Freeman's Battery, Forrest's Artillery, Parker's Crossroads, Tennessee
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Titansfan
N 35° 47.828 W 088° 23.428
16S E 374356 N 3962339
Monument dedicated to Freeman's Battery of Forrest's Artillery
Waymark Code: WM178P
Location: Tennessee, United States
Date Posted: 02/09/2007
Views: 14
Dedicated to Freeman's battery, Forrest's Artillery and Samuel L. Freeman.
Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest's first artillery captain. Freeman's Artillery fought near here during the Battle of Parker's Crossroads Dec. 31, 1862.
Gen. N.B. Forrest opened the battle of Parker's Crossroads by placing a 12- pdr. bronze field howitzer under the command of Sg. Nat Baxter on a knoll in Hicks field four hundred yards from the enemy. The Federals were supported by three cannon. The Union assault was so intense Baxter's men were forced to load and fire lying down. In spite of the awkward position, the firing was rapid. Baxter's gun dismounted one of the Federal guns to the great satisfaction of Gen. Forrest, who remained with Baxter's gun during the duel and was with the piece frequently throughout the day. There other two guns were later captured. Forrest relied chiefly on this artillery in fighting the Federals at the crossroads and did not expose his soldiers unless necessary for the protection of the guns.
The Federals were driven beyond the crossroads and were surrendering when Forrest was surprised by another Union force behind his artillery. Exposed to fire front and rear, he withdrew in good order leaving the three captured guns and one Confederate gun that had exploded. Two additional guns of Freeman's Battery were left when the new Federal force killed all the artillery horses.
In hit report of the battle, Gen. Forrest stated that Captain Freeman...and all his men "deserved special mention, keeping up as they did a constant fire from their pieces, not withstanding the enemy made every effort at silencing their pieces by shooting down the artillerist at the guns."
Date Installed or Dedicated: 06/08/2002
Name of Government Entity or Private Organization that built the monument: Freeman's Battery Forrest Artillery, Camp 1939 Sons of Confederate Veterans
Union, Confederate or Other Monument: Confederate
Rating (1-5): 
Photo or photos will be uploaded.: yes
Related Website: Not listed
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