War of the Rebellion: Serial 093 Introduction

Intro
Franklin - Nashville Intro

Vol. 45 Introduction - Serial 93

These two volumes chart the course of John Hood's campaign into middle Tennessee in the winter of 1864-65. Determined to strike back at the Union, thinking his blow would cause US forces to withdraw from the South to meet him, Hood embarked on a winter campaign with short supplies. He broke into Tennessee from northern Alabama, but in the two battles of Franklin and Nashville Union forces (under George Thomas, a Virginian) smashed Hood's army. The weather was no ally on the retreat, and stragglers fell, some to die of hypothermia, others to be taken prisoner, with every mile. Thomas was not an aggressive commander, and the weather slowed his pursuit, so Bedford Forrest was able to cover Hood's withdrawal.

This volume contains the reports on the Nashville Campaign. Thomas' reports are here, as are those of his staff and many subordinate commanders. Beauregard and Hood give their side of events, and Forrest relates his rearguard actions. Filling in some of the gaps are assorted correspondence.
Also in the volume is Grierson's cavalry raid into Mississippi, with reports concluded by Wirt Adams' report on what little he could do to stop Grierson.

Intro
Franklin - Nashville Intro