Major Williams J. Crook, 13th Tennessee Infantry, was lucky enough to survive the Battle of Franklin. The 13th was part of Vaughan’s Brigade, under Brig Gen George B. Gordon. The 13th TN fought with the 11th, 12th/47th, 29th and 51st/52nd TN Infantries at Franklin.
The 13th TN was on the furthest right of the advancing Gordon Brigade, just west of the Columbia Turnpike. Gordon’s men overtook Wagner’s (Union) men as they retreated back behind the Federal line in the opening battle sequence. Once reaching the Federal line in front of the Fountain Branch Carter farm, Gordon’s Brigade and he 13th TN met fierce resistance from Opdycke’s and Strickland’s Briagades. There was brutal hand-to-hand fighting here.
Picture credit: Arms and Equipment of the Confederacy, (p. 168)
Five of Crook’s fellow regimental comrades – 13th Tennesseans – rest peacefully from the guns at McGavock Cemetery in Franklin.
The Battle of Franklin, November 30, 1864 