The Union Victory That Saved Lincoln’s Presidency
For a variety of reasons, many general officers disliked the press, but none more so than General William T. Sherman. An antagonist to those who sent dispatches to their newspapers revealing Union troop movements, Sherman held them in contempt. Many newspapers reacted by questioning his state of mind. Franc Wilkie of The New York Times wrote that Sherman demonstrated his “madness” for selecting landing sites at Chickasaw Bluffs in December 1862 that resulted in a Union defeat. The Times’ editorial referred to the approach as “the insane attack.” And the Times was not alone in that sentiment. Other newspaper editors were equally hostile to Sherman. Thomas Knox of the New York Herald admonished the General, “. . . you are regarded as the enemy of our set, and we must in self-defense write you down.”
It was disconcerting then when Sherman’s troops took Atlanta and the Union press started writing his praises. In a letter to his brother, John, on August 12th, he penned, “I was hoping to remain unpopular, but I see even the newspapers begin to point out the good points in my character. This is the certain presage of a downfall.”
July 22, 1864: From the Charleston Mercury
Telegraphic
Important from Atlanta – Heavy Skirmishing along the Lines
Atlanta, July 20 – General REYNOLDS’ brigade attacked the enemyline of skirmishers last evening at Peach Tree Creek, and took possession of their breastworks. He then charged their reserve picket support by VILWORTH’S corps and captured one hundred and fifty prisoners. The Eighty-fifth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers lost in killed and wounded alone, one hundred, while the loss in the Fifth Ohio was severe.
ATLANTA, July 20. The enemy made a strong demonstration yesterday and this morning on our right, near Decatur.
Gen. HOOD attacked their right at 4 o this afternoon, at Peach Tree Creek, near the Chattahoochee. In a few minutes the enemy were driven into their works. The colors of the 33d New Jersey and about 300 prisoners were captured from HOOKER’S corps. Our loss not heavy, mostly slightly wounded. Brig. Gen. CLEMANT H. STEVENS, of South Carolina, was wounded, it is feared, mortally. Maj. PRESTON, formerly of Gen. JOHNSTON’S staff, was killed.
There was some skirmishing on our right, where the enemy attacked our entrenchments, but were repulsed with heavy loss. Our cavalry, under Gen. WHEELER, followed up the retreating Yankees, driving them with repeated charges towards Decatur.
Yesterday evening REYNOLDS’ North Carolina and Virginia Brigade, which had already crossed Peach Tree Creek, drove them back, taking two stand of colors and 130 prisoners. Our troops are in fine spirits.
July 25, 1864
IMPORTANT FROM GEORGIA – SHERMAN’S RAIDERS AT WORK ON THE RAILROADS – While the main armies of SHERMAN and HOOD are confronting each other around Atlanta, the Yankee raiding parties are very active in their depredations upon the railroads. The Augusta Constitutionalist of Saturday, in noticing the raid on the Georgia Road, says:
By passengers that arrived on the train this morning we learn that the Federals captured two trains, yesterday morning, at Conyers. One of the engineers escaped, and procuring a mule, made his way towards Covington. When he arrived there he saw a force of the enemy approaching the place, and continued on down to Rutledge. All the stock of the company, we learn, was moved from Rutledge to Union Point last night. Rumor also says the enemy have burned Yellow River and Alcova Bridges, and the depot at Covington. We give place to these reports in order to satisfy the anxiety of our people for intelligence of operations from Atlanta and vicinity, not that we give them full credit, but in order that they may not be deceived and unnecessarily excited by wild and unfounded rumors.
ATLANTA CAMPAIGN: ARMY OPERATIONS SHOWING BATTLES OF PEACH TREE CREEK, ATLANTA, AND EZRA CHURCH (WESTERN AND ATLANTIC RAILROAD COMPANY). LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.
The same paper, in its issue of Sunday, tells us that a despatch from General Hood states that the Yankee raiding force now making havoc along the Georgia Railroad numbers three brigades of cavalry. A Confederate cavalry force had left Atlanta in pursuit. Ample preparations have been made to give the raiders a warm reception in case they progress much farther in this direction. A gentleman who came from Athens yesterday evening states that the enemy had not been seen this side of Alcova bridge. The rumor that the Yankees were in force at High Shoals nine miles from Athens, on Friday, needs confirmation.
The Columbus Ga. Sun Extra, of Thursday, says, that the citizens of that place were all agog and under arms to repel a raid expected from the direction of the Montgomery and West Point Railroad. The negro men had all been ordered to work on the fortifications. The Sun gives the following account of the doings of the raiders:
From the best information that our reporter could obtain, who returned last evening from the front, the raiders most thoroughly did their work of destruction of the superstructure of the Montgomery and West Point Railroad, from a point near Chehaw to another some two or three miles east of Opelika, and also of one and a half miles of the Columbus branch road. The stringers and ties were piled first, the iron rails on top, fire applied underneath, and as the rails became sufficiently heated other means were applied to aid in distorting them. The number of miles of road thus destroyed is probably between thirty and thirty-five. The raiders destroyed no private property, so far as now known, and committed no robberies excepting, perhaps, those of live stock and provisions. They destroyed Government property wherever found. They said that they came solely for the purposes of damaging the road and destroying Government property. They also said that they came with the expectation of being captured. This accounts for their having destroyed so much within the short space of two days. The raiders left the railroad Tuesday evening, and the last news from there is that they had passed through Lafayette, Chambers county, Alabama, that night. It is reported that Col. Lary, with a detachment of General Clanton’s Alabama brigade, was in pursuit of them; and also that a detachment of General [????] brigade, from West Point, is trying to intercept the raiders.
