The History of North America Volume 14 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1905 edition. Excerpt: ...by President Davis on April 21, 1862. Under this law a number of independent battalions and companies were recruited. These several independent organizations, by concert of action among their leaders, but under no general command, established camps on the various turnpikes leading out of Nashville, and effectually blockaded the city. About 1,700 of these Partisan Rangers had assembled at Lavergne, fifteen miles from Nashville. On October 7th, a few days after the arrival of General Forrest at Mur-freesboro, this assemblage was attacked and nearly surrounded by a force sent by General Negley from Nashville, consisting of 4n cavalry and 2,600 infantry. Panic-stricken, the Confederates fled from the camp, making almost no resistance. A few of the number were captured. This precipitate flight received the name of the "Lavergne races." General Forrest came to the rescue, reversed the tide of battle, and pursued the Federal force to Nashville. From their experience of the " Lavergne races" the independent Partisan Rangers had learned the value of organization. They were inspired by the advent of their natural leader. Nearly all of them enlisted in the regular service and became the bone and sinew of " Forrest's Cavalry." Thus the nucleus of an army was ready at Forrest's hands, and before November ist a force of 3,500 cavalry was ready at Murfreesboro. General John C. Breckinridge arrived at Murfreesboro and assumed command, October 28th, bringing with him the advance of Bragg's army, about 3,000 infantry. Forrest at once advanced to Lavergne with his cavalry force. The brigade of General Roger Hanson, consisting of 3,000 infantry and two batteries, was added to his command. Having obtained the consent of General Breckinridge, Forrest moved...