attack Slocum's wing on the federal advance. In spite of initial gains they are repulsed. Sherman reinforces Slocum on the second day and Slocum nearly enveloped the Confederate forces on the third day.
After withdrawing from New Madrid Confederates control Island No. 10, blocking shipping on the Mississippi. Over 5,000 Confederate soldiers on the island surrender to Major General John Pope on April 8.