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When Jefferson Davis replaced Johnston with Hood on July 17th 1864 in Atlanta, no doubt Davis wanted and needed a fighter. But he also needed a fighter who could deliver results. Measured against even that simple mark, John Bell Hood’s performance between mid July 1864, in the latter half of the Atlanta Campaign (which had begun in May 1864), and late December 1864 was an abysmal failure personally and militarily.
In short, in those entire six months, Hood lost every single engagement that was of any importance. Worse, Hood virtually destroyed his own army – the glorious and proud Army of Tennessee – by constantly throwing it against perilous frontal assaults, failing to reconnoiter the battlefield prior to an engagement, and losing some of his best and most competent senior commanders in the process.
I don’t lay all the blame on Hood in that Davis must surely be held accountable for a ridiculous strategy that Hood was apparently all too-willingly obliged to pursue.
Here is my summary of Hood’s performance in the last half of 1864, the twilight of his military career:
1. The AOT is reduced to a shell of its former self by the end of Nashville. It is no longer a serious or vital fighting force after Dec 1864.
2. He loses Atlanta to Sherman, thus resulting in Abraham Lincoln being re-elected in November.
3. He allows Sherman to execute the famous March to the Sea.
4. Hood does not win one vital or strategic engagement during this entire period, from July – Dec 1864.
5. Hood completely fails in his objective to prevent Schofield form reaching Nashville, and thus from executing whatever plans he did have after securing Nashville again.
6. He does nothing – in six months – to (a) either slow the Union war machine in the Western theater, or (b) to actually gain some strategic military wins that could lead to Confederate momentum in the Western theater.
7. He gained a reputation as a reckless commander, suffering staggering casualties when the AOT could hardly afford it.
8. He resigns in disgrace in early January 1865.
A new John Paul Strain painting is debuting this Saturday, February 25th at Stonebridge Gallery in The Factory in Franklin. The new work is called “Charge Across the Harpeth” and features none other than the Confederate cavalryman, Nathan Bedford Forest.
The print is in the Battle of Franklin, Series-Print II collection. The first print in the series is General Forrest at Carnton.
The debut will take place from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Stonebridge Gallery.
Mr. Strain signs one of his paintings for me at the debut.
The February event will be at the newly refurbished Williamson County Courthouse to be led by Heritage Foundation historian and RT member Rick Warwick. We are fortunate in having one of the few Civil War era courthouses (still standing) in Tennessee that has witnessed much of Franklin’s history. Not only during the Civil War but post war, our courthouse was right in the “middle of it.” Rick will share with us some of its rich history while we meet in the newly redone main courtroom. As always, we will start at 3:00.
Built in 1858 for $20, 000, it is one of seven antebellum courthouses in Tennessee. the courthouse house has been remodeled several times over the years, most recently in 2010 with a $10 million cost.
I recently blogged on Milton H. Sweet, 2nd Iowa Cav, from Brighton, Iowa.
Another tintype I purchased in the Sweet grouping is of John Hartinger (variant – Hartlinger).
Hartinger was from Eldora, Iowa, when he enlisted at age 23 into Company A with his friend Milton Sweet. Before he left the service Hartinger saw promotions to Corporal and Sergeant. Hartinger was originally from Ohio.
The 2nd Iowa Cavalry fought in many engagements in the Civil War, including Shiloh, Franklin and Nashville. They were significantly engaged in Hood’s retreat on Dec 17th at the Battle of Little Harpeth.
At Franklin, the 2nd Iowa was in Hatch’s 5th Division, 2nd Brigade (Coon), and fought alongside the 6th, 7th and 9th Illinois Cavalry, as well as the 12th Tennessee Cavalry. They were placed on the Union right flank.
Image copyright 2011, The Kraig McNutt Civil War Collection
William E. Cunningham mustered in as a private, into Company F, 41st TN Infantry on November 4, 1861. Records show that he was eventually promoted to Captain in December 1863.
Like so many of his comrades, he was captured at Fort Donelson and exchanged shortly thereafter. He was a POW at Camp Morton in Indianapolis until his exchange in August.
The 41st Tennessee saw major action in the Western theater during the Civil War, including: Fort Donelson, Holly Springs, Chickamauga, the Atlanta campaign, Franklin and Nashville. The 41st TN also saw action at Gettysburg.
Cunningham’s record indicates he was likely personally engaged at Franklin and Nashville in late 1864.
At Franklin, the 41st Tennessee served in Strah’ls Brigade alongside the 4th-5th Tennessee, as well as the 19th, 24th, 31st, 33rd, and 38th Tennessee units.
