3n tf?e 3attlc of Atlanta, 3uly 225,
IDfyo Captiireb.
X>e<Sress Battery?
o
Report of
Col. "Robert 1. Ttoogerg,
historian, Btlanta Camp Do. 159, Ttt- C. ID.
LIBRARY
UNIVIRS1TY CF GEORGIA
MOORE PURCHASE, 1936

REPORT OF
ROBERT L. FXODGERS,
HISTORIAN
TO
ATLANTA CAMP No. 159, U. C. V.
ON THE
CAPTURE OF THE DEGRESS BATTERY,
AND
BATTERY A, IST. ILL LIGHT ARTILLERY,
IN THE BATTLE OF ATLANTA, JULY 22o, 1864,
WITH
OTHER PAPERS BEARING THEREOX.
PUBLISHED BY
SOME OF THE SURVIVORS OF MANIGAULT'S BRIGAOE.

INTRODUCTORY.
rnHE following Report of the Historian of the Atlanta *| Camp, No. 159, U. C. V., is published by some of the
Survivors of Manigault's Brigade, who feel that the truth of history should be sustained.
There are several apparent inaccuracies which have crept into the official reports and other statements which should l>e corrected.
It seems to have been thought by the United States officers, and they so state in several reports, that Battery A, on the railroad, and the left of the Federal Brigade, was carried by a movement of troops through the railroad cut, which intersected their line at that point.
This is a mistaken idea. That partof Hindmaifs Division which advanced south of the railroad, (I.)eas' and Brantley's Brigades) did not reach the enemy's line, so the alleged troops could not have been from these two Brigades. As the right of "Maniganlt's Brigade captured Battery A, which was on the hill, above the c-nt. no part of that Brigade could have advanced through the railroad cut. Nor could any of Sharp's Brigade, which gallantly supported and followed in ihe tracks of ilanigault's Brigade had any part of its Brigade in the cut.
There was no other Confederate troops but Ilindman's Division in this attack, at this period of the engagement, hence no troops could possibly have advanced thmiiffh the railroad cut.
But the right of Manigault's Brigade first went over the Federal line of breastworks, and drove the Federal Brigade from its left, and hence the impression must have been taken by the United States officers that the attacking force came from the railroad cut very naturally so.
There is some confusion in the Federal Reports as to the number of guns of Battery A captured. They were four, which were brought round to our side of the breastworks after the capture, and they were subsequently carried back

into our main line, around Atlanta, by artillerists, sent out to bring the guns in. They were turned over to Douglas' Texas Battery, with Ilindman's Division, and used by them until recaptured by the Federals on the retreat from Tennessee, after the battle of Nashville.
General Manigault and Colonel Walker were both mistaken in their statement of the number of guns captured by Manigault's Brigade on that afternoon. The correct number should be eight, not sixteen.
General Clayton in his report refers to meeting Manigault's Brigade in rear of the captured breastworks, and some dis tance to the north of the railroad. General Clayton is correct in part as it was only a part of Manigault's Brigade. The right regiments of Manigault's Brigade, i. e., the 10th S. C. Regiment and 1'Jth S. C. Regiment, and those men of the 28th Alabama Regiment, who having been on the skirmish line in the advance, were mixed with these two regiments in the charge, remained in the captured breastworks until near dark, when they retired to the main line around Atlanta, inuli'i- ordci-K. These men were never driven out by any attack on their front or flank. The troops of Manigault's Brigade which Genl. Clayton ?aw were the left Jlegiments of the Brigade, and Gcnl. Manigault was most probably and very properly with them.
The survivors of the 10th S. C. Ile^iment // * tu-vm' iiiiule etuiin, thiit the credit of the capture of the I)e dress Battery was due to the successful attack of the 10th S. C.
Regiment, on the enemy's left at the Georgia Railroad. They have always claimed the credit for .Manigault's Brig ade as a unit. Colonel llodgers, in coming to the conclusion he does, acts on his own judgment of the facts.
Attention is called to this in justice to the survivors of the loth S. C. Regiment, and to show that they have been loyal, to the good name of the whole Brigade, which gained so much credit from its achievements that July afternoon, and the reputation of its distinguished and beloved leader, General A. M. Manigault.
C. I. W.

CAPTURE OF
De (Sress's [federal Batter^,
IN THE BATTLE OF ATLANTA.
PREFACE.
OFFICE OF THE HISTORIAN, OF
ATLANTA CAMP, Xo. 159, U. C. V. ATLANTA, GEORGIA.
In 1896 a controversy arose in the matter of the capture of a Battery of General Shennan's army, known as "Captain DC Gross's Battery," in the battle of Atlanta, July 22<I, ISfS-i." Since the General Reunion of United Confederate Veterans, in Atlanta, in July 1SOS, the controversy was resumed. "With a purpose to investigate only for the facts and truth of history, I undertook the study of the subject. I 'certainly have no desire to present anything with any bias or prejudice for, or against, any organization, that may not be consistent with the truth as may appear by official records. I have herein quoted reports of officers.
The matter was specially referred to me for investigation, as the Historian of Atlanta Camp, Xo. 150, U C. V.
I respectfully submit my report.
EGBERT L. RODGERS, Historian of Atlanta Camp, Xo. 159, U. C. V. 2

6

Atlanta, Ga., November 24th, 1896.

General C. Irvine Walker, Charleston, S. C.:

Dear Sir As the Historian of Atlanta Camp. Xo 150,

L*. C. V., I am seeking information concerning the services

of General Maniganlt's Brigade, and particularly as 1o engage

ments in battles around Atlanta, and as to the battle of

Atlanta, on :>:>d July, l<sC4.

Your name has been given to me, as one who can give me

the desired information. I am to prepare my report by the

next meeting of onr Camp, 3d Monday in December.

Please forward to me such data as you can, as soon as

possible. I want the history of the organization of Mani-

gatilt's Brigade, and its services. Is General Manigault liv

ing yet? Please send me your history of the 10th S. C.

Regiment.

Yours, very truly,

ROBERT L. RODGERS, Historian Atlanta Camp, U. C. V.

Charleston, S. C., December 1st, 1S9.
Colonel Robert L. Rodgers, Historian Atlanta Camp, Xo. 159, U. C. V., Atlanta, Ga.
Dear Comrade Yours of the 24th of Xovpmber to hand. It will give me great pleasure to give you the information yon desire regarding ManigaiiU's Brigade Associated with it from its organization, as Adjutant of one of its Regiments, (the 10th S. C. Regiment) the greater part of its life as Act ing Adjutant General, and afterwards its Adjutant General, and subsequently commanding one of its Regiments, (Lieu tenant Colonel Commanding 10th S. C. Regiment) and several times commanding the Brigade, I think that I know its history as thoroughly as any man now living.

I am particularly anxious that your Camp should know its

part in the battle of July 22d, 1864, because I learn that the

capture of De Gross's liattery, made by "Manigault's Brigade,

lias been credited, by some mistake, to another command, and

a sign erected under the authority of the Confederates in

Atlanta, on the battlefield, making that claim. ?o I am clad to

*

~

'

~

have the opportunity of setting aright this matter. I am also

glad to be able to give you all the assistance necessary.

As desired, I will confine myself principally to the account

of its part in the defense of Atlanta, and more particularly

in the two leading engagements therein, on the 22d and 28th

of July. General Manigault died some years since, but I

have had access to his private history of his Brigade, and what

I write is very little from my memory at this date, but from

his notes and mine written in ISfto.

Manigault's Brigade was formed at Corinth, April, lSfi2,

of the 10th and l!>th S. C. Regiments, 24-th, 2Sth and 34th

Alabama Regiments. Manigault was Colonel of the 10th

S. C. Regiment. Its first Brigade Gsneral was Trapier, then

Dnncan, both not commanding it for more than two months

during the year 1S02, the rest of the time it was commanded

by Colonel Manigault. whose command as Senior Colonel

was continued until he was promoted Brigadier General in

August, 1SC3, and he continued in command until he was

seriously wounded at Franklin, November, 18fi4. The

Brigade was in the campaigns in Mississippi, Kentucky, Ten

nessee, and Georgia, with the army commanded by Bragg,

Johnson and Hood.

