Questions & Controversies at the Battle of Franklin

[EricJacobson]

Opdycke most definitely did not break a pistol over the head of a Southern soldier. That was a story he concocted in later weeks as he pushed for a promotion. Opdycke's own letters state that he had a firearm in hand to keep Northern soldiers from shirking. But as days passed the story evolved.

[EricJacobson]

I spent a great deal of time examining the Adams story for my book and although nothing can be determined with absolute certainty, I think the facts weigh toward Adams being shot down and then falling outside the works. The cotton for a pillow and his famous last words are I think some of the post-war romance flaring up. It is interesting to note that Casement stated unequivocally in his OR only five days after the battle that Adams was found dead OUTSIDE the breastworks. In fact, Casement never said Adams fell INSIDE the works. Although in his OR he said Adams was dead and in a post-war letter he said Adams was mortally wounded, in both cases he said Adams was OUTSIDE the works. Additionally, two other Federal soldiers said they carried Adams INSIDE the works. Only Edward Baker, who was writing to Adams' wife in 1891, said anything about Adams being trapped underneath his horse and uttering dramatic final words. One thing is for certain. Adams was definitely moved back OUTSIDE the works at some point because that is where his body was found in the morning.