War of the Rebellion: Serial 094 Introduction

Vol. 45 Introduction - Serial 94

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 concludes the correspondence about the Nashville Campaign, both Confederate and Union.