William Eason Cunningham was the son of Rev. A.N. Cunningham, a Presbyterian minister. W.E. Cunningham was one of the original members of the Franklin KKK organization. He is buried at Rest Haven in Franklin.
Newton Jasper Anglin was just 18 when he enlisted with Company H of the 24th Tennessee Infantry on August 24, 1861. He has quite an interesting record.
He was officially listed as a deserter on 28 June 1862 but his records show that he re-enlisted Dec 1, 1862. The record leaves one to wonder if he really deserted or was he absent for some other reason that his current record does not reflect.
His unit, the 24th Tennessee Infantry, was engaged at Stones River (Dec 31, 1862 through Jan 2nd, 1863). Anglin was listed as wounded and even captured. It appears his leg was amputated from the Stones River wound.
His amputation apparently did not end his military service. He was granted a furlough on Feb 23, 1864, apparently even serving through the spring of 1865. If Anglin served through the war, he would have likely seen action at the Battle of Franklin and even Nashville.
During the war, the 24th Tennessee Infantry saw action at Stones River, Missionary Ridge, the Atlanta campaign, Franklin and Nashville.
The 24th Tennessee Infantry (CSA) served in Strahl’s Brigade along with the 4th-5th, 19th, 31st, 33rd, 38th and 41st TN at Franklin (Nov 30, 1864).
Anglin's marker at Rest Haven in Franklin
GAR Veterans from Waveland, Indiana. Several Franklin veterans.
Photograph of the Civil War Veterans of Waveland, Indiana. Taken sometime after the turn of the Century. Garland Post #423 G.A.R.
The names bolded were at Franklin in Nov 1864.
Back Row (L to R) Russell Sharp, 40th Indiana Inf., Co. H; Henry Loudermill, 1st Tennessee Lt. Artillery (U.S.), Battries G & E; Henry H. “Tip” Lough, 31st Indiana Inf., Co. I; Wint Goslin, 149th Indiana Inf., Co. I; “Hez” Zachary, 116th Indiana Inf., Co. K & 58th Illinois Inf, Co. K; Emory Cuppy, 43rd Indiana Inf., Co. E.
Front Row (L to R)
Hiram Pratt, 36th Iowa, Co. B; Thomas N.”Poney” Moody, 40th Indiana Inf., Co. C; Archelius Scott, 43rd Indiana Inf., Co. B; Marcus O. “Doc” Sullivan, 9th Indiana Battery; Richard Rusk, 40th Indiana Inf., Co. C.
The Civil war Education Association is hosting an upcoming (Nov 3-5) field and walking tour of the middle Tennessee Civil War battlefields of Columbia, Spring Hill and Franklin. The tour will be led by the respected Franklin historian, Eric Jacobson.
Click here to learn more.
Historian Eric Jacobson leads a Civil War tour.
Eric Jacobson’s new book – Baptism of Fire – comes out this weekend. I asked Jacobson about the book.
1. Why did you write this book?
Because I knew the roles of the 44th Missouri, 175th Ohio, and 183rd Ohio were virtually unknown, even to folks with some knowledge of the Battle of Franklin. But most importantly, I felt that the men who served in those units deserved a better fate than to be completely forgotten.
2. What might some “experienced” Battle of Franklin students even find surprising about this book?
That their core understanding of how the battle turned in favor of the Federal forces is/was flawed because there has too much focus of the role of Col. Emerson Opdycke’s Brigade.
3. What are a few highlights of primary resources used in this book that have not been used in previous treatments on Franklin?
Extensive Ohio and Missouri newspaper coverage of the Battle of Franklin, as well as its aftermath, and a variety of letters and diary accounts which have never before been published.
4. Got a favorite story or character from the book?
No favorites in particular. However, collectively the stories and accounts make the overall story of Franklin even more compelling, at least in my opinion.
5. If the reader only gains one thing from the book, what would you hope they walk away with?
That Opdycke’s Brigade did not alone “save the day” and that the men who fought in these new Missouri and Ohio regiments are indicative of the sacrifices made by American soldiers across many years and many places. Jim Lighthizer, President of the Civil War Trust, composed a beautiful quote for the back of the book and compared these Civil War soldiers to those who were depicted in Band of Brothers. I only hope many more people feel the same way as these read the book.
I asked the Battle of Franklin Facebook Group – accessed at FranklinMatters.com – the following question recently,”How important do you think Hood’s Middle Tennessee Campaign (i.e., Franklin-Nashville) was to the overall Confederate war strategy by late 1864?” Our Facebook Group has almost 3,500 fans. One can tell by the following comments and responses just how ‘intelligent’ some of the members of this group is.
