Atlanta Campaign
May 1864
Record of Events
Undated: F – The regiment has been engaged in all the principal scouts, marches and skirmishes incident to the Georgia campaign. H – The company has taken part in the numerous skirmishes and fighting of Sherman’s Army. Have moved directly south since opening of the campaign about 100 miles. Loss of company none. Loss of regiment light.
7: FS – Broke up camp at Ringgold, Georgia on Saturday morning. Took our line of march toward Tunnel Hill. Bivouacked for the night to the south and west of said place. A – Left Ringgold. Have been with General Sherman’s Army in present campaign. B – In camp Ringgold, Georgia. Received marching orders. Marched to Tunnelton, Georgia. Marched from there to Snake Gap. C – It took up its line of march with regiment en route for Atlanta, Georgia. D – Marched with the regiment from Ringgold, Georgia, where last mustered, with Sherman’s advance on Atlanta (belong to the First Brigade, Third Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland). Marched easy marches almost every day. G – Started from Ringgold, Georgia. Have been with General Sherman’s Army during the present campaign. H – Struck tents and took up line of march with Sherman’s Army en route south. I – In camp at Ringgold, Georgia. Received marching orders. Marched to Tunnelton, Georgia. K – Marched from Ringgold towards Atlanta, Georgia.
9: G – Commenced at Ringgold and in progress at the present time.
12: FS – Moved from front of Gap at Buzzard Roost to Snake Creek Gap through which we marched. B – In a slight engagement near Resaca. I – Marched from there to Snicker’s Gap. In a slight engagement near Resaca.
13-14: FS – We were engaged in skirmishing through the woods near Resaca endeavoring to develop the enemy’s lines. Were under pretty heavy fire on May 14.
14-15: C – It took part in the action before Resaca, Georgia. H – Took part in the engagement at Resaca. K – Came up with the enemy and took part in the battle of Resaca, Georgia.
14: A – In action near Resaca, Georgia. Had one man wounded. B – Marched from Resaca [to] Kingston. D – We were the first under the enemy’s fire at Resaca, Georgia. None from this company wounded. G – In action near Resaca, Georgia. No casualties. I – Marched from Resaca to Kingston.
15: FS – At night the enemy evacuated their works at Resaca.
17: FS – We started after them closely pressing them.
18 May to 5 June: C – Then followed up and took part in the skirmishes near Kingston, Georgia. From this time until June 5 it acted in conjunction with the brigade as guards to the Fourteenth Army Corps supply train.
18: H - Near Kingston. K – Followed up and skirmished with the enemy near Kingston, Georgia.
20: D – Near Kingston came to front again. The Army rested for three days and then we moved over Etowah River.
19-22: B – Rested. I – Rested.
23: B – Marched to Burnt Hickory as train guard. Marched. I – Marched to Burnt Hickory as train guard.
26: D – About May 26 our brigade was detailed as wagon guards and acted in that capacity.
Nelson Diary
May 4, 1864
From our position on the crest of a hill, we could plainly see the battle and with what interest and anxiety we watched the progress. Our men gained the outer works early in the afternoon, but could apparently get no further. Could see the rebs working their cannons and occasionally our cannon would make them get back double quick.
Saturday 7
The 14th A.C. started from Ringgold, the 1st Brig. in the rear, starting at about 8:30 a.m. The weather very hot. Arrived at Tunnel Hill about 2:30 p.m. The rebs had left about 4 hours previous. Advanced about 1 ½ miles and camped. Saw Gens. Palmer + Baird. I do hope we won’t move tomorrow.
Sunday 8
We marched between Tunnel Hill + Dalton last night. About 12 M. started out, marched a mile + stopped in the woods. Saw Gen. Thomas + 3 Brig. Gens. Heard that Gen. Grant had met with success in Va. Rebs force in our front estimated at 70,000, ours 110,000. We are required to stand at arms at [unreadable] a.m. each day.
Monday, May 9, 1864
12 M. Left where we bivouacked last night about 8:45 a.m. and came toward the front + took position in the woods. We hear only occasional skirmishing. Rebs falling back. Moved again about 4:30 p.m. about ¾ of a mile toward Dalton + bivouacked in an open field. Will probably have fighting at the gap between here + Dalton.
Tuesday 10
4 p.m. Are still bivouacked where we were last night. Has rained considerably and the weather is more pleasant. There has been skirmishing and artillery firing all day. The rebs are strongly fortified. Good news received from the army east + west. Had a very good prayer meeting.
