Gregg...Yes,I would agree that in all probability the responsibility for not bringing out his Battalion with Forrest should rest on the shoulders of Gantt. Back when the Battalion was organized and the officers were elected,there were accusations that Gantt euchered command of the unit.A prosperous planter and lawyer with no military training,Gantt also belonged to that clique in Columbia that included General Pillow and the former President JK Polk.I would not be surprised if Gantt spoke with Pillow the night of the battle. But naturaly,I do not know the time this may have occured.

However,I do understand that this was early in the war and all was a new experience on this scale. There was no doubt confusion that early morning and the terrible winter storm. Some soldiers of the 9th.Battalion did leave with Forrest.So at least some if not all of the men did know what was happening.But of course the majority were hauled off north from that landing on the river near that fatefull meeting place where Buckner was left holding the bag.

MWT