I do not consider that level of casualties as being anywhere near significant in terms of what other units suffered in pitched battle at Henry and Donelson. That is skirmish level stuff basically - and a light skirmish at that.

The other reports regarding the performance of Gantt's Battalion are all damning - when you have one account that says Chicago is on the east side of Lake Michigan and ten that put it on the west side, you go with the larger number.

Gannt's troopers were to have covered the retreat of Heiman's Brigade from Ft. Henry and they bolted while being pursued by the Union cavalry troops. Thus, there was no rear guard and the tail end of the Confederate column was forced to fight and hold off the rampaging Union troopers. They lost a number of cannons while crossing Standing Rcok Creek and some wagons as well.

When Forrest took over the cavalry command and he took his troopers out to cover the right flank of the Confederate advance on Feb. 15th, Gantt's Battalion remained in the fort disobeying their orders to advance. Forrest's command was crucial to the Confederate drive constantly flanking the Federals, bringing forward needed ammunition and helping the 2nd Kentucky Infantry crush the 11th Illinois at the crossroads.

Finally, when Forrest ordered his command to break out, Gantt's unit again refused to go and were surrendered with the rest of the garrison.

I know two of the authors for this campaign and neither of them will say anything good about the 9th Tennessee Cavalry battalion in it. As I stated, as has others, the unit got MUCH better later on.

So I stand fully on my comments based on the record of those who were there and those who have studied the campaign in great detail.

Greg Biggs