The 4th and 23rd Corps (U.S.), respectively served at Franklin.

Here’s some background the 4th Corps during the Civil War:

Missionary Ridge; Orchard Knob; Dandridge; Dalton; Rocky Face Ridge; Resaca; Cassville; Adairsville; New Hope Church; Pickett’s Mills; Kenesaw Mountain; Smyrna Camp Ground; Vining’s Station; Peach Tree Creek; Siege Of Atlanta; Jonesboro; Lovejoy’s Station; Spring Hill; Franklin; Nashville; Occupation Of Texas.

This corps was composed of fighting regiments. Of the regiments in the Western armies, take the ones that sustained the greatest losses in battle, and it will be found that more of them were in the Fourth Corps than in any other. Although all of their fighting was not done while in the Fourth Corps, it was done either in it or in the two corps which were consolidated in order to form the Fourth.

On October 9, 1863, the Fourth Corps was organized by the consolidation of the Twentieth (McCook’s) and Twenty-first (Crittenden’s) Corps, in compliance with the President’s order of September 28th. Though newly-formed, it was composed of veteran brigades whose battle flags were scarred with the marks of hard fought fields; within this new command they were destined to wave amid the smoke and fire of many more. The command of the Fourth Corps was given to General Gordon Granger, the man who marched his division to Chickamauga with no other orders or direction than “the sound of the enemy’s cannon.” The three divisions of this new corps were placed under the commands of Generals Palmer, Sheridan, and Wood. Soon after its organization the corps went into action at Missionary Ridge, where it distinguished itself by its brilliant and successful charge up the heights. In this battle the two divisions of Sheridan and Wood lost 280 killed, 2,078 wounded, and 12 missing; total, 2,370, or more than half the casualties at Missionary Ridge. The first division, under command of General Cruft, was also engaged.

During the following winter the corps marched to the relief of Knoxville, a campaign memorable for the suffering, hunger, and hardships endured by the men. In May, 1864, it moved on the Atlanta campaign, General Howard commanding the corps, and Generals Stanley, Newton, and Wood the divisions. Its hardest fighting during that campaign occurred at Pickett’s Mills, and in the unsuccessful assault on Kenesaw Mountain.

After the evacuation of Atlanta, the Fourth and Twenty-third Corps, under General Thomas, marched northward to confront Hood’s forces, while Sherman, with the main army, wended his way, unmolested, to the sea. General Stanley was then in command of the Fourth Corps, General Howard haying been promoted to the command of the Army of the Tennessee, upon the death of Mac Pherson; Kimball, Wagner, and Wood were in command of the divisions. On November 20, 1864, a few days before the battle of Spring Hill, the corps numbered 14,715 present for duty; about 2,200 more joined before the battle of Franklin. In that battle the Confederates received the bloodiest repulse of the war, their men fighting with unusual desperation, while twelve of their generals were killed or wounded in their unsuccessful attack on the Union intrenchments. At Franklin, Opdycke’s Brigade of the Fourth Corps won special distinction by its promptness and gallantry in retaking a part of the works which the enemy had seized. General Stanley was severely wounded in this action, and General Thomas J. Wood succeeded to his place.

General Wood had served with honor in the armies of the Ohio, and the Cumberland, from the commencement of the war. He commanded the Fourth Corps in its last battle –its last victory, at Nashville. His division generals in that engagement were Kimball, Elliott, and Beatty; the casualties in the corps were 135 killed, 834 wounded and 22 missing; total, 991. The corps joined in the pursuit of Hood’s defeated army, after which General Wood assembled it at Huntsville, Ala., arriving there January 5, 1865. On March 15th it moved into East Tennessee, in order to prevent the possible escape of Lee’s and Johnston’s armies, returning in April to Nashville, where it remained until June 16th, when it was ordered to New Orleans, en route for Texas. Although the war had virtually ended, the Fourth Corps remained in Texas during the rest of 1865, forming a part of Sheridan’s Army of Occupation. The most of the regiments were, however, mustered out in December, 1865, in time for the men to spend Christmas in their homes.

THE LATE BATTLE OF FRANKLIN

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THOMAS CONCENTRATED AT NASHVILLE

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EAST TENNESSEE TO BE DEVASTATED

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Official from General Thomas’ Army, Washington , Dec 4, 1864.

The latest official information from the army of General Thomas is, that he has so concentrated the forces at the fortifications of Nashville , as to be prepared for any movement which General Hood may venture to make.

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Further Facts About the Fight

Nashville , Dec 2. 1864

Gen. Wood succeeds Gen Stanley in command of the Fourth Corps, Gen Stanley being unable to take the field, his desperate bravery at the fight at Franklin mainly contributing to turn what threatened to be a disastrous repulse into a most glorious victory.

