ter them, added speed to their flight.

They left four pieces of artillery in the woods, which we have the credit
of capturing.

On the morning of the 16th, at 4 o'clock, everything was in readiness for
a forward move.

We continued our pursuit on the Charlotte pike for a few miles to where
the enemy had camped. At this point the enemy had left the pike and took a
dirt road.

We followed this road about seven miles, and found several wagons and one
piece of artillery stuck in the mud.

Here a halt was made, and Captain Rankin was ordered with his battalion to
move across the country, through the fields or otherwise and endeavor to
reach the Harding pike. This being accomplished, the Captain sent the
following dispatch to Col. Garrard:

"COLONEL--I hold the Harding pike at the brick church and where the
Franklin road crosses the said pike. Gen. Chalmer's division passed this
point, taking the Franklin road, this A. M. They left some wagons here. As
soon as the command could be brought up, our pursuit was continued, the
Fifth Iowa Cavalry being in the advance. Skirmishing soon commenced but
nothing of importance occurred on this day's march, except taking a few
prisoners, twelve being the largest number at any one time."

Night coming on, we went into camp. The next morning, the 17th, our
regiment took the advance, Capt. Eylar having the right of the regiment.

The pursuit was vigorously prosecuted, so much so that orderlies were sent
forward several times to request Col. Garrard not to move so fast, but all
to no purpose, for skirmishing had already commenced, and it is an utter
impossibility to hold the Colonel back when a fight is in progress.

On we went, crossing the big Harpeth river below Franklin.

Skirmishing became quite lively, as we neared the town, but we steadily
pressed them back until we arrived in full view of the town.

Capt. Rankin was ordered to take his battalion and move to the right and
occupy some buildings in the suburbs.

Here the enemy was discovered, drawn up in three lines of battle, but
manifesting no disposition to fight save by artillery which threw a few
shells at us.

The enemy seeing our advance taking position in so close proximity to
them, about faced and commenced moving off.

Col. Garrard on seeing this movement of the enemy ordered a charge.

Capt. Rankin's battalion was on the extreme right and Company E on the
right of the battalion.

Now for the charge. The ord