The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1905-03-30


ter and fired at a range of only sixty
yards which cut such swaths through the
enemy's ranks that they were thrown into
confusion, when be hurled two brigades
against them, capturing six guns and turn
ing them on the foe, changed defeat into a
decisive victory. Does it not seem strange
to the casual reader that the press of that
day and writers since have not said more
of the wondrous exploits of this wonder
full hero?
Twas while be was down in Alabama,
a brave young girl, Miss Samson, accosted
him on the roadside and informed him
that there was body of Federals encamp-
on the other side of Black Creek and vol
unteered to guide him to the spot. She rode
behind Gen. Forrest on his gallant steed
across the swollen waters of the stream,
where, with few dasbing followers, he
surrounded and captured the entire CON-
mand with little loss. The picture OF this
fearless maid hangs today on the wall OF
the historic hall in Montgomery, Ala.
Again, few days before the bloody
fight of Missionary Ridge, where thepoet
in his fancy pictures two veteran armies
engaged in a "battle above the clouds, -
when both armies were manoeuvoring for
nosition and the Confederate infantry had
occupied several prominent points, except
one small brigade which was yet to be
posted; while Gen. Forrest with two orl-
gades of cavalry was dismounted and
resting by the wayside. General B. dis
cerned dark line of blue coats approach
ing the gap not yet occupied. he rode up
to General Forrest and asked if he thought
he could drive those "devils'' back. The
ever-ready cavalry leader as usual replied
that he would try. he ordered his troops
to mount, form ranks, etc., and, riding in
front of them, said: "Boys, ye see them
Yanks coming over yonder hilla Well,
Gen. B. says we must run 'em off or he
can't carry out his plan of battle, and thoug
we aren't much in charging 'foot-fellers'
We'll try it today" and fastening to the
rear of his lines commanded: Forward,
march! Front, march! Gallop, march
Charge" and friend of the writer, a cap
tain in Georgia regiment, who was an
eyewitness, said it reminded him OF what
he had read of the forlorn charge OF the
brave "six hundred" at Balaklava, as that
grey line swept like whirlwind over
the plain through the smoke and fame
from the guns of the mystifed enemy,
whose ranks seemed to melt like chaft
before the yelling, laundering cavalry.
Though numbers had been placed hors
de combat, time and position had been
gained, important factors when great
encounter is impending.
In February, 1862, Fort Donelson on
the Cumberland River was captured by
the Federals which was followed in June
of the same year by the fall of Fort Pillow
on the Mississippi, and the loss OF the
latter stronghold seemed ever to weigh
heavily on the mind of Gen. Forrest, as
he considered it, from its position, of vast
Importance to the Confederacy, and in
April, 1864 he resolved if practicable to
recapture it. After brief parley with
his subalterns, demonstration was made
which was answered by rain of shot and
shell.
He then sent in flag of truce, giving
the garrison forty-eight hours to capitu-
late. The armistice having expired and
his terms not having been accepted by
the commander, Gen. Forrest ordered an
assault which was made with a rush by
his dismounted troopers.
Though strict disciplinarian and usual
ly knew the minds as we'll as the actions
of his men, he could not check them at
the capture of Fort Pillow, for numbers
of their brave comrades, among them
several young officers, had, been shot
down by the negro troops after an en-
trance had been made, which so incensed
the survivors that they were irrestrain-
able and 10th to give quarter. Gen. For
rest deplored this awful tragedy >and
spoke of it more than once after the
"cruel war was over"
On two occasions, had the urgent ap-
peals of Gen. Forrest been listened to-,
the results no doubt would have been far
different. The one at Shiloh, when after
several hours hard fighting, the Federals
were driven back and their camps cap
tured, Gen. Forrest advised that no halt
be made and that the enemy be driven to
their gunboats at Pittsburg Landing, but
his counsel were not needed and the hun
gry Confederates went to pillaging the
tents and stores of the defeated enemy,
where it is said some liquors were found
by the victors and by nightfall many OF
the imbibing "rebels" were demoralized.
During the night, while the Confederates