The campaigns of Lieut.-Gen. N. B. Forrest, and of Forrest's Cavalry ..

Front matter

The Campaigns

Lieut.-Gen. N. B. Forrest,

AND OF

Preface

We are aware of the belief obtaining among the Southern people that the time has not yet come for the publication of histories or memoirs of the more prominent operations of Confederate commanders and officers. Many, indeed, of our countrymen we know earnestly deprecate all such publications at this juncture, as fraught with the provocation of unfriendly controversies at the South ; as sure to breed ill-feeling and strife there, among the survivors of the battles, marches, and exploits recounted. We are conscious, moreover, how impossible it were so to write the annals we here present, as to steer clear of giving pain to some, umbrage to others, dissatisfaction also, and some grounds for disputation and criticism.

However, we are of those who believe it to be essential to the truth of history, that the Confederate story of the war should be told without delay — told with all possible fullness and unreserve. Unquestionably somewhat intemperate discussions may spring up. But even this, in the end, will not be without downright profit ; for in the sharp, vehement clash and collision the truth will be evolved, as the fire- spark is born of the violent encounter of flint with flint. One account of a campaign or affair will evoke another, and that, others again ; and all will be found adding their important mite, at least, to the general store of true historical matter, and of a kind, for the most part, which would never have come to. light at all, had each annalist kept his notes in petto during the lifetime of those who were chief actors in the war. The early multiplication of these memoirs to serve, (as the French term them,) of Southern origin, is vfii Preface.

indispensable, in fact, for any adequate summary hereafter of what was achieved by the armies and the people of the Confederate States, as well as under what circumstances of disadvantage and incommodity. Otherwise, there ca» never be a vivid portraiture of the splendid martial qualities of that people, their peculiar aptitude for war, their vigorous, ardent spirit, their manhood and heroism in the face of prodigious odds, and the constant mismanagement of their defensive resources. Only from manifold narratives of each and every important phase of the war will the historian be able hereafter to shape a faithful, life-like delineation of their mighty struggle for a separate nationality, just as the photo-sculptor moulds his marvelously exact image of the human features from the reflections of his camera, taken from every possible side of his subject.

Having been placed in possession of the papers and military records of General Forrest, as well as copious notes, taken down from his lips, of the principal occurrences of his remarkable career * we were led to adventure upon a work that might be accepted as an approximate sketch of what General Forrest and his men actually accomplished, and give a somewhat just conception of what manner of man and leader he was, the nature of his tactics, the scope of his operations, and the character of his soldiery, or how he was seconded. Undertaking this, we next sought out every possible source of information likely to be of use, until we collected a mass of ori-

* Memphis, Tenn., October 3, 1867. conscientious research, and have en- In the work, now in course of prepa- deavored to make up a chronicle neiration by the Messrs. Blelock & Co., ther over-wrought nor over-colored, as will be found an authentic account of I can testify. For the greater part of the campaigns and operations in which the statements of the narrative I am re- I took part during the war for the inde- sponsible, and all facts and incidents dependence of the Confederate States, rived from other sources are properly Believing it to be proper that there credited in the foot-notes. It is hoped should be a timely and lasting record of that justice will be found done in some the deeds and services of those whom I degree to the courage, zeal, fortitude, have been so fortunate as to command, and other soldierly qualities of the men I placed all the facts and papers in my of "Forrest's Cavalry," for that has been possession or available to me, in the the main purpose of the work, hands of accomplished writers, who N. B. FORREST, have done their part with close and

Preface. ix

ginal matter such as seldom or never has been available in the preparation of cotemporaneous history. And we may claim that we have related no important event without carefully consulting many representations of it, written at widely separated points, by Federal as well as Confederate officers. At the same time, we have carefully avoided all embroidery of the narrative with florid phrases or romantic, picturesque descriptions, preferring to present the incidents of a remarkable story in the simplest phraseology. This has been our constant effort. Having to enter largely into details of daily marches, occurrences, and incidents possessed of little interest for the general reader, we have striven to do this as tersely as possible.

If we have done all we could to set in strong light the courage and other prominent military virtues of the Confederates, we do not believe we shall be found wanting in a just acknowledgment, on all proper occasions, of the good qualities of their adversaries.

