Forrest's Artillery

Confederate troops under Maj. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest constructed five artillery positions below the hill and concealed by thick brush to deploy guns against the Union supply depot at Johnsonville. On November 3, 1864, Captain John W. Morton convinced Forrest to place artillery at points along the riverbank within range of Johnsonville, dividing Forrest's two batteries and positioning the remaining ten guns at four additional locations on that side of the river. Four 12-pounder howitzers were placed just south of Johnsonville, two Rodman guns just north of the depot, two 10-pounder James rifled guns farther north of the Rodmans, and two 10-pounder Parrott guns north of the James guns, a placement that prevented any Union gunboat approach from the north. At 2:00 P.M. on November 4, Confederate artillery opened fire on Johnsonville, and Forrest's guns proved accurate and effective in a battle that destroyed several million dollars in Federal property and supplies. The following morning, as the Confederates withdrew from the river, United States Colored Troops at Johnsonville shouted abuse across the stream, and Forrest ordered return fire, sending the Federal troops scurrying for cover.

Tennessee · United States