Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1864-08-11
From the 5th Indiana Battery.
HEApoUARTERs 9TH INDIANA BATTERY.
BEFORE ATLANTA. GEORGIA,
july 9th. 1854.

HEADQUARTERS 9TH INDIANA BATTERY.l
BEFORE ATLANTA. GEORGIA,
July oath. 1864.
Dear Parents: After fighting the rebel
army under Johnston almost every day
for the last two and half months, the
Army of the Southwest has at last driven
them into the "Gate City," ATLANTA.
And well may it be termed the Gate
City," for it certainly is the key or gaze to
the entire State of Georgia, and once in
our possession, it will not be hard matter
TO "suhjugatc" the State. if suhjugation is
necessary to make the people obey the
laws of our country
The rebel army has been driven from
the strongest natural position in the State.
and in fact, the strongest in the country,
until now they are hemmed in in the city
of Atlanta. with an army of Northern
Vandal," nearly encircling them. Cut off
from Augusta, except by way of Macon
and the Augusta and Savannah Railroad
they are thus cut OF in a manner from
Richmond, and consequently will have
one of three things forced upon them,
either one OF which will be disastrous to
them. viz: To give mp the cities of the
State of Georgia, with all their manufac-
turing establishments, including most of
the machinery and material: TO come ont
of their Notifications and fight us in ours,
flor we have got them built already.
which would be humiliation to their
army; or last. to remain behind their
works in Atlanta. which would eventually
amount to the capture of their army.
This will readily be perceived by locking
on the map aud taking notice of the posi-
ton in which our army lies. The line of
battle lies as follows: Palmer's Corps, the
l4th. on the right, covering our railroad
communications north, then as you 90
towards the left, Hooker's. Towards,
{ tth.) Sehofeld's, (23d.) and McPher-
sons army. consisting of three corps.
Logan's. Dodge's and Frank Blair's.
The left extends across the Atlanta and
Augusta Railroad, then turrs eastward
and runs parallel to the railroad on the
south side to Decatur. Whenever this
line is able to swing around straight with
the balance Of the line Of battle. which will
be very soon. it Sili reach across the rail-
road running to Macon. and that shuts
the door out of Atlanta towards Richmond
effectually.
Yon may look upon this as a picture
of the Imagination. bat am certain that
any impartial Judge. after viewing the po-
sitions we have forced the enemy from.
would not doubt for a moment but that
General Sherman is able to. and will, &C.
comrlish one of the three things l have
menti oned.
On the 22l, while Mcpherson was
forming his lines south Of the railroad
leading to Augusta. the enemy masscd
their forces and attacked him with great
fury. Blair's Corps was temporarily
thrown into confusion and driven about
half mile. but being reinforced from one
Of the other corps, drove the enemy back |
With great slaughter. recapturing several
pieces OF artillery which we had previously
lost. It is estimated we lost in killed and |
wounded and prisoners 1000 during the
action, while the enemy's. loss is much
heavier. This is determined by their
leaving their dead in our hands.
We sustained a very heavy loss in the
death of General, Mcpherson, who was
killed before the action commenced, by .
mall party Of the eDemy's cavalry. while :