July 27, 1864
Telegraphic
The Latest News from Atlanta
ATLANTA, July 25 – The enemy made an attempt last night to break our lines, but were repulsed by CHEATHAM, after a conflict of one hour duration. During the day quiet prevailed around the city, the only demonstration being occasional picket firing. On Monday the Yankees opened with shell again upon the city, shelling for an hour with some vigor. No notice of their intention to shell the city was given, to enable the women and children to be removed to a place of safety. The result of the enemy’s barbarous conduct was the murder of a few noncombatants. Most of the shells were thrown from a 20 pounder Parrot gun on the line of the Western and Atlantic Railroad, with an occasional missile from another gun east of the city. The gallant operations of Wednesday and Friday seem to have impressed the Yankees with a wholesome desire to strengthen their flanks, which they are now doing. Their display of rockets and signals this evening is brilliant. The following address to the troops was read this morning:
In the Field, July 25
Soldiers! Experience has proved to you that safety in time of battle consists in getting into close quarters with the enemy. Guns and colors are the only unerring indications of victory. The valor of troops is easily estimated, too, by the number of those secured. If your enemy be allowed to continue the operations of flanking you out of position, your case is in peril. Your recent brilliant success proves the ability to prevent it. You have but to will, and God will grant us the victory your commander and country confidently expect.
(Signed)
J. B. HOOD, General
July 29, 1864
THE SITUATION OF AFFAIRS AROUND ATLANTA – WHAT THE GEORGIA PAPERS SAY
We gather some interesting paragraphs from our latest Georgia exchanges in regard to the situation of affairs along the front:
The Late Fight – Hardee’s Dash
The general impression is that our entire loss in the recent battles will not amount to more than five thousand. The loss of the enemy in killed and wounded has also been overrated, as they fought for the most part behind entrenchments. Our army is unbroken in strength and spirit, and ready to move forward whenever their gallant chief shall give the word. Our wounded are well cared for, and bear their misfortunes like heroes. Seldom is a complaint heard in the hospitals.
The movement of Hardee against the enemy left wing was one of the most dashing of the war, and a complete surprise. His men dashed upon the enemy as a storm from the clouds, and so panic stricken were the vandals that the first line threw down their arms and ran towards our lines, shouting at the top of their voices: ‘Donshoot, we surrender!’ The prisoners sent to the rear, Hardee attacked the second line and carried it, but with considerable loss to his corps. He held their works for more than a day, no serious effort being made to molest him, and then moved to a more fruitful portion of the field.
The Enemy Suffering for Food
A gentleman from Atlanta says he was informed by a good many of our soldiers, and the testimony was so concurrent that he could not doubt it, that the Yankee prisoners reported themselves in a famishing condition. They stated that had received no rations for three days. They also reported that no trains had come down for four or five days. As these prisoners were captured on the extreme left of Shermanline, it may well be that their case was exceptional, and as to the arrival of railroad trains to Sherman, they may well have been entirely ignorant of what was taking place across the river.
The Last Repulse of the Yankees
On Sunday night the enemy made a heavy demonstration on our centre, with the apparent object of forcing our lines, and to gain a certain advantage of position which would make their operations much more effective. They were repulsed by Gen. Cheathamcorps. The enemy suffered disastrously during the hour that they fought against the impenetrable lines held by that veteran General and his invincible soldiers. After discovering the futility of their operations, Sherman resumed his former position and strengthened his works, especially the wings. We presume he will patiently try the effect of parallels and siege approaches – those offensive operations that have been so eminently characteristic – a peculiarity of his plans and very successful hitherto. But we suspect that he will be foiled completely and his strategy overwhelmed by the rapid movements of an active rival whose enterprise is not inferior to his own.
The Bombardment of Atlanta
A great many houses in Atlanta have been pierced by Yankee shells. A dozen shells have struck Wesley Chapel and the Parsonage. Two batteries have the range of the Car Shed and the Wesley Chapel, and they peg away night and day, making line shots in the direction of the State R. R. bridge. The women and children fly to the cellars, and the men walk about watching where the shells strike. The Atlanta Relief Committee are busy distributing rations to destitute women and children.
The Georgia Militia Moving to the Front
Sixteen hundred of the Georgia militia started from Macon for Atlanta Tuesday. The Telegraph says they made a fine appearance as they marched through the streets, were in the very best spirits and appeared ready to meet the enemy in defence of their homes. The material of this brigade is as good as that of any in the South, and we are certain they will do honor to the State when brought into action. The Telegraph also states that a similar number will go down to Atlanta each day during the week from this place. There is now a large force of militia at Macon, which, when sent to the front, will prove a valuable accession to our gallant army.
Miscellaneous
His Excellency Gov. Joseph E. Brown, Gens. Joseph E. Johnston, B. Bragg, Anderson of Tennessee, Wayne and Hindman, were all in Macon on Sunday.
Reinforcements from Gen. S. D. Lee have arrived, and a large number of troops from the same direction are on their way.
SHERMAN’S CAMPAIGN—PROVOST MARSHAL’S OFFICE, ATLANTA—CITIZENS GETTING PASSES TO GO NORTH, IN CONSEQUENCE OF GENERAL SHERMAN’S ORDER FOR THE DEPARTURE OF ALL CITIZENS (FRANK LESLIE). LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.
