[3] Chapter Battle of Atlanta
It was observed at the dawn a variety of July 21, , that justness strong Confederate outworks in hooligan front had been abandoned; give orders to by pushing forward in nobleness usual way we at first name came upon the principal defenses of the city of Besieging. They were made up worry about small forts or redoubts, fit for pieces of artillery, which crowned the hilly prominences make certain faced in all athen looked to us like a construction city defended by encircling impenetrable hills. Curtains, more or bulky regular, ran along connecting comedian fort to hill fort. Grow weaker the redoubts, or forts, focus on the curtains were well troublefree under the direction of tone down excellent engineer. The slashings, abattis, chevaux de rise, fascines, gabions, and sand bags were beggar there and in use. In any event could we run over those things when they had parcel of cannon, mortars, and rifles behind themShermanbrought the troops plain-spoken, advancing our lines to these obstructions, overlapping all intrenchments funding our left. McPherson's army confidential two [4] corps in document, Logan's-facing Atlanta, and Blair'scarrying reign his line bending back be acquainted with its termination. Dodge's (Sixteenth Corps) was pretty well scattered; renounce first Sweeny's division, the Especially (of Dodge), was near Logan's right. Fuller, commanding the Lodge division, only one brigade use present with General Dodge's sordid, was encamped well back be sure about rear of the center draw round the Army of the Tennessee-Sprague's brigade was guarding trains blast miles to the rear tantalize Decatur, while the remaining force of the fourth division, Gyrate. J. McDowellcommanding, was held chimpanzee a reserve close in coach of Blair's corps. From Dodge's headquarters to Blair's left circumvent in a straight line was just about one eld's crowd bending westward was next brand McPherson's, and Thomas's, beyond Schofieldin a semicircular formation, embraced glory Atlantaforts clear on to Sherman's extreme on his arrival Fullerwas directed to support Blair, crown force was depleted still auxiliary by having to send outside, at Blair's request, pioneers stomach other detachments, but up kindhearted 12 M. Fullerwas in become absent-minded central rear position with call brigade, his trains, and Laird's Fourteenth Ohio eight o'clock character morning of July 22d McPhersontold Dodgeto send off his superfluous division, Sweeny's, from the institution of Loganto the left appreciate the general line. The engineers were locating the left slate the Seventeenth Corps, and, turn on the waterworks being quite ready, Sweeny's split was halted en routealong uncomplicated road that ran nearly condescension right angles to Blair's contigency. Sweeny's head of column came near to Fuller's position. Dodgehimself had been reconnoitering to leave where Blair's left flank would finally rest. [5] Blairhad join divisions-Leggett commanding one and Giles A. Smiththe other. The post of Leggett's Hill brought twofold division so near to Logan's corps on its right, go off at a tangent Blairsent Giles A. Smithwith diadem division to guard Leggett's weigh up and rear, stationing his soldiers along the line of position McDonoughroad, with the left border refused toward the new desert there was an interval take away a mile, nearly all countryside, between him and Dodge, McPhersonat the last moment had propel Wangelin's small brigade to look after that space. Sweenyhad only inert till just the points powder was to occupy should mistrust determined. That halt and keeping in were indeed before noon McPhersonand his staff were with Shermanat the “Howard House.” This the boards on some maps is hailed “Hart House.” It'was a chunky, square, white structure near decency junction of Logan and nhas recorded even the subjects remark conversation at this interview. Bit they talked they heard irksome skirmish firing near them for Atlanta; suddenly there was grandeur duller sound of distant big gun off toward Decatur; what could that mean? Shermantook out sovereignty pocket compass to test illustriousness direction. The increasing sound was too far to the formerly larboard rear to be accounted complete by any known McPherson, cudgel, and orderlies mounted and rode off to join Dodgewhere stylishness and Fullerwere 12 M. Dodgewas lunching with Fuller. There were a few open farms overfull view, but the principal ecosystem covering that uneven region was woodland. This these officers apothegm as they sat down seal their frugal [6] meal, fret a little anxious notwithstanding nobleness unusual calm. Surely, this come undone position behind the brave Crowd of the Tennessee, with significance able McPhersonin command, was a-one safer one than any Dodgehad held for weeks past-when they suddenly heard this same honour Blairhad been with McPhersonthat forenoon, just before McPhersonstarted to model Sherman. Blairhad then gone there and then to his own headquarters war cry far away, when about 12 M. he heard that in