General Forrest's note, affixed to the preceeding page, shows to what extent he accepts the responsibility for the statements of this work. It remains to be added, that he did not have an opportunity to revise that chapter of it which touches upon the battle of Shiloh, and therefore, is only responsible for. so much as was written from his notes, in regard to the incidents of the night of the 6th of April. The responsibility for all of narrative and commentary in that chapter (IV.) belongs to the one whose initials are affixed to this paper. The same, indeed, may be said in regard to all the military criticisms found in any part of the work.

New-York, October i, 1867. T. J.

P. S. — We had prepared a great deal of documentary matter to present in the Appendix. Also, a series of sketches of the principal officers who served under General Forrest ; but the size to which our volume (700 pages) has extended has made their exclusion inexorable ; but we trust the actions and services of those officers will be found set forth in a satisfactory manner in the body of the work, as leading members of Forrest's Cavalry.

New- York, January 22, 1868.

p

ONTE NTS,

INTRODUCTORY SKETCH.

PAGK

Ancestry, Parentage, and Birthplace of General Forrest— Early Death of Father— His Mother and her large Family left dependent upon his Labor for their Support— Characteristic Incident of Youthhood — Deprived, by necessity of his condition, of any substantial opportunity to be educated— Success of his Labors— Volunteered to go to Texas in the "War of Independence"— Returning to Mississippi, engaged in Business in Hernando — Attacked in the Public Square by four armed Men, whom he discomfited — Incidents of the Homicide of Morse by Dyson— Removed to the broader Business Field of Memphis- Narrow Escape from Death by Steamboat Explosion— Success in Business— Quells Mob and rescues the intended Victim from the Gallows— Twice elected Alderman— Became an extensive Cotton- Planter — Personal Appearance 17

Chapter I

.Nathan Bedford Forrest a Planter in Mississippi up to June, 1861 — Repairing to Memphis, Tenn., volunteered, a Private Trooper, in Captain J. S. White's Company — Went to Randolph with Company — Invited to raise Regiment of Cavalry by Governor Harris and General Polk— -Went to Kentucky to purchase Arms and recruit — How he got the Arms out of Louisville, Ky. — On return formed a Battalion of Eight Companies — Ordered to Fort Donelson— Fight with Gunboat Conestoga on Cumberland River — Two Companies added to Battalion — Brilliant Affair at Sacramento, Ky. — Personal Combat with two Federal Officers in Battle— Made another close Reconnoissance of Federal Force on Green River— Subsequently occupied with the administrative Duties of the Battalion — Hopkinsville evacuated February 7th, 1862 — Forrest ordered to Fort Donelson — Took Position at Fort Donelson February 10th— Ordered to make Reconnoissance of Federals at Fort Henry — Met and chased off Federal Reconnoitering Party— Trap laid to catch another Party defeated by Eagerness of his Men — Reported impending Advance of Federa. Army 39

Chapter II

Topographical Sketch of Fort Donelson — Construction of a larger System of Exterior Lines upon the Fall of Fort Henry— Concentration of Reinforcements and Arrival of Generals B. R. Johnson, Buckner, and Floyd — March of two Federal Divisions from Fort Henry — Forrest's Skirmish on 12th February — Disposition of Confederates — Offensive Arrangement of Federal Force — Baffled Assault on Heiman's Position on the 13th February ; also on Confederate Right — Obstinate Conflict between Gunboats and Water- Batteries, afternoon of 14th — Confidence inspired among Confederates by their Success — Council of Confederate Generals, and Determination to sally and attack Federals on Morning of 15th — Resolute and Successful Sortie made by Pillow's Division at Daybreak — Buckner delays his Movements until after nine a.m. — Brilliant Charge upon and Capture of Battery by Forrest's Regiment — McClernand's and Wallace's Divisions driven westward of Wynn's Ferry Road by two p.m., and Confederate Left uncovered — Pillow withdraws Confederates from the Field — Council of War, Night of 15th, and Determination to capitulate — Forrest urges

fossibility of Escape, and ultimately is allowed to make the Attempt with his Command — )iscovered by a Personal Reconnoissance that Enemy had not reinvested the Left — Effected Egress of Command without Molestation — Commentaries 58

Chapter III

Alarm of People in consequence of actual Disaster and exaggerated Reports — Conduct of a State Senator — Panic in a Confederate Cavalry Regiment near Charlotte — Forrest's Refitment fed by the Munificence of a Tennesseean— Reached Nashville February 18th, with xii Contents.

