Another event happened on April 12th ---but in 1864. On this day, General Nathan Bedford Forrest lead an assault on an earthen fortification and a Union-built inner redoubt, overlooking the Mississippi River about forty river miles above Memphis. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest attacked the fort with a cavalry division of approximately 2,500 men against a small outpost that comprised 295 white Tennessee troops and 262 U.S. Colored Troops, all under the command of Maj. Lionel F. Booth.
The fortification was called Fort Pillow. After the assault, the Union lost 40% killed, mostly black soldiers and the Confederates lost 15 men and another 60 wounded.
This was such a small battle in the light of other losses in the Civil War but it has always been controvesal. Because of the high percentage of black soldiers killed, it is referred to as the Massacre of Fort Pillow.
I visited the fort yesterday to enjoy the a Spring day out in the park and to watch muskets fire and the cannons belch smoke. But when the reenactment was over, I bowed my head to listen to the lone bugler play Taps for those who fought and died for their country. At that moment, the battle was no longer the subject of forum discussion and controversay. I only reflected on my Great-Great-Grandfather Richard W. Cole who died at that battle in 1864.
Steve
Gr-Gr-Grandson of Pvt Richard W. Cole,
Company A, 5th Mississippi Cavalry,
Muccolk's Brigade, Chalmer's Division
Killed in Action on 12 April 1864
Photo of inner works of Fort Pillow