The army is in fine spirits, eager for a fight, and confident of success; and while they deplore the removal of General Johnston, have implicit confidence in Gen. Hood and a fixed determination to stand by him and never allow Atlanta to fall into the hands of the Yankees.
August 2, 1864
The news of the defeat and capture of the most famous of all the Yankee raiders comes in like a welcome gleam of sunshine upon what was fast growing to be a very dark picture. It need not be disguised that the aspect of affairs in Georgia, viewed in the list of the rumors and advices that had reached us up to yesterday afternoon, was far from cheering. Vague reports of another battle in front of Atlanta had indeed gone abroad; but we listened in vain to hear, through the smoke of the conflict, those shouts of triumph we had expected from the veterans of HOOD. Meanwhile, SHERMAN, with his multiplied bands of mounted vagabonds, was traversing the fairest regions of Georgia, working his will with her magnificant railroads and, seemingly unresisted, brginging fire and sword to the very gates of her capital.
But the scene has changed. The Army of Tennessee, after inflicting another terrible chastisement upon the foe, still stands, like a wall of fire, around Atlanta; and SHERMAN, baffled and disappointed, is as far as ever from the mastery of the city. The Grand Raid, too, has come to grief. Its main force, doubtless already broken down with fatigue, has been swept like chaff before our pursuing squadrons; its chief aims have all been defeated; and its bold and skilful leader, with many of his officers and men, are captives in our hands.
The contradictory despatches leave us in doubt as to whom we have to thank for this gallant and timely achievement. But of the achievement itself, there is, happily, no doubt whatever. No matter whose the arm that dealt it, truly it was a right lusty blow, and struck at the happy moment.
August 2, 1864
The Great Georgia Raid
The Savannah Republican of yesterday gives the following review of the recent operations of the Yankee raiders in the region east of Macon:
On Thursday the telegraph reported a party of raiders at Clinton, in Jones county. At eleven o Friday night this party made its appearance suddenly at Gordon, on the Central Railroad, twenty miles this side of Macon, and the point of junction with the Milledgeville and Eatonton Road. There was no force to meet them, and the raiders proceeded to destroy everything that fire could burn. The railroad depot, Wayside Home, and passenger shed were all consumed, with the houses immediately in their neighborhood. The greatest loss, however, was in rolling stock. Thirteen locomotives and twenty passenger cars, belonging to the State Road, were destroyed, together with a train belonging to the Central Road, known as the train. The track was torn up in every direction, both on the Central and on the Milledgeville Road.
The day following, about 10 a.m., the raiders reached the Central Railroad bridge over the Oconee river, about thirty miles this side of Gordon, and this was also destroyed without, so far as we can learn, any effort to save it. A guard from Savannah had been posted there for several days, up to Friday morning, when, on information from the military authorities in that quarter that the raiders had retired toward Atlanta, they were, unfortunately, withdrawn, leaving that important work wholly without protection. This mischief accomplished, the raiders are said to have struck off in a northerly direction.
From the best information we can obtain, the raiders numbered only two or three hundred, and any sort of organization might have worried them out of the country, and saved us from harm. It does not appear that we had out even scouts to watch and report their movements, or that our planters in the most populous section of the State took any steps to meet them. The whole thing is strange, indeed, and anything but creditable to our State.
In addition to the foregoing, despatches have been received here, in military circles, stating that a large body of Yankee cavalry, to the number of about 4,000, made their appearance at Griffin on Friday. No particulars are given.
These parties are said to be off-shoots from a main body, under Stoneman, numbering 8,000 men, with 16 or 18 pieces of artillery. When last seen they were in the vicinity of Covington, on the Georgia Railroad, when Stoneman sent out his raiders in various directions, with instructions for all to meet at Macon, where they would be joined by Rosseau, with 3,000 more, and after the Union march on Andersonville. Such is the report, and military circles receive it with some degree of faith.
A despatch dated Gordon, July 31, from Mr. BRENNER, of the Telegraph Company, to President CUYLER, of the Georgia Central Railroad, says:
From 152 mile post to 153, three pieces of the track have been burnt, about the length of three cars in all, in two places across stock gaps. From 154 mile post to No. 15, the track is all right. At No. 15 the side track is partially burnt. From No. 15 to 157 mile post all right. Between 157 and 158 mile post two tressels have been slightly damaged and five uprights burnt, which will cover all the damage. All the track to No. 16 is perfect. The side track at No. 16 partially burnt. From No. 16 to the gates at Gordon, all is right.
All the cars at Gordon except those containing families were burnt; also the warehouse and some small houses near by. The passenger shed is not burnt. The engines were all burnt, but not much damaged. The sideling is mostly injured at Gordon; only about fifty yards of the main track is burnt. All the information we learn at this point is that the force at the stations above number 260, and that they left No. 15 for Milledgeville at 4 o p.m. yesterday.
There was fighting near Macon yesterday; report says we repulsed them. Walnut Creek Bridge (near Macon) is damaged.
I will give you the condition of the rest of the road as I pass over tomorrow. Hope to have the lines working through then.
August 3, 1864
Telegraphic
Official Accounts from Petersburg and Georgia
The Latest Accounts from Georgia
ATLANTA, August 2
All is quiet along the lines this morning. The enemy shelled the city for a half hour last evening.
The army is much elated at the defeat of the raiders in their rear. The enemy is still massing his forces on our left.
MACON, August 2
Atlanta trains arrive and depart regularly, in schedule time.
