July 20th During the night our brigade marched four or five miles, but owing to frequent stops by the way we consumed most the night in making the move. Our course was nearly southwest and most of the way was through heavy timber. We crossed Peach Creek near an old gristmill, and rested here until four o'clock P.M. There had been fighting along the line all day, but up to this time our brigade had not been engaged. But now the Confederates made a most determined assault upon our lines and succeeded in driving our forces back with heavy loss. Here the 10th and 21st Wis. regiments were called upon to charge and restore our lines. With bayonets fixed the two regiments sprang forward at double-quick, through thick brush and over logs, until we met and completely routed the enemy, and successfully restored our broken lines. Many of our boys in the front line had been killed, as had many Confederates who made the assault. Fortunately we suffered by slight loss in our brigade. Our regiment had but one man wounded. The roar of battle continued until dark.

Of this battle I wrote on the 21st as follows:

July 21st 1864

Dear Wife,

Yesterday another battle was fought in the forests of Georgia, and from what I can learn it was a pretty serious affair. It will be known as the battle of Peach Tree Creek and was fought, on our side, by the 14th and 20th Corps. It was commenced by the Confederates, in a charge upon our unprotected lines. They gained a temporary success by breaking our front line at one point. But the damage was promptly repaired by a charge of our brigade, in which the 10th and 21st Wis. Regts. especially distinguished themselves. Our forces were everywhere victorious, the enemy was repulsed at every point, but it was done at the cost of many lives. Fortunately the loss in our brigade was light.

J. M. Randall

July 21st The battle of Peach Tree Creek proved to have been a desperate engagement. It was brought on by a fierce charge made upon our forces while marching through heavy timber. The Confederates were everywhere repulsed, but at heavy loss to us. I visited the 2oth Corps a short distance to our left, and saw many of the dead and wounded also other evidence of desperate fighting. Picket firing continued lively and a few men were wounded. Captain Russell of the 21st Wis. arrived from Wisconsin.

July 22nd We marched about one mile in the early part of the night, and spent the time until morning in building breastworks. Soon after daylight it was discovered that the confederates had retreated from our front leaving strong earthworks. It became noised about that some of our forces occupied Atlanta, six miles away. The 14th Corps started for that place, with our brigade well in the advance. There was very hard fighting in the distance to our left, - the enemy trying to escape it was thought - but we could see the church spires of Atlanta and all were joyous and happy at the thought that we would soon be there. We moved on roads and through fields a happy, jolly throng until we arrived within two miles of the city when lo; and behold; we found ourselves smack against the same old foe, and him strongly fortified. Of course we halted: formed our lines and went to digging for dear life. The army closed up on the new line and picket firing again became the order of the day. None of our forces had yet occupied Atlanta nor did they for six weeks after this. Our hopes had been badly shattered, but a soldier becomes accustomed to this.

July 23rd We learned that the fighting on the left the day before, had been terrific. The Confederates had been defeated but our loss was very heavy in killed and wounded including General McPherson killed. There was brisk firing all along the line. Our artillerists commenced throwing 20 pound shell into Atlanta.

July 24th Our brigade remained in camp. The heavy guns continued to throw shell in the direction of Atlanta. We noticed quite a fire in the city, probably caused by the explosion of our shell.

July 25th About midnight the whole army was awakened by heavy cannonade and musketry firing. Following this the boys of the whole army set up the most deafening yell. Every man made such a noise as he possibly could. The people of Atlanta must have thought that all of the Indians of the north-west had joined Sherman's army, and was sounding the war-cry. The racket did not last long and I never knew what caused or started it. Nobody could tell anything about it. But all seemed to feel better after such a spontaneous outburst. The enlisted men of the 21st Wis. presented Col. Hobart with a magnificent sword. The shelling of Atlanta continued.

July 26th There was constant picket firing. About noon the confederates opened up a tremendous artillery fire which was promptly responded to by our batteries. At six o'clock P.M. our brigade moved to the front and relieved the 3rd brigade of our division. I received a certificate of disability in case of Lt. Hurding dated July 18th.

July 27th We received a circular from Gen. Sherman congratulating the army upon the brilliant victories achieved on the 20th and 22nd of July, in which our total loss was 5,233 in killed, wounded and missing. The Confederate loss was 13,813 in killed, wounded and prisoners, besides 25 stands of colors and 5000 small arms. I have neglected to say that we lost 10 pieces of artillery. The 15th, 16th and 17th Corps moved past us from left to right, at the same time the enemy could be seen moving in the same direction in our front. I saw a number of acquaintances of the 14th Wis. as they passed by, among whom was Lorenzo Starks, a cousin, who presented me with a cavalry saber which I carried while I remained in the army and still retain. The weather was quite pleasant.

July 28th At 2 o'clock P.M. hard fighting commenced and musketry firing was plainly heard in our camp. It was thought that the enemy had withdrawn from our front and a demonstration was made against the line by our corps, but the confederates were found to be in full force. Col. Hobart returned from a brief trip to the right and reported very hard fighting there, the principle part of which fell upon the 15th Corps. The confederates were the attacking party and were repulsed with heavy loss. We were ordered to be in readiness to move at a moments notice. As usual, the picket firing was brisk.

July 29th The Confederates threw shell at intervals through the night. Some of them passed over our regiment, a few burst directly over it, but no damage was done to us. Our skirmish line was advanced slightly, but the enemy was found to be in strong force in front.

