162nd Anniversary of the Battle of Franklin - National Event
Thoughts and Reflections on the 162nd Franklin Event:
I arrived at the event site on Thursday evening, anticipating a great event and excited about the scenarios the event planners had presented in the advertisement of the event. The particular location of the event was not unknown to myself or members of the battalion as we had been there previously for the national anniversary event a few years prior for Chickamauga. Interestingly enough, this was not the original site for the event; rather, it was the second for this iteration of the event and a carefully planned contingency that had been prepared in the event that the original location had fallen through, which it had given a dispute over the property usage as told to us in May. That particular location had been utilized for the anniversary event of Stones River, which had been a very successful event years ago. Sadly, the difficulties and challenges in locating property for this event had been a continuing challenge for the staff of the Atlanta Campaign, Inc. much to the dismay of the quite vocal minority of living historians, beating their war drums upon the plains of Facebook in the days following the event.
I offer this sage advice to all who care to listen; appreciate those who give of their time, talent, and resources, as these kind and dedicated lot have time and time again. We are so very fortunate for the service and dedication of the gentleman in the Atlanta Campaign, Inc. As a living historian, I can always locate faults, from my own impression to that of others, to the location of an event, to the topography of the location, to the quality of the sutlers; however, seeking faults and issues does absolutely nothing to further our cause in the promotion of our history and in the telling of the story of so many souls engaged in that dreadful contest. For years our particular cause, or hobby, has been plagued with insult, injury, and accusation. These unfortunate happenings may be sourced from many different societal challenges which make what we do even more so difficult as such have given rise to a quite negative stigma which follows us everywhere we go.
I rise to this point to challenge these perceptions as well as some of the prevailing attitudes of fellow living historians that have followed this particular event. Many groups likened to my own have worked quite diligently to educate the public on this era within our nation’s past. We have, if I may say so, done a great job of illustrating the value of our cause and the necessity for using our platform to create educational opportunities and valuable learning experiences. Our efforts are greatly enhanced by the work of organizations like the Atlanta Campaign, Inc., and I dare say that I speak on behalf of the 31st AL Inf. Regt. Co. E of the Hardee Guard Battalion when expressing my appreciation for the gentleman and the work they have and continue to undertake in support of our cause. I would issue a challenge to my fellow living historians who have aimlessly and mistakenly taken to social media to complain about the recent event in that the information communicated is rather shallow and lacks constructive feedback. I would be most inclined to argue that yes, it is quite fair and proper to have a complaint if one does not feel the event delivered the quality experience one expected to receive from attending. However, it is simply not enough to complain; rather, one should have the ability to articulate why they feel that the event did not deliver on that experience. Particularly, what happened to make the individual feel this way; otherwise, the event hosts and coordinators lack information and the general substance of the argument being made and therefore cannot make the appropriate adjustments to better meet those expectations in the future.
Now, you are probably wondering as you read, why the departure from my normal article posting and the reason is that you should see all aspects of what we do. This hobby is composed of humans, and every facet of it is organic in nature, in the fact that most of us are not receiving compensation for what we do; often, we expend time, money, and our own personal resources to make these events happen, to attend them, or to put on programs. We do this given our love of history and the belief that our work makes a difference. My personal disposition on the matter; I am an educator, and it is my responsibility to do all that I am able to pass on my knowledge to future generations. I am in a rather unique position to have this particular impact and therefore, I should do all that I am able to pursue this cause. Of course, I am not alone in my dedication or belief. With all of this having been expressed here, I ask of the reader, please support our continued effort and work, as I will continue to support the Atlanta Campaign, Inc. in their efforts. I will do so as I greatly appreciate the effort and great sacrifice of time, energy, and personal resources they pour into each event, even those that must end early from situations well beyond any of our control.
Rant over, and back to the event:
We made camp in the same location we had at the last national event at this particular site, the ground was slightly sloped downward away from the command staff which was set 15 yards to the rear of the battalion command staff’s placement. From our front, there were to be two company streets with the 31st AL placed upon the left and the 48th AL to the right. Following this placement, the 34th Ga was placed directly next to the 31st AL further down the street and the 3rd TN would be next the 48th further down. Much further away on the opposite side of the field, the 3rd Ga had placed a camp and would be falling into the battalion for the event.