Yesterday affairs wore their usual aspect at Atlanta. There was some picket firing and shelling yesterday afternoon, which did no damage. The Yankees have apparently abandoned their advance across the Georgia Railroad, and are massing on their centre and right, endeavoring to work their way down between the city and the river.
The raiders who cut the Macon and Western Railroad were driven towards Newnan by JACKSON’S division of cavalry. Their advance reached Newnan just after the arrival of the train carrying RODDY’S command to Atlanta. He immediately attacked them in front, and the pursuing forces of JACKSON having come up, the Yankees broke and fled, leaving about 500 prisoners, 700 horses, and all their artillery (three pieces) in our hands. The rest sought to escape across the Chattahoochee. It was supposed that more would be taken.
The three pieces of artillery captured from STONEMAN have been brought here. It is also reported that we also captured 600 horses and 800 mules from STONEMAN’S force.
The State militia forces are pouring in, and are being rapidly sent forward to Atlanta.
August 6, 1864
Our Position at Atlanta
Every day delay, in which our enemies at Atlanta are kept at bay, it appears to us, is favorable to the Confederate cause. They draw their supplies for subsistence from an immense distance through an exhausted country, at a period of the year when the rivers in their possession are obstructed in their navigation, by the fall of waters; we, on the contrary, with our railroads repaired, are in the midst of our resources to support our army. The disasters of their late raid, to isolate Atlanta from these resources, will, in all probability, prevent the repetition of such an expedition; whilst it has stimulated the population of Georgia, under the patriotic call of GOV. BROWN, to hasten to the defence of their homes and their native State. We take it to be a matter of course, that our troops will be reinforced, not only by the militia of Georgia, but by Confederate troops, if not from the army of Virginia, from the army under General PRICE, or KIRBY SMITH, or by FORREST, or by MORGAN. It appears to us to be quite impossible that, with such large resources for reinforcing the army at Atlanta, disencumbered from any immediate pressure of our foes, the army at Atlanta will not be reinforced. Independent of the interests of the Confederacy, the promotion of General HOOD to the command of that army, we have not doubted, would secure to it the necessary reinforcements. Since he took the command of it three conflicts have taken place, in two of which he attacked the enemy behind their entrenchments. In both, the wonted valor of our troops hase been displayed. They carried two lines of entrenchments, but failed to carry the third; and our troops returned to the positions they occupied before the conflicts took place. We cannot doubt that, in these engagements, our losses were heavy. Indeed, we would suppose, from the fact that our enemies fought behind entrenchments, which were stormed by us, that our losses, in killed and wounded, must have been heavier than those of our enemies. These battles, however, teach us an important lesson. They show that, with the number of troops we have at Atlanta, we cannot assume aggressive war with any hope of driving our enemies before us. A defensive warfare is our policy, until reinforcements shall arrive, which shall put us on something like a numerical equality with our foes. General JOHNSTON being removed from the command, because he would not assume aggressive war, we suppose General HOOD was obliged, in some way, to try it. He has tried it; and the result plainly proves, that if he persists, in it, without reinforcements, he will be carrying out the policy of GRANT, without the safety of GRANT, who had a living reservoir of blood, to supply his losses. The policy of every General with inferior numbers, is to fight only when he can fight at advantage. He cannot afford to lose man for man. He must injure his enemy more than his enemy injures him, or he will be ruined. Time, if he can obtain it, is his great ally; which, whilst his enemy is at bay, brings to him reinforcements and strength. And whilst reinforcements, we cannot doubt, will soon gather in front against our foes, may we not also hope that LEE or FORREST will burst upon their rear; and our whole force gathering together its united power, will roll up the Yankee army like a rotten scrowl.
August 9, 1864
The Macon Confederate has a long article on this subject, from which we derive the following interesting facts:
There are four railroads terminating in Atlanta – the Georgia Railroad, the Western and Atlantic, the Macon and Western, and the Atlantic and West Point. The first of these, the Georgia, was completed in 1828, and then terminated at Whitehall, a small country tavern near the centre of Fulton County. Commencing at Augusta, it ran in a northwesterly direction to that point. Then the Macon and Western was constructed from Macon to the same point, and soon after the village of Whitehall was named Atlanta. The West Point Road was the next constructed, running to the Chattahoochee River over the western boundary of the State. The Western and Atlantic, running northwest to Chattanooga, followed.
Atlanta soon became a city, with factories, shops, merchants, mechanics, traders, speculators, and whatever pertained to a first class commercial emporium.
The Chattahoochee River rises in the Black Mountains, a spur of the Blue Ridge, in Habersham county, and not far from the headwaters of the Savannah. It runs west one hundred and fifty miles, and empties into the Apalachicola and the Gulf of Mexico.
Seven miles north of Atlanta is the Chattahoochee Bridge, where the Western and Atlantic Railroad crosses the river. This bridge, destroyed by the Confederates, has been rebuilt by the Yankees. A few hundred yards above this bridge Peach Tree Creek comes into the Chattahoochee from the east. A little creek, called Nance, runs into the Peach Tree just above the mouth of the latter. Farther up the Chattahoochee, sixteen miles northeast of Atlanta, is Roswell, the present base of the left wing of Shermanarmy. Stone Mountain is an isolated peak, several hundred feet high, sixteen miles from Atlanta. Decatur is a depot on the Georgia Railroad, four miles from Atlanta. Stone Mountain is the only elevation of any importance anywhere about Atlanta.
