May To June 1864: General John Corson Smith And The Road To Atlanta

By Bruce S. Allardice and Wayne L. Wolf · Originally published March 2017 · pp. 18–19

Editors’ note: John Corson Smith was born on Feb. 13, 1832 in Philadelphia, Penn. At age 22, he moved to Galena, Ill., married Charlotte A. Gallaher and fathered four children. When the Civil War broke out, he enlisted as a private in the 74th Illinois Infantry. Upon the organization of the 96th Ill., he was elected its major. Throughout his war career with the 96th, he kept meticulous diaries of the unit’s service. These diaries first came to light in 2015 and provide a first-person account of the months of hard fighting preceding the fall of Atlanta. The actual diary entries are published below for the first time to provide Civil War historians with a window into the record of a much heralded, hard-fighting regiment. This is the second installment of Smith’s diary published in Civil War News. Part One, “46 Days to Save an Army: General John Corson Smith and the Chattanooga Campaign,” covering the period of September-October 1863, appeared in Civil War News, November 2016. In early May 1864, Lt. Col. Smith had been detached from the 96th and was serving on a Board of Claims. By May 12th the Board was dissolved and Smith was ordered to the front. He rejoined his regiment, the 96th Ill. Inf., part of Whitaker’s 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, IV Corps. Smith’s entries from May 1315, 1864 concern the battle of

Resaca, fought some sixty miles north of Atlanta. Following his retreat from Rocky Face Ridge at Dalton, Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston had established a strong defensive line around Resaca. On May 15, a Federal division crossed the Oostanaula River at Lay’s Ferry, flanking Johnson and forcing his retreat. May 13—Chattanooga, Tenn. Clear and warm. Arrived at 7 p.m. yesterday from Cleveland. Visited the wounded of my regiment this a.m. Rumors of our force being in Dalton and the rebels making a raid on Cleveland. Leave for “Buzzard’s Roost” at 3 p.m. arrived at Tunnel Hill 10 p.m. where we lay all night. May 14—In line of battle near Tilton. Arrived at Dalton 6 a.m. Started to walk out to Regt. Got a horse, Left Maj. Marshall [David W. Marshall, 51st Ohio] and Col. Poteet [George A. Poteet, 115th Ill.] on foot and rode to the front in time to witness the heavy fight at sundown. Found the 96th very much scattered having been driven back by a heavy force Stevenson’s Div. Hood’s Corps. Many men and Officers were missing but at 11 p.m. many had come in. Bro Tom [Sgt. Thomas J. Smith, John C.’s brother] is missing either killed or wounded is unknown. I fear the former or captured. May 15—In line of battle near Tilton Ga. Cannonading on the right. Bro Tom is still missing can learn nothing definite of him. I fear the worst. On the line all night. Enemy made several attacks but done little or no harm. May 16—Clear and warm near Tilton. Enemy left last night. I have been over the battleground to look for Bro Tom—found four of our boys all dead but no tidings of Tom. 12 noon in Resaca saw a rebel prisoner who said he saw an orderly of our Regt. Captured supposed to be Tom. 2 p.m. have found Bro—and two more of our boys all wounded. Tom was wounded in both legs was captured by the enemy and has been left on the road side in their haste to get away. Thank god we have got him. His wounds are severe but not dangerous. Sent him back to hospital. We marched out 5 miles south of Resaca and camped. On May 17, Smith’s brigade was involved in the fighting at Adairsville, as Confederate cavalry fought a skillful rearguard action to slow Sherman’s advance. The Confederates abandoned Adairsville during the night of May 17th. May 17—Cloudy and warm. 5 miles south of Resaca Ga. Was up all night as Brig. Officer. Moved out after enemy at 7 a.m. passed through Calhoun a pretty village. Enemy made a stand at sundown near “Adair” heavy firing until after dark. Our div. engaged. May 18—Adairsville, Ga. Clear and warm. Moved after the enemy at 7 a.m. Troops were massed at Adairsville. Enemy fled before us all day. Camped 3 (Jack Melton) miles north of Kingston. May 19—Clear and warm. Broke camp at 4 a.m. our Brig. in advance. Skirmishing with the enemy. 9 a.m. in line of battle at Kingston. Cannon booming skirmishers firing troops coming through Kingston with bands playing Hail Columbia. The men are wild with enthusiasm with the artillery and musketry firing and the national airs. 96th in front line on extreme right skirmished through the timber across the creek. After two hours running the enemy showed himself in force. We hastily threw up breastworks and our batteries opened upon them. Shells falling all around their lines causing them to break and run. It was a grand sight to see them skedaddle. We advanced on them for about two miles where they made another stand and brought us up for the night. Heavy firing all along our lines. May 20—Clear and warm. South of Kingston in line of battle firing along the skirmishing line the 20th corps is going on the advance today. We remain in position. May 21—Cassville, Ga. Clear and warm. The army is halted today and resting. Boys all engaged in washing. A little firing heard in front. May 22—Cassville, Ga. Clear and hot. Do not march today. The boys will get a good rest. Cassville has been a pretty town. May 23—Cassville, Ga. Clear and hot. I was on duty last night and today as officer of the day. We move at 12 M. this day, got on the road when we halted to issue shows. [sic - shoes] I drew a pair myself and had them charged to Bro Tom. I had no money to pay for them. 6 p.m. have moved but slowly made camp at Euharlee 9 p.m. creek and town.