When part of Gen. Stanley’s command had ran away before the charge of the Rebels, he rushed to the front, had a horse shot under him and was himself wounded, yet still he led on the charge, waving his hat in the air and calling on his men to follow him.

He succeeded in rallying his faltering troops, replying seven successive charges made by the Rebels.

Col. Opdycke, of the 125^th Ohio , commanding a brigade, specially distinguished himself in the engagement.

Col. Schofield, a brother to Gen. Schofield, and his chief of Artillery, distinguished himself by the admirable positions in which he placed the Artillery and the manner in which he fought.

The great importance of the victory at Franklin cannot be over estimated, as it checked Gen. Hood’s onward course, and gave the Unionists time to make due preparations to meet him.

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Generals Schofield and Stanley command Corps in full.

Nashville , Friday, Dec. 2, 1864

There has been slight skirmishing between ours and the Rebel cavalry all day.

A complete line of intrenchments encircle the city.

A portion of our cavalry force encountered the Rebel cavalry three miles from this city on the Franklin pike.

The Rebels could be plainly seen advancing toward them. Our troops then retired toward the city. Night coming on, but few occasional shots were fired.

It is rumored that Gen. Hood is endeavoring to cross the Cumberland River with a large cavalry force.

Many experienced officers predict a heavy engagement tomorrow.

Our forces occupy lines around the city, are in line-of-battle.

Three soldiers were shot and killed by the guards in the streets of the city this evening. Their names are: Arthur L. Cheasy of the Eighth Kansas; John McCartly of the Thirtieth Indiana, and Joseph Brant of the Seventh Illinois Cavalry.

Nashville , Tenn. Dec. 4, 1864

No new developments have taken place today, except that our army still encircles the city on the south-east, its wings resting on the Cumberland River . The enemy’s lines are clearly to be seen from high points in the suburbs and from the Capitol. They are intrenching themselves in a south-western direction about three miles from the city. During the day heavy skirmishing occurred on our left and progressed along the lines to the center. Many persons witnessed cannonading. Along the right of our lines nothing of importance transpired today.

The general opinion is that Hood will attack the Union forces in front of Nashville.

A Union cavalry force has patrolled the north bank of the river, at the fords to prevent cavalry from crossing, as numerous unsuccessful attempts have been made by them to cross since the 1^st instant.

Johnsonville has been evacuated, and the road has been interrupted, and part of the trains from there are advancing to this point by land.

It is rumored here today that Forrest has placed a pontoon bridge across the river above the city, and that Marmaduke has occupied Johnsonville. Both are without foundation.

The first block house on the Chattanooga Road , four miles from the city, defended by negroes, commanded by Col. Johnson of the colored infantry, who surrendered Dalton, Ga., and was paroled, held out until this afternoon, when they surrendered, Col. Johnson and a portion of his men escaping on a train; the remainder were captured. The train was fired into. Several jumped from the train into the river and escaped, Col. Johnson among them, who is in the city tonight.

A reconnoitering party sent Thursday, returned today, having gone 80 miles up the river, They report that no Rebels were seen or heard crossing the River, and none appeared along the banks.

A Rebel deserter, who came in today, reports that Gen. S.D. Lee published an order to his men Friday morning, complimenting them on their bravery, devotion, and thanking them for the victory won at Franklin, and assuring them that if true to themselves now in front of Nashville, they would soon be enabled to enter and take possession of a vast amount of stores contained therein.

Two prisoners were brought in today, Lieut. Hickman, 9^th Tennessee cavalry, four miles from the city, and C.H. Gardy of Ford’s 48^th Georgia infantry.

The water on the shoals is nine feet deep and still rising.

Cincinnati , Dec. 3, 1864

The correspondent for The Gazette, writing from Nashville , gives the following particulars of the battle of Franklin , Tennessee :

The plan of the battle was very simple. We had no time, in fact, to get up a complete plan, as the enemy pressed us too sorely, and obliged us to fight him.

The original plan was to withdraw the force of General Schofield until the meeting of our reinforcements, and then give battle in the vicinity of Nashville; but the over sanguine Rebels pressed us too hard, and, when Schofield perceived he could not avoid a contest, he drew up his little army in line of battle in front of Franklin.

At half past three the assault was commenced by the Rebels. Cheatham’s corps was on the right, Stewart’s on the left, and S.D. Lee’s, in reserve, on the centre.

Cheatham threw his whole corps on Wagner’s division with great impetuosity, and after an hour’s desperate fighting, he pushed Wagner back on our second line, where Wagner’s men became mingled with those of Cox’s and Ruger’s, on our left and center.

