Considering the disparity in numbers and equipments, I regard the defeat of this force—consisting, as it did, of the best cavalry in the Federal army—as a victory of which all engaged in it may justly feel proud.
It has given, for a time at least, peace and security to a large scope of rich country, whose inhabitants anticipated and expected to be overrun, devastated and laid waste; and its moral effect upon the raw, undisciplined and undrilled troops of this command is in value incalculable. It has inspired them with courage, and given them confidence in themselves and their commanders. Although many of them were but recently organized, they fought with a courage and daring worthy of veterans.
I herewith transmit you a list of casualties, which, under all the circumstances, is small, and especially so when compared with that of the enemy.
The killed and wounded of the enemy who fell into our hands amount to over one hundred. We captured six pieces of artillery, three stands of colors, and one hundred and sixty-two prisoners. By pressing every horse, buggy, carriage and vehicle along the road, they were enabled to take off all their wounded, except those severely or mortally wounded; and it is but reasonable to suppose and a low estimate to place their loss in killed, wounded and missing at eight hundred. My force in the fight did not not exceed twenty-five hundred men, while that of the enemy was twenty-seven regiments of cavalry and mounted infantry, estimated at seven thousand strong.
I regret the loss of some gallant officers. The loss of my brother, Colonel J. E. Forrest, is deeply felt by his brigade, as well as by myself; and it is but just to say that, for sobriety, ability, prudence and bravery, he had no superior of his age. Lieutenant-Colonel Barksdale was also a brave and gallant man, and his loss fell heavily on the regiment he commanded, as it was left now without a field officer.
I desire to testify my appreciation of the skill and ability of Colonels McCulloch, Russell and Duckworth, commanding brigades. Colonel McCulloch, although wounded on the evening of the 22d, continued in command; Colonel Russell assumed command of Bell's brigade after the injury to Colonel Barteau, and Colonel Duckworth took command of Forrest's brigade after Colonel Forrest fell, on the morning of the 22d ultimo.
I have formally congratulated and returned my thanks to the
