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This is a picture taken in 1951 of the home used by CSA Gen. John Bell Hood for his headquarters just before the assault of the Federal army at Franklin, 30 November 1864. This home sat near Winstead Hill.
Image credit: The Williamson County Historical Society
Todd Carter March 24, 1840 – December 2, 1864Todd Carter was returning home to his native Tennessee and native Williamson County with the Army of Tennessee in the fall of 1864, with his fellow soldiers in the 20th Tennessee Infantry (C.S.A.).
He was mortally wounded at the Battle of Franklin (30 November 1864) on the very land his father owned. He was carried from the field and died on December 2, 1864.
Image credit: The Williamson County Historical Society
Todd Carter – Home at Last
“I am almost home! Come with me, boys!
They could hear Tod shout above the noise
Of the cannons’ boom , and shreiking shells,
The exploding bombs, and Rebel yells!
The Battle rages until near midnight;
The women prayed. By dawn’s faint light
They found him lying among the dead;
He was wounded in the charge he led.
He was carried through the garden gate,
While they sobbed in words, compassionate,
“Our sad hearts ached as the long years passed,
Now our brother has come home at last!”
Written by a descendant of Todd Carter, Dr. Roslie Carter.
White Oak, No Ca
January 9, 1865
My Dear Son
We have just received the sad fate of your poor Brother and our dear beloved Son, he was killed at Franklin Tennessee on the 30. November We felt anxious all the time about him ever since that dreadful Battle, but it had been so long since, we had hoped he had entirely escaped, but I feared him to hear from. The Adjutant of his regiment Mr. Willingham wrote to your Father. He was buried in Columbia Tenn with Gen Cleburne & Gen Granberry but taken up afterwards to Ashwood the Episcopal burying ground he was
January the 10. 65
intered with Military honors. I suppose he was killed instantly he said there was nothing found on his body it was robbed he had his horse saddle bridle blankets it is hard rendering to relate but thought You would like to hear the last of Your poor Brother We have no more of the particulars God have mercy on his poor Soul I trust he is with his God singing praises to him, ever more done with all this horrible Warfare resting in everlasting peace with his God not ours Gods will be done but I would give anything on earth had I it to have him back Sound in body & mind, he was a noble man refined in all his manners, loved by all who knew him never had an enemy an affectionate and dutiful Son I have prayed night and day for our noble Sons to be Spared to us & come through this cruel War without blemish
You are the last Son of our little flock & I pray God he will let You remain with us to Comfort & cheer us in the evening of our days. You are the only one we have now to look to and for our welfare and happiness do for heavens sake take care of Yourself, Your Fathers health is not very good & he is so undecided what course to persue, he speaks of going through the country to Georgia to see after our home whether he can go back and make a crop this Year or not he has rented a house in Spartanburg but does not want to go there I believe to live. He could not rent land enough for his hands to work there and I don’t think we can live here in security & contentment. Our furniture has arrived at last in Spartanburg & I will go down with your Father on tomorrow or next day to see after it. We would be so happy to see You, and You must come Soon.
Your Grand Mother is in tolerable health Your Father sends much love to You says take care of Yourself. I pray God may ever be merciful to You and Shield You from all harm restore You to us in perfect health & safety
Your Mother E. C. Young
Do write often we have not received a letter from you since your arrival in Carolina I have written several times.
Your Mother E. C. Young
[Etowah Valley Historical Society - Cartersville, Georgia]
Notes
Col. Robert B. Young – Age 31 upon appointment to Maj. of (Nelson’s Regiment) 10th Texas Volunteer Infantry, at Virginia Point, Galveston, Texas, on October 21, 1861, By Brig. Gen. P. O. Hebert. He was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in 1828, and he was listed on the 1860 Texas Census as a “Stock Raiser,” residing at Waco, McLennan County, Texas. He was the grandson of William Young, who was a Pvt. in the Revolutionary War, that rose to the rank of Capt. in the Continental Cavalry. His family migrated to Bartow County, Georgia, in 1837. Robert attended the local school at Cartersville, Georgia, and is supposed to have graduated from Georgia Military Institute; although his name is not on the alumni list. He then commanded the 338 Battalion of Georgia Militia for Cass County. Robert married Josephine Wortham at Walton County, Georgia, on January 12, 1853.
