Verona, Miss.,
January 24, 1865.
COLONEL: I have the
honor to submit the following report of the operations of the troops under my
command during the recent movements in Middle Tennessee:
While in West
Tennessee I received orders from General Beauregard on the 30th of October, to
report without delay to General Hood at Florence, Ala. I was then actively
operating against Johnsonville, and so soon as I completed the destruction of
the enemy's fleet and stores at that place I commenced moving up the Tennessee
River. I halted my command at Perryville with a view of crossing the river at
that point, but being without facilities, and the river already high and rising
rapidly, I found it impossible to cross over. I succeeded, however, in throwing
across a portion of Rucker's brigade, while I moved to Corinth with the balance
of my command. My men and horses were much jaded, but I moved at once to
Florence and crossed the river on the 16th and 17th of November. On my arrival
at Florence I was placed in command of the entire cavalry then with the Army of
Tennessee, consisting of Brigadier-General Jackson's division and a portion of
Dibrell's brigade, under command of Colonel Biffle, amounting to about 2,000
men, together with three brigades of my former command, making in all about
5,000 cavalry. I bivouacked my command at Shoal Creek until the morning of the
21st, when, in obedience to orders from General Hood, I commenced a forward
movement. My command consisted of three divisions—Chalmers', Buford's, and
Jackson's. I ordered Brigadier-General Chalmers to advance via West Point,
Kelly's Forge, Henryville, and Mount Pleasant. Brigadier-Generals Buford and
Jackson were ordered to move up the military road to Lawrenceburg, and thence
southeastward in the direction of Pulaski. Both these divisions had several
engagements with the enemy, and were almost constantly skirmishing with him,
but drove him in every encounter.
At Henryville
Brigadier-General Chalmers developed the enemy's cavalry and captured
forty-five prisoners. At Fouche Springs the enemy made another stand. I ordered
General Chalmers to throw forward Rucker's brigade and to keep up a slight
skirmish with the enemy until I could gain his rear. I ordered
Lieutenant-Colonel Kelley to move by the left flank and join me in rear of the
enemy. Taking my escort with me I moved rapidly to the rear. Lieutenant-Colonel
Kelley being prevented from joining me as I had expected, I made the charge
upon the enemy with my escort alone, producing a perfect stampede, capturing
about 50 prisoners, 20 horses, and 1 ambulance. It was now near night, and I
placed my escort in ambush. Colonel Rucker pressed upon the enemy, and as they
rushed into the ambuscade my escort fired into them, producing the wildest
confusion. I ordered Colonel Rucker to rest his command until 1 a.m., when the
march was renewed toward Mount Pleasant, where he captured 35,000 rounds of
small-arm ammunition and the guard left in charge of it. Meantime
Brigadier-Generals Buford and Jackson had proceeded from Lawrenceburg toward
Pulaski and encountered Hatch's division of cavalry at Campbellsville, and
routed him after a short but vigorous engagement, in which he lost about 100
prisoners and several in killed and wounded. Most of my troops having reached
Columbia on the evening of the 24th I invested the town from Duck River to the
extreme north, which position I held until the arrival of the infantry on the
morning of the 27th, when I was relieved.
