Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest used unusual tactics at Parker's Crossroads, employing mobile horse artillery, threats against multiple targets, misinformation, and bluff. He turned his artillery into both a psychological and offensive weapon by ordering the four guns of Capt. Samuel L. Freeman's Battery to be moved forward by hand toward the Union line while dismounted cavalry protected the artillerists from repeated attacks. Pushed to within 200 yards of the Union position, the guns fired canister at such close range that the Union infantry's lines were constricted and thrown into fear and panic. Dunham's line broke in two, wavered, and neared surrender before Gen. John Fuller's Brigade arrived and attacked Forrest from the rear. Forrest's innovative and audacious use of artillery was so successful that such tactics were later adapted for motorized infantry and tanks during World War II.