The 1863 Battle of Franklin, Tennessee was fought on this date, 150 years ago, between 2 opposing cavalry forces. The 6th Tennessee Cavalry Regiment, Great-great Grandfather David Crockett Neal's unit, had a significant role in the action.
The engagement began as a reconnaissance in force led by Confederate cavalry Maj. Gen. Earl Van Dorn against a Union force commanded by Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger. Van Dorn, with about 6,000 Confederates, advanced northward from Spring Hill along the Columbia pike on this date in 1863, making contact with Federal skirmishers just outside the town of Franklin. Van Dorn’s attack was so weak that when Granger received a false report that nearby Brentwood was under attack, he sent away most of his cavalry thinking that the Confederate general was undertaking a diversion. When the truth became known that there was no threat to Brentwood, Granger decided to attack Van Dorn. However, he soon was surprised to learn that a subordinate, Brig. Gen. David S. Stanley's cavalry brigade had already done so without orders. Stanley had crossed the Harpeth River at Hughes’s Ford, behind the Confederate right rear. His cavalry attacked and captured a Tennessee battery on the Lewisburg Road but lost it when Brig. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest counterattacked, breaking the Federal assault. Stanley’s troopers quickly withdrew across the Big Harpeth River.
This incident in his rear caused Van Dorn to cancel his operations and withdraw to Spring Hill, leaving the Federals in control of the area.
The Federal loss was 10 killed, 23 wounded and 51 taken prisoner. The Confederate casualties were 5 killed, 32 wounded and 33 captured or missing.
The Federal loss was 10 killed, 23 wounded and 51 taken prisoner. The Confederate casualties were 5 killed, 32 wounded and 33 captured or missing.
Sources: 6th Tennessee Cavalry (unpublished manuscript), John F. Walter; CWSAC Battle Summaries
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