Columbia having been
evacuated on the night of the 28th [27th] I was ordered to move across Duck
River on the morning of the 28th. Chalmers' division was ordered to cross at
Carr's Mill, seven miles above Columbia, Jackson's, at Holland's Ford, while I
crossed at Owen's Ford with a portion of Colonel Biffle's regiment. Before
leaving Columbia I sent my escort to Shelbyville for the purpose of
ascertaining the movements of the enemy and destroying the railroad, and I
regret to announce that Captain Jackson was seriously wounded on this
expedition. On the night of the 28th I was joined by Chalmers' division about
eight miles from Columbia on the Spring Hill and Carr's Mill road. Jackson's
division was ordered to proceed to the vicinity of Hurt's Cross Roads on the
Lewisburg pike. At 11 o'clock at night I received a dispatch from General Buford
informing me that the enemy had made such's stubborn resistance to his crossing
that he could not join the command until the morning of the 29th. I ordered
General Jackson to move along the Lewisburg pike toward Franklin until he
developed the enemy. Brigadier-General Armstrong notified me that he had struck
the enemy, when I ordered him not to press too vigorously until I reached his
flank with Chalmers' division. The enemy gradually fell back, making resistance
only at favorable positions. After waiting a short time for my troops to close
up, I moved rapidly toward Spring Hill with my entire command. Two miles from
town the enemy's pickets were encountered and heavy skirmishing ensued. I
ordered General Armstrong to form his brigade in line of battle. I also ordered
a portion of the Kentucky brigade and the Fourteenth Tennessee Regiment, under
Colonel White, to form, which being done I ordered a charge upon the enemy, but
he was so strongly posted upon the crest of a hill that my troops were
compelled to fall back. I then dismounted my entire command and moved upon the
enemy. With a few men I moved to the left on a high hill, where I discovered
the enemy hurriedly moving his wagon train up the Franklin pike. I ordered my
command to push the enemy's right flank with all possible vigor. At the same
time I ordered Brigadier-General Buford to send me a regiment mounted. He sent
the Twenty-first Tennessee, Colonel Wilson commanding, which I ordered to
charge upon the enemy. Colonel Wilson at the head of his splendid regiment made
a gallant charge through an open field. He received three wounds, but refused
to leave his command. About this time I received orders from General Hood to
hold my position at all hazards, as the advance of his infantry column was only
two miles distant and rapidly advancing. I ordered up my command, already
dismounted. Colonel Bell's brigade was the first to reach me, when I
immediately ordered it to the attack. Major-General Cleburne's division soon
arrived, and, after some delay, was formed in line of battle and moved upon the
enemy on my left. Colonel Bell reported that he had only four rounds of
ammunition to the man when I ordered him to charge the enemy. This order was
executed with a promptness and energy and gallantry which I have never seen
excelled. The enemy was driven from his rifle-pits, and fled toward Spring
Hill. I then ordered Brigadier-General Jackson to move with his division in the
direction of Thompson's Station and there intercept the enemy. He struck the
road at Fitzgerald's, four miles from Spring Hill, at 11 o'clock, just as the
front of the enemy's column had passed. This attack was a complete surprise,
producing much panic and confusion. Brigadier-General Jackson had possession of
the pike and fought the enemy until near daylight, but receiving no support, he
was compelled to retire, after killing a large number of horses and mules and
burning several wagons.
Chalmers' and
Buford's divisions being out of ammunition, I supplied them from the infantry
(my ordnance being still at Columbia), when I ordered Brigadier-General
Chalmers to move at daylight on the morning of the 30th to the Carter's Creek
turnpike, between Columbia and Spring Hill, and there intercept a column of the
enemy reported to be cut off. General Chalmers moved as ordered, but reported
to me that the enemy had passed unmolested on the main pike during the night.
Buford and Jackson were ordered to move forward with their divisions on the
Franklin pike and to attack the enemy. They overtook his rear two miles from
where General Jackson had cut his column the night previous and pushed him on
to Winstead's Hill, where he was strongly posted. General Stewart's corps
arriving upon the ground, I moved with Buford's and Jackson's divisions to the
right, my right extending to Harpeth River, and ordered Brigadier-General
Chalmers on the left. The enemy retired from Winstead's Hill toward their
fortifications at Franklin. I ordered Brigadier-General Chalmers to advance on
the left, which he did, charging and dislodging the enemy from every position
he had taken. The enemy was posted on a strong hill on the opposite side of
Harpeth River, from which position he was firing upon our troops on the
Lewisburg pike. I ordered Brigadier-General Jackson to cross over and drive the
enemy from this hill and to protect our right. I ordered Brigadier-General
Buford to dismount his command and take position in line of battle on the right
of Stewart's corps, covering the ground from the Lewisburg pike to Harpeth
River. Skirmishing at once commenced, and Buford's division rapidly advancing
drove the enemy across Harpeth River, where he joined the cavalry.