Maj. Young was detailed on Court Marital Duty, from January to February 1862. On September 24, 1862, he was promoted to Lt. Col. at Ft. Hindman, Arkansas Post, Arkansas.
Lt. Col. Young was captured at Arkansas Post, Arkansas, on January 11, 1863, then arrived at Camp Chase Prison, Columbus, Ohio, on January 30th. He was paroled from prison for exchange on April 10, 1863; then was sent to Ft. Delaware, Maryland, arriving there on April 12th. Lt. Col. Young was exchanged at City Point, Virginia, on April 29th. According to his parole certificate, he stood 5′10″ tall with blue eyes, auburn hair and a dark complexion.
Lt. Col. Young was absent sick at Cartersville, Georgia, from June to November 1863, recuperating with his family. On the December 1863 Rolls, Col. Roger Q. Mills wrote, “Lt Col RB Young was present and in Command of the Regt when it was mustered. I was absent. He was ordered before the signing of the roll to the Trans Miss. Dept. I therefore sign them – Knowing the roll is correct.” Col. Young returned to the 10th Texas Infantry Regiment in the early part of May, bringing with him several of officers that had been separated by the consolidation of the 6th, 10th & 15th Texas Regiments.
Lt. Col. Young took Command of the Brigade on the 2nd day of the Battle of Atlanta, when Brig. Gen. Smith and Col. Mills were wounded. Col. Young was restored to the command of the 10th Texas Infantry, when Brig. Gen. Granbury returned to the Brigade around the early part of August 1864.
Col. Young was killed in action at the battle of Franklin, Tennessee, on November 30, 1864, while leading his regiment to the enemy’s works.
Lt. Leonard H Mangum, Aide to Maj. Gen. Cleburne, wrote in the Kennesaw Gazette,Kennesaw, Georgia, on June 15, 1887: “Coffins were procured for the three bodies of Gen’s. Cleburne and Granberry [Ed: Granbury] and Col. Young of the tenth Texas regiment, and they were transported to Columbia for interment. During the succeeding night they lay in the parlor of Mrs. Mary R. Polk… The next day the funeral rites were performed by Right Rev. Bishop Quintard, and the bodies were placed in the cemetery beside General Strahl and Lieutenant Marsh, of General Strahl’s staff. It was afterwards discovered that these gallant men were buried in that part of the cemetery known as the potter’s field, where criminals and the lower classes were interred. General Lucius Polk, brother to Bishop, afterward General, Leonidas Polk, then offered a lot in the family cemetery of the Polk family, Ashwood, six miles south of Columbia. At the request of Bishop Quintard, who was a warm personal friend of General Strahl and Lieutenant Marsh, these two were disinterred with the others, and in five graves, side by side, the gallant soldiers were laid to rest in that beautiful spot. Beautiful indeed it is, so much so as to attract the admiration and attention of every passer-by.” Since then Gen. Cleburne’s remains were sent for burial to his home in Helena, Arkansas; and Gen. Granbury’s remains were sent to Granbury, Texas, named in his honor in 1866. Col. Young is still resting at Ashwood Cemetery, Columbia, Tennessee.
Here is a small surgeon’s kit that belonged to and was used by John H. Lyon’s, a surgeon with the 6th Texas Infantry (CS). There were at least seven surgeons that served with the 6th Texas.
The 6th Texas fought, among other places, at Chickamauga, the Atlanta Campaign, and the Battles of Franklin and Nashville.
At Chickamauga, the 6th TX fought with the 10th and 15th TX Infantries. “Our whole loss was 20 killed, 95 wounded, and 28 missing.”
The following men were wounded at Franklin (11/30/64) and may have been tended to by Lyon’s:
- J.F. McGilton, severely wounded in right leg, amputated
- Steven E. Rice, was captured five times during the war; was a Captain
- John Stevenson, severe wound in right elbow
In July 1863, the 6th Texas was assigned to Major General Pat Cleburne’s Division of the Army of Tennessee, Granbury’s Brigade.
Here are some pictures of the kit. It is part of the Kraig McNutt Civil War Collection.
“I feel like one who witnesses a bitter wrong; a monstrous injustice. Call it glorious to die a horrible death, surrounded by an awful butchery, a scanty burial by . . . [enemy] hands, and then total oblivion, name blotted out and forever forgotten – where is the glory?”
