This post attempts to present facts from available sources and is not an endorsement of events or historical figures. Some articles state there is legend and myth surrounding this individual’s influence. All told, a lesson unfolds of the possibility that one person - even a young woman - can make a difference. Her action resulted in the surrender of 1,500 Union soldiers to 500 Confederate calvary men. How did that happen?
As a bit of background for the timeframe, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. Battles such as Antietam and Gettysburg delivered an upper hand to the Union. As the Civil War marched on, the Union adopted a “total war” approach. They attacked not only Confederate soldiers, but infrastructure as well.
Colonel Abel D. Streight of the Union Army planned to invade Rome, Georgia to ruin resources in that city. Military warehouses, foundry for cannons, and rail connections were a few of the intended sites. On the journey, Streight and 1,500 infantry on mules, traversed Black Creek, near Gadsden, Alabama. On May 2, 1863, they decimated the solitary bridge. A poignant example of their approach. Without passage, the Confederate soldiers in hot pursuit could not follow.
Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest sought local inhabitants who knew the area. He hoped to find an alternate route. The first farm he encountered housed sixteen-year-old Emma Sansom and her family. Emma was a niece of Cherokee Chief James Vann. If you would like to learn more about Chief Vann, read Denise Weimer’s posts.
Emma was one of twelve children of Micajah and Levina Vann Sansom. Micajah passed six years after the family moved near Gadsden. Levina and her children remained and worked the farm until circumstances drew some to other purposes. Case in point, Emma's brother fought for the Confederacy. Wounded in battle, he recovered on the farm at that time.
The Jacksonville Republican newspaper reported Sansom guided Forrest against her mother’s early objections.
Dangerous times with her brother on their farm and aiding the confederacy would both place Emma’s family in jeopardy with the Union Army. These very factors turned Emma into a lauded hero later. She did provide a route for the soldiers by way of a ford across the creek. They achieved their goal and caught up with the Union forces. Here is where legend and myth enter the tale. Some versions tout a standoff whereby Emma shielded Forrest with her skirts as he used his field glass to find the enemy. Shots ensued. One bullet passed through her skirts without harming either body. Other accounts claim the enemy realized they fired upon a woman and ceased fire. In all, Forrest then led his contingent across the ford.
After this event a scheme occurred that reminded me of D-Day and how subterfuge can win a battle. Much like the inflatable tanks and straw-filled paratroopers of Operation Fortitude in WWII, Forrest outwitted his enemy with a ruse. He used the local landscape and a bit of trickery to make his numbers seem larger. First, Forrest brought forward part of his contingent to the forefront with guns and cannons. He then removed them so they could change into other clothing. Those same individuals marched up to the top of the knoll and displayed the same weaponry. In addition, buglers sounded signals and yelled to non-existent troops in another area. Forrest then threatened Streight with annihilation if he did not surrender. And surrender he did. In the end, Streight realized he was duped as he and his 1,500 became prisoners to Forrest's 500.
Emma was one of twelve children of Micajah and Levina Vann Sansom. Micajah passed six years after the family moved near Gadsden. Levina and her children remained and worked the farm until circumstances drew some to other purposes. Case in point, Emma's brother fought for the Confederacy. Wounded in battle, he recovered on the farm at that time.
Dangerous times with her brother on their farm and aiding the confederacy would both place Emma’s family in jeopardy with the Union Army. These very factors turned Emma into a lauded hero later. She did provide a route for the soldiers by way of a ford across the creek. They achieved their goal and caught up with the Union forces. Here is where legend and myth enter the tale. Some versions tout a standoff whereby Emma shielded Forrest with her skirts as he used his field glass to find the enemy. Shots ensued. One bullet passed through her skirts without harming either body. Other accounts claim the enemy realized they fired upon a woman and ceased fire. In all, Forrest then led his contingent across the ford.
After this event a scheme occurred that reminded me of D-Day and how subterfuge can win a battle. Much like the inflatable tanks and straw-filled paratroopers of Operation Fortitude in WWII, Forrest outwitted his enemy with a ruse. He used the local landscape and a bit of trickery to make his numbers seem larger. First, Forrest brought forward part of his contingent to the forefront with guns and cannons. He then removed them so they could change into other clothing. Those same individuals marched up to the top of the knoll and displayed the same weaponry. In addition, buglers sounded signals and yelled to non-existent troops in another area. Forrest then threatened Streight with annihilation if he did not surrender. And surrender he did. In the end, Streight realized he was duped as he and his 1,500 became prisoners to Forrest's 500.
Whether or not the legend and myths were true, if Emma did not aid Forrest at the ford, Streight might have completed his goals in Rome. Many years later, the state of Alabama gave land and a medal to Emma for her contribution to the Confederacy. There are multiple monuments in her honor, a middle school in her name, and poet John Trotwood Moore penned a short piece as well. “A Ballad of Emma Samson” (notice the incorrect spelling). If you are curious, read the ballad here.
What local sights have you visited? Any interesting tidbits you would like to share? Or, are there spots you passed but have yet to stop and peruse?
As a child, Rebecca loved to write. She nurtured this skill as an educator and later as an editor for an online magazine. Rebecca then joined the Cru Ministry - NBS2GO/Neighbor Bible Studies 2GO, at its inception. She serves as the YouVersion Content Creator, with over 125 Plans in 44 languages on the Bible.com app.
Rebecca lives near the mountains with her husband and a rescued dog named Ranger. If it were up to her, she would be traveling or visiting their two grown sons - right now. As a member of ACFW and FHLCW, Rebecca learns the craft of fiction while networking with a host of generous writers. Connect with Rebecca: Facebook Goodreads Instagram Pinterest X/Twitter
Rebecca lives near the mountains with her husband and a rescued dog named Ranger. If it were up to her, she would be traveling or visiting their two grown sons - right now. As a member of ACFW and FHLCW, Rebecca learns the craft of fiction while networking with a host of generous writers. Connect with Rebecca: Facebook Goodreads Instagram Pinterest X/Twitter
Thank you for posting today. You are right that we often drive right past sites that might teach us something or pique our curiosity and inspire us to learn more about our local history. Near my home town in Vermont is a stone called the "Indian Stone" which is very interesting and info can be found on Google.
ReplyDeletehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Stones
DeleteThank you, Connie for sharing this link. Interesting! I looked into the captivity narrative the article mentions that was written by Susannah Johnson in 1796. U of M has an online copy. I look forward to reading this account. I would not have known it existed if not for your comment. Thank you so much!
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