about 500 Men— General Johnston, quitting Nashville, directed Forrest to report to General Floyd, who left Colonel Forrest in Command— Found place abandoned by Staff-Officers—Warehouses full of Supplies and Ordnance Stores— Spoliation by a Mob of Men and Women— Supplies removed to the Railroad— Removal by Rail of six hundred Boxes of Clothing, quarter of a million Pounds of Bacon, and forty Wagon-Loads of Ammunition—Final Evacuation of Nashville by Confederates— Forrest repaired to Murfreesboro— Regiment reassembled— Field-Officers elected— Ordered to Iuka— Confederate Army concentrated at Corinth, General Johnston in Command— Federal Army established at Pittsburg Landing— Buell's en route for same point— Confederate General resolved to take the Offensive— Inauspicious Delay of Twenty-four Hours on the March— The two Armies in presence of each other 99

Chapter IV

Confederates in Battle Order by Dawn— In Movement, Hardee's Corps in advance— Topographical Sketch of Theatre of Battle— Federal Forces and Dispositions at the moment- Sherman's and Prentiss's Divisions taken completely by surprise — First Federal Line swept away— Their Encampments and Artillery captured— General Gladden killed— All Federal Forces engaged and forced back— Obstinate Fighting, and Death of General Johnston— Federal Position carried, with Loss of Artillery and 3000 Prisoners— Immense Number of Stragglers under the River-Bank— Federals finally driven to the Ridge overhanging Pittsburg— Timely Arrival of fresh Federal Troops at Night— Cessation of Battle—Picket Service of Forrest's Cavalry— Federals take the Offensive— Obstinate Battle until two p.m. 7th of April— Confederates withdraw in admirable Order— Not pursued— CombaL of Forrest on the 8th— Severely wounded— Commentaries 1 14

Chapter V

General Forrest assigned to a Cavalry command at Chattanooga— Sketch of the Eighth Texas Cavalry— Exchange Regiments— Planned an Expedition against the Federal Forces in Middle Tennessee— Incarceration at Murfreesboro of a number of Prominent Citizens- Attack on the Outworks at Murfreesboro— Fearless Demeanor of the Women of the place— Capture of General Crittenden and Garrison— Release of Imprisoned Citizens- Favorable effect of success on his Command— Paroled all Prisoners except Officers— Attempt to Surprise Federal Cavalry Regiment at Lebanon— Dashed at the Pickets around Nashville— Burned Bridges and Captured Out-posts in Vicinage— Eluded Pursuit by General Nelson— Remained at McMinnville until 10th of August— Visited Chattanooga— Forrest Rejoined at Sparta— Made Brigadier- General— General Bragg preparing for Kentucky Campaign— Forrest actively afield Burning Bridges and Reducing Outposts- Menaced by a Superior Force— Narrow Escape of Command— Reported to General Bragg at Sparta— Harassed General Buell's Rear-Guard— Assigned to Duty with Polk's Corps— Munfordsville Surrendered to the Infantry— Strategy of General Bragg— Picket Service in advance— Forrest ordered to turn over Command of Brigade and Repair to Murfreesboro to Organize New Levies in that quarter 158

Chapter VI

General Forrest established his Headquarters at Murfreesboro, Tenn.— Tennessee Militia and new Levies at Lavergne surprised and dispersed by the Federals— Enemy returned to Nashville, closely followed by Forrest— Confederate Pickets established close around Nashville— Battalions and Regiments formed of new Cavalry Levies— Major-General Breckinridge assumed Command in Middle-Tennessee— Forrest proposed to attack Nashville with Infantry and Cavalry— Assent given, Movement inaugurated— Federals pressed within Trenches and Assault to be made, Operation countermanded— Animated Skirmish on Franklin-Nashville Road— General Bragg, having returned from the Kentucky Campaign, established Army Headquarters at Murfreesboro— Major-General Wheeler appointed Chief of Cavalry— General Forrest assigned to the Command of a Brigade— Directed to prepare for Expedition into West-Tennessee— Unsuitable Condition of Arms for such a service reported to General Bragg— Brigade took Post at Columbia 187

