The National tribune., 1888-04-05


EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE. In reading
"reminiscences of the battle of Franklin, l find
that no two historians agree in any of their
descriptions Of what was the important event
Of that eventful afternoon Of Nov 30, 1864.
The point of contention seems to be centered
near the old cotton gin TO the left Of the Co
lumbia pike, looking sQptG from Franklin. /
think / can tell something about the occur
renee, but am unable to give all the commands
engaged.
l will have to start al Spring Hill on the
morning OF Nov 30. Our regiment, the S6th
H., being reduced in numbers to some $50 or
200 men, had been consolidated with the 9th
ILL.,, and was commanded by our Lieut. Col
OHel, O. w Smith. At O'Clock q. m we with
drew from the sk;rmsh-jinc that We had held
all night, to the east Of the pike. and at day
light discovered that we were the rear-guard
OF the Union army, closely followed by rebel
cavalry. in fact, they were so close TO rs at
starting that before it was entirely light they
rode up and into Our reserve that was march
ing in the pike, and were 50 warmly received
that they were more cautious during the ball
anCe of the march 10 the hills surrounding
Franklin. Upon our arTiva! at the aforc-men-
toned hills we fled into the fields to the right
and left of the pike, forming a line of battle,
which, however, was soon Withdrawn within
the works. As our brigade was marching in
we passed the Second Brigade. Of our Second
Division. Fourth Corps stationed behind q
stone fence, LETT there, as 1 suppose, to check
the advancing rebels. We were marched inside
the works and moved some 15G to POO yards to
the rear of the outer line of works on the west
side of the pike where we stacked arms and
proceeded to make a cup Of coffee. the first at
tempt i'll two days. But man proposes. etc.
Before the water was warm the atmosphere
was red-hot with whistliug bullets and scream
ing shells: and oar position was a very uneu-
viable one, situated as we were on the omen
ground in the rear. However, we lad but lit
tie time to consider what to do as in a few
moments after the storm commenced, rebels
and 1anks were pouring IN over the works to
the left of the pike near the old cotton-giu, in
what looked TO us great numbers bat what in
reality was less than hal. regiment of rebels.
Now, here is what happened to as Col, Smith
seeing the break that had been made in our
line, ordered the 55th and 74th to fall in
" Left face-FoTwaTd march - and as soon as
we got across the pike he yelled" BY the
right-fank, charge This brought US exact
ly in the rear Of the broken space on the works,
and every man could see what was before him
to do. There were those works $50 wards
away, with victorious rebels on top and inside
Of them, and the only thing left for US to do
was to take that line or die in the attempt
The Colonel had gone scarcely 90 feet when
his horse was shot under him, pitching him
headIong. but he was instantyou his feet with
his sabcr in his right aud his hat in his left
hand, and he led his command to that proud
and decided victory. When those rebels saw
the boys with every musket at a charge bayo-
net, and blood in their eyes, they threw their
old guns down and surrendered viii make
guess that we captured about 250 clear inside
the works when we made Tic charge. Now,
little further and ] have done During the
time we lay in Nashville, / believe after the
battle or just before, Gen, Thomas came 70 our
brigade. and in the presence Of the two rcgi-
ments complimented Col. g. w Smith, and
thanked him for his timely action and for saw
ing the day and the army at the battle of
Franklin.-W. r. BATTEN. Corporal, Co. c, 65th
Ill Eart-nInr- Oil