Brigadier-General Jackson engaged the united forces of both infantry and
cavalry, and held him in check until night, when he threw forward his pickets
and retired across Harpeth for the purpose of replenishing his ammunition. The
enemy held strong position commanding all the fords. I ordered
Brigadier-General Buford to remount his command and hold himself in readiness
for action at a moment's warning. Brigadier-General Jackson's troops being out
of ammunition, and my ordnance still in the rear, Captain Vanderford furnished
me with the necessary supply.
At daylight on the
1st of December I moved across Harpeth River and advanced up the Wilson pike,
and struck the enemy at Owen's CrossRoads, in strong force. I ordered Captain
Morton to open upon him with his battery. Soon afterward I ordered
Brigadier-General Buford to charge, which order he executed by dislodging the
enemy and capturing several prisoners. I then moved with Jackson's and Buford's
divisions to Brentwood, where I was joined by Brigadier-General Chalmers.
Ordering Chalmers to proceed with his division up the Franklin and Hillsborough
pike, and to cross over and intercept, if possible, the enemy retreating toward
Nashville, I moved with Buford's and Jackson's divisions toward the Nashville
pike, and, learning the enemy had reached Nashville, I camped for the night.
On the following
morning (the 2d) I ordered Brigadier-General Chalmers to move on the left and
to guard the Hillsborough and Hardin pikes, while I proceeded to the right with
Buford's and Jackson's divisions and took position in sight of the capitol at
Nashville. I ordered Brigadier-General Buford to move with his division across
to Mill Creek and to form line of battle near the lunatic asylum on the
Murfreesborough pike. Jackson's division was ordered into position so as to
cover the Nashville and Mill Creek pike. My command being relieved by the
infantry I commenced operating upon the railroad, block-houses, and telegraph
lines leading from Nashville to Murfreesborough. I ordered Buford's division on
the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad for the purpose of destroying stockades
and block-houses.
On the 3d of
December stockade No. 2 surrendered, with 80 prisoners, 10 men killed, and 20
wounded in the attack by Morton's battery. On the day previous, while
assaulting stockade No. 2, a train of cars came from Chattanooga loaded with
negro troops. The train was captured, but most of the troops made their escape.
On the 4th I ordered
Brigadier-General Buford to attack block-house No. 3, but the demand for
surrender was complied with, and the garrison of thirty-two men made prisoners.
An assault was also ordered on stockade No. I, on Mill Creek, but the garrison
unhesitatingly surrendered. I ordered the destruction of the block-house and
two stockades, in which were captured 150 prisoners.
On the morning of
the 4th I received orders to move with Buford's and Jackson's divisions to
Murfreesborough, and to leave 250 men on the right to picket from the Nashville
and Murfreesborough pike to the Cumberland River. Colonel Nixon, of Bell's
brigade, was left for this purpose.
On the morning of
the 5th I moved, as ordered, toward Murfreesborough. At La Vergne I ordered
Brigadier-General Jackson to move on the right of town and invest the fort on
the hill, while I moved with Buford's division to block-house No. 4. The usual
demand for surrender was sent under flag of truce and a surrender made. The
garrison on the hill, consisting of 80 men, 2 pieces of artillery, several
wagons, and a considerable supply of stores, also surrendered to
Brigadier-General Jackson. A large number of houses, built and occupied by the
enemy, were ordered to be burned.
Four miles from La
Vergne I formed a junction with Major-General Bate, who had been ordered to
report to me with his division for the purpose of operating against
Murfreesborough. I ordered Brigadier-General Jackson to send a brigade across
to the Wilson [Wilkinson] pike, and moving on both pikes the enemy was driven
into his works at Murfreesborough. After ordering General Buford to picket from
the Nashville and Murfreesborough to the Lebanon pikes on the left and Jackson
to picket on the right to the Salem pike, I encamped for the night.
