Randolph’s Ferry – end of day 2

The last two or three hours of daylight saw some ferocious combat on West Ridge and Black Elk Mountain. By 6.00pm, as darkness fell, Thomas had managed to secure our foothold on West Ridge with the brigades of Spears and Walker pushing back the Rebels. The plan for day 3 is to continue to push hard at the centre of Bragg’s line in the hope of a break through.

Orders are as follows:

Crittenden – continue to hold your present position to prevent the enemy from shifting troops from his right. Push forward a strong skirmish line.

Thomas – secure West Ridge and HOLD, then bring up your artillery and bombard the enemy to your front in preparation for an attack.

McCook – continue to ENGAGE the enemy on Black Elk Mountain.

It is possible that Bragg may organise a counter-attack at first light, if so I expect him to assault our right flank with Cleburne’s veterans near Leggett’s Mill.

Randolph’s Ferry – Turn 35

Against the odds my troops have managed to gain a foothold in the Rebel works on West Ridge. It remains to be seen whether this advantage can be exploited further.

Current orders are as follows:

Crittenden – HOLD a line from the Conrad House to Laurel Heights. Palmer’s division is to entrench.

McCook – move to your right and ENGAGE the enemy on Black Elk Mountain.

Thomas – move directly towards West Ridge and ASSAULT the centre of the enemy line.

Randolph's Ferry - Turn 14

Rosecran's Battle Plan Update - My original battle plan needs to be amended slightly due to the fact that the enemy has constructed entrenchments stretching from the Ranes Farm to Black Elk Mountain. It is still my intention to make our main attack on Franklin via Black Elk Mountain but if an opportunity arises to breach the enemy line elsewhere we will seize upon it!

McCook - Deploy in brigade column on a two-division front and ASSAULT the enemy line at Mt. Zion Church. Move your third division up behind the main attack columns and ASSAULT.

Crittenden - Form a line between the Conrad House and Laurel Heights and HOLD. One division is to assist the cavalry in driving off Wheeler's troopers - ENGAGE.

Barnett (Artillery Reserve) - Follow Crittenden's first division and deploy on Laurel Heights. Support McCook in his assault on Mt. Zion Church.

HQ & Wagon Park - Will now be established south of Hendrick's Farm.

Randolph’s Ferry – Union Battle Orders

Rosecran's General Orders – It is my intention to move the army to a holding position on a line from Black Elk Mountain (McCook) to West Ridge (Crittenden) by the evening of November 10th. The following day an attack will be launched directly south towards Franklin by McCook supported by Thomas. Crittenden will pin the enemy to his front and will join in the attack if required. The town of Franklin will be in our hands by the evening of November 11th!

Kennet’s Cavalry Division – Move as quickly as possible along the Nashville Turnpike towards Mt. Zion Church and thence along the Old Pine Trail to Franklin. If any enemy cavalry are encountered you are to ENGAGE and push them back. If infantry forces are encountered you are to dismount and HOLD the enemy for as long as possible to allow our infantry time to come up.

McCook’s Corps – You are to move across country following a route south of Judah’s Hill to join the Nashville Turnpike and then move on to Mt. Zion Church. If no enemy infantry forces are encountered you will push on along the Old Pine Trail and occupy Franklin. If the enemy is present in strength you will attempt to occupy a defensive line centred on Black Elk Mountain and HOLD.

Crittenden’s Corps – Follow the Danville Road to the Conrad House. If no enemy infantry forces are observed you should advance and occupy West Ridge and HOLD. If the enemy is in a position to contest any advance you will form a line from Laurel Heights to link with McCook’s Corps at Mt. Zion Church and HOLD.

Thomas’ Corps – You will move across country towards Henrick’s Farm allowing McCook’s men to clear the Danville Road before proceeding. You will then deploy in RESERVE formation in the fields to the east of Mt. Zion Church. Army HQ and the Wagon Park will be established at Mt. Zion Church.

To view the map of the battlefield click here.