Sunday, August 31, 2014

September 1, 1864---John Bell Hood abandons Atlanta



SEPTEMBER 1, 1864:        

The Battle of Jonesborough (Jonesboro) (Day Two): 
                  
After General Hardee’s resounding defeat of the previous day, General John Bell Hood C.S.A. is forced to engage all Confederate troops in Atlanta in a last-ditch effort to hold the city against Union encroachment. Fighting at Jonesboro starts late in the day and continues on into the night.  The Confederate line is smashed open, and Hood’s supply lines are all broken. The Yankees pour into Atlanta.

The citizens panic. Hood orders the military evacuation of Atlanta in the small hours. His men set fire to an ordnance train which erupts spectacularly firing shot and shell throughout downtown causing extensive damage and a spreading fire that is not brought under control (by Yankee soldiers) until after sunrise.


The next day ten year old Carrie Berry of Atlanta tells her diary:

We all woke up this morning without sleeping much last night. The Confederates had four engenes and a long train of box cars filled with amunition and set it on fire last night which caused a grate explosion which kept us all awake. It reminded us of the shells - of all the days of excitement we have had it to day. Every one has been trying to get all they could before the Federals come in the morning. They have ben running with saques of meal, salt and tobacco. They did act rediculous breaking open stores and robbing them. About twelve o'clock there were a few federals came in. They were all frightened. We were afraid they were going to treat us badly. It was not long till the Infantry came in. They were orderely and behaved very well. I think I shall like the Yankees very well.


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