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.