Here is a sampling of the responses.
Rick Boone It was an important but desperate part of the last gasps of Confederate military action. I have admiration for J.B. Hood, but I think he could have handled Franklin a whole lot better. After that, it was lights out for the Army of Tennessee.
The options left to the CSA and its armies were few, but the way Hood conducted this campaign was not among the better ones. Along with Braxton Bragg’s generalship, it was about as bad as it got for the Confederacy. And they lost Cleburne!
Paul Caudell It was a last ditch effort by Davis and the C.S. government.A vain hope and a waste of men and materiel. Hood was completely the wrong man for the job and completely out of his depth. It had no significant effect on the war except to reduce the Army Of Tennessee’s ability to continue fighting in any meaningful fashion.
Terry Smallwood I really think that the campaign was a total waste in time and men. The strength of the union army made it futile to in any attempt to pull Sherman out of Georgia. The federal army had plenty of troops to handle Hood and destroy Georgia. What affect would the confederate soldiers who fell at Franklin and Nashville ,have had at Bentonville , Maybe have aided in the hookup with Lee. The Generals that fell in the campaign would be sorely missed . The time spent in the Tennessee campaign would have been better spent trying to link up with Lee whie it was still intact as a viable army. That Johnston salvaged what was left can only be attributed to his ability as one of the great commanders in the confederacy. Many returned to the ranks because of Uncle Joe, they knew he would not throw their lives away. It was a desperate attempt by Hood to salvage some respect of tenure as a commanding General, it was dream ,that became a nightmare.
Johnny Vaughan Texas Hold-Em. You’ve fought and battled and find yourself short-stacked. All you can do is go “all in” with a weak hand. In hindsight the tragedy is easily apparent and I’ve been quick to judge Hood completely inept when describing Franklin. But, I wonder what degree of hope was going thru Hood and his men at the time… what sense of “my brothers have died for this – I’m spending every last ounce of myself in an attempt to rally the cause”.
Bobby Whitson Until recent years, most historians have focused their efforts on the War in the East when the war was actually won and lost in the West. When Nashville (Donelson and Henry) fell, the Confederacy was doomed. I’ll argue that protecting Tennessee should have been more important than protecting Virginia. Tennessee’s vast resources, river, and rail system protected could have enabled the Confederacy to sustain its war effort much more efficiently and effectively. Middle Tennessee proved to be the gateway for the Federal Army to the Confederate Heartland. The Tennessee Campaign of 1864 was the last effort with any hope (little as it was) of success. Had Hood moved quicker, cut off and defeated Schofield earlier, and turned on Thomas at Nashville, it is possible, but doubtful that he could have taken Nashville or that Thomas could have abandoned it. Both Schofield and Thomas were very afraid that Hood could best both of them if he could do what Hood said he would do when at Tuscumbia which was that the Army of Tennessee would only fight on its terms and on land that it chose. Hood got half way there at Spring Hill, but then he forgot those terms when he threw those brave boys against the works of Franklin. Hood proved at Atlanta that he was incapable of leading the Army. Cleburne should have been at the helm.
Todd Hunter Binkley Utter desperation! Sherman unopposed, Lee besieged at Petersburg, Richmond powerless and bankrupt. Gross incompetence abound. Very little glory in the West. The beginning was bad and progressively worsened throughout the war in this theater. Severing the head at Richmond was the war!
Richard Young It is a wonder that Hood made it as far as he did. He ran into trouble at Decatur, Al and then at Florance. His fastest route north to Nashville was the broken railroad from Decatur but he could not take the small Union force stationed there. He had no plan as to how to drive east if he captured Nashville. In the dead of winter, crossing the Cumberland Plateau would be like crossing the dessert in the summer. His grand march to join Lee was full of unthough of problems.
Kevin Spencer There was one, and only one, potential ‘game changer’ left to the Confederates in late 1864. The one thing they hadn’t accomplished yet in the war: the capture of a Union Army. There was no way Hood was going to capture Nashville, much less march on the Ohio; but the capture of an Union Army, that, maybe, could change the public opinion of a war weary North. And Hood came within a dose of laudanum of accomplishing it. If he could have captured Schofield at Spring Hill, maybe then have taken Murfreesboro and it’s mountain of supplies, and then entrenched behind the Duck to await Thomas…well, that’s a lot of ifs, but I’d argue it was a gamble worth taking.