The Rebels, encouraged by their success, in driving back Wagner, with loud cheers advanced on our second line.

Their order of advance was very peculiar – a semicircle of two regiments deep extending all our lines, and behind each alternate regiment was placed four others, so that the assaulting columns were six regiments deep.

Gen. Hood appeared about four o’clock p.m. at the head of his command, and pointing toward our lines, said, “Break those lines boys, and you have finished the war in Tennessee . Break them, and there is nothing to oppose your march from Nashville to the Ohio River .”

Loud and ringing cheers answered the words of the Rebel leader, while the whole space in front of our lines was crammed with the advancing enemy.

Capt. Lyman, commanding the artillery brigade in the Fourth Corps, had placed his batteries in most favorable positions, and from these storms of shot and shell were hurled in to the charging Rebel ranks.

With the most reckless bravery still the Rebels rushed on, and when within a few hundred yards of our works our boys opened upon them so terrible a fire of musketry, that it seemed as if it were impossible for anything to live before it.

But no wavering was perceived in those advancing Rebel lines. On they came to the very parapets of our works, and stuck their bayonets under the logs on our battlements.

On the Columbus pike the pressure upon our lines was so great that some of Cox’s and Wagner’s men temporarily gave way.

Up to this time the brigade commanded by Col. Opdycke, of the 125^th Ohio , had been held in reserve.

Col. Opdycke, by the orders of Gen. Stanley, rushed forward with his brigade to restore our broken line.

The Rebels who had crawled over our works had not time to retire, and Cox’s and Wagner’s men, who had broken away but a moment before, rallied and attacked the enemy on the flank, while Opdycke charged on the front.

A desperate hand-to-hand fight ensued with bayonets and the butt end of muskets.

A hundred Rebels were captured here and the line was restored.

For tow hours and a half the battle now raged all along our lines.

The men of the Fourth and Twenty-third Corps vied with each other in bravery.

Riley’s brigade of the Twenty-third Corps fairly covered the ground in front of it with Rebel dead.

The Rebel General Adams was killed. He and his horse fell into a ditch in front of the 104^th Ohio .

Seventeen distinct attacks of the enemy were repelled.

At dusk the Rebels were repulsed at all points, but the firing did not cease until 9 o’clock at night.

At least 5,000 Rebels were killed, wounded and captured, while our loss will probably reach 1,500.

We have taken from the enemy thirty flags. Some regiments, among them the Seventeenth Ohio, taking a half dozen each.

General Schofield directed the battle from the fort on the north bank of the stream, where some heavy guns and the batteries of the Twenty-third Corps were placed, which did great service in damaging the enemy’s right wing.

Nashville , Tenn. , Dec. 2, 1864

The enemy has been wary to day and has demonstrated with great caution against our outer line, which is carefully constructed and extends from river to river, with a radius of two and a half miles from the capitol, on the roads south of the city.

The enemy’s cavalry has been in plain view all day on the Franklin pike.

Just before dusk our cavalry pushed out toward the enemy’s line, causing him to retire.

Afterward the Rebels were reinforced. They ten took up their own line at once, and threw out skirmishers.

Some skirmishing subsequently occurred, neither party sustaining any loss.

No Rebel infantry has yet been developed.

Some firing occurred this afternoon on the left. Only a few shits were fired.

The defense are being hourly strengthened, and no apprehensions need be felt for the safety of the city.

Louisville , Ky. , Saturday, Dec. 3, 1864

The Journal of this city has the following:

A letter from Nashville states that on Wednesday evening Capton’s brigade of cavalry, consisting of the 14^thIllinois, the 7^th Ohio, the 5^th Iowa, and the 8^th Michigan cavalry regiments, was surrounded by the Rebels and only escaped by the most desperate fighting. They cut their way through the Rebel lines and found General Thomas in the rear of Franklin .

The same evening a train of cars was captured by the Rebels at Brentwood, nine miles from Nashville , on the Tennessee and Alabama Railroad.

A  citizens in Nashville engaged in no ostensible business have been ordered to leave the city.

Six hundred and ninety-one Rebel prisoners, captured by Gen. Thomas in the battle of Franklin , arrived here last night on the train from Nashville . They will be sent forward to Camp Douglas as rapidly as possible, in order to make room in the military prisons here for further captures that may be made.

Louisville , Ky. , Saturday, Dec. 3, 1864

Yesterday the rolling stock of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad was ordered hither. Today the order was countermanded.