May 24—Euharlee, Ga. Clear and hot. Broke camp at 6 a.m. had a long and hard march through a hilly mountainous country marched at least 14 miles rained before we got in camp. Boys all wet. Lay out all night as usual. May 25—Camp in the woods. Cloudy and cool. Broke camp at 9:30 a.m. delayed on the road by trains arrived in camp near Dallas at 10 p.m. heavy firing in front this evening many wounded coming in. Night dark and rainy. Retreating from Cassville, Johnston’s army fell back on Allatoona Pass. Sherman maneuvered southwest toward Dallas, compelling the Confederates to take defensive position in the area of Dallas-New Hope. After a failed attack at New Hope Church on May 25, Sherman’s forces entrenched. The two armies probed each other for several days, with heavy fighting May 27-28. On June 1st Sherman’s army marched east, back to the Western & Atlantic Railroad. Johnston followed him east, moving ever closer to Atlanta. May 26—In line of battle near Dallas Ga. Cloudy and wet. The army is evidently being massed at this point. Skirmishers are engaged. Indications of a great battle to take place. Troops moving into position. Dr. Kittoe [Edward Kittoe of Galena was the army’s medical inspector] called on me. 8 p.m. have been bathing in a pool. Dr. Byers [Frederick W. Byers, Surgeon of the 96th] with me. No battle took place today. Preparations still going on. We lay in line of battle all day. May 27—In line Dallas Ga. Clear and warm. Lay in line in the timber last night and expect fighting today. Moved to the front and left of our corps right of 23rd corps on our left. Skirmishing and heavy cannonading all day until late in the evening only one of our men wounded. May 28—In Line near Dallas Ga. Cloudy and warm. Firing all night. Our boys have worked all night strengthening our breast works. Rebels have another battery in our front. They now have 5 batteries that bear upon and enfilade our line. 4 p.m. one div. of the enemy passed from our left to our right. Heavy cannonading all along our lines today. One man wounded on the skirmish line. May 29—in line of battle near Dallas Ga. On duty last night firing all night. 9 a.m. Clear and warm. Col. Champion [Thomas E. Champion, regimental commander] unwell had to go to the rear. I hope he may soon recover. I am alone the Maj. being officer of the day and adj. sick. We have but 10 line and two field officers present. Heavy skirmish fire all day. May 30—In line of battle Dallas Ga. Up all night. The enemy made several attacks along our line during the night but was repulsed at every point. Little cannonading and a heavy skirmish fire during the day. One man – [Albert E.] Benton Co. K—killed on the skirmish line today. May 31—In line of battle near Dallas Ga. Clear and warm. Last night there was less firing than usual. Heavy skirmish fire this a.m. Cannonading and skirmishing all day long. Drew 2000 rounds ammunition. June 1—In the trenches near Dallas Ga. Clear and warm. Skirmishing last night one man wounded in “I” and one in “G” yesterday. Received one box of ammunition. June 2—In the trenches near Dallas Ga. Cloudy and wet. No casualties today very disagreeable and rainy all day. Col. Champion, Adjt. Lieut. Richardson [Harley Richardson, Co. E] came up today. June 3—In the tranches near Dallas Ga. Cloudy and showery. Skirmishing all day our skirmishers under a heavy fire one hurt. June 4—In the trenches near Dallas Ga. Cloudy and wet. Moved 500 yards to the left. Remained on the front. Skirmishing all day detailed as Brig. Officer of the day. June 5—In the trenches near Dallas Ga. Cloudy and wet. On the line nearly all night. Advanced our center and threw up new works. But little firing through the night. Showery through the night. The enemy left our front during the night. We have been quiet all day. Had a bath this evening. June 6—Clear and warm. In the trenches near Dallas Ga. Preparations to move at sunrise. Marched about 12 miles and to within 3 miles of Ackworth. [sic - Acworth] Men fatigued having been so long in the tranches. Long will they remember the 10 days in the trenches near Dallas Ga. June 7—Camp in the woods near Ackworth Ga. Clear and warm. Cleaning up camp expect to lay here a few days. Dress parade this p.m. June 8—Camp in the woods near Ackworth Ga. Cloudy and cool. In camp. Dress parade morning and evening. Received a mail today the first in 16 days. Letters all old. His supply lines secure, Sherman moved to Big Shanty (now Kennesaw) on June 9th. In the area of Pine Mountain, Johnston established lines of entrenched defenses. In the next two weeks, hampered by rains that limited his army’s ability to flank the Confederates, Sherman launched infantry probes and shelled Johnston’s lines. June 9—Camp in the woods near Ackworth, Ga. Clear and cool. Showery through the day. Orders to move this a.m. received last evening were countermanded this morning and we lay here another day. June 10—Near Ackworth Ga. Warm and showery. On the march at 7 a.m. our Brig. In rear of div. Regt. In advance of Brig. Heavy rain all day marched 3 or 4 miles. Detached as Brig. Officer. Enemy in our front. June 11—Camp near Big Shanty Ga. Cloudy and wet. No firing in our front. Skirmishing right and left. The enemy in a strong position. Received a small mail this a.m. also this evening. Enemy threw a few shells over us this p.m. Relieved as officer of the day at 6 p.m. Heavy showers all day. June 12—Camp near Big Shanty Ga. Raining, wet season must have set in judging from the heavy rains we have. Pioneers throwing up earth works in our front. June 13—Camp near Big Shanty Ga. Raining, nothing but rain. Firing on the skirmish line. Carlyle Druse of Co. “B” killed on skirmish line. Cars can be heard at Big Shanty Today. It pleases our boys to hear the whistle of the engine follow them up so closely. June 14—Clear and cool. Camp near Big Shanty, Ga. Cannonading to our left at