Wednesday 11
Are still encamped before the gap opposite Dalton. There has been considerable artillery firing on either side, also skirmishing. Saw Maj. Gen. Johnson. Got orders to move tomorrow at 4 a.m. Saw Lieuts. Pomeroy + Higby of the 33rd O.V.I.
Thursday, May 12, 1864
Started this morn at 4 as ordered. The weather very cool + pleasant for marching. Got to Snake Gap and came down a long narrow ravine for five or six miles. Saw some of the 73rd encamped in a hollow after dark. Saw Baird, Palmer + 1 or 2 Brigs.
Friday 13
Started from where we bivouacked last night, about noon. Marched a mile or two double quick and then countermarched. After going in nearly a circle through thickets, we stopped about dark and lay down on our arms. Slept rather uncomfortably on a hillside. Skirmishing all evening.
Saturday 14
This morning found we were lost from the Brigade, but got in position after sunup. About 10 a.m., we overlapped the 23rd A.C. At 12:15 p.m., the 23rd A.C. advanced over us. Ordered to support. Advanced through woods under rebel fire, all of Brigade engaged except 92nd + 89th. Fighting in plain view until after dark.
Sunday, May 15, 1864
Last night we moved back from breastworks. Fighting commenced by daylight. Hooker moved to the left last night. Our Div. moved more toward the right and we lay in an open field. Fighting continued all day and at about 12 at night there was very heavy fighting, the rebs evacuating their strong position. I got 4 letters.
Monday 16
This morn all seemed quiet and we heard that the rebs were leaving. Now about 11:45 a.m., we started and came to fortifications near Resaca where we found quite a no. of dead rebs, also about 450 prisoners. Could hear the cars in Resaca as soon as we were near enough.
Tuesday 17
We staid last night on a bare hill near Resaca and started from there about daylight and passed through R. and Calhoun. Part of the way our Reg’t was used as flanking guards. Rained good deal. Passed some very pretty country. I suffered from neuralgia.
Wednesday, May 18, 1864
Started about 8 o’clock a.m. and arrived at Adairsville at 12:30 p.m. Saw Jim Cook + F. Quinn. Passed where the rebs had camped last night. Calhoun + Adairsville are very pretty villages. Left A. about 5 p.m. and marched hard until 10:30 and stopped within 4 miles of Kingston. Very tired.
Nelson Diary
Thursday 19
Started at 9 a.m. and marched to Kingston on the R.R. Had one canteen of whiskey issued to the Co. When we got through K. the prospect of a fight was [unreadable] and we were in line of battle two or three hours. The rebs retreated however and we advanced a mile or two and built fortifications.
HQ Camp Chase, Col Carlton Exchange Train Details
Headquarters U. S. Forces,
Camp Chase, Columbus, O., May 19 1864.
Colonel C. H. Carlton
89th Ohio Vol. Infty.
Columbus, O.
The Colonel Commanding directs me to inform you that transportation has been provided for all the exchanged men belonging to the Army of the Cumberland. The train will be at the switch opposite Camp Chase at Eleven (11) o’clock A. M. today. The men should leave Camp for the switch at 9 ½ or 10 o’clock A. M.
I herewith send you a copy of the order.
Very Respectfully,
Your Obdt Serv’t
R. Lamb
Capt A.A.D.C.
Note: Officers not present will at once be reported, if you should see any of them in the city please mention this fact to them.
Nelson Diary
Friday 20
Are still where we built breastworks last night. The rebs retreated during the night. After dinner I was sent on picket. Was relieved after dark. Saw Gens. Thomas + Hooker. Was quite sick in evening.
Colonel Caleb Carlton Letter from Cincinnati
Cincinnati O.
Gibson House
May 20th
My Dear Little Wife
We left Camp Chase at 10. got on the cars at 12. and reached here at ten in the evening. No transportation ready for us so the men were quartered in the fifth street Barracks and the officers at the Gibson house. I am glad that Father did not come as we were placed on a special train composed of cattle cars. The men got drunk gradually and smashed things generally at all the stations. As the guards are small here my men are wandering about the town loose.
I am in hopes they will manage to spend all their money today.
I expect to start tomorrow and go by boat to Nashville. It will be a four days trip, but the men will have less chance of getting drunk and being without arms or organization it is almost impossible to do anything with them especially as they were paid but a few days ago. There is nearly nine hundred on the roll but I only received five hundred and fifteen. Since leaving Camp Chase I have gained some and lost some. They have sent me some of the Potomac men and some Gulf men, who of course will have to be sent back.
Write to me at once and direct to Nashville. Your letters will go by Rail and meet me there.
