Scotty A Birge
Redoubt #5
Thu Mar 15 09:49:59 2001


From what I have found, RD5 was manned by a 100 man detachment of Quarles Brigade (which was comprised of the 1st Ala, [42, 46, 49, 53, & 55, consolidated] TN, and the 48th TN) plus 2 12# Napolean cannon - probably Selden's Ala Battery. Ectors Brigade (Coleman) was near but not engaged.


They were attacked by Coon's dismounted Cav (2nd Brigade, 5th Division, Cav Corp - 6th, 7th, 9th ILL; 2nd Iowa; 12th TN) and Mcmillian (1st Brigade, 1st Division, Army of TN- 114 ILL, 93rd Ind, 10th MN). Possibly portions of the 23rd Army Corp (Cooper - 1st Brigade,2nd Div) also took part. The after action reports mainly talk of the assult by Coon and Mcmillian.

In this fight, the men of RD 5 were outmanned (approximately 1500 to 100) and out gunned (both in artillery and small arms, Coon's men had Spencer Repeaters).


From what I have seen, the 122nd ILL (1st Brigade, 2nd Div, AOT - Col Moore) was farther to the north (left of the Union line) and engaged Redoubt #1.

A good resource for this battle is "The Confederacy's Last Hurrah - Spring Hill, Franklin, & Nashville" by Wiley Sword - first published as "Embrace an Angry Wind"

My ancestor was with the 57th Ala and was captured at this battle so I am interested in any information you might have.

Scotty A Birge