launched
an ill-fated attack on a well-defended position in Franklin, Tennessee where the
Union army was attempting to retreat across the Harpeth river, on the road to Nashville. Choosing to fight an army that had been
entrenched for an hour rather than let them escape, Hood sent his men in a
disastrous frontal assault over two miles of open ground without artillery
support. This maneuver has been compared
to Pickett’s charge at Gettysburg for its recklessness. Hood’s
army of the Tennessee was decimated, losing approximately 6200 casualties
(including 14 general officers) to the 2300 reported by the Union. The 8th Iowa’s role was to repel
an impressive effort by Confederate Cavalry General N.B. Forrest. “[The 8th Iowa] was engaged near
Franklin, but quietly fell back with the main army to take an important part in
the battle and victory of Nashville.” [12]
The
8th also participated in the Battle of Nashville (December 15/16,
1864), a last attempt by Gen. Hood to possess Tennessee. [13] With an already depleted force from the
battle of Franklin, Hood could not attack the fortress-like defenses of Nashville. Instead, he camped around the city and waited
for Gen. Thomas to attack. After waiting
several weeks, Thomas attacked with three Corps. The Confederates were again decimated, with a
total of 6000 men killed, wounded, or captured.
“[The 8th Iowa] participated in a charge on the first day of
the battle and in the rapid pursuit of Hood …
the 8th cavalry did its full share of hard riding.” [12]
Hood would return towards Atlanta with half of his original fighting force
intact. This battle effectively removed
the fighting strength of the Army of Tennessee.
After
Nashville, the 8th gradually became a raiding force, moving throughout
Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. They remained in Macon, Georgia after the
©All rights reserved by Pathways in Genealogy. 2020. No part of this website/blog may be reproduced without the express written permission from the owner.
No comments:
Post a Comment