Lieutenant-General John Bell Hood to James A. Seddon, July 23, 1864

HEADQUARTERS ATLANTA,        

July 23d, 1864

Hon. James A. Seddon, Secretary of War:

The enemy shifted his position on Peach Tree Creek last night, and Gen. Stewart’s and Cheatham’s corps formed line of battle around the city.

Gen. Hardee’s corps made a night march, and attacked the enemy’s extreme left to-day. About one o’clock he drove him from his works, capturing sixteen pieces of artillery and five stands of colors. Gen. Cheatham attacked the enemy, capturing all pieces of artillery.

During the engagement we captured about two thousand prisoners.

Gen. Wheeler’s cavalry routed the enemy in the neighborhood of Decatur to-day, capturing his camp.

Our loss is not yet full ascertained.

Major Gen. Walker was killed. Brig. Gens. Smith, Gist and Mercer were wounded.

Prisoners report that Gen. McPherson was Killed

Our troops fought with great gallantry.

J. B. HOOD, General.

SOURCE: Richmond Dispatch, Richmond Virginia, Monday, July 25, 1864, p. 1

Lieutenant-General John Bell Hood to James A. Seddon, July 22, 1864—10:30 p.m.

NEAR ATLANTA, July 22, 1864—10.30 p.m.

Hon. J. A. SEDDON, Richmond:

The army shifted its position last night, fronting Peach Tree Creek, and formed line of battle around the city with Stewart's and Cheatham's corps. General Hardee, with his corps, made a night march and attacked the enemy's extreme left at 1 o'clock to-day; drove him from his works, capturing 16 pieces of artillery and 5 stand of colors. Major-General Cheatham attacked the enemy at 4 p.m. with a portion of his command; drove the enemy, capturing 6 pieces of artillery. During the engagements we captured about 2,000 prisoners, but loss not fully ascertained. Major-General Walker killed; Brigadier-Generals Smith, Gist, and Mercer wounded. Our troops fought with great gallantry.

J. B. HOOD,        

General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 38, Part 5 (Serial No. 76), p. 900