10-25-2024, 11:43 PM
(This post was last modified: 10-26-2024, 02:14 AM by Top Row Dawg.)
Battle of Peachtree Creek
![[Image: xFh7J6Q.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/xFh7J6Q.jpg)
Tanyard Creek ran red with blood.
On July 19, Hood learned that Sherman had split his army; Thomas's Army of the Cumberland was to advance directly towards Atlanta, while the Army of the Ohio (General John M. Schofield) and the Army of the Tennessee (General James B. McPherson) moved several miles east, apparently an early premonition of Sherman's general strategy of cutting Confederate supply lines by destroying railroads to the east. Thomas would have to cross Peachtree Creek at several locations and would be vulnerable both while crossing and immediately after, before they could construct breastworks. Hood hoped to attack Thomas while his army was still in the process of crossing Peachtree Creek. By so doing, the Southerners hoped to fight with rough numerical parity and catch the Northern forces by surprise.
Throughout the morning of July 20, the Army of the Cumberland crossed Peachtree Creek and began taking up defensive positions. Major General John M. Palmer, took position on the right. Major General Joseph Hooker (the former commander of the Army of the Potomac who had lost the Battle of Chancellorsville) took position in the center. The Union forces began preparing defensive positions, but had only partially completed them by the time the Confederate attack began. The few hours between the Union crossing and their completion of defensive earthworks were a moment of opportunity for the Confederates. Hood committed two of his three corps to the attack: Hardee's corps would attack on the right, while the corps of General Alexander P. Stewart would attack on the left.
French's Division Hood's Left Flank Marker is on Davis Circle 0 miles west of Defoor Avenue NW, on the right when traveling east.
Hood had wanted the attack launched at one o'clock, but confusion and miscommunication between Hardee and Hood prevented this from happening. The Confederate attack was finally mounted at around four o'clock in the afternoon. On the Confederate right, Hardee's men ran into fierce opposition and were unable to make much headway, with the Southerners suffering heavy losses. The failure of the attack was largely due to faulty execution and a lack of pre-battle reconnaissance.
On the Confederate left, Stewart's attack was more successful. Two Union brigades were forced to retreat, and most of the 33rd New Jersey Infantry Regiment (along with its battle flag) were captured by the Rebels, as was a 4-gun Union artillery battery. Union forces counterattacked, however, and after a bloody struggle, successfully blunted the Confederate offensive. Artillery helped stop the Confederate attack on Thomas' left flank.
King's Brigade Marker is on Peachtree Hills Avenue NE 0.1 miles east of Virginia Place NE, on the left when traveling east. Looking east on Peachtree Hills Avenue, toward Piedmont Road (the former Plaster's Bridge Road -- Hood's missed opportunity)
Many historians have criticized the Confederacy's tactics and execution, especially Hood's and Hardee's. Johnston, although fighting defensively, had already determined to counterattack at Peachtree Creek; in fact, the plan for striking the Army of the Cumberland as it began to cross Peachtree Creek has been attributed to him. His long rear-guard retreat from Kennesaw is understandable, as Sherman used his numerical superiority in constant large-scale flanking movements. Moreover, although he had lost an enormous amount of ground, Johnston had whittled Sherman's numerical superiority from 2:1 down to 8:5.
Replacing him with the brash Hood, practically on the eve of battle, has generally been regarded as a mistake. (In fact Hood himself, as well as several other generals, sent a telegram to Davis seeking a remand of the order, advising Davis that it would be "dangerous to change the commander of this army at this particular time.")
Additionally, although Hood's general plan was plausible, the federal forces being divided, the failure of the units to be formed and positioned prior to the Union's crossing the river, Hardee's failure to commit his troops fully, and Hood's decision to continue the attack when he discovered he had lost his advantage, resulted in a severe and predictable defeat. Few battlefields of the war have been strewn so thickly with dead and wounded as they lay that evening around Collier's Mill." according to Union Major Gen. J.D. Cox. The Union troops counted more than 800 Confederate soldiers were put into the ground.
Adjutant Claudius V. H. Davis of the 22nd Mississippi regiment was awarded the Confederate Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Battle of Peachtree Creek. He was killed while carrying the colors and went down waving the flag.
Flag of the "Liberty Guards," Company E, 22nd Mississippi Infantry.
First Lieutenant Frank D. Baldwin, Company D, 19th Michigan Infantry, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for gallantry at the Battle of Peachtree Creek, Georgia, July 12, 1864. Under a galling fire ahead of his own men, and singly entered the enemy's line, capturing and bringing back two commissioned officers, fully armed.
Captain Baldwin later received a second Medal of Honor for action at McClellan's Creek, Texas, November 8, 1874. Citation: Rescued, with 2 companies, 2 white girls by a voluntary attack upon Indians whose superior numbers and strong position would have warranted delay for reinforcements, but which delay would have permitted the Indians to escape and kill their captives.
Now the Yankees were busy fighting today, so most of the reports will come tomorrow. We do find these few reports today after the 4PM attack.
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HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND, July 20, 1864-6.15 p. m.
Major General W. T. SHERMAN,Commanding Military Division of the Mississippi:
GENERAL: The enemy attacked me in full force at about 4 p. m., and has persisted until now, attacking very fiercely, but he was repulsed handsomely by the troops all along my line. Our loss has been heavy, but the loss inflicted upon the enemy has been very severe. We have taken many prisoners, and General Ward reports having taken 2 stand of colors.
I cannot make at present more than this general report, but will send you details as soon as I can get them from my corps commanders.
Very respectfully, yours, &c.,
GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.
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HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Near Peach Tree Creek, Ga., July 20, 1864.
Major General GEORGE STONEMAN, Commanding Cavalry Force:
GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your note of 10 a. m. this day, and to give you a summary of events occurring in this army. Our lines were yesterday pushed across Peach Tree Creek in several places, and to-day when an advance was being made by all the corps, the enemy made a furious attack on our men, commencing at about 4 p. m. on the extreme left, General Newton's lines, and extending to the extreme right. This attack was continued until night set in, and was most handsomely repulsed at all points. Our loss on some parts of the line is reported severe, but no official report has yet been made. The impression of the major-general commanding is from what he has seen and knows personally, that our loss is very light, while the rebels have lost many in killed and wounded, and those taken prisoners. General Ward, Twentieth Army Corps, reports having captured 2 stand of colors and many prisoners, and hopes to capture a whole regiment which has got into rather a tight to get our safely. Everything has progressed satisfactorily, and the enemy has been gloriously thrashed.
I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBT. H. RAMSEY, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.
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NEAR HOWEL'S MILL, GA., July 20, 1864-4.45 p. m.
[General THOMAS:]
Rebs attacked us about 4 o'clock at the junction between Twentieth and Fourteenth Corps, McCook's and Knipe's brigades, and were repulsed. Attack repeated and repulsed again. The attack was very fierce and determined. Colonel McCook's adjutant was killed. The enemy is still moving troops to our left, as they have been all day.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant-General.
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The following is my driving tour of the battlefield. I have posted the actual citations from the Historical markers. 1st we get off I-75 at Howell Mill Road and go north on Howell Mill,park at parking lot Northside Baptist Church on immediate right.
In 1864, Mt. Zion Baptist Church stood on the site of the North Side Park Baptist Church. July 20. The skirmish line of Walthall's div., Stewart's A.C., [CS] was astride Howell Mill Rd., just N. of the church. When Reynolds' & O'Neal's brigades [CS] moved up in columns from their intrenched line (.3 mi. S.), they deployed at the skirmish line -- Reynolds W. of the rd.; O'Neal E. of it, & advanced on the Federal infantry posted on Collier Rd. & N. of the deep ravine.In the church yard are monuments to H.H. Embry, (1805-1877), pioneer resident of this vicinity, & Serg't Wm. R. Moore, 1st Ga. Reg´t., Wheeler's Cav., killed N. of Peachtree Creek, July 17, 1864. Marker is on Howell Mill Road 0 miles north of Interstate 75, on the right when traveling north.
Old Mt. Zion Church Marker, the Hiram Embry tomb in the foreground, the Sergeant Wm. R. Moore monument behind that.
An interesting story surrounds the obelisk erected by siblings for Sergeant William R. Moore in memory of his death during the Battle of Peachtree Creek on July 17, 1864. Sgt. Moore was part of the 1st Georgia Regiment, Wheeler’s Cavalry, according to the historical marker. Further research uncovered an Atlanta Constitution article from August 21, 1900 entitled “Tribute to Dead Comrade,” part of which described the exercises to honor Sgt. Moore’s memory 36 years after his death:
“Sergeant William R. Moore, of company G, First Georgia cavalry, was one of the bravest men who fell at the battle of Peachtree creek. He was a brother of Captain Jake Moore, of the penitentiary department. When his dead body was found, it was hastily buried in an improvised coffin made of unplanned boards, hewn out with an ax. For years the grave remained unmarked on account of an inability to find its location. Recently, through the aid of some of his comrades and residents of the neighborhood, the grave was located, and a suitable monument erected. The last resting place of the dead hero is in Embry’s graveyard.”
The article mentioned that General Clement A. Evans, members of Wheeler’s cavalry, and other prominent veterans participated in the ceremony to install the monument, with all confederates invited. Sgt. Moore’s local relatives and members of his family in Rome were also present. The west side of Sgt. Moore’s obelisk states: “Distinguished for bravery in many battles, he died at last with spurs on.”
Keep going north Howell Mill. Next marker is on the left when traveling north on Howell Mill Road.
Maj. William C. Preston C.S.A
Commanding Artillery Battalion attached to Alexander P. Stewart's Corps [CS] - killed in action while supervising placement of two sections of Selden's Ala. Battery, Lt. Chas. W. Lovelace, commanding, near the Embry House, July 20th, 1864, during the Battle of Peachtree Creek.This battery was in support of Reynolds's Brigade [CS] as it swept N.E. across the Embry Plantation & the road toward the re-entrant angle of the Federal line N. of the deep ravine.Maj. Preston, a native of S. Carolina, was the "Willie Preston" of Mary Boykins Chestnut's, "A Diary of Dixie." Marker is on Howell Mill Road NW 0 miles north of Collier Road NW, on the right when traveling south.
Rt. Of 20th A.C. Line July 20, 1864. In the Battle of Peachtree Cr. the right of the Federal 20th A.C. (Ruger's brigade, Williams' div.) rested on Howell Mill Rd. in this vicinity. The line was prolonged W. to the Chattahoochee River by the 14th A.C., R. W. Johnson's 1st div. [US] connecting with the 20th. Anson McCook's brigade (Johnson's div.) was involved in the Confederate attack by the left of Reynolds' brigade of Walthall's division which struck Ruger's front. Otherwise, 14th A.C. troops were preoccupied with a threatened attack by two brigades of French's div. [CS] which supported Walthall's left flank west of the Hiram Embry house.
Keep going north on Howell Mill Road 0.1 miles south of Peachtree Battle Road, on the right when traveling north. The next three markers stand just to the south of the Howell Mill Bridge over Peachtree Creek.
Looking north on Howell Mill Road, we see the next three Georgia Historical markers visible at the bridge.
