Description: |
Having lost a good opportunity at Spring Hill to hurt significantly the Union Army, Gen. John B. Hood
marched in rapid pursuit of Maj. Gen. John M. Schofield’s retreating Union army. Schofield’s advance reached
Franklin about sunrise on November 30 and quickly formed a defensive line in works thrown up by the Yankees in
the spring of 1863, on the southern edge of town. Schofield wished to remain in Franklin to repair the bridges and
get his supply trains over them. Skirmishing at Thompson’s Station and elsewhere delayed Hood’s march, but,
around 4:00 pm, he marshaled a frontal attack against the Union perimeter. Two Federal brigades holding a
forward position gave way and retreated to the inner works, but their comrades ultimately held in a battle that
caused frightening casualties. When the battle ceased, after dark, six Confederate generals were dead or had
mortal wounds. Despite this terrible loss, Hood’s army, late, depleted and worn, crawled on toward Nashville. |