I take pleasure in sending 3*011 a copy of my sketch of the

10th S. C. Regiment. The movements of that Regiment are

practically those of Manigault's Brigade, as we always were

together, though in that sketch I have confined myself entirely

to the history of the Regiment, and made no reference to the

other Regiments, except where necessary to explain oiir move

ments. Please read the preface to my sketch, and see on

what authority I based my statements. To ibis day I have

8
never had, by any participant, the truth of my statements questioned or disputed.
After retreating with Johnson before Sherman, we arrived at Atlanta, and on the night of July 21st were ordered into the main line of works around Atlanta. The right of our Brigade, the 10th S. C. Regiment being on the right of the Brigade, resting on the Georgia Railroad, facing east. The enemy were in our front, about three-quarters of a mile, occupying in our front a line of works which our Brigade had. built a few days before, and which we gave up July 21st. To the north of the Georgia Railroad, and near it, in front of the enemy's line, was a large, white, wooden house, and to the north-east of this house distant, I think, (am not sure at this date) about 100 yards, and in rear of their line, was a large brick house. To the south of this brick house, and near the railroad, which there runs through a deep cut, was stationed the Battery A of the 1st Illinois Artillery, 6 guns, and to the north of the brick house was De Cress's Battery. Prior to our advance two guns of Battery A. 1st Illinois were out near the enemy's picket line, shelling our line of works.
In the attack of July 22d, 1804, Hindman's Division advanced, moving east up the Georgia Railroad, that road funning its centre line of advance, the lines of battle being across it at right angles. Deas' Brigade, supported by Brantley's, (formerly Walthall's) to the south of the railroad; Jlanigault's Brigade, supported by Sharpe's, (formerly Tucker's) to the north of the railroad. The two Brigades to the south of the railroad did not succeed in dislodging the enemy, the two to the north did.
About 2.30 o'clock the advance was ordered. We were soon over our breastworks, and steadily advancing. We drove in the pickets, captured the picket reserve, and the two guns of Battery A, 1st Illinois, were rapidly hurried off before us, and escaped (temporarily) into the line of the enemy. We moved steadily forward, but we had not quite strength enough,

at first, to carry these works, and were checked about the white house in front of the enemy's line. We were under a heavy fire from our right as well as our front, the troops on our right not keeping up with us. The 10th S. C. Regiment extended from this white house to the railroad, the 19th S. C. was covered by the house, and extended somewhat to the north, and the rest of the Brigade, the 24-th and 34th Alabama, were to its north. The 28th Alabama was in the picket line, and, of course, when the attack was made on the main line, was forced back, and mixed in with all the other Regiments of the Brigade. At my suggestion, Colonel Pressley, of the 10th S. C. Regiment, put men of the 10th S. C. Regiment, and Captain Home, commanding 19th S. C. Regiment, put some of his men into the second story of this white house, and their fire right down in to the enemy's line told, and the enemy began to break, when we moved forward again with a rush, and went over the enemy's works. We captured Battery A, 1st Illinois, and De Gress's Battery. Four guns of Battery A in front of the 10th Regiment, (Sharpe having moved up after the capture partially on our right, and covered two of the six guns,) I had brought round to our side of the works, and these four guns were saved. I speak in the first person because Colonel Pressley, of the 10th S. C. Regiment, had been desperately wounded in the chaiire, and I was then in command of the 10th S. C. Regiment. De Gress's guns were in such a position that Manigault could not get them off.
Manigault's Brigade swept to its left, clearing out the enemy's works, until the right of the loth S. C. Regiment was in the enemy's breastworks, about 50 yards to the north of the brick house To our left, on a hill some quarter or half a mile to our left, the enemy held their line, but across the valley, between us and that hill, they were, I think, cleared out; at least I have no recollection of seeing any Yankees there. From that hill they opened on us with a very hot fire of shrapnel, and raked down the breastworks. I believe other

10
troops moved against that hill from the main line of our works around Atlanta, hut failed to dislodge them, and thus give us any relief. This eniilade tire \vas so severe, and as we had no pressure from the front, I put the 10th S. O.lleghnent on the outside, the Yankee side, of the captured breastworks, to better protect the men, throwing out a line of skirmishers to give us notice of any advance of the enemy.
Manigault's Brigade was subsequently ordered to our right, and finally, about dark, retired to the main line of works. We had no pressure of the enemy from our front during our occupation of the enemy's works, and retired under orders.
During the attack, and afterwards during the whole after noon, I was personally within 100 yards of De Gross's Battery, and I saw no troops near this Battery except Manigault's and Sharpe's Brigades, (the latter of Mississippians), and Sharpe did not come up until Manigault had captured the guns. I am sure that if any other troops had been there, I would have known it. In talking this battle over with numerous members of the 10th S. C. Regiment, and others of Manigault's Brigade, I have never found any one whose recollections on this point differed from mine. General Manigault in his private history, speaks of other troops coming up on his left, and their Colonel conversing with him, and he was impressed with the gallant bearing of the officer; but this was in the afternoon, after we had captured the two Batteries. AVhat command this was he does not state. But these troops, if they reached the captured line, must have struck it to the left of Manigault's, and did not go near the De Gress Bat tery. His entire reference is to them as coming up on his left At that period of the fight De Gross's Battery was to the right of the position occupied by Manigault's Brigade.
That the enemy appreciated the harm done them by our fire from the white house, is shown by their burning the house soon after they re-occupied their line on the night of the 22d of July.
It did seem hard; we had built these breastworks, given

11
them up to the enemy, retaken them at a very heavy sacrifice, and now we had to give them up again. The whole struggle of the afternoon, the lives lost, the suffering inflicted, had all heen for nothing. And this was but an example of what happened to us of the Western Army very often; marches, skirmishes, battles, all seemingly with no good result. Only at Chickamauga did the army win a complete and thorough victory. "Was it not a sublime spirit of patriotic heroism which nerved these noble Veterans? They stood all that was depressing, all that was disheartening, and to the last rallied in defence of our Confederate Flag, which, alas 1 to them had been the symbol of suffering, trials endured, rather than of victory. (The rest of the paper refer? to subsequent operations and is omitted.)
If my statements as regards the capture of De Gress's Battery by Manigault's Brigade convince you, I would esteem it a great favor if you would influence your Camp to have the sign on the battlefield corrected, and it would be but justice also to put up a similar mark upon the spot where the 10th S. C Regiment, of Manigault's Brigade, captured Battery A, 1st Illinois Artillery.
Yours, very truly, C. I. WALKER.
Historian Rodgers submitted a preliminary report, which was garbled in a publication in the Atlanta Constitution, ]\Iarch 7th, 1897.
To this General Walker made a reply, which was published in the Atlanta Constitution, May 31st. 1S97.
At that time the following extract was made and for warded to Historian Rodgers. together with copies of all the other original papers referred to in General Walker's article.

12
EXTRACT FROM GENERAL MANIGAULT'S NARRATIVE.
The Division bad been ordered to hold itself in readiness for action when the firing first began and the Brigade commanders shortly after received their instructions as to the movement contemplated. At about -i o'clock, or a little after, the Division was ordered to advance, and did so, spring ing over the breastworks in the following order: Deas' Brigade, commanded by Colonel Coaltart on the right, with its left resting on the railroad, supported by Brantley's (formerly "Walthall's who had lately received the promotion of "Temporary Major General"), and my own on the left, its right on the railroad, (to which line we both threw our guides) and supported by the Brigade of General Sharpe, our orders were to move on until we found the enemy, and then to attack and drive him out of his works, which we were to hold until further orders; it was expected that we would find him prepared for our reception, in our own old line of works, that we had abandoned the night before, about a mile in our front. The ground for a half mile, after leaving our posi tion, was comparatively open, so that we could move along without difficulty; a skirmish line preceded us. The enemy who had a considerable force, with a battery of artillery, in advance of their main line, were easily driven back, and dur ing our progress we captured over a hundred prisoners; still moving forward, we passed through a belt of woods, which screened the Brigade, excepting the right Regiment, the 1 Oth S. C., which was exposed to view from the time it left the breastworks, and consequently suffered severely. The nearer we approached the enemy, the more severe became the fire, particularly that of the artillery, which caused us the loss of a good many men; the country was fortunately gently undu lating, so that for a great portion of the time we could not be seen by them; I had several times to check the movement of the line, as it got in advance somewhat of the Brigade on our right. At length we reached a hollow between t /fo hills, which ran almost parallel with the front of the position occu pied by the Yankees, where we halted to rectify the alignment, and close up any gaps that had occurred during our advance.
Everything being in readiness, we were about to go for ward, when General Brown ordered me, through a staff officer.

