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The community of Franklin is one step closer to a Battlefield park, thanks to the leadership of Franklin’s Charge. A press conference was held June 21st, 2008, on the former Holt property, which is a one-acre plot (with house) that sits just a few yards southeast of the Carter House and property. The acquisition is huge for being able to interpret the battle some day – perhaps in a national/private park – because some of the fiercest fighting took place at this site during the ill-fated action on November 30, 1864.
“This property was the epicenter of the five bloodiest hours of the Civil War,” said Robert Hicks (below right) , Franklin’s Charge board member and author of Widow of the South.”
The purchase price of the land, which includes an early 20th century home that will either be moved or demolished to make room for the “park space” – was $950,000.00. It is hoped by many involved in this project that the Carter cotton gin, which was present during the battle of Franklin, will be re-built on this property or nearby.
Former Holt estate, now owned by Franklin’s Charge.
Franklin has been making big headlines in the preservation community across the nation of 
late. A few years ago the community was able to by the property where a Pizza Hut sat (right), close by the Holt property just purchased. Just last fall, Franklin’s Charge, working with the greater Franklin community, was able to purchase a 108 acre piece of battle field. That land was the former Franklin Country Golf Club, which sits northwest of the Carnton property, which served as the main field hospital after the Battle of Franklin.
There is a real buzz in the air in Franklin among preservationists and people wanting to see green space recovered around downtown Franklin.
[ James Leaming to his brother Rueben Leaming of the 9th New Jersey Volunteers]
Stationed at Newbern, N.C.
Dated April 17, 1865, Bridgeton, NJ
Reads in part:
Dear Brother, The whole north is draped in mourning. The nation laments the death of the President by the hands of an assassin. The chief magistrate of the nation has fallen. A martyr to liberty tis true. Hundreds of thousands have fallen before him but this seems the unkindest cut of all. In the hour of victory in our nations proudest hour the most beloved man of all is taken from us. It would seem by demons from the heart of a secession hell. Devils are all secessionists and it seems that all secessionists are devils. I said the nation mourned, it does, but there is joy in the copperhead heart. There is men in Bridgeton to whom the news of Saturday was good. I believe them to be as guilty as Jno. Wilkes Booth the murderer of Abraham Lincoln. The good lord forgive me if I am wrong but I firmly believe that we can never have a peace until hundreds of traitors are hung as high as Haman. Lincoln was too lenient – to full of love for man. The almighty has permitted him to be removed. Andrew Johnson is today President of the United States. I hope that his administration may be different, severer. Lincoln would kill the Rebels by kindness, thought he was doing for the best. I am glad he erred on the side of mercy. I hope to hear before this week is out that Johnson has instituted a new regime. Wednesday is appointed for the obsequies of the late President. The day will be observed generally throughout the land. On Saturday business was generally suspended throughout the land. The President was shot Friday night at about half past ten o’clock in Ford Theater in Washington. An attempt was made to murder Seward at the same time and but partially succeeded as he may yet recover. Though his son F.W. Seward was it supposed mortally wounded.
Source: eBay Nov 2008
