Dr. Brandon Beck will speak about his recent book, “Streight’s Foiled Raid on the Western & Atlantic Railroad: Emma Sansom’s Courage and Nathan Bedford Forrest’s Pursuit,” on Wednesday, May 25 at noon at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library at 314 Seventh St. N.
Beck’s book recounts how in the spring of 1863, Union colonel Abel D. Sreight sought to raid and destroy parts of the Western & Atlantic Railroad in north Georgia with his mule-riding brigade. Confederate general Nathan Bedford Forrest pursued Streight’s force with the help of an unlikely ally, 15-year-old Emma Sansom of Gadsden, Alabama. At Cedar Bluff, Alabama, Forrest bluffed Streight into surrendering to his much smaller force. Beck’s book details Streight’s plan and the chase between Streight and Forrest across Alabama and into Georgia.
Beck, of Columbus, is director emeritus of the McCormick Civil War Institute at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia. He is the author of 10 books, including histories and guide books of the three battles of Winchester. Two of his books are “The Battle of Okolona: Defending the Mississippi Prairie” and “Holly Springs: Earl Van Dorn, the CSS Arkansas, and the Raid that Saved Vicksburg.” He currently teaches courses at East Mississippi Community College.
Beck’s book was published through The History Press.
Copies of “Streight’s Foiled Raid” will be available for sale for $20 and for signing by the author.
This event is free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Mona Vance-Ali at 662-329-5304.
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