SEPTEMBER 25, 1864:
While in
Georgia, Jefferson Davis visits with
General John Bell Hood. Hood is in the midst of a bitter feud with his
subordinate, General William J. Hardee. Hood blames Hardee for the Federal
breakthrough at Jonesboro, and for the subsequent loss of Atlanta. Although
Hardee is an able commander known as “Old Reliable”, and although Hood has done
nothing since assuming command that would inspire confidence in him, Davis (characteristically)
takes sides in the argument and backs Hood. An angry Hardee is reassigned to
South Carolina, a sinecure command. Hood and Davis then decide jointly that
Hood’s next move should be to cut Sherman’s supply line to Atlanta; they have
no idea that Atlanta is to be burned. In a subsequent published speech, Davis
foolishly lets slip these plans, allowing Sherman to make his own plans
accordingly.
