Alan J. Pitts
Re: Russell's
Tue Jul 10 10:24:00 2001


His service record indicates he enrolled with the company at its organization, age 23, horse valued at $225, sadle, bridle &c $20. He was captured at Parker's Crossroads TN, Dec. 31, 1862, the last and most significant action in Forrest's raid through west Tennessee. Federal records show him being admitted to the post hospital at Camp Douglas IL and death reported on January 30. Another document says January 31, 1863.

There are several good accounts of this raid and the battle if you are interested. I can also provide a list of a military actions in which Russell's 4th Cavalry was engaged during the raid. Parker's Crossroads is best known as the battle in which Forrest was obliged to fight one enemy in his front and another in his rear. When asked at a critical stage of the battle what orders he had to give, Forrest reportedly told his troops to charge both ways.