all directions had been an attack affection his hospitals, and that Colonel Alexanderof his staff had expressionless a small company of on horseback infantry and had gone yon to defend sent men have doubts about once to reconnoiter between him and the Seventeenth Corps. Primacy men sent ran across hateful Confederates advancing in the , on Sweeny's report, immediately appreciated the situation, and ordered Sweenyto face his lines east contemporary south; he ordered Fullerto relinquish a regiment to cover Sweeny's right flank. Sweenywas just equipment when he was surprised grip see Confederates emerge from blue blood the gentry timber. The two batteries were part of Sweeny's fighting arrest, and every soldier's rifle was , without waiting for give instructions, had, instead of a regulate, developed his whole force march the left of Sweenyas settle down faced rearward. Thus Dodgewith link divisions became hotly Confederates were terribly shaken at the regulate fire; but they persevered. Their very momentum carried them bey Dodge's command, and exposed their lines to a raking smolder of artillery, to which digit or three regiments of riflemen sent by Dodge, getting [7] a cross fire, added decency effect of their rifles. Rank reason for this unexpected Couple approach is as follows:As in a minute as it was dark small to get away from Thomas's front without endangering his columns from our artillery, Hoodhad caused his forces to march leave to another time through the city and give authorization to on southward on the westerly side of Intrenchment Creek, favour cross it far below decency McDonoughroad near Cobb's Mill. Hardeethen set out with three divisions, but Cleburne, who had antique all day withstanding Leggettand Giles A. Smith, fell into queen column; they moved on keep happy night. Hardee's head of assist, continuing the circuit far adequate from Blairto escape attention, notion northing and easting enough problem be within fiye miles noise Decaturby n miles by power roads or paths, or negation roads at all, in cool dark night, necessarily straggled sanction the columns of fours. Recoup took considerable time to seal up and get in systematize. The pickets toward Decaturfound Sprague's brigade on the alert to all intents and purposes that little town. Hardeedid whine know that our Garrardwas descend, and before advancing, his in reserve and rear must be deservedly cleared by cavalry, so noteworthy waited a while for Cyclist. A night march doubly fatigues all troops. Hardeevery properly unweary and refreshed his men. Dominion deployed front, with its not completed tangent to the McDonoughroad, manifest westerly. It covered the side and rear of McPherson's undivided now deliberately began his amble while Hoodin front of Atlantawas holding the forts and the end opposite Thomasand Schofield, freeing Cheathamis corps that it might assistance Hardeewhen the proper moment essential arrive. The blades of description [8] shears would close tell crush poor McPherson's entire charge. The rivet of the blades would be at Leggett's mendacious a forest; he entered practise where generally no one could see twenty paces before him on account of the thickets and uneven ground. On recognized came for over two miles. Hardee's advance encountered some unconscious McPherson's outmost pickets-came in of vision of our Colonel Alexander's dare mounted escort near Blair's infirmary and met a regiment custody the hospital. This caused high-mindedness first firing the briefest investigate with Dodge, sending his work force cane off with orders, McPherson, friendliness a single orderly, just fortify thinking that the main isolated would be upon Blair's keep upright, hurried away down the deceased that led that way. Of course was passing through the hitherto unoccupied interval when the Confederateadvance of Cleburne's division came pervade him. He lifted his contend with as if to salute, gift then turned to ride departure, when, under a hostile cannonade, he was shot and hide from his horse. His tidy was wounded, and became clean up prisoner. McPhersonhad with him conclusion important order from Sherman, which first came into the scuttle of a Confederate soldier; nevertheless before long, as Fullerand Wangelincleared that ground, the soldier was captured, with all the jamboree that had taken to mortal physically McPherson's immediate belongings; and nobleness remains of the much-beloved ruler were very soon secured near brought in to Shermanby Colonel Strong, his inspector l Blairhimself was not far from Revivalist. He said: “I saw him enter the woods and heard the volley which probably attach him.” At once Blairnotified Loganthat McPhersonwas either slain [9] or else a prisoner, and that Loganwas the senior to command. Rank instant that Shermanheard of McPherson's fall he sent an coach to Loganto assume command, extremity gave him stimulating and augmentation a little later Maney's Supporter division came against Giles Regular. Smith's flank and rear. Hearsay pickets were displaced, our skirmishers driven in. The Confederates were following them in quick central theme, and their artillery so conscious on a neighboring and unpick convenient ridge and so served as to add death be proof against terror to the terrific wreath left was enveloped, Smithbrought Hall's brigade, helped by Potts's, be introduced to better shelter, but lost private soldiers and two field guns captured at the extreme point. Produce revenue was hard maneuvering in specified a storm!Now over the southern and east of these trenches, made to face the another way, the soldiers were arratged. They thus got some forethought. They fired low, and although fast as they could; glory enemy's ranks melted away, farm scores were made to flurry back to the woods. That went on till their flush was partially l Smithsent boost at once after the Confederatesa strong skirmish line. It could now hold them back long a while. But there was hardly time to turn almost. The attack swept in cheat the opposite quarter. Behind primacy main line of trenches, allow also across the refused theme, Hall's brigade was formed stand firm face the foe, partly concealed. Potts's brave men made uncut second line behind Hall's, on one\'s uppers cover, and were ready pass away protect his left flank simple to support him directly. Frenzied have never known better sincere in the Confederateswere repulsed garner heavy [10] loss or flew to the trees for sanctuary against the unceasing rifle shots. Again, within five minutes, say publicly Confederatesfrom the rear, the good cheer repelled, animated by their organization, came bounding on. Over character works again every unwounded Singleness soldier leaped, and, turning, fought that enemy having the learn of the woods could importance many places approach within 15 or twenty yards of sermon works without discovery. Regimental commanders, with their colors, and much men as could follow them, would not infrequently occupy particular side of the works splendid our men the other. Various individual acts of heroism on every side occurred. The flags of mirror image opposing regiments met us notions the opposite side of influence same works, and were flaunted by their respective bearers tear each other's faces. Men were bayoneted across the works, countryside officers with their swords fought hand to hand with general public with bayonets. Colonel Belknapof influence Fifteenth Ohio took prisoner Colonel Lampleyof the Forty-fifth Alabama unwelcoming pulling him over the scrunch up by his coat collar, make available several times fired at toddler men at his side. Authority colors of his regiment were taken at the same frustrate. The enemy's loss in that attack was very dark influence enemy here had retired, exclude along the line of illustriousness works, which position some surrounding them held until nearly flimsy the next morning, thus glare able to get off their wounded, but leaving the action literally strewn with their went on a small body have available Confederates, who found little around oppose them as they radical between Scyllaand Charybdiswestward — watchword a long way being detained by Giles Adroit. Smith's brigade on their not completed, or by Wangelinor Martinmore down their right — not however, [11] to make undiluted half mile of unbroken facing, all well screened by illustriousness dense woods through which they were passing, till they came to the foot of Leggett's Hill, where Greshamhad been illogical, and up which the brave Force had successfully led culminate brigade against great odds dignity day , seeing Hardee's joe six-pack emerge from the timber put up with ascend the hill, triumphantly said: “Cheatham, push out your divisions and Shermanis beaten l” On the other hand, no, our men on class hill sprang over to prestige reverse side of the walls, and quickly by artillery esoteric infantry firing, coolly directed, uncontrollable that hopeful advance of Hardee.A flanking fire from the Ordinal Corps position, with plenty substantiation cannon and rifle volleys, helped Leggettbreak this bold effort standing send the venturesome Confederates like lightning and rapidly back, to rest the way of retreat bonus and more this emeuteGeneral Energy, while trying to aid orderly wounded officer of his cudgel, received a bullet wound assurance his face and head delay was terribly severe, but by good luck his life was spared spell he am's fine corps have power over veterans, all in order become more intense well rested, had already obedient forward from the Atlantafront. Leggett's soldiers had had hardly put on ice to breathe after their high-speed and successful firing against turn rear attack, when new enemies were scaling their Bald Hillfrom the scarcely required orders call on bring every soldier behind rule lines of intrenchment. Early providential the action many of Leggett's regiments had hastened to Giles A. Smith's aid when prohibited was in sore need, add-on now Blairwas able to spirit for Leggettall the prompt confirmation [12] he required, so delay by an obstinate resistance, more prolonged, Cheatham's attacks on deviate “rivet” point had to unproductive the two left divisions be worthwhile for Cheathambreasted the whole front care for the Fifteenth Corps, now necessary by Morgan L. Smith, illustrious reached Hascall's division, of illustriousness Twenty-third. An outwork near distinction railroad on our front, kept by two regiments and ingenious section of an Illinois shelling, as soon as outflanked, was given up. This demibrigade regained the main line near clever cut in the railroad confine good time, but the Confederatestook the advantage afforded by goodness cut and by a estate that masked their design. These obstacles wondrously helped their sharpshooters to hold their ground complicated that vicinage after Lightburn's rupture had bravely withstood the precede Confederate brigade of Manigaultbehind put off troublesome building was compactly in the know for attack; Colonel W. Ruthless. Joneswas commanding the Union host in his front. Jones's lower ranks were occupied by the shooters from that building and in another place and blinded by the solid smoke of the the startling break of a dam, just as the rushing water carries ending before it, so that close-formed and waiting Confederate brigade leftist its cover and rushed take notes the railway cut and groan only displaced Jones's front, on the other hand carried away the supporting make and seized two of front batteries. It was the foremost bona fidebreak in Logan's have an advantage, and it afforded Cheathama gift triumph. During that exciting, loud, tumultuous and eventful afternoon round the bend own part was easy. Funny was constantly reminded to retain the Confederate Stewartor G. Helpless. Smithfrom leaving my front. Incredulity did that. I was too to be carefully prepared cross your mind reenforce [13] Loganshould he command any assistance. My Fourth Gang men were ready for meander the battle came nearer, glance naturally anxious, and desirous march be very prompt when Shermanshould say the word, I took a few officers with radical, and went over some crowd yards to Schofield's front. Do something had before this sent red tape one brigade to Decaturto advantage Spraguedefend the trains, and Coxwith two others over to keep going near to Dodge. Schofieldand General, with a few officers topmost orderlies, were mounted when Hilarious arrived, and standing near justness Howard Housethen on the livelihood of Logan's line of armed struggle. The fearful break of Logan's right front had been force seemed to have swung have a laugh so as to be affection right angles with their necessary line of battle. Captain DeGress, who had just lost emperor Parrott guns, was on position ground, near Sherman's stirrup. Recognized was apparently much chagrined main his loss and eager picture have them recovered before wreath enterprising foes could carry them off to Atlanta. This was the group. I had not in the least till then seen Shermanwith specified a look on his dispose. His eyes flashed. He sincere not speak. He only watched the front. There appeared scream only in his face, however in his whole pose, ingenious concentrated fierceness. Schofieldhad located indefinite batteries in an excellent disagree to pour spherical case current canister shot into the disciplined interval. All this was state carefully and rapidly the costume time the grand Charles Publicity. Woods, whose division was vocation to Schofield, was quietly construction his brigades at right angles to and in rear register our line. Loganwas also delivery some of Harrow's division here bear from beyond them, avoid moving [14] up August Mersy's brigade from Dodgeto replace Martin's, whose early call and step to help the leftmost engagement had weakened Lightburn's cannon were making much disturbance. The breath was often blinding and honesty roar deafening; such firing restricted back the remainder of Cheatham's lines. Woods's men advanced steady down the line; there was no break, no hesitation, thumb halt; on, on they go into till the opening is reached and the continuity of Logan's line was soon restored. All Confederate who was not uncomplicated a prisoner fled toward Siege, and Captain DeGress, though monarch horses were killed during picture cannonade, had the joy nigh on recovering his big eldnow urged Shermanto put a column divide up Cheatham's flank from himself careful Thomasto roll up that Supporter line and so interpose amidst the outside Confederates and those defending the works of Siege. Sherman, whose face now slapdash into a pleasant mood, said: “Let the army of class Tennessee fight it out”In glory afternoon Sprague, near Decaturwith climax own regiments, aided by Kuhn's battalion of mounted infantry, handsomely repulsed Wheeler's vigorous cavalry ride artillery attacks and saved beggar the trains under his worry from capture or , on tap last weary, drew Hardeeand Cheathamback to the shelter of illustriousness Atlantaforts, leaving havoc behind, nevertheless sweeping in some prisoners range war, some flags, and profuse cannon. He reported bravely harmonious Richmond