Once established, I found myself as one of four placed at the head of the battalion, my Fly being on the left, with the Adjutant to my right, the Colonel to his Right and the Lt. Colonel to his right. I did not mind this configuration at all as I found my fly to be quite well trafficked and I enjoyed the company very much throughout the event, not to mention the ease with which I could access the Battalion, and the brigade leadership camped to our immediate rear. For this event, the Hardee Guard Battalion was brigaded with the GAR and the Cotton States joint Battalion. We were the 1st Battalion of the 2nd Brigade with the GAR/Cotton States comprising the 2nd Battalion in the brigade. There were three initial brigades for the event. I am not sure of the others, but I believe the 1st was a contingent mostly from the 1st division and the 3rd brigade may have been the TMVI. We certainly were not alone on the field as by Thursday night the entirety of the field was well alight with candle and fire. Only to grow more covered with canvas the following night.
Friday was a rather pleasant day which began with a school day program, and a large mass of students and families moving about the encampment exploring and speaking with living historians all over the visible property from our location. We passed the time with conversation, laughter, and tobacco smoke. We further gave in to the allure of the sutlers and contributed to their coffers much to our own financial woes. I personally, made a few significant investments at this event (planned investments mind you, though some allege otherwise). These purchases were a period cot, of which I bought from South Union Mills, one of three he had transported to the event to sell and I wasted absolutely no time in making this acquisition. I have wanted a period correct cot for some time and it adds a great value to my officer’s impression from the period. Further, I acquired a wright canteen and a civilian styled red woolen vest. Both of these items are interchangeable between my Federal and Confederate kits. Other, investments, though smaller, no less valuable, were a canvas gun sock to use for my 2nd national colors (I know, it’s meant for a riffle, but works quite well for transporting my Confederate Colors), a sword (what we call a wall hanger, as it is not correct for use in the field) for my office, and other odds and ends of routine need (candles, matches, other small items).
By Friday afternoon the camp had begun to fill with our weekend compliment, as individuals flowed in from all over. The 31st was shy 3-4 of our total number; however, there were no complaints as it was great to see as many of our members together again, as it had been some time since the last opportunity for us to assemble and enjoy each other's company. As the day-light faded the duties of a major beset me and I found myself in meetings. The first meeting being at the Brigade headquarters with general instructions for the three scenarios to be undertaken over the course of the weekend. These scenarios included portions of the Battle of Spring Hill at first light on Saturday morning, followed by the Confederate advance on the Federals entrenched positions at the Battle of Franklin that afternoon, and lastly, the Federal counter advance at the Battle of Nashville to be fought on Sunday afternoon.
For this event, the Atlanta Campaign, Inc. had contracted the construction of actual entrenchments and earthworks, which the Federals had taken to enhancing prior to the planned fights on both Saturday and Sunday. For each action we would be deployed on the left of the Confederate position, and would be tasked with supporting our fellow battalions in movements against the Federal positions. However, the manner in which we maneuvered would change with each scenario, and the Sunday scenario would see us in a defensive posture to begin with, holding earthworks.
Saturday, Spring Hill Scenario:
The first day’s fight started with the mobilization of the battalion before daylight on Saturday morning. This scenario was not intended for the public to view, but rather to provide each battalion a view of the area of operation for the event and time to practice or “knock off the dust” so to speak, ahead of the afternoon action. We formed along the service road on the property, in a line stretching almost a half a mile by my estimate. To explain, I could not see the other end of the line from our end of the formation. It was a rather impressive sight and never gets old when so many living historians are gathered into one location for a united purpose.
Upon stepping off, we snaked up to the top of the ridge adjacent to our position and deployed into the fields beyond. Here the battalion was ordered right and then immediately redeployed to the left of the Confederate lines which were instantly engaged after having deployed. We found ourselves towards the center of the Confederate line on the left side of the elongated formation, with Federal infantry to our front and later on our left flank. Surprisingly, the Federals moved an entire battalion below the crest of a hill to our left and out of our view, only to reemerge to our rear. About the time we moved to refuse the Federal onslaught about to occur on our left, the order to ceasefire had been sounded. The total scenario had gone for about 30 or so minutes, and the air around us hung thick with smoke and fog in the morning twilight. Had the scenario not been called, the Federals would have taken us as they had achieved a tactical surprise and had done so quickly and efficiently. I do not know the designation of the battalion, but would most assuredly extend compliment to the leadership for having done something quite complicated in what seemed to be a most effortless manner. The men of that battalion also deserve praise for their ability to trust, follow, and execute the instructions given.