Federal Crossings Opposition by Confederate forces to Federal crossings of Peachtree Cr., were more formidable westward than eastward, because of high, wooded ridges on the south bank. Two days of severe conflict were required by the 14th Corps [US] to effect lodgments on this side. July 19, 1864. Two brigades forced a passage at the mouth of Green Bone Cr., 5 mi. W., supported by a third beyond Nancy's Cr. Two brigades of Baird's div. managed a night crossing at Howell's Mills on an improvised bridge. July 20. Johnson's entire div. [US] followed Baird, & 1.5 mi. W., Morgan's brigade after a 24 hour fight at Moore's Mill, gained the high bluff.
Reynold's Brigade Federal 14th A.C. advancing from Pace's Fy. (largely on Howell Mill Rd.) were stubbornly resisted by Wheeler's vastly outnumbered cavalry. Reynold's Arkansans, Walthall's div. Stewart's A.C., were posted N. of the creek, July 14, to support Wheeler's operations & to destroy the bridge after his inevitable withdrawal.July 18, 1864. All Confederate forces moved S. of the cr.; Reynold's troops fired the bridge & from the high ground, covered the approaches with musketry & artillery fire. Johnson's 14th A.C. div. [US], failing to force a crossing, was halted for the night.
Howell's Mill A notable ante-bellum land-mark established 1852, by Judge Clark Howell (1811-1882). Two buildings -- grist and sash-sawmills -- which stood on the N. bank, and in the bend of, Peachtree Cr. 1000 ft. west of the present bridge. The old road crossed the creek on a wooden bridge to the west of the present highway and bridge. Surviving the war, the mills burned in 1879. They were the center of a rural community with a P.O. (1876-1891). Another enterprise was Foster's Woolen Mill, established circa 1880 -- which stood on the S. bank of the creek, to the W. of this marker.
Cross Peachtree Creek and take a right on Peachtree Battle.
Looking east on Peachtree Battle Road, toward Northside Drive and Peachtree Road.
Geary's Div. to Peachtree Creek July 19, 1864. Geary's Div. 20th A.C. [US] camped the previous night on Paces Fy. Rd. (at Arden). Moving S.W. on the ridge E. of Green Bone Cr., by a road more or less identical with Arden, Geary's intonation was to cross Peachtree Cr. at Howell's Mills. Learning that Palmer's 14th A.C. was there, Geary shifted his column to the southward near Hiram Casey house & headed for a point .7 mi. above the mills. On the wooded ridge in the bend of the cr. S. on the hills was massed; 2 batteries were trained on the hills opposite & timber was cut & shaped for a rapid bridging of the stream.
Right to go back south on Northside. Cross Peachtree Creek. Take right on Wesley. Marker is just west of the intersection of Wesley Drive NW and Northside Drive NW (U.S. 41), on the right when traveling west on Wesley Drive NW.
Peachtree Creek.
Geary's Three Bridges July 19, 1864. Covered by the fire of Geary's 12 guns [US] on the ridge N. of the cr., together with the musketry of a heavy skirmish line, the division pioneers hastily built a foot bridge with timbers previously prepared. Ireland's Brigade quickly filed across under fire and seized the first ridge S. of the cr. Candy's and Jones' followed Ireland's and cast up an entrenched bridgehead for the night.By dawn of the 20th, two other bridges were thrown across; roads to them were cut for wagon and artillery and Williams' division crossed. These bridges were used after the war - their ancient remains visible as late as 1913.
Go up hill, Bobby Jones Golf course of left. Left Bitsy Grant tennis center see four markers at the entrance to the Bitsy Grant Tennis Center at the Bobby Jones Golf Course.
Four markers moved next to this sign.
Reynolds' Brigade at the Ravine July 20, 1864. Four regiments of Reynolds' Arkansas brigade, Walthall's div., Stewart's A.C., [CS] having deployed abreast at old Mt. Zion Ch., moved in a right oblique across Howell Mill & Collier rds. into the wooded ravine.The assault fell upon Knipe's & Robinson's brigades, Williams' div., 20th A.C. [US] posted, with artillery, on the far side (N.) of the ravine. Subjected to enfilading fire from right & left & with no support but Selden's battery [CS] on the left, Reynolds' brigade was forced to withdraw, after a second attempt to cross the ravine.
Williams' Div. Deployed July 20, 1864. Williams' div., 20th A. C., having crossed Peachtree Cr. 750 yds. N., deployed his 3 brigades - Robinson's, Knipe's & Ruger's in the order named, on this ridge from this point W. This was part of a general move on Atlanta by Fed. forces - no precautions taken against attack for none was anticipated. Geary's div. was posted on ridge .5 mi. S. E. at Collier Rd. A deep ravine separated the two; no road where N. Side Dr. is located. When the attack by Stewart`s A. C. struck both Williams & Geary, the later was forced to refuse his right wing down the slope to connect with Robinson`s brigade at this point.
Geary's Refused Line July 20, 1864. Geary's 20th A.C. div. [US] was massed on this ridge (Candy's, Ireland's & Jones' brigades) in parallel lines on old Collier Rd., its front 400 yds. Eastward. A reconnoissance in force, there was no deployment & being several hundred yds. in advance of the other 2 divs., the position lacked support. The surprise attack by O'Neal [CS] struck Geary's right flank causing him to refuse his line on a left pivot down the slope to & beyond the deep ravine northward, where it joined the left of Williams' division on a ridge. O'Neal's assault & Scott's [CS] attack at Collier's Mill, were critical moments of the battle.
O'Neal's Brigade at the Ravine July 20, 1864. Not until O'Neal's Alabama & Mississippi troops [CS] plunged down the wooded slope from Collier Rd., did the formation of Geary's [US] refused line & the re-entrant angle created thereby, become apparent to them.Geary's right (Jones' brigade) joined the left of Williams' div. on ridge N. of the ravine. Being in low ground & beset on each flank by cross-fire, O'Neal's left pushed forward to a temporary line-break, while his right swung around to assail Geary's line flank & rear. By stubborn fighting & O'Neal's lack of support, Geary was able to hold his position.
Now back south on Northside. Right up street to view ravine on left. Then U-Turn anywhere to come back to Northside Drive. Turn right and then immediate left on Overbrook, Right Evergreen, left Collier Mill, Right Walthall. Three marker's, go to farthest and work way back to Collier Mill Road.
33d N.J. State Flag marker is on Walthall Drive 0.2 miles south of Collier Drive NW, on the left when traveling south.July 20, 1864. To this high ground, 500 yds. in front of Geary's div. (20th A.C.) [US] on Collier Rd., the 33d N.J. regt., Jones' brigade, was sent to establish & support a battery position. The regiment had scarcely reached this hill when, in a surprise attack, it was assailed by Scott's brigade (Loring's div.) [CS] moving toward the main line of the 20th corps. The 33d N.J., despite its endeavors to hold the hill, was driven back to the road -- its State flag (a blue banner) being seized by John Abernathy of the 27th Alabama regiment. Scott's assault began the critical struggle that centered at Collier's Mill.
On Geary's Front Marker is south of the intersection of Collier Road NW and Walthall Drive NW, on the right when traveling north on Walthall Road NW. In 1864, Collier Rd. topped the ridge N. Descending the slope E. it crossed the branch below the dam at Collier's Mill. Geary's left ? Candy's brigade & Aleshire's batteries [US] - were aligned along the old road facing south. The 33d N.J. (Jones' brigade) was sent to the high hill 500 yds. S. as an outpost. It had just gotten there when the left of Scott's brigade (Loring's div.), [CS] in a surprise attack, drove the 33d from the hill, captured its colors & pressed forward toward Geary's line. The left of Scott's brigade was driven back from Geary's front; the right, was diverted E. of the branch by Geary's oblique gun-fire. Back to Collier Mill, take right.
Geary's Division Marker is at the intersection of Collier Road and Walthall Drive, on the right when traveling east on Collier Road. July 20, 1864. Gen. J. W. Geary's 2d div., 20th A.C. [US] occupied this ridge which was some 300 yds. in advance of Williams' 1st div. on his rt., & Ward's 3d, on his left -- all facing southward. His three brigades: Candy's, Jones' & Ireland's were massed on the ridge together with Aleshire's artillery. These troops were from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania & Ohio; most of them had served under Geary at Gettysburg. This commanding ridge, overlook Tanyard Branch valley, was the critical point of the Federal position -- the objective of Confederate assaults by Walthall's & Loring's divs. of Stewart's A.C. [CS] on the Federal center.
Pull into Collier Mill Tanyard Branch Park. Park and walk tour there.
The following 5 markers are posted here at main battlefield.
The Battle of Peachtree Creek - July 20, 1864
The battle of Peachtree Creek was the first of three desperate Confederate attacks on the armies commanded by Maj. General Wm. T. Sherman which were closing in on Atlanta. Although heavy skirmishing occurred between the Federal right and the Confederate left, which extended west to Moore´s Mill Road, and other forces were engaged east of Atlanta, the actual battle was fought along a two - mile front extending from Clear Creek (east of Brookwood Hills) to Howell Mill Road along Collier and Northfleet raods, one of the most costly here along Tanyard Branch at Collier Mill. After 70 days of slow retreat Dalton (88 miles N.), forcing the enemy to fight for every mile, Gen. Joseph E. Johnston´s Confederate Army of Tennessee (Hardee´s, Hood´s and Stewart´s corp. and Wheeler´s cavalry corps) crossed the Chattahoochee River at Bolton late on July 9th and retires toward Atlanta. Although Atlanta was encircled by 12 miles of forts and parapets which Sherman termed "unassailable", Johnston was not ready to use them. He watched closely for the time when Sherman´s stronger forces would cross upriver to approach Atlanta beyond mutual support. Now he sensed that Sherman left wing would cross upriver to approach Atlanta from the east while his right wing crossed near Peachtree Creek. While they were miles apart, he planned to attack the exposed right wing.
The Federal Forces Engaged
Estimated strength of troops actually engaged: 21,153 Actual losses (killed, wounded and missing): 1,779
The Confederate Forces Engaged
Estimated strength of troops actually engaged: 18,455 Estimated losses (killed, wounded and missing): 4,796
This photograph taken after the battle of Peachtree Creek shows the graves of some who perished there.
The Federal Advance
After noon on July 9th, Schofield´s Army of the Ohio (23rd Corps) had forced Johnston to cross the Chattahoochee River that night by a surprise crossing up river at Soap Creek. On the 12th, Howard´s 4th Corps of Thomas´ Army of the Cumberland (4th, 14th and 20th Corps) crossed Power´s Ferry on Schofield´s right. As Johnston had foreseen, McPherson´s Army of the Tennessee (15th, 16th and 17th Corps) moved upriver to Roswell and began crossing while Palmer´s 14th Corps and Hooker´s 20th Corps prepared to cross at Pace´s Ferry. On the 17th, Palmer crossed and moved toward Peachtree Creek and McPherson moved toward Decatur. On the 18th, Schofield, accompanied by Sherman, moved toward Decatur to connect with McPherson; Howard moved to Buckhead; Palmer reached Peachtree Creek; and Hooker crossed the river and camped along West Pace´s Ferry Road. By nightfall, Sherman´s unsupported right wing occupied a line facing Peachtree Creek extending from Buckhead to the river. So far, the advance had been harassed by Wheeler´s cavalry alone. It had met no enemy infantry.
