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Again the men in gray were outnumbered. Again they faced destruction
by a more powerful enemy. Any commander would have been justified
in avoiding battle. But General Nathan Bedford Forrest was not
any commander. Typically, he chose to attack.
At the head of General John Bell Hood's drive into Federally-occupied
Tennessee, Forrest and his cavalry found the road to Nashville
blocked by a heavy concentration of enemy troops. It was just
cause for a withdrawal, but instead of withdrawing, Forrest divided
his force, took his 80-man escort and proceeded to flank the enemy
to set up a surprise attack, at Fouche Springs.
The Federal force he intended to assault was perhaps twenty times
larger than Forrest's mounted strike force. But again Forrest
unleashed a ferocious strike where least expected. The enemy cavalrymen
had unsaddled their mounts for the night, and did not suspect
the presence of the much-feared Forrest this bitterly cold night.
Then "that devil Forrest" burst from the woods upon them - and
the Northerners were terrorized. Their quiet camp erupted into
chaos, and they fled in every direction. "I made the charge upon
the enemy alone," Forrest would later report, "producing the perfect
stampede." The stampede led the stunned Federals into a blast
of fire from Forrest's main force - which ignited a panic among
the men in blue. The enemy force was broken and scattered - and
the road to Nashville was open for the Confederate Army of Tennessee.
Ahead, with Forrest in the lead, surely a great victory awaited
them. Now anything seemed possible. Anything.
Artist's Comments:
I am very excited to again paint one of my favorite generals of
the Civil War, Nathan Bedford Forrest, who at this time in the
war was at the height of his military prowess. Featured in the
painting on the far left side is Forrest's adjutant general, Major
J. P. Strange, who would save Forrest's life later that same day.
(As you look at the painting from different angles, you will find
that Major Strange's pistol will follow you.) Captain William
M. Forrest is following right behind his father and is carrying
a Spiller & Burr revolver. Also featured to the right of the General,
about to fire his pistol, is Lt. George L. Cowan of Forrest's
escort. Lt. Cowan would fight with Forrest until the end of the
war.
850
Limited Edition Numbered and Signed.
100
Artist Proofs Numbered and Signed.
Image Size: 19" x 26 1/2".
Overall Size: 23 1/2" x 30 1/2".
This print may still be available on
the secondary market. Please call 817-560-2143 or
contact us through our website for
more information.
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