Facing a supply shortage, Curtis marched south along the White River in an attempt to make contact with a Union fleet. While crossing the Cache River on 7 July 1862, Curtis sent Hovey with 400 soldiers to make a reconnaissance. Hovey's force included one cannon and four companies each of the 33rd Illinois and the 11th Wisconsin Infantry Regiments. The Battle of Cotton Plant (Hill's Plantation) began when the 11th Wisconsin began skirmishing with 1,000 Confederates from the 12th Texas and 16th Texas Cavalry Regiments led by Colonel William H. Parsons. As the Wisconsin troops began to fall back, Hovey ordered three companies of the 33rd Illinois to take cover in a cornfield. When the Confederate horsemen galloped after the retreating Federals, the Illinois soldiers opened fire from ambush, routing Parsons' cavalry. Later, 200 Union cavalry and two artillery pieces arrived as reinforcements and Hovey's troops began pressing back their adversaries. After Brigadier General William Plummer Benton's Union brigade arrived, the Confederates retreated rapidly. During the battle, Edward M. Pike of the 33rd Illinois earned the Medal of Honor for saving a cannon from falling into enemy hands. After failing to make contact with the Union fleet, Curtis occupied Helena, Arkansas.