Chapter VII

Set out for Expedition into West-Tennessee— Effected Passage of Tennessee River at Clifton—Successful Affair with Federal Force at Lexington, West-Tennessee— Whole Federal Command engaged either killed, captured, or dispersed— Captured Section of Ruied Guns, which Forrest's Artillery used for the rest of the War— Boldly invested Jackson, occupied by a largely Superior Force— Capture of Outposts and Destruction of Railways in vicinity— Skirmishes in front of Jackson— Federal Forces driven behind their Intrenchments— Forrest retired from position to operate against Federal Communications— Divided Force for that purpose— Capture of Trenton by Forrest, with large number of Prisoners ; aiso many Supplies— Resumption of March Northward— Block-Houses and Garrisons taken— Large Extent of Railway Trestles destroyed with Guarding Block:Houses— General Forrest, leaving Force to destroy Railroads, pressed forward to Union City- Captured there several hundred Prisoners in Intrenched Position— Large Hostile Force afield to inlercept his Exit from West-Tennessee— Began to retrace Steps— Difficult Pas-

Contents. xiii

sage of the Double Bridges-Battle of Parker's Cross-Roads or Red Mound-Death of AGE c >aa a Lieutenant-Colonel Napier-Federals worsted and capitulating en massebudden Appearance of Hostile Reinforcements in Confederate Rear— Federals resume their Arms and the Battle-Critical Situation of General Forrest-Happy Extrication- Repajssage of the Tennessee-Summary of Results . . 193

Chapter VIII

Reestablishment on Picket Service, with Headquarters at Columbia, Tenn —Disastrous Expedition under General Wheeler against Dover— Forrest's Brigade lost one fourth its number in the Affair— Inclement Weather and Suffering of Troops— Arrival of Maior- General Van Dorn at Columbia with additional Force— Confederate Line advanced to Spring Hill— Battle of Thompson's Station— Capture of the greater part of the Federal Force engaged, 2200 Officers and Men— Confederates some days later retire behind Duck River before heavy Federal Force— Successful Affair at Brentwood— The entire Garrison 759 Persons, captured— Block- House and Railroad Bridge destroyed— Confederate Reconnoissance # in Force upon Franklin— Loss of the Gallant Captain Freeman— Found the Federals in superior Force and prepared— Return to Spring Hill 223

Chapter IX

Forrest's Brigade ordered to North-Alabama— Junction with Roddy, and Affair at Town Creek— Dibrell's Diversion— Federal Infantry retire— Desolation of the Country— Inauguration of Federal Cavalry Raid under Colonel Streight— Prompt Pursuit by Forrest- Night Combat in Sand Mountain— Series of Sharp Fights to Blountsville— Reduced Numbers of Confederates— Heroic Services of Miss Emma Sanson at Black Creek, Alabama—Federal Ambush defeated at Turkeytown— Colonel Streight overtaken and Surrender of 1365 Federals to Inferior Numbers under Forrest— Another Detachment Surrendered near Rome— Rejoicing of People of Rome— Commentaries 249

Chapter X

False Report of another Federal Raid— Forrest returned to Middle-Tennessee— Reestablished Headquarters at Spring Hill— In Chief Command ot Cavalry on that Flank- Services of the Eighth and Tenth Tennessee Cavalry— Jackson's Divison detached— Successful Ambuscade by Colonel Dibrell— Reconnoissance in Force of Franklin— Handsome Affair of Fourth Tennessee with two Federal Regiments— Colonel Starnes's Demonstration upon Triune— Forrest's brilliant Reconnoissance in same quarter— Middle-Tennessee evacuated— At Chattanooga— Forrest's Cavalry in East-Tennessee— Pegram's Division joined Forrest— Expedition of Eighth Tennessee— Forrest's Cavalry returned to Chatta-

CHAPTER XL

Topographical Sketch of Theatre of War— Federal Armv thrown across southward of the Tennessee River— Bragg evacuated Chattanooga— Thomas's Corps in McLemore's Cove— Failure of projected Attack by Confederates— Isolation of Crittenden's Corps not profited by— Operations of Forrest's Cavalry— The general Offensive taken by Bragg— Battle of the 19th September— Arrival of Longstreet— Confederate Army subdivided into Wings— Battle of the 20th September— Commentaries 300