- Captain James A. Sexton, 72 Illinois Infantry, after viewing the hideously mutilated dead in the earthworks ditch at Franklin.
- Quoted in Courage Under Fire, Wiley Sword (2007): 26.
Kraig McNutt is the publisher of this blog.
I have been a serious enthusiast-student of the American Civil War (1861-1865) for twenty-five years now. Ironically, in all of my educational pursuits I’ve only had one undergraduate class on the subject but did not have one single class in over 100 graduate hours.
So where does this passion and interest come from? Since I’m basically asked about my Civil War passion frequently I thought I’d write a lengthy post for my blog that is in the format of a mock interview. The questions are real questions I’m asked all the time. So here goes.
What is your academic training in the Civil War or American history?
I have a B.A. in philosophy and speech-n-theatre (Indiana University), and two master’s degrees (theological studies, as well as library and information science). I minored in history in my undergrad program. My education taught me how to think and how to research. I apply those skills to my research on the Civil War every day.
Do you consider yourself a serious student of the American Civil War? Do you consider yourself an historian?
Yes I do. What I mean is that I read, research and study about the Civil War several hours a week. I typically read 2-4 books on the subject each month. This does not count the articles, letters, diaries, journals and Internet web sites I read regularly. I am also doing ongoing research for various writing projects, film works, Internet resources, etc. I have the good fortune of not having to earn my living as a professional historian, but I nonetheless enjoy and contribute to the field at levels of engagement and quality one would expect from a professional historian. I have many good professional historian friends who would say I am a serious student of the subject. I do research for a a few professional historians who publish traditional monographs. I also write lots of book reviews. I have over 2,000 Civil War volumes in my personal library. I speak at Civil War Round Tables and appropriate events on occasion.
Have you published material or resources on the American Civil War?
I have not published books that can be purchased through the traditional channels like bookstores or on Amazon. Because my interests vary so greatly I have never focused enough to publish a traditional-length monograph. Rather, I have written and published (in some cases) thousands of essays, articles and blog posts. Much of my published resources is accessible via the Internet but a lot is not.
Did you have relatives who fought in the American Civil War?
Fortunately I do. I have only found two soldiers I am directly related to who fought in the American Civil War. Both were Union boys who fought for the 6th KY Infantry. On the other hand, my wife is related to many ancestors who fought in the war. The Wallace-Taylor boys of Gibson County for the Hoosier State in many Western theater battles. There were over 40 of those boys, all from the same grand parents. She is also related to a handful of Confederate soldiers including several CSA Generals.
What is the personal human connection for you in terms of learning about the American Civil War?
First, I love history, American history in general, and Civil War history specifically. The thrill of discovering little known or tidbits of information that helps to weave together a coherent story from seemingly disparate facts is fun. Doing history is intellectually and emotionally stimulating.
Second, the tragedies, ironies, questions, etc., drive me to explore why Americans killed Americans; why loved ones and families split because of the war; what motivated men and women on the home front to support or undermine the war; how the common soldier handled suffering and death; and on and on.
Third, I just love great stories. Some of the greatest stories come out of the Civil War. Do you re-enact? No I do not re-enact. If I did, I’d re-enact as War correspondent in the field, working for the Harper’s Weekly newspaper.
Where did you grow up and did it impact your present views on the American Civil War?
I was born and raised in Louisville, Ky. Kentucky was one of just four states that technically remained neutral during the war. Ironically, Lincoln and Davis both were from Kentucky. Thus, I was not raised in an environment or setting that significantly impacted my view of ‘who was right’ from either the Union or Confederate side. The views I hold today have been mostly forged through diligent personal study and reflection apart from natural geographical biases.
I have lived in Middle Tennessee (south of Nashville) for the past eight years. This area was largely pro-southern during the war.
Do you collect memorabilia and items related to the American Civil War?
Yes I do. I especially enjoy collecting ephemera or paper items. My favorite item of ephemra are letters, diaries and documents. I also collect Civil War newspapers and sheet music. Though not a big priority I also collect images. And of course I do collect period books about the war. I do not collect hardware like guns, swords, etc. I do plan on starting to collect uniforms and clothing, as well as flags.
What is your favorite Civil War battlefield or site to visit?
