To The Lost Ford
General N.B. Forrest & Emma Sansom
May 2, 1863 |
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In the spring of 1863 Colonel Abel D. Streight of Indiana submitted
a plan to General Rosecrans to transport 2000 soldiers by river
boat from Nashville, to Eastport, Mississippi, and on from there
to destroy the railroads in the interior of Alabama and Georgia.
General Bragg, receiving news of the invading force, ordered General
Nathan Bedford Forrest to stop the enemy's advance. Bragg had unleashed
the most dangerous quick-striking force of the Confederate Army.
On April 30th, General Forrest attacked the rear of the Federal
column, completely surprising the startled soldiers in blue. Streight's
men engaged a number of Forrest's regiments on horseback. Many horses
and men were killed in the charge. Before Forrest could regroup
his men and form them into a dismounted line of battle, Col. Streight's
forces had remounted their mules and were on the run. So began a
running gun battle that would go on for 4 days, 4 nights and cover
199 miles.
After two days and nights of fighting and fleeing, Col. Streight
Crossed Black Creek Bridge heading for the safety of Rome. They
burned the bridge and, believing Black Creek to be now impassible,
Col. Streight eased his pace of retreat. His soldiers were worn
down from fear, lack of sleep, and constant fighting, but at last
they could feel safe. As General Forrest led his troopers in pursuit,
they stopped at the home of Emma Sansom, a 16year-old southern
girl whose brother had left home in 1861 to join the 19th Alabama
Infantry. Emma told Forrest that the Yankees had burned the bridge
down, but if a soldier could saddle her horse, she could show
General Forrest a lost ford where his men could cross the creek.
Emma would later write that General Forrest said, "There is not
time to saddle a horse; get up here behind me." As they started
off Emma's mother came running up, out of breath, wishing to know
what was happening. Forrest said, "She is going to show me a ford
where I can get my men over in time to catch those Yankees before
they get to Rome. Don't be uneasy; I will bring her back safe."
Emma led Forrest along a branch of the creek that emptied just
above the lost ford and pointed out the crossing. He returned
the young girl home, and asked for a lock of her hair, before
riding back to the lost ford.
To Col. Streight's amazement and despair Forrest was back on
his trail. Both forces again made an all night march. At about
9:00 AM on May 3rd, Streight reached the town of Lawrence. Streight
deployed his men in defensive positions as Forrest attacked with
his much smaller force. As the fighting subsided Forrest sent
a flag of truce to the Federal commander, while at the same time,
making his force appear larger than it was. Forrest and Streight
met face to face. Forrest demanded the surrender of the Federals.
When Streight asked Forrest how many men he had, Forrest bluffed
saying he had a fresh column of troops arriving and enough men
at hand to finish the job. Col. Streight and his command surrendered,
and stacked their arms in a clearing as Forrest and his smaller
force took them prisoner.
The story would be told over many a campfire of how the beautiful
southern girl would help the "Wizard of the Saddle" ride down,
defeat, and capture the northern invaders.
750 Limited Edition
Numbered and Signed
75 Artist Proofs Numbered and Signed
Image Size: 29" x 19 1/4"
Overall Size: 33 1/2" x 23 1/4"
15 Archival Paper Giclées
Giclée Image Size: 30" x 43-7/8"
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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