p.

our boys were very tired + sleepy + had already
built so many lines of works over which they
had not been permitted to fire a shot that they
had no heart in it + grumbling + complaints were
heard a thing that an old soldier seldom does however
at 4 PM we had tolerable works- at 3 the rear of
our army was in Franklin
During the quiet the Col + some others had availed themselves
of the opportunity + had snathced a few hours sleep
but for me there was no such good luck as it was the
last of the month + several reports due I had to work
The position chosen was admirably addapted for
defense it being in a semi circle in an open burst
ground with the flanks resting on the river
At 4 oclock the Johnnys burst upon us like a thunderbolt
- the cry of "the rebs are coming + are driving in our
pickets" together withe the immediate rattle of musketry
which brot evey man to his port Casting my eyes to
the front I saw the rebel line of battle preceeded by a
strong line of skirmishes rapidsly yet steadily + in pickets
as they advanced our pickets are soon all in forward
at a double quick they come reserving their fire