Since I live in Middle Tennessee I am certainly able to visit key Western theater sites like Spring Hill-Franklin, Nashville, Shiloh, Perryville, Chattanooga and Chickamauga. So my favorite woudl probably have to be the Franklin sites since it is in my backyard (almost literally). I have visited numerous other sites outside the Western theater. I will try and stop at any park or site during travels if time permits.
Are you “in” to Civil War preservation?
Yes I am. I feel it is important to preserve what we reasonably can related to Civil War battlefields. If nothing else, they make wonderful green spaces for our communities. I do support and am involved in Civil War preservation efforts in Middle Tennessee and the Franklin community specifically.
Do you support any Civil War or history related organizations?
Yes I do. I support (i.e., give money and time) organizations like:
- The Civil War preservation Trust (National)
- Franklin’s Charge (Tennessee)
- The Williamson County Historical Society (Tennessee)
- The Gibson County Historical Society (Indiana)
- The Historic Carnton Plantation (Tennessee) . . . . and several other small organizations.
What is the CSACW you started?
The CSACW is The Center for the Study of the American Civil War. I started the CSACW in 2001 to be the public arm and face of my work and collection. I will eventually incorporate the CSACW as a non-profit entity. What are you going to do with your personal collection when you die? Donate it to the CSACW and endow it as non-profit to support serious research and scholarship related to the American Civil War.
Are you pro-southern or pro-northern? In other words, ‘who ya fer’?
I am pro-United States today. I probably would have been for whatever side my local county (or perhaps just surrounding neighborhood) was in 1860. One of the myths is that everyone who was a Southerner in 1860 was also pro-Confederate. Not true. The historical data does not support that belief.
What do you think was the main cause of the Civil War?
I believe human chattel slavery, and the institution that fostered it, was the single greatest direct cause of the Civil War. Were there other causes or influences? Of course. Many. But if I had to choose THE single greatest influence it would have to be the peculiar institution (i.e., slavery).
Do I lead Civil War tours or can I be contracted to do personal research?
Yes, sometimes. On rare occasions I will lead personal tours of the Battle of Franklin. They usually take at least a half day and can easily take a full-day. I charge for them and donate the money to animal rescue efforts. A half-day tour is $200 and a full day is $500. Everything is customized and personalized for your interests. Why do I charge so much? Because I don’t want a ton of requests and for the few I do the sizeable donation to an animal rescue effort I support is worth my trouble. If interested email me [tellinghistory[at]yahoo.com
Do I speak at Civil War events?
Yes I do. I speak at Civil War Round Tables, conferences, dinners, ceremonies, historical societies, etc. My speaking fee (if any) is usually just to cover my expenses.
Do I do personal research for people? For the average person?
Rarely. For a serious scholar, maybe. If interested email me [tellinghistory[at]yahoo.com
Do you have a favorite Civil War film?
The movie Glory is my favorite Civil War film.
Questions “Civil War” geeks might be more interested in?
Are you a Neo-Confederate?
No I am not. A Neo-Confederate is basically a modern day proponent of the Southern cause as espoused by the leading Southern thinkers since the mid-nineteenth century. Neo-Confederates basically believe the war was NOT fought over slavery, believe it was a war of Northern aggression, despise Abraham Lincoln, believe the war was mainly over States’ rights, believe that the South was morally right for secceeding, etc. Neo-Confederates want to continuing defending the Lost Cause myth.
Many Neo-Confederates today live mostly in the South. The Sons of Confederate Veterans is the most visible arm of the Neo-Confederate perspective. I have many Neo-Confederate friends and I respect them. I just feel they are substantially mis-informed and often mis-lead in their perspectives about the Civil War and the mid-nineteenth society in America.
What kind of projects are you working on?
- I research and write articles or posts on personal soldiers and civilian letters I collect.
- I enjoy digital photography and documenting the condition and state of battlefields and sites today.
- I do research for professional historians and organizations.
- I am working on writing projects like revised regimental histories and even screenplay material.
- I am creating an interactive Google map of the Battle of Franklin.
- I enjoy working with some very cutting-edge web-based tools and technology.
The following subject areas are areas I focus on:
- The respective roles of the following states in the Civil War: Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky and Illinois.
- The life and legacy of escaped Charleston slave Robert Smalls (1839-1915).
- Various regiments and units, most notably the 58th Indiana Infantry, Indiana units at the Battle of Franklin, Shiloh, Chattanooga and Chickamauga.
- How the following things impacted the war: the home front, technology, newspapers, medicine, 19th century pop culture, etc.
