Camp near Lovejoy's Station,
Sept. 14, 1864.
When my last was written Sherman had not developed his
intentions, and we were all in the dark as to what he would do next. After
drawing back his line from our right and centre, he pushed these troops round
in rear of his original right and crossing the West Point and Atlanta R. R.
struck for the Macon road. On the night of the 30th Aug., Hardee's Corps
started from the neighborhood of East Point, six miles below Atlanta, for
Jonesboro', sixteen miles further in the direction of Macon — opposite which
was McPherson's Army. You know Sherman's Army is composed of McPherson's old
Army, commanded since his death by Howard; Thomas's Army and Schofield's Army.
Lee's Corps followed Hardee and next day they attacked this fraction of the
Yankee force, but failed to make any impression. There was therefore nothing
left but to evacuate the place, which was done that next night. Lee's Corps was
drawn away from Hardee after the fight and covered the flank of the troops
marching from Atlanta to effect a junction with Hardee. . . . Gen. Hood is
making every exertion to get ready for the fall campaign and preserves his equanimity
perfectly.
A few days after the army was reunited, Sherman retired his
forces to the neighborhood of Atlanta and the campaign came to an end. He is
doubtless preparing for another advance before the stoppage of operations by
bad weather. He stripped the citizens of the country that he has abandoned to
us, and yesterday there was application made at Jonesboro' for rations for one
thousand destitute people in that vicinity. He has signalized his retirement to
Atlanta by an order exiling every white man, woman and child from the place,
regardless of political opinion. The reason given is that it is to the interest
of the United States.
I feel confident that the first of December will see Sherman
North of the Etowah River. His line of communication is too long, his means of
transportation consisting as it does of a railroad. You must be sure and come
up to the Army as you pass on your way to Richmond. I have a great deal to say
that I do not like to entrust to a letter.
Genl. Patton Anderson was severely wounded on the 31st, as
was Genl. Cumming, of Georgia, and Gen. Finly, of Florida. I suppose you will
have heard of Governor Lubbock's appointment as Aide to the President. He was
in Atlanta just before the evacuation, accompanied by Tom Ochiltree. Genl. G.
W. Smith's Georgia Militia have been furloughed for thirty days to give them an
opportunity to gather their crops (!)
SOURCE: Louise Wigfall Wright, A Southern Girl in
’61, p. 188-90
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