In November of 1864, General William T. Sherman prepared to lead
a powerful Northern army in a devastating
“March to the Sea” across Georgia. In a desperate attempt
to stall Sherman’s campaign, General John Bell Hood led
his Confederate army from Georgia back into the heart of Tennessee.
Southerners hoped that Hood’s advance would prevent Sherman
from ravaging the Deep South – but it was not to be. Northern
forces were strong enough to oppose Hood with other armies: Federal
troops under General George H. Thomas and John M. Schofield.
In late November, Hood attempted to envelop and destroy Schofield’s
forces near Spring Hill, Tennessee. Leading the Confederate advance
was General Nathan Bedford Forrest’s cavalry, which forded
the Duck River on November 28, and spearheaded the attack. They
moved their horses through the icy river, looking for battle.
Signed by the artist |