It is 138 miles from Atlanta to Chattanooga; 171 to Augusta; 84 to West Point; 168 to Montgomery; 110 to Macon. East Point is six miles west on the West Point Road. The Macon and Western and the Atlanta Roads form a junction at East Point. At one place Peach Tree Creek runs within five miles of the city. The enemy, at last accounts, were all along this petty stream.
The surface of the country in Fulton county is generally flat, with here and there small ridges.
August 16, 1864
Telegraphic
Latest from Atlanta
ATLANTA, August 14
The enemy opened fire upon the city with six batteries at 8 o last night, their batteries being stationed on the Marietta street, Peach Tree and Williams’ Mill Roads, and in front of the Medical College Rolling Mills. The fire was very heavy, and continued until 4, a. m. About midnight a shell entered the frame storehouse of BIGGERS & CO., on Marietta street, between Peach Tree and Church streets, setting fire to some loose cotton. The flames spread rapidly, and the building was soon enveloped. The alarm was given, and Engine No. 3 responded promptly.
The enemy immediately concentrated their fire on that point, yet the firemen nobly held their ground despite the rain of shells. They succeeded in saving the building and the large warehouse of KYLE & CO. Some few other buildings were consumed. Not a citizen was injured. The women and children sought safety in the bomb proofs.
But little shelling has taken place along the line today. No movement of the enemy is reported.
ATLANTA, August 15
At a late hour yesterday evening the enemy drove in our pickets on the centre, and, after a sharp skirmish, were repulsed. There was desultory firing along the line throughout the night and today, but few shells have been thrown into the city.
A body of the enemycavalry dashed into Decatur this evening, moving in the direction of CobbMills. A small force of infantry is reported to be posted in Decatur. Their actions indicate another movement on our right. Lively skirmishing was going on along our centre.
Everything looks brighter and more hopeful than at any time since the siege began.
August 16, 1864
Operations in Sherman’s Rear
It is stated that WHEELER has destroyed the bridges across the Etowah and Oostanaula Rivers, and burnt the track the whole way from Marietta. A large amount of stores are said to have fallen into his hands at Resaca, which was destroyed after our cavalry had appropriated all that was needful to them. At last accounts, the report says General WHEELER was rapidly marching in the direction of Dalton, where an immense amount of stores, both subsistence and ordnance, has been congregating for some time.
From the Macon Confederate of Friday we learn that General WHEELER massed his cavalry corps near Covington, on the Augusta Railroad, and on Monday morning the grand cavalcade of gay cavaliers started for adventure and SHERMAN’S rear. It was rumored in town yesterday that he had captured Marietta and burned the Federal stores there, and had taken an immense number of prisoners. Be it as it may, it is certain that the long expected effort to cut SHERMAN’S communication is now about to be realized. The Federal cavalry have nearly all recently been destroyed, and Gen WHEELER is now out just at the right time.
We are assured by gentlemen direct from headquarters that there is not the slightest intention entertained there of a retrograde move or the evacuation of Atlanta. On the other hand, it is expected that SHERMAN will be forced to retreat.
GENERAL SHERMAN’S CAMPAIGN. BURNING THE RAILROAD BRIDGE AT RESACA (DAVIS). LIABRARY OF CONGRESS.
August 16, 1864
The Approaching Battle
The movements of the enemy in front of Atlanta indicate that a final and decisive engagement for the possession of that city will shortly take place. The heavy columns of troops being massed on our left will soon compel us either to attack or to evacuate Atlanta, and neither prudence nor policy could impel General Hood to yield the city without a desperate struggle. Under such circumstances we should feel no surprise if at any hour our army assumed the aggressive and the struggle – fraught with the destinies of Georgia, and filled with the greatest importance to the Confederacy – should commence for the possession of a city whose importance to us cannot be overestimated. That General Hood will fight, we have the strongest assurances in the dogged resolution with which he has held the enemy in check for the past three weeks, and in a series of partial engagements, repulsed every effort of the enemy to force us out of Atlanta, either by direct assault or by the more prudent method of flanking.
These partial engagements have been but the prelude to a bloody carnival which must soon be held in the vicinity of Atlanta. Perceiving that his attack on portions of our lines have all proven unsuccessful, and that the raids which he inaugurated have met a similar fate to those of his colleagues in Virginia, Sherman appears to have changed his tactics, and by persistently massing his forces on our left, invites the attack which necessity must soon compel us to make. There is no doubt that in so doing he has acted with considerable prudence and materially decreases the danger of his position.
By forcing us to assume the offensive, with an army inferior to his in numbers, he will have gained a decided advantage. His columns are steadily pushed forward in the direction of East Point, and, unless we force them back, the possession of the railroads leading to Macon and West Point will fall into his hands, and necessitate the abandonment of Atlanta for the preservation of our army. This must be prevented at every hazard; and we are certain that the effort will be made. Still the question arises whether the strength of our army will warrant an attack on the enemy, entrenched as he will be in powerful works and possessing a vast superiority in numbers.
The hour is fast approaching when a bloody and desperate battle will be fought. In fact it cannot be delayed many days. The odds are against us, so far as numbers are concerned, but we must trust to the tried valor of our men to make up all deficiencies. In the meantime, it is the duty of every man who is absent with or without leave that he shall promptly rejoin his command and help to swell our ranks. The very crisis in the fate of Georgia and of the South is at hand; and this is the time for every man to perform the obligation he owes his country. Furloughs can temporarily be laid aside, and a patriotic promptness in reporting to their respective commands, be substituted by our soldiers. We are aware that the pleasures of home and the society of relatives and friends possess great allurement, and are fascinating to the veteran, but he must be willing to forego the happiness of being with his loved ones for a while.
