A Slight Demonstration facts for kids

A Slight Demonstration is a book from 2007. It tells the story of the Battle of Decatur during the American Civil War in 1864. This battle was a very important moment in Confederate General John Bell Hood's plan to invade Tennessee.

During the battle, a small Union army, only 2,000 to 5,000 soldiers, stopped Hood's much larger army of 23,000 soldiers from crossing the Tennessee River. The book was written by Noel Carpenter, who grew up in Decatur and was an Air Force officer. It was published by Legacy Books & Letters in Austin, Texas. This book is the first one completely focused on the Battle of Decatur.

What is A Slight Demonstration About?

Why Was the Battle of Decatur Important?

In the book, Noel Carpenter explains that the fight at Decatur played a big role in how General Hood's plan turned out. Hood wanted to cross the Tennessee River. His goal was to reach Nashville and cut off supplies for Union General William Tecumseh Sherman. Sherman's army had just captured the city of Atlanta.

The battle at Decatur stopped Hood's army. This delay gave the Union forces in Nashville time to get ready to defend the city. When Hood's soldiers finally arrived in Nashville, they were badly defeated.

What New Details Does the Book Share?

Carpenter's book gives the most detailed information available about the battle in Decatur. It highlights the important actions of the Fourteenth Colored Infantry. This was an African-American regiment. Their brave fighting held back Hood's forces. This delay helped the Union army win the day. Union General Thomas Granger thought their actions were the best part of the battle.

Noel Carpenter passed away in 2000 at age 82. He spent the last 12 years of his life writing this book. His daughter, Carol Powell, had the book published after he died. It is about the battle that happened in his hometown.