Another Tintype from our Friend the Charleston Tintypist:
Following the morning scenario, the entirety of our forces were dismissed to the encampments. Upon returning to the camp, I immediately sought to embark upon my walk to my appointment with the Charleston Tintypist. This was of course precluded by a brief walk to the sutlers, and a stop at a food vendor to eat (I know what you're thinking, food vendors, don’t y’all usually cook! Yes, and not for this particular morning given the scenario). Upon arrival for the appointment, I made time to check out the period field hospital set up next door and to speak with the surgeon about her efforts in the hobby. Afterwards, myself and a contingent from the 31st sat for the tintype in the overcast morning light which called for a 45 second exposure. Though the tintype came out great! At the conclusion of the tintype, a soft rain had begun to fall which did prompt our return to camp.
The Battle of Franklin:
We began to muster for the second and main scenario of the day at 12:45pm. The fight would take place at 2:00pm; however, when moving the number of people we had in the field, the additional time was quite necessary. For this particular scenario, we deployed over the right adjacent to the camp, and up a quite steep hill. The road crossing the top of the ridge and through the wooded area surrounding the area of the events field operations was quite narrow and muddy by this point, making our egress one of caution and great care as to not fall. Upon reaching our destination, we deployed adjacent to a pond, a distance from the front of the Federal entrenchments. Here, we stacked arms and gave orders to the battalion to take rest in the immediate area. As we did so, the artillery began a prolonged back and forth from our rear on the left and right and then with response from the Federal positions in advance of our left and right.
Though loud, this activity has become normal to us and only the newer members within our fold were startled by the percussion of the barrages. Shortly before 2:00pm, the order was given to fall in and take arms. Afterwards, the men were instructed to load. We watched while the battalion to the right of our position advanced and met a Federal force which had advanced upon the center of the Confederate lines. We then were ordered to advance, being the left flank of the Confederate assault, we moved forward. We were instructed to make three initial assaults upon the Federal earthworks, taking progressively higher attrition with each advance and reformation. Upon the first advance, the Colonel fell, upon the second, the Lt. Colonel fell, leaving the third advance to me. It was upon this advance that a majority of our battalion fell, and I with the colors and about six or so remaining men retreated from the flank altogether. It would not be long before the action was concluded and it was a reminder of just how costly the actual action at Franklin had been as the Army of Tennessee was severely bled in the fight. Many men and their commanding officers fell in the action there and I dare say, the Army of Tennessee never recovered in its strength and capability afterwards. Following the end of the scenario, we retreated so to speak to the shelter of our canvas, for rest and camaraderie.
Conclusion of the event:
It was later that evening that we were informed that given expected inclement weather on Sunday, the event was to be cancelled. This prompted a large exodus that Saturday evening; however, as for our company, we decided to make our exit the following morning as we didn’t see the value of packing in the dark and competing to move vehicles into the camp. The following morning came with no rain and we broke camp with ease of mind and no stress.
Takeaway from the Event:
It was a great event and a reminder that no amount of planning in the world can control the forces of nature. It was rather well and good that so many left when they did as the rain did indeed come, and it led to many of our sutler friends becoming stuck in the tremendous amount of mud where they were located. I do so appreciate the day that we got out of the event and the two scenarios which were very enjoyable. I also appreciate greatly, all of the folks that came together to put on the event and those who attended the event. Despite the complaints, of which I have seen a few, I believe overall that this event was the best it could be given the circumstances and I personally do not feel that a less experienced group of event coordinators could have made it as it was. The Atlanta Campaign, Inc. will continue to have my admiration and respect for what they do for our community and the countless hours they have invested in their work is greatly appreciated by many of us.
Additional Pictures from the Event
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