Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1863-06-18
THE ATTACK on FRANKLIN. TENN.

The correspondent of the Atlanta COnfederacy, wri.
ting from Columbia Tenn June 9Th gives the following
particulars OF Forests late attack upon Franklin,
which, it vii! Be seen, differs widely from the Yankee
account of the affair:
This division has been at work quite recently. Day
before yesterday it moved upon Franklin, meeting a
large force of the enems infantry and cavalry south of
the town; drove them back fighting them through the
streets, aud finally forced them 10 the Harpeth
river and take shelter in their Notifications. This feat
deserves a circumstantial account.
On the morning Of the Attn inst, the whole command
advanced on the main road from Columbia to point six
mics from Franklin One Of the brigadeJ Arms.roDgs)
len turned across TO the Lewisburg road which is on
the right with orders to the river and attack the
enemy in his intrenchments The howitzers recrnnv.
captured from Col Strait accompanied this Fart of the
fOIce. The remaining part OF US, with toe heavier ar
tlery moved on the main road above named un.iIJ
within mile OF the town. where Stances regiment uN
der Aajor w. 5. McI-emcre d.dBg and efficient Off.
cr vas detached with orders to cross the river below
aud get behind the enemys works This lef. only the
artillery and its support in front Of Franklin, all the
rest being in its rear. The commanding General in
person, with his escSrt and few others from Edmond
sons regiment then dashed into the place, and trough
the Yankees concentrated the fire OF their heavy guns
upon H. succeeded in driving the last vandal away and
remained masters of the position for several hours
During this time boys helped themselves bountitully
to readymade clothing, boots Shoes hats and whatever
else they could find in the establishments of the suffers
to suit their fancy. This indeed merry time to
them, though no doubt it was death TO the Yankee
shop-keepers You would be amused to see the dusty
powder begrimmed rebels strutng about in their gay
colors and eating the sardnes, cheese crackers figs
candies and other good sweetmeats which they found n
the suffers shops in such abundance. 1t is well enough
that there oasis here and there in the soldiers
perience.
The damage done to the town was inconsiderable
Of lOusas hnVi been he til
zens, hough glad to see u.s. we're, is natural TO sup
pose considerably alamed at the sound Of the deadly
missiles flying about them.
Up to this time, all Wss moving on sTimmingly, and
judging from the constant waving of flags by the signal
corps, which we could plainly see there was great
element among the Yankees. Thei works were abou.
to be invested and order for the surrender of the en-
re command would have been Immediately sent in
just then however large force of Cavalry estmsteda
4000 coming in full speed from Brentwood and Triune
hove in sight. This was a critical momen. for General
Armstrong, who was on the north bank Of the river
but fully equal to the emergency he withdrew and after
fighting until nightall retired without molesation-
This pressure upon right caused she whole force TO
fall back, that about dark came out of franklin
Major McLemore who was on the left came off in safety
This reconnaissance or attack .shows that not more
than fteeh hundred regularly gartisoned at Frank
linz that they have but few cannon, and only expect to
hold the place without making any offensive deuonstra
tons This opinion deserves the greater consideration
from the TACT that up to late hour yesterday, none
except few pickets, had ventured outside Of their
works. Had heavy demonstration been made upon
Triune simultaneously with this movement the result
might have been more gratifying.
The commanding general compliments his troors
very highly for their splendid conduct and distinguished
gallantry. He says they dsmounted and fought with
GOODNESS that would have done great credit to veteran
infantry" squadron of the lst Tennessee under COL
Wheeler it is said engaged in desperate hand to hand
conflict with equal larger number of Yankees and
thrashed them soudly. Our loss on the whole was
slight.