At Ebenezer Church, one of the fiercest cavalry engagements of the war took place as Forrest, commanding 1500 Confederates in defense of the Selma arsenal, charged Wilson’s 7500 Union troops moving south. Forrest sought to delay Wilson until scattered Confederate units could arrive, and in the heavy fighting he suffered a sabre wound while inspiring his men but killed his opponent. Swollen streams and intercepted orders prevented aid from reaching Forrest and forced his retreat.