Date: June 26, 1864, Author: John Yates, Addressee: Elizabeth Roberson
Yates, Location: Kennesaw Mountain, GA
Description/Summary: John is writing this letter on Sunday June 26, 1864 at
Kennesaw Mountain, GA. [The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain was fought on June
27, 1864, it was the most significant frontal assault launched by Sherman
against the Confederate Army, ending in a tactical defeat for the Union
forces. After two months and 70 miles, Sherman's path was blocked by
imposing fortifications on Kennesaw Mountain, near Marietta, Georgia, and
the Union general chose to change his tactics and ordered a large-scale
frontal assault.] John describes his current location as being in the line
of battle one hundred yards from the Rebel works on the front line. He is
answering her letter of June 16, 1854 which arrived 2 days ago but the
situation was such that he couldn't write because the shots and shells were
so thick that they had to remain flat in a ditch to safeguard their heads.
He says she has no idea what he and the other men have been through since
they left Ringgold on this campaign. It has now been 52 straight days on the
move with intense fighting going on each day. They have driven the Rebels
south now about 100 miles to their current location which turns out to be a
strong hold where they want to make stubborn resistance to the Union
ordinance. He is not sure what the plan will be but if Sherman can not
outflank them he no doubt will take their works by storm which he hopes they
will not be required to do. They lost a man in their last fight, John A.
Bliss while they were advancing on the Rebel lines in a skirmish line; he
did not die outright but rather a short time later.
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