Wagner's Advanced Line

Wagner's Advanced Line. . About one-third of a mile south of here, along a slight ridge visible in the distance, were positioned two Federal brigades from Gen. George D. Wagner's Division, IV Corps. The brigades were commanded by Cols. John Lane and Joseph Conrad, both had only taken command of their respective units 24 hours earlier. The brigades had a combined strength of just over 3,000 men, which were a mix of veterans, draftees, and substitutes., Just after 4 p.m. the Confederate divisions commanded by Maj. Gens. Patrick Cleburne and John Brown struck the Federal brigades, which had been placed on the ridgeline to monitor Confederates movements. Gen. Wagner issued orders for both brigades to withdraw, but by the time the message was relayed to Lane and Conrad it was too late., The Federal troops, especially Conrad's men, put up a short defense, but they were soon overwhelmed and outflanked. Federal artillery from the main line behind you began streaking overheard, over Wagner's troops, and into the advancing Confederates. Casualties on both sides quickly escalated, but the men of Cleburne's and Brown's commands, who had at least a 2:1 numerical advantage, rushed forward and decimated the advanced Federal brigades. A wild retreat quickly ensued., Over the course of just a few minutes those of Wagner's command who could escape did so or made the attempt. Many were shot or clubbed down, others were tackled as they retreated. The Confederate attack morphed into a full-throttled wave, and the rebel yell echoed across the rolling terrain., Take a moment to imagine the scene in front of you, as Wagner's men fled, closely pursued by the veterans led by Cleburne and Brown. It was a scene even veterans found hard to describe, in the waning twilight of a warm afternoon., (caption) Brig. Gen. George D. Wagner Courtesy Battle of Franklin Trust