West Tennessee Raids facts for kids

This article is about a military raid during the American Civil War. It was led by Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest in Tennessee from December 1862 to January 1863. Forrest commanded 1,800 to 2,500 soldiers. Their goal was to attack Union supply lines in West Tennessee. These supply lines were important for Union General Ulysses S. Grant, who was moving south toward Vicksburg.

The Confederates wanted to destroy parts of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. This railroad ran between Columbus, Kentucky and Jackson, Tennessee. By doing this, they hoped to slow down Grant's army. The raid was very successful in damaging the railroad. Forrest even returned with more soldiers and supplies than he started with! However, Grant's army was only delayed a little. Vicksburg eventually fell to Union forces six months later. This raid included three main battles: Lexington, Jackson, and Parker's Cross Roads.

Starting the Journey

Forrest and his 1,800 men, along with four cannons, left Columbia, Tennessee around December 10, 1862. They were ordered by General Braxton Bragg to go into West Tennessee. This area was strongly held by Union forces, who had many more weapons than Forrest's men. Forrest even told his leaders that his soldiers had very few supplies and their guns weren't in good shape. But he was ordered to march anyway.

The soldiers reached the Tennessee River on December 13. The river was swollen from rain, making it hard to cross. On December 14, Forrest found a leaky flatboat. He used it to build a simple bridge, called a pontoon. By December 15, his whole group had crossed the river. The cannons and wagons used the bridge, but the men and animals swam across in cold rain. After crossing, the troops marched about 8 miles (13 km) toward Lexington.

On December 16, they continued toward Lexington, marching another 18 miles (29 km). Forrest then stopped to let his men rest and get dry. They found that most of their ammunition caps were wet and useless. Luckily, Forrest had sent people to gather supplies behind enemy lines. One citizen returned with 50,000 shotgun and pistol caps, which was a huge help!

Battle of Lexington

On December 17, Forrest's group met Union soldiers about eight miles from Lexington. Forrest sent one of his officers, Colonel James W. Starnes, to fight them. Forrest then quickly led the rest of his men around to cut off the Union retreat. He put four companies from Alabama in the lead.

The Confederates attacked the Union line, breaking through it. They then attacked from the side, scattering the Union soldiers. Captain Frank B. Gurley, with only about 200 men, managed to capture 150 Union officers and soldiers. This included Colonel Robert G. Ingersoll. They also captured 300 small guns, ammunition, 200 horses, wagons, and two cannons. Forrest used these captured cannons for the rest of the war! Other Confederates captured more Union soldiers and weapons as they ran away. The Union forces slowed the Confederates a little, but their positions were quickly taken over. The Confederates then continued toward Jackson, arriving on the afternoon of December 18.

Battle of Jackson

People in Jackson, who supported the Confederates, told Forrest that Union reinforcements were coming. So, on December 18, Forrest sent out groups of men to destroy railroad tracks and capture trains near Humboldt and Bolivar. These groups were successful, capturing Union soldiers and supplies. By the morning of December 19, they had destroyed enough railroad track to cause big problems for the Mobile and Ohio line. The Confederates then shared the captured supplies, replacing their old, poor equipment.

The Union forces in Jackson were very large, possibly as many as 15,000 soldiers. This battle was the first time Forrest used a clever trick: he spread his soldiers out over a wide area to make his force look much bigger than it was. He also ordered his drummers to beat their drums in a way that sounded like a huge army marching.

On the afternoon of December 19, Forrest sent Colonel Robert M. Russell to guard the rear with 2,000 men. Forrest then continued toward Jackson. Union General Jeremiah C. Sullivan, who was defending Jackson, sent two regiments to meet Forrest's attack. Forrest ordered a cavalry charge, but the Union soldiers fought them off before retreating back to Jackson. Forrest didn't actually plan a full attack on the town. His charge was just a distraction while other groups of his soldiers destroyed railroad tracks north and south of Jackson. By 8 PM on December 19, Forrest had brought his men back together. They had 500 prisoners, 25 good wagons, and were well-armed. He quickly left Jackson to attack Trenton and Humboldt.

