Nelson's division had been sent to Murfreesboro about the middle of July, to drive Forrest, who, with his cavalry, on the 13th, attacked the Federal garrison in the town.The post was under the command of General T.L.Crittenden, and the troops composting the Twenty-third Brigade were under the command of Colonel Duffield.
There was, unfortunately, a disagreement between the ranking officers at the post that led to the most unfortunate results.Colonel Lester, of the Third Minnesota, during the absence of Duffield, commanding the brigade, had, by reason of the unpleasant relations existing between portions of the command, widely distributed them in different parts of the town.On the return of Crittenden and Duffield on July 11th, neither of them assumed command, and their dignity, thinking more of their own personal importance than the good of the service.With no one in command, there was no unity or proper "esprit de corps" among the troops, and no disposition for defence when Forrest made his attack.the latter had advanced through McMinnville from Chattanooga, with about two thousand men, and arrived at Murfreesboro about five o'clock on the morning of the 13th, captured the pickets, and made disposition of his forces for immediate attack.Forming his entire command into columns of fours, with the Eighth Texas in front, Forrest moved forward on a trot until he reached the Federal encampments, which Colonel Wharton, with two regiments, charged.The Second Georgia dashed into the town, captured the provost guard and all Federal officers and men on the streets, seized and secured the supplies.
Major Smith with the Kentucky troops was sent to the rear of the Federal command to cut off the retreat.The Texans charged into the camp of the Ninth Michigan, and reaching the tents, roused some of the men from sleep.A portion of that regiment, however, rallied by the officers, made a handsome stand and drove the Texans off.Duffield was wounded while rallying his men.The Second Georgia charged into the public square and surrounded the Court House, occupied by a company of the Ninth Michigan, who twice repulsed the attacking force.Reinforcements being brought forward, the doors of the building were battered down and the company was forced to surrender.Forrest now attacked the Third Minnesota on the east bank of Stone's River, about a mile and a half from town, which had just left their camp to join the force in the town, when Forrest with three regiments moved to the attack.
Colonel Lester formed his command in line of battle, with nine companies of infantry and four pieces of artillery, and opened fire on the rebels as they advanced.Forrest attempting to get to the rear of his force, encountered the camp guard of some hundred men left by Lester to protect his camp, posted behind a strong barricade of wagons and some large ledges of rocks, difficult to carry.
Forrest at once ordered a charge which was twice made and repulsed.
Leading his men the third time, he succeeded in driving the guard from their position to the main command, posted some six hundred yards away.It was now one o'clock, and beyond the skirmishes between the commands but little had been accomplished.
Forrest's officers urged him to withdraw with the results obtained up to that time.This he refused to do, and made disposition of his command for further attack on the Federal forces occupying the camp of the Ninth Michigan, which consisted of this regiment and a company of the Second Kentucky cavalry.He dismounted two of his regiments and threw forward skirmishers, directed them to open brisk firing, and sent the Second Georgia dismounted to attack on the left.After this he brought up the Eighth Texas and placed them in position to charge on the left.
