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NASHVILLE NIGHT PATROLLt. Colonel Nathan Bedford ForrestNashville, Tennessee - February 19, 1862 ![]()
After escaping General Grant’s encirclement of Fort Donelson, Lt. Colonel Forrest led his men on a snowy two day 75 mile trek to Nashville. Rain and warmer temperatures had melted much of the snow as Forrest arrived in Nashville, and reported to General Floyd, who was then commanding the city. Word had spread through the populace that Fort Henry and Fort Donelson had fallen to Union forces. And with news of the approach of US General Buell’s army, a great panic spread throughout the city like a wildfire. A witness later wrote, “A reign of terror and confusion ensued, the like of which was never witnessed in Nashville.” Government officials and citizens fled the chaotic scene. Violent plundering mobs were stealing anything of value, attacking anyone who resisted. General Floyd authorized Forrest to take command of the city. Immediately Forrest sent a company of men to secure the public commissary. Forrest then rode with his troops directly into the plundering mob. Those who refused to disperse were met with sabers on their heads and shoulders. One of the drunken ring leaders of the degenerates, charged at Forrest. The man was quickly knocked unconscious by the butt of Forrest’s revolver like a sack of potatoes. The man’s followers realized their situation had changed and reluctantly dispersed. Forrest and his cavalry moved throughout the city restoring some semblance of order. For a week, Forrest’s next task was to try and save as much military equipment and supplies as possible. Every available wagon, horse, or mule left in Nashville were used to remove valuable stores to the depot of the Tennessee and Alabama Railroad. Large quantities of military supplies from the Confederate quartermaster’s department, including hundreds of wagonloads of meat were saved by Forrest and his soldiers. The exodus from the city continued for days with men riding on the top of railroad cars packed with women and children. At night, Forrest and his men patrolled the streets of Nashville, protecting those still remaining in the city. When Buell’s Union army reached the outskirts of Nashville, Forrest and forty of his men were still looking after the transport of supplies. Being the last to leave, Forrest finally headed to Murfreesboro. The Federals entered the city of Nashville on February 25th, which became the first captured Confederate Capital of the war. The city would be occupied by Union forces until 1867. But the Union army had not heard the last from Nathan Bedford Forrest. Archival Paper Giclées
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