The National tribune., 1904-07-14
KlLPATRlCk'S CAVALRY.
Cutting Hoods Communications In Rear Of
Atlanta.

Cutting Hoods Communications In Rear Of
Atlanta.
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: BY the
middle of August, 1864, the numerous
cavalry raids around Atlanta, Ga, had
forced upon Hoods attention the danger
to his railroad communication, and the inn
portance of it's protection. For this pur-
pose he must needs draw n portion of
his troops from the defenses of Atlanta,
sending Harlee and :. u. Lee, with their
forces to .JOnesbOrO. This division OF
forces was what Gen. Sherman wanted.
Gen. Wheeler was also sent off with a
large cavalry force to operate against our
communica tions. Gen. Sherman thoueht
this the time for him to execute another OF
his famous flank movements. which would
either cause Hood to abandon Atlanta or
come out of his intrenchments and give
battle i'm the open field.
To this end orders were issued to his
corps commanders to send all surplus
wagons and stock, the sick and wounded.
and all incumbrance of any kind TO the
rear. On the night of Aug. % the first
movement was made. which resulted IN
the downfall of Atlanta. The Twentieth
Corps drew back to the railroad bridge.
the Fourth Corps forming on the right.
closing on the Fourteenth Corps; Gen.
Garrard's Second Cavalry Division occu-
pyinS the abandoned works. that the
enemy might not too soon discover the
movement. Then the Fifteenth and Sew
enteenth Corps made Il wide circuit, pass
ing through Sandtown, and took position
on the extreme right. connecting with the
right of the Fourteenth Corps. BY the
movement Gen. Sherman had. without the
knowledge of Hood. changed his battle
line south of Atlanta, with the Army of
the Tennessee along the West Point Rail
road, thus uncovering the front of At
lanta and lifting the siege. Hood was
greatly surprised when he became aware
that the Yankees had abandoned their
works. and, not being able to account for
this action. at once jumped at the conclu-
sion that Sherman had given up the siege
and began retreat. There was great re-
jOicing in all rebeldOm when Hood sent
the news flashing over the wires that
sherman is retreating: the siege has been
lifted; the Yankees have been defeated:
victory perchPs on our arms" There was
great jOllificatiOn at Atlanta. Trains filled
with the fairest of the South rolled into
yet reached. to adorn and lend luster and
caste to the occasion. All hearts were
light and gay. and a smile was on every
face-until. 10. what is that? The boom
ing of cannon could be heard toward
JonesborO. When Informed that Sherman's =
road. and the rear of the army, Hood
would not believe. but thought il was only
a dashing raid: hut as the roar of artil-
lery continued and the firing became more
rapid. joy and revelry gave place to fear
and anxious concern. The end was near.
The Eighth Cavalry Division (Kilpat-
rick's having dispensed with everything
that could retard them either in rapid
movement or in hard fighting. broke camp
at O'Clock ON the evening of Aug. %.
1864, and moving out took its place in adj
vance of the army Gen. HOward). pushed
forward on three different roads-the Red
Oak. Fairburn and MISUNDERSTANDING
at such distance in front that the pres
ence of the infantry would not be discov-
cred. Night coming on the command biv-
ouacked. and on the following morning
moving forward. the Sth Ind. Cav. taking
the Fairburn road. When nearing the
West Point Railroad the enemy was
found. Here a spirited engagement took
place, which finally resulted in his being
driven from his position along the en-
bankment of the railroad. and he was kept
on the move until he crossed the Flint
River. where another stand was made i'm
efforts to prevent our crossing. Gen. Kill
patrick disposed of his artillery. opening
upon them for few moments and making
every movement as if he intended to cross
under this fire. Having ACCOMPLISHED his
mission-fnding the location Of the enemy
and his probable resistance at crossing
Flint Riyer-he withdrew returning to
ms camp at SandtOwD. the enemy follow
ing al a respectful distance. not seeming
desirous of another encounter that day.
Capt. Crowal. Go. G, Sth Ind Cav,
while out with his company on a recon
noissance. found dead rebel Lieutenant.
who had been halted by Yankee bullet.
and upon his person were papers showing
HIM to have been n spy. making his way
through our lines TO obtain information
as to the number of troops at. and the de-
fenses OF Marietta, Ga; also, the location
OF the Fourth Corps train. etc. and report
Tie same to Gen. Ross, a cavalry leader