Hey y'all,
I have a question about something I have read recently. In the little booklet "Battle for Selma", when telling about the events leading up to and including the battles of Ebenezer Church and Selma, the author says,...."He (Wilson) did not know that Confederate General Chalmers was going to desert in Marion, Alabama." In other places it says that Chalmers refused to obey orders and refused to move his troops. It says in another passage;

""It was Saturday, April 1, and Forrest had sent a desperate message to Chalmers; "It is time to hit the Union on the front and the flank(footnote said from Official records, serial N. 104, p.173[Apr.1,; Message to Chalmers])!" Forrest recieved a courrier message from General Chalmers that he was lost and would not be able to take part in the battle. Forrest was furious. He knew Chalmers was not lost, because the courier was not lost(from the book, "That Devil Forrest"). He realized that Chalmers' disobedience spelled the death knell for Selma! Forrest's face turned to bronze. With some very strong words, his temper exploded and he ordered the courier in no uncertain terms to get back as fast as possible and tell Gen. Chalmers "He damn well better move at once!"...""

My question is: Is that true that General Chalmers deserted and/or disobeyed his orders? That is unusual, and terrible if true!! If this is true, what ever happened to Chalmers about it? Was he brought up on charges, or did Forrest deal with him later personally or what? I have never heard of this. Any insight on this would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Dave