|
Parker's Cross Roads Tennessee
American Civil War
December 31, 1862
As Brig. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest's expedition into West Tennessee neared its conclusion, Union Brig. Gen. Jeremiah C. Sullivan,
with the brigades of Col. Cyrus L. Dunham and Col. John W. Fuller, attempted to cut Forrest off from withdrawing across the
Tennessee River. Dunham's and Forrest's march routes, on December 31, 1862, brought them into contact at Parker's Cross Roads.
Skirmishing began about 9:00 am, with Forrest taking an initial position along a wooded ridge northwest of Dunham at the intersection.
Confederate artillery gained an early advantage. Dunham pulled his brigade back a half mile and re deployed, facing north. His
Federals repelled frontal feints until attacked on both flanks and rear by Forrest's mounted and dismounted troops. During a lull,
Forrest sent Dunham a demand for an unconditional surrender. Dunham refused and was preparing for Forrest's next onset when
Fuller's Union brigade arrived from the north and surprised the Confederates with an attack on their rear; Confederate security
detachments had failed to warn of Fuller's approach. "Charge 'em both ways," ordered Forrest. The Confederates briefly reversed
front, repelled Fuller, then rushed past Dunham's demoralized force and withdrew south to Lexington and then across the Tennessee
River. Both sides claimed victory, but the Confederate claims appear to have more credence.
Result(S): Confederate victory
Location: Henderson County
Campaign: Forrest's Expedition into West Tennessee (1862-63)
Date(S): December 31, 1862
Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. Jeremiah C. Sullivan [US]; Brig. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest [CS]
Forces Engaged: Two brigades (approx. 3,000 men) [US]; expeditionary brigade [CS]
Estimated Casualties: 737 total (US 237; CS 500)
- Contributed by:
Return to the 39th's Home Page
|
Iowa In the Civil War
