Forrest's Big Show

Forrest's Big Show. . "General I am entirely unarmed; have neither gun, pistol, nor sword." , Sgt. Nat Baxter, "That doesn't make any difference; get in line and advance on the enemy with the rest; I want to make as big a show as possible." , Gen. N. B. Forrest, An Audacious Idea , General Nathan Bedford Forrest was on the west side of the battlefield, across the Lexington-Huntingdon Road and more or less opposite the split-rail fence. When he received word that Colonel John Fuller's Ohio Brigade was advancing on the Confederates from behind, Forrest made a quick decision. He rushed here with his escort and part of Colonel George Dibrell's 8th Tennessee Cavalry under Major Jeffery Forrest, a total of about 125 men, all mounted. When Forrest arrived at the area in front of you he added a handful of retreating men to his small, scratch force., They Attacked with a Yell , Forrest formed a line between the oncoming Union infantry and his artillery. When he ordered Sergeant Nat Baxter into position, Baxter shouted: "General I am entirely unarmed; have neither gun, pistol, nor sword." Forrest replied: "That doesn't make any difference; get in line and advance on the enemy with the rest; I want to make as big a show as possible.", The small line of soldiers was all that stood between Forrest and disaster. With a yell, they attacked the Union regiment, charging the Confederate guns. The unexpected assault startled and momentarily halted the Federals., The Bluff Succeeds , Their slight hesitation was all Forrest needed. Before the Union soldiers could regroup the Confederates hurriedly attached their artillery to the waiting limbers with horses in harness, mounted, and galloped south. Many rode east of the split-rail fence (you can see the reproduction across the interstate) and into a shallow ravine. Thus sheltered they galloped to the Lexington-Huntingdon Road (present-day SR 22) and made good their escape.