no doubt
Forrest will be in my rear to-morrow, or doing some greater mischief.
It appears to me that I ought to take position at Brentwood at
once. If A. J. Smith's division and the Murfreesboro' garrison
join me there, I ought to be able to hold Hood in check for some
time. I have just learned that the enemy's cavalry is already
crossing three miles above. I will have lively times with my trains
again."

This despatch gives a very accurate estimate of the true situation
at that time, except perhaps that I did not then fully appreciate
how much our cavalry had gained in effective strength by the
reinforcements that had joined the corps in the field during the
retreat. I judged by the experience of the previous day (November
29). But the result was very different in the afternoon of the
30th, when our cavalry repulsed and drove back that of the enemy;
at the same time the infantry assault was repulsed at Franklin.
There was no apprehension of the result of an attack in front at
Franklin, but of a move of Hood to cross the river above and strike
for Nashville before I could effect a junction with the troops then
at that place.

The following despatches must have been sent either during the
progress of the battle, or very soon afterward:

"Please send A. J. Smith's division to Brentwood early to-morrow
morning. Also please send to Brentwood to-morrow morning 1,000,000
rounds infantry ammunition, 2000 rounds 3-inch, and 1000 rounds
light twelve artillery."

In reply to my advice, the following order to fall back to Nashville
was sent by Thomas _before_ the battle, but was received by me
_after_ the heavy fighting had ceased. Communication was interrupted
for a short time during the transfer of the telegraph station from
the town of Franklin to a place on the north side of the Harpeth,
rendered necessary by the battle.

"Nashville, November 30, 1864.
"Your despatch of 3 P. M. is received. Send back your trains to
this place at once, and hold your troops in readiness to march to
Brentwood, and thence to this place, as soon as your trains are
fairly on the way, so disposing your force as to cover the wagon-
train. Have all railroad trains sent back immediately. Notify
General Wilson of my instructions. He will govern himself accordingly.
Relieve all garrisons in blockhouses and send back by railroad
trains last over the road. Acknowledge receipt.

"Geo. H. Thomas, Major-General."