After we had dislodged the enemy's advance pickets from the chain of ridges in front of Franklin, Generals Bate and Cleburne and myself were summoned to the commanding general at a point very near the Columbia turnpike road, and, as I recollect, both yourself and General Stewart were present. From that point we had an unobstructed view of the enemy's works in front of Franklin, across the turnpike road, and for some distance to the right and left. My position was immediately on the left of the turnpike, while Cleburne was upon the right. General Bate's position was either in my rear or immediately upon my left. The commanding general, after surveying the field, remarked in substance, ‘The country around Franklin for many miles is open and exposed to the full view of the Federal army, and I cannot mask the movements of my troops so as to turn either flank of the enemy, and if I attempt it he will withdraw and precede me into Nashville. While his immediate center is very strong, his flanks are weak. Stewart's corps is massed in McGavock's woods on the right, and I will send Bate's division under cover of the hills to the left in advance of the movement of my center; giving him time sufficient to get into position to attack concurrently with the center column. He can connect with Chalmers' right (posted upon the Harpeth below Franklin) and with Brown's left.’ The policy of General Hood's decision was not discussed, and I cannot recollect any question propounded by him to any one present indicating a desire for an expression of opinion by any one. He thereupon ordered Bate to move at once, and directed Stewart to attack with his corps the enemy's left flank. Cleburne and myself were directed to form in conjunction, Cleburne on the right and I on the left of the turnpike, and threaten and (if not routed before we reached the works) attack the enemy's center; but were instructed not to
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center, says: ‘They were seen coming in splendid array.
The sight was one to send a thrill through the heart, and those who saw it have never forgotten its martial magnificence.’
Maj.-Gen. John C. Brown, in a report to General Cheatham of the operations of his command, said:
Atlanta, Ga. 1899.
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