- Joined
- Feb 20, 2005
- Location
- Nashville
Larry, During the retreat after the Hood debocle Forrest reatreated some but not all of his command accross the Duck River before it became to hazerdous to do so toward Columbia now in a position to defend Hoods shattered Army."I was ordered by General Hood to withdraw my command at 3 o'clock, which I did and went into camp at Columbia" (Wills pg 290) cont....During the crossing frustrations and bitterness of defeat caused this confrontation between 2 southern officers.As Forrest approached, hoping to cross after not being able to do so completely earlier, Cheatham,s battered infantry corps also arrived with the same intention. Both men expected to cross first. And when forrest insisted upon his right to do so, Cheatham a warrior himself said angrilly"I think not, sir .You are mistaken, I intend to cross now, and will thank you to move out of the way of my troops." Forrest's lost control and his passion took him. Forrest drew his pistol and said"If you area better man than I am , Gen Cheatham, your troops can crossahead of mine" soldiers within hearing raised their weapons to defend each. Fortunately S.D. LEE arrived on the scene, mediated they soon apologized and crossed. They say Forrest went but this differs from different reports of each ironicly (From Wills Pg 290) abreviated Ben
Forrest had first attempted to cross somewhat successfully (about 50%, because of the rising water) at Lillard's Mill about 15 miles upstream near his boyhood home. He had wagons, extra ammo, etc and 600 head of livestock. The remaining forces were brought to Columbia. Soon after the episode you described, Gen. Edward Hatch arrived and their famous discussion about the careless bombarding of civilians and wounded Union prisoners ensued. Hatch relented, like the gentlemen he was. Forrest got a few points from Hood as the remainder of the AOT left toward Lynville. Ben Cheatham, a crustly old soldier, led his troops (corps) to North Carolina, gave Sherman hell at Bentonville and returned home to Nashville where he rests in Mt. Olivet cemetery over on Lebanon Pike.