How is the Baby and how did you get to Cleveland. It is reported that Sully Burbank was killed in one of Grant’s Battle. I wish you could visit this city. it beats Philadelphia, only there is hardly a decent Hotel in the town. Remember your exercise and the First book of Samuel.
Love to all
Your husband
Write often
21 May 64
Nelson Diary
Saturday, May 21, 1864
Orders to remain in this same place until Monday. Washed and fixed up. Capt. Adams and I spent the afternoon with the 73th O.V.I. Returned after dark, I was very sick. Was at Gen. Butterfield’s HdQrs., saw Gen. Hooker.
Colonel Caleb Carlton Letter from Cincinnati
Cincinnati O.
Gibson House
May 21st 1864
Dear Sadie
I am intensely disgusted, it is hot and disagreeable, the men quartered in the heart of the City. It is almost impossible to prevent them from going about the City. The Comdg. officer of the town has been after me about their conduct. Transportation was not Telegraphed for as promised me. I hope to get out of this town today but although it is promised me I think it is doubtful. Altogether it is the most disgusting duty I ever had to perform – and cannot bring the officers (or myself) anything but discredit for no one can understand or appreciate the condition of the Command. My greatest desire now is to get them to Chattanooga and off my hands.
I sent you a gas shade (per American Express) yesterday. I had but a small assortment to select from, but hope you will like it.
I met a few of my army friends yesterday and learned from them that Stetson has not resigned but is expected here daily with his Company on route to the Army of the Cumberland. I do not know which report is true about him.
If the shade has not reached, it would be well to have Father call for it.
Love to all
Your husband
Cale
Corp John Hill Letter to his Brother from Kingston
Kingston, Geo May 21st 1864
Brother Sam
As it has been many a month since I wrote to you I imagine you will glad to hear from me, especially in these perilous times. My reason for not writing was that as this army is moving, all letters are prohibited to pass through Nashville North until after the 28th day of this month, and as the blockade will be open this day week I venture upon this letter. Since I wrote you last we have advanced 50 miles farther South into Georgia and fought one hard battle, skirmishing every day. This is the 14 day of our campaign since leaving Ringgold, and the booming of artillery has sounded in our ears ever day. We left Ringgold on Saturday the 7th and moved out past Tunnel Hill and skirmished with the enemy at Rocky Face Gap the 8, 9, 10 and 11th. On the 12th our Corps, the 14th swung around to the right and passed through Snake Gap and rested on the extreme right of Gen. Hookers Corp the 20th.
The 13th inst was put in skirmishing in a deep forest and in the morning of the 14th Saturday opened the fight of storming Fort Resaca. It is impossible for me to give you all the details of the fight but it was terrific. Column after column of our men were mowed down by the guns of the fort. My brigade was the first line to charge to the fort on the west side. We moved cautiously through a thick piece of wood to the top of a hill then down it into a bottom within a quarter of a mile of the guns of the Fort when they opened up on us with grape and chain shot and as it was an open field they cut us right and left in 5 minutes our Brigade lost 400 men. But we was soon saved our artillery was soon posted on the hill right behind us and opened up on them and drew the fire off of us in fact we got so close to the fort that they could not depress their guns on us. We layed flat on the earth from 9 in the morning until 10 at night and all the cannonading from the fort and our guns went directly over our heads.
It was not a very pleasant place you may imagine for me. We had to keep as mute as mice and watch the breastworks of the Fort for Sharpshooters who was all the time picking at us. But ever time they would show their heads we would retaliate. In the afternoon a Saturday we got some steel Parrot guns and opened up on them with 24 guns and we made that Fort shake under our solid shot and shell. She caught fire 3 times, in that afternoon we had all their guns silenced. We did not sleep much that night. Early next morning our Brigade was drawn off as we had suffered so much the day before. Sunday we lay under cover all day. The fighting was terrible and Sunday night the Rebels got out and fell across the River Catcosa and left nearly all their dead and wounded in our hands besides several hundred prisoners.