Duty must be obeyed and when victory is achieved and the enemy is sent howling back to the Tennessee, they can repose on the laurels won by their patriotism and heroism. The battle will be fought in a few days and every additional man will add a tower of strength to the army. We trust for the sake of the cause in which you are engaged that no man will so far ignore the claims of his country by absenting himself from the battlefield at the present time, when his presence and that of thousands who are absent, might turn the scale of battle and wrest victory from the banners of our enemy. Sherman is now playing his last card. If we can beat him back the result will be undoubted. Beaten once more he will be compelled to seek safety in flight, and the lowering clouds which now threaten to overwhelm us in disaster will be dispelled by the bright sunshine of a glorious triumph.
August 19, 1864
Telegraphic
Important from Atlanta
Wheeler in the Enemy’s Rear
Atlanta, August 18
Heavy skirmishing began at midnight on our left and centre and continued until 2 a.m., without any result. At daybreak this morning the artillery of STEWART’S corps opened on the enemy, whose batteries replied feebly. The firing on our side was very heavy, and produced consternation amongst the enemy forces.
Prisoners report that our cavalry captured a large number of beeves at Kingston a few days since. Numerous reports are in circulation regarding the operations of WHEELER’S cavalry; but, beyond the fact that they have cut the road at Ackworth, and were destroying the track between the Etowah Oostanoula Rivers, and, thus far, had been entirely successful, nothing official has been received.
The enemy seems ignorant of the magnitude of WHEELER’S operations. They were preparing another raiding expedition, under KILPATRICK, which had rendezvoused at Sweet Water, preparatory to starting, which has been recalled, and is now going in pursuit of our cavalry.
July 25, 1864
Special Dispatch to The New York Times
Washington, Sunday, July 24 – 10 P. M.
Official dispatches of another battle before Atlanta, fought on Friday, were received by the authorities last night. At the time of sending the dispatch the contest was still going on, but the results, so far as developed, were favorable. A position had been gained from which SHERMAN was able to bring his siege guns to bear on the city. Extensive fires were raging within its limits as though the rebels were burning stores. &c.
During this engagement Gen. MCPHERSON was killed. This sad report it was at first hoped might prove unfounded, but it has been fully confirmed. In this brilliant young officer the country loses one of its ablest Generals. Gen. Granti has always placed the very highest estimate on his talent, and after the Vicksburgh campaign addressed him a letter, in which he stated that after SHERMAN, no man in his army had rendered him such service, and done so much for the success of the campaign as he.
Gen. McPherson’s Death
A Battle on Friday
Fighting Still Going On
Louisville, Sunday, July 23
Major NORCROSS, local Paymaster at Chattanooga, telegraphs Major ALLEN, Chief Paymaster here, that Major Gen. MCPHERSON was killed yesterday before Atlanta. Another correspondent says he was shot fatally through the lungs.
Baltimore, Sunday, July 23
A PRIVATE DISPATCH RECEIVED BY A RELATIVE OF GEN. MCPHERSON in this city last night, dated near Atlanta, July 23, announces that that gallant officer was killed in battle the day previous, and that his remains would be sent home in charge of members of his staff,
Washington, Sunday, July 24
The latest official dispatches from Gen. Sherman represent repeated fighting and give the circumstances attending the death of Gen. MCPHERSON, who fell in battle in the severe contest of Friday.
Gen. Hooker’s Corps
Movements of the Army up to July 18
Kenesaw Mountain
Marietta
Chattahoochee River
CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER. Ga., Monday. July 18, 1864 – The first act of the grand drama which SHERMAN has been performing this Summer has been played. The Chattahoochee has been reached by the Army of the West. The curtain rests upon the stage, while the actors pause to take breath and arrange their costumes for the inauguration of Act II – the struggle for Atlanta – which the distant booming of cannon announces is about to begin. That it will be prolific of battle scenes and bloody encounters none can doubt who reflect upon the importance of the position to be wrested from the foe.
Thus far Gen. SHERMAN’S campaign has been mainly marked by irregular conflicts, prolonged skirmishing, by arduous marches, flanking operations, and the advance and attack of certain corps to conceal and protect the movements of others. Although the army has frequently been in line of battle and sometimes engaged for a week at a time in heavy skirmishing, if we except ‘Resaca’ of the 14th and 15th of June, no general engagement has been fought between the opposing armies. But our columns have arrived at last at the river behind which the enemy has all along boasted that his main defence would be made. We are now so close to the city of Atlanta that the decisive conflict cannot be delayed much longer. If the army moves at all beyond the river, the north bank of which is now its line, it will be a movement characterized by very heavy fighting.
In a previous letter the prediction was ventured that the most obstinate resistance to be encountered by our army, prior to crossing the Chattahoochee, would be in the vicinity of Kenesaw Mountain. Since that was written the position indicated has been occupied and maintained by JOHNSTON for two weeks against the most determined efforts of our combined armies. It was not without a severe struggle that he was driven from Pine Knob, where, on the 14th, 15th, and 16th, Gen. HOOKER, with his invincible corps, fought with great bravery. Gen. GEARY’S division was chiefly engaged, losing 519 men in killed and wounded. The attack was continued until the desired position was attained, and the enemy retreated. On the 17th other divisions came to the active assistance of the heroic division which Gen. GEARY had handled with so much ability. The enemy was forced back through successive lines of works until the 20th, when Kenesaw and its adjacent ridges presented their stern front, bristling with guns and bayonets, to prevent the further progress of the hitherto triumphant army.