13
not to do so until Colonel Coaltart was also ready; what delayed them I do not know, but it caused us to remain inac tive for at least five minutes, the shot and shell annoying us much, the fragments from Ihe shell and bullets from the spherical case falling amongst us incessantly. Seeing at last that the other Brigade on my right appeared to be in readi ness, the order to move forward was given, and on clearing the brow of the hill, there stood the enemy in their breast works not over two hundred and fifty yards from us. Their flags fluttering lazily in the breeze, indicated the length of line occupied by each regiment, and the number opposed to us. I saw and noticed all this only for a moment, and thought it looked very pretty, but in the next instant the whole scene was shut out, everything enveloped in smoke, a deafening roar smote upon the ear, and the storm of bullets and cannister tore through our ranks and around us; the men by this time were well under way, and although the line stag gered and reeled for a moment, it quickly recovered and went forward, the space that separated us being half cleared, or per haps as much as two-thirds of it cleared, the fire became more deadly and alarming, the space at which the men were moving slackened, large gaps were visible here and there, the line had lost its regularity, wabbling like the movements of a ser pent, and things looked ugly, but our supports were coming up iu capital style, not more than one hunderd yards in rear, the men saw them and gathered confidence. All the field, and most of the line officers, played their part well at this crisis, conspicuous among them was Lieutenant "William E. Huger, A. D. C. ; the gallant examples set by so many over came all hesitation excepting in small portions of two regi ments, arid the Brigade nearly as a whole dashed forward and over the works, rifles and artillery flashing in their faces.
At the last rush, most of the enemy broke and lied, still a goodly number fought on until they saw that further resistance was useless, or were killed or overpowered; many of our men were killed or wounded in the work itself, amongst the latter Colonel Pressley shot through the shoulder with a rifle ball, fighting hand to hand with several Federal soldiers. (This wound proved most serious, from which he did not recover in time to rejoin hie regiment before the final surrender of the army.)
We had scarcely secured our position before our supports were up to us, and as the enemy on our right and left gave

14
way, seeing their line broken, the two, Sharpe's and my own Unlades, gained ground on the two flanks, occupying a space equal to their entire front. On examination we found that in the line that wo had carried were sixteen pieces of artillery; four of these were twenty pound Parrott guns, the other twelve consisted of Napoleon twelve pounds and three inch rifle guns; -.ve also recognized that the works from which we had driven the enemy, were the same that we had thrown up on the 20th and 21st, but had been much strengthened and altered in order to light inwards, the abattis which we had covered our front with had been reversed, and had presented itself as an obstacle to us, but so impetuous was the last rush, that many officers and men declared that they were not aware of its existence until some minutes after the conquest had ended. Owing to the fact of there being two ditches to the work, one cut by ourselves, and the other by the enemy to suit them, and the heavy fire which they kept upon us, hav ing rallied and formed a new line about five hundred yards off, it was almost impossible to save the guns we had captured; six pieces were with much difficulty removed, but it was impossible to do anything with the others just then.
It must have been about fifteen minutes after we had taken our position near the works, when an order was brought me to retire at once. Reluctantly we were compelled to obey it, and i;i a few minutes commenced to fall back; we had aban doned the works, and retreated about a quarter of a mile when we w^re halted, the order countermanded, and we were directed to return and reoccupy them.
The above is a correct extract from General Manigault's narrative.
A. M. MANIGAULT. May 2fith, 1S(7.
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA,
Charleston County.
Personally appeared before me A. M. Manigault, and
made oath in due form of law that the above is a correct
extract from General Manigault's nairative.
Subscribed and sworn to this 2Gth day of May, 1897.
II. C. MAZYCK,
Notary Public.

15
Colonel L. P. Thomas, ex-commander 42d Georgia, which
Regiment laid claim to the capture of the De Ore.** Battery,
submits to Historian Rodgers the following letter:
Colonel R. L. Rodgers. Historian. Atlanta Camp, 1">9, U. C. V.
Dear Sir As you request, I make this statement of the position of the -i2d Georgia, on July -22d, 1S(U:
''The 4'2d Georgia Regiment occupied the left; of Stovall's Brigade, which threw our right on and along the Georgia Railroad. The 1st Georgia State Troops were on our imme diate right, General H. D. Clavton commanding our Division, composed of Stovall. Baker, Gibson and Holtzclaw's Brigades. I refer you to General Clavton's report of this battle ^remem ber that the 42d Georgia Regiment was on the extreme left of Stovall's Brigade in this charge) being in the trenches on the north-east of Atlanta. Gen. Clayton says: " about 4 P. M. I was ordered to close to the right, my right remaining fixed, and forming in two lines to begin the attack upon the enemy in my front, and upon the left of Hindman's Division, already engaged. I placed Baker and Stovall's Brigades in the front line, and Gibsou and Holtzclaw's Divisions in the rear. I then ordered Colonel Johnson, commanding Stovall's Brigade, to move forward and make the attack. 1 ' This, then, you observe, was the position of each command; our Regiment, the 42d Georgia Regiment, keeping along the Georgia Railroad, in the charge, leading in the same, in attacking the Federal lines, and successfully taking the same at the point where the enemy's breastworks crossed the Georgia Railroad, running north and south of the same. Much has been written of this memorable charge, and many complimentary things said of the part taken by this gallant old Regiment that I had the honor to command on that day. Excuse me now for not dwelling more fully on the same.
Yours, truly, L. P. THOMAS, SK.

CAPTURE OF DE CRESS'S BATTERY.
To the Officers and Members of Atlanta Camp, Xo. 150, U. C. V.:
Atlanta, Ga., September , 1898.
For the last two years there has been a controversy about the capture of the famous Battery which was commanded by Captain Francis De Gress, in the Union Army, under General Sherman, in the battle of Atlanta, on the 22d of July, 1864.
In December, 1896, I made a partial report on the matter. Since then there seemed to be a general satisfaction, until recently, about the time of our general Reunion.
I noticed a report or letter from General C. Irvine Walker, published in the Journal newspaper of this city. It was the same which he sent to me in February or March, 1897, which I then reported to this Camp.
I have also observed the letter of Captain William T. Smith, of the County of Gwinnett. lie was a Lieutenant in the 42d Georgia Regiment.
It is well known that the controversy in the matter is with regard to who. or what troops or regiment, made the capture of the Battery of Captain De Gress. I have been often asked to give information of the matter, as I get it from the records of the Civil War. Acting as the Historian of your Camp, of course it may be supposed that I have investigated the records. Certainly my own position would prevent me from entertaining any biased or prejudicial opinion or view of the matter. I have no motive but the simple love of the truth of history, and in my humble way to do my duty as your Historian. In such view I recently undertook to make a

is
thorough examination of this particular subject, and I now respectfully present to you my report.
I have carefully read and studied the official reports of officers, as given in the Volume 3S, Series 1, Part 3, of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, embracing the Atlanta campaign.
I have also made personal inquiries of officers and members of Confederate Regiments, who were in that engagement of the 2-2d of July, 1 8f>4.
In the official records I find very little from the Confederate officers, on that battle, and such as I do find, from such source; is very general or desultory, and nothing of detail or 'definite report, as to troops or positions on that day. I have made the inquiry, and it has been stated to me, as to the position of the 42d Georgia. Regiment, and as to the Is* Georgia State Troops.
I have been informed that the 42d Georgia Regiment was commanded in that engagement by Captain L. P. Thomas. We all know him. I have learned that the 1st Georgia State Line Regiment \vasfirstundercommand of Lioutonant Colonel Brown, but he was shot down early in the fight, from which he died. He was a brother of our War Govevnor. Joseph E. Brown. The command of the Regiment then devolved upon Captain Albert Ho well, who led it in the battle. We all know him.
The information derived from personal interviews is, that 'these two Regiments were in Stovall's Prigade, which was commanded by Colonel Abda Johnson, in that engagement. I have learned that the Stovall Brigade was near to and at the Georgia Railroad, during that engagement. The 4~><\ Georgia'Regiment," as I am informed, was at first on the Con federate left, or north side of the railroad, and moved by right oblique or, in echelon to south side, and the 1st Georgia State Line Regiment was on the Confederate right, or south side, of tlic r.-ulrond. It is understood, and for the purpose of this . report,it is treated as correct, that these two regiments were in

39
the charge made on Federal Batteries which were situated at the railroad and south of the railroad, at which place there was a deep'cut, about ten to iifteen feet deep, along there. It is understood that the public or dirt road, for vehicles, ran along near to the railroad, on the north side of the railroad. It is understood that at that point there was a Federal Batterv in. or very near to, the wagon road, and near to the top of flic cut, through which the railroad ran. The location is about the big oak tree in the yard there, now known as the resi dence lot of ilr. Ed. Holland. On the south side, and oppo site, is the residence of Dr. Asa Candler. It is under.-tood that* this is the location of these two Georogia Rei%.riments. in the charge upon and capture of the Federal Battery, which was situated there in that engagement. So we get the loca tion in the tight, of these Georgia Regiments.
There is no dispute about these Regiments having captured t!ie batteries at that point, and south side, so far as I have yet ascertained.
The controversy arises by General C. I. Walker claiming that the capture of De Gress's Battery was made by the H'th South Carolina Regiment, of the Brigade commanded by General A. M. Manigault. The 10th S. C. Regiment was that day under command of Colonel C. I. Walker The 10th S. C. Regiment was in command of Captain E. W. Home.
The reports of Captain Home and of Major General II. D. Ckyton, are the only reports of Confederate officers which <ju"C anv account of the position of Confederate troops in that engagement at that point.
Their reports are not specific, and they only give a general idea of the positions. I have made sevt-ral trips over the grounds there for the purpose of studying the subject of posi tions of troop, and in such way. and in connection with a study of the reports of both sides, Confederate and Federal, I have obtained a better idea of the situation than I can get by general oral reports. It is to be understood that very

