The Probert Encyclopaedia of Warfare

ASSAULT ON HELENA

During the American Civil War, Helena, Montana was fortified and occupied by 4500 Federals under Prentiss in 1863. The Confederates, Holmes, Price and Marmaduke, assaulted this position on July the 4th with 8000 soldiers. Charge after charge was made, but all proved ineffectual. The National batteries inflicted terrible losses upon the assaulting troops. Holmes ordered a retreat about noon, having lost fully twenty per cent of his army.
Research Assault on Helena