Letter from General Sherman's Army - May 1864

Letter from General Sherman's Army

Chenango American, May 26, 1864

In the Field Near Coosa Springs
May 6, 1864

Dear Brother:  Your letter I received two days ago.  It found me on the march.  On the 1st of May the order to "forward" again rang out to the Army of the Cumberland.  After one night's hurried preparations, and sending our surplus baggage to the rear at Chattanooga, the morning of the 2d found our Division on the road from Romille to Ringgold, Ga., distant 15 miles.  We accomplished the distance long before nightfall, and went into camp. We found Gen. Baird's division of our Corps already here. Troops continued to stream into the town until the whole of the 14th Corps was here.

Night before last we received orders to march at sunrise yesterday, and in accordance with orders, as Old Sol appeared above the tops of Taylor's Ridge yesterday morning, his rays were reflected back from the bright bayonets and polished accoutrements of Jeff. C. Davis' Division, as we slowly filed thro' "Hooker's Gap."  Hardly had the head of our advance merged into view in the valley below when we were fiercely engaged by the enemy's skirmishers, who contested our every step, but the gallant Kilpatrick, of Potomac notoriety, led his Western Cavalry to a charge, and assisted by the 60th Ill. of our Brigade, the Johnny Rebs were induced to fly, and hurriedly sought shelter in their fortifications at Dalton and Tunnel Hill.

Last night we bivouacked on the ground occupied by the enemy's videttes yesterday morning, and this morning we have advanced our lines 5 miles farther.  We are now 7 miles south of Ringgold, Ga. Johnston has a strong position in front of us, and his force is reputed at from 40,000 to 80,000; but he will have his match this time, I think. Gen. Sherman knows his game, and has concentrated an army at this point quicker than I have ever read of, or seen before. The 4th Corps which has been in East Tennessee so long, after a forced march from Knoxville, joined our left last night; the one-armed Gen. Howard commands it.  Joe Hooker, with his two Corps of Eastern troops, has marched from Lookout Valley, and joined our right last night, while the 15th Corps of the Vicksburg army is rapidly coming up from Huntsville Ala.  Its advance was at Chattanooga last night, and by tomorrow night we will have in position at least eighty thousand effective veterans. A battle is hourly imminent; from present appearances I think Hooker and Logan will attack on the right, Howard on the left, both executing a flank movement, while the 14th Army Corps advances directly in the front and centre of the rebel position, and unless Johnston retreats a terrible battle will ensue, putting in the shade Chickamauga.

The Army of the Cumberland is on the road to Atlanta.  No slight obstacle will impede its onward progress. Weeks ago I had thought a battle would occur in Virginia before we advanced, but it now seems that Northern Georgia will first echo from her hills and mountains the tidings of the first real battle of '64. We are stripped for the work; but one wagon is allowed to a Regiment to carry cooking utensils; all tents, clothing, &c., must be carried by the officers and men themselves.  I have one suit on me, and with my poncho of India rubber, overcoat, blanket, and one pair of shirts, drawers and socks, constitute my stock on hand. Gen. Sherman will not be caught with a great wagon train on hand as was Banks in Louisiana lately.

The weather is beautiful; trees in full leaf, and these little nooks and valleys among the smoky hills are the most enchanting places I ever saw.  The streams and springs which are numerous, are magnificent; and as good water for man and beast as the world produces.

I will write again when the battle is finished if I am fortunate enough to survive.  Hurrah for the old flag though it does wave over thousands of cowardly disloyal objects (by some called men).  I will cry "Bully! for him", whoever he may be, who assists to kill, slay, aye exterminate traitors who  murder defenseless prisoners.  I care not whether the work is done by whites, blacks, or mules, so it is done, and the wretches receive their reward.  

John S Schenck [of Smithville, Chenango Co., NY]