Chapter XII

General Forrest^ pursued Enemy upon Missionary Ridge — Observes and reports state of Tumult and Disorder in Chattanooga — Urges immediate Advance upon Enemy — Obtained View of inaction on Field of late Battle of Confederates— Reports by Dispatches the Confusion among Federals — Major McLemore penetrated to within three miles of Chattanooga, and captures Prisoners — Pegram threatened Rossville, but too weak to attack Enemy in strong Position — Enemy work vigorously in trenches around Chattanooga — Forrest recalled to Red House Bridge— Army in motion — Forrest again threw his Force in Chattanooga Valley— Drove in Pickets and occupied Approaches— Dibrell seized Point of Lookout Mountain— Obliged Jo maintain Position by severe Fighting— Forrest's Command withdrawn to Tyner's Station — Ordered to meet Enemy crossing Hiawassee — Combat at Crossing of Hiawassee — * Pursuit, with Skirmish, through Athens and Philadelphia to Loudon, Tennessee— Captured Federal Camp at Philadelphia— Received Orders to return to Cleveland — Ordered to transfer all Troops, save Dibrell's Brigade, to General Wheeler, for Expedition— Regarding Order in derogation of his Position, Forrest presents his views in writing to General Bragg — On Leave of Absence — Interview with President Davis — Assigned to a Command of Cavalry in North-Mississippi and West-Tennessee 350 xiv Contents.

Chapter XIII. Page

Beginning of a New Epoch in General Forrest's Career— Welcomed to New Field by General IE Johnston— Undertook an Expedition to glean the Military Resources of West-Tennessee—Smallness of his Available Command— Celerity and Boldness of Movement to Jackson— Joined by 3000 Unarmed Men— Formidable Plans of the Enemy for his Interception—Combat at Estenaula— Large Quantities of Subsistence and other Supplies Collected—Fight at Jack's Creek— Brilliant Affair of Forrest's Escort with Federal Regiment—Near Aoproach of Numerous Hostile Bodies of Troops— Sharp Conflict near Summerville— Handsome Coup de Main and Passage of Wolf River at Lafayette— Demonstration upon Collierville— Established Force around Como, Miss.— Commentaries.. 361

Chapter XIV

Forrest made a Major-General-Assignment to " Forrest's Cavalry Department-Headquarters at Oxford, Mississippi— Affair of the Deserters there— T he Federal Cavalry Raid into Mississippi, under General W. S. Smith-Skirmishing-Savage Waste of the Country by the Enemy— Federals begin to retire— Series of Sharp Skirmishes— Engagement at Okolona— Federal Defeat in a succession of Combats— Death of Colonel Jeffrey Forrest ; also, of Lieutenant-Colonel Barksdale— Running Fight, and complete Federal Rout 381

Chapter XV

Small Brigade of Kentuckians added to Command- Another Division organized and assigned to Brigadier-General A. Buford-Affair at Yazoo City— Another Expedition into West- Tennessee— Ruse and Capture of Union City— Forrest made successful Descent upon Paducah— Death of Colonel A. P. Thompson in abortive Assault upon Federal Earthworks-Large Quantity of Supplies secured and carried off-Fruitless Demonstration upon Columbus, Ky.— Second Descent (Buford) upon Paducah— Handsome Affair of Colonel Neely's at Bolivar— Splendid Conduct of McDonald's (Crews's) Battalion near Sommerviile— Measures taken for the Capture of Fort Pillow 4°3

Chapter XVI

Forrest in Movement upon Fort Pillow— Description of the Position— First Stage of the Attack resulting in the Death of Federal Commander, Major Booth— Forrest, making Close Reconnoissance, had two Horses killed under him -Confederate Sharp- Shooters envelop and command Position— Outworks and Position seized close to Parapets— Surrender demanded—Approach of Federal Transports with Troops— Forrest took Means to drive off Succor— Capitulation refused— Assault made— Parapets stormed— Garrison fled to River- Bank for Relief under Guns of Naval Vessel— Gunboat failed to render Aid— Results- Commentaries *2*

Chapter XVII

Chalmers detached with Command to Okolona, to meet menaced Operations— Public Reception of Forrest, Staff, and Escort, by Citizens of Brownsville-Reestablished Headquarters at Jackson— Occupied with Collection of War Resources of West-Tennessee— Chalmers ordered to Oxford— Buford reached Jackson with Division— Sharp Affair at Bolivar- Established Headquarters at Tupelo the 5th of May— Command increased by Brigade of State Troops-Chalmers detached on the 26th of May, with McCulloch s and Neely s Brigades and Walton's Battery— Forrest marched with Buford's Division to the Relief of Roddv— Return to meet heavy Federal Column advancing from Memphis— Concentration of Forces at Baldwin-Rucker's Brigade engaged Federal Cavalry near New- Albany- General S D Lee at Baldwin— Confederate Troops ordered Southward, to concentrate with Reinforcements— Federals intercept Forrest's line of March to Tupelo— Lyon s Brigade pushed up to feel Enemy 454

Chapter XVIII

Sketch of Theatre of War— Confederates first engagedTForrest takes the Offensive— Threw small Force to harass Federal Rear— Desperate Fighting— Transient Checks— Federals defeated and driven from the Field— Pursuit and Incidents— Commentaries 4<*

Chapter XIX

Rapid March of Chalmers from Monte Vallo-Mabry's Brigade added to Forrest's Cavalry- Correspondence between Generals Forrest and Washburne-Forrest, anticipating a strong Hostile Movement, reported the Facts to his Superior-Approach of Enemy under Major- General A. F. Smith-The Country devastated by the Federal Army-Major-General S. D. Lee in Command of Confederates-Affair at Pinson's Hill, also at Barrow s Shop- Forrest Reconnoitered the Federal Position-Battle of Harnsburg, July i4th-Confederates worsted, but Federals refuse to advance from their Intrenchments— Retreat of General Smith on the 15th of July— Federal Ambuscade at Town Creek— Commentaries 4»4

Contents. xv

Chapter XX. Page

Correspondence with Department Commander ; also Governor of Mississippi — Command distributed for Defensive Purposes— Theatre of Operations transferred to Oxford, Miss.— Operations of General Chalmers in that Quarter — Confederates pressed by largely Superior Force — Federal Devastations— Forrest made Counter-Movement upon Memphis- Extemporized Bridge — Confederates penetrated Memphis to the Gayosa House— Success of the Operation — Federal Forces withdrawn from quarter of Oxford to succor Memphis — General Forrest established his Headquarters at Grenada, Miss. > . . 520

Chapter XXI

Forrest's Cavalry reorganized— McCulloch's Brigade detached— Repair of Mobile and Ohio Railroad to Corinth — Expedition into Middle Tennessee — Happy Ruse and Capture of Strong Works at Athens, Alabama— Successful Attack upon Works at Sulphur Trestle — Destruction of Trestle and Large Railroad Bridges— Federals in Superior Force take the Defensive at Pulaski— Demonstration in Quarter of Tullahom a— Country alive with Federal Corps called forth by Forrest— Forrest divided Forces— His Operations from Spring Hill to Columbia — Failure to Capture Huntsville — Dangerous Rising of the Tennessee River — Difficulties of Ferriage surmounted— Handsome Affair of Colonel Kelly at Eastport— General Forrest planned Expedition for the Destruction of Federal Depots at Johnsonville — Chalmers's Demonstration against Memphis — Commentaries 554

Chapter XXII

Campaign to Kentucky Border — Buford's Successful Operations against Federal Gunboats and Transports— Capture of United States Steam Gunboat Undine and Transports Venus, Mazeppa, and Cheeseman — Operations of Forrest's Cavalry Afloat — Successful Operations against Federal Depot at Johnsonville — Destruction of Warehouses, Gunboats, and Transports—Description of Scene — Summary of Results— Forrest ordered to join General Hood in Middle Tennessee— Abortive Effort to pass the Tennessee at Perryville— Wretched Condition of the Roads — Forrest's Cavalry assembled at Florence, Alabama — Hood's Army concentrated there 589

Chapter XXIII

Sketch of General Hood's Plans and Movements — General Forrest ordered to him — Confederate Forces — The Campaign Opened— Operations antecedent to Franklin — Battle of Franklin— Advance upon Nashville — Detached Operations of Forrest around Murfreesboro — Battle of Nashville — Retreat of Confederate Forces— Forrest in Command of Rear-Guard — Brilliant Character of his Operations — Safe Repassage of the Tennessee River— Commentaries 610

Chapter XXIV

Headquarters at Corinth — Rucker's and Bell's Brigades furloughed, others sent to Okolona — Headquarters at Verona — General Forrest assigned to Command of Cavalry of the Department— Reorganized Divisions under Generals Chalmers, Jackson, and Buford — Made a Lieutenant-General — Formidable Preparations for a Federal Raid — Major-General Wilson's Movement against Monte- Vallo — Conflicts in that Quarter — Forrest in Collision with the Enemy— Affairs at Bogler's Creek and Dixie Station — Stirring Personal Combats— Forced into Selma — Dispositions for Defense — Selma stormed by Wilson, and Confederates dispersed — Adventures of General Forrest and Escort — Headquarters at Gainesville— Forrest's Cavalry lay down their Arms under Parole— Concluding Observations... 655

Introductory Sketch.