The infantry arrived
on the morning of the 6th, when I immediately ordered it in line of battle and
to move upon the enemy's works. After skirmishing for two hours the enemy
ceased firing, and showed no disposition to give battle. I ordered a regiment
from Brigadier-General Armstrong's brigade, with which I made a careful
reconnaissance of the enemy's position and works. On the evening of the 6th I
was re-enforced by Sears' and Palmer's brigades of infantry. I ordered Colonel
Palmer in position on the right upon a hill, and to fortify during the night.
On the morning of
the 7th I discovered from the position occupied by Colonel Palmer the enemy
moving out in strong force on the Salem pike, with infantry, cavalry, and
artillery. Being fully satisfied that his object was to make battle, I withdrew
my forces to the Wilkinson pike, and formed a new line on a more favorable
position. The enemy moved boldly forward, driving in my pickets, when the
infantry, with the exception of Smith's brigade, from some cause which I cannot
explain, made a shameful retreat, losing two pieces of artillery. I seized the
colors of the retreating troops and endeavored to rally them but they could not
be moved by any entreaty or appeal to their patriotism. Major-General Bate did
the same thing, but was equally as unsuccessful as myself. I hurriedly sent
Major Strange, of my staff, to Brigadier-Generals Armstrong and Ross, of
Jackson's division, with orders to say to them that everything depended on
their cavalry. They proved themselves equal to the emergency by charging on the
enemy, thereby checking his farther advance. I ordered the infantry to retire
to Stewart's Creek, while my cavalry encamped during the night at Overall's
Creek. The enemy returning to Murfreesborough, I ordered my cavalry to resume
its former position.
It is proper to
state here that I ordered Brigadier-General Buford to protect my left flank,
but he was so remote the order never reached him. While the fight was going on,
however, he made a demonstration on Murfreesborough, and succeeded in reaching
the center of town, but was soon compelled to retire.
On the 9th General
Hood sent to my support Smith's brigade, commanded by Colonel Olmstead, and
ordered Bate's division to report back to his headquarters. On the 11th I
ordered Brigadier-General Buford to proceed to the Hermitage, and to picket the
Cumberland River, so as to prevent any flank movement in that direction. On the
12th I ordered the infantry to destroy the railroad from La Vergne to
Murfreesborough, which was most effectually done. Brigadier-General Jackson,
who had been previously ordered to operate south of Murfreesborough, captured,
on the 13th, a train of seventeen cars and the Sixty-first Illinois Regiment of
Infantry, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Grass. The train was loaded with
supplies of 60,000 rations, sent from Stevenson to Murfreesborough, all of
which were consumed by fire, after which the prisoners, about 200 in number,
were sent to the rear.
On the 14th I moved
with Colonels Olmstead's and Pahner's brigades across Stone's River and east of
Murfreesborough, with a view of capturing the enemy's forage train, but on the
evening of the 15th I received notice from General Hood that a general
engagement was then going on at Nashville, and to hold myself in readiness to
move at any moment. Accordingly, on the 16th I moved my entire command to the
Wilkinson Cross-Roads, at the terminus of the Wilkinson pike, six miles from
Murfreesborough. On the night of the 16th one of General Hood's staff officers
arrived, informing me of the disaster at Nashville and ordering me to fall back
via Shelbyville and Pulaski. I immediately dispatched orders to Brigadier-General
Buford to fall back from the Cumberland River, via La Vergne, to the Nashville
pike, and to protect my rear until I could move my artillery and wagon train.