On the 18th, Wood´s division of Howard´s corps moved down Peachtree Road to the creek and captured the bridge. Hooker advanced to the creek, placed his artillery on the hills, and crossed the infantry of Geary´s division on an improvised footbridge at Northside Drive. Geary drove back the enemy´s skirmishers, occupied the hills by the creek and built two wagon bridges for the artillery and trains. Ward´s division was sent to Peachtree Road to cross next day and move up on Geary´s left. On the 20th, Geary moved to Collier Road and took position with Candy´s brigade on the left, near Tanyard Branch, Jones´ on his right extending to Northside Drive, and Ireland´s massed behind Jones´. Candy´s left overlooked this site. Bundy´s and Sloan´s batteries were placed on Candy´s line to sweep the open ground to the left front. The 33rd N.J. Infantry was advanced to picket the ridge between Greystone and Colland Drives. William´s division crossed the creek and formed on the ridge along Northfleet Road with a deep ravine covering his front, Knip´s brigade, on the right extended to Howell Mill Road, with Ruger´s behind it in reserve and Roberson´s extending east across Northside Drive, behind Geary´s right. On Howell Mill Road, Anson G. McCook´s brigade, the left of Palmer´s corps, entrenched near Ruger. Ward´s division crossed at Peachtree Road and moved southeast over broken ground, leaving two batteries at the bridge.
The Federal Advance (Cont.)
It finally reached the golf course area and deployed with Wood´s brigade on the left, Coburn´s in the center and Harrison´s on the right. Earlier, Newton´s division of Howard´s corps had crossed the creek and advanced on Peachtree Road to the high ground north of Collier Road. Newton deployed Kimball´s brigade west of the road, extending through the hospital site, and Blake´s extending east along Brighton Road. Bradley´s remained in reserve on the road near the railroad bridge. Four guns of Goodspeen´s battery were emplaced on the road. Although a gap existed between Newton´s right and Geary´s left, Ward was moving to fill it. Despite Johnston´s planning, the Federal right wing had crossed Peachtree Creek without being attacked; but, unsuspected by Sherman, who was near the Emory campus, the Battle of Peachtree Creek was about to begin.
The Change of Command
By the 17th, Johnston´s engineers had staked out a strong outer line, overlooking the valley of Peachtree Creek, from which he could launch his attack on Thomas´ troops while they crossed the creek, unready to fight. With Thomas shattered, he could attack McPherson with his whole army. If not successful, his army "had a near and secure place of refuge in Atlanta, which he could hold forever and so win the campaign." He announced his intention to the troops and began moving them into positions on the outer line, which ran east from Crestlawn Cemetery through the E. P. Howell School site, over Loring Heights, across Peachtree Street, uphill past the TV station, and on beyond Sherwood Forest to Highland Avenue, where it turned south to the GA RR. Hood´s corps was sent to the latter line to face McPherson. Hardee´s corps was posted with its right covering Loring Heights, its left connecting with Stewart´s corps. at Howell Mill Road. Stewart´s left extended to Marietta Road. But Johnston was not destined to fight his battle. That night, he was relieved and Gen. John B. Hood replaced him Since the army loved "Old Joe" Johnston and knew Hood to be rash and to lack experience in high command, morale suffered severely. At Hood´s request Johnston continued to give orders until sunset next day when he departed.
Confederate Defense
On July 20th, Hood ordered the attack to begin at 1:00 P.M. Hardee and Stewart were to advance, drive the enemy back to the creek, and then west into the angle formed by the creek and the river; but events east of Atlanta caused the line to be shifted about a mile to the east, delaying the attack until all but Ward´s division of the enemy had occupied strong ground in line of battle. Bate´s division (Hardee´s right) halted with its right on Clear Creek and its left reaching Walker´s right near Peachtree and Spring Street. Walker´s left met Maney´s right near Brookwood Station. Maney´s left joined the right of Loring´s division (Stewart´s right) which now occupied Loring Heights. Loring´s left extended to meet Walthall´s right near Northside Drive and Bellemeade Avenue. Walthall´s left regiment halted west of Howell Mill Road. About 3:30, Hardee moved forward, Stewart a half hour later. Walker´s advance, astride Peachtree Road, was impeded by uncut forest growth, Maney´s by miry creek bottom and steep hills, Bates by swampy, densely-thicketed bottom of Clear Creek. At Collier Road, Walker´s charging men met a withering fire of musketry and canister from Newton´s lines. Although they fought desperately, heavy losses forced them back. On their left, Maney´s men also met defeat. In the creek bottoms, Bates sung around Newton´s left flank to attack his rear; but Bradley´s men, massed along the road overlooking the creek, met them with musketry. At the Peachtree Creek Bridge, Thomas in person emplaced Ward´s two batteries on the high ground along Peachtree Hills Avenue. Canister from these guns shattered Bate´s right. Already suffering from Bradley´s musketry, his men fell back. Having no reserves, Hardee could not renew the attack so he withdrew. About 4:00, Stewart´s corps attacked. Loring moved forward with Featherston´s brigade on the right, Scott on the left. Featherston´s men crossed Tanyard Branch and moved through dense wood into a wide clearing. They reformed their lines (astride Dellwood Drive) under fire from Geary´s batteries, firing from their left. Sweeping back the Federal picket line barricaded along it, they charged over Collier Road and into the gap between Newton´s right and Geary´s left; but a cross fire of musketry from those positions, together with Ward´s arrival, drove them back with severe losses. Ward´s men took position along Collier Road.
Confederate defense continued
On the right, Harrison placed two regiments across Tanyard Branch, to connect with Candy´s left, and three on the slight rise east of it. Scott´s brigade advanced across the thickly wooded hills between Northside and Whitehall drives, routing the 33rd New Jersey and capturing its state flag. Although Scott´s men met a storm of fire from Geary´s front, his left regiment captured four of Geary´s guns but where forced to retire without them. His right regiments, diverted to the right by the fire from Candy´s men and of the battery near his left, crossed Tanyard Branch in this area and charged into the gap along the stream, between Harrison´s regiments. At Collier Mill, a few yards farther on, they were halted by a ridge across their front. Massed under the cross fire of Harrison´s men, they were decimated before they could withdraw. Later, a Federal officer wrote "Few battlefields of the war have been strewn so thickly with dead and wounded as they lay that evening around Collier´s mill." On Loring´s left, Walthall had deployed astride Howell Mill Road and advanced northeast through the Embry plantation. O´Neal´s brigade struck Geary´s right, forced it to swing back across Overbrook Road and the ravine to connect with Williams´ left. But the impetus of the attack plunged O´Neal´s men into the ravine between Geary and Williams where they lost heavily before they could withdraw.
On O´Neal´s left, the right of Reynolds´ brigade made two desperate attempts to cross the ravine on Williams´ front and assault his line, but the concave ridge thrust Williams´ flanks forward, enabling them to enfilade Reynolds´ right regiments and drive them back with heavy losses. Reynolds´ left across Howell Mill swung around Knipe´s right and attacked his flank; but Ruger´s men rushed to his support and Reynolds´ now exposed left was swept by fire from McCook´s intrenchments, forces Reynolds´ to retire. Nowhere on the two-mile front had the Confederate assault met with more than passing success. Finally, Hardee and Sterwart withdrew their shattered divisions in to the shelter of the outer line. Estimates place Hood´s loss as 4,796, Thomas actual loss was 1,779. Although the Army of Tennessee had fought with the same courage and gallantry which had made Sherman´s advance slow and costly, it had suffered a bitter defeat.
Walk back up to Collier Mill Road and Marker's on both sides of road.
Scott's Brigade Marker is at the intersection of Collier Road NW and Redland Road NW, on the right when traveling east on Collier Road NW. On the high hill 500 yds. S. of Collier Rd. the left of Scott's brigade (27th, 35th &49th Ala., & 12th La.) Loring's div. [CS] dislodged Geary's outpost, [US] the 33d N.J. regt. & captured its flag. Pressing forward, the left of Scott's line [CS] moved toward Geary's batteries at Collier Rd., while the right of it, diverted by gun-fire, crossed Tanyard Branch & the road & continued down the slope N. ~ in effect, flanking Geary's two batteries 300 yds. westward. This surprise assault by Scott, had it been in greater force, might have driven a wedge in the center of the Federal line; outnumbered, it was driven back S. of the road.
Across Collier Mill Road we find these two markers.
Harrison's Brigade . Marker is at the intersection of Collier Road and Redland Road NW, on the left when traveling east on Collier Road. The marker is in a small park on Collier Road, marked by the millstones from Collier's Mill. The 5 regts. of Col. Benjamin Harrison's brigade of Ward's div. (20th A.C.) [US] were N. of this ridge when the Confederate attack in this sector was made. The brigade was moved forward in support of Geary's line & deployed astride Tanyard Branch - 2 regiments west of Collier's Mill; the other 3 east of it. Scott's [CS] assaulting line was broken by Geary's artillery fire; the left of the brigade attempting to seize the guns while the right was diverted to the eastward of Tanyard Branch, where its threat to outflank both Harrison & Geary failed for lack of numbers. Benjamin Harrison was the 23d President, U.S
Collier's Mill Marker is at the intersection of Collier Road NW and Redland Road NW, on the right when traveling west on Collier Road NW. 150 ft. down stream, on the right bank of Tanyard Branch, stood an ante-bellum grist mill built & operated by Andrew J. Collier, pioneer resident of this area. (1827-1887). A notable landmark at the time of the Battle of Peachtree Creek - July 20, 1864. It stood, not only at the center of Federal troop alignment along Collier Rd., but was the storm-center of the conflict that raged here, since the stream valley was a strategic approach to the Federal center toward which the Confederate forces (Walthall's & Loring's divisions of Stewart's Corps) made their heaviest attacks.
Walk across bridge and look down Tanyard Branch Creek.
Take a right into park on other side of creek and walk up path to gazebo. Right there at path going back down to creek is where this etching of General Hooker was made.
General Hooker watches battle Peachtree Creek.
Walk right up creek back to bridge. Notice the rocks of Collier Mill across the stream as seen in etching. Go under bridge back to car and take right from parking lot to go east on Collier Mill. Up on left find next marker in yard of home.
Gap in Federal Line Marker is on Collier Road 0.1 miles east of Redland Road NW, on the left when traveling east. The 129th, 105th Ill. & 70th Ind., the left of Harrison's brigade, together with the rest of Ward's div., 20th A.C. [US] were posted in the low ground 350 yds. N., having just crossed Peachtree Creek. No immediate attack was expected. Scott's [CS] dash across the rd. & down the slope met the alerted 129th Ill. -- the sole guardian of the left flank of Geary's div. for a brief period. Assailed front & flank, the 129th held on until the 105th Ill. & 70th Ind. came up. The gap was closed with the alignment E. of Coburn's brigade. Scott's troops were driven S. of the road & in a left wheel, the 129th Ill. moved E. against the left of Featherston.
Keep going east on Collier Mill toward Peachtree Street. Next marker 200 yards on right.