20
near the cut of the railroad, on the north side, there was the house known as the old Hurt house. Not far from there, or near the present location of Holland's house, there was a white framed house. These houses will be referred to in the succeeding reports, so it is proper to understand their loca tions. The Hurt house was about 150 yards from the rail road, on the north side. The white house was a little way to the west of the Hurt house. The Hurt house is referred to in the records as the "brick house." It is proper to take notice of these designations and locations, in order to fully understand the situation of troops, as given in the reports, from which I make quotations.
Another position of Federal troops is designated as the Howard house or mansion. It was situated about 900 or 1,000 yards from, and a little north-east of the Hurt house, or about 1100 or 1200 yards, same direction, from the cut at the Georgia Railroad. The Howard house was on the elevated position known now as "Copenhill." General Sherman's headquarters were at the Howard house. From that position can be distinctly seen the other hill, which slopes down towards the valley or swamp, and east and north from the Hurt house. The Hurt house is on the crest of the hill, and from it also is a slope to the railroad. The crest of the hill where the Hurt house was, prevents a sight or view of the position at the railroad cut, from the Howard house, so that one at the Howard house, or on "Copenhill," as now called, cannot see movements at the railroad cut, but can see distinctly on the hill which slopes to the valley north of Hurt house. The importance of this explanation of the positions, and of the topography of the Held there, will become apparent as we proceed in this report.
It does not appear by the official records that the Confederate officers made special reports of this battle. I quote two of them, as the only reports I find which have any bearing on this matter, and they are not specific or clear.
Document No. 655, on page 819, of Volume 38, of "War

21
Records, is report of Major General Henry D. Clavton. com manding Division formerly A P. Stewart's.
Near Atlanta, Ga., August 27th, 1804.
"Major I have the honor to submit the following report of the battle of the 22d of July, 1864:
This Division, composed of Stovall's Brigade, (Colonel A. Johnson commanding,) Baker's Brigade, (Colonel J. H. Higley commanding,) Gibson's Brigade, (General R. L. Gibson commanding,) and Holtzclaw's Brigade, ("Colonel Bush. Jones commanding,) being in the trenches on the north-east of Atlanta, about 4 P. M., I was ordered to close to the right, my extreme right remaining fixed, and forming in two lines to begin the attack upon the enemy in my front, and upon the left of Ilindman's Division, already engaged. I placed Baker's and Stovall's Brigades in the front line, and Gibson's and Holtzclaw's in the rear. I then ordered Colonel Johnson to move forward and make the attack, forming a connection with Ilindman's Division, upon his right, and that' Colonel Jones should follow at a given interval. Observing a considerable force of the enemy moving down his lines from my left to the right, I ordered Major Eldridge, commanding the artillery battalion attached to the Division, to move out and open fire. This was done, but with what effect I was unable to judge. At the same time I ordered Colonel Iligley to move his Brigade forward, but deeming it important to meet this movement of the enemy, and at least check it, I ordered him to change his front obliquely to the left and attack. This he did in good style, and, together with the artillery, checked the movement from that direction.
General Gibson's Brigade was moved to the right in support of Ilindman's Division, which had now been repulsed, but the enemy failing to pursue, it did not become engager!.
Stovall's and Holtzclaw's Brigade, after having made gal lant assaults, and driven the enemy from their works, were
3

22

also in turn driven back with considerable loss, the enemy

moving from the front of Hindman's Division upon their

right. Colonel Jones still held his brigade together, when,

riding out upon his right, I discovered the enemy moving

upon that flank. I ordered him to change his direction, and

move back about 100 yards, to an advantageous position,

where I also found General Manigault and a portion of his

brigade, whom I ordered to form upon Colonel Jones' left.

All the other troops having left the field except Colonel Hig-

ley, who was a few hundred yards to my left, and still skir

mishing with the enemy, I ordered him to withdraw, retain

ing General Manigault and Colonel Jones in position until

night, when I received orders to withdraw them also.

In this engagement I lost many brave men and officers.

Conspicuous among the latter were Lieutenant Colonel Brown,

of First Georgia State Line, Stovall's Brigale; Lieutenant

Colonel Grecne, 37th Alabama, Baker's Brigade; and Major

Shep. Ruffin, of the ISth Alabama, then commanding the

38th Alabama, Iloltzclaw's Brigade.



*

*

*

*

*

Herewith I submit the reports of several Brigade Com-

maiulers.

To Major J. W. RATCIIFORD,

H. I). CLAYTOX,

Assistant Adjutant General.

General.

It will be observed that the report ot General ('lavton places General Manigaiilt's Brigade on the left of Colonel Jones, commanding Iloltzclaw's Brigade.
The several reports of Brigade Commanders in the Record, shows reference to other engi gements, before and after July 22d, but none of them report on this battle.
The next report which I insert here is from Colonel C. Irvine Walker, of Charleston, S. C. His report is not in the official records, but was written some years ago, 1SS1, and published as his sketch of his regiment. He was Lieu tenant Colonel of the 10th Regiment of South Carolina.

23
That Regiment was in the Brigade commanded l>y Brigadier General A. M.. Manigault, and was known in the army as ilanigault's Brigade. I have a later report from General C. I. Walker, but I quote from the one of previous date, because it was given at a time when there was no controversy about the Battery of Captain De Gress.
General Walker, on pages 113, 114 and 115, says:
"On the morning of the 22d of July, 1804, news came along the line that Hardee's Corps was off on a secret expedition. TIo\v quickly these items of army news spread from regiment to regiment down a long line. The private soldier was always thoroughly posted, and often knew of proposed movements hours before the official orders came.
About dinner time, the arrival of reserves in our rear showed that Hood intended giving us a place in the picture, and the activity of the enemy's pickets proved that they \\-ITC awake, and expecting some movement. The Yankees run out on their picket line a section of artillery in our front, and gave us a lively shelling. The right of our regiment rested on the Georgia Railroad, we being on the right of onr Brigade. Boas' Brigade, of onr Division, was on our right.
We had hardly well finished onr dinners when the ordeis came to advance. The Brigade was soon over the breast works, and formed on the outside. Steadily the line moves forward, supported by Sharpe's Brigade, and with Deas' on the right. The enemy's artillery keep up a brisk lire, to which our's replies, iiring over the heads of the advancing line. The Yankee picket line is reached, driven in, the loth Regiment captures the picket reserve, and the section of artillery barely escapes, galloping off ahead of us, and we following close behind, up to within 50 yards of the Federal breastworks. Deas has not been so successful, and our right is exposed to a heavy flanking tire. Sixteen pieces of artillery are belching fire and death into our Brigade. Xot quite strong enough to carry the works, we halt and pour ill a

24
deadly fire. A two story house is just outside of the enemy's line, and covers the left of the 10th, and right of the li)th S. C. Regiments. Colonel Pressley sends men of both regi ments into thts upper piazza, where they shoot right down into the enemy's ranks. General Sharpe sends to offer Colonel Pressley assistance, which is declined. We gather up our ranks, make a desperate charge, mount the Federal breast works, and drive away the enemy Among the many who fall in the struggle is the gallant Pressley, who is borne from the top of the enemy's fortifications severely wounded in the shoulder.
The Battery captured by the 10th Regiment is at once wheeled around to our side of the lines, and a detail made to man it, if necessary. But limbers being captured, and artil lerists sent out from our main line, the guns are safely carried in.
The twelve other pieces captured by the Brigade were so situated that it was impossible to secure them.
Having gained a footing on the works, we push to our left, and Sharpe comes up and pushes to the right; together we clear the fortifications for more than half a mile. This attack was on the extreme right of the army, and we were to coop erate with Ilanlee, who was expected to turn Sherman's left Hank. We waited in vain for the sound of his guns. The Yankees finding no more movement on our part, re-occupied their works on a hill about half a mile to our left, brought up a battery which shelled us very heavily, enfilading our line. It was this fire which wounded the gallant Tolar. When it was known that Ilardee had not succeeded, Hood withdrew us to the main line of works."
We will now next examine the report of Captain Elijah W. Home, of the IJlth S. C. Regiment, which was in ATanigault's Brigade, and was on the left of the 10th S. C. Regi ment. In Document. Xo. 038, on pages 77 and 788, of Volume 38, Captain Home says:

