Civil War in Georgia, Week 12: Change of command

Writing to a family member on July 13, 1864, Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman boasted, “I have brought one hundred thousand men from Chattanooga 120 miles and driven a well commanded & well organized army of 60,000, from the fortified positions … taking only his Nitre country – his vast iron works, & beds of ore, and lastly the most extensive cotton & woollen [sic] manufactories of Georgia.”

As Northern troops poured across the Chattahoochee River and began taking up positions north and east of Atlanta, the opponent Sherman spoke of — Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston — busied himself with ensuring the fortifications around the city stood ready to repulse any Federal assault. During this period, Johnston received visitors from Richmond, politician friends anxious to learn the general’s plans for protecting the important industrial and rail center.

Back in Virginia, no one possessed a stronger appetite for knowledge than President Jefferson Davis; he once again requested very specific information from his military chieftain in Georgia. In a telegram dated July 16, he implored of Johnston, “I wish to hear from you as to present situation & your plan of operations so specifically as will enable me to anticipate events.”

Prior to sending this message, Davis dispatched his military advisor, Gen. Braxton Bragg, to visit with Johnston and ascertain conditions within the Army of Tennessee. Bragg’s first reports did not offer much hope, closing one of his dispatches by saying, “As Genl. J. has not sought my advice, nor even afforded me a fair opportunity of giving him my opinion, I have obtruded neither upon him. Such will continue to be my course.”

Georgia Gov. Joe Brown tried to assist the Confederate war effort. He issued a proclamation calling on all men in the state to “reinforce General Johnston’s army and aid in driving back the enemy,” and reminding all Georgians of the need to reflect “upon the magnitude of the issue.”

Brown was no friend of the Davis administration, and Johnston’s known association with the governor’s edict created yet another uncomfortable situation in Richmond. Since the general had endorsed Brown’s call, perhaps he should have paid heed to the governor’s reminder of the importance of the moment.

Johnston responded to Davis’ inquiry the same day he received it, informing the president, “As the enemy has double our number, we must be on the defensive. My plan of operations must … depend upon that of the enemy … to watch for an opportunity to fight to advantage. We are trying to put Atlanta in condition to be held for a day or two by the Georgia militia, that army movements may be freer and wider.”

The Southern commander was signaling his intent to pull his troops out of the city. If Davis sought a final straw, Johnston provided an entire field!

Rising early on the morning of July 17, Davis and Secretary of War James Seddon met and decided Johnston’s fate. They instructed Adjutant and Inspector Gen. Samuel Cooper to send a telegram.

At his headquarters, Johnston slowly read the news: “As you have failed to arrest the advance of the enemy to the vicinity of Atlanta … and express no confidence that you can defeat or repel him, you are hereby relieved from the command of the Army and Department of Tennessee, which you will immediately turn over to General Hood.”

Johnston complied, of course, and offered a good-bye to the men who had followed him throughout the campaign: “I cannot leave this noble army without expressing my admiration of the high qualities it has displayed. You, soldiers, have never argued but from your courage, and never counted your foes. To one and all, I offer assurances of my friendship, and bid an affectionate farewell.”

Keeping the telegraph wires buzzing between Richmond and Atlanta, Seddon informed Hood, “Be wary no less than bold.”