Mississippi Brigade Marker is at the intersection of Collier Road and Ardmore Road, on the right when traveling east on Collier Road.Brig. Gen. W. S. Featherston ~ Loring's div. It consisted of the 40th, 31st, 22d, 3d & 33d regts., (deployment sequence W. to E.) Stigler's sharpshooters in skirmish line. Brigade was on extreme rt. of Stewart's A.C., joining Hardee's A.C. which prolonged the line E. to Clear Cr.Featherston's [CS] assault struck the fronts of Coburn's & Wood's brigades [US] in the ravine N. of Collier Rd. ~ his right regts. vainly attempting to enter a gap between Wood's & Kimball's brigades, in which action Col. J.L. Drake, 33d Miss. was slain. Repelled by counter-assaults, brigade withdrew S. of rd., which the Federals held against repeated attempts to retake it.
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It would be here that Canadian Dennis Buckley's war... and his life came to a tragic end! While advancing on the enemy Dennis used the butt of his riffle to clobber a Confederate officer who was carrying the flag of the 31st Miss. Infantry. The officer went down and Dennis grabbed the flag, dropping his weapon at the same time. (It took two hands to handle the 9 ft. longs shaft that the flag was fastened to). Turning his back on the enemy and waving the flag at his comrades he was encouraging them with screams that they can keep coming on, and that EVERY BULLET IS WORTH A COW." A reference no doubt to his days back on the farm in Lindsay Ontario. Those were Dennis' last words in the war... and in his life of only 20 years! An enemy bullet struck the flagpole, bounced off and hit this Canadian soldier in the forehead killing him instantly.
Many of the dead were buried after the battle right on location. A few years later they were transferred to a federal cemetery at Marietta. But Dennis Buckley's grave marker spelled his name wrong (Burkley). Buckley received a Medal of Honor, for his action during the Battle of Peachtree Creek. His citation reads "Capture of flag of 31st Mississippi (Confederate States of America)".
Buckley's new gravestone at Marietta Cemetery.
Take the right on Ardemore.3 markers down on right.
Coburn's Brigade Marker is on Ardmore Road 0.1 miles south of Collier Road, on the right when traveling south. Four regiments ~ 33d & 85th Ind., 19th Mich. & 22d Wis. ~ Col. John Coburn's brigade, Ward's 3d div., 20th A.C., were posted in this sector ~ the 22d Wis. on the ridge as skirmishers, the other three in the ravine N. of the road. The left of Featherston's brigade [CS], swept N. across the road, driving & pursuing the 22d Wis. down the slope, only to be assailed in turn by Coburn's regiments advancing from the ravine, aided by the left of Harrison's & the right of Wood's brigades. Featherston withdrew to the barricades at the road, but a lack of support on right & left forced his withdrawal.
Featherston's Brigade Marker is on Ardmore Road 0.1 miles south of Collier Road, right next to Coburn's Brigade marker as seen above. Gen. W.S. Featherston's Mississippi brigade of Loring's div., Stewart's A.C., [CS] together with Scott's brigade (on his left), advanced from trenches at & near Loring's Hill, .9 miles S.W. Traversing a broken area of tangled forest, the brigade crossed Tanyard Branch under fire from Geary's batteries west of it & struck Collier Road in this sector. Dislodging Coburn's skirmishers ~ the 22d Wis. posted behind rail barricades at the S. side of the rd., the brigade moved down the slope N. toward Coburn's & Wood's positions. Pressed back to the abandoned barricades, front & flank attacks forced its withdrawal.
Wood's Brigade Marker is on Ardmore Road 0.1 miles south of Collier Road, on the right when traveling south.Col. James Wood's brigade, Ward's div., [US] was the left of the 20th A.C. line. It was posted in the ravine N. of Collier Rd. where its left joined Kimball's brigade. Newton's div. 4th A.C. Featherston's [CS] attack was delayed by skirmishers while Wood deployed his 4 regts. to meet it ~ a counter-assault that drove the Mississippians up the slope. An attempt to penetrate the Fed. line between Wood & Kimball was prevented by the 73d & 55th Ohio regts.Driven to & S. of the road, Featherston made an effort to dislodge Wood's troops from rail barricades there, but lack of support on his left and right forced his withdrawal.
Keep going south on Ardmore than take a left 28th Street. Go left Wycliffe.
Old Montgomery Ferry marker Marker is at the intersection of 28th Street NW and Wycliff Road NW, on the left when traveling east on 28th Street NW. A section of the old Montgomery Ferry Road ran N.W. from Geo. W. Collier's house (Land Lot 104) & crossed Peachtree Road (below Palisades). This point, on the old rd. is S.W. of the site of the war-time house of Andrew J. Collier which stood until recent years. Brig. Gen. Clement H. Stevens, [CS] commanding a brigade, Walker's div., Hardee's A.C. was killed near this spot while ordering the withdrawal of his troops after an unsuccessful assault on Federal forces posted on the high ground north of Collier Road - in the Battle of Peachtree Creek, July 20, 1864.
Tangent Clement Hoffman Stevens…………..
Clement H. Stevens
Clement H. Stevens became a colonel in the South Carolina Militia before the start of the Civil War. In April 1861, he became a Confederate States Army colonel and aide-de-camp as the state troops came under the command of the Confederate government. He designed and had constructed an iron-plated battery faced with railroad iron on Morris Island for the attack on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor.
Stevens became aide-de-camp for his brother-in-law, Brigadier General Barnard Bee, between April 1861 and July 21, 1861 when Bee was killed in action at the Battle of First Bull Run soon after bestowing the nickname "Stonewall" on then Brigadier General Thomas J. Jackson. Stevens also was wounded in the battle.
After he recovered, Stevens took command of a South Carolina militia regiment. On April 1, 1862, Stevens was appointed colonel of the 24th South Carolina Infantry Regiment. Stevens fought at and his regiment helped repulse a Union Army attack at the Battle of Secessionville on June 16, 1862. He was sent with his regiment to Mississippi and participated in the Vicksburg Campaign in Brigadier General States Rights Gist's brigade during General Joseph E. Johnston's unsuccessful efforts to relieve the besieged city. Gist praised Stevens as "iron-nerved." Later with the Army of Tennessee, Stevens was wounded at the Battle of Chickamauga on September 20, 1863. His performance elicited praise in after action reports.
Clement Hoffman Stevens was promoted to brigadier general, C.S.A., on January 20, 1864. Although not fully recovered from his wounds from Chickamauga, he commanded a brigade in Major General W.H.T. Walker's division of I Corps of the Army of Tennessee from February 1864 to July 20, 1864. At the Battle of Peachtree Creek during the Atlanta Campaign, on July 20, 1864, Stevens was shot in the head and mortally wounded while leading a frontal assault late in the evening. Walker also was killed in action in the fighting at Atlanta two days later, on July 22, 1864.
Aftermath
Clement H. Stevens died at Atlanta, Georgia, July 25, 1864, five days after he was mortally wounded in battle.[1][3][5] By the time of his death, Stevens had the nickname of "Rock."[2][4] Clement Hoffman Stevens is buried at St. Paul's Episcopal Church Cemetery, Pendleton, South Carolina
Stevens grave in Pendleton South Carolina.
Keep going back to and right on Collier Mill. Left Peachtree Street. Right Brighton two markers on island median. Before we get to those two marker's note the large Stone Monument on front lawn Piedmont Hospital on left.
This photo shows Newton's Division marker with Hardee at Peachtree Marker closer to Peachtree Street. Looking across Peachtree Street can see stone monument referenced above.
Hardee at Peachtree Creek Marker is at the intersection of Brighton Road and Peachtree Road NE (U.S. 19), in the median on Brighton Road.Troops of Gen. W.J. Hardee's A.C. [CS] were posted in this sector, July 18, 1864, to guard the creek crossings when it was learned that Federal forces were moving toward Atlanta from Pace's & Power's Fys., Chattahoochee River. Wheeler's Cav. operated in the area N. of the creek to impede the Army of the Cumberland advance. Howard's 4th A.C., having crossed at Power's, reached Buckhead that afternoon. July 19. Wood's div. of the 4th, moved down the road to force a creek crossing. Hardee's men withdrew to the S. side, burning the bridge. Wood's div. crossed under fire & held a bridgehead until relieved by Newton's division.
Newton's Division Marker is on Brighton Road 0 miles from Peachtree Road (U.S. 19), in the median. July 20, 1864. Gen. John Newton's div., Howard's 4th A.C., marching S. from Buckhead, relieved T. J. Wood's div., this side of Peachtree Cr., & moved to this ridge where two brigades were deployed: Kimball's W. of, & Blake's E. of, Peachtree Rd. -- Bradley's in reserve at the rear. 3 of Hardee's divs., [CS], Bate's, Walker's, & Maney's, moved from their intrenched line (.8 mi. S.) at 3:30 P.M. Walker & Maney struck the fronts of Kimball & Blake; Bate, in Clear Creek Valley outflanked Blake only to face Bradley. Kimball narrowly averted a line-break on his right by changing front & the timely support of Ward's 20th A.C. division.
Keep going on Brighton, take next right Montclair then take next right Pallisades back to Peachtree Street. Two marker's there in median to left.
Hardee Attack's Marker is on Palisades Road 0 miles east of Peachtree Road NE (U.S. 19), in the median. July 20, 1864. At 3:30 P.M., 3 divisions of Hardee's A.C., [CS] Bate's, Walker's, & Maney's, moved to the attack of Newton's 4th A.C. div. [US] posted on the ridge 200 yards north of Collier Road. Bate, on the right of the corps, was just west of Clear Creek; Walker at center, astride Peachtree Rd., & Maney (formerly Cheatham), on Walker's left. Peachtree was a winding country rd. bordered by heavily wooded tracts?largely of Collier ownership in the battlefield area. The house of Andrew J. Collier (of Collier's Mill) stood at S. W. cor. Peachtree & Collier roads. While leading his brigade, Gen. C. H. Stevens, of Walker's div. was killed near the Collier House.
Battlefield of Peachtree Creek Marker is on Palisades Road 0 miles east of Peachtree Road NE (U.S. 19), in the median.Lt. Gen. John B. Hood, on taking command of the Army of Tennessee [CS], July 18, 1864, began aggressive action against the Federal approach to Atlanta from upper Chattahoochee crossings. July 20. Hood's 1st move was to attack Thomas' Army of the Cumberland before it crossed Peachtree Cr., but a delay in Confederate deployment enabled the Federals to gain positions south of the creek. Battle was joined in this area. Beginning in Clear Creek valley on the E., it moved progressively W. to Howell Mill Rd. - the sanguinary fields bisected by Collier Rd.
We find these last few markers related to battle back north on Peachtree Road.
Markers are at the intersection of Peachtree Road NW (U.S. 19) and Fairhaven Circle NE, on the right when traveling north on Peachtree Road NW.
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Hood's report of battle today……….
ATLANTA, July 20, 1864-11 p. m.
Honorable J. A. SEDDON:
At 3 o'clock to-day a portion of Hardee's and Stewart's corps drove the enemy into his breast-works, but did not gain possession of them. Our loss slight. Brigadier-General Stevens severely wounded. On our extreme right the enemy attacked Wheeler's cavalry with infantry, and were handsomely repulsed.
