Mike,

For whatever reason, this battalion performed terribly in the Henry-Donelson Campaign. They were supposed to cover the Confederate retreat from Ft. Henry and instead rode off leaving the rear of the column under attack by pursuing Union cavalry resulting in the loss of several cannons.

When Forrest attacked during the breakout, the 9th TN Battalion refused to be involved and with the surrender, refused to break out with Forrest.

They got much better later on but in this campaign they were simply terrible.

Greg Biggs
Friends of the Ft. Donelson Campaign