Hindman dispatched Marmaduke and 2,000 cavalry troopers to hold Blunt in place while Hindman moved the rest of his force through the mountains .
Hindman hoped to attack Blunt 's force , which was over 70 miles ( 110 km ) from the nearest Union reinforcements .
Hindman dispatched Marmaduke and 2,000 cavalry troopers to hold Blunt in place while Hindman moved the rest of Hindman 's force through the mountains .
Hindman hoped to attack Blunt 's force , which was over 70 miles ( 110 km ) from the nearest Union reinforcements .