Chapter X. Hood Forces the Crossing of Duck River--Importance of

Gaining Time for Thomas to Concentrate Reinforcements at Nashville --The Affair at Spring Hill--Incidents of the Night Retreat--Thomas's Reply to the Request that a Bridge be Laid over the Harpeth--The Necessity of Standing Ground at Franklin--Hood's Formidable Attack --Serious Error of Two Brigades of the Rear-Guard--Brilliant Services of the Reserve--Yellow Fever Averted--Hood's Assaults Repulsed-- Johnston's Criticism of Hood--The Advantage of Continuing the Retreat to Nashville.