![FORREST, Nathan Bedford (1821-1877), Brigadier General, C.S.A. Letter signed ("N.B. Forrest Brig. Genl. Commanding") to Major G.G. Garner, Adj. General Army of the West; Head Quarters, Murfreesboro [Tennessee], 9 October 1862. 2 pages, 4to, endorsed on verso "Giving information about the enemy, asks for reinforcements, and a good ordnance officer," central fold neatly reinforced, otherwise in excellent condition.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/1999/NYR/1999_NYR_09262_0051_000(122636).jpg?w=1)
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FORREST, Nathan Bedford (1821-1877), Brigadier General, C.S.A. Letter signed ("N.B. Forrest Brig. Genl. Commanding") to Major G.G. Garner, Adj. General Army of the West; Head Quarters, Murfreesboro [Tennessee], 9 October 1862. 2 pages, 4to, endorsed on verso "Giving information about the enemy, asks for reinforcements, and a good ordnance officer," central fold neatly reinforced, otherwise in excellent condition.
FORREST'S FIRST RAID: "THE PEOPLE OF TENNESSEE ARE IN FINE SPIRITS AND ALL THEY ASK IS ARMS & AMMUNITION"
A rare war-date letter from Murfreesboro (site of his resounding victory in July), reporting on recent skirmishes and begging for more men to attack Nashville and raid West Tennessee. In early October, Forrest had established the headquarters of his recruiting bureau at Murfreesboro: "I arrived here on Sunday 5th inst and found Genl S.R. Anderson...controlling some three or four thousand Cavalry...almost all of them raw & many unarmed...Before I had time to assume command and make any arrangements the Enemy came out to Lavergne with 1500 Infantry, 6 Cannon and 3 or 400 Cavalry and about daylight on Tuesday attacked Genl. Anderson. The Cavalry mostly broke & fled in great disorder...We were not pursued and as soon as I learned from a Courier that they were attacked I gathered what force was with me at Murfreesboro and started...rallying the Fugitives carrying a battery of 4 pieces that had just arrived by Rail Road...The Enemy had retreated and were too far off to be caught up with." He lists the battle losses, informs Garner of the remaining regiments under his command, and expresses his need for more support: "I have...placed my troops in fortifications made by the Enemy here at Murfreesboro & hope to hold my position. But the Enemy are threatening me and I earnestly desire further aid not only to enable me to hold my position but also to attack Nashville. The Enemy are probably 5 or 6 thousand strong at Nashville, have good fortifications and a large amount of artillery... There is no earthly use for more Cavalry and what I want is Infantry...Can you not furnish me with 8 or 10 thousand arms[?]...let me have some old Tennessee Regiments or Fort Donelson Prisoners: they ...would be of immense service." He concludes: "There is some question raised here & I believe in Congress as to your power to authorize new Regiments to be raised. Can you not telegraph Secretary of War on the subject & settle that question...The People of Tennessee are in fine spirits and all they ask is arms & ammunition."
In July 1862, Forrest launched devastating raids into Union-held Tennessee. Leaving Chattanooga with about 1,000 men, Forrest suprised the brigade of T.L. Crittenden at Murfreesboro on 13 July and captured the entire command (just over 1,000 men) and supplies valued at nearly a million dollars. Marching on to Lebanon and then Nashville, he destroyed two rail bridges, effectively cutting off the Federal force which had been detailed to catch him. These diversions tied up two Union divisions and caused major delays in Buell's offensive plans. Forrest continued recruiting in preparation for his December raid on West Tennessee.
FORREST'S FIRST RAID: "THE PEOPLE OF TENNESSEE ARE IN FINE SPIRITS AND ALL THEY ASK IS ARMS & AMMUNITION"
A rare war-date letter from Murfreesboro (site of his resounding victory in July), reporting on recent skirmishes and begging for more men to attack Nashville and raid West Tennessee. In early October, Forrest had established the headquarters of his recruiting bureau at Murfreesboro: "I arrived here on Sunday 5th inst and found Genl S.R. Anderson...controlling some three or four thousand Cavalry...almost all of them raw & many unarmed...Before I had time to assume command and make any arrangements the Enemy came out to Lavergne with 1500 Infantry, 6 Cannon and 3 or 400 Cavalry and about daylight on Tuesday attacked Genl. Anderson. The Cavalry mostly broke & fled in great disorder...We were not pursued and as soon as I learned from a Courier that they were attacked I gathered what force was with me at Murfreesboro and started...rallying the Fugitives carrying a battery of 4 pieces that had just arrived by Rail Road...The Enemy had retreated and were too far off to be caught up with." He lists the battle losses, informs Garner of the remaining regiments under his command, and expresses his need for more support: "I have...placed my troops in fortifications made by the Enemy here at Murfreesboro & hope to hold my position. But the Enemy are threatening me and I earnestly desire further aid not only to enable me to hold my position but also to attack Nashville. The Enemy are probably 5 or 6 thousand strong at Nashville, have good fortifications and a large amount of artillery... There is no earthly use for more Cavalry and what I want is Infantry...Can you not furnish me with 8 or 10 thousand arms[?]...let me have some old Tennessee Regiments or Fort Donelson Prisoners: they ...would be of immense service." He concludes: "There is some question raised here & I believe in Congress as to your power to authorize new Regiments to be raised. Can you not telegraph Secretary of War on the subject & settle that question...The People of Tennessee are in fine spirits and all they ask is arms & ammunition."
In July 1862, Forrest launched devastating raids into Union-held Tennessee. Leaving Chattanooga with about 1,000 men, Forrest suprised the brigade of T.L. Crittenden at Murfreesboro on 13 July and captured the entire command (just over 1,000 men) and supplies valued at nearly a million dollars. Marching on to Lebanon and then Nashville, he destroyed two rail bridges, effectively cutting off the Federal force which had been detailed to catch him. These diversions tied up two Union divisions and caused major delays in Buell's offensive plans. Forrest continued recruiting in preparation for his December raid on West Tennessee.