25
"At about 3 o'clock on the afternoon of July 22d, 1864, much firing having been heard for about two hours in the direction of General Hardee's Corps, as if his troops were engaged, this regiment, simultaneously with your Brigade, was ordered forward from the breastworks east of Atlanta, at the Georgia Railroad.
The 1 Oth South Carolina Regiment was on its right, the 24th and 3-tth Alabama Regiments on its left, the 2Sth Alabama Regiment being then in front on picket. The Regiment (l!<th S. C.) advanced over rough ground, hills, narrow swamps and thick forest, about 1,200 or 1,400 yards, when it was halted and diessed with the brigade, which had become somewhat scattered by the distance marched over the impediments men tioned. There, within 300 yards of the works of the enemy, it rested about five minutes, and was ordered forward. It advanced up a gentle acclivity in good order, under a fire becoming more severe, from infantry and artillery, as it advanced, until within 100 yards of the works of the enemy, by which time the firing on its part became general, and the advance slow. Soon it began to oblique to the left, and found partial protection behind a large building, near where the works cross the railroad, known as the white house.
Captain Home, who was acting second in command with the Regiment, got some men .over the balusters, to fire from the windows of the house. Then getting in and passing to the front, he saw many of the enemy leaving their works. lie informed the men in the rear of the house of what the enemy were doing, and soon the men were leaping over the works and capturing prisoners. Then, mingling with men of other regiments, they passed about 150 yards left along the works, on the enemy's side of them, to the brick house, where they captured other prisoners. Major James L. White, who was in command of the Regiment, acted well his part. Xow, the Regiment having been assembled on the right, in front of the white house, is marched a short distance to the rear, and thrown into line by the white house, the line being at a

right angle with the works, and facing to the left About the time the Brigade had formed on this line it wab ordered to the icar, marched back and halted near the line on which it was halted, to dress and rest in advancing. Being ordered forward, the Regiment now advanced, and under heavy enfi lade fire from cannon on its left, and re-occupied the works. Then it was moved to the left, and occupied the trench left of the brick house, Major White still in command, and now a few yards left of the house, the enfilade still very severe. Here Major "White was severely wounded and carried off the field, when the command devolved on Captain E. W. Home. Soon he found that the Brigade, except the portion with him, had moved to the rear, and being satisfied that it had been ordered to do so, ordered his men to retreat. At about 300 yards in the rear he joined General Manigault, who was assembling his brigade; halted the Regiment there and rested, then moved back half a mile, halted, and rested until nearly dark; then returned to breastworks, and the Regiment occu pied the position from which the advance was made."
These foregoing reports are about all that I have been able to find of Confederate officers, who give us any particular light or information on this special matter, touching upon the capture of the Battery which may be known as De Gross's Battery
Let us cross the lines now, and go over on the Federal side, and take a view of the field from the reports as we find them from officers of the Union Army.
Let us first have the information and understanding that Da Gress's Battery was known and designated in official reports as Battery II, of 1st Illinois Regiment of Light Artil lery. The Regiment was a command of artillery, composed of Batteries A, B, D, F. and II.
So, now, with such understanding, let us trace him and his Battery, as the Federal Army approached Atlanta, and let us see the position of the Battery on the 22d day of July. The -Regiment was in the 15th (Logan's) Corps.

'27
We will begin with the first report concerning the matter, and then trace it consecutively.
The report is by Major General John A. Logan, commandjug Army of the Tennessee. In Report No. 43S, from Headquarters Fifteenth Army Corps, dated at East Point, Ga., September 10th, 1864, 011 pages 2-1, ct seq. On page 25 General Logan then goes on to say:
"It was now about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, as I recol lect. * * * Up to this time the Fifteenth Corps had not been attacked; the whole efforts of the enemy had been directed against the left of the Army of the Tennessee. At 3.30 the enemy made an attack upon the Second Division of the Fifteenth Corps. * * * The enemy advanced from the direction of their main works about Atlanta in columns of regiments. The attacking columns moved rapidly upon the Second Division, commanded by General Lightburn. The first assault was repulsed. Their lines, however, were rapidly reformed, and the assault renewed repeatedly, but without success. The withdrawal of Colonel Martin's Brigade from the Second Division, to reinforce the Sixteenth Corps, made an interval between the right of the Second and left of the First Division, which was held by a thin line of skirmishers. Wangelin's Brigade had been withdrawn from the First Divi sion, so that there were no reserves to the Corps. At this point was a deep cut of the railroad, on the right of which four guns of * BATTERY A, First Illinois Artillery, were in position, and firing by the right oblique at the broken line of the enemy. Under the smoke of ''Battery A" a rebel column marched rapidly by the flank up the main dirt road, and through the deep cut of the railroad, and were in rear of onr lines before the officers or men were aware of their intention. The Division at once fell back, the greater part halting in a ravine between the two lines, some, however, retreating to the old line. "Battery A" and the 20 pounder guns of "Battery II," First Illinois Artillery, were left in the hands

28
of the enemy. The officers and men of both Batteries fought with the greatest gallantry, serving their guns while they were surrounded by the enemy."
We will now proceed to pages 58 and 50, of War Records, Volume 3S, and there we read from the report of Captain Andrew Ilickenlooper, Chief of Artillery, of operations of July 22d, as follows:
"I have the honor to submit the following report of' the operations of the artillery of the Army of the Tennessee, during the action of 22d inst.
(Battery F, 3d ^Missouri, two 3 inch guns and two 1 2 pound howitzers; 4th Ohio Battery, four light 12 pounder guns, and two 12 pounder howitzers:) Battery H, First Illinois, four 20 pounder Parrotts. To the front and right of large brick house, on the north side of the railroad, Battery A, First Illinois, six light 12 pounders, four of which were advanced in front of the line; Battery F, First Illinois, six light 12 pounders, was about 400 yards south of the railroad, and the First Iowa Battery, four 10 pounder Parrotts, on the high hill about 800 yards south of Battery F, First Illinois."
(The dispositions further south and to the left, are not necessary to relate here now, in this matter.) He then goes on to say, on page 5ft:
"About 1.80 P. M. the enemy attacked the left center of the Second Division of the Fifteenth Army Corps, forcing the infantry back, and capturing "Battery II " and four guns of Battery "A," First Illinois. While the enemy was mak ing this assault, the guns of the Firnt Division were turned upon the. assaulting column and did great execution."
Honorable mention is then made'of several officers of the artillery; among them is Captain De Gross, of Battery II, Tirst Illinois; Lieutenant Smyth, Battery A, First Illinois.
We then go on to the report of Major Thomas W. Osborn, of First New York Light Artillery, Chief of Artillery, as follows, on page 59, Volume 38: . .

29
September 16th, 1864.
"I would respectfully report the part borne by the Light Artillery of the Army of the Tennessee in the late campaign for the occupation of Atlanta, so far as the operations have been under my general supervision, as Chief of Artillery of the Army.
The following is a list of the Batteries serving with the Army in the field, to wit: Fifteenth Army Corps, Major T. D. Maurice, Chief of Artillery; Fourth Ohio Battery; F, Second Missouri Light Artillery; "-4," First Illinois Artillery ; B, First Illinois Artillery ; F, First Illinois Artillery; H, First Illinois Artillery. * * * D, First Illinois Light Artillery. * * * &c."
I omit some of the Batteries named, because it is not essen tial in this matter to give the whole list, and would merely prolong this report, without any special purpose or good result.
Let us now turn to pages 102 and 103, of Volume 38, of the Records, in another report of General John A. Logan, in which he mentions this matter.
lie says, as follows, on page 103 : "About 3 o'clock in the afternoon the enemy, by a most desperate assault, broke our line and captured the Battery of De Gress on the right of the Second Division. As soon as I learned the fast, I, as department commander, ordered that it be retaken at all hazards, and General Woods, commanding First Division, at once disposed his command for that pur pose. In the mean time the guns t,f another battery were turned on the horses of the captured battery, for the purpose of preventing the enemy from removing the guns. This was effectual, and General Woods soon led the advance, which retook the guns and the position our troops were compelled to abandon. General Woods displayed in this action the greatest judgment and skill. For the particulars of the re capture of the battery I refer you to General Woods' report, herewith enclosed.

so
"At another point of the lines, situated immediately across the rail and dirt roads, the enemy made a sudden and desper ate assault, compelling a portion of the Second Division to give way, and captured two guns of Battery "A." First Illinois Light Artillery, which they succeeded in carrying away, although under the personal direction of General Smith, the line was almost immediately retaken."
Let us now proceed to pages 116 and 117, of Volume 38, of Records, and read from the report of Lieutenant Colonel Robert R. Townes, Assistant Adjutant General and Chief of Staff, of Fifteenth Army Corps. He says:
"At 1 P. M. of July 22d, by the death of Major General McPherson, and the consequent assignment of Major General Logan to command the Army of the Tennessee, the command of the Fifteenth Army Corps devolved upon Brigadier Gen eral Morgan L. Smith, commander of the Second Division, by virtue of his seniority. At the time he was directed to assume command, the tactical formation of the Corps was as follows: the First Division, Brigadier General C. R. Woods commanding, formed the right of the line, connecting on the right with the Twenty-third Army Corps; the Second Divi sion, Brigadier General J. A. J. Lightburn, commanding, (late Brigadier General M. L. Smith's Division) formed the center, crossing the railroad and dirt road leading into Atlanta from the east; and the Fourth Division, Brigadier General William Harrow commanding, formed the left, connecting with the Seventeenth Army Corps on the left. Reserves were posted from respective divisions in the rear, and occu pied the works, advanced from early in the morning. The position now held by the advanced line of the command was the position of the enemy of the 21st. which he had aban doned during the night, and was occupied by the Corps early in the morning, with instructions from the General commanding to place them in complete defensible position.
This disposition materially weakened the lint- of the