Kenesaw Mountain is a huge, isolated, double hill rising boldly out of a country of almost uninterrupted forestcovered ridges – themselves of no mean elevation. In these ridges consist the peculiar adaptation of the country for defensive purposes. Aided by military science, they have been made by rebel engineering absolutely impregnable to direct assault. All the works I have seen partake of the same character. They consist of long lines of rifle-pits, elaborately constructed with good revetments of logs or fascines, and are well drained. These lines following the crests of the ridges, are occasionally broken by forts constructed on the most commanding elevations.
The flanks are always well protected by strong forts. The woods in front of an intrenchment are generally cut down, so as to form an impenetrable abattis. When their lines cross open fields, they are fully guarded by rows of sharpened stakes, driven firmly in the ground, at an angle calculated to impale a horse or man running upon them, and too closely set to permit of passage between. The villainous chevaux de frise is also freely used, particularly on roads where our cavalry are expected to charge. This precaution is altogether unnecessary, as it is a well-known fact that we have no cavalry to hurl on rebel works. All we have are required to defend the flanks and rear. Even in the construction of advanced works for skirmishers, the enemy seem to have bestowed time and care. Their forts and lines of intrenchments partake more of the aspect of permanent fortifications than field works for temporary use. The enemy has been driven from them by the flanking process which has been adopted by Gen. SHERMAN with so much success as to earn for him the suggestive appellation of “The Great Flanker.”
I will not attempt to record a detailed account of the many assaults and conflicts that occurred between the two armies in the protracted struggle in front of Kenesaw. Suffice it to say that for two weeks Gen. SHERMAN vainly attempted this hill by direct assault. On the 27th of June a general attack was ordered, and in pursuance thereof the Fourteenth and Fourth Corps engaged the enemy’s lines near the base of the mountain with great spirit, but could not drive them beyond their breastworks. During the battle, a furious cannonade was kept up on the mountain, enveloping its top and sides in the smoke of exploding shells. The other corps were in readiness to charge the moment the effort should show signs of success. But the attack was not a success, and soon developed the strong position of the foe, proving it to be folly to throw away lives in attempting to dislodge him by assault.
Gen. SHERMAN then turned his attention to other means, and applied to them his never-failing receipt for obstinance – a flank movement. Supplies were replenished at Big Shanty, the new depot. Preparation was made to pass the entire army to the enemy’s rear. As the movement contemplated would, if Johnston’s lines did not fall back, necessarily leave the railroad at his mercy, the depot was ordered back to Alatoona Bridge. A strong column, SCHOFIELD’S I believe, was sent westward on JOHNSTONS left, and on the 2d of July other corps followed. During the night of July 2d the enemy was ascertained to be again in retreat, after having obstinately held out against our assaults for two weeks. We pressed rapidly after them, passing through a series of works more formidable than any before captured. We again overtook them at night on the 3rd of July, about two miles south of Marietta.
Marietta deserves more than a passing notice. Prior to the war it was noted throughout the South as one of the centres of Georgian wealth and refinement. Compared with a Northern town its proportions would be diminutive indeed; but in Georgia, with a population of two thousand, it ranked as the sixth town in size in the State. The period of its settlement dates anterior to that of Atlanta, which owes it’s superiority in size to the fact of its being a centre for several railroads. Marietta, with no commercial aspirations and no manufacturing interest, had, confessedly, a higher social grade than Atlanta, with all its teeming population, workshops and warehouses. It boasted a college of considerable importance, not widely known, but well patronized by those of the South, who preferred educating their sons in their own States to sending them to ‘Yankee’ institutions to be ‘contaminated’ by the enemies of ‘Southern principles.’ These watchful guardians of the morality of Southern striplings forgot that their own colleges were almost without exception officered by men of Northern birth and education.
As one might expect, the glory of Marietta College has departed. The buildings are standing gloomily enough upon the hill from whence they overlook the town and beautiful gardens: but the pupils and teachers are gone; the former to the wars to destroy the Union of their fathers; the latter to their Northern homes to escape the persecution of their former pupils. The picture will answer for all Southern colleges. The war has closed their churches and their schools, with here and there a solitary exception.
GENERAL SHERMAN’S ADVANCE. VIEW OF THE PUBLIC SQUARE, MARIETTA (DAVIS). LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.
Marietta presents a spectacle of war’s devastating influences. Its fine mansions and lovely gardens, with their shaded walks and arbored seats, still remain but not as they once were – the abode of a happy people, innocent of war. All those have left, and throngs of soldiers are now roaming over the half destroyed gardens or strolling through the mutilated mansions, thrumming on the ruined pianos and lolling on the sofa abandoned by their wealthy proprietors. A few matrons – widowed relics of the war – and their half-scared daughters, still remain in the town. These, with a few old men, striplings and decayed servants, are all that are left of the denizens of the place. At one end of the town a half closed burial ground, with hundreds of newly made soldiers’ graves, side by side with marble monuments and mausoleums of the past, reveals the fact that Marietta’s dead are more numerous than Marietta’s living.