I asked Professor Steven Woodworth essentially the same question and here was his answer:
Franklin and Nashville had a limited impact on the overall course of the war simply because they failed to change anything. The Union controlled Tennessee before the campaign and controlled it even more solidly afterward. Confederate chances for success in the campaign were, from the outset, rather desperate. The impact of the battles was 1) to increase the overall Confederate death toll of the war, and 2) to remove whatever latent threat to Union control of Tennessee might have been posed by Hood’s army lurking in north Alabama. For example, it seems unlikely that Schofield’s two corps would have been shifted to the east coast if Hood, with an as yet unbroken Army of Tennessee, were still lurking just outside the state, threatening to move north.
And yet, would that have changed the outcome of the war? No, Sherman could have accomplished his purpose without Schofield, and the overall outcome would have been the same. Perhaps the crowning irony of the battles of Franklin and Nashville is that they were fought at a time when the war was already decided. by late November 1864 it is difficult to imagine any train of events that could have led to Confederate victory.
CBS Sunday Morning ran a segment on the Civil War, 150 years Later, on Sunday April 24, 2011. Author Robert Hicks – The Widow of the South – was the last portion of the interview. This clip is just of Robert’s portion of the interview.
A nice size crowd of folks from the Franklin Tennessee community attended the 1pm ceremony for the formal unveiling of the marker for the Unknown Civil War soldier today in rest Haven Cemetery near downtown. It was perfect weather for a poignant occasion.
Franklin Unknown Civil War soldier marker dedication, April 12, 2011
Margie Thessin – Vice-Chair of the Battlefield Preservation Commission – opened the ceremony with some brief comments.
Professor and author Thomas Flagel shared some history of the Unknown Soldier. I have blogged extensively since 2009 on this story (see link). Professor Flagel remarked how it was rather ironic and poignant that the Unknown Civil War Soldier’s marker was formally unveiled on the 150th anniversary of the opening to the American Civil War.
The money needed for the marker – $2,300.00 – was donated by over 70 people from all over the United States, and even one person from Ireland.
Robin Hood, also with the Battlefield Preservation Commission, was unable to attend but his remarks were recited by Margie Thessin (see below).
To see the photo gallery from the dedication ceremony click here.
Professor and author, Thomas Flagel
Comments for Ceremony Dedicating Sign for the Tomb of the Unknown Civil War Soldier, Rest Haven Cemetery, Franklin Tennessee | Robin Hood, April 12, 2011
When nationally heralded Philadelphia architect William Strickland located to Nashville in 1845 and began designing Tennessee’s State Capitol, little did he know that the Tennessee limestone he selected for its columns would succumb to the elements in less than a century.
In the 1950’s a major restoration of the Capitol replaced the crumbling columns, which were committed to a grassy hillside in the Cockrill Bend of the Cumberland River.
The State of Tennessee graciously donated a portion of this architectural reliquary to Franklin for marking the tomb of this unknown Civil War soldier, reentered here from the nearby battlefield.
In funerary symbolism, the broken shaft of a column represents a life ended short of full potential. However, what fuller meaning can be attributed to a life than its culmination in devoted service to one’s country.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust…
The ancient marble and limestone we use to commemorate the dead is a constellation of living matter from a previous time. It is the composite of grasses and leaves… sinew and bone… sand and shell… all from eons past.
It is then fitting that this aggregate stone memorialize not just one unknown soldier, but all the brave soldiers – Union and Confederate – that made the ultimate sacrifice for their country on Franklin’s calamitous field of battle.
A local preservation group – Save the Franklin Battlefield (STFB) – has it’s eyes on 16 acres of Franklin battelfield land that is available for purchase. This is the same group that helped to arrange the purchase of the Collins Farm property in 2001. The new targeted parcels are close to the Collins Farm property.
Map courtesy of Save the Franklin Battlefield
“We believe this is a truly unique opportunity to purchase undeveloped parcels of this size so near the Federal line. Both of these parcels are near the Federal trench line and are ground that Loring’s division traversed during the November 30, 1864 battle. Loring’s men advanced under heavy canister and musket fire from the main Federal line plus shell-fire from Fort Granger as they climbed over the RR tracks and assaulted this eastern end of the trench line. This is where Adam’s brigade had to shift to the west before charging into the enemy’s trenches,” says the STFB web site.
Map showing the relative position of Loring's advance on the Union left flank.