31
Second Division, which covered the main dirt road and the railroad leading into Atlanta, but it was apparently unavoidable and necessary. These dispositions had not long been completed, when the enemy made a sudden and desper ate movement against the lines of the command, intending to dislodge us. The attack on the center, (wnich covered the dirt and railroad) and the right of the Second Division join ing the First, was in such force that the line at that point gave way, and the guns and horses of De Gress's Battery (H), First Illinois Light Artillery, four 20 pounder Parrotts, with two brass pieces (12 pounders) of Company A, First Illinois Light Artillery, were captured by the enemy."
Let us now turn to page 147, of Volume 38, of War "Records, and read from the report of Colonel Milo Smith, of the 26th Iowa Infantry, who was that day in command of the First Brigade of the Fifteenth Army Corps. It will be remembered that the First Brigade was on the right of the Second Brigade, and was on the line which extended along to the north about where the DeLoach mill is now situated, in front of General Sherman's headquarters, which were on the hill now known as "Copenhill," where the Howard house was situated. Those who may be acquainted with the..grounds there, will at once recognize it by the expression in the report,'' the intervening ground much depressed and swampy.'' Colonel Smith says:
''There was a vacancy between my left and the troops nearest adjoining of some 250 yards, the intervening ground much depressed and swampy. So soon as proper tools could 1)3 obtained, the enemy's rifle pits were reversed, and my position strengthened with all possible dispatch. From demonstrations now making by the enemy, it became manifest they were massing troops immediately in front of the Second Division, on my left, which was soon proven by their attack in such force as to break through our lines at that point. I made immediate preparations accordingly, not. however,

S2
withdrawing my skirmishers, and by refusing my left, having completely changed my front so as to face the flank of the lines on my left, I made room for the Second Brigade on my right, and moved rapidly forward across the swamp now appearing in my front, at once attacking the enemy on their flank, and so vigorously, that they were soon obliged to aban don the works they had temporarily occupied, together with De Gress's Battery of 20 pounders that had been in their possession, and also leaving their dead and wounded in our hands. The works being now strengthened by the arrival of more forces, my Brigade was at once ordered back to reoccupy its original position. The movement was not executed any too soon, as the enemy was quick to improve the advan tage presented, and before we could resume our position in the works, had already hurriedly driven in our skirmishers, and were pressing rapidly forward. The Second Brigade had been so advantageously posted in the gap heretofore men tioned, that they were able to suddenly check the advancing column, and their well directed volleys, aided by the 30th Iowa, now in its old position in the works, soon drove the enemy back to the timber from which they had emerged with such confidence."
Let us proceed now to page 179, of Volume 38, of Records, and read a part of the report of Brigadier General Joseph A. J. Lightlmrn. who was that day in command of the Second Division of the Fifteenth Army Corps. lie says:
" Pursuant to orders, I moved my Brigade forward, fol lowing Colonel Martin's (First) Brigade, and took possession of the enemy's works in our front, forming on the right of the railroad, and commenced reversing the works, throwing out a strong skirmish line, supported by the Fifty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, together with the One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Volunteers, and one section of Battery A. First Illinois Light Artillery, under the command of Colonel Wells S. Jones, of the Fifty-third Ohio Volunteer hifimtry.

33
with instructions to watch his flanks and fall back when com pelled by the advance of the enemy, placing the remainder of Battery A, First Illinois Light Artillery, in position on each side of the railroad, and Battery II on my extreme right. At 2 P. "M. pursuant to orders, I assumed command of the Division, and at 3.30 P. M. my whole line was attacked, which was resisted with spirit, until the line was broken on the main road, when the whole command broke in confusion to the rear. Finding it impossible to check the retreat, I proceeded immediately to the works occupied in the morning, ordering that the command be there checked, reformed, and retake the position lost, and, if possible, recap ture the Batteries, which was ultimately done, with the assistance of General WoodsT Division, and one Brigade of the Sixteenth Army Corps, commanded by Colonel Mersey, recapturing all the guns of Battery II, and two guns of Battery A."
Let us go on now to pages 1SS and 189, of Volume 38, of Records, and read from the report of Captain Gordon Lofland, Assistant Adjutant General of the Second Division of the Fifteenth Army Corps. lie says:
i- Friday. July :2'2d.
. The enemy evacuated tlunr works last night; pushed skir mishers forward and occupied the works with our main line at 0.30 A. M.; the First Brigade on the left, and Second Brigade on the right of the railroad. The skirmish line was pushed well forward, supported by two regiments and a sec tion of Battery A, First Illinois Light Artillery. The works were (hen reversed, and Battery A, First Illinois Light Artil lery, placed in position two guns on the right, and two on the left of the railroad, which, at that place, runs through 2 deep cut, and Battery II, of the same regiment, on the extreme right of the line. At 2 P. Al. skirmishers reported the enemy forming in our front, and at the same time three regiments

34
were taken out of the line and sent to the rvar to protect our train and hospital, and the line lengthened to cover the ground from which the regiments had been withdrawn, leaving us without any reserve or support for the batteries. At 2.30 P. M. the enemy advanced in three lines; the skirmishers fell back on their support, who held the position until the enemy approached quite near, when they fired one volley, which checked their advance, and then fell back to the main line. The enemy reformed, and advanced on our main works. The first line was handsomely repulsed, and sought cover in a ravine and behind a large house in front and to our right. This drew the fire in that direction, and the artillery was directed to fire on the house. The rapid discharge of artil lery caused such a smoke that the second line advanced along and through the railroad cut unobserved, and he thus suc ceeded in breaking our line near the center, causing it to break to the right and left, leaving all of our artillery (ten pieces) in the hands of the enemy. The line was reformed at the works we had occupied in the morning, and, with the assistance of one Brigade of the Sixteenth Army Corps, charged and took the works, and 6 of the 10 guns lost, and capturing one stand of colors and 130 prisoners."
We proceed now to page 210, of Volume 38, of .Records, and read from the report of Lieutenant Colonel George II. Hildt, of the 30th llegiment, of Ohio Infantry. He says:
"At 1 P. M. a heavy firing was heard on the left, and the works were ordered to be put in complete order as rapidly as possible. The firing came gradually nearer, and at 3.30 an attack was made upon us by Hindman's Division of Hardee's Corps. They occupied the works on the left of our brigade, and each regiment in succession in our brigade fell back. We being partly sheltered by the brick house on our left, remained some time afterward with the hope to save I)e Gress's Battery, in position on our right, but were compelled finally to leave them in the hands of the enemy and fall back

So
also to the line of works we left in the morning, -where we formed and moved forward to retake the battery, but were compelled to again fall back. Another attempt shortly after was successful, and we occupied the works, with the dead bodies of the enemy strewing the ground in front in great numbers. We lost a number of prisoners."
We proceed now to page 217. of Volume 38, of Record-8, and read from the report of Lieutenant Colonel Samuel R. Mott, of the 57th Regiment Ohio Infantry. He says:
"July 22d, about 1 P. M., fighting could be heard on left, continuing for some time, with seeming doubtful result, when three Regiments, Sixth Missouri, One Hundred and Twenty-seventh, and One Hundred and Sixteenth Illinois, of First Brigade, Second Division, were ordered to the support of the Sixteenth Army Corps, leaving but two Regiments, (55th Illinois and 57th Ohio) in line of battle, the One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois being in front, supporting the skirmish line. About 3 P. M. the enemy attacked the picket line, driving it back on the support (One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois) and finally forcing all back upon the line formed by the 57th Ohio and the 55th Illinois. On came the enemy, moving on us in column by regiment, four or five regiments deep, extending as far to the right and left as I could see. The picket line being well in, and the enemy within easy range, I ordered my regiment to commence tiring, and continued with such effect as to compel the enemy to withdraw from our front, with the exception of a small num ber, who had succeeded in gaining the outside of the work?, when I ordered the tiring to cease. I now observed that tl.e tiring was not. so heavy on the right, and started in that direc tion to ascertain the cause. From the position I occupied, I could see that the enemy had succeeded in gaining the works to the right of the railroad, having compelled the Second Brigade to leave the works, and were now forming to the number of, say, 500, a line of battle partially facing

36
my right, when they opened upon my right and rear, and at a distance of not more than t<venty-fire paces. Thus placed, I deemed it expedient to change front, which fact I communicated to the commanding officer of the 55th Illinois, both regiments being under my command. Between my right, and the left of the Second Brigade, ran the Augusta Railroad, and at this point was a cut of from five to fifteen feet deep. When I commenced the movement of change of front, I found a large number of the enemy had passed this cut in the railroad, and were no on my rear. Believing the movement impracticable, under this state of facts, I ordered both regiments to fall back. Reaching a ravine I attempted to reform the line. The command being in some confusion and the density of llio underbrush being so great, I could not determine with any degree of certainty to what extent I was surrounded. I continued to fall back to the line of rifle pits occupied before the advance, where I reformed my line. Here I found Generals Smith and Lightburn urging some men forward. At this juncture Colonel Martin came up with the regiments that had been detached and sent to the sup port of the Sixteenth Army Corps. The whole line being reformed, we advanced, and after some sharp work, re took our works. I desire here to state that the action of men and officers of both regiments under my command was all that could be desired, as every man remained at his post until ordered to fall back. I am of the opinion that we couM have held our line, if the brigade on my left had held their position.
I shall now mention the manning of the section of artillery of "Battery A," First Illinois Artillery, that was on the left of the railroad. I would that I knew the name of every man, that future generations might know to whom they are indebted for their liberties."
On page 223, of Volume 38, of War Records, I read from the report of Colonel Wells S. Jones, of the 55th Ohio Regi-