A street rumor represents that the Union forces were repulsed at Clarksville today. The story grew out of a dash of the Rebels into Gallatin yesterday, where they captured about 200 head of beeves. Our forces are pursuing, and will probably capture the raiders.

Latest from Nashville

Nashville , Saturday, Dec. 3, 1864

The enemy developed a regular line of battle about two miles from our works, between the Franklin and Hardin pikes. Our batteries opened about two o’clock. The Rebel lines did not advance. There has been skirmishing all evening, the enemy fortifying along our front. There are indications that there will be a fight tomorrow.

Riley’s brigade, which captured eighteen flags at Franklin , belongs to the 4^th Division of Schofield’s Corps, not to the 4^th Corps, as erroneously stated. This brigade particularly distinguished itself in the fight. I have seen the flags, bloody and torn, displayed in front of Gen. Schofield’s quarters.

The fullest security is felt in Nashville .

The 4th and 23rd Corps (U.S.), respectively served at Franklin.

Here’s some background the 23rd Corps during the Civil War:

Lenoir; Blue Springs; Campbell’s Station; Knoxville; Mossy Creek; Dandridge; Walker’s Ford; Strawberry Plains; Rocky Face Ridge; Resaca; Cassville; Dallas; Pine Mountain; Lost Mountain; Culp’s Farm; Kenesaw ; Chattahoochie; Decatur ; Siege Of Atlanta; Utoy Creek; Lovejoy’s Station; Columbia; Spring Hill; Franklin; Nashville; Fort Anderson, N. C.; Town Creek; Wilmington; Kinston; Goldsboro.

General Burnside was assigned to the command of the Department of the Ohio in the spring of 1863, his district including Kentucky and East Tennessee. The Ninth Corps left Virginia at this time and was assigned to his command; but, having planned an active campaign in East Tennessee, and needing additional troops, he organized the Twenty-third Corps from the regiments then stationed in Kentucky.

This new corps was formed April 27, 1863, with Major-General George L. Hartsuff in command. Generals Julius White and Milo S. Hascall were assigned to division commands.

The proposed campaign in East Tennessee was postponed, as the Ninth Corps was ordered to Vicksburg, to reinforce Grant’s army; but in August, the Ninth Corps returned to Kentucky, and the advance of the Twenty-third commenced. The Second Division (White’s) made its rendezvous at New Market, from whence it marched on the 19th, arriving at Loudon, Tenn., on the 4th of September. General Longstreet’s Corps had been detached from Lee’s Army, and, in October, 1863, marched into East Tennessee to drive out Burnside’s Army of the Ohio, as the united forces of the Ninth and Twenty-third Corps were then designated. The fighting was continuous, minor engagements occurring almost daily, and on November l6th a spirited battle occurred at Campbell’s Station, in which White’s Division was actively engaged. Burnside moved next to Knoxville, which place was invested and finally assaulted by Longstreet, but without success. At Campbell’s Station, and at Knoxville, the corps was commanded by General Mahlon D. Manson.

In August, 1863, Mahan’s Brigade of Indiana troops was assigned to the Third Division. These regiments were recruited for six months’ service only, and returned to Indiana in February, 1864. They served in East Tennessee, and were present at Blue Springs and Walker’s Ford.

On the 4th of April, 1864, Major-General John M. Schofield was assigned to the corps, and he commanded it during the Atlanta campaign, which was the most eventful period of its existence. In the spring of 1864, Hovey’s Division of Indiana troops, newly recruited, joined the corps at Charleston, Tenn., and was designated as the First Division. The Second Division was commanded by General Henry M. Judah, and the Third Division by General Jacob D. Cox, with which organization it started on the Atlanta campaign. But on June 6, 1864, the First Division was broken up and divided between the other two divisions. While on the Atlanta campaign, General Judah was succeeded by General Hascall in the command of the Second Division. The greatest loss of the corps during that campaign was sustained May 14, 1862, at the battle of Resaca. It also encountered some hard fighting near Kenesaw and at Utoy Creek.

After the fall of Atlanta, and while Sherman’s Army was wending its way to the Sea, the Twenty-third Corps joined Thomas’ Army in the Tennessee campaign against Hood. The corps was still under the command of General Schofield, while the two divisions, Second and Third, were commanded, respectively, by Generals Ruger and Cox. These two divisions contained 30 regiments of infantry and 4 batteries of light artillery. Their returns for October 31, 1864,–just before starting on the Tennessee campaign–show 10,624 officers and men present for duty. The corps was actively engaged at the battle of Franklin, but at Nashville it was largely held in reserve. In the latter action, Ruger’s (2d) Division was commanded by Major-General Darius N. Couch.

