- Joined
- Sep 4, 2014
- Location
- Lexington, SC
Many of you are familiar with Colonel Able Streight’s great mule raid. The raid ended with Streight surrendering his forces to Nathan Bedford Forrest at Lawerence, AL.
Streight was racing for Rome, GA, Forrest was ordered by General Bragg to stop Streight from accomplishing his mission of destroying interior Southern railroads. Streight’s mission and Forrest’s pursuit is a fascinating story but I’m afraid it will have to wait for another day.
This story is about Emma Sansom a beautiful little 16 year old girl who’s heroic act enabled Forrest to capture Streight and his men before they could reach safety.
Emma was born August 2, 1847 to Micajah and Levina Vann Sansom. One of 12 children. Emma’s father died in 1858 leaving Levina the lone parent of this large family. Emma had a brother who joined the Confederacy in 1861 and fought with the 19th Alabama Infantry. Emma’s family resided on a farm near Gadisden, AL.
On April 30th Forrest caught up with Streight’s rear guard commencing attacks that would last for 4 days and 4 nights. Streight managed to gain enough ground on Forrest to cross Black Creek and burn the bridge in his rear. Leaving the bridge impassable for Forrest and his men. Forrest arrived moments later in pursuit of a Yankee soldier who surrendered just short of the now smoldering bridge. Forrest stopped at the home of little Emma Sansom and inquired where the closest bridge to cross the swollen creek was located. Emma without an ounce of fear told the grey clad man the closest bridge was a 2 hour hard ride from their present location. Forrest finding this news unacceptable then asked if their was a Ford nearby he and his men could cross the Black. The little girl replied yes, there is a place less than a mile from here that she has seen the cows cross the creek when the water is up. Forrest asked the young girl how he could find this Ford. Emma replied, saddle my horse and I’ll show you. Forrest looking down at the little girl replied, there isn’t time to saddle your horse, jump up here with me and guide me to this ford. Without hesitation Emma jumped up on the back of King Philip behind Forrest. At this time Emma’s mother noticed what was going on and ran down pleading with Forrest not to take her little girl. Forrest looking down at the woman consoled her in a kind and calm voice saying he would not allow any harm to come to her and promised to return her unharmed as soon as she had shown him the location of the lost Ford. At Forrest’s reassurances Mrs Sansom allowed Forrest to ride off with little Emma in tow.
As Forrest and Emma rode along a branch of Black Creek, Emma was pointing out openings where she felt Forrest and his men would likely come under fire from the Yankees. As Forrest and Emma approached the point where the branch met the main creek, Emma leaped from the back of King Philip with amazing athletic agility. Surprised by the girls action Forrest immediately dismounted and joined the young lady as she ly prown on the ground crawling on knees and elbows under brush towards the creek. At this time the two were spotted by Yankee soldiers who began firing at them. Forrest remembering his promise to the girls mother lifted Emma putting her behind him saying. “You can be my guide but you cannot be my Brest work”. Emma then pointed out the location of the ford.
As Forrest and Emma rode back to the farm Emma asked Forrest. What are those buzzing and whistling sounds. Forrest calmly explained to Emma, those are the sounds of Yankee bullets. If one were to hit you, you would likely be killed by it. fortunately none found their mark. As Forrest delivered young Emma back to her mother unharmed, he asked the young girl for a lock of her hair to remember her bravery by. Forrest then request a piece of paper and pen. He then wrote these words.
“Headquarters in saddle May 8, 1863. My highest regards to Mss Emma Sansom for her gallant conduct while my forse was skirmishing with Federals across Black Creek near Gadisden, AL”. Forrest then signed the note giving it to young Emma as a keep sake.
Thanks to the heroic actions of Emma Sansom, Forrest and his men forded the creek at the location Emma had shown Forrest, saving he and his men close to four hours of hard riding. Forrest was able to force the surrender of Able Streight and his mule mounted men at Lawerence, AL.
The portrait above is my favorite Civil War portrait of them all. It is by artist John Paul Strain entitled “The Lost Ford”. It’s an amazingly lifelike adaptation of Forrest and young Emma mounted on King Philip. One day I will own a copy.
Of course like most fascinating Civil War stories, there are those who challenge these events ever took place. What say you?
I hope you enjoyed this little known story of how a fearless 16 year old girl assisted the Wizard of the saddle in apprehending Colonel Able Streight and his men in the famed Lightning Mule Brigade.
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