June 19, 1864 - Sunday - 160 years ago today

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

By the 18th, the Confederate line had been moved back somewhat, with the Federal troops moving forward slowly.  Newton's division got across a swollen river near the Confederate front, and attack the opposing line.  Although not making much progress, they exposed some weaknesses in the enemy position.  

On the 19th, Confederate General Johnston decided to move to a final line in front of Marietta.  The twin peaks of Kennesaw Mountain were on the right of his army, from which his lines extended almost due south, incorporating several hills where trenches could be dug on the higher ground, making any assault on the position difficult.  The various Union corps moved up slowly; the heavy rains made any movement difficult.

Sherman had for some time been growing weary of constant marching and flanking movements that never resulted in a decisive battle.  He began to feel that the lack of a large battle was eroding the troops fighting spirit, and causing them to become dull and to move too slowly to gain an advantage.  Sherman was now thinking of a direct charge on enemy lines, even at the risk of heavy losses.  The next few days would partly be about getting into position for such a direct attack.

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Virginia Campaign

Attacks continued on the defenders of Petersburg, VA.  There were some advances, but the city was not taken and the rebel army was able to rush defenders there to stop the Union advance. 

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXXVIII, Chapter L, Part IV, Correspondence, pp. 492-533.
  
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 167.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1II, Red River to Appomattox, Shelby Foote, pp. 390-391.
• 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, 280-288.
• Kennesaw Mountain, Earl J. Hess, pp. 1-18.
  
• Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, pp. 600-607.
• Memoirs of General William T. Sherman, pp. 525-527.
  
• Events: 1864   

 

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