37
ment, who was commanding the Second Brigade of Second Division of the Fifteenth Array Corps, in that battle. lie says:
"About 3 P. JI. I received an order from General LightImru placing me in command of the Brigade. I was at that time about half a mile in front of the main line of works, supporting one line of skirmishers, who were not more than 500 yards from the enemy's works, and in plain view of Atlanta, ily instructions from General Lightburn were, that I would soon be attacked, and that I could either retire to the main line of works there, or wait until I was compelled to retreat. I gave orders to the two regiments under my com mand, the Fifty-third Ohio and One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Volunteers, together with the section of artillery, to remain in the position they then occupied until our skir mishers were driven in, and then to open lire on the enemy, and hold their position until the enemy appeared to be flank ing us. \Ve had tired but a short time when I saw the enemy to our left and rear advancing in heavy force. I ordered the artillery to fall back to the main works, and followed it with the infantry. When I entered our works I fiund the Second Brigade in the works on the north side of the railroad, with its left resting on the railroad. All the regiments were placed in the front line, but seven companies of the Fiftythird and two companies of the Forty-seventh Ohio, which were placed in reserve. Very soon the entire front line became engaged. The enemy were found to be steadily approaching our works, and the reserve companies were all ordered forwaid into the works. The enemy soon seemed to fall back from the right and center of the brigade, but about this time moved a heavy force up the road, and got another column into the railroad cut. The smoke from our battery, it being near the road, entirely hid them now from our view until they were crossing the works on each side of the battery. Soon after this the head of their column began to emerge from the railroad cut. about seventy-five vards in
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our rear. The men near the road, being no longer able to hold their position, fell back in considerable confusion. I attempted to form a line on my right, but I could not succeed." On page 228, the same officer, Colonel W. S. Jones, reports as follows:
'' On the left of the line, near the Atlanta road, there was a battery which fired over the temporary works; to the left of the dirt road there was a deep railroad cut, which was open. After the brigade had been firing about forty minutes, and the enemy seemed to have been driven from our entire front, a heavy column approached the battery unperceived, under cover of the low ground and smoke, which came over the works and through the dirt road in force sufficient to overpower the few .men placed between the pieces of artillery. About this time another column of the enemy began to emerge from the railroad cut in our rear, which caused the brigade to fall back from the works in considerable confusion."
On pages 245--246-247, of Volume 3$, of War Records, I read from the report of Major Thomas T. Taylor, of the Forty-seventh Ohio Regiment of Infantry. lie says:
"A few minutes after 4 P. M. the skirmish line was driven in by an assault of the enemy. Upon arriving within the works occupied by the Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, I saw the regiment first in the following order: three companies behind the works on the right of a section of artil lery, on the right of the Decatur road. Subsequently Com pany l 'K" was ordered to support a section of artillery between the wagon and railroads, posted behind a low earth work, terminating a few feet from the right bank of a cut in the railway. Said cut is about fifteen feet dee]), dry and firm at the bottom, and on the 22d was open and clear, neither occupied by troops nor blockaded. The wagon road on the right of said section and company is about twenty-five feet in width, and was likewise open and unoccupied by troops. The

39
distance between the wagon road and railway is four rods. One platoon of said company, consisting of sixteen men, was ordered between the guns composing the last named section, the other platoon to lie down in rear of it. The remainder of the regiment was in a few moments ordered into position behind the works on the right of the artillery on the right of said wagon road. Two columns of the enemy advanced up a ravine in front of the works, but were repulf-ed, and retired behind a house and some out-buildings a short distance there from, while, apparently, a third advanced by the flank, con cealed by the dense smoke of the artillery, up the rail and wagon roads. This advance was not discovered unul the head of the column was about to enter the gap made by the open wagon road in the works, mount the works in front of and pass around the last named section of the artillery. The platoon between said guns fought desperately, and all but four were killed, wounded or captured. The other platoon of said company being in rear of said guns, could not fhe with out lolling our men in their front, but received a heavy h're in front and on the right Hank, and when the enemy debouched from said cut in their rear, to avoid capture, they retired. Simultaneously the entire line began moving back. At the works a fierce struggle and hand-to-hand conflict occurred over our colors, in which the enemy were punished most severely. * * *
On pages 250 and 251, of Volume 3?, of War Eecord, 1 read the report of Lieutenant Colonel Itobcrt A. Fulton, of the Fifty-third Ohio Infantry, as follows:
"I have the honor to report that on the 22d instant the Fifty-third Regiment, under my command, was ordered to advance with the One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois to sup port the skirmishers to reconnoitre the position of the enemy near Atlanta. We advanced in line of battle about half a mile, driving the enemy's skirmishers before us to their outer line of fortifications, which were abandoned at our approach.

40
We then again advanced about half a mile to the top of a hill near Atlanta, and halted, and remained until about 3 P. M., when, finding a superior force of the enemy advancing upon us from their works, and about to flank our position, we retired, according to orders, to the line of fortifications held by the enemy in the morning, and then seven companies of the regiment were formed in the rear of the Thirty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry as a reserve, and were scarcely in posi tion when the enemy charged the works. The Fifty-third was ordered up to the works. They promptly obeyed, and engaged the enemy, and opened a brisk fire on them as they advanced, and the lines of the enemy in their front fell in confusion and were retreating, when another column of the enemy, by a concealed approach by the rail and State (dirt) roads, got in the rear of the battery and the Fortyseventh and Fifty-fourth Ohio Regiments, who were on the left of the Fifty-thin] Regiment, and attacked them in the flank, and captured the battery, and turned the left of those regiments, and they retreated in disorder; and the Fifty-third then also fell back in confusion to the second line of fortifica tions, when the whole line rallied and charged the enemy, but were compelled to fall back a few rods through a chap parrel or thicket, when they were again rallied, and returned to the charge, and assisted the reinforcements in driving the enemy from the works, and captured quite a number of prisoners, probably 200, who were taken charge of by other regiments and sent to headquarters. We then went into position occu pied by the battery. Companies A, F and D, who had been detached to the support of Battery II, First Illinois Artillery, remained until the guns we-e spiked and most of the horses killed before they retired."
From the same officer, Lieutenant Colonel R. A. Fulton, in another report of date September 8th, 1 8*54-, on pages 251 and '254-, where he says on page 254:
"On the morning of the 22d (July) it was ascertained that the rebels had evacuated their works. The Fifty-third was

41
ordered to support the skirmishers. We advanced to within three-quarters of a mile of Atlanta, on the east side, where we threw up a few pieces of timber as a temporaray protec tion. There were no troops on our right, the One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Infantry lay on our left ; tivo pieces of Battery A. First Illinois Light Artillery, occupied a position on the left of the Fifty-third. With the exception of skir mishing and occasional shots from Battery A, there was nothing of importance transpired in our immediate front until about 2 P. II., when the skirmishers reported the rebels pre paring to charge us. Colonel Jones, commanding the Fiftythird Ohio, One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois, and Battery A, First Illinois Light Artillery, sent them word to be ready to fall back in case they" should come upon us in strong force. We were at that time some (>00 yards from the main line, formerly the rebel line. It was not long, however, before the officers in command of the pickets reported that they were advancing. The battery was ordered to retire, which they did promptly. On came the rebels with their well known yell. Mv regiment poured one volley into them, and retired as ordered. We fell back to the frame house on the outside of our main line, halted, reformed our line, marched by the right flank through the works, and took position in rear of the Thirty-seventh Ohio. It was not many minutes, however, before the light ing became general, and I received orders to move my regi ment forward to the works. The rebels fought desperately, coming up to within a few yards of our works, but every time they came up in our front we sent them back in confusion, but by a concealed movement on the railroad they got in the roar. The left flank of Forty-seventh was turned, then followed the Fifty-fourth, Tlurty-seventh, Fifty-third, etc. The troops becoming somewhat confused and mixed up, fell back to our next line of works, where we rallied and moved forward. We charged through the woods to near the railroad, but were repulsed. We afterward formed iu an open field on the south side of the railroad, and with the aid of owe

