"Charge Them Both Ways"

Just when victory seemed certain, Colonel Charles Carroll brought word to Forrest that a large Union force was rapidly approaching their rear along the Lexington-Huntington Road and deploying in line of battle. Astounded because he had left McLemore's battalion to guard against such a threat, Forrest quickly recovered when Carroll asked what to do with enemy lines in front and rear, and he answered, "Charge them both ways!" He rode toward the Parker house, where he found Colonel John W. Fuller's troops holding the orchard and nearby field. Challenged by a Federal officer to halt and surrender, Forrest replied that he had already done so and was ready to bring up his remaining command for a formal surrender, which allowed him to pass. He then wheeled south toward his cavalry, warned the surgeons at the field hospital so they could prepare to escape, and upon reaching his brigade ordered his men to remount and move for the Lexington Road, hoping a bold charge might save his artillery and let his men escape to safety.

Parker's Crossroads, Tennessee · United States