The Battle of Franklin, Tennessee, November 30, 1864

This concise monograph offers a meticulously researched look at the 1864 clash at Franklin, Tennessee, drawing on official reports, personal letters, and battlefield maps. Presented originally to a veteran’s historical society, the author—a former Union officer—uses his own experience to guide listeners through the first hours of the fight. The work’s purpose is to correct long‑standing misconceptions about the command decisions that set the stage for the battle.

The investigation focuses on General Schofield’s reliance on his own predictions and the resulting deployment error that left two Union brigades exposed. By comparing contradictory after‑action reports and a forged map, the author reveals how senior officers may have reshaped the narrative to protect their reputations. Listeners also hear how the quick actions of Colonel Opdycke’s brigade turned a potential rout into a fierce defensive stand, illustrating the thin line between disaster and survival.