Existing comment:
On to Atlanta...
William Tecumseh Sherman succeeded Grant as commander of the North's western army. He assigned target -- Atlanta.
Before marching on Atlanta, Sherman needed to develop a supply system to sustain his army during its campaign into Georgia. Selecting Chattanooga as his largest and southernmost depot, Sherman first concentrated upon improving railroad bridges and lines leading west and northwest. By early spring 1864, 130 rail cars, each carrying 10 tons of freight, reached Chattanooga daily. Soon, wharves, warehouses, and stables were filled with a six-month supply of arms, animals, and provisions.
On May 3, 1864, Sherman commenced the campaign with an army of 113,000 men. Through a series of skillful flanking maneuvers, successful battles, and siege operations, Sherman forced the Confederate army defending Atlanta to abandon the city on September 1. The Confederate heartland had been pierced, the end of the war just eight months away.
So Atlanta is ours and fairly won... Since May 5, we have been in one constant battle or skirmish, and need rest.
-- Maj. Gen. William T Sherman, USA, September 1, 1864 |