Taking Trenton

Early on December 20, Colonel Dibrell's regiment destroyed a railroad bridge at Spring Creek. He captured 100 more Union soldiers and their supplies. At the same time, other Confederate groups were sent to capture Humboldt. They succeeded by 10 PM, capturing cannons, horses, 500 guns, and lots of ammunition and supplies.

Meanwhile, Forrest moved toward Trenton with his escort and the captured cannons. He also gained 160 new volunteers. Forrest reached Trenton at 10 PM on December 20 and immediately attacked. After a short fight, Forrest's men fired their cannons toward the Union depot. When white flags appeared, the Union forces surrendered. Union Colonel Jacob Fry, an older officer, asked for the terms of surrender. Forrest replied, "unconditional," meaning they had to surrender completely. Colonel Fry sadly handed his sword to Forrest. Forrest, known for his kindness to enemies, gave the sword back, saying he hoped it would be used for a better cause next time. During the surrender, a fire broke out, likely set by Union soldiers to prevent Confederates from taking supplies. Forrest forced the prisoners to fight the fire or be shot.

Forrest, with only about 275 men, captured Trenton. He took 400 Union soldiers, including two colonels, 300 African Americans, 1,000 horses and mules, 13 wagons, 7 cannon carts, 20,000 cannon rounds, 400,000 small-arms rounds, and many other supplies. These captured items were worth over $500,000! Forrest let about 1,300 Union soldiers go home because he had too many prisoners to manage. About 800-900 prisoners remained and were marched to Columbus, Kentucky.

Union City and Turning Back

On the morning of December 21, Forrest continued toward Union City. Seven miles north, near Dyer, Tennessee, he captured a Union outpost of 30 men and their supplies. He burned more bridges and rails. Further on, he met more Union resistance. About 250 Union soldiers retreated to a fort at Kenton Station (now Kenton, Tennessee). Forrest surrounded the fort, and after a few cannon shots, they surrendered. His men then destroyed more railroad tracks and bridges.

The next morning, scouts reported that a Union force of about 10,000 men was moving quickly from Jackson. Despite this, Forrest continued his mission to Union City, which was still 20 miles away. On December 22, Forrest camped and released his new prisoners. On December 23, about 1,400 prisoners were sent to Columbus. Also, Union soldiers at an outpost near Moscow, Kentucky, fled when they saw the Confederates coming.

After reaching the northernmost point of his mission, Forrest turned south. A messenger told him that his men had destroyed the bridges south of the Obion River. Forrest's entire group spent December 24 and 25 destroying large bridges on the North and South Forks of the Obion River. They then rested for a few hours. Reports said that Trenton was now occupied by 12,000 Union troops whose mission was to destroy Forrest's unit.

On December 26, Forrest's men destroyed another railroad bridge. Forrest then moved his entire force toward Dresden, Tennessee, 26 miles away, and camped there. Union forces were quickly advancing toward Union City and also trying to cut off the Confederates near McLemoresville. On December 27, Forrest moved his command toward Huntington. Colonel Russell was sent ahead to secure a crossing over the Obion River. However, the Union forces had already destroyed all bridges south of the main road. Colonel Russell faced strong resistance but eventually crossed the Obion and held his position.

Forrest managed to cross the Obion River near McLemoresville using a bridge that the Union forces had abandoned, thinking it was impassable. Locals called it a "double bridge." Forrest reached it at 11 PM and spent an hour strengthening it. To show his men it was safe, Forrest led the way across. The ground was frozen, so they had to fill potholes with coffee and flour to make it passable. The men had to wade through mud, water, and sleet, but they finally crossed by 6 AM on December 29. They then rested for four hours.

By 10 AM, scouts reported that 10,000 Union soldiers were 12 miles away in Huntington. The Confederates moved toward Lexington over very difficult ground and camped nine miles from there. Another small battle happened during this time in Clarksburg, Tennessee, led by Forrest's younger brother.

