The OR's (N. B. Forrest's Report) states that Jeffrey Forrest placed his brigade "in front of the bridge"
I had ordered General Chalmers to dismount his division, throwing Forrest's brigade across the creek in front of the bridge, while McCulloch's bridge took possession of the south bank of the stream to support Colonel Forrest and protect him in the event he was compelled to retire and recross the stream.
It seems, this is the reason for that Jeffrey Forrest's brigade was fighting with their backs to the bridge.
This bridge I determined, if possible, to defend and preserve, because it was necessary in the event we could drive back the enemy to use it in advancing on them; and had I allowed the enemy to cross it and them succeeded in driving them back they would have burned it behind them, rendering pursuit impossible without heading the stream.
If anyone has researched the location of the Confederate position or the battle, in general, I'd be interested in hearing more details.
Jim