Streight's Raid
Encyclopedia
Streight's Raid took place from 19 April to 3 May, 1863 in northern Alabama. It was led by Colonel Abel D. Streight
, who's goal was to destroy parts of the Western and Atlantic railroad, which was supplying the Confederate Army of Tennessee. The raid was poorly supplied and planned, and ended with the defeat and capture of Streight and his men at Cedar Bluff, Alabama by Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest
. Streight was additionally hindered by locals throughout his march, while pursued by Forrest, who had the advantage of home territory and the sympathy and aid of the local populace, most famously Emma Sansom
.
The actual capture of Streight's forces was achieved by a clever ruse, when Forrest paraded his much smaller force back and forth in front of Streight, convincing Streight that he was opposed by a superior force. After surrendering and being informed of the deception Streight reputedly demanded his arms back for a proper fight, a request cheerfully declined by Forrest.
This unsuccessful raid was coordinated with the more famous Grierson's Raid
, partially as a feint to confuse the Confederate forces.
Able Streight was a book publisher in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was commissioned Colonel of the 51st Indiana Volunteer Infantry Brigade on September 4, 1861.
Abel Streight
Abel D. Streight was a peace time lumber merchant and publisher, and was a Union Army general in the American Civil War. His command precipitated a notable cavalry raid in 1863, known as Streight's Raid...
, who's goal was to destroy parts of the Western and Atlantic railroad, which was supplying the Confederate Army of Tennessee. The raid was poorly supplied and planned, and ended with the defeat and capture of Streight and his men at Cedar Bluff, Alabama by Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest
Nathan Bedford Forrest
Nathan Bedford Forrest was a lieutenant general in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. He is remembered both as a self-educated, innovative cavalry leader during the war and as a leading southern advocate in the postwar years...
. Streight was additionally hindered by locals throughout his march, while pursued by Forrest, who had the advantage of home territory and the sympathy and aid of the local populace, most famously Emma Sansom
Emma Sansom
Emma Sansom was an Alabama farmgirl noted for her bravery during the American Civil War.Sansom was a native of Social Circle, Georgia, and moved with her family to just outside Gadsden, Alabama, in about 1852....
.
The actual capture of Streight's forces was achieved by a clever ruse, when Forrest paraded his much smaller force back and forth in front of Streight, convincing Streight that he was opposed by a superior force. After surrendering and being informed of the deception Streight reputedly demanded his arms back for a proper fight, a request cheerfully declined by Forrest.
This unsuccessful raid was coordinated with the more famous Grierson's Raid
Grierson's Raid
Grierson's Raid was a Union cavalry raid during the Vicksburg Campaign of the American Civil War. It ran from April 17 to May 2, 1863, as a diversion from Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's main attack plan on Vicksburg, Mississippi....
, partially as a feint to confuse the Confederate forces.
Able Streight was a book publisher in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was commissioned Colonel of the 51st Indiana Volunteer Infantry Brigade on September 4, 1861.