J. B. HOOD, General.
Tanyard Creek ran red with blood.
On July 19, Hood learned that Sherman had split his army; Thomas's Army of the Cumberland was to advance directly towards Atlanta, while the Army of the Ohio (General John M. Schofield) and the Army of the Tennessee (General James B. McPherson) moved several miles east, apparently an early premonition of Sherman's general strategy of cutting Confederate supply lines by destroying railroads to the east. Thomas would have to cross Peachtree Creek at several locations and would be vulnerable both while crossing and immediately after, before they could construct breastworks. Hood hoped to attack Thomas while his army was still in the process of crossing Peachtree Creek. By so doing, the Southerners hoped to fight with rough numerical parity and catch the Northern forces by surprise.
Throughout the morning of July 20, the Army of the Cumberland crossed Peachtree Creek and began taking up defensive positions. Major General John M. Palmer, took position on the right. Major General Joseph Hooker (the former commander of the Army of the Potomac who had lost the Battle of Chancellorsville) took position in the center. The Union forces began preparing defensive positions, but had only partially completed them by the time the Confederate attack began. The few hours between the Union crossing and their completion of defensive earthworks were a moment of opportunity for the Confederates. Hood committed two of his three corps to the attack: Hardee's corps would attack on the right, while the corps of General Alexander P. Stewart would attack on the left.
French's Division Hood's Left Flank Marker is on Davis Circle 0 miles west of Defoor Avenue NW, on the right when traveling east.
Hood had wanted the attack launched at one o'clock, but confusion and miscommunication between Hardee and Hood prevented this from happening. The Confederate attack was finally mounted at around four o'clock in the afternoon. On the Confederate right, Hardee's men ran into fierce opposition and were unable to make much headway, with the Southerners suffering heavy losses. The failure of the attack was largely due to faulty execution and a lack of pre-battle reconnaissance.
On the Confederate left, Stewart's attack was more successful. Two Union brigades were forced to retreat, and most of the 33rd New Jersey Infantry Regiment (along with its battle flag) were captured by the Rebels, as was a 4-gun Union artillery battery. Union forces counterattacked, however, and after a bloody struggle, successfully blunted the Confederate offensive. Artillery helped stop the Confederate attack on Thomas' left flank.
King's Brigade Marker is on Peachtree Hills Avenue NE 0.1 miles east of Virginia Place NE, on the left when traveling east. Looking east on Peachtree Hills Avenue, toward Piedmont Road (the former Plaster's Bridge Road -- Hood's missed opportunity)
Many historians have criticized the Confederacy's tactics and execution, especially Hood's and Hardee's. Johnston, although fighting defensively, had already determined to counterattack at Peachtree Creek; in fact, the plan for striking the Army of the Cumberland as it began to cross Peachtree Creek has been attributed to him. His long rear-guard retreat from Kennesaw is understandable, as Sherman used his numerical superiority in constant large-scale flanking movements. Moreover, although he had lost an enormous amount of ground, Johnston had whittled Sherman's numerical superiority from 2:1 down to 8:5.
Replacing him with the brash Hood, practically on the eve of battle, has generally been regarded as a mistake. (In fact Hood himself, as well as several other generals, sent a telegram to Davis seeking a remand of the order, advising Davis that it would be "dangerous to change the commander of this army at this particular time.")
Additionally, although Hood's general plan was plausible, the federal forces being divided, the failure of the units to be formed and positioned prior to the Union's crossing the river, Hardee's failure to commit his troops fully, and Hood's decision to continue the attack when he discovered he had lost his advantage, resulted in a severe and predictable defeat. Few battlefields of the war have been strewn so thickly with dead and wounded as they lay that evening around Collier's Mill." according to Union Major Gen. J.D. Cox. The Union troops counted more than 800 Confederate soldiers were put into the ground.
Adjutant Claudius V. H. Davis of the 22nd Mississippi regiment was awarded the Confederate Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Battle of Peachtree Creek. He was killed while carrying the colors and went down waving the flag.
Flag of the "Liberty Guards," Company E, 22nd Mississippi Infantry.
First Lieutenant Frank D. Baldwin, Company D, 19th Michigan Infantry, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for gallantry at the Battle of Peachtree Creek, Georgia, July 12, 1864. Under a galling fire ahead of his own men, and singly entered the enemy's line, capturing and bringing back two commissioned officers, fully armed.
Captain Baldwin later received a second Medal of Honor for action at McClellan's Creek, Texas, November 8, 1874. Citation: Rescued, with 2 companies, 2 white girls by a voluntary attack upon Indians whose superior numbers and strong position would have warranted delay for reinforcements, but which delay would have permitted the Indians to escape and kill their captives.
Now the Yankees were busy fighting today, so most of the reports will come tomorrow. We do find these few reports today after the 4PM attack.
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HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND, July 20, 1864-6.15 p. m.
Major General W. T. SHERMAN,Commanding Military Division of the Mississippi:
GENERAL: The enemy attacked me in full force at about 4 p. m., and has persisted until now, attacking very fiercely, but he was repulsed handsomely by the troops all along my line. Our loss has been heavy, but the loss inflicted upon the enemy has been very severe. We have taken many prisoners, and General Ward reports having taken 2 stand of colors.
I cannot make at present more than this general report, but will send you details as soon as I can get them from my corps commanders.
Very respectfully, yours, &c.,
GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.
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HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Near Peach Tree Creek, Ga., July 20, 1864.
Major General GEORGE STONEMAN, Commanding Cavalry Force:
GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your note of 10 a. m. this day, and to give you a summary of events occurring in this army. Our lines were yesterday pushed across Peach Tree Creek in several places, and to-day when an advance was being made by all the corps, the enemy made a furious attack on our men, commencing at about 4 p. m. on the extreme left, General Newton's lines, and extending to the extreme right. This attack was continued until night set in, and was most handsomely repulsed at all points. Our loss on some parts of the line is reported severe, but no official report has yet been made. The impression of the major-general commanding is from what he has seen and knows personally, that our loss is very light, while the rebels have lost many in killed and wounded, and those taken prisoners. General Ward, Twentieth Army Corps, reports having captured 2 stand of colors and many prisoners, and hopes to capture a whole regiment which has got into rather a tight to get our safely. Everything has progressed satisfactorily, and the enemy has been gloriously thrashed.
I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBT. H. RAMSEY, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.
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NEAR HOWEL'S MILL, GA., July 20, 1864-4.45 p. m.
[General THOMAS:]
Rebs attacked us about 4 o'clock at the junction between Twentieth and Fourteenth Corps, McCook's and Knipe's brigades, and were repulsed. Attack repeated and repulsed again. The attack was very fierce and determined. Colonel McCook's adjutant was killed. The enemy is still moving troops to our left, as they have been all day.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant-General.
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The following is my driving tour of the battlefield. I have posted the actual citations from the Historical markers. 1st we get off I-75 at Howell Mill Road and go north on Howell Mill,park at parking lot Northside Baptist Church on immediate right.
In 1864, Mt. Zion Baptist Church stood on the site of the North Side Park Baptist Church. July 20. The skirmish line of Walthall's div., Stewart's A.C., [CS] was astride Howell Mill Rd., just N. of the church. When Reynolds' & O'Neal's brigades [CS] moved up in columns from their intrenched line (.3 mi. S.), they deployed at the skirmish line -- Reynolds W. of the rd.; O'Neal E. of it, & advanced on the Federal infantry posted on Collier Rd. & N. of the deep ravine.In the church yard are monuments to H.H. Embry, (1805-1877), pioneer resident of this vicinity, & Serg't Wm. R. Moore, 1st Ga. Reg´t., Wheeler's Cav., killed N. of Peachtree Creek, July 17, 1864. Marker is on Howell Mill Road 0 miles north of Interstate 75, on the right when traveling north.
Old Mt. Zion Church Marker, the Hiram Embry tomb in the foreground, the Sergeant Wm. R. Moore monument behind that.
An interesting story surrounds the obelisk erected by siblings for Sergeant William R. Moore in memory of his death during the Battle of Peachtree Creek on July 17, 1864. Sgt. Moore was part of the 1st Georgia Regiment, Wheeler’s Cavalry, according to the historical marker. Further research uncovered an Atlanta Constitution article from August 21, 1900 entitled “Tribute to Dead Comrade,” part of which described the exercises to honor Sgt. Moore’s memory 36 years after his death:
“Sergeant William R. Moore, of company G, First Georgia cavalry, was one of the bravest men who fell at the battle of Peachtree creek. He was a brother of Captain Jake Moore, of the penitentiary department. When his dead body was found, it was hastily buried in an improvised coffin made of unplanned boards, hewn out with an ax. For years the grave remained unmarked on account of an inability to find its location. Recently, through the aid of some of his comrades and residents of the neighborhood, the grave was located, and a suitable monument erected. The last resting place of the dead hero is in Embry’s graveyard.”
The article mentioned that General Clement A. Evans, members of Wheeler’s cavalry, and other prominent veterans participated in the ceremony to install the monument, with all confederates invited. Sgt. Moore’s local relatives and members of his family in Rome were also present. The west side of Sgt. Moore’s obelisk states: “Distinguished for bravery in many battles, he died at last with spurs on.”
Keep going north Howell Mill. Next marker is on the left when traveling north on Howell Mill Road.
Maj. William C. Preston C.S.A
Commanding Artillery Battalion attached to Alexander P. Stewart's Corps [CS] - killed in action while supervising placement of two sections of Selden's Ala. Battery, Lt. Chas. W. Lovelace, commanding, near the Embry House, July 20th, 1864, during the Battle of Peachtree Creek.This battery was in support of Reynolds's Brigade [CS] as it swept N.E. across the Embry Plantation & the road toward the re-entrant angle of the Federal line N. of the deep ravine.Maj. Preston, a native of S. Carolina, was the "Willie Preston" of Mary Boykins Chestnut's, "A Diary of Dixie." Marker is on Howell Mill Road NW 0 miles north of Collier Road NW, on the right when traveling south.
Rt. Of 20th A.C. Line July 20, 1864. In the Battle of Peachtree Cr. the right of the Federal 20th A.C. (Ruger's brigade, Williams' div.) rested on Howell Mill Rd. in this vicinity. The line was prolonged W. to the Chattahoochee River by the 14th A.C., R. W. Johnson's 1st div. [US] connecting with the 20th. Anson McCook's brigade (Johnson's div.) was involved in the Confederate attack by the left of Reynolds' brigade of Walthall's division which struck Ruger's front. Otherwise, 14th A.C. troops were preoccupied with a threatened attack by two brigades of French's div. [CS] which supported Walthall's left flank west of the Hiram Embry house.
Keep going north on Howell Mill Road 0.1 miles south of Peachtree Battle Road, on the right when traveling north. The next three markers stand just to the south of the Howell Mill Bridge over Peachtree Creek.
Looking north on Howell Mill Road, we see the next three Georgia Historical markers visible at the bridge.
