The National tribune., 1889-07-04
Read Better than Pension on page 8.
FRANKLIN.
Opdyeks's Brigade In that Action.


EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: Had I half
suspected the notoriety which would gain by
writing what saw at Franklin, should have
hesitated before entering the field. From that
day 10 this j have not heard the last of It,
From Maine 90 California letters have been
sent me, and could | awaken half the zeal IN
pension matters ] would write day and night.
For the most part, am pleased 10 say, these
letters have been commendat0ry. Many com.
rades have asked that ! reply personally but
would much rather all such matters be made
public items through your valuable paper aud
with the hope that some comrade Of Opdycke's
Brigade will assist me in getting all the facts
TO the surface, have dared 20 take up my pen
again.
As / said in my last, there never has been
the credit given us that we deserved, aud what
little was given 10 likely TO be lost; someone
else is trying 10 get before, aud IL alone am
left 70 battle, the chances are that they will
get there. j sec in your issue of April Is a
eomrade from the Goth III. calls me 10 time on
some points mentioned by me. ] also notice
that he eorrObOrates others Of more importance.
Your readers will agree with me that did not
pretend 10 describe the part taken by other
regiments of our brigade. ! had all could
attend 70 at the time in looking after the indi-
vidual interests Of few. i have In mind the
part taken by the balance of the brigade and
believe it fully as conspicuous, but would rather
hear from them.
No, Comrade Perrine, the front of the I25th
Ohio was not very extensive on that occasion.
4 but was mighty strong / claimed that the
l04tb Ohio rested with their right on the Co
lumbia pike, and this fact is here agreed to by
! this c0nTade. j cannot agree with him that
| several assaults were made before the line gave
way. They left the works on the first appear
snce Of the enemy, and before the whites OF
their eyes could be seen. do not wish to take
| laurelg from any regiment. / knew nothing
about the 9Th Tenn; they we're not in our
/ front, i am sure. 1 know full we'll that some
troops stayed, else ] would not now be pennine
this. What said before / repeat now. / was
over the battlefield 10 days later, and In com
| pany with rebel Sergeant from the hospital
| at Franklin had these landmarks pointed out
| Horses were lying where they fell; the Ser.
| ge2nt pointed out those Of Gems. Adams and
Clebnrne. Both were between tho site Of the
e0tton-gin and the pike named. Further
know not.
] am quite cure this cOmrade Is "off1 In
saying that he was on the skirmigh- line both
before and after the battle, meaning, as / read
IL. in front Of the works. There was 10 Skin.
mish-line thrown out after the battle. We left
the works shortly before midnight, and the
only skirmish- line, so far as nay observation
| went were those boys detailed to stay in the
| works until the main line could get across the
! river in retreat Our dead and wounded were
left on the field, excepting those who had been
taken 70 the hospital, and these fell into the
| hands Of the enemy.
The cOmFade does not tell us what part OF
the line was occupied by the 65th Ill. ! said
and insist that 0pdyeke's Brigade was given
the first honor on our march from Franklin %
Nashville, and was especially greeted by Gen
Thomas; aud ! have now no doubt but he
spoke words OF praise 10 all good soldiers And
in conclusion have only TO add that whatever
doubts may arise as 20 the dOings Of this bri.
gsde on that memorable occasion, the fact can.
not be denied that history, what little we have
| made when all these matters were fresh in the
| minds OF men, justifes all We have ever claim.
/ ed or said.-R. G. RICE, Warren, o.
| Read Better than Pension - ON mage x