Lieut. Gen. Leonidas Polk, CSA. He was killed on Pine Mountain. (Library of Congress)

daylight. 2 p.m. move to support the 14th corps in an assault on the enemy who are strongly posted on a hill in our front. Returned to our old position without making the assault. June 15—near Big Shanty or Pine Mountain in line of battle. Clear and warm. Rebels had retreated from the hill in our front which is called Pine Mountain. We learn that the rebels had 22 pieces of artillery massed at this point glad we did not assault it yesterday. Prisoners report the death of Lt. Gen. Polk yesterday killed by a shot from 5th Indiana battery—passing through his body. We are now 12 M. at base of Pine Mountain heavy firing on our right and left. 2 p.m. Chattanooga Gazette reports the death of my bro Thomas at Resaca on the 7th inst. I fervently pray that his spirit is now at rest in heaven that he has found our Sainted Sister and my darling babe. He has died in a holy cause yet I shall ever mourn his loss. God help his wife & our mother to bear up under this affliction. 3 p.m. lying in column doubled on the center to support Newton in a charge upon the enemy’s line. June 16—Cloud and warm. In line of battle near Pine Mountain Ga. Heavy artillery firing this morning. We turned the enemy’s left flank yesterday. Heavy cannonading along our lines this p.m. June 17—Clear and Warm. In line near Pine Mountain Ga. Enemy have fallen back from our front. Firing on our left. Capt. [Peter] Simonson of the [5th] Indiana battery and Div. chief of artillery was killed yesterday. He was a noble soldier his battery has the credit of killing Lt. Genl. Polk of the rebel army. Moved to the front line facing Kennesaw Mountain. Enemy left has been driven back. June 18—In line of battle near Kennesaw Mountain. Raining fast. Order to move on the enemy at daylight. Presume the rain and strong front of the enemy have prevented an assault. Maj. Hicks [George Hicks, Major, 96th Ill.] had to go to the hospital this p.m. 6 p.m. going on the skirmish line. I have the hives out on me they are very uncomfortable. Rained all day. June 19—near Marietta Ga. Raining. Regt. On the skirmish line all night. One Sgt. and one Pvt. of Co. “D” captured last night. Enemy left our front this a.m. Skirmished with their rear guard a mile or two taking six prisoners when we were ordered to rejoin our Brig. On the Marietta Road moved across a swamp and formed line. Rain all afternoon. Advanced our skirmish line at dark. Had one man captured two wounded. Threw up a line of works. June 20—Cloudy and cool. In line of battle near Marietta Ga. Heavy skirmish fire in our front. In our rear a deep swamp. June 21—In hospital near Kennesaw Mountain, Ga. Yesterday we were heavily engaged by the enemy but repulsed every assault. Late in the afternoon Col. Champion was wounded. I assumed comd. of the regt. Being ordered to the right flank after night. I was engaged in defending that from an assault of the enemy who were trying to turn it when I received a severe wound in the left shoulder. Fracturing the shoulder blade and causing me to leave the field. My wound is very painful. Capt. James and Gilmore [David James of Co. G and Evangelist Gilmore of Co. B] were also wounded the latter mortally. Many of our men were killed and wounded. Col. Champion’s wound is near the left eye and is a buckshot would not be serious. After his wound in the June 20th fighting, Lieutenant Colonel Smith was moved to various hospitals in the rear, eventually arriving at Nashville. He did not return to field service with the 96th, but stayed on court martial duty the rest of 1864. In June 1865 John Corson Smith was brevetted a Brigadier General for gallantry displayed from Chickamauga to Kennesaw Mountain. He went on to have a distinguished career in Illinois politics, serving as Illinois State Treasurer and Lieutenant Governor. He died Dec. 31, 1910 and is buried in Galena, Ill. Bruce S. Allardice is Professor of History at South Suburban College in South Holland, Illinois. He is a past president of the Civil War Round Table of Chicago. Wayne L. Wolf is past president of the Lincoln-Davis Civil War Roundtable, in Alsip, Illinois, a Chicago suburb.