From this position General Buford was ordered across to the Nashville and
Columbia pike, for the purpose of protecting the rear of General Hood's
retreating army. My sick, wounded, and wagon train being at Triune, I did not
retreat via Shelbyville, but moved in the direction of Lillard's Mills, on Duck
River. I ordered Brigadier-General Armstrong to the Nashville and Columbia
pike. Most of the infantry under my command were barefooted and in a disabled
condition, and being encumbered with several hundred head of hogs and cattle,
my march along the almost impassable roads was unavoidably slow. On reaching
Duck River at Lillard's Mills I ordered everything to be hurried across, as the
stream was rapidly rising. After putting over a part of my wagon train the
stream became unfordable. I was therefore compelled to change my direction to
Columbia, which place I reached on the evening of the 18th.
On the morning of
the 19th the enemy was reported at Rutherford's Creek in strong force. I
immediately commenced disposing of my troops for the purpose of preventing his
crossing. Everything being across Duck River I was ordered by General Hood to
withdraw my command at 3 o'clock, which I did, and went into camp at Columbia.
Chalmers' division having been sent to the right, I am unable to state anything
from personal knowledge as to his operations from the 3d to the 19th; but I
learn from his official report that his line extended from the Hillsborough
pike, on the right, across the Hardin and Charlotte pikes to the river, on the
left; that he captured two transports laden with horses and mules; that the transports
were recaptured, but leaving on his hands 56 prisoners and 197 horses and
mules; that the enemy made several attempts with his monitors and gun-boats to
silence his river batteries, all of which were unsuccessful; that he maintained
a strict blockade of the river and his position until Ector's brigade of
infantry fell back; that he prevented Hatch from gaining the rear of our army;
and that he was constantly and severely engaged every day while protecting the
rear of General Hood's army until he crossed Rutherford's Creek.
On the 20th General
Hood, on leaving Columbia, gave me orders to hold the town as long as possible,
and when compelled to retire to move in the direction of Florence, Ala., via
Pulaski, protecting and guarding his rear. To aid me in this object he ordered
Major-General Walthall to report to me with about 1,900 infantry, 400 of whom
were unserviceable for want of shoes. The enemy appeared in front of Columbia
on the evening of the 20th and commenced a furious shelling upon the town.
Under a flag of truce I proceeded to the river and asked an interview with
General Hatch, who I informed by verbal communication across the river that
there were no Confederate troops in town, and that his shelling would only
result in injury to the women and children and his own wounded, after which
interview the shelling was discontinued.
The enemy succeeded
in crossing Duck River on the morning of the 22d. I at once ordered my troops
to fall back in the direction of Pulaski. Brigadier-General Chalmers was
ordered on the right down the Bigbyville pike toward Bigbyville. The infantry
moved down the main pike from Columbia to Pulaski, the rear protected by both
Buford's and Jackson's divisions of cavalry, while a few scouts were thrown out
on the left flank. The enemy made his first demonstration on my rear pickets
near Warfield's, three miles south of Columbia. He opened upon us with
artillery, which forced us to retire farther down the road in a gap made by two
high hills on each side of the road, where he was held in check for some time.
On the night of the 23d I halted my command at and near Lynnville, in order to
hold the enemy in check and to prevent any pressure upon my wagon train and the
stock then being driven out.
On the morning of
the 24th I ordered the infantry back toward Columbia on the main pike and my
cavalry on the right and left flanks. After advancing about three miles the
enemy was met, where a severe engagement occurred and the enemy was held in
check for two hours. I retreated two miles, where I took position at Richland
Creek. Briga-dier-General Armstrong was thrown forward in front and General
Ross on the right flank. Chalmers and Buford formed a junction, and were
ordered on the left flank. Brigadier-General Armstrong was ordered to the
support of six pieces of my artillery, which were placed in position
immediately on the main pike and on a line with Buford's and Chalmer's
divisions and Ross' brigade, of Jackson's division. After severe artillery
firing on both sides two pieces of the enemy's artillery were dismounted. The
enemy then flanked to the right and left and crossed Richland Creek on my
right, with the view of gaining my rear. I immediately ordered Armstrong and
Ross, of Jackson's division, to cross the bridge on the main pike and move
around and engage the enemy, who were crossing the creek. Both Buford and
Chalmers were heavily pressed on the left, and after an engagement of two hours
I ordered them to fall back across Richland Creek. I lost 1 killed and 6
wounded in this engagement. The enemy lost heavily. Brigadier-General Buford was
wounded in this engagement, and I ordered Brigadier-General Chalmers to assume
command of Brigadier-General Buford's division together with his own. I reached
Pulaski without further molestation.
