June 15, 1864 - Wednesday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Howard's Corps - Newton's Division - Wagner's Brigade

Confederate cavalry under Morgan move into Kentucky and capture towns, making off with quite a bit of supplies.  He is later defeated when a large Union force attacks him when his men are low on ammunition.  Confederate cavalry under Forrest, however, win a large battle at Brice's Crossroads in Mississippi, despite being outnumbered more than 2 to 1.  Forrest is then able to move toward the Union supply lines stretching from Georgia to Louisville.

Near Kennesaw, a Confederate brigade occupies a small hill between the two armies.  This hill provides a view of all the Union forces, and the Confederate generals go to take a look.  General Johnston realizes how exposed the position is, and orders it abandoned: but also decides to view the Union forces before the withdrawal.  As soon as the Union artillery notices the generals, the fire cannons toward them.  General Polk is hit by a solid shot and is instantly killed.  Confederate troops leave the same evening.

Sherman moves his lines forward and various assaults are tried on the Confederate positions; most are repulsed, and a breakthrough on the left is not exploited.  Late on the 15th, the Union army makes some progress in moving forward.

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Virginia Campaign

A large part of Grant's Union forces have moved south across the James River and are moving at a lightly-defended Petersburg, VA.  Lee has missed Grant's move and has not made a move to block him.  The town is nearly taken, but Union generals pause, allowing Petersburg to be reinforced.

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXXVIII, Chapter L, Part IV, Correspondence, pp. 461-492.
  
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. pp. 165-167.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1II, Red River to Appomattox, Shelby Foote, pp. 353-390.
• Battles and Leaders of the Civil War, Retreat With Honor, pp. 307-309.
  
• Decision In The West, The Atlanta Campaign of 1864, Albert Castel, pp, 265-280.
• Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, pp. 595-600.
• Memoirs of General William T. Sherman, pp. 520-525.
  
• Events: 1864   

 

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