JULY 28, 1864:
The
Battle of Ezra Church (The Battle of The Poor House):
In order to further isolate Atlanta from the rest of the
Confederacy, General William Tecumseh Sherman U.S.A. decides to cut the rail
lines to Macon, Georgia. John Bell Hood C.S.A. anticipates this move and
attempts to launch a surprise offensive against the troops detailed to cut the
line. Unfortunately, Hood is becoming a hard luck General. The forces opposing
him are commanded by his old friend General O.O. Howard who correctly guesses
Hood’s plan and engages with him near Ezra Church. Although Hood’s Army of
Tennessee outnumbers the Federals’ Army of The Tennessee 19,000 to 13,000,
Howard’s force inflicts a severe defeat on Hood who loses 3,000 men to the
Union’s 650. Hood’s one consolation is that he keeps the line to Macon open.
