ATE in April came news that the Union Army around Corinth was making a demonstration into North Alabama.
Forrest’s genius had already become known, and he was sent with 800 men to uncover the design of the enemy.
When we arrived in the vicinity of Tuscumbia, Ala., we found a part of General Roddy’s Confederate command fighting and retreating before the advancing enemy from near Cherokee.
On reaching Tuscumbia, Forrest sent out scouts in all directions to ascertain the purpose of the enemy. Upon the reports of these scouts, Forrest understood the general plan of the foe.
Col. A. D. Streight, in command of an Indiana regiment of infantry, was to raid
through Alabama and on to Rome, Ga., cutting the railway and destroying factories.
But—alas for the plan!—General Forrest did not remain in Middle Tennessee, where they had placed him.
Learning from a citizen that Streight’s column had passed the little town of Mount Hope, only a few miles from Tuscumbia, on the evening of April 29, Forrest ordered every available man with a good horse to prepare for the pursuit. With 500 of his own men and 800 from Roddy’s command, he began the chase with 1,300 men and with Streight twelve hours ahead.