When General Sherman advanced on Atlanta, General Forrest sought to destroy the Union supply line between Nashville and Chattanooga, but after nearly reaching the Tennessee River he had to turn back to meet a Union force marching southeast from Memphis under General Sturgis. Forrest's remarkable ability to concentrate his men quickly and strike vigorously resulted in total victory by 4,787 Confederates over 7,900 Federal troops, who retreated in confusion to Memphis. Yet Forrest was diverted from his primary mission of destroying the supply line, and Sherman continued his march toward Atlanta.