Lee County, Mississippi/July 14, 1864
Result: Union Victory
Commanders:
UNION: Andrew J. Smith
CONFEDERATE: Nathan Bedford Forrest
Forces Engaged
UNION: 14,000
CONFEDERATE: 8,000
Estimated Casualties
UNION: 648
CONFEDERATE: 1,300
Smith’s job was to keep Forrest and his cavalry from attacking Sherman’s supply line causing disruption to the march on Atlanta. Smith was criticized for not destroying Forrest’s command but he accomplished his mission of protecting Sherman’s supply lines.
Forrest became a rich man pre war dealing in cotton and slaves. He decided to raise and equip an entire unit using his personal fortune.
This was his call to arms:
“I wish none but those who desire to be actively engaged. COME ON BOYS, IF YOU WANT A HEAP OF FUN AND TO KILL SOME YANKEES”
Nathan Bedford Forrest
Forrest was known for his lightning raids and became the most feared cavalry leader in the war. His nick name was the “wizard of the saddle.
“that devil Forrest must be hunted down and killed if it costs ten thousand lives and bankrupts the federal treasury.”
William Tecumseh Sherman
Post war, Forrest was instrumental in creating the Klu Klux Klan.
