Dictionary.net

Scene of the first disaster encountered by the Confederate leader Forrest during his great raid through Kentucky, Tennessee and northern Mississippi in 1864. Forrest had 5000 men, while Hicks lay fortified in Paducah with 800 National troops. March 25 Forrest demanded a surrender. Hicks refused peremptorily. Forrest then charged the earthworks again and again, but with signal failures each time. He was obliged to retreat, having suffered severe losses.