- The McGavock Confederate Cemetery
Do you have Civil War web sites or blogs you personally write for?
Yes, I have several. Many are not public. My two largest Civil War sites are The Civil War Gazette and The Battle of Franklin web sites. They each get thousands of accesses a month.
Who are your favorite American (and American Civil War) writers or thinkers?
My favorite writer and historian related to the Civil War is Steven E. Woodworth. I also like Williamson County historian and author Rick Warwick.
Do I have any references or recommendations?
Kraig McNutt brings with him not only years of study and understanding, but the necessary passion to make the cold facts of history come alive. Driven by that passion, Kraig has honed his studies into scholarship and his scholarship into understanding. As the Civil War slips further and further into a dim past, we are fortunate to have Kraig breathing life back into the story. Robert Hicks, best-selling author of The Widow of the South
Kraig McNutt is an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and passionate student of the Civil War. He has for a number of years maintained one of the finest websites on the conflict and possesses, along with a wealth of knowledge, a deep inner appreciation of what the war meant for those who lived through it and for us their descendants. I highly recommend him to groups seeking a top-flight Civil War speaker. Steven E. Woodworth, Professor of History, Texas Christian University
Kraig McNutt is an omnivorous reader, thinker, writer, researcher, advocate, and speaker–not only on the American Civil War, but on a host of other historical and cultural issues. His educational and professional background would indicate that he is qualified to speak on many of these issues–but, we all know folks who are qualified yet they bore us to tears. Not Kraig. His lively and engaging style makes history come alive. George Grant Pastor, Parish Presbyterian Church Founder, King’s Meadow Study Center
The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Volume XLV: pp.
December 17
No time-stamp
- HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, In the Field, by Maj-Gen. George H. Thomas. Reports hearing that Forrest was killed in Murfreesboro.
- HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Near Franklin, to Brigadier General R. S. GRANGER, Stevenson, from Whipple. Orders to reoccupy the railroad as far as to Decatur, details of Hood’s retreat, capturing of Ned Johnson’s division.
- HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, Seven Miles from Franklin, to Brigadier-General CROXTON, Commanding Brigade: orders from Wilson via Beaumont to Croxton. Hatch and Knipe are in Franklin, Croxton is push along. Told to cross the Harpeth and strike the flank on Lewisburg pike.
- SPECIAL HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, FIELD ORDERS, MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Numbers 4. Johnson’s House. By order of Wilson. Orders for commanding officers for the next day, troop placements and logistics.
Time-stamp
- 3 a.m. – HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, MIL. DIV. OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Granny White Pike, Eight Miles from Nashville, by Brvt-Maj Gen. Wilson to BG Whipple. Says he is going to continue pursuing Hood on the road he is on, ordered Johnson to pursue via Hillsborough pike, sending Croxton and Knipe directly to Franklin pike, Hatch will strike at Brentwood. Rucker captured. Intercepts a Hood telegraph. Detail of pursuit of Hood.
- 3:30 a.m. – CIRCULAR. HDQRS. CAV. CORPS, MIL. DIV. OF THE MISS., Granny White Pike, Eight Miles from Nashville, from Gen Wilson. Instructions for Cavalry corps detailed: instructions for Croxton, Knipe, Hatch, and Johnson.
- 7:30 a.m. - HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, Granny White Pike. To Brigadier General J. McARTHUR, Commanding First Division: from Gen Smith. Orders to move out along the Granny White pike at 8 a.m. Rest of army will follow. Details on how Union army will proceed in the pursuit.
- 8 a.m. - HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, DETACH. ARMY OF THE TENN., In the Field, near Nashville, Tenn., by Brig.Gen McArthur. An order to Col Hubbard to move his men at 8 a.m. on the Granny White pike in Brentwood, after the whole army unites they will march toward Franklin.
- 9:30 a.m. – MRS. OWEN’S HOUSE, Wilson Pike, Four Miles and a Half South of Brentwood, Croxton Wilson. Details his position two miles farther, scouting Nolensville pike, captured 50 prisoners, Forrest on left, 2 1/2 miles from Franklin pike. Awaits orders.
- 1 p.m. - HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, MIL. DIV. OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Franklin, Tenn. To Whipple from Wilson. Says Rebels are on a “great skedaddle”. The last rebels passed through “two and a half hours ago”. Discloses placement of division. Says Rebel prisoners claim a complete rout and Tennesseans are deserting. The rebel rear guard is in position on the hills just south of here.