Federal Crossings Opposition by Confederate forces to Federal crossings of Peachtree Cr., were more formidable westward than eastward, because of high, wooded ridges on the south bank. Two days of severe conflict were required by the 14th Corps [US] to effect lodgments on this side. July 19, 1864. Two brigades forced a passage at the mouth of Green Bone Cr., 5 mi. W., supported by a third beyond Nancy's Cr. Two brigades of Baird's div. managed a night crossing at Howell's Mills on an improvised bridge. July 20. Johnson's entire div. [US] followed Baird, & 1.5 mi. W., Morgan's brigade after a 24 hour fight at Moore's Mill, gained the high bluff.
Reynold's Brigade Federal 14th A.C. advancing from Pace's Fy. (largely on Howell Mill Rd.) were stubbornly resisted by Wheeler's vastly outnumbered cavalry. Reynold's Arkansans, Walthall's div. Stewart's A.C., were posted N. of the creek, July 14, to support Wheeler's operations & to destroy the bridge after his inevitable withdrawal.July 18, 1864. All Confederate forces moved S. of the cr.; Reynold's troops fired the bridge & from the high ground, covered the approaches with musketry & artillery fire. Johnson's 14th A.C. div. [US], failing to force a crossing, was halted for the night.
Howell's Mill A notable ante-bellum land-mark established 1852, by Judge Clark Howell (1811-1882). Two buildings -- grist and sash-sawmills -- which stood on the N. bank, and in the bend of, Peachtree Cr. 1000 ft. west of the present bridge. The old road crossed the creek on a wooden bridge to the west of the present highway and bridge. Surviving the war, the mills burned in 1879. They were the center of a rural community with a P.O. (1876-1891). Another enterprise was Foster's Woolen Mill, established circa 1880 -- which stood on the S. bank of the creek, to the W. of this marker.
Cross Peachtree Creek and take a right on Peachtree Battle.
Looking east on Peachtree Battle Road, toward Northside Drive and Peachtree Road.
Geary's Div. to Peachtree Creek July 19, 1864. Geary's Div. 20th A.C. [US] camped the previous night on Paces Fy. Rd. (at Arden). Moving S.W. on the ridge E. of Green Bone Cr., by a road more or less identical with Arden, Geary's intonation was to cross Peachtree Cr. at Howell's Mills. Learning that Palmer's 14th A.C. was there, Geary shifted his column to the southward near Hiram Casey house & headed for a point .7 mi. above the mills. On the wooded ridge in the bend of the cr. S. on the hills was massed; 2 batteries were trained on the hills opposite & timber was cut & shaped for a rapid bridging of the stream.
Right to go back south on Northside. Cross Peachtree Creek. Take right on Wesley. Marker is just west of the intersection of Wesley Drive NW and Northside Drive NW (U.S. 41), on the right when traveling west on Wesley Drive NW.
Peachtree Creek.
Geary's Three Bridges July 19, 1864. Covered by the fire of Geary's 12 guns [US] on the ridge N. of the cr., together with the musketry of a heavy skirmish line, the division pioneers hastily built a foot bridge with timbers previously prepared. Ireland's Brigade quickly filed across under fire and seized the first ridge S. of the cr. Candy's and Jones' followed Ireland's and cast up an entrenched bridgehead for the night.By dawn of the 20th, two other bridges were thrown across; roads to them were cut for wagon and artillery and Williams' division crossed. These bridges were used after the war - their ancient remains visible as late as 1913.
Go up hill, Bobby Jones Golf course of left. Left Bitsy Grant tennis center see four markers at the entrance to the Bitsy Grant Tennis Center at the Bobby Jones Golf Course.
Four markers moved next to this sign.
Reynolds' Brigade at the Ravine July 20, 1864. Four regiments of Reynolds' Arkansas brigade, Walthall's div., Stewart's A.C., [CS] having deployed abreast at old Mt. Zion Ch., moved in a right oblique across Howell Mill & Collier rds. into the wooded ravine.The assault fell upon Knipe's & Robinson's brigades, Williams' div., 20th A.C. [US] posted, with artillery, on the far side (N.) of the ravine. Subjected to enfilading fire from right & left & with no support but Selden's battery [CS] on the left, Reynolds' brigade was forced to withdraw, after a second attempt to cross the ravine.
Williams' Div. Deployed July 20, 1864. Williams' div., 20th A. C., having crossed Peachtree Cr. 750 yds. N., deployed his 3 brigades - Robinson's, Knipe's & Ruger's in the order named, on this ridge from this point W. This was part of a general move on Atlanta by Fed. forces - no precautions taken against attack for none was anticipated. Geary's div. was posted on ridge .5 mi. S. E. at Collier Rd. A deep ravine separated the two; no road where N. Side Dr. is located. When the attack by Stewart`s A. C. struck both Williams & Geary, the later was forced to refuse his right wing down the slope to connect with Robinson`s brigade at this point.
Geary's Refused Line July 20, 1864. Geary's 20th A.C. div. [US] was massed on this ridge (Candy's, Ireland's & Jones' brigades) in parallel lines on old Collier Rd., its front 400 yds. Eastward. A reconnoissance in force, there was no deployment & being several hundred yds. in advance of the other 2 divs., the position lacked support. The surprise attack by O'Neal [CS] struck Geary's right flank causing him to refuse his line on a left pivot down the slope to & beyond the deep ravine northward, where it joined the left of Williams' division on a ridge. O'Neal's assault & Scott's [CS] attack at Collier's Mill, were critical moments of the battle.
O'Neal's Brigade at the Ravine July 20, 1864. Not until O'Neal's Alabama & Mississippi troops [CS] plunged down the wooded slope from Collier Rd., did the formation of Geary's [US] refused line & the re-entrant angle created thereby, become apparent to them.Geary's right (Jones' brigade) joined the left of Williams' div. on ridge N. of the ravine. Being in low ground & beset on each flank by cross-fire, O'Neal's left pushed forward to a temporary line-break, while his right swung around to assail Geary's line flank & rear. By stubborn fighting & O'Neal's lack of support, Geary was able to hold his position.
Now back south on Northside. Right up street to view ravine on left. Then U-Turn anywhere to come back to Northside Drive. Turn right and then immediate left on Overbrook, Right Evergreen, left Collier Mill, Right Walthall. Three marker's, go to farthest and work way back to Collier Mill Road.
33d N.J. State Flag marker is on Walthall Drive 0.2 miles south of Collier Drive NW, on the left when traveling south.July 20, 1864. To this high ground, 500 yds. in front of Geary's div. (20th A.C.) [US] on Collier Rd., the 33d N.J. regt., Jones' brigade, was sent to establish & support a battery position. The regiment had scarcely reached this hill when, in a surprise attack, it was assailed by Scott's brigade (Loring's div.) [CS] moving toward the main line of the 20th corps. The 33d N.J., despite its endeavors to hold the hill, was driven back to the road -- its State flag (a blue banner) being seized by John Abernathy of the 27th Alabama regiment. Scott's assault began the critical struggle that centered at Collier's Mill.
On Geary's Front Marker is south of the intersection of Collier Road NW and Walthall Drive NW, on the right when traveling north on Walthall Road NW. In 1864, Collier Rd. topped the ridge N. Descending the slope E. it crossed the branch below the dam at Collier's Mill. Geary's left ? Candy's brigade & Aleshire's batteries [US] - were aligned along the old road facing south. The 33d N.J. (Jones' brigade) was sent to the high hill 500 yds. S. as an outpost. It had just gotten there when the left of Scott's brigade (Loring's div.), [CS] in a surprise attack, drove the 33d from the hill, captured its colors & pressed forward toward Geary's line. The left of Scott's brigade was driven back from Geary's front; the right, was diverted E. of the branch by Geary's oblique gun-fire. Back to Collier Mill, take right.
Geary's Division Marker is at the intersection of Collier Road and Walthall Drive, on the right when traveling east on Collier Road. July 20, 1864. Gen. J. W. Geary's 2d div., 20th A.C. [US] occupied this ridge which was some 300 yds. in advance of Williams' 1st div. on his rt., & Ward's 3d, on his left -- all facing southward. His three brigades: Candy's, Jones' & Ireland's were massed on the ridge together with Aleshire's artillery. These troops were from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania & Ohio; most of them had served under Geary at Gettysburg. This commanding ridge, overlook Tanyard Branch valley, was the critical point of the Federal position -- the objective of Confederate assaults by Walthall's & Loring's divs. of Stewart's A.C. [CS] on the Federal center.
Pull into Collier Mill Tanyard Branch Park. Park and walk tour there.
The following 5 markers are posted here at main battlefield.
The Battle of Peachtree Creek - July 20, 1864
The battle of Peachtree Creek was the first of three desperate Confederate attacks on the armies commanded by Maj. General Wm. T. Sherman which were closing in on Atlanta. Although heavy skirmishing occurred between the Federal right and the Confederate left, which extended west to Moore´s Mill Road, and other forces were engaged east of Atlanta, the actual battle was fought along a two - mile front extending from Clear Creek (east of Brookwood Hills) to Howell Mill Road along Collier and Northfleet raods, one of the most costly here along Tanyard Branch at Collier Mill. After 70 days of slow retreat Dalton (88 miles N.), forcing the enemy to fight for every mile, Gen. Joseph E. Johnston´s Confederate Army of Tennessee (Hardee´s, Hood´s and Stewart´s corp. and Wheeler´s cavalry corps) crossed the Chattahoochee River at Bolton late on July 9th and retires toward Atlanta. Although Atlanta was encircled by 12 miles of forts and parapets which Sherman termed "unassailable", Johnston was not ready to use them. He watched closely for the time when Sherman´s stronger forces would cross upriver to approach Atlanta beyond mutual support. Now he sensed that Sherman left wing would cross upriver to approach Atlanta from the east while his right wing crossed near Peachtree Creek. While they were miles apart, he planned to attack the exposed right wing.
The Federal Forces Engaged
Estimated strength of troops actually engaged: 21,153 Actual losses (killed, wounded and missing): 1,779
The Confederate Forces Engaged
Estimated strength of troops actually engaged: 18,455 Estimated losses (killed, wounded and missing): 4,796
This photograph taken after the battle of Peachtree Creek shows the graves of some who perished there.
The Federal Advance
After noon on July 9th, Schofield´s Army of the Ohio (23rd Corps) had forced Johnston to cross the Chattahoochee River that night by a surprise crossing up river at Soap Creek. On the 12th, Howard´s 4th Corps of Thomas´ Army of the Cumberland (4th, 14th and 20th Corps) crossed Power´s Ferry on Schofield´s right. As Johnston had foreseen, McPherson´s Army of the Tennessee (15th, 16th and 17th Corps) moved upriver to Roswell and began crossing while Palmer´s 14th Corps and Hooker´s 20th Corps prepared to cross at Pace´s Ferry. On the 17th, Palmer crossed and moved toward Peachtree Creek and McPherson moved toward Decatur. On the 18th, Schofield, accompanied by Sherman, moved toward Decatur to connect with McPherson; Howard moved to Buckhead; Palmer reached Peachtree Creek; and Hooker crossed the river and camped along West Pace´s Ferry Road. By nightfall, Sherman´s unsupported right wing occupied a line facing Peachtree Creek extending from Buckhead to the river. So far, the advance had been harassed by Wheeler´s cavalry alone. It had met no enemy infantry.