42
brigade of fresh troops retook and occupied onr works. The rebel dead in my front numbered about 40. My regiment brought off 1he field about 25 mortally wounded."
On page 260, of Volume 38, of Records, 1 read from the report of Major Israel T. Moore, of the 54th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He says:
"July 22d, 8 A. M., advanced about one mile, taking possession of works evacuated by enemy last night. Reversed and strengthened works in our front. Also made heavy detail, and nearly completed works from our left to dirt road, when about 2.30 P. M. this detail was relieved by the Fortyseventh Ohio, taking position on our left, and at nearly right angles to us. At 3 P. M. our pickets were driven in, and heavy columns of the enemy seen approaching us. When within 150 yards we fired by rank, keeping up a very heavy fire for thirty minutes; the enemy broke and ran in confusion in our front. Just at this time we saw the regiments on our left had given way and were falling back, closely pursued by the enemy, who were rapidly coming through the dirt road, which was left open, and had already gained our rear. The left of my regiment fell back, changing front to rear on first company, takiitgshelter behind large brick house and in woods; we tried to check the advance of the enemy, but were enfi laded by a rebel column which had moved through deep cut in railroad, which was also open and undefended. Falling slowly back several hundred yards, met portions of regiment which had formed at old works; we joined them, and moved forward, retook our works."
Let us now go to page 262, of Volume 38, War Records, and take the report of Lieutenant George Echte, of the Second Missouri Light Artillery, commanding Battery A, First Illinois Light Artillery. lie says:
"July 12th,Batteries A and B were consolidated, and First Lieutenant Samuel S. Smyth assigned to command. The

43
cause of this consolidation was the expiration of the term of service of most of the men of the two batteries, and they, with all the officers, were sent to Springfield, Illinois, to be mus tered out of the service of the United States. July 22d the battery was engaged in the battle near Atlanta, Ga. The enemy mnde a successful assault on our left, which was held by the Fifteenth and Seventeenth Corps, succeeded in taking our line of works, and with it the consolidated battery of Company A, First Illinois Light Artillery. This was a dear bought victory for the enemy. Battery A lost heavy in men and horses. The casualties of the company were 32 men killed, wounded and missing; 55 horses were killed and cap tured, mostly killed. Second Lieutenant B.aub was killed. First Lieutenant Samuel S. Smyth was taken prisoner and reported killed, while being taken to the rear by one of our own bullets. (The Record shows this was a mistake, as Lieutenant Smyth was mustered out of service !March 20th, 1SC>5.) Shortly afterward our line advanced and drove the enemy from the works they had taken, and recaptured two of the six guns of the battery, 'ihe enemy succeeded in drawing away four of them."
We will now take up the report of Captain Francis De Gress, of Battery II, First Illinois Light Artillery. On pages 21)3 and 265, of Volume 3S. War Records, Captain Du Gress says, as follows:
"I have the honor to lay before you a report of the part taken by my battery during this campaign."
(Then omitting here his report of the campaign prior to coming to the investment of Atlanta, on page 2(*>5, he goes on to say:)
"July 2'2d, advanced again, and occupying the works evacuated by the enemy the night previous, I went into posi tion at the extreme right of our division, to engage three rebel batteries which were firing at our advancing columns; was ordered to keep up a continuous fire. There was a gap

44
of nt least 800 yards between my battery and the first divi sion, which fact I reported feveral times. The enemy charged our works about 4 1*. M.; was repulsed in my front, but broke through our center, and changing front charged my battery, which I was obliged to leave, after spiking the guns, and after all my support had left me. As soon as my battery was recaptured, I had my guns unspiked, and iired again at the retreating enemy. One of my guns, injured since the 25th of June, burst at the third round. My losses on ihat day were very heavy 14 men, 39 horses, 1 limber, ambu lance and harness. Replaced lost horses and harness from Battery A, and had battery in marching order by 0 o'clock the following day."
There are several other reports on pages 280-304-364-307408-440-45 l-4t;-2-4fi3-404, but they are not special or detailed, more than the foregoing, and do not add material information to this subject. I merely cite them in order that reference may be had to them by any person who may desire to read them.
We now will read from the memoirs of General W. T. Sherman, and see what he has to say on this matter. - On pages SO and SI of his second volume he says, as follows:
"About 4 P. if. the expected sally came from Atlanta, directed mainly against Leggett's Hill, and along the Decatur road. At Leggett's Hill, they (the enemy) were met and bloodily repulsed. Along the railroad they were more suc cessful Sweeping over a small force with two guns, they reached our main line, broke through it, and got possession of J)e Gross's Battery of four 20 pound Parrotts, killing every horse, and turning the guns against us."
General Charles R. Woods' Division of the Fifteenth Corps was on the extreme right of the Army of the Tennessee, be tween the railroad and the Howard House, where he con-

45
neeted with Sehofield's troops. He reported to me in person that the line on his left had been swept back, and that his connection with General Logau, on Leggett's Hill, was broken. I ordered him to wheel his brigades to the left, to advance in echelon, and to catch the enemy in flank. General Schofield brought forward all his available batteries, to the number of twenty guns, to a position to the left front of the Howard House, whence we could overlook the field of action, and directed a heavy fire, over the heads of General Woods' men, against the enemy; and we saw Woods' troops advance and encounter the enemy, who had secured possession of the old line of parapet which had been held by our men. His right crossed this parapet, which he swept back, taking it in flank, and at the same time the division which had been driven back along the railroad was rallied by General Logan in per son, and fought for their former ground.
These combined forces drove the enemy into Atlanta, recovering the twenty Pounder Parrott guns, but one of them was found "bursted" while in possession of the enemy. The two six pounders, farther in advance, were, however, lost, and had been hanled back by the enemy into Atlanta.
Poor Captain DeGress came to me in tears, lamenting the loss of his favorite guns; when they were regained he had only a few men left, and not a single horse. He asked an order for a re-equipment, but I told him he must beg and borrow of others till he coul 3 restore his battery, now reduced to three guns. How he did so, I do not know, but in a short time he did get horses, men, and finally another gun, of the same special pattern, and served them with splendid effect till the very close of the war. This battery had also been with me from Shiloh till that time.'"
Thus I bring to a conclusion the evidence concerning the capture of Captain De Gress's Battery.
The testimony seems to be positive that De Gress's Battery was not at the Georgia Railroad, but was over the hill north
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of the railroad, some 250 or 3<>0 yards from the railroad, north of the brick house, or Hurt house.
The testimony shows that the artillery at the cut in the rail way was Battery A, First Illinois Light Artillery. Captain De Gress commanded Battery II, First Illinois Light Artil lery. Both were of the same regiment.
The testimony shows that Stovall's Brigade passed along the north side of the railroad, and by a right oblique movement, passed over to south side, and were on south side in the charge on the battery.
The evidence shows that Manigault's Brigade went out along north side of the railroad, and moved to the left oblique, and in their charge they were on north side of the railroad, and in position to front Do Gross's Battery. To the south of the railroad, to the Federal left, to left of First Brigade of Second Division of the Fifteenth Army Corps, fronting the right of Clayton's Division of Confederate Army, there were other bat teries of Federal Artillery, as I find by the report of Captain J. IF. Burton, of Battery F, First Illinois Light Artillery, same regiment as DC Gross's, and Battery A. There was also the First Iowa Battery, commanded by Captain W. II. Gay. I refer here to reports of Captain Burton, pages 303 and 3<!4, and of Captain W. II. Gay, on page 367, of Volume 38, War Records. I omit quoting these reports, because they only show their positions as being south of the railroad, to the left of Second Division of Fifteenth Corps, south of Battery A, and do not give us any definite information about the position or capture of either of the other batteries A, under Lieutenant Smyth, or of II, under Captain De Gress.
I call special attention to that part of Captain De Gross's report where he says that the rebels were repulsed in his front, but breaking through the center, changed front and charged his battery, and captured it. This would seem to show that the troops who went behind the Battery A, at the railroad, are to be credited with the capture of De Gross's Battery. What ; command was it, and who were these daring soldiers who got

47
in the rear of the Battery A, and caused such confusion and stampede among the Yankees at that point?
In a personal interview I have had with Colonel Albert Ilowell, who commanded the First Regiment State Troops, he informed me that his regiment was 300 or 400 yards on the south side of the Georgia Railroad. to the right of Stovall's Brigade. From the position that he indicates, he was confronted l>y the Battery F, First Illinois Light Artillery, and perhaps the First Iowa Battery.
See report of Major Ilickenlooper, page iiS, Volume 3S, and the report of Lieutenant "W. II. Gay, on page 307.
These dispositions appear to coincide with the verbal report of Colonel Ilowell as to location of his regiment. Colonel Ilowell declined to comply with my request for written statement from him.
Tlie ?fn1en<:P fa'/'m-x tt> fmxtinit f/i>~ rn/ifi-nfio/t ftf C'<>1nn<l C. f. Witlki-i- tix fa f/itf <:iq>tni-i- (>f J)e /'//v.w\ l><itt<-r>j Ix-'nuj
hy Jiix
The terrible struggle of the Georgia troops was south of the railroad, and there docs not appear to l>e any evidence that Do Gross's Battery II was at any time that day on the south hide of the Georgia Railroad.
I am, very truly, Your humble servant,
ROBERT L. RODGERS,
Historian.