Chalmers Attacks

Chalmers Attacks. Long's Division in the Rear. By 1865 General Nathan Bedford Forrest had been promoted Cavalry Chief for the Department of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana under General Richard Taylor. On learning of Wilson's advance into Alabama, Forrest had to determine Wilson's objective and consolidate his far flung command to block the invader. On April 2nd Forrest was still missing all the Brigades of General William H. Jackson and 2 Brigades of General James R. Chalmers. About 4 pm elements of General Chalmers two missing brigades attacked General Long's rear near Keenan's Mill. , "The signal for the advance was to be the discharge of a single gun from Rodney's Battery, to be given as soon as Gen. Upton's turning movement had developed itself. Before that plan could be executed, and while waiting for the signal to advance, Gen. Long was informed that a strong force of Confederate cavalry had been skirmishing with his rear, and threatened a general atck upon his pack train and led horses. He had left a force of six companies..." [the 72nd Indiana Infantry re-enforced by 1 Battalion of the 3rd Ohio Cavalry] "...well posted at Valley Creek (northwest of the city), in anticipation of that movement. Fearing this affair would compromise the assault upon the main portion, Long determined to make the assault at once; and without waiting for the signal gave the order to advance." , -Major General Christopher Columbus Andrews