On the 18th, Wood´s division of Howard´s corps moved down Peachtree Road to the creek and captured the bridge. Hooker advanced to the creek, placed his artillery on the hills, and crossed the infantry of Geary´s division on an improvised footbridge at Northside Drive. Geary drove back the enemy´s skirmishers, occupied the hills by the creek and built two wagon bridges for the artillery and trains. Ward´s division was sent to Peachtree Road to cross next day and move up on Geary´s left. On the 20th, Geary moved to Collier Road and took position with Candy´s brigade on the left, near Tanyard Branch, Jones´ on his right extending to Northside Drive, and Ireland´s massed behind Jones´. Candy´s left overlooked this site. Bundy´s and Sloan´s batteries were placed on Candy´s line to sweep the open ground to the left front. The 33rd N.J. Infantry was advanced to picket the ridge between Greystone and Colland Drives. William´s division crossed the creek and formed on the ridge along Northfleet Road with a deep ravine covering his front, Knip´s brigade, on the right extended to Howell Mill Road, with Ruger´s behind it in reserve and Roberson´s extending east across Northside Drive, behind Geary´s right. On Howell Mill Road, Anson G. McCook´s brigade, the left of Palmer´s corps, entrenched near Ruger. Ward´s division crossed at Peachtree Road and moved southeast over broken ground, leaving two batteries at the bridge.
The Federal Advance (Cont.)
It finally reached the golf course area and deployed with Wood´s brigade on the left, Coburn´s in the center and Harrison´s on the right. Earlier, Newton´s division of Howard´s corps had crossed the creek and advanced on Peachtree Road to the high ground north of Collier Road. Newton deployed Kimball´s brigade west of the road, extending through the hospital site, and Blake´s extending east along Brighton Road. Bradley´s remained in reserve on the road near the railroad bridge. Four guns of Goodspeen´s battery were emplaced on the road. Although a gap existed between Newton´s right and Geary´s left, Ward was moving to fill it. Despite Johnston´s planning, the Federal right wing had crossed Peachtree Creek without being attacked; but, unsuspected by Sherman, who was near the Emory campus, the Battle of Peachtree Creek was about to begin.
The Change of Command
By the 17th, Johnston´s engineers had staked out a strong outer line, overlooking the valley of Peachtree Creek, from which he could launch his attack on Thomas´ troops while they crossed the creek, unready to fight. With Thomas shattered, he could attack McPherson with his whole army. If not successful, his army "had a near and secure place of refuge in Atlanta, which he could hold forever and so win the campaign." He announced his intention to the troops and began moving them into positions on the outer line, which ran east from Crestlawn Cemetery through the E. P. Howell School site, over Loring Heights, across Peachtree Street, uphill past the TV station, and on beyond Sherwood Forest to Highland Avenue, where it turned south to the GA RR. Hood´s corps was sent to the latter line to face McPherson. Hardee´s corps was posted with its right covering Loring Heights, its left connecting with Stewart´s corps. at Howell Mill Road. Stewart´s left extended to Marietta Road. But Johnston was not destined to fight his battle. That night, he was relieved and Gen. John B. Hood replaced him Since the army loved "Old Joe" Johnston and knew Hood to be rash and to lack experience in high command, morale suffered severely. At Hood´s request Johnston continued to give orders until sunset next day when he departed.
Confederate Defense
On July 20th, Hood ordered the attack to begin at 1:00 P.M. Hardee and Stewart were to advance, drive the enemy back to the creek, and then west into the angle formed by the creek and the river; but events east of Atlanta caused the line to be shifted about a mile to the east, delaying the attack until all but Ward´s division of the enemy had occupied strong ground in line of battle. Bate´s division (Hardee´s right) halted with its right on Clear Creek and its left reaching Walker´s right near Peachtree and Spring Street. Walker´s left met Maney´s right near Brookwood Station. Maney´s left joined the right of Loring´s division (Stewart´s right) which now occupied Loring Heights. Loring´s left extended to meet Walthall´s right near Northside Drive and Bellemeade Avenue. Walthall´s left regiment halted west of Howell Mill Road. About 3:30, Hardee moved forward, Stewart a half hour later. Walker´s advance, astride Peachtree Road, was impeded by uncut forest growth, Maney´s by miry creek bottom and steep hills, Bates by swampy, densely-thicketed bottom of Clear Creek. At Collier Road, Walker´s charging men met a withering fire of musketry and canister from Newton´s lines. Although they fought desperately, heavy losses forced them back. On their left, Maney´s men also met defeat. In the creek bottoms, Bates sung around Newton´s left flank to attack his rear; but Bradley´s men, massed along the road overlooking the creek, met them with musketry. At the Peachtree Creek Bridge, Thomas in person emplaced Ward´s two batteries on the high ground along Peachtree Hills Avenue. Canister from these guns shattered Bate´s right. Already suffering from Bradley´s musketry, his men fell back. Having no reserves, Hardee could not renew the attack so he withdrew. About 4:00, Stewart´s corps attacked. Loring moved forward with Featherston´s brigade on the right, Scott on the left. Featherston´s men crossed Tanyard Branch and moved through dense wood into a wide clearing. They reformed their lines (astride Dellwood Drive) under fire from Geary´s batteries, firing from their left. Sweeping back the Federal picket line barricaded along it, they charged over Collier Road and into the gap between Newton´s right and Geary´s left; but a cross fire of musketry from those positions, together with Ward´s arrival, drove them back with severe losses. Ward´s men took position along Collier Road.
Confederate defense continued
On the right, Harrison placed two regiments across Tanyard Branch, to connect with Candy´s left, and three on the slight rise east of it. Scott´s brigade advanced across the thickly wooded hills between Northside and Whitehall drives, routing the 33rd New Jersey and capturing its state flag. Although Scott´s men met a storm of fire from Geary´s front, his left regiment captured four of Geary´s guns but where forced to retire without them. His right regiments, diverted to the right by the fire from Candy´s men and of the battery near his left, crossed Tanyard Branch in this area and charged into the gap along the stream, between Harrison´s regiments. At Collier Mill, a few yards farther on, they were halted by a ridge across their front. Massed under the cross fire of Harrison´s men, they were decimated before they could withdraw. Later, a Federal officer wrote "Few battlefields of the war have been strewn so thickly with dead and wounded as they lay that evening around Collier´s mill." On Loring´s left, Walthall had deployed astride Howell Mill Road and advanced northeast through the Embry plantation. O´Neal´s brigade struck Geary´s right, forced it to swing back across Overbrook Road and the ravine to connect with Williams´ left. But the impetus of the attack plunged O´Neal´s men into the ravine between Geary and Williams where they lost heavily before they could withdraw.
On O´Neal´s left, the right of Reynolds´ brigade made two desperate attempts to cross the ravine on Williams´ front and assault his line, but the concave ridge thrust Williams´ flanks forward, enabling them to enfilade Reynolds´ right regiments and drive them back with heavy losses. Reynolds´ left across Howell Mill swung around Knipe´s right and attacked his flank; but Ruger´s men rushed to his support and Reynolds´ now exposed left was swept by fire from McCook´s intrenchments, forces Reynolds´ to retire. Nowhere on the two-mile front had the Confederate assault met with more than passing success. Finally, Hardee and Sterwart withdrew their shattered divisions in to the shelter of the outer line. Estimates place Hood´s loss as 4,796, Thomas actual loss was 1,779. Although the Army of Tennessee had fought with the same courage and gallantry which had made Sherman´s advance slow and costly, it had suffered a bitter defeat.
Walk back up to Collier Mill Road and Marker's on both sides of road.
Scott's Brigade Marker is at the intersection of Collier Road NW and Redland Road NW, on the right when traveling east on Collier Road NW. On the high hill 500 yds. S. of Collier Rd. the left of Scott's brigade (27th, 35th &49th Ala., & 12th La.) Loring's div. [CS] dislodged Geary's outpost, [US] the 33d N.J. regt. & captured its flag. Pressing forward, the left of Scott's line [CS] moved toward Geary's batteries at Collier Rd., while the right of it, diverted by gun-fire, crossed Tanyard Branch & the road & continued down the slope N. ~ in effect, flanking Geary's two batteries 300 yds. westward. This surprise assault by Scott, had it been in greater force, might have driven a wedge in the center of the Federal line; outnumbered, it was driven back S. of the road.
Across Collier Mill Road we find these two markers.
Harrison's Brigade . Marker is at the intersection of Collier Road and Redland Road NW, on the left when traveling east on Collier Road. The marker is in a small park on Collier Road, marked by the millstones from Collier's Mill. The 5 regts. of Col. Benjamin Harrison's brigade of Ward's div. (20th A.C.) [US] were N. of this ridge when the Confederate attack in this sector was made. The brigade was moved forward in support of Geary's line & deployed astride Tanyard Branch - 2 regiments west of Collier's Mill; the other 3 east of it. Scott's [CS] assaulting line was broken by Geary's artillery fire; the left of the brigade attempting to seize the guns while the right was diverted to the eastward of Tanyard Branch, where its threat to outflank both Harrison & Geary failed for lack of numbers. Benjamin Harrison was the 23d President, U.S
Collier's Mill Marker is at the intersection of Collier Road NW and Redland Road NW, on the right when traveling west on Collier Road NW. 150 ft. down stream, on the right bank of Tanyard Branch, stood an ante-bellum grist mill built & operated by Andrew J. Collier, pioneer resident of this area. (1827-1887). A notable landmark at the time of the Battle of Peachtree Creek - July 20, 1864. It stood, not only at the center of Federal troop alignment along Collier Rd., but was the storm-center of the conflict that raged here, since the stream valley was a strategic approach to the Federal center toward which the Confederate forces (Walthall's & Loring's divisions of Stewart's Corps) made their heaviest attacks.
Walk across bridge and look down Tanyard Branch Creek.
Take a right into park on other side of creek and walk up path to gazebo. Right there at path going back down to creek is where this etching of General Hooker was made.
General Hooker watches battle Peachtree Creek.
Walk right up creek back to bridge. Notice the rocks of Collier Mill across the stream as seen in etching. Go under bridge back to car and take right from parking lot to go east on Collier Mill. Up on left find next marker in yard of home.
Gap in Federal Line Marker is on Collier Road 0.1 miles east of Redland Road NW, on the left when traveling east. The 129th, 105th Ill. & 70th Ind., the left of Harrison's brigade, together with the rest of Ward's div., 20th A.C. [US] were posted in the low ground 350 yds. N., having just crossed Peachtree Creek. No immediate attack was expected. Scott's [CS] dash across the rd. & down the slope met the alerted 129th Ill. -- the sole guardian of the left flank of Geary's div. for a brief period. Assailed front & flank, the 129th held on until the 105th Ill. & 70th Ind. came up. The gap was closed with the alignment E. of Coburn's brigade. Scott's troops were driven S. of the road & in a left wheel, the 129th Ill. moved E. against the left of Featherston.
Keep going east on Collier Mill toward Peachtree Street. Next marker 200 yards on right.