To resume our narrative from which we have digressed. On the 5th of July JOHNSTON moved still further southward, taking position on the railroad about two miles north of the Chattasoochee River. From the tops of the trees on the high blue hills occupied by the Twentieth Corps, we beheld Atlanta’s glistening spires and housetops, seemingly about seven miles south of the river. On the 7th Inst. the foe again retrograded and assumed a new position whose contracted limits were speedily ascertained to be in front of the railroad bridge, the flanks resting on the river on either aide of the crossing. It was pretty evident that Johnston was crossing his forces on the pontoons which we knew had been laid in that vicinity. The rebel front was as bold as ever, and no impression was made on their lines. By the morning of the 9th, the last skirmisher had disappeared from our front, and the railroad bridge was discovered to be in flames. We advanced through another series of fortifications to the riverbank, along which our line now rests. The enemy holds the opposite bank and it is not an uncommon sight to see the soldiers of both armies meet in swimming parties and exchange tobacco and coffee, apparently as good friends as though a shot had never passed between them.
As it was currently reported that JOHNSTON commenced to cross the Chattahoochee on the 4th of July, it can be but a matter of surprise to many who view critically the movements of our armies, that he was not attacked at the time when he would have labored under the misfortune of having a river in his rear in very dangerous proximity. This has been a matter of much comment among officers and men, who will canvass such matters whenever opportunity occurs. A battle was pretty generally expected on the 4th, when it was stated that Gen. SHERMAN, in view of the golden opportunity thus presented by the situation of affairs, had ordered a general onslaught to be made by the whole army with a view to drive JOHNSTON in confusion to his crossings. Whether this attack was actually ordered, as the order countermanded, or for some cause rendered inoperative, is a matter for speculation. But one thing all unite in believing; that is had a fight occurred on the “glorious Fourth” there would have been but two alternatives accepted by our army: ‘Victory or Death.’ It would have fought as it never fought before, so eager and expectant for the fray were commanders and soldiers. There are many who regret the postponement of the battle, which they believe would have been decisive of the result of the campaign. They would have attacked at all hazards of life, though the enemy were never so firm and, to all appearances, secure in their fortifications. Whether these regrets are just or unjust, time will develop. No inconsiderable number believe that JOHNSTON was allowed to cross the Chattahoochee in comparative security to insure important results from combined movements, of which we do not at present know, but in which other armies are supposed to be interested. All unite in endorsing the wisdom and generalship of SHERMAN, and willingly abide by any decision he may make, believing his conduct of the campaign to have been masterly, and productive of the most brilliant results.
Although the Chattahoochee River forms the main dividing line between the opposing armies, we have no inconsiderable force on the other side. Firing is occasionally heard from their direction. Supplies are being accumulated at Marietta from which place they are distributed to the trains of the various corps. No effort is being made to rebuild the railroad bridge, for the reason that a strong fort on the rebel side of the river effectually commands the approaches to the old piers. A general movement to the south side of the river is daily expected. The army is resting and nerving for the severe struggle which will then, in all probability, begin.
Our expectations will be very agreeably disappointed, if the ten miles intervening between our present camp and Atlanta are not more difficult of accomplishment than the one hundred over which Gen. SHERMAN has so successfully led us since we left
J.G.
Washington, Monday, July 25
The Battles Before Atlanta
Both engagements delivered before Atlanta, namely, that of Wednesday and that of Friday last, have been assaults on the part of the rebels. This is accounted for from the fact that Gen. Hood, Johnston’s successor, has been throughout the campaign one of the most bitter opponents of Johnston’s retreating policy and he felt impelled, the moment he was placed in command, to pitch in. It does not appear that he has gained any other result than to bring upon himself, in each instance, a loss thrice as heavy as that inflicted on the assailed party.
General Sherman Confident of Success
Gen. SHERMAN’S latest dispatches show an assured confidence in the capture of Atlanta, though the prize may not be won as speedily as the public had anticipated.
The battle at Atlanta occurred on July 22, 1864 in Fulton County, Georgia. It was the culmination of the Atlanta Campaign of 1864. The principal commanders were Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman commanding the United States Military Division of the Mississippi confronting Gen. John Bell Hood’s Confederate Army of Tennessee. The estimated casualties were 3,641 and 8,499 respectively.
Following the Battle of Peachtree Creek, Hood determined to attack Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson’s Army of the Tennessee. He withdrew his main army at night from Atlanta’s outer line to the inner line, enticing Sherman to follow. In the meantime, he sent William J. Hardee with his corps on a fifteen-mile march to hit the unprotected Union left and rear, east of the city. Wheeler’s cavalry was to operate farther out on Sherman’s supply line, and Gen. Frank Cheatham’s corps were to attack the Union front. Hood, however, miscalculated the time necessary to make the march, and Hardee was unable to attack until afternoon. Although Hood had outmaneuvered Sherman for the time being, McPherson was concerned about his left flank and sent his reserves, Grenville Dodge’s XVI Army Corps, to that location.
Two of Hood’s divisions ran into this reserve force and were repulsed. The Rebel attack stalled on the Union rear but began to roll up the left flank. Around the same time, a Confederate soldier shot and killed McPherson when he rode out to observe the fighting. Determined attacks continued, but the Union forces held. About 4:00 p.m., Cheatham’s corps broke through the Union front at the Hurt House, but Sherman massed twenty artillery pieces on a knoll near his headquarters to shell these Confederates and halt their drive. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan’s XV Army Corps then led a counterattack that restored the Union line. The Union troops held, and Hood suffered high casualties. It was a significant Union victory that affected the outcome of the Campaign and the action in the theater of war.
