Hayes Lowe
Forrest's technique
Fri Jul 6 13:41:40 2001


While I know little-to-nothing about tactics, I do know that Gen. N.B. Forrest seldom used Napoleanic tactics...and this resulted in much of his success in battle.

One technique that he, and the units serving under him, used was a lightening strike on the rear of the enemy cavalry, thus catching them off guard. Forrest's men were in the midst of the enemy scant seconds after the enemy heard their banshee yells. The combat was at close quarters for a few moments/minutes, then Forrest's force would fall back to loosely regroup and attack again before the enemy could get their wits about themselves. Forrest's troops would then charge into the enemy force, pursuing until the Union troops were dispersed, or until they took a position. At this point, Forrest's troops would dissipate like ghosts.