Battle of Parker's Cross Roads

Forrest's troops were very tired. He decided to camp and risk a battle the next day instead of moving on. They rested until 4 AM before starting the final part of their journey.

On December 30, Forrest's men quickly moved toward Red Mound, also known as Parker's Cross Roads. About a mile and a half from the crossroads, Forrest prepared his men for battle. Union soldiers appeared and formed their own battle line. A fight began, and the Union soldiers retreated toward the crossroads. The Union forces, with 1,800 men, reformed their lines against Forrest's 1,200 men.

After hours of fighting, by 11 AM, the Confederates continued to push back the Union forces with their cannons. Union reports said that the Confederates were in a very strong position. During this intense fighting, Colonel Thomas A. Napier was fatally wounded while bravely charging a Union fence line.

Forrest then sent Colonel Russell to attack the Union's left side and rear, while cannons fired from the side. The Union line broke, and white flags appeared. But then, a fresh Union force of two brigades arrived from behind the Confederates, trapping them. A Union officer called for Forrest to surrender. Forrest cleverly replied that he had already surrendered some time ago and would bring his remaining men to formally surrender. With that, he galloped away to his troops, telling his injured men in the hospital to escape. Rejoining his command, he quickly moved them away. As Forrest escaped, the Union soldiers found their injured comrades and continued the battle. Major Cox and some of Napier's men were captured.

In the battles that day, from 6 AM to 3 PM, the Confederates were caught in the open. Union soldiers were now firing from the ridge that the Confederates had held earlier. Forrest made a daring charge toward the Union lines, scattering their gunners and causing confusion. This allowed his men to get back on their horses. Colonel Starnes returned with 250 men, which helped Forrest regroup with another 200 men. He then attacked the rear of the Union brigade, recapturing his wagon train.

Confederate losses for the day were 25 officers (including Colonel Napier), 75 wounded, and 250 captured. They also lost three cannons, four cannon carts, five wagons, two ambulances, and 75,000 rounds of ammunition. Union losses were 50 killed, 100 captured, three cannons damaged, two cannon carts, 15 wagons, two ambulances, and many other supplies captured.

After his escape from Parker's Cross Roads, Forrest stopped in Lexington, 12 miles from the battlefield. He fed his animals, treated the wounded, and then moved back toward Clifton. Ten miles further, he released his prisoners and his men rested until morning. Forrest planned to cross the Tennessee River at Perryville.

Early in the morning, scouts reported that 10,000 Union soldiers were moving to cut off the Confederate retreat. Forrest galloped 15 miles to catch his main group. About eight miles from the river crossing, the lead group met 1,200 Union soldiers. They charged, breaking through the Union line. Other Confederate groups then attacked from the left and right, scattering the Union soldiers. They killed 20 and captured 50. By noon, they reached the river crossing. It took eight hours to cross. Forrest's group returned with about 1,000 animals, 60 wagons, four ambulances, and many supplies.

Summary of the Expedition

Forrest's expedition into West Tennessee began on December 10, 1862, and his army crossed the river on December 15. In a very short time, from December 15, 1862, to January 1, 1863, Forrest's men rode hard, fought many battles, and achieved great results. His command traveled over 20 miles (32 km) per day, fought three major battles with daily skirmishes, and destroyed 50 large and small bridges on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. They also damaged so much of the railroad that it became useless until after the war.

The Confederates captured and burned 18 or 20 small forts, captured or killed 2,500 enemy soldiers, took or disabled 10 cannons, and captured 50 wagons and ambulances, 10,000 small arms, and one million rounds of ammunition. Forrest started with poorly equipped men and returned with every man fully armed. His unit even had extra supplies like 500 rifles and 1,800 blankets. They had become a strong, experienced fighting force.

Forrest made camp on January 3, 1863, in Mount Pleasant. He then went to report to General Braxton Bragg, who was in Shelbyville, Tennessee. Bragg gave General Forrest new orders.