Danny,

I believe what this and other postings are showing is another part of Forrest's innate military genius. Besides his tactics of rapid movement and concentration of forces, his understanding of the most effective armament for his men is evident.

You read over and over again of infantry confronting cavalry during the Civil War and the cavalry is "swept aside", even when numbers are comparable. True cavalry, I guess armed with sabres, pistols and carbines was no match for foot soldiers utilizing rifled muskets and bayonets.

That is not the case with Forrest's Cavalry as they seemed to be able to fight "toe to toe" and generally defeated opposing infantry and artillery.

We normally refer to the major Southern Cavalry units, as though they were the same force; however, Stuart's, Wheeler's, Morgan's men seemed to be "true" cavalry units, while Forrest's Cavalry, in my opinion, must be best described as Mounted Infantry, Heavy Cavalry or Dragoons. Mounted Infantry is probably the best "period" description.

Just my thoughts, I'd like to hear others.

Jim