The Rebels under Gen. Johnson then began a hasty retreat and our men began the pursuit. Our Corps left Resaca Tuesday morning and took the centre and day before yesterday we overhauled them again at this place. Here they formed a line of battle and showed fight again. We pushed onto them and for 3 hours the fight was right warm when the Rebels gave way again and commenced their retreat. We are now lying idle here. It is probably untill our flanks can swing around more. It is said we will not probably move the centre untill Month the 23rd. The Rebels are said to be in full retreat ahead of us. We are now 58 miles from Atlanta and to reset more I think will take us to that city and I am sure it will fall. For there is nothing in the Southern Confederacy that can stop the Great Army under Gen. Sherman. We are said to number 175,000 and is composed of the 4th, 11th, 14th, 15th, 16, 17th, 20th, and 23rd Army Corps, composing the Departments of the Cumberland, Ohio, and Mississippi. I learn from high authority that our loss at Resaca is 5,000. What of the Rebels I know not. I will write when I get an opportunity. I am so tire now I do not feel like writing and I am so dirty as all of our clothes is left behind. I am anxious to hear from home. My health has been all the time and is now excellent and with our success, and with Grant’s and all our armies makes me hopeful of soon winding up this Rebellion. The weather has been fine and all the roads in excellent order, but the sun is pretty hot. This is now the flower of the Rebellion, but we are making paths into it. Excuse me for the present. I remain your brother,
"Fletcher"
[Notes penned vertically at the top of the first page]
The 90th D is now camped in half a mile of us. They are in the 4th Corps. Walter Betts is over to see us now. Direct your letter to Co "K" 89th Battalion, 1 Brigade, 3 Division, 14th Army of the Ohio, Atlanta, Ga, for I am certain we will be there in 2 weeks.
22 to 24 May 64
Nelson Diary
Sunday 22
We are still laying where we stopped Thursday night. The weather very warm. Sheaf + Kibler came over. Wrote to Sister Jennie. Have been quite unwell all day.
Monday 23
Are still near Cassville. Got letters from Mary Thompson + Ada Cook. Left 10:30 a.m. I gave out and had to get in ambulance. Had whiskey issued, ½ canteens. Crossed Etowah River. Men had to wade.
Camped in a thicket last night. Started at 10:15 a.m. + after marching and countermarching for a mile or two went into camp about 5 p.m. Got bottle of blackberry cordial for medicine. Gen. Turchin had an ale drinking. It rained very hard at night.
Nelson Diary
Wednesday 25
We staid in camp all day. The weather quite warm. In afternoon heard very heavy cannonading at night. I wrote Mary Thompson. It rained very hard.
Colonel Caleb Carlton Letter from Steamer "Nashville"
Steamer Nashville
Cumberland River
May 25th 1864
My Dear Little Wife
We expect to reach Nashville in a few hours. I am not sorry for the trip has been a very uncomfortable one. The officers have been obliged to act as a guard at nearly every landing to keep the men from leaving the boat. I expect another time with them in Nashville but am pleased to get there as it diminishes the time I am to have them on my hands. As the men are without arms and belong to all regiments in the Service, it is impossible to punish any of them or even to recognize the guilty. Some belong to Army of Potomac some to the Gulf and some to Burnsides army. I have learned by this trip never to travel with unarmed men.
By the way did you think and carry off the truss I left for you to take. I have an indistinct recollection of putting it back in the drawer and think perhaps you may have overlooked it and left it thinking I had taken it.
It is well I have something to attend to as I miss you very much. You can expect a severe scolding if there is not a half dozen letters awaiting me at Nashville. Direct hereafter to me 14th Army Corps. Bairds Division Army of the Cumberland – via Nashville Tenn. Capt. Cummings seems to have been much pleased with Miss Fanny Burbank. We have been without news since last Saturday, as we ran by Sousville and made as few landings as possible in order to keep the men on board.
We have not been troubled by guerrillas (is the orthography correct) although they were reported to be at a point we passed yesterday.
Mr. Bickham is acting as my Adjutant and (your aversion) Mr. Holmes as Quartermaster. Not a staff that I should select under any other circumstances. We have had a variety of accidents and casualities on our trip. Lost two men overboard and as they went over the bow and in the night they were killed at once. The unfortunate part of it was that they were good and sober men. I would like to pick out about twenty of those on board and throw them over. I cannot help thinking what a pleasant thing it was for us to have Grandmother visit us at Columbus.
Love to all, kiss the small boy for me.
Your husband
Cale
Nelson Diary
Thursday 26
At reveille was ordered to be ready to move in ¾ of an hour. In an hour or two we started and marched until noon when we were ordered back to Kingston. Came back to Etowah River bridge where we encamped. Met J. Brown of 50th O. Passed through some pretty country.
Colonel Caleb Carlton Letter from Nashville
City Hotel, Nashville
May 26th 1864
My Dear Wife
We arrived here last night. Had but little trouble with the men. We expect to leave today for Chattanooga. I shall turn over the men there.