On the morning of
the 25th, after destroying all the ammunition which could not be removed from
Pulaski by General Hood and two trains of cars, I ordered General Jackson to
remain in town as long as possible and to destroy the bridge at Richland Creek
after everything had passed over. The enemy soon pressed General Jackson, but
he held him in check for some time, killing and wounding several before
retiring. Seven miles from Pulaski I took position on King's Hill, and awaiting
the advance of the enemy, repulsed him, with a loss of 150 killed and wounded,
besides capturing many prisoners and one piece of artillery. The enemy made no
further demonstrations during the day. I halted my command at Sugar Creek,
where it encamped during the night.
On the morning of
the 26th the enemy commenced advancing, driving back General Ross' pickets.
Owing to the dense fog he could not see the temporary fortifications which the
infantry had thrown up and behind which they were secreted. The enemy therefore
advanced to within fifty paces of these works, when a volley was opened upon
him, causing the wildest confusion. Two mounted regiments of Ross' brigade and Ector's
and Granbury's brigades* of infantry were ordered to charge upon the
discomfited foe, which was done, producing a complete rout. The enemy was
pursued for two miles, but showing no disposition to give battle my troops were
ordered back. In this engagement he sustained a loss of about 150 in killed and
wounded; many prisoners and horses were captured and about 400 horses killed. I
held this position for two hours, but the enemy showing no disposition to renew
the attack, and fearing he might attempt a flank movement in the dense fog, I
resumed the march, after leaving a picket with orders to remain until 4
o'clock. The enemy made no further attack between Sugar Creek and Tennessee
River, which stream I crossed on the evening of the 27th of December. The
infantry were ordered to report back to
their respective corps, and I moved with my cavalry to Corinth.
The campaign was
full of trial and suffering, but the troops under my command, both cavalry and
infantry, submitted to every hardship with an uncomplaining patriotism; with a
single exception, they behaved with commendable gallantry.
From the day I left
Florence, on the 21st of November, to the 27th of December my cavalry were
engaged every day with the enemy. My loss in killed and wounded has been heavy.
I brought out of the campaign three pieces of artillery more than I strutted
with.
My command captured
and destroyed 16 block-houses and stockades, 20 bridges, several hundred horses
and mules, 20 yoke of oxen, 4 locomotives, and 100 cars and 10 miles of
railroad, while I have turned over to the provost-marshal-general about 1,600
prisoners.
To my division
commanders--Brigadier-Generals Chalmers, Buford, and Jackson--I take pleasure
in acknowledging the promptitude with which they obeyed and executed all
orders. If I have failed to do justice in this report it is because they have
not furnished me with a detailed report of the operations of their respective
commands.
I am also indebted
to Major-General Walthall for much valuable service rendered during the retreat
from Columbia. He exhibited the highest soldierly qualities. Many of his men
were without shoes, but they bore their sufferings without murmur and were ever
ready to meet the enemy.
I am again under
obligations to my staff for their efficient aid during the campaign.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
N. B. FORREST,
Major-General.
[Indorsement.]
HEADQUARTERS
MILITARY DIVISION OF THE WEST,
Charlotte, N. C.,
February 25, 1865.
Respectfully
forwarded to the War Department for its information. General Forrest and his
command deserve well of the country for the gallantry, energy, and activity
displayed during this severe campaign in Middle Tennessee.
