| Operations in Middle Tennessee November, 1864 to January, 1865 |
| Second Brigade, Second Division. November 1.--The brigade reached Stevenson, Ala., and moved by railroad to Athens, Ala.; marched thence to Pulaski, Tenn., where it remained engaged in fortifying until the 22d, when we marched to Lynnville and from there to Columbia. The enemy threatening the latter place, our position near the town was fortified. November 27.--At night crossed to north side of Duck River. November 28.--Took position opposite the town. November 29.--Resumed line of march toward Nashville. When nearing Spring Hill the enemy's cavalry was discovered approaching the place. We double-quicked into position, and drove them about half a mile, and remained in position around the town. November 30.--At 4 a.m. we withdrew to Franklin, and were engaged in the bloody battle at that place, in which the brigade lost over 25 per cent. The same night we withdrew to near Nashville, where the end of the month finds us. December 2.--The brigade encamped on the right of the Hillsborough turnpike, about two miles from Nashville. The enemy threatening our position, a line of works was thrown up, behind which we remained until the 15th, when the general assault was made on the enemy's lines. The position of this brigade was on the left of the division. December 15.--Took part in the storming of the strong redoubts to the left of the Hillsborough pike. December 16.--Charged a heavy line of works near the Franklin pike, both of which positions were carried, with the capture of a number of guns and prisoners, and without serious loss to ourselves. The brigade has taken part in the pursuit of the enemy from Nashville, through Franklin, Columbia, and Pulaski, Tenn, to Lexington, Ala., where the end of the month finds it. Second Division. November 1.--Broke camp at Chattanooga, and division embarked on trains for Athens, Ala., at which place it arrived at daylight of the 2d; disembarked and marched three miles north; encamped on Swan Creek. November 3.--Marched to Roaring Spring. November 4.--Crossed Elk River and marched to within four miles of Pulaski. November 5.--Entered Pulaski in the morning, and was placed in position in the lines around the town, where a strong line of works was constructed. November 27.--Evacuated the town of Columbia and crossed Duck River after dark. November 28.--Was placed in position on the Franklin pike, fronting the town of Columbia. November 29.--Marched to Spring Hill and took up a position to cover the Franklin pike. At 4 p.m. the enemy attacked our lines, and after an hour's severe fighting succeeded in driving back the Third Brigade, which was on the right of the line, to the pike, not, however, until the entire wagon train of the corps had passed into the town. November 30.--An hour before daylight the division withdrew from the position around Spring Hill; covered the retreat of the army to Franklin, at which place two brigades were placed in position in front of the main line of works, with the First Brigade in reserve behind the works. About 4 p.m. the enemy attacked the two brigades in front, falling back to the works by order. After engaging the enemy from five to ten minutes at the works the troops were rallied, and, with the First Brigade, assisted in repulsing the enemy. The division captured 733 prisoners and 12 battle-flags. December 1 to 15.--The division remained intrenched before Nashville, its right joining the troops commanded by Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith and its left connecting with the Third Division of the Fourth Army Corps. December 15.--The division participated in the assault upon the left and center of Hood's army, carrying the rebel works in its front, and capturing flags, prisoners, and three pieces of artillery. December 16.--In the continuation of the assault the division again carried the opposing intrenchments, with prisoners and colors, bivouacking at night near Brentwood Pass, on the Franklin pike. December 17.--The division continued in pursuit of the enemy, with the remainder of the Fourth Corps, through Franklin, Columbia, and Pulaski to Lexington, Ala., where it encamped at the close of the month. January 1, 1865.--The division marched from Lexington to Mount Rozell, Ala., where it remained in camp until the 3d. |
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| 2nd Division Commander General George D Wagner's Official Report |
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| 2nd Brigade Commander Colonel John Q Lane's Official Report |
| Webmaster's Note: For Official Reports related to the Battles at Spring Hill and Franklin, scroll down to the bottom of this page and click on either of the pages referenced. |