ORs: (CS) Dispatch of Brig. Gen. John A. Wharton - December 12, 1862

War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
Series 1, Volume 20, Part 1 Page 77-78

HEADQUARTERS WHARTON’S CAVALRY BRIGADE,
Nolensville, Tenn.,
December 12, 1862—3.30 p. in.

GENERAL:
The enemy attacked Franklin this morning just before daylight. Colonel [Baxter] Smith, who was there with 400 men, engaged them. The enemy forced him to retire, with a loss of 3 men killed and 6 wounded. Colonel Smith lost one of his most valuable officers. Colonel Smith reports the enemy’s force to be two regiments of cavalry and one of infantry. The colonel is still near Franklin. I had put a force of 400 men there instead of 200, as I was ordered. I had also ordered one more regiment to his assistance, which did not reach him in time. General Cleburne is now moving on Franklin, on the Triune and Franklin dirt road, and I have sent Colonel [Thomas] Harrison, with his rangers, and [John R. Davis’] battalion of cavalry on the Franklin and Nashville pike, to hold the enemy in check until the arrival of General Cleburne’s force. I advised General Wheeler last evening of the movements of the enemy; also this morning that I thought the enemy designed moving on that place.

I have the honor to be, yours, respectfully,

JNO. A. WHARTON,
Brigadier- General, Commanding Cavalry Brigade.

Lient. Gen. LEONIDAS POLK,
Comdg. Polk’s Corps d’Armee, Army-of Tennessee.