The Battle of Franklin
"No Braver Army Ever Stood in Line of Battle:" The Battle of Franklin
The Battle of Franklin (November 30, 1864), in Franklin, Tennessee, was considered a tragedy for the Confederate army as they suffered heavy casualties and gained no ground. After losing twelve Confederate generals and over 2,000 soldiers, it weakened Confederates' morale in the waning years of the war. Though the Confederates held control of Franklin after the battle, the Union army escaped, and the Confederate Army of Tennessee was all but destroyed. Even after the end of the war, the South's failure at the Battle of Franklin was a sore point in their collective memory.
"Inside the Lines at Franklin"
Confederate Veteran v.3 (1895)
This article follows the perspective of a school-girl and her support efforts immediately following the battle. She recalls watching the "chivalric and gallant" soldiers bleeding and dying as she delivered food.
"A Boy's Impressions of the Battle of Franklin"
Confederate Veteran v.23 (1915)
From the perspective of a young boy, this article contextualizes the battle and its place in the rest of the war and gives a summary of the battle. The author describes the battle as the "glory and horror of war" and emphasizes the Confederate side's bravery.
"The Good Samaritan at Franklin"
Confederate Veteran v.30 (1922)
Like "Courtesy in War" during the Siege of Vicksburg, this article follows positive interactions after the Battle of Franklin. It focuses on the efforts of a woman who allowed her house to be used as a hospital while she took a record of the dead, and her eventual creation and maintenance of the battle's cemetery.
Questions to Consider:
How do these articles depict Confederate soldiers and Union soldiers?
Analyze the ways a child's perspective influences how the battle is described.
How are these articles examples of Lost Cause ideology?