How did Nathan Bedford Forrest react when he saw Union boats approaching Fort Pillow?

When Nathan Bedford Forrest observed Union boats approaching Fort Pillow—which he suspected might be carrying reinforcements—he took immediate tactical action. To prepare for a potential landing of Union troops, he ordered a detachment of his men to the northeast end of the fort to block them.1

Convinced that the Union commander, Major William Bradford, was using the requested cease-fire as a deceptive tactic to strengthen the garrison, Forrest informed him that the fort would be stormed in 20 minutes.1