Embrace An Angry Wind Chapter 2 (1 Viewer)

[7th OVI]

The continuation of the story of two armies, pursued and pursuer, who were engaged in a vicious struggle outside the small town of Franklin, Tennessee. This chapter is about a small brigade of Federal infantry made up of six under strength veteran regiments. This brigade was under the command of Col. Emerson Opdycke. The brigade was exhausted as a result of being the army's rear guard for the last few days fending off the Army of Tennessee. The brigade approached Franklin in the afternoon and disobeyed orders to join the rest of their division positioned in advance of the main defenses. The brigade instead marched 200 yards behind the main lines in two fields astride the Columbia Pike. Opdycke had his men case their colors, stack rifles and get some much needed food and rest. The men of his brigade tore down fences and used the rails to cook an "afternoon breakfast" as one federal soldier described the meal. Members of the brigade band even took time to play music. And as it grew dark, the men of this brigade felt for the first time in a few days that they were safe.

 

[7th OVI]

As teh final ambulances past by, the brigade surgeons took the opportunity to treat a few men and get them on the ambulances to cross the river and then on to Nashville. Some of the brigades men did not make it and they also were being loaded onto the empty ambulances.

 

[7th OVI]

A staff officer rode up and informed Opdycke that his brigade would now be the center's reserve if anything should happen. Opdycke and his staff thought this was a curious command since the works that had been constructed were very formidable and evening was fast approaching so any attack would have to be swift. It was at this time that music could be heard off in the distance. Bands playing "Dixie" and the "Bonnie Blue Flag".

 

[7th OVI]

They then heard the all too familiar sound of the booming of artillery, crackle of rifle fire and then the all too familiar rebel yell. These veterans stopped their meals and turned towards the works where they could then see the glow in the distance. The unthinkable was happening, the Army of Tennessee was attacking.

 

[7th OVI]

It seemed only a few minutes until the Columbia Pike was filled with retreating soldiers.

 

[7th OVI]

Opdycke knew what to do and quickly had his men form into line of battle. He then decided to more evenly disperse his men using the Columbia Pike as the center. Major Thomas Motherspaw of the 73rd Illinois mistook this order for an order to charge so he mounted his horse and yelled out "Go for them, Boys!". At first the veterans paused, but then urged by their officers and men they leveled their bayonets and rushed forward to meet the Confederates.

 

[7th OVI]

Opdycke shouted "Stop that regiment, Stop that regiment". However nothing could stop them and as they moved forward other regiments joined them. Opdycke then mounted and joined his old regiment, the 125th Ohio, Opdycke's Tigers. He spurred his horse and commanded "First brigade, forward to the works".

 

[7th OVI]

With day light almost gone, the Confederates who had broken through the center of the line fought like mad men. The were not military units any longer more like a mob of armed angry men. Confederate officers were pushing their men past two Carter buildings, the Office and the Smokehouse, to the open fields beyond the Carter home so that they could reform and continue the attack. It was getting dark now. As the Confederate tidal wave came through the buildings, another tidal wave of angry men. More like a mob. "Rose out of the ground like demons", as one Confederate officer described it. These two tidal waves crashed into each other and engaged in some of the most intense, barrel to barrel and hand to hand fighting of the entire war. In about 20 minutes, the Federals would prevail and the Confederates would withdraw back to main line and create a "no man's land" of the Carter Garden that would be fought over to well past 10:00PM. Opdycke's brigade would forever be known as "Opdycke's Tigers" for their action at Franklin.



The crisis in the center was now averted but across the Columbia Pike, another story was unfolding. The story of a general, his promise, the brave men who followed him and that not many of them would make it back to Arkansas where they were from... to be continued.

 

[Mark IV]

Truly great photography just masterful use of lighting.

Had to pinch myself and remember toy soldier dio, it was so realistic

You should be very proud of what you achieved

Regards
Mark

 

[7th OVI]

Mark, appreciate the positive comments. The lighting on this was a challenge as I elected to actually manipulate the light, add red or orange lights or whatever the scene required rather than use photo shop or some other software. I was trying to get an original feel to the images. The last image of the fight around the office and smokehouse is my favorite. Thanks for looking, and appreciate the positive comments. I have one more chapter to do and then will move on to some other western theater battle. Chris

 

[lancer]

Simply outstanding. Love the evening lighting during the shootout at the Carter House. The battleflags look surreal in the fading light. -- Al

 

[mestell]

Very nicely done Chris . . . . .
:smile2: Mike

 

[Terp152]

Story well told and photographed. Very well done. Chris

 

[REVWARBUFF]

You did a fine job on the scenes, the set-ups, the lighting and the story itself! I enjoyed the entire presentation. Thanks for sharing this with us and I look forward to your next installment.

Mark

 

[29 Let's Go]

Love this scene.

Steve

 

[7th OVI]

Al, Mike, Chris, Mark and Steve, appreciate the encouragement. The flags do seem to stand out in the dark. It is one of my favorite images and took a lot of time to stage and shoot in the dark. The next scene will not be as dark since it took place earlier in the day. It will feature the Carter Cotton Gin building and earthworks. Thanks again Chris