In January, 1865, the corps moved from Nashville, via Washington, to North Carolina, Cox’s Division landing at Fort Fisher, February 9, 1865. Moving up the river, the corps fought at Fort Anderson, and at Wilmington, February 21st, capturing the latter place. In the meantime, another division was formed, and designated as the First Division, with General Ruger in command. This division was actively engaged in the victory at Kinston, N. C. (Wise’s Forks), which resulted in the occupation of Goldsboro. General Cox succeeded Schofield, the latter having been promoted to the command of the Army of the Ohio, which, since the arrival of the Twenty-third Corps in North Carolina, comprised two corps–the Tenth (Terry’s) and Twenty-third. On the 10th of April, 1865, the Twenty-third Corps numbered 14,293 present for duty, and was composed of three divisions –Ruger’s, Couch’s, and Carter’s. It remained in North Carolina while Sherman’s Army, with which it had made a junction at Goldsboro, marched northward to Washington. The corps was discontinued on August 1, 1865, many of the regiments having been mustered out before that.

The 50th Ohio went into position and built works on south side of Franklin, and were attacked by the enemy in force at 3.20 p.m., and fought them till 12 p.m. losing;  Commissioned officers-wounded, 3; missing, 2. Enlisted men- killed, 7;  wounded, 33; captured, 10; missing, 57. Total loss, 112.

The following 50th Ohio soldiers who were captured as POWs:

Michael Gilmore, (age 25 in 1862) Co. H., captured and paroled on 11/30/64. Killed on 4/27/65 in explosion of Steamer Sultana. Buried in the Mississippi River National Cemetery, Memphis, TN.

Lafayette Githens (age 20 in 1862) Co.F., captured on 11/30/64. Discharged 5/20/65.

Perry Haskins (age 23 in 1862) Co.A., captured and paroled on 11/30/64. Injured 4/27/65 in explosion of Steamer Sultana.

William Helbert, Co.B., captured and paroled on 11/30/64. Mustered out 6/23/65 at Camp Chase, OH.

Wilson C. Humphrey (age 18 in 1862) Co.B., captured and exchanged on 11/30/64. Survived explosion of Steamer Sultana 4/27/65.

Henry Jordan (age 33 in 1862) Co.H., captured and paroled on 11/30/64. Killed on 4/27/65 in explosion of Steamer Sultana. Buried in the Mississippi River National Cemetery, Memphis, TN.

Lawrence King (age 25 in 1862) Co.D., captured and paroled on 11/30/64. Killed on 4/27/65 in explosion of Steamer Sultana. Buried in the Mississippi River National Cemetery, Memphis, TN.

Thomas Dunn Moore, Corpl. (age 20 in 1862) Co. F., captured and exchanged 11/30/64. Survived explosion of Steamer Sultana 4/27/65. Discharged on 5/22/65 in Columbus, Ohio.

William M. Morrow (age 19 in 1862) Co.B., captured and exchanged 11/30/64. Survived explosion of Steamer Sultana 4/27/65.

Cyrus Pettijohn (age 28 in 1862) Co. E., captured and exchanged 11/30/64. Killed in explosion of Steamer Sultana 4/27/65.

Eugene Pickett (age 18 in 1862), Co.D., captured and paroled on 11/30/64. Killed on 4/27/65 in explosion of Steamer Sultana. Buried in the Mississippi River National Cemetery, Memphis, TN.

John Roberts (age 29 in 1862), Co.A., captured and paroled on 11/30/64. Killed on 4/27/65 in explosion of Steamer Sultana. Buried in the Mississippi River National Cemetery, Memphis, TN.

George W. Shearer (age 22 in 1862), Co.B., captured and paroled on 11/30/64. Killed on 4/27/65 in explosion of Steamer Sultana. Buried in the Mississippi River National Cemetery, Memphis, TN.

Charles Smith (age 18 in 1862), Co.F., captured 11/30/64. Died of disease 3/27/65 at Vicksburg. Buried at Vicksburg National Cemetery.

Joseph W. Stringer (age 29 in 1862), Co. F., captured on 11/30/64. Discharged in 6/26/65 at Annapolis, MD.

John Lowery Walker (age 21 in 1862), Co.B., captured and exchanged 11/30/64. Survived explosion of Steamer Sultana 4/27/65.

Reports of Lieut. Col. Hamilton S. Gillespie, Fiftieth Ohio Infantry, of operations November 26-December 8 and December 15-16, 1864. HDQRS. FIFTIETH REGT. OHIO VOL. INFANTRY, Nashville, Tenn., December 8, 1864.  By  H. S. GILLESPIE, Lieut.-Col., Cmdg. Regt. ACTG. ASST. ADJT. Gen., 3d Brig., 2d DIV., 23d ARMY CORPS.

