The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-12-27
THE BATTLE OF. SELMA.
(By Mrs. Charles G. Brown.) (COatinuedl


 The capture of Selma was a fore gonep conclusion when Chalmers failed to unice his forces with Forrest at Plantersville. General Forests plan of campaign was wise and profound in conception. and certain of execution, and was only prevented by ungovern- able accident and circumstances and among the most potent of these was the capture of Confederate with dis patches which revealed to General. Will son, the Federal commander Forrests's plan of campaign. and the relative po- sition of his forces, and the small num- Der of men actually with Forrest, in front of the overwhelming number of Federal soldiers, under Wilson's com mand.
 He knew that his forces were vastly superior in numbers, equipments, and also saw their courage in battle, and devotion to their leader and his pre- eminent abilities, and that he had only to press forward before Forests com bination could be effected. Forrest fully understood his critical condition and determined. with his small com mand of veterans. aided by the State militia, composed of men over military age and boys in their teens, by obsti- nate resistance, and desperate opposi- tion, to hold Wilson at bay until Chal- mers could join him, and Jackson, ac- cording to plan of campaign, succeed In following and reaching the rear of Wilson's main army. On the morning of the 1st of April 1865. Forrest re- ceived a message from Chalmers that he had met with such obstacles that he could not reach Plantersville in time to unite forces. Forrest became furi- ous with rage on receipt of this dis patch. and sent hurried messages to Chalmers that Wilson, with over whelming numbers, was pressing him with great Yigor. and that he would admit of no excuse in his failure to unite with him at PIantersville, or be- tween that place and Selma, insisting that Chalmers had not moved with that speed the emergency demands and which had always characterized him on other occasions. and which his knowledge of the plan of campaign required. General Forrest selected A naturally strong position at the cross ing of Biglers Creek, threw up lay outs of rai1s and logs and placed his small force in the best possible posi- tion for defence. Never in the history of war was more desperate daring and Valor displayed than by Forests tried veterans He did not walt quietly be- hind his works for attack, but met charge by counter charge. But. alas, all in vain was this magnificent display of pre-eminent valor. God. in His wise Providence, we now submissively believe, had settled the destiny of the Southern Cross as symbol of separate nationality.
 The Federal forces overlapped the Confederates and advancing upon the flank and rear. rushed over the State militia, threw them into confusion. and forced Forests veterans to a rapid res treat. A desperate running fight was continued fha vi aF "A was evident that the desire of every Federal soldier was to slay or capture Forrest, but his escort gathered around him, resolved to sacrifice their lives for his. Deeds of valor were them enacted riva1ing those of the Bayards. the Ro- lands and Olivers of medieval history and chivalry On the afternoon of April 25 the Federal forces arrived before the breastworks around Selma. General