I think the 5 acres dubbed “Loring’s advance” on the map above could be quite an interesting piece of land. Loring’s Division, Featherston’s Brigade, came across this swath of land as the Confederates made their charge against the left Union flank which was defended by Col. Israel N. Stiles’ brigade. Confederate units under Quarles and Adams would have passed over this land under heavy fire from Union artillery position at Fort Granger on November 30, 1864.
The 5 acre plot apparently has no historic structures on it, thus allowing the land to be returned to a pristine state. Particularly noteworthy is that this large parcel could be excavated for artifacts if desired.
STFB says, ”our long term goal would be to place this hallowed ground under conservation easement ensuring its perpetual preservation.”
STFB is in discussion with national preservation groups to help purchase these parcels.
If you’re interested in helping to support this project please contact STFB.
To register a pledge, simply send an email to treasurer@franklin-stfb.org or postal mail a note to:
STFB Treasurer
Box 851
Franklin, TN 37065-0851
- Make sure you read this WikiHow article: How to Prepare to Visit a Civil War Battlefield or Site.
McGavock Confederate Cemetery
- Franklin does not have a formal or official battlefield that is operated by the State or National Park Service. The intrigue and appeal of visiting Franklin will be limited only to your imagination.
- Consider buying a Value Ticket (to save $10 per adult) so you can visit the three main site-attractions, i.e., Carnton, Carter House, and the Lotz House.
- Do a walking tour with Franklin On Foot
- Walking tour of the Battle of Franklin led by Thomas Cartwright (contact the Lotz House)
- If you’re in town the 2nd Sunday of the month, come to the Franklin Civil War Round Table. Meets at the library at 3pm, 2nd Sunday of the month.
- If you come in June, the first Sunday in June is always set aside for a memorial service at McGavock Confederate Cemetery near Carnton.
- Battle of Franklin Descendant’s Reunion: Sept 30 – Oct 2nd (contact Carnton)
- Come visit Franklin between late October thru November. This is the season for events and activitiesthat coincide with official battle-anniversary events.
- Grave Matters: Stories Behind the Stones
- Stay at least one night in Franklin and take your time to enjoy Franklin. There is a lot to see and do.
- Franklin Civil War Days are usually in mid October (see 2010 activity).
- 147th Anniversary of the Battle of Franklin Reenactment: Oct 14-16, 2011
- Blue & Gray Days and Illumination: Nov 18-20
- November 30th: Commemoration of the Battle of Franklin
- Each December is Dickens of a Christmas and Tour of Historic Franklin Homes.
- The Carter House Candlelight Tour of Homes
- Take a Gray Line’s Civil War: Battle of Franklin Tour
- Enjoy a ride along the Natchez Trace Parkway
For more info check out our Visit Franklin page
The Franklin Civil War preservation community was shocked to learn on Saturday that the Battle of Franklin Trust board is not renewing the contract of CEO Jennifer Esler. It was due to renew March 1st.
Esler, who previously held a leadership post in Virginia, worked in that capacity for just one year.
What is the BOFT be looking for in a new CEO?
I contacted the Trust to ask what they were looking for in a CEO, and what goals or objectives they want the new leader to focus on. They declined to provide anything more than the 2/26 brief statement.
The Battle of Franklin Trust Chairman of the Board of Directors Marianne Schroer announced today the Trust will not enter into a new contract with Jennifer Esler who served as the President and C.E.O. of the Trust effective today.
In making the announcement, Schroer said, “We appreciate the year Jenny spent working for the Battle of Franklin Trust, and we wish her well in her next endeavor.”
The Battle of Franklin Trust operates and manages Carnton Plantation and The Carter House in historic Franklin. Eric Jacobson will continue to serve as Director of Operations of the Battle of Franklin Trust managing the operations for both sites.
So looking back on the original December 18, 2009 press release when the Trust first announced they hired Esler, one can only assume the goals/objectives they disclosed then are still relevant today.
The Battle of Franklin Trust appears to be looking for a CEO who can provide leadership and direction in these areas:
- to further enhance the visitors experience of the historic Battle of Franklin and the sites related to the Battle.
- developing the museum sites.
- guide the Trust in the planning, development, and construction of a newly planned Carter House Interpretive Center & Museum related to the Battle of Franklin held November 30, 1864.
Since the Trust is not providing any further statements on what went awry, one is left to conclude that Esler apparently fell short of one or all of the above stated objectives.
This blogger and historic tourism supporter is curious of the following:
1. Are the above-stated objectives still current? If not, what would the updated objectives be? I think many of especially wonder if there are still plans to build a Carter House Interpretive Center.
2. Which objective(s) have the highest priority?
3. How long does the Trust expect the search for a new CEO to take?
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