Mississippi Brigade Marker is at the intersection of Collier Road and Ardmore Road, on the right when traveling east on Collier Road.Brig. Gen. W. S. Featherston ~ Loring's div. It consisted of the 40th, 31st, 22d, 3d & 33d regts., (deployment sequence W. to E.) Stigler's sharpshooters in skirmish line. Brigade was on extreme rt. of Stewart's A.C., joining Hardee's A.C. which prolonged the line E. to Clear Cr.Featherston's [CS] assault struck the fronts of Coburn's & Wood's brigades [US] in the ravine N. of Collier Rd. ~ his right regts. vainly attempting to enter a gap between Wood's & Kimball's brigades, in which action Col. J.L. Drake, 33d Miss. was slain. Repelled by counter-assaults, brigade withdrew S. of rd., which the Federals held against repeated attempts to retake it.
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It would be here that Canadian Dennis Buckley's war... and his life came to a tragic end! While advancing on the enemy Dennis used the butt of his riffle to clobber a Confederate officer who was carrying the flag of the 31st Miss. Infantry. The officer went down and Dennis grabbed the flag, dropping his weapon at the same time. (It took two hands to handle the 9 ft. longs shaft that the flag was fastened to). Turning his back on the enemy and waving the flag at his comrades he was encouraging them with screams that they can keep coming on, and that EVERY BULLET IS WORTH A COW." A reference no doubt to his days back on the farm in Lindsay Ontario. Those were Dennis' last words in the war... and in his life of only 20 years! An enemy bullet struck the flagpole, bounced off and hit this Canadian soldier in the forehead killing him instantly.
Many of the dead were buried after the battle right on location. A few years later they were transferred to a federal cemetery at Marietta. But Dennis Buckley's grave marker spelled his name wrong (Burkley). Buckley received a Medal of Honor, for his action during the Battle of Peachtree Creek. His citation reads "Capture of flag of 31st Mississippi (Confederate States of America)".
Buckley's new gravestone at Marietta Cemetery.
Take the right on Ardemore.3 markers down on right.
Coburn's Brigade Marker is on Ardmore Road 0.1 miles south of Collier Road, on the right when traveling south. Four regiments ~ 33d & 85th Ind., 19th Mich. & 22d Wis. ~ Col. John Coburn's brigade, Ward's 3d div., 20th A.C., were posted in this sector ~ the 22d Wis. on the ridge as skirmishers, the other three in the ravine N. of the road. The left of Featherston's brigade [CS], swept N. across the road, driving & pursuing the 22d Wis. down the slope, only to be assailed in turn by Coburn's regiments advancing from the ravine, aided by the left of Harrison's & the right of Wood's brigades. Featherston withdrew to the barricades at the road, but a lack of support on right & left forced his withdrawal.
Featherston's Brigade Marker is on Ardmore Road 0.1 miles south of Collier Road, right next to Coburn's Brigade marker as seen above. Gen. W.S. Featherston's Mississippi brigade of Loring's div., Stewart's A.C., [CS] together with Scott's brigade (on his left), advanced from trenches at & near Loring's Hill, .9 miles S.W. Traversing a broken area of tangled forest, the brigade crossed Tanyard Branch under fire from Geary's batteries west of it & struck Collier Road in this sector. Dislodging Coburn's skirmishers ~ the 22d Wis. posted behind rail barricades at the S. side of the rd., the brigade moved down the slope N. toward Coburn's & Wood's positions. Pressed back to the abandoned barricades, front & flank attacks forced its withdrawal.
Wood's Brigade Marker is on Ardmore Road 0.1 miles south of Collier Road, on the right when traveling south.Col. James Wood's brigade, Ward's div., [US] was the left of the 20th A.C. line. It was posted in the ravine N. of Collier Rd. where its left joined Kimball's brigade. Newton's div. 4th A.C. Featherston's [CS] attack was delayed by skirmishers while Wood deployed his 4 regts. to meet it ~ a counter-assault that drove the Mississippians up the slope. An attempt to penetrate the Fed. line between Wood & Kimball was prevented by the 73d & 55th Ohio regts.Driven to & S. of the road, Featherston made an effort to dislodge Wood's troops from rail barricades there, but lack of support on his left and right forced his withdrawal.
Keep going south on Ardmore than take a left 28th Street. Go left Wycliffe.
Old Montgomery Ferry marker Marker is at the intersection of 28th Street NW and Wycliff Road NW, on the left when traveling east on 28th Street NW. A section of the old Montgomery Ferry Road ran N.W. from Geo. W. Collier's house (Land Lot 104) & crossed Peachtree Road (below Palisades). This point, on the old rd. is S.W. of the site of the war-time house of Andrew J. Collier which stood until recent years. Brig. Gen. Clement H. Stevens, [CS] commanding a brigade, Walker's div., Hardee's A.C. was killed near this spot while ordering the withdrawal of his troops after an unsuccessful assault on Federal forces posted on the high ground north of Collier Road - in the Battle of Peachtree Creek, July 20, 1864.
Tangent Clement Hoffman Stevens…………..
Clement H. Stevens
Clement H. Stevens became a colonel in the South Carolina Militia before the start of the Civil War. In April 1861, he became a Confederate States Army colonel and aide-de-camp as the state troops came under the command of the Confederate government. He designed and had constructed an iron-plated battery faced with railroad iron on Morris Island for the attack on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor.
Stevens became aide-de-camp for his brother-in-law, Brigadier General Barnard Bee, between April 1861 and July 21, 1861 when Bee was killed in action at the Battle of First Bull Run soon after bestowing the nickname "Stonewall" on then Brigadier General Thomas J. Jackson. Stevens also was wounded in the battle.
After he recovered, Stevens took command of a South Carolina militia regiment. On April 1, 1862, Stevens was appointed colonel of the 24th South Carolina Infantry Regiment. Stevens fought at and his regiment helped repulse a Union Army attack at the Battle of Secessionville on June 16, 1862. He was sent with his regiment to Mississippi and participated in the Vicksburg Campaign in Brigadier General States Rights Gist's brigade during General Joseph E. Johnston's unsuccessful efforts to relieve the besieged city. Gist praised Stevens as "iron-nerved." Later with the Army of Tennessee, Stevens was wounded at the Battle of Chickamauga on September 20, 1863. His performance elicited praise in after action reports.
Clement Hoffman Stevens was promoted to brigadier general, C.S.A., on January 20, 1864. Although not fully recovered from his wounds from Chickamauga, he commanded a brigade in Major General W.H.T. Walker's division of I Corps of the Army of Tennessee from February 1864 to July 20, 1864. At the Battle of Peachtree Creek during the Atlanta Campaign, on July 20, 1864, Stevens was shot in the head and mortally wounded while leading a frontal assault late in the evening. Walker also was killed in action in the fighting at Atlanta two days later, on July 22, 1864.
Aftermath
Clement H. Stevens died at Atlanta, Georgia, July 25, 1864, five days after he was mortally wounded in battle.[1][3][5] By the time of his death, Stevens had the nickname of "Rock."[2][4] Clement Hoffman Stevens is buried at St. Paul's Episcopal Church Cemetery, Pendleton, South Carolina
Stevens grave in Pendleton South Carolina.
Keep going back to and right on Collier Mill. Left Peachtree Street. Right Brighton two markers on island median. Before we get to those two marker's note the large Stone Monument on front lawn Piedmont Hospital on left.
This photo shows Newton's Division marker with Hardee at Peachtree Marker closer to Peachtree Street. Looking across Peachtree Street can see stone monument referenced above.
Hardee at Peachtree Creek Marker is at the intersection of Brighton Road and Peachtree Road NE (U.S. 19), in the median on Brighton Road.Troops of Gen. W.J. Hardee's A.C. [CS] were posted in this sector, July 18, 1864, to guard the creek crossings when it was learned that Federal forces were moving toward Atlanta from Pace's & Power's Fys., Chattahoochee River. Wheeler's Cav. operated in the area N. of the creek to impede the Army of the Cumberland advance. Howard's 4th A.C., having crossed at Power's, reached Buckhead that afternoon. July 19. Wood's div. of the 4th, moved down the road to force a creek crossing. Hardee's men withdrew to the S. side, burning the bridge. Wood's div. crossed under fire & held a bridgehead until relieved by Newton's division.
Newton's Division Marker is on Brighton Road 0 miles from Peachtree Road (U.S. 19), in the median. July 20, 1864. Gen. John Newton's div., Howard's 4th A.C., marching S. from Buckhead, relieved T. J. Wood's div., this side of Peachtree Cr., & moved to this ridge where two brigades were deployed: Kimball's W. of, & Blake's E. of, Peachtree Rd. -- Bradley's in reserve at the rear. 3 of Hardee's divs., [CS], Bate's, Walker's, & Maney's, moved from their intrenched line (.8 mi. S.) at 3:30 P.M. Walker & Maney struck the fronts of Kimball & Blake; Bate, in Clear Creek Valley outflanked Blake only to face Bradley. Kimball narrowly averted a line-break on his right by changing front & the timely support of Ward's 20th A.C. division.
Keep going on Brighton, take next right Montclair then take next right Pallisades back to Peachtree Street. Two marker's there in median to left.
Hardee Attack's Marker is on Palisades Road 0 miles east of Peachtree Road NE (U.S. 19), in the median. July 20, 1864. At 3:30 P.M., 3 divisions of Hardee's A.C., [CS] Bate's, Walker's, & Maney's, moved to the attack of Newton's 4th A.C. div. [US] posted on the ridge 200 yards north of Collier Road. Bate, on the right of the corps, was just west of Clear Creek; Walker at center, astride Peachtree Rd., & Maney (formerly Cheatham), on Walker's left. Peachtree was a winding country rd. bordered by heavily wooded tracts?largely of Collier ownership in the battlefield area. The house of Andrew J. Collier (of Collier's Mill) stood at S. W. cor. Peachtree & Collier roads. While leading his brigade, Gen. C. H. Stevens, of Walker's div. was killed near the Collier House.
Battlefield of Peachtree Creek Marker is on Palisades Road 0 miles east of Peachtree Road NE (U.S. 19), in the median.Lt. Gen. John B. Hood, on taking command of the Army of Tennessee [CS], July 18, 1864, began aggressive action against the Federal approach to Atlanta from upper Chattahoochee crossings. July 20. Hood's 1st move was to attack Thomas' Army of the Cumberland before it crossed Peachtree Cr., but a delay in Confederate deployment enabled the Federals to gain positions south of the creek. Battle was joined in this area. Beginning in Clear Creek valley on the E., it moved progressively W. to Howell Mill Rd. - the sanguinary fields bisected by Collier Rd.
We find these last few markers related to battle back north on Peachtree Road.
Markers are at the intersection of Peachtree Road NW (U.S. 19) and Fairhaven Circle NE, on the right when traveling north on Peachtree Road NW.
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Hood's report of battle today……….
ATLANTA, July 20, 1864-11 p. m.
Honorable J. A. SEDDON:
At 3 o'clock to-day a portion of Hardee's and Stewart's corps drove the enemy into his breast-works, but did not gain possession of them. Our loss slight. Brigadier-General Stevens severely wounded. On our extreme right the enemy attacked Wheeler's cavalry with infantry, and were handsomely repulsed.
J. B. HOOD, General.
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