Gen. N B Forrest opened the battle of Parker's
Crossroads by placing a 12-pdr. bronze field
howitzer under the command of Sgt. Nat Baxter
on a knoll in Hicks Field four hundred yards from
the enemy. The Federals were supported by three
cannon the union assault was so intense Baxter's
men were forced to load and fire lying down. In spite of
the awkward position the firing was rapid. Baxter's gun
dismounted one of the Federal guns to the great
satisfaction of Gen. Forrest, who remained with
Baxter's gun during the duel and was with the piece
frequently throughout the day. The other two guns were
later captured. Forrest relied chiefly on his artillery in
fighting the Federals at the crossroads and did not expose
 his soldiers unless necessary for the protection of the guns.

The Federals were driven beyond the crossroads and were
surrendering when Forrest was surprised by another Union
force behind his artillery. Exposed to fire front and rear, he
withdrew in good order leaving the three captured guns
and one Confederate gun that had exploded. Two additional
guns of Freeman's Battery were left when the new Federal
force killed all the artillery horses.

In his report of the battle, Gen Forrest stated that
Captain Freeman...and all his men "deserved special
mention, keeping up as they did, a constant fire from their pieces
not withstanding the enemy made every effort at silencing their
pieces by shooting down the artillerist at the guns."

Erected June 8, 2002 by Freeman's Battery Forrest's Artillery
Camp 1939.Sons of Confederate Veterans.

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