FORREST, Nathan Bedford (1821-1877). Letter signed (''N.B. Forrest'') to General Earl Van Dorn, Harrison, 9 March 1863.

FORREST, Nathan Bedford (1821-1877). Letter signed ("N.B. Forrest") to General Earl Van Dorn, Harrison, 9 March 1863.

One page, 156 x 200mm (several contemporary ink smudges, light soiling). Housed in a custom clamshell case.

Forrest reports Union Cavalry movements near Franklin, Tennessee. A rare war date letter from Forrest reporting to Van Dorn that his "scouts returned & report there is no Infantry between here and Franklin. They went down to Mayberries 3 miles from town and were informed that 4000 Cavalry came out yesterday in this direction and did not go back." Forrest believed that the Union forces would be moving that morning predicting "The long roll may beat at four o'clock this morning and it is understood below by citizens that the Enemy is to move out in force today, reputed to be (at Franklin) 8 or 10000 infantry and 4000 Cavalry. There were no fires between here and Franklin last night, and the direction the Cavalry took in returning in town or whether still out is not known." Cavalry brigades under Confederate General Earl Van Dorn, commanded by Forrest and William H. Jackson) had recently engaged the Union troops at the Battle of Thompson's Station on 4 & 5 March 1863. In the battle that ensued, the Confederates surrounded a strong Federal force at Spring Hill, and although the Union cavalry was able to escape, the infantry surrendered. Two weeks later, on 25 March 1863, Forrest would capture a post held by the 22nd Wisconsin, at Brentwood, Tennessee.

Pre-Lot Text
PROPERTY FROM THE ROGER D. JUDD COLLECTION OF HISTORICAL LETTERS, DOCUMENTS & MANUSCRIPTS