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00000174-b11b-ddc3-a1fc-bfdbb1a20000The Schreiner University Department of History is honoring the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War with a series of short vignettes focusing on events from 1861 through 1865. The Civil War was the most destructive conflict in American history, but it was also one of our most defining moments as a people and as a nation. Let us know what you think about "This Week in the Civil War." E-mail your comments to Dr. John Huddleston at jhuddles@schreiner.edu.Airs: Weekdays at 5:19 a.m., 8:19 a.m., 4:19 p.m. on KTXI and 4:49 a.m., 9:29 p.m. on KSTX.

This Week in the Civil War - 499

On February 3, 1863, a Confederate assault led by Major General Joseph Wheeler failed to dislodge a Union fortification at Ft. Donelson on the Cumberland River.  The purpose of the attack had been to disrupt Union shipping. 

The attack failed, even though the Confederates enjoyed a 3-1 advantage in manpower.  In the process, the Confederates lost nearly a third of their original invasion force of 2,500.  Leading up to the attack, major dissension emerged among the commanding officers, when Brigadier General Nathan Bedford Forrest warned that low munitions and supplies would lead to disaster.

He confided to an aide: “If I am killed in this fight, will you see that justice is done by officially stating that I protested against the attack….”  Forrest refused to serve under Wheeler again.