Hope brothers both fought and died together at Franklin, for 46th TN, Company D
June 23, 2007 by tellinghistory
The 46th TN fought with Quarles’ brigade, Walthall’s division, AOT at Franklin. The 46th TN fought alongside the 1st Alabama; 42d, 48th, 49th, 53d, 55th Tennessee at Franklin.
McGavock records show:
Lt. William L. Hope (# 14) buried in section 52 TN. He is listed as a LT., in the 46th TN, Company D., Quarles’ brigade. (Marker right)
also
Captain Pleasant M. Hope (#33) with the 46th TN, Company D, Quarles brigade. Marker below.
These are the only two Hope’s listed in the 46th by CWD.
According to Eric A. Jacobson, For Cause and Country (2006); p. 315-16; William and Pleasant were brothers. Jacobson also includes a touching letter from Pleasant wrote to his infant daughter, whom he never saw.
April 25, 1864
It is with pleasure and delight that I write you a few lines, which will be the first letter you ever received, and one too which I hope you will preserve until you can read it.
By the misfortunes of war, I have been separated from your Momma, but by the blessings of God, I hope to soon return to you, never more to leave you, until death shall separate us. My dear and only child, be a good girl, ever love and obey your affectionate Momma, and don’t forget your first letter writer, who has not nor never will forget you, who daily prays to God, in his infinite mercy, to spare, bless and protect you amid the troubles of this world, and should you live to be old, may God bless you and prepare your soul in this life to go to that happy world after death.
Your father,
P.M. Hope
Source: The Carter House Archives
William and Pleasant Hope were indeed brothers. Theirs is just one of the many sad stories related to the Battle of Franklin.
[...] at Franklin (November 1864). He fell with many other boys from the 46th/55th, including Captain Pleasant M. Hope and his brother William. This regiment was 250 before Franklin and only 25 answered the call [...]