- 1:30 p.m. – HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, MIL. DIV. OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Franklin,. To Whipple from Wilson. Says Rebels passed through yesterday morning. Mentions a surgeons view of a demoralized army (CSA). Forrest may have withdrawn to Murfreesboro.
- 4 p.m. – HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, MIL. DIV. OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Near Franklin, General JOHNSON,
Commanding Sixth Division: from Alexander. Order for General Johnson to continue on his road, mentions movement of Knipe and Hatch too.
- 6 p.m. – HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, MIL. DIV. OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Three Miles North of Thompson’s Station, on West Harpeth. To Whipple from Wilson. Talks of destruction of Stevenson’s division and capture of three guns. Charges by 4th Cav., Knipe and Hatch. Great deal of night firing. Hatch is a brick.
- 7 p.m. - HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, Douglas Church, Major BEAUMONT, from Croxton. Details his position on Lewisburg pike, taken 130 prisoners today, swam the Harpeth, awaiting orders.
- 7:10 p.m. – HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, MIL. DIV. OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Johnson’s House, Six Miles from Franklin. To Whipple from Wilson. Praises Knipe’s division for action ‘tonight’. Guns will be sent in. Army needs forage.
- 8 p.m. - HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Near Franklin, Tenn. To Gen Grant from Gen. Thomas. Talks about pressing Hood’s army beyond Franklin, capturing hospitals, 1,500 wounded rebs, 250 prisoners, 5 flags, little damage to railroads, cavalry is pressing, much more detail.
- 9 p.m. – HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Franklin, Tenn., To Brevet Major-General WILSON, from Wood
Commanding Cavalry Corps, Military Division of the Mississippi. Talks about river so swift that he could not make a bridge. Requests pontoons.
- 10 p.m. – NASHVILLE, TENN. Tp Major T. T. ECKERT: from Duzer. Talks about Hood just able to get his transportation away. Thomas capturing 1,000 prisoners, driving Hood across Harpeth. Fields impassable for artillery.
- 10:50 p.m. - HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND. To Major General J. H. WILSON, Commanding Cavalry Corps, Military Division of the Mississippi; from Whipple. Approves of Wilson’s course of action, mentions capturing Johnson’s division, and pushing on early in the morning.
December 18
No time-stamp
- 18 Dec (Nashville) Chief Engineer of railroads – railroad from Nashville to Franklin is open but “back-end of the break on the Nashville & Chattanooga” was not open.
- 18 Dec (Nashville) Quartermaster report – Cumberland river is open, captured 450 prisoners (on 17th), have taken 5,000 prisoners in all. Hood has lost most of his artillery, at least 40 pieces.
Time-stamped for 18 December 1864
- 5 p.m. - HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Near Franklin, Tenn. To Major-General HALLECK, Washington, D. C.: from Gen Thomas. Says Wilson reports he attacked Rebels at 6 p.m. (the 17th). Details action. Attack made six miles beyond Franklin.
- 7:30 p.m. - HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Near Spring Hill, Tenn., from Maj-Gen. Breckinridge. Talks about continuing pursuit of Hood, 200-300 prisoners today but success in past few days.
- 11:00 p.m. - HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, In the Field, by Maj-Gen. George H. Thomas. Talks about strategy for Decatur, Tuscumbia, sending gunboats up the Tennessee river, actions of CSA army from Murfreesboro to Columbia, mentions capture of Savannah.
NASHVILLE, TENN., December 18, 1864.
Brigadier General D. C. McCALLUM,
Superintendent of Military Railroads:
Everything is working well. Will have the railroad open to-night to Franklin, and we will follow General Thomas as fast as possible. I have parties working on the back end of the break on the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, and will have it opened in a few days. There is a very large amount of work blocked out for us ahead.
W. W. WRIGHT,
Chief Engineer.
The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
You are currently in Volume XLV | Page 252
NASHVILLE, TENN., December 18, 1864.
