More Battle of Franklin...

[gunny]

Portion of Letter dated Dec. 14, 1864
From Capt. George Williams (Adjutant, Govan's Brigade, Cleburne's Div.)
To Capt. Irving Buck

"My brigade was first marched across the Ridge in view of the enemy & under the fire of his cannon, and placed in position on the right of the pike, while Granbury came after us, his left on the pike, Lowery in reserve, Smith not yet arrived from Florence, where he had been left with trains.

Brown formed on the left of the pike, Bate upon his left, Stewart had advanced upon the Lewisburg pike, to our right, & did not connect with us until we advanced some distance. We began advancing about 3/4 hour before sunset, but the right of regiments to the front.

It was the most impressive movement I ever saw, the Grey line moving gradually on, with blue & red colors dancing above, like a wave, how soon to strike with a shock upon the opposing foe. The enemy's artillery opened upon us at a mile's distance.

The ground over which we advanced was perfectly open: not a tree, a fence or a stump to stop a bullet. Just before getting under fire the regts. were formed in line: when the small arms opened, Gen. Govan, Frank & I dismounted and left our horses with a courier.

Immediately we were into the heaviest and deadliest fire I have ever witnessed, over the open, level field, on we went, driving the yankees from their first line, and killing many, but losing very, very many of our gallant boys.

Frank Govan was wounded in the hip before reaching the first line. Our men now in great confusion & with ranks much thinned, pressed on to the next line, a strong earthworks, from behind which, secure, the Yankees poured a deadly fire. Forward our boys went, & massing in on place, rushed over the work.

I saw the brave fellows go over, bowing their heads, as if in a storm of wind & snow, then leaped the entrenchment & dissapeared behind it. Alas! they were too few, and as usual, the support was not up. We had been the first to attack and had struck the strongest point.

About this time, whilst urging forward some laggards, and about 40 yards from the second line, I was struck in the back by a minie ball. From the sensation, I thought it was a spent grape, so large did it seem; but a grape would have finished me, I stood a minute to determine the extent of my injury: felt a wheezing in my lungs & spat blood. This looked serious, & I walked off.

The bullets were coming like hail & I expected I would never get out without another wound. I feared to run lest it should cause hemorrage. In returning my sword to the scabbard I found my arm was also hurt. I walked to my horse, and with difficulty mounted & rode to the rear, failing fast.

Before reaching my horse, I saw Stewart moving up, and met Lowery going to our assistance. Brigade after brigade was hurled against that work, sometimes carrying a part, but without general success.

Cockrell charged over our ground, and left his brave Missourians scattered thick among our Texans and Arkansians.

But two of our batteries had got up, one with us one with Stewart. Prestman placed the former and worked it with great effect. Night saw the contest unabated. Heavy firing was constantly kept up.

Our Division was moved to the rear, to be reformed, but now fearfully diminished. The three brigades did not number over 1000, and our brave commander was gone. He had fallen within a short distance of the second work.

Just before I left the field I saw him, with Phillips, Harley & Mangum, right among the men calling "forward, my brave men". Shortly afterwards Gen. Govan saw him fall. His body was left upon the field that night, during which his splendid belt was taken from him, and was carried next morning to Loring's Hosp. where it was recognized.

Granbury too fell, and Strahl, Gist, Adams and Carter, while Gordon was captured, Brown, Quarles & several others wounded. Gen. Govan escaped miraculously."

Jamie

[scone]

Thans Jamie I havent seen this info before.

regards, Steven

[Alabaman]

Jamie:
I just posted a thread under the "Bald Hill" discussion. I should have posted under this thread but didn't see it until it was too late. Sorry.
My post was to "Scone" but also to you. Please read the part concerning the sketch (history) of the 45th Ala. Inf. & see if this is accurate according to your knowledge of the battles of Franklin & Springhill. Does the 45th Ala. have markers, etc. where their lines stood, or is the marking of lines on a brigade status? I've never visited Springhill/Frankling and was interested.
Thanks & Best Regards, Rob Adams.

[Arkansas]

where is this letter? Is it available online? Do you have anymore information on Frank Govan ? He was my greatgrandfather. Thank you

[larry_cockerham]

Lines at Franklin to my limited knowledge are not well marked at all. The majority of that space is private property, hence all the activity in past years trying to preserve more chunks of the battlefield. The guys at the Carter House Museum are the best source for details along with the Battle of Nashville Preservation Society (excellent web information) and the Preservation Trust in Franklin. Our park at Winstead Hill, maintained by Sam Davis Camp 1293 SCV has markers including a monument to Govan. Much more information in the Carter House. The shelter at Winstead covers a bronze map of the battle with emplacements and battle lines. The site, however, once open for view, is now partially overgrown and buildings have been inserted. I guess tractor parts are more important than our heritage.