No letters here all have been sent forward. We will leave in about a quarter of an hour – in haste
Your husband
Cale
Nelson Diary
Friday, May 27, 1864
Was ordered on picket at the Etowah River bridge and stopped there until noon when the train came along. Our reg’t in the rear. Stopped in Eufaula a few minutes. Stopped for night about dark. Got rations + mail. In the woods.
Nelson Diary
Saturday 28
Started about 8 o’clock and had to push past reg’ts and wagons until nearly run down. Marched over very rough country and arrived here five or six miles from Dallas about 3:30 p.m. Passed 100 reb prisoners. Wrote to sister Jen.
Colonel Caleb Carlton Letter from Chattanooga, 1
Crutchfield House
Chattanooga,
May 28th 1864
My Dear Wife
We arrived here yesterday. I expect to turn over my men today and leave tomorrow for my regiment. It will be troublesome getting to it as the army moved several days ago and no one knows where it is.
Quite a number of officers are here waiting an opportunity to go forward. Col. Phifer is here – also Capt. Hunt of 4th U.S. Cav. he left Harrisburg Thursday week – all well there.
Chattanooga like all places directly in rear of an army is upside down. a dollar for a meal and a dollar for half of a bed – bedbugs and dirt (without sheets), the only things not charged for.
Genl Steedman who is in charge here (He commanded me at Chickamauga) was very cordial (a thing I did not expect as he got rapped for losing me in that battle) opened several bottles of Champagne in honor of my release, so we disposed of the wine and fought the battle over again.
It is as hot as possible, plenty of flies and dirt.
We had plenty of strawberries and cream at Nashville.
Mrs. Plummer was there but I did not have an opportunity to see her.
Capt. Cushing I met in Nashville he is ordered to Louisville.
I have not heard anything of Charles or the baggage under his charge.
My letters have all gone on to the regiment.
Do you think you will have to use the prescription. Kiss the baby for me.
Love to all
Your husband
Colonel Caleb Carlton Letter from Chattanooga, 2
Crutchfield House
Chattanooga,
May 28th 1864
Dear Sadie
I write you again so that you will understand the disposition I have made of my baggage. I left (by mistake) my black leather valise at the City Hotel Nashville Tenn and have directed the proprietor to retain it until further orders. My other valise and Mess Chest I shall leave here in charge of Major Genl Stedman.
Capt. Hunt and myself will go forward tomorrow morning with the 65th Illinois Infy. We may not go beyond Resaca – but will inform you as to that, all the army baggage is here none of the officers taking more than a change of clothing with them. Expect from present prospects my habits of cleanliness will not be improved by this campaign.
It is late so good night as I have to rise early.
Kiss baby Love to you and all – little wife
Your husband
Cale
Nelson Diary
Sunday 29
Started about 10 a.m. and marched to Burnt Hickory and then took the road to Marietta and marched about 1 ½ miles + are now camped in the woods.
Nelson Diary
Monday, May 30, 1864
Are still where we stopped yesterday afternoon. Heard fighting in our front during the night and this morning. Mailed a letter to Ada. Sent on picket after sundown.
Colonel Caleb Carlton Letter from Kingston
Kingston Ga.
May 30th 1864
My Dear Little Wife
I got rid of my command at Chattanooga and left there this morning and arrived here this afternoon. They offered me a command of two thousand armed stragglers and exchanged men to march from Chattanooga and drive beef cattle to the army. I hurried off respectfully declining the command as I have had enough of disorganized commands, particularly as I never could have settled the ordnance accounts and the small boy could not have been furnished even with milk for the next ten years. I expect to leave for Dallas tomorrow, the impression is that Headquarters are there. Capt. Hunt and I are going together, he seems to be a very nice fellow.
He was very much disgusted by the young men in H. particularly by Sam Jones and J. D. he thinks Sam is the worst of the two and says that a stranger would judge from their conversation that there was not a virtuous lady in H. He hushed up Sam by telling him that would rather find out the looseness of the ladies himself than to be posted by him.
Capt. Cummings & Lt. Bickham remained in Chattanooga awaiting orders. Cols. Le Favor Burtleson and Von Schrader are one day ahead of me.
I left my yellow valise with the Brigade train at Chattanooga instead of with Genl Steedman (as I wrote) and have nothing with me but a change of clothing.
Wheeler is on our flank and captured a train of waggons a few miles from here the other day. We shall go with an escort so I do not anticipate any trouble from the rebels in reaching the army. My black valise is at City Hotel Nashville.
Kiss the Baby – I have not overtaken your letters yet.
Your husband
Cale
Nelson Diary
Tuesday 31
On picket all day. All quiet close but could hear heavy firing in the distance. Was relieved by Lt. Scott. The weather is very warm.