Having lost a good opportunity at Spring Hill to hurt significantly the
Union Army, Gen. John B. Hood marched in rapid pursuit of Maj. Gen. John M.
Schofield's retreating Union army. Schofield's advance reached Franklin about
sunrise on November 30 and quickly formed a defensive line in works thrown up
by the Yankees in the spring of 1863, on the southern edge of town. Schofield
wished to remain in Franklin to repair the bridges and get his supply trains
over them. Skirmishing at Thompson's Station and elsewhere delayed Hood's
march, but, around 4:00 pm, he marshaled a frontal attack against the Union
perimeter. Two Federal brigades holding a forward position gave way and
retreated to the inner works, but their comrades ultimately held in a battle
that caused frightening casualties. When the battle ceased, after dark, six
Confederate generals were dead or had mortal wounds. Despite this terrible
loss, Hood's army, late, depleted and worn, crawled on toward Nashville.