3n tf?e 3attlc of Atlanta, 3uly 225, IDfyo Captiireb. X>ee 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:>d July, lth 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 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!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 5 40 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 3y 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'<>1nntni-i- (>f J)e /'//v.w\ l>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.