Philips Brigade consisted of the 1st, 4th and 7th Missouri State Militia Cavalry Regiments, not exactly top flight in a conventional battle scenerio. Benteens Brigade consisted of the 3rd & 4th Iowa Cavalry, 7th Indiana Cavalry, 10th Missouri Cavalry and a Detachment of the 4th Missouri Cavalry attached to the 7th Indiana.
They were facing, Fagans Divison and Marmadukes Divison that were already in line on the North side of the creek with eight artillery pieces in support. Cabells Brigade was formed south of the creek in reserve and Shelby's divison was twenty miles south with Price planning for an attack Fort Scott. Taking Shelby out of the equation the ratio was 2600 Union Cavalry to a 7000 combined arms Confederate Force.
To the credit of the Union Benteen's charge although it stalled early for no known reason was so rapid and forceful that it caused a panic in the CS ranks.
The reason for lack of pursuit could have been a couple of reasons Benteen and Philips already knew that they were out numbered and were loath to pursuein the event that Fagan who had attempted and had limited success with reforming a small force on the south side of the creek although this line also dissolved. Another reason may have been that Marmaduke was captured in the retreat by an Iowa Trooper, Marmaduke may have given the Union intelligance that Shelby was closer than he was and inflated the troop numbers.
Bringing the