July 30th In the morning the enemy opened up lively with artillery, our boys were prompt to respond. After two hours of lively firing, comparative quiet was restored for a time. Under cover of a dense fog the 20th Corps advanced their line 200 rods and held their position. In the afternoon another artillery duel was fought. The 10th Wis. having served out their three years left us for Marietta Ga. On this date I wrote:

Camp 21st Wis. Near Atlanta
July 30th 1864

Dear Wife,

We are still in the trenches on the front line, where no one would be safe far a moment unless crouched down below the tops of our earthworks. The picket firing is brisk. Day before yesterday a hard battle was fought on our right. Our forces were victorious. The loss was heavy on both sides. This is the third hard battle fought since we crossed the Chattahoochee River and in each of them the enemy were badly beaten. An Atlanta paper acknowledged their loss to have been 23,000. It seems as though a few more such contests would us them up, but they have staying qualities. My own health and that of those around me is generally good. My facilities for writing are not of the best, hence you will please excuse a short letter.

Yours Truly,
J. M. Randall

July 31st There was rather less firing along the line, though like every other day of the campaign firing could be heard along the line at some point. A detail of seventy men from our brigade was called for to build strong earthworks in which to mount heavy guns. It was officially slated that in the battle of the 28th our loss was 2000, while the confederates, being the attacking party lost 10,000.

Aug. 1st An advance of 30 rods was made by our picket line in charge of Captain Edwards of our regiment. Our 20 pound guns being in position, I went out to watch the opening fire with them, upon the enemy. There was heavy artillery firing upon our left.

Aug. 2nd The enemy having withdrawn a short distance, we moved forward a few rods and built a new line of works. The Confederates threw a number of 20 pound shell over our lines. Not much damage was done by them. Towards night our brigade moved back to the camp occupied by us on July 25th. Physically I was about used up, and was obliged to apply to the doctor for relief. The trouble was soreness across the breast, lame back and loss of appetite. Of course the doctor gave me quinine.

Aug. 3rd Starting at 7 o'clock A.M. our division marched upon the extreme right flank of our army. About six o'clock P.M. very heavy cannonading was heard to our left. seemingly about where we came from in the morning. On the march I was obliged to fall out, being too sick to keep up with the regiment. However by easy stages I was able to walk into camp at night. The weather was very warm.

Aug. 4th Our brigade remained quiet until seven o'clock P.M. when we moved one mile to the right and camped for the night. I was no better and the doctor advised me to go to the hospital. I did not like to do so. I had a dread of hospitals. Our army seemed to be working round to the west, or south-west of Atlanta. Captain Russell having resigned, started for Wisconsin.

Aug. 5th In the morning the brigade advanced 2 1/2 miles to the front and at night returned to the same camp we had left, having met but a small force of confederate cavalry. I was unable to walk, consequently, for the first time. I rode in an ambulance.

Aug. 6th During the night the brigade moved to the right one mile, and built a strong line of earthworks. I remained behind until morning when I made my way to the regiment. Dr. Reeves again advised me to go to the hospital, but I was determined not to do so if I could possibly avoid It. I was still able to sit up.

Aug. 7th I was feeling no better, rather worse I thought. The doctor almost insisted that I go to the hospital, but I hoped to recover without going there. The worse trouble was a bad boil and a very lame back, (rheumatism I suppose) which rendered me nearly helpless. At one o'clock P.M. our brigade was ordered to be ready to move out at a moments notice, as an effort was to be made to advance the picket line. Soon there was a movement of troops upon our right, and firing became general along the line. The 21st Wis. moved forward and became engaged at once and remained under fire until after dark. Our lines were successfully advanced, but our forces sustained a considerable load. In the 21st Wis. four men were killed and thirteen wounded. Among the latter was Captain Turner. Sergeant Ross and Private Aminson of my company were badly wounded. The 21st Wis. nobly performed its duty.

Aug. 8th Here the regiment built a strong line of earthworks and remained four days. Both artillery and musketry practice was indulged in as usual. Most of our wounded were doing well. Sergeant Ross was obliged to have his arm amputated. Picket firing continued on the 9th and 10th. On the later date I was feeling much better. Dr. Reeves advised me to take quinine, the antidote for all ills.

Aug. 11th An incident outside of the ordinary occurred. An armistice for two hours was agreed upon between the officers of the advance line of our brigade, and the confederate officer in charge opposite to us. By the terms of agreement the men upon each side stacked their arms and met between the lines where all enjoyed a splendid social visit. I suppose there was a thousand of them on each side. Officers and men mingled together as friends. If we had been long lost brothers, there could have been no greater manifestations of pleasure. There was nothing to indicate that most of the time these men were engaged in killing, or trying to kill, each other. We exchanged newspapers, our boys traded coffee for tobacco, other trinkets were exchanged, and I venture to say that some whopping big lies were told on that occasion. Both armies contained men who were experts in telling yarns, and they certainly would be present at a meeting of this kind. But everything passed off good naturedly and all seemed to regret to hear the announcement that the two hours had expired. When the word was given we bid farewell to our new found friends and took our respective positions in the trenches, and were soon popping away at each other as usually. But let us hope that for the rest of that day at least all parties shot high. Priv. Lamkins of my company wounded.

Aug. 12th The regiment moved to the rear about one hundred rods, behind our second line of works. There was rather less picket firing than usual, perhaps our social gathering had a tendency to create a more kindly feeling toward each other. Six confederates soldiers deserted and came into our lines. For an hour or two artillery firing was brisk. I was feeling well.

Aug. 13th I visited a few acquaintances belonging to the 14th and 32nd Wis. Regts, who were camped about three miles from us. Our brigade line was advanced a short distance during which time two hundred confederate soldiers after a show of resistance came into our lines. I think the matter had been previously arranged. They belonged to a Georgia regