Nathan Bedford Forrest Life of Genealogy@

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER  I THE ANCESTRY  AND   EARLIER   LIFE  OF  N. B. FORREST
Birth and Birthplace—The Cedar-Log Cabin of the Frontier—William Forrest, Blacksmith— Shadrach Forrest, the Great-Grandfather, Moves from Virginia to North Carolina in 1740 —  Nathan, the Grandfather, Emigrates from North Carolina to Middle Tennessee in 1806—William  Forrest, the Father, Born in North Carolina in 179S — The Forrest Family in the Duck River  Country — The Emigration to Mississippi—Death of William Forrest, 1837—Mariam Beck,  "Mother of the Gracchi"—Sketch of General Forrest's Brothers—John Forrest, Wounded in the  Mexican War and Partially Paralyzed, Shoots a Federal Major in Memphis in 1864— William F.  (Captain Bill), Aaron, Jesse, and Jeffrey — Forrest's Mother and the Panther—The Boy on the  Trail of the Wild Beast—The Widow Forrest Marries Mr. Joseph Luxton—She Chastises Her  Eighteen-Year-Old Son for Disobedience —Anecdotes of the Childhood of Bedford Forrest—An  Early Military Lesson— He Makes the Moccasins and Coon-Skin Caps for Himself and His  Younger Brothers— At the Age of Twenty He Volunteers in the Army for the Independence of  Texas—Fatal Affray in the Streets of Hernando—Forrest, Merchant and Speculator—Successful  Young Man in Business—Romantic Courtship—At the Age of Twenty-five He Marries Mary  Montgomery—He Prospers in His Speculative Enterprises—Moves to Memphis as a Broker in  Real Estate and Slaves—Becomes a Planter on a Large Scale—Abandons the Slave Business  and Devotes His Time to Cotton-Raising—Several Times Elected Alderman of Memphis— Outbreak of Hostilities

CHAPTER II MILITARY    CAREER
Forrest Enlists as a Private in Captain Josiah White's Tennessee Mounted Rifles, June 14,  1861—Authorized to Raise a Battalion of Mounted Troops—Establishes Headquarters in  Memphis — Proceeds to Kentucky to Purchase Arms and Equipments, which are Successfully  Brought Out of Louisville—Secures a Fine Company of Kentucky Volunteers — Returns to  Memphis — Finds Several Companies have been Attracted Thither to Join Him—Rev. David C.  Kelley, "the Fighting Parson "—His Comments on Forrest—Evidences of Forrest's Energy and  Tact—Organization of Forrest's Battalion—Colonel Sam Tate's Prophecy—Forrest's Recruits  Receive Their Baptism of Fire—Death of Dr. Van Wick—Expedition to the Green River Country  — First Cavalry Engagement at Sacramento, Kentucky, December 28, 1861 — Forrest's Famous  Manoeuvre First Instituted — Attack by the Rear, Flank, and Front—Overwhelming Defeat of the  Federals—Vigorous and Bloody Pursuit—Three of the Federals Succumb to the Prowess of  Forrest—The Gallant Starnes First Under Fire—Kelley's Description of Forrest in Battle

CHAPTER  III FORT    DONELSON
Grant's Star of Destiny—The First Decisive Battle of the Civil War—General Grant's Failures at  Belmont and Fort Henry—Despatches and Correspondence between Generals Halleck and  McClellan in Regard to Deposing Grant from Command—The Attack on Fort Henry by the Flotilla  under Flag-Officer Foote—Surrender of Tilghman—Escape of 2610 Confederates of the  Garrison—Grant Moves on Fort Donelson —His Advance-Guard Attacked and Driven Back by  Forrest—Forrest Kills a Sharpshooter with a Maynard Rifle at Long Range—Attack on Buckner's  and Heiman's Lines on the 13th of February, 1862—Repulse of the Federals—Attack by Foote's  Flotilla on the Confederate Water - Batteries on the 14th — Signal Defeat of the Flotilla—'Battle  of the 15th of February—Grant's Right Wing under McClernand Driven from the Field—The  Confederates Make no Effort to Escape, and Retire Behind Their Breastworks towards the Close  of Day — Partial Reinvestment by Grant's Lines—Attack on the Confederate Right by Smith's  Division, which Captures and Holds One Angle of the Confederate Intrenchments — Council of  War at Midnight — Generals Floyd and Buckner Decide to Surrender—Protest by General Pillow  and Lieutenant-Colonel Forrest—Forrest, Refusing to Surrender, Leads His Command Out  Without Seeing a Federal Soldier—Generals Floyd and Pillow, with One Brigade, Escape by Boat  — A Number of Infantry Walk Out of Fort Donelson and Escape Without Interference— Demonstration of the Fact that the Surrender at Fort Donelson was Unnecessary—A Blunder  probably Fatal to the Success of the Confederacy

CHAPTER  IV NASHVILLE AND  SHILOH
Forrest with His Troopers Reaches Nashville—City in Panic—Mobs Led by Desperate Men  Terrify Citizens and Pillage Private Residences and Public Stores—Forrest Charges with His  Cavalry and Restores Order—An Attempt to Kill Him by the Ringleader of the Mob, who is Felled  to the Ground with a Pistol—Impresses Wagons and Hauls an Immense Quantity of Supplies to  Points on the Railroad South of Nashville—Battalion Increased to a Regiment—Forrest Elected  Colonel, D. C. Kelley Lieutenant-Colonel, and Private R. N. Balch Major—Ordered to the  Neighborhood of Corinth—Forrest's Scouts Cross the Tennessee and Report Buell  Advancing—Battle of Shiloh—Charge and Capture of a Battery with Cheatham's Brigade— Forrest alone After Dark Penetrates the Enemy's Line and Returns to Report the Landing of  Reinforcements—Advises Immediate Attack—The Second Day's Battle—The Cavalry Cover  Retreat—Desperate Charge and Repulse of Sherman's Advance by Forrest at Monterey— Forrest Badly Wounded—This Charge Causes Sherman to Desist from Pursuit of the  Confederates—General Forrest Obtains Leave of Absence on Account of Wound — Returns to  Duty too Soon — Wound Reopens, Necessitating Operation for Removal of the Ball

CHAPTER V THE CAPTURE  OF  MURFREESBOROUGH, JULY 13, 1862
The Capture of Murfreesborough, July 13, 1862, Considered by General Wolseley One of the Most Remarkable Achievements of Forrest's Career — Organization of a Cavalry Brigade at Chattanooga — Report of the Scouts as to the Federal Situation at Murfreesborough — Forrest Crosses the Tennessee River — Reaches the Suburbs of Murfreesborough at Daylight on July 13th — Capture of the Outpost Pickets without Firing a Shot — Complete Surprise o£ the Federal Encampments—Successful Strategy and Tactics—He Attacks Vigorously the Central Portion of the Garrison, Cutting the Federals in Twain—Capture of Brigadier-General Crittenden — Gallant Resistance by the Ninth Michigan, under Acting Brigadier-General W. W Duffield, and the Seventh Pennsylvania, under Major Seibert — Detachments Hold the Right and Left Wings Engaged while Forrest Captures the Centre—He then Turns First upon One Wing, which He Captures, and then upon the Other, which also Surrenders — Twelve Hundred Prisoners, Including Teamsters, Provost Guards, etc., and Four Pieces of Artillery—Prisoners Rescued from the Burning Jail—Narrative of Captain William Richardson—James Paul, Spy —Forrest Retreats to McMinnville with His Prisoners and Booty—Returns and Threatens Nashville — Is Pursued by Various Detachments, which He. Succeeds in Avoiding — Captures Stockades and Garrisons, and Destroys the Railroad — Is Surrounded, but Takes to the Woods with His Command, and Escapes without Loss—Joins Bragg in the Invasion of Kentucky—Takes an Active Part in the Capture of the Garrison at Mumfordsville

CHAPTER VI THE  RAID   INTO  WEST  TENNESSEE, DECEMBER, 1862
General Forrest Establishes His Recruiting Bureau at Murfreesborough—Organizes the Famous Forrest Brigade—Ordered to Columbia, and thence into West Tennessee —Appeals to Bragg for Arms and Ammunition—Is Told that there are None for Him; He Must Go into Tennessee as He Is—Forrest and His Command Cross the Tennessee River near Clifton, December 17th—Captures Union Citizens and Negroes—Drills His Command as Infantry in Their Presence—Permits the Captives to Escape; in this Way Spreads the Rumor Throughout the Country that He Has a Large Command of Infantry with Him—Fight at Lexington—Captain Frank B. Gurley's Charge and Capture of a Section of Artillery—Capture of Colonel Robert G. Ingersoll—Narrative of the Death of General Robert L. McCook—Forrest Pursues the Federals to Jackson, and Makes a Feint on that Stronghold—Destroys the Railroad South of Jackson and then Marches North—Capture of Humboldt by the Gallant Starnes — Forrest Takes Trenton and Its Garrison — Dibrell Repulsed at Forked Deer—Colonel A. A. Russell, at the Head of the Fourth Alabama, Defeats the Federals at Spring Creek—Union City Surrenders with Its Garrison—Forrest Reaches Kentucky—Complete Destruction of the Railroads in West Tennessee—Terrible Experience in the Obion Bottoms—A Bit of Strategy which Did Not Succeed —The Battle of Parker's Cross-Roads—Statement of Sergeant Nat Baxter, Jr.— Capture of All the Federal Artillery—Forrest Extricates His Command and Re-crosses the Tennessee River on the Following Day—Back at Columbia

CHAPTER  VII FORT DONELSON AGAIN
General Wheeler Determines to Attempt the Capture of Fort Donelson—Protest from Forrest—Communication from Major Charles W. Anderson—Rash Assault of the Confederates—Stubborn Defence of the Garrison—Terrific Slaughter among Forrest's Men—His Horse Killed within a Few Feet of the Breastworks—Repulse of the Confederates—The Attack Repeated—Forrest Has a Second Horse Shot Under Him — The Animal Falls upon Him and Injures Him Severely—Retreat of the Confederates—Generals Wheeler, Forrest, and Wharton at Yellow Creek Furnace— Forrest's Brigade Ordered to Columbia—Reaches There February 17th—Reconnaissance in Force by the 'Federals from Franklin—The Engagement at Thompson's Station — Gallant Conduct of Colonel John Coburn and His Command—Forrest by a Brilliant Movement with Artillery and Cavalry Drives the Federal Battery and Mounted Troops from the Field and Causes the Surrender of Coburn's Command— The Hero of the Day

CHAPTER VIII BRENTWOOD AND  FRANKLIN
A Night Foray within the Union Lines—Capture of a Fortified Camp at Brentwood, March 25, 1863, with over Five Hundred Prisoners, a Depot of Supplies, Wagons, etc.—Capture of a Strong Stockade, with Two Hundred and Thirty Prisoners, and Destruction of Harpeth Bridge—Rapid Retreat and more Rapid Pursuit—Stampede of Train-Guard and Recapture of the Wagons—Sudden Appearance of Forrest and Starnes—Defeat and Flight of the Federal Cavalry—They Abandon the Wagons— General Green Clay Smith's Report — The General of the Army in "General Orders" Congratulates Forrest on His " Brilliant and Successful Achievements"— Hot Words between Van Dorn and Forrest—Reconnaissance and Engagement at Franklin, Tennessee, April io, 1863 — Van Dorn Attacks Granger — Forrest's Division in Action—Surprise of Starnes and Capture of Four Guns of Freeman's Battery by the Fourth U. S. Regular Cavalry—Death of Captain S. L. Freeman— Recapture of the Battery and Defeat of the Federals by Starnes—Van Dorn and Jackson Repulsed—A Day of Blunders for Both Sides

CHAPTER  IX THE  PURSUIT AND  CAPTURE  OF  STREIGHT'S  RAIDERS
Streight's Famous Raid — Pronounced by General Rosecrans "A Great Enterprise, Fraught with Great Consequences "—Forrest's Relentless Pursuit—The Fight near Day's Gap—Night Battle on Sand Mountain—The Ambuscade—Emma Sanson, an Alabama Lass of Sixteen, Rides under Fire with General Forrest—The "Lost Ford"—Desperate Resistance on the Part of Colonel Abel D. Streight and His Plucky Men —Death of Colonel Gilbert Hathaway — Forrest's Indomitable Will Holds His Devoted Soldiers to Their Work, and Forces the Surrender of the Federal Commander after a Running Fight Lasting Three Days and Nights—The Federals Twice as Numerous as the Confederates to Whom They Surrendered—Vote of Thanks to Brigadier-General Forrest and His Men from the Congress of the Confederate States

CHAPTER  X FROM  TULLAHOMA  TO  CHATTANOOGA
Attempt to Assassinate Forrest—Desperate Personal Encounter—He Kills His Assailant—A Second Reconnaissance in Force at Franklin—Forrest Drives the Union Forces into Their Fort and Takes Possession of the Town—Mistakes a Signal-Flag for a Truce and Approaches for a Parley—Chivalrous Act of a Federal Soldier, Who Warns Him to Halt—The Execution of Two Confederate Soldiers as Spies, " to Prevent the Possibility of Forrest Profiting by the Information They Had Gained " —Reconnaissance in Force at Triune—Capture of a Large Herd'of Cattle—Withdrawal of the Cavalry to Tullahoma — Fight at Shelbyville — General Joseph Wheeler's Leap—Gordon Granger Misses the Opportunity of a Lifetime—Death of the Lamented Starnes—Forrest Meets a Detachment of Wilder's Command in a Road and Marches by without being Recognized—The Retreat Through Cowan —The Confederate General Put to Flight by a Fiery Dame—Dibrell Whips Minty at Sparta — Forrest, South of Chattanooga, and in Conjunction with Wheeler, Heads off Stanley's Raid upon the Western and Atlantic Railroad — Encounter with Wilder's Brigade near Ringgold — Forrest again Wounded — Bragg Fails in Strategy

CHAPTER XI THE  BATTLE  OF  CHICKAMAUGA
General Forrest Opens the Battle of Chickamauga on the Afternoon of Friday, September 18, 1863—Engages the Enemy on Saturday Morning—Hot Work Throughout the Day—The Artillery in Danger—General Ector Uneasy about His Right Flank—Major Anderson Prevails upon the General not to Shoot a Frightened Soldier Who is Running from the Field—Throughout the Day, on Sunday, Forrest's Cavalry Fights in Line of Battle with the Infantry—General D. H. Hill Compliments the Cavalry—Forrest Heads Granger Off, and Holds the Reserve-Corps of the Army of Tennessee in Check over an Hour—Fires the Closing, as He Did the Opening, Gun of this Great Battle—Reconnaissance on Missionary Ridge on the 21st—The Famous Despatch—General Longstreet says " This Despatch Sealed the Fate of the Confederacy "—Relieved from Command by Order of General Bragg, Forrest Writes the General of the Army—President Davis Invites General Forrest to a Personal Conference at Montgomery, as the Result of which He is Assigned to an Independent Command in the West

CHAPTER  XII IN THE NEW FIELD OF DUTY
Forrest Starts for the West from Atlanta with Four Pieces of Artillery and a Total of Two Hundred and Seventy - one Men — Is Assigned to Command of Mounted Troops in West Tennessee—Arrives at Okolona—Wretched Condition of Affairs in that Section — With Five Hundred Men He Crosses the Trocha and Invades West Tennessee—Establishes Recruiting Bureaus throughout that Section—Aided by General Tyree H. Bell, and Colonels A. N. Wilson, John F. Newsom, R. M. Russell, and D. M. Wisdom, a Considerable Force is Recruited—Forrest Gathers Up a Large Herd of Cattle and Other Necessary Supplies and Marches South— Fighting in all Directions — By a Brilliant Piece of Strategy He Deceives the Enemy, Crosses the Hatchie, and Marches South in Sight of Memphis

CHAPTER  XIII
MERIDIAN EXPEDITION
Sherman's Expedition from Vicksburg to Meridian—The Cavalry Corps under General William Sooy Smith Marches from Memphis to Co-operate with Sherman— Proposed Invasion of Alabama and Capture of Mobile by Generals Grant and Sherman—Forrest with His New Levies Retires Before Smith to the Sakatonchee —Engages Him There—Smith Retreats—Is Pursued by Forrest, who Defeats Him at West Point, and Again at Okolona — Pursued Relentlessly for Sixty Miles — Death of Colonel Jeffrey Forrest—Capture of General Smith's Artillery—McCul-loch to the Rescue—Death of Colonel Barksdale

CHAPTER  XIV STORMING  FORT  PILLOW
Forrest's Third Invasion of West Tennessee — Reorganization of His Command — General A. Buford, with the Fragments of Three Kentucky Regiments of Infantry, Transferred to Forrest—Headquarters Established at Jackson, Tennessee—Recruiting Bureaus Opened Throughout West Tennessee and Eastern Kentucky—Capture of Paducah—Rash and Unauthorized Assault on the Fort in that City by Colonel A. P. Thompson's Brigade—Death of this Brave Officer—Repulse of His Brigade—Captain Tyler's Feint on Columbus—General Buford Returns to Paducah for Horses and Recaptures the Place—Forrest Moves on Fort Pillow, which is Taken by Storm—Desperate Resistance and Consequent Heavy Slaughter—Free Distribution of Liquor to the Garrison—Evidence Corroborative of the Charge of Intoxication among the Union Forces—Exaggerated Statements of Survivors—Committee of the United States Congress—The Small Value Placed upon Human Life in 1865—The Report of the " Fort Pillow Massacre " a War Measure Intended for Political Effect—Analysis of the Evidence—Proof that No Massacre Occurred—Sworn Statements of Survivors among the Confederates : Major-General James R. Chalmers, Brigadier-General Tyree H. Bell, Colonel Robert McCulloch, Colonel C. R. Barteau, Lieutenant-Colonel D. M. Wisdom, Major Charles W, Anderson, and Forty-seven Other Survivors —Animated Correspondence between Generals Washburn and Forrest

CHAPTER  XV
EXPEDITION UNDER GEN.  S. D. STURGIS, AND THE BATTLE AT BRICE's CROSS-ROADS
Overwhelming Defeat of the Federal Army—Forrest's Success Pronounced one of the most Signal Victories of the Civil War—Morton's Charge with the Artillery—After Seven Hours of Desperate Fighting Sturgis is Beaten, and his Command Driven, a Panic-stricken Mass, from the Field—Relentless Pursuit for nearly Fifty Miles from the Battle-field—Capture of Eighteen Pieces of Artillery and over Two Hundred and Fifty Wagons—Federal Loss in Killed, Wounded, and Captured, 2612

CHAPTER  XVI THE  TUPELO   EXPEDITION, JULY, 1864
General A. J. Smith's First Invasion—He and General Joseph A. Mower "Try Their Hands "—Sherman Puts a Price on Forrest's Life—Appeals to President Lincoln to Promote Brigadier-General J. A. Mower to a Major-General in Case He Should Kill Forrest—Far-sighted Men of the Confederacy, among them General Joseph E. Johnston, General Howell Cobb, and Governor Joseph E. Brown, of Georgia, Ask the President to Give up Mississippi, if Necessary, in Order to Place Forrest in Command of All the Cavalry, and Turn Him Loose on Sherman's Communications; Smith and Mower March Day after Day in Line of Battle, and Sleep on Their Arms at Night—Skirmishing Continually —Major-General Stephen D. Lee Arrives and Takes Command of the Confederate Troops — Final Collision in Force and Bloody Battle at Harrisburg, Near Tupelo—The Confederates Repulsed with Great Slaughter—Unable to Drive the Federals from Their Strong Position, They Desist from Further Attack, but Remain in Line of Battle and in Sight of the Enemy Throughout the Day—Forrest Makes a Night Attack—Retreat of Smith and Mower on the Day Following the Battle—Vigorous Pursuit by Forrest, Who is Painfully Wounded at Old Town Creek — Unprecedented Losses in Killed and Wounded among the Confederates

CHAPTER XVII GENERAL A. J. SMITH'S SECOND INVASION  OF  MISSISSIPPI
Forrest Declines to Go to the Rear to Have His Wound Treated — He Has a Buggy Arranged so that He can Drive About and Keep His Injured Foot Elevated — Disturbed by Interference from Richmond with Appointments of Officers Made by Him in the Various Regiments of His Command—He Addresses a Strong Confidential Communication to the President—He is Sustained by the Inspector-General—General S. D. Lee Transferred, and General Dabney H. Maury Temporarily in Command—Sherman Sends Smith Back After Forrest—Report that Forrest Died of Lockjaw as a Result of His Wound at Old Town Creek—The Confederates Fall Back from the Tallahatchie to Oxford—Forrest Selects Two Thousand Picked Men, and Marches Around General Smith's Army and Descends on Memphis, which He Attacks on the 2ist of August, 1864, Riding into the Heart of the City—General C. C. Washburn Escapes from His Residence in Daylight in His Night-Clothes— General Hurlbut Escapes by being Absent from Home for the Night—Sharp Fighting in the Street? of Memphis—Captain Bill Forrest Rides into the Office of the1 Gayoso House and Dismounts at the Clerk's Desk—Capture of General Washburn's Uniform and Effects—Colonel Starr Attacks Forrest, and in a Personal- Encounter is Wounded—Forrest Returns to His Command—Washburn Scores Smith for Permitting Forrest to Escape—Smith, as a Result of Forrest's Attack on Memphis, is Ordered to Retreat, and Abandons Mississippi to the Confederates

CHAPTER XVIII
Forrest's raid into northern Alabama and middle Tennessee, from September 16 to October 6, 1864
President Davis at Last Realizes the Necessity of Turning Forrest Loose upon Sherman's Communications—Sherman Marches into Northern Alabama and Middle Tennessee—General Richard Taylor in Command of the Department—His Impressions of Forrest at This Time—From Mississippi to Cherokee, Alabama, by Rail—Crosses the Tennessee at Colbert's Shoals—Surrounds the Federal Military Post at Athens, Alabama, which Surrenders Without a Fight—Capture of a Column of Federals from Decatur Coming to the Rescue of Athens—Forrest's Clever Strategy and Bluff —Capture of Several Stockades Near Athens—The Federal Forts at Sulphur Trestle Surrounded—After a Severe Cannonading They Surrender—Elk River Block-House Captured and Bridge Destroyed on the Nashville and Decatur Railroad—The Enemy Driven into Pulaski—Colonel W. A. Johnson Wounded—Fully ThirfyThou-sand Federal Soldiers Diverted frbm the Georgia Campaign by Forrest's Move—He Returns to the Tennessee River—Buford Makes a Feint on Huntsville—Forrest's Rear-Guard, Closely Pressed to the North Bank of the Tennessee, Swim Over to an Island and Conceal Themselves in the Cane, and thus Escape Capture—He Disciplines a Lieutenant—Colonel D. C. Kelley's Brilliant Fight at Eastport—Forrest Asks for a Leave of Absence

CHAPTER XIX THE  JOHNSONVILLE   EXPEDITION
The Request for a Leave of Absence could not be Granted—Immediate Preparation for Invasion of West Tennessee—General Taylor Thanks Forrest for His Brilliant Success in Middle Tennessee—He Re-establishes Telegraphic Communication With West Tennessee—Moves in the Direction of Jackson—Reaches the Tennessee River —Batteries Masked at Various Points Along the Stream for the Purpose of Capturing Federal Transports — Capture of the Maieppa—Gallant Conduct of Captain Frank P. Gracey—Capture of the Gunboats Undine and Venus — Capture of the J. W. Cheeseman—The Undine and the Venus Furnished with a Crew from Forrest's Cavalry—Colonel W. A. Dawson Placed in Command of the " Horse Marines" —Forrest's Fleet Attacks the Federal Flotilla and Suffers Inglorious Defeat—The Venus Recaptured, with Forrest's Two Twenty - pounder Parrotts — The Undine, Crippled by the Federal Flotilla, is Destroyed by Colonel Dawson, Who Escapes with the Crew—Forrest Attacks Johnsonville and Destroys a Large Fleet of Boats Anchored There, and an Enormous Quantity of Military Supplies, Valued at Several Millions of Dollars—Terrible Blow to Sherman—The "Arkansas Rats"—Orders Received to Join Hood Near Florence, Alabama, for the Invasion of Middle Tennessee—Forrest's Letter to General Richard Taylor

CHAPTER XX THE  NASHVILLE  CAMPAIGN—NOVEMBER   19-DECEMBER   27, 1864
Forrest Arrives at Florence and is Placed in Command of All the Cavalry of the Army of Tennessee—March Towards Nashville Begun—Cold and Stormy Weather—November 22d Fighting Begins Near Lawrenceburg, and is Continued on the 23d Near Henryville—Severe Skirmish at Fouche Springs—Forrest's Charge in the Rear of the Enemy with His Escort—Narrow Escape of the General—Capture of a Number of Union Soldiers—Fighting Daily and Obstinately, the Federals are Driven as Far Back as Columbia—Death of the Brave Lieutenant-Colonel Dawson, of the Fifteenth Tennessee, Killed in Hand-to-Hand Combat—The Crossing of Duck River —Fight at Spring Hill—Federals Defeated—The Federal Army in Great Peril— Escapes through Failure of the Proper Transmission of Orders from Hood—Investment of Franklin—Forrest. Makes a Careful Reconnaissance of the Federal Position and Advises Hood not to Attack—Offers to Flank Schofield Out of Franklin within Two Hours if He is Permitted—Hood Orders the Attack—Terrific Slaughter of the Confederates—The Detachment of the Confederate Cavalry on the Left Wing Holds its Position—Wilson and Forrest Fight Desperately on the Confederate Right Wing — A Drawn Battle as Far as the Cavalry is Concerned — The Death of the Gallant Generals Cleburne and John Adams—Large List of Officers Killed and Wounded—Confederate Cavalry Pursues the Retreating Federals into Nashville— Infantry Arrive and Invest the City—Forrest's Cavalry Detailed to Interrupt Navigation on the Cumberland—Colonel D. C. Kelley's Rich Capture—General W. H. Jackson's Success at Lavergne—General Buford Captures a Block-House on Mill Creek—Forrest Directed to Make a Forced Reconnaissance of the Enemy's Position at Murfreesborough—He is Attacked in Front of this Place by the Federal Infantry and Defeated — The Confederate Infantry Flee Disgracefully — Forrest Shoots a Color-Bearer and Rallies the Men—His Cavalry Saved the Day—Defeat of Hood in Front of Nashville — Desperate Fighting by Chalmers and Rucker to Protect Hood's Rear until Forrest could Arrive—Rucker's Romantic Personal Combat with Colonel Spalding—His Right Arm is Shattered and He is Made Prisoner—Heroic Defence of the Confederate Position by Chalmers's Troops—Rucker Impresses the Federal Commander with the Fact that Forrest is Immediately in His Front— Further Pursuit for that Night Discontinued—This alone Saved the Confederate Army from Entire Destruction—. Forrest Takes Command and Organizes the Famous Rear-Guard of the Army of Tennessee—Confederates Safely Cross Rutherford Creek and Duck River—Have Three Days' Start of Wilson—Forrest Double-Teams the Wagons and Artillery and Saves Everything—Desperate Fight at Anthony's Hill and at Sugar Creek—Confederates Escape Across the Tennessee—Terrible Condition of the Country through which They Pass — Retreat Continued in the Dead of Winter, through Snow and Sleet

CHAPTER XXI
CLOSING CAMPAIGN  OF 1865. JANUARY 1ST TO MAY 9TH
The Opposing Cavalry Forces at Rest—General James H. Wilson's Energetic Preparations for the Spring Campaign—The War Should Have Ended with the Battle of Nashville—Forrest's Forecast of the Fate of the Confederacy—He Repairs to Mississippi with the Remnant of His Command—Troops Furloughed—Roddey Surprised in Northern Alabama, and Hood's Pontoon-Train Captured—Forrest Made Lieutenant-General and Placed in Command of All the Cavalry in the Department of Alabama, Mississippi, and East Louisiana—He Stirs Up the Authorities at Richmond in Regard to the Army of Men Commissioned to Raise Companies and Regiments—Suggests that They be Put in the Ranks and Made to Fight—Series of Letters to Richmond—Seventy-Five Thousand Union Soldiers Ready to Invade Forrest's Department in the Spring of 1865—General Wilson Moves from Waterloo towards Selma with Fourteen Thousand Effective Troops — The Most Magnificently Equipped Body of Cavalry on the American Continent—Forrest Marches towards Selma to Meet Him—Is Forced to Divide His Command to Meet Other Invasions—He Has Two Men Court-Martialled and Shot for Desertion at Sipsey Bridge—Wilson Reaches Elyton, Alabama—Detaches Croxton's Brigade on March 30th, which does not Rejoin Him until May 20th—Croxton Misses a Great Opportunity to Destroy Jackson's Wagon-Train and Artillery—He Shows Great Courage and Skill in the Captnre of Tuscaloosa—Wilson's Capture of a Courier with Forrest's Despatches, Giving Him Full Information of the Disposition of Forrest's Forces and Enabling Him to Defeat the "Hitherto Invincible" Confederate — Skirmish at Montevallo — Forrest, with Two Hundred and Seventy - Five Men, Reaches the Road along which the Rear-Guard of Wilson's Column is Passing— Charges and Puts It to Flight—During the Night He Makes a Detour of the Union Army and Reaches His Troops in Front of Wilson—Desperate Engagement at Bog-ler's Creek—Forrest Assailed by Captain Taylor, who is Killed—One of the Most Sanguinary Hand-to-Hand Conflicts Known in the Civil War—Chalmers Fails to Reach Forrest in Time—Armstrong Takes the Bull by the Horns, and on His Own Responsibility Marches to the Sound of the Cannonade and Reaches Forrest in Time to Save Him from Destruction—Battle at Selma—Armstrong the Hero of the Day—Defeat of the Confederates and Capture of Selma—Forrest and Armstrong Cut Their Way Out—General Wilson's Strenuous Efforts to Prevent Pillaging— Surprise of a Detachment of the Fourth Regulars—Surrender at Gainesville—Forrest's Farewell Address

CHAPTER  XXII AFTER THE WAR
After the Surrender at Gainesville, Forrest Starts for His Home in Memphis—The Train Derailed near Meridian—Judge C. B. Kilgore Relates that Forrest at once Took Charge of the Train and Supervised the Work of Replacing the Cars upon the Rails—Arrest of Admiral Semtnes—Rumors that Forrest Is Also to Be Arrested— General Maury and Colonel Sam Tate Send to Forrest at His Plantation a Letter of Credit, and Advise Him to Leave at once for Europe—He Declines to Accept Either the Letter of Credit or the Advice: "This Is My Country"—Engages in Railroad Building—Altercation with a Contractor, Who Challenges Him—Forrest Accepts the Challenge and Selects Colt's " Navy-sixes" at Ten Paces—Mr. Charles E. Waller's Statement—Forrest Before the Committee of Congress on the Kuklux Organization—Fails in His Railroad Enterprises—His Income Greatly Diminished, He Still Contributes to the Support of the Widows and Orphans of His Old Command — Address at the Reunion of the Seventh: Tennessee Cavalry —In Failing Health — General Wheeler's Description of Forrest's Appearance at this Time — Interview with Senator-John T. Morgan at Hurricane Springs—Death of the Great Soldier on October 29, 1877—Impressive Burial Ceremonies at Elmwood Cemetery, in Memphis

CHAPTER XXIII FORREST THE MAN  AND THE  SOLDIER
The Blacksmith's Son Becomes the '' Great Fighting Leader of Fighting Men "—Lack of Education Shown in !His Spelling—"I Never See a Pen but what I Think of a Snake" —His'Ability as a Mathematician—His High Sense of Humor and Repartee-^-Per-sonal Appearance as Given by Mr. Bryan McAllister—Habits and Morality—His Family Life—Interesting Incident in the Capture of a Federal Chaplain, Entertained at Forrest's Headquarters—Forrest Dismisses One of His Best Officers for Immoral Conduct—His; Work among the Wounded with His Chief Surgeon—Fondness for Children—From Private to a Lieutenant-Generalship—"A Prophet is not without Honor, save in His Own Country "—Sherman's Estimate of His Military Ability—General Joseph E. Johnston's Comments—Opinions of General Beauregard and General Wolseley—His Intense Devotion to the South—Wonderful Presence of Mind—The Craft and Cunning of the Frontiersman Utilized in Military Operations—Contribution of General John T. Morgan—Forrest's Strategy and Tactics—His Reckless Courage in Attack—The Famous Movement on the Flank and Rear—The Use of His Artillery at Close Quarters — Fierce and Relentless Pursuit — His Aggressive Nature—His Gravest Military Fault—Summary and Extreme Punishment of Cowards—Forrest and Sheridan—Mounted Infantry—An Article of Stonewall Jackson's Military Faith—Forrest's Careful Personal Scrutiny of the Men and Animals of His Command—He Pays Great Attention to His Commissary—The Value of Discipline and Organization

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APPENDIX