Annotations to a Girl’s Civil War Journal, December 1864: It is now the late morning of December 16, 1864, the second day of the battle. Heavy fighting is underway toward the south of Nashville. The Vaulx family having fled Cousin John Lea’s home is now at the Franklin Pike home of neighbor, Robert C. Alford. By early afternoon of the second day, the battle lines had again shifted finding the family in its midst. Confederate and Federal forces were battling all around the Alford home. If not for Union Generals Knight and Hammond, the house would have been burned. It is unknown why these generals prevented the house from being destroyed. After enduring a horrendous day, the families would witness the retreat of Confederate General John Bell Hood’s rear guard. December, 16th 1864 Friday. O! what a day this has been. Most terrific firing all day and many think our noble army is retreating. Our worst fears were realized. About 5 o’clock we witnessed the remnants of Cheatham’s division passed by, hotly pursuit by the vile Yankees. One Confederate was wounded; while we were all collected in one room, and the bullets were flying around, he came to the door and asked so piteously to be let in. Of course, we were compelled to refuse his urgent request, as the Yankee cavalry were all around the house plundering the smoke house. O! I shall never forget this night. Every horse, chicken was swept away like magic; and had it not been for Genl. Knight and Hammond, the house would have been burnt. Poor old Mrs. Alford how she was cursed and abused by the thieving wretches on account of her pleading for her storeroom supplies. Commence raining by night. Attachments: (1) Maggie Vaulx (2) Battle of Nashville map-principle places highlighted (3) Battle of Nashville map
Posted on: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 17:24:51 +0000
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