G. T. BEAUREGARD,
General.
ADDENDA.
Address of Maj.
Gen. N. B. Forrest to his troops.
SOLDIERS: The old
campaign is ended, and your commanding general deems this an appropriate occasion
to speak of the steadiness, self-denial, and patriotism with which you have
borne the hardships of the past year. The marches and labors you have performed
during that period will find no parallel in the history of this war.
On the 24th day of
December there were 3,000 of you, unorganized and undisciplined, at Jackson,
Tenn., only 400 of whom were armed. You were surrounded by 15,000 of the enemy,
who were congratulating themselves on your certain capture. You started out
with your artillery, wagon trains, and a large number of cattle, which you
succeeded in bringing through, since which time you have fought and won the
following battles--battles which will enshrine your names in the hearts of your
countrymen, and live in history an imperishable monument to your prowess:
Jack's Creek, Estenaula, Somerville, Okolona, Union City, Paducah, Fort Pillow,
Bolivar, Tishomingo Creek, Harrisburg, Hurricane Creek, Memphis, Athens,
Sulphur Springs, Pulaski, Carter's Creek, Columbia, and Johnsonville are the
fields upon which you have won fadeless immortality. In the recent campaign in
Middle Tennessee you sustained the reputation so nobly won. For twenty-six
days, from the time you left Florence, on the 21st of November to the 26th of
December you were constantly engaged with the enemy, and endured the hunger,
cold, and labor incident to that arduous campaign without murmur. To sum up, in
brief, your triumphs during the past year, you have fought fifty battles,
killed and captured 16,000 of the enemy, captured 2,000 horses and mules, 67
pieces of artillery, 4 gun-boats, 14 transports, 20 barges, 300 wagons, 50
ambulances, 10,000 stand of small-arms, 40 block-houses, destroyed 36 railroad
bridges, 200 miles of railroad, 6 engines, 100 cars, and $15,000,000 worth of
property.
In the
accomplishment of this great work you were occasionally sustained by other
troops, who joined you in the fight, but your regular number never exceeded
5,000, 2,000 of whom have been killed or wounded, while in prisoners you have
lost about 200.
If your course has
been marked by the graves of patriotic heroes who have fallen by your side, it
has, at the same time, been more plainly marked by the blood of the invader.
While you sympathize with the friends of the fallen, your sorrows should be
appeased by the knowledge that they fell as brave men battling for all that
makes life worth living for.
Soldiers! you now
rest for a short time from your labors. During the respite prepare for future
action. Your commanding general is ready to lead you again to the defense of
the common cause, and he appeals to you, by a remembrance of the glories of
your past career; your desolated homes; your insulted women and suffering
children; and, above all, by the memory of your dead comrades, to yield a ready
obedience to discipline, and to buckle on your armor anew for the fight. Bring
with you the soldier's safest armor--a determination to fight while the enemy
pollutes your soil; to fight as long as he denies your rights; to fight until
independence shall have been achieved; to fight for home, children, liberty,
and all you hold dear. Show to the world the superhuman and sublime spirit with
which a people may be inspired when fighting, for the inestimable boon of
liberty. He not allured by the siren song of peace, for there can be no peace
save upon your separate independent nationality. You can never again unite with
those who have murdered your sons, outraged your helpless families, and with
demoniac malice wantonly destroyed your property, and now seek to make slaves
of you. A proposition of reunion with a people who have avowed their purpose to
appropriate the property and to subjugate or annihilate the freemen of the
South would stamp with infamy the names of your gallant dead and the living
heroes of this war. Be patient, obedient, and earnest, and the day is not far
distant when you can return to your homes and live in the full fruition of
free-men around the old family altar.
N. B. FORREST,
Major-General,
Comdg. District of Mississippi and East Louisiana.
_______________
*According to
Walthall’s report (p. 727), it was Reynolds’ and Field’s brigade
SOURCE: The
War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and
Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 751-60
