Harding, who was now in command of the garrison at Glasgow, had around 550 to 800 men available. Glasgow was a hilltop town, which provided some advantage to the defenders. The line was anchored by two unfinished fortifications, but the defenses between the fortifications were makeshift. Elements of the 43rd Missouri Infantry held east and west positions south of Glasgow, near points where roads crossed Greggs Creek. In between those two positions, a line of local militiamen were posted. North of the town, a group of cavalry, largely members of the Missouri State Militia held a position north of Bear Creek. At around 05:00, Collins's Battery opened fire, aiming primarily for "West Wind", visible campfires, and exposed streets in the town. This fire was largely ineffective, as was fire from the cavalry accompanying the cannons. Union sharpshooters were able to silence some of the Confederates by driving them away from the riverbank.