Introductory Sketch.

Ancestry, Parentage, and Birthplace of General Forrest — Early Death of Father — His Mother and her large Family left dependent upon his Labor for their Support — Characteristic Incident of Youthhood— Deprived, by necessity of his condition, of any substantial opportunity to be educated — Success of his Labors — Volunteered to go to Texas in the " War of Independence" — Returning to Mississippi, engaged in Business in Hernando — Attacked in the Public Square by four ar?ned Men, whom he discomfited — Incidents of the Homicide of Morse by Dyson — Removed to the broader Business Field of Memphis— Narrow Escape from Death by Steamboat Explosion — Success in Business — Quells Mob and rescues the intended Victim from the Gallows — Twice elected Alderman — Became an extensive Cotton- Planter — Personal Appearance.

IT will be expected that a work of this kind should give some insight of the origin, life, and character of the leading personage who figures in its pages, at a period anterior to the notable events which have brought him renown. In compliance with that natural expectation, it becomes proper to state that Nathan Bedford Forrest was born on the 13th day of July, a.d. 1 82 1, near Duck river, at a small wayside hamlet known as Chapel Hill, in what was then Bedford county, Tennessee.*

His father, William Forrest, having married Mariam Beck,

* But is now within the borders of Marshall county.

their first-born were twins, one of whom was Nathan Bedford. A paternal ancestor, his great-grandfather, Shadrach Forrest — of English descent — it is known, emigrated from West-Virginia, about 1730, to Orange county, in the colony of North- Carolina. His second son, Nathan, was the grandfather of the General. Remaining where he had settled in North- Carolina until 1806, the great-grandfather then removed, with the larger part of a numerous family of children and grandchildren, to the wilds of Tennessee, and, after tarrying for a time in Sumner, finally established his home, surrounded by his descendants, in Bedford county. Previous to their departure from North-Carolina, Nathan Forrest had married a Miss Baugh — of Irish origin — and their eldest son, William, was born about 1800. Growing to manhood in Tennessee, he married, as we have said, Mariam Beck, whose family — of Scotch-Irish descent — emigrating from South-Carolina, were among the earliest settlers in Bedford county.

Thus it will be seen Nathan Bedford Forrest is of pure, though mixed, British stock, and springs directly from those hardy, stout-handed pioneer families who, ever far out on the border, wrested the wilderness from the savage by their ready rifles ; and, felling the thick forests, let in the vivifying sunlight upon the virgin, teeming soil— creating mighty States, filled with an energetic, intelligent, manly people, the masses of whom, American born, are the lineal offspring of the original British emigrants to the colonies.

The pecuniary affairs of William Forrest having gone to wreck, he removed, in 1834, with his now large family of young children, from Tennessee to the vicinage of Salem, in Tippah county, North-Mississippi, a region just then opened to emigration by, its purchase from the Chickasaw Indians by the Federal Government. It was here the father of Bedford Forrest died, early in 1837, leaving his son, as yet not sixteen years of age, the head of a family embracing his widowed mother, six brothers, and three sisters, and to these was added, four months later, his brother Jeffrey — a posthumous child;

The impoverished condition of his father had debarred the young Bedford from almost the opportunity to receive even a rudimentary education ; for his labor was absolutely necessary from his outset from childhood for the support of the family. His education, therefore, was of the scantiest character, affording no development of the native capacities of the man, and being such only as was to be acquired at a primary school of the neighborhood, for a short time, in Middle Tennessee, and subsequently in Mississippi, during the winter months of 1836 and 1837, when the interval between the harvest and planting seasons suffered him to attend a school. The untimely death of his father, however, now made that labor even more essential than ever for the support of the near kindred left dependent upon his hands, and for the most part too young to be of the least aid in the toilsome struggle with adverse fortune which was his lot for several years following that untoward event. But though deprived of every advantage of fortune but a robust constitution and a resolute soul, he faced his duties with all that force of character, those varied resources of head and hand, and the same manful traits which twenty-five years later were displayed in so conspicuous a manner by him as a cavalry commander, whether as the colonel of a regiment or a lieutenant-general. Striving diligently in manifold ways to gain the means requisite for the comfortable maintenance of those intrusted to his charge, this youth, by his unflinching industry, clear, good sense, and thrifty management, had wrenched success from every counter force, and consequent comparative prosperity for his household, as early as 1840.