Lesley,

Consult the following books; ""The first with the most" by Robert Selph Henry, "Forrest at Brice's Cross Roads" by Edwin C. Bearss for movements and good accounts of the battle, and "The battle of Brice's Cross Roads" from local historian Claude Gentry(deceased).

I was raised near there and heard of many stories and legends. Some true and some false.

The gist of the battle was that Sturgis moved from Memphis to take Forrest's hair, Forrest had heard of the movment and sent his dismounted calvary to hold them until the infantry caught up.

The days before were raining and the day of the battle was hot and swelterling in the Mississippi.

Brice's Cross Roads is a knoll above farmland. Due to the rains Forrest figured that if they(Yankee) heard the skirmish they would come running. They would have to go to throgh about a mile or two of bottomland plowed for the season. This would give the infantry time to come up from Booneville,MS by rail to Guntown,MS. About 4 miles from the battlesite.

Hope this helps ,there is much more, but this will give a start. Please visit the battlefield and the new museum.