Major General, M. C. MEIGS,
Quartermaster-General:
We open the Cumberland to-day. Transports here have left under convoy of the gun-boats. We captured yesterday 450 prisoners and 5 flags. We have taken in all over 5,000 prisoners, among whom are Major-General Johnson and Brigadier-Generals jackson and Smith, and over 250 commissioned officers. Besides, Hood has lost most of his artillery, over 40 pieces already reported,a nd his army is terribly shattered. He will be fortunate to reach the Tennessee River with half his original force. In his order of battle General Thomas assigned the Quartermaster’s Department an important position on interior line of works, and we held the same three days and two nights, thus enabling the general to take a considerably larger force into the field. I withdrew the men yesterday, and now the department is doing all it can to sustain the army in pursuing the enemy, giving up most of the transportation of the department for that purpose.
J. L. DONALDSON,
Chief Quartermaster.
The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
You are currently in Volume XLV | Page 251
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Near Spring Hill, Tenn., December 18, 1864-7.30 p. m. Major General H. W. HALLECK,
Washington, D. C.:
The enemy have been vigorously pursued to-day, but have studiously avoided any attack by my troops. I have succeeded in taking a few prisoners, some 200 or 300, but our captures are light in comparison with the successes of the past few days. The pursuit will be continued in the morning at as early an hour as the troops can march.
By command of Major-General Breckinridge:
J. STODDARD JOHNSTON,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
You are currently in Volume XLV | Page 249
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, In the Field, December 18, 1864-11 p. m. Lieutenant General U. S. GRANT,
Washington:
Yours of 12.20 p. m. to-day received. I have already given orders to have Decatur occupied, and also to throw a strong column on the south side of the Tennessee toward Tuscumbia, for the purpose of capturing Hood’s depot there, if possible, and gaining possession of his pontoon bridge. I have also requested Admiral Lee to go up the Tennessee River with a fleet of gun-boats, which he has promised to do, and his vessels are no doubt already on the way. General Wilson informed me to-day that prisoners taken yesterday by him told him that Forrest, Jackson, and another division left Murfreesborough on Thursday for Columbia direct, and that Buford with another division left Murfreesborough the same day and marched continuously until he reached Spring Hill, where he assumed the duties of rear guard to the rebel army. I hope you will be able to fire a salute to-morrow in honor of the capture of Savannah.
GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major-General.
The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
You are currently in Volume XLV | Page 249
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Near Franklin, December 17, 1864. Brigadier General R. S. GRANGER,
Stevenson:
The major-general commanding directs that you immediately reoccupy the railroad as far as Decatur, throwing supplies into Decatur by means of steam-boats. The rebel army is in full retreat down the Columbia pike, much demoralized. We have captured Ned Johnson’s entire division, including himself, also Bate’s division, and broken up Stevenson’s division.
WM. D. WHIPPLE,
Assistant Adjutant-General, &c.
The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
You are currently in Volume XLV | Page 243
HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, MIL. DIV. OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Near Franklin, December 17, 1864-4 p. m. General JOHNSON,
Commanding Sixth Division:
GENERAL: The general commanding desires you to move on the road you are now on until dark; encamp, and communicate with him by a staff officer. Knipe is moving on the Columbia pike, and Hatch parallel to it, on the left.
Respectfully, &c.,
A. J. ALEXANDER,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Acting Chief of Staff.
The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
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HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, Douglas Church, December 17, 1864-7 p. m. Major BEAUMONT,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
MAJOR: I am four miles south of Franklin, on the Lewisburg pike. Have sent down three miles farther. Nothing passed on this road save stragglers and about two regiments cavalry. Sent within two miles of Peytonsville and found not force. Have taken to-day 130 prisoners. Had to swim Harpeth. Sent my artillery via Franklin. Rations out to night. Shall I order up my supply train, or will it be done?
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN T. CROXTON,
Brigadier-General of Volunteers.
The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
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HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, Seven Miles from Franklin, December 17, 1864. Brigadier-General CROXTON,
Commanding Brigade:
GENERAL: Generals Hatch and Knipe are in Franklin. Push along as fast as possible by the road you fell back on when Hood advanced on Nashville. Cross the Harpeth River and endeavor to strike the enemy’s flank on the Lewisburg pike. Watch well your left. If possible, send a small force through to communicate with the garrison at Murfreesborough, to inform them what has taken place. Keep us well informed of your progress. Orders will be sent you when you reach the Lewisburg pike, or are near it.
By command of Brevet Major-General Wilson:
E. B. BEAUMONT,
Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.
The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
You are currently in Volume XLV | Page 241
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