During the American Civil War, one of the most decisive battles was fought between two iconic leaders, Brigadier-General Samuel D. Sturgis and Major-General Nathan Bedford Forrest. The Battle of Brice’s Crossroads was a true underdog story of how a battle is won through strategic understanding of the current situation and the ability to outsmart your opponent. Though greatly outmanned, MG Nathan Bedford Forrest was able to take his Confederate Force of only 3,500 cavalrymen and defeat the 4,800 infantrymen and 3,300 cavalrymen of Brigadier-General Sturgis Union Army. MG Forrest’s ability to employ his artillery along his enemy’s intended avenues of approach and predict his courses of action gave him the tactical advantage. MG Forrest’s unconventional employment of his artillery maximized its effect and resulted in Brigadier-General Samuel D. Sturgis’ sound defeat and capture of more than 1,600 prisoners of war, 18 cannons and numerous supply wagons (Evans, 1899).
In March of 1864, prior to MG Sturgis’ defeat at Brice’s Crossroads, a bigger war was being fought between LG Ulysses S. Grant and General Robert E Lee which would mold the battle to come. LG Grant had devised a plan to …show more content…
His plan to continue his campaign could potentially be thwarted if he allowed the opposing force to take control of a crucial supply route that ran across Tishomingo Creek between the counties of Union and Prentiss. Knowing the importance of this strategic location, MG Sherman ordered an entire division of 8,000 men, commanded by Brigadier-General Samuel D. Sturgis, to double time down to Tishomingo Creek. He hoped to fortify this position before the Confederates could seize the opportunity and cut off supply routes which gave much needed aid to soldiers under his