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Johnsonville, Tennessee
November 3-5, 1864
( Forrest's Operations During the Atlanta Campaign )
written by Alethea D. Sayers
In late October of 1864, Cavalry commander, Maj. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest, was ordered to operate behind Union lines in
Tennessee, in hopes to relieve some of the pressure from Hood's army and disrupt Sherman's supply line. For this purpose,
Forrest arrived at Fort Heiman on the west bank of the Tennessee River on October 28.
Within the next few days following, Forrest's troopers, along with his artillery, wreaked havoc on the Union gunboats and
transports laden with Federal supplies traveling to and from Johnsonville. By October 31, Forrest had captured two Union
gunboats, the "Undine" and the "Venus," manning them with his own cavalry and guns. Forrest began working his way towards
Johnsonville, traveling along the shore while his new cavalry fleet steamed alongside him.
However, when the Venus confidently moved too far ahead, it was met by two Union gunboats, and the Act. Commodore,
Col. W. A. Dawson, being unskilled in piloting a gunboat, was forced to run her aground and escape with the crew.
Forrest reached Johnsonville on the 3d and started working his men and 8 guns into position across from the depot. To
masked his movements, Forrest used the Undine as a diversion, as it repeatedly tried to entice Union gunboats into
battle and lure them over to Reynoldsburg Island where Forrest had placed two small batteries.
Located 78 miles east of Nashville, Johnsonville was an important depot for the Federals. It was here that supplies were
transferred from river boats to rails and onto Nashville. The defenses of Johnsonville were thought adequate at the time,
and consisted of a fort, earthworks, three gunboats and a mixed force of 2,000, commanded by Col. C. R. Thompson.
By the morning of the 4th, Forrest had all of his guns in place but was awaiting the opportune time to strike -- when the
transports at the docks were fully loaded with supplies. While eager gunners awaited the signal, Union gunboats were
making a determined effort to rid the Tennessee River of the Confederate "navy." Six gunboats came upriver and three down
to converge on the Undine. Captain Gracey was left no choice but to set fire to his captured gunboat and escape
with his crew, signaling a fiery end to Forrest's naval fleet.
At approximately 3:30 p.m., Forrest opened fire on Johnsonville, the Federals answering with 8 guns on their boats and
fourteen from the fort. But this artillery duel only lasted about 15 minutes before Lt. Comdr. E. M. King ordered his 3
gunboats ran aground and set on fire. Additionally, he ordered 7 transports burned to avoid capture.
The combination of Forrest's bombardment, fueled with the flames from the burning transports, ignited the large quantity of
supplies along the wharf and a small warehouse. Federal soldiers stood by helpless, as the waterfront became one long
blazing inferno. Barrels of exploding whiskey sent geysers of flame upward and down the shoreline.
Darkness fell before Forrest was satisfied with the days work. On the following morning, the 5th, Forrest again shelled
the town before withdrawing to Corinth, Mississippi, satisfied with the scene of complete devastation along the riverbanks
of the Tennessee. His boldness had cost the Federals 4 gunboats, 14 steamboats, 17 barges, 32 guns, 150 prisoners, and
over 75,000 tons of supplies, at an estimated cost of $6,700,000.00.
* Of Note: Although the Federals only suffered 8 in killed and wounded, and there were 1,200 muskets and 20 guns to
defend Johnsonville, it appears they were terrified that Forrest would cross the river and attempt to capture the town.
Sources: Devil on the River, Brooksher, Wm R., Snider, David K. Eastern Acorn Press, 1988
The Civil War Dictionary, Boatner Mark M. III, David McKay Company, Inc. NY
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