Source:  Official Records CHAP. LVII.]   CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN.   PAGE 395-93 [Series I. Vol. 45. Part I, Reports, Correspondence, Etc. Serial No. 93.]

]]> http://battleoffranklin.wordpress.com/2009/11/19/1077/feed/ 0 tellinghistory http://battleoffranklin.wordpress.com/2009/11/18/50th_ohio_killed/ http://battleoffranklin.wordpress.com/2009/11/18/50th_ohio_killed/#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:40:26 +0000 tellinghistory http://battleoffranklin.wordpress.com/?p=1074 ]]>

List of 50th Ohio men killed or mortally wounded at Franklin.

Went into position and built works on south side of Franklin, and were attacked by the enemy in force at 3.20 p.m., and fought them till 12 p.m. losing;  Commissioned officers-wounded, 3; missing, 2. Enlisted men- killed, 7;  wounded, 33; captured, 10; missing, 57. Total loss, 112.

Reports of Lieut. Col. Hamilton S. Gillespie, Fiftieth Ohio Infantry, of operations November 26-December 8 and December 15-16, 1864. HDQRS. FIFTIETH REGT. OHIO VOL. INFANTRY, Nashville, Tenn., December 8, 1864.  By  H. S. GILLESPIE, Lieut.-Col., Cmdg. Regt. ACTG. ASST. ADJT. Gen., 3d Brig., 2d DIV., 23d ARMY CORPS.

Source:  Official Records CHAP. LVII.]   CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN.   PAGE 395-93 [Series I. Vol. 45. Part I, Reports, Correspondence, Etc. Serial No. 93.]

The following 50th Ohio soldiers were either killed at Franklin (11/30/64) or were mortally wounded and died shortly thereafter.

Peter Albrets, (age 19 in 1862) Co.K., died of wounds 12/5/64 at Nashville. Buried at Nashville National Cemetery.

William Arbald (age 32 in 1862) Co.K., killed 11/30/64.

Henry L.A. Barbier, Sgt. (age 28 in 1862) Co. H., killed 11/30/64.

Christopher Bodkin (age 31 in 1862) Co.B., killed at Franklin. Buried at Nashville National Cemetery.

Columbus Carson (age 19 in 1862) Co.E., killed 11/30/64. Buried at Nashville National Cemetery.

Elmer Dayton, Corpl., (age 24 in 1862) Co.A., died of wounds 12/6/64 at Nashville. Buried at Nashville National Cemetery.

George W. Dean (age 22 in 1862) Co.K., died of wounds 12/5/64 at Nashville. Buried at Nashville National Cemetery.

Thomas Derrig (age 27 in 1862) Co.H., killed 11/30/64. Buried at Nashville National Cemetery.

Nathaniel Frye (age 34 in 1862) Co. E., killed 11/30/64. Buried at Nashville National Cemetery.

Abraham Garrison (age 16 in 1862) Co.A., killed 11/30/64. Buried at Nashville National Cemetery.

Robert Ginn, Sgt. (age 21 in 1862) Co.B. killed 11/30/64. Buried at Nashville National Cemetery.

Levi Hamen (age 18 in 1862) Co.G., killed 11/30/64. Buried at Nashville National Cemetery.

James F. Lucas, 1st Lt. (age 37 in 1862) Co.B., killed 11/30/64. Buried at Nashville National Cemetery.

John P. Reynolds (age 34 in 1862) Co. K., killed 11/30/64. Buried at Nashville National Cemetery.

John Sample, Corpl. (age 19 in 1862) Co. C., killed 11/30/64. Buried at Nashville National Cemetery.

John B. Thompson (age 36 in 1862) Co.C., killed 11/30/64. Buried at Nashville National Cemetery.

American Civil War Database lists at least 16 72nd Illinois men having been killed at Franklin. The Union Army, Vol. 3 says, “in the fight at Franklin it lost 9 officers of our 16 engaged, and 152 men, who were either killed or severely wounded.”

The 72nd Illinois was part of Strickland’s Brigade [72nd Illinois, 44th Missouri, 50th Ohio, and the 183rd Ohio] at Franklin. The 72nd was placed just to the left (west) of the 50th Ohio which was buttressed up against the Columbia Pike about 50 yards in front of the Carter House. My Google Map  www.FranklinBattlefield.com shows the position of the 72nd Illinois in relation to the other brigades around the Carter House.

J. A. SEXTON, Capt., Seventy-second Illinois Volunteer, Cmdg. Regt. wrote the following about the action at Franklin involving the 72nd Illinois.

At about 7 a.m. reached Franklin, the brigade taking position on the right of the road and commenced fortifying the left of the Fiftieth Ohio resting on the Franklin pike, the Seventy-second Illinois being on the right of the Fiftieth Ohio. Were at work on the fortifications at the time the enemy made their first assault. About 4 p.m. two divisions of the Fourth Corps, being in front of the works gave way on the approach of the enemy and rushed pell-mell into our works. At the same time the support on our left gave way, and the flank of our regiment being turned, the four left companies fell back, and as our right flank also became exposed to the enemy, the remaining companies were also ordered to retire to the second line of works, which was done. At that time, all of our field officers being wounded, I, being the senior captain, took command of the regiment, and a charge was ordered to recover our first position. In the charge all of our color guard, consisting of 1 sergeant and 8 corporals were shot down, and the night being so dark it was not perceived that our colors, which had been shot to shreds, were missing. An attempt was made to regain the colors, which was unsuccessful. The regiment was ordered to retire by Col. Strickland, commanding brigade at about midnight.

For more info on the 72nd Illinois see:

72nd Illinois, “War Diary [1862-1865] of Joseph Stockton of the Seventy-Second Illinois Volunteer Regiment Board of Trade Regiment),” by Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton,  First Lieutenant, Captain, Major and Lieutenant-Colonel of the 72nd Illinois Regiment.

List of 72nd Illinois men killed or mortally wounded at Franklin. Since the 72nd did not see action after Franklin until April in 1865 (one killed), any solder I found dying of wounds between 11/30/64 and 4/1/65 I have included as being mortally wounded at Franklin below.

Armenis Andres, Co.H., killed 11/30/64.

Buckhart Bester, Co. C., died of wounds on 12/5/64.

Patrick Brennan, Co.I., killed 11/30/64.

Albert Brown, Co.D., died of wounds 2/27/65.

Richard Cronan, Co.B., killed 11/39/64.

James R. Davis, Co.B., killed 11/30/64.

John Dumphy, Co.A., killed 11/30/64.

Augustus P. Fillmore, Co.G., died of wounds at Nashville 12/9/64.

William L. Freeman, Co.B., killed 11/30/64.

Henry E. Heustice, Co.B., died of wounds on 12/16/64.

Rich M. Lanfear, Co.B., killed 11/30/64.

William H. Lucah, Co.I., died of wounds 12/6/64.

Sandy Magors, Co. I., killed 11/30/64.

William H. Miller, Co. D., killed 11/30/64.

William R. Mills, Co.D., died of wounds on 12/15/64.

Thomas Morrison, Co.H., died of wounds 12/3/64.

John Ornan, Co. K., died of wounds 12/1/64.

Albert S. Packer, Co.I., killed 11/30/64.

George C. Patterson, Co.B., killed 11/30/64.

Edwin C. Prior, Co.H., died of wounds 12/18/64.

John Shottenkirk, Co.K., died of wounds 12/1/64.

Jacob H. Staley, Co.G., killed 11/30/64.

Jessee Steele, Co. G., killed 11/30/64.

Samuel M. Trulock, Co.I., killed 11/30/64.

Henry T. Woodard, Co.B., killed 11/30/64.

The following description by Union General William T. Sherman is very insightful into the advantage a defensive army has when it is entrenched.  I could not help but think about how Gen Schofield must have felt similarly at Franklin (30 November 1864). Sherman talks about how mass charges in open fields were rare, how men more often fought in skirmish lines, how knowing the lay of the ground was vital, the advantage of a defensive position, etc.

Very few of the battles . . .  were fought as described in European text books, viz, in great masses, in perfect order, manoevring by corps, divisions, and brigades. We were generally in a wooded country, and though our lines were deployed according to tactics, the men generally fought in strong skirmish lines, taking advantage of the shape of the ground, and of every cover. We were generally the assailants, and in wooded and broken countries the “defensive” had a positive advantage . . . for they were always ready, had cover, and always knew the ground to their immediate front; whereas we . . . had to grope our way over unknown ground, and generally found a cleared field or prepared entanglements that held us for a time under a close and withering fire . . .

When the enemy is entrenched, it becomes absolutely necessary to permit each brigade and division of the troops their own protection in case of a sudden sally. We invariably did this in all our recent campaigns, and it had no ill effect, though sometimes are troops were a little too slow in leaving their well-covered lines to assail the enemy in position . . . . Even our skirmishers were in the habit of rolling logs together, or of making a lunette of rails, with dirt in front, to cover their bodies . . . . On the “defensive” there is no doubt of the propriety of fortifying, but in the assailing army the general must watch closely to see that his men to do not neglect the opportunity to drop his precautionary defenses, and act promptly on the “offensive” at every chance.

William T. Sherman, Memoirs, II, pp. 396-397.

What important engagements and actions did the middle Tennessee region see during the Civil War in November 1864?

The Official Records list the following actions by the day of the month for November 1864. Each action has an entry in the Official Records detailing what happened.

Source: A Guide-Index to the Official Records Of The Union And Confederate Armies, 1861-1865. Volume IV, Main Western Theater Ops. except Gulf Approach (1861-63). Section N–Checklist by State/Date–TENNESSEE.

The 183rd Ohio had 23 men killed or mortally wounded at Franklin. Part of Strickland’s Brigade, the 183rd was a newly formed Regiment and had not seen any action prior to Franklin. The 183rd was on the Carter grounds, just west of the Carter House, when the fighting broke out.

Refer to my Google Map to see where the 183rd  was placed at Franklin in relation to other Union regiments.

The following men of the 183rd Ohio men are buried at Nashville National Cemetery.

Joseph A. Belch was 18 years old when he enlisted in October 1864, Co.A., he died of disease on 2/6/65 at Nashville. Buried at Nashville National Cemetery. Gravesite: H-245.

William Hauer was 18 years old when he enlisted in September 1864, Co.C., he died of disease on 1/22/65 at Nashville. Buried at Nashville National Cemetery. Gravesite: H-269.

Jeremiah Houser was just 18 years old when he enlisted in October 1864, Co.G., he died of disease on 1/10/65 at Nashville. Buried at Nashville National Cemetery, Gravesite: E-2726.

John Lambur was just 16 years old when he enlisted in August 1864, Co. E., he was mortally wounded at Franklin, severe wound in left arm (amputated); died 12/8/64 in Nashville. Buried at Nashville National Cemetery.

Joseph S. Lee was 25 years old when he enlisted in September 1864, Co.A., he died of disease on 1/16/65 at Nashville. Buried at Nashville National Cemetery, Gravesite:G-378.

William Sheldon was 28 years old when he enlisted in September 1864, Co.A. He was mortally wounded at Franklin and died on 12/17/64 at Nashville. Buried at Nashville National Cemetery, Gravesite: G-145.

Lorence Stork was 40 years old when he enlisted in October 1864, Co.H., mortally wounded at Franklin. Died January 7, 1865 at Nashville. Buried at Nashville National Cemetery, Gravesite: G-411.

My last post detailed the 23 men of the 183rd Ohio who were killed or mortally wounded at Franklin.

The 183rd Ohio had 23 men killed or mortally wounded at Franklin. Part of Strickland’s Brigade, the 183rd was a newly formed Regiment and had not seen any action prior to Franklin. The 183rd was on the Carter grounds, just west of the Carter House, when the fighting broke out. Refer to my Google Map to see where the 183rd  was placed at Franklin in relation to other Union regiments.

The following is a list of 183rd men who were captured at Franklin and eventually died as POWs. Since the 183rd only had one man captured at Nashville, all of these men below would had to have been captured at Franklin.

Andersonville Prison as it appeared in August 1864. Drawn by Thomas O'Dea, former prisoner.

Samuel Culp (age 24 in 1864), Co.K., died at Columbia, AL 2/28/65. Buried at Marietta National Cemetery.

Marion Folts (age 43 in 1846), Co.D., died at Andersonville 3/15/65. Buried in Andersonville National Cemetery. Grave #12781.

George Hill (age 20 in 1864), Co.I., died at Andersonville. Buried in Andersonville National Cemetery.

Joseph Hunt (age 27 in 1864), Co.G., died on 1/15/65 en-route from Corinth, MS to Andersonville.

Joseph Karch (age 44 in 1864), Co.B., died on 3/20/65 at Andersonville. Buried in Andersonville National Cemetery. Grave #12802.

Robert Mulholland (age 23 in 1864), Co.B., died on 3/2/65 at Andersonvile. Buried in Andersonville National Cemetery. Grave #12717.

Michael O’Brien (age 42 in 1864), Co.G., died on 1/12/65 at Tupelo, MS. Buried at Corinth National Cemetery (MS).

John Posutian (age 43 in 1864), Co. F., died on 1/29/65 at Andersonville. Buried in Andersonville National Cemetery. Grave #12551.

Samuel Strawbridge (age 25 in 1864), Co.K., died on 3/11/65 at Cahaba, AL. Buried at Maretta National Cemetery. Gravesite: L-379.

Alexander Sutherland (age 43 in 1864), Co. A., died on 1/8/65 at Andersonville. Buried in Andersonville National Cemetery.