The Union army sets off from Nashville…
December 1864 CE
The Union army sets off from Nashville in pursuit of Hood.
The rainy weather becomes an ally to the Confederates, delaying the Union cavalry pursuit, and Forrest is able to rejoin Hood on December 18, screening the retreating force.
The pursuit continues until the beaten and battered Army of Tennessee recrosses the Tennessee River on December 25.
On Christmas Eve, Forrest turns back Wilson's pursuing cavalry at the Battle of Anthony's Hill.
Forrest, who has already established a reputation for bold offensive action, displays at Anthony's Hill an equal mastery of defensive warfare.
His stands there and the following day at Sugar Creek buy important time for the stricken army to flee for safety behind the Tennessee River.
That the Army of Tennessee survives to cross the river safely on December 26-28 barely hours ahead of their pursuers, and continues to fight into the following spring is due almost completely to Forrest's performance in delaying the Union pursuit.
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