Second Battle of Franklin, 30 November 1864

Background. The battle was the second military action in the vicinity of Franklin, following a minor 1863 engagement. Union Brigadier General Jacob Cox assumed command of the XXIII Corps and prepared strong defensive positions around deteriorated entrenchments originally constructed in 1863. Schofield established his headquarters in the Alpheus Truett House, though he spent most of the battle in Fort Granger, an artillery position built in 1863.

Command. Confederate Lieutenant General John Bell Hood commanded the Army of Tennessee, having been promoted to temporary full general in 1864. Union Major General John Schofield commanded the forces, having been promoted to major general of volunteers in 1862. Schofield's performance at Franklin resulted in his promotion to brigadier general in the regular army on November 30, 1864.

Outcome. Hood's Army of Tennessee conducted numerous frontal assaults against fortified positions but failed to prevent Schofield from executing a planned, orderly withdrawal to Nashville. Five generals were killed in action at Franklin, including Cleburne, John Adams, and Hiram B. Granbury.

Casualties. Five generals were killed in action at Franklin, including Cleburne, John Adams, and Hiram B. Granbury. A sixth general, John C. Carter, was mortally wounded and died later on December 10. The wounded generals included John C. Brown, Francis M. Cockrell, Zachariah C. Deas, Arthur M. Manigault, Thomas M. Scott, and Jacob H. Sharp. One general, Brig. Gen. George W. Gordon, was captured.