Edward's report that his regiment lost its battle flag is also corroborated on page 239 of the book "The Battle of Franklin, Tennessee, November 30, 1864: a monograph By Jacob Dolson Cox", which provides greater detail on the 72nd's role in the battle:"October 30, 1864, they were ordered to report to Major General Howard, command Army and Department of the Tennessee, then with Sherman's Army; and, in pursuance of this order, arrived at Nashville, Tenn, on November 18. They there found themselves too late to join Sherman in his great "march to the sea," and were ordered to Columbia. Tenn., to join Major General Schofield's command, which they did, on November 21, when Hood crossed the Tennessee River, and seemed coming down, "like a wolf on the fold." Schofield's Army found it convenient to retire towards Nashville. On November 29, they evacuated Columbia, and the Seventy-second was in a severe skirmish with the enemy at Spring Hill, on the road between Columbia and Franklin. On the succeeding day they arrived at Franklin, and hastily threw up some light earthworks. About 4 o'clock that afternoon Hood attacked them, and the battle raged from that hour until midnight, with terrific fury. In that fight the Seventy-second lost 9 officers out of 16 engaged, and 152 men, who were either killed or severely wounded. That night they left their works and retreated towards Nashville, which they reached on December 1; and here the Seventy-second was thrown on the extreme right of the Federal lines enclosing Nashville.
"General Ruger’s report states that at the onset of the enemy, the left of the line, held by the 50th Ohio Volunteers and the 72d Illinois Volunteers, fell back some fifty yards from the breastworks, at which position they were rallied and maintained a firm stand, holding this new position, which was hastily entrenched during the intervals of the fighting.” Beginning at the right of Strickland’s brigade, the official report of the 72d Illinois, made by Captain Sexton, describes the disorderly retreat of the outpost brigades with the enemy upon their heels. At the same time," it adds, “the support on our left gave way, and the flank of our regiment being turned, the four left companies fell back, and as our right flank also became exposed to the enemy the remaining companies were also ordered to retire to the second line of works, which was done.”
All the officers being wounded, Captain Sexton took command. He ordered an effort to regain the first line, which was unsuccessful, the whole color guard being shot down in the charge across a space of some twenty yards."
A detailed description of the battle was also written by Captain James Sexton of the 72nd, who essentially took charge when two superior officers were wounded. In terms of their position on the battlefield, A newspaper correspondent wrote:
"The 72d was placed at the center of the lines surrounding the city, and upon a gentle splope, at the bottom of which and outside of the line was a small grove of young trees. On our right was a depression an eight of a mile wide, on our left the ground was higher than that occupied by our regiment."
Camp the Field
Dear Mother,
We are now stationed at this point. We have been here some five or six days doing provost or picket duty. We are now expecting an attack from Hood or Forrest, we are not certain which, or may be both combined. They are but a short distance from here. Our cavalry has been fighting with them, but they cannot stand their ground, and are falling back to this point. The advance of their army will probably reach us this evening or tomorrow morning. And if we are not reinforced by that time, we will stand a good chance to see the inside of some southern prison, as thare is only three Regiments here, and small ones at that, so it will not take a very large force to take the place and us with it, but we hope such will not be the case. We are having quite cold weather just now. A few days ago we had quite a little snow storm. It lasted most all day, but we have plenty of wood and so we manage to keep comfortable at least part of the time. I think I like this country "if it is colder" much better than the one we just left. It looks more like civilization, the country is settled much more, and much better houses than thare is in Miss. It puts me in mind of N.Y. state than any other I have been through. As it is growing dark I must say good night.
24th We received heavy reinforcements lastnight and this morning. What troops they are I have not learnt. The day opens with heavy skirmishing about a mile from us a little to our left. I expect it is with the advance guard of the enemys forces. I do not think the full force has arrived yet. Our regiment is getting ready to fall into line of battle so I must stop for the present. Noon: We have been in line of battle all the morning. Have done nothing yet. Skirmishing has entirely ceased so we are allowed a few moments for dinner. Cannot tell what the afternoon may bring forth.
Night. All quiet. We are in Camp but have to sleep on our arms with one eye open as the saying is.
25th afternoon: Thare has been some very brisk cannonading this afternoon. Our Regiment has not been called on yet. We are building fortifications as fast as possible. What damage has been done this afternoon I cannot tell. The firing has almost ceased. I expect we will have a general engagement tomorrow.
Morning 26th We have retreated back some five miles, forces are too much for us.
Dec. 2nd We have fell back as far as Nashville with the enemy close upon us. We had a desperate fight at Franklin, eighteen miles from here. Our Regt. loss is heavy. The most I regret is we lost our Battle Flag, but honorably, as we was the only Regt that stood our ground. We are expecting attack every moment so I must stop. I'm all safe as yet. Will give you a more minute description of the battle when I write again.
Love to all.
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