Blackwell Reference Online

Extract

(Ga.) On 4 May 1864, Major General William T. S herman's 105,000 Federals left Chattanooga for Atlanta, defended by General Joseph E. J ohnston's 62,000 Confederates. On 13–16 May, Sherman forced Johnston to withdraw from Resaca, Ga.; on 27 June, he suffered 2,000 casualties (against 270 Southern losses) at Kennesaw Mountain; on 4–9 July, he drove Johnston from defensive positions on the Chattahoochee River near Roswell. On 18 July, General John B. Hood assumed command from Johnston; he unsuccessfully attacked Federal forces on 20 July at Peachtree Creek, on 22 July before Atlanta, and on 28 July at Ezra Chapel. With 42,000 troops, Hood blocked Sherman's 85,000 men until 1 September, when he evacuated Atlanta, which Federals occupied the next day. During the 120 days of fighting, USA losses were 26,000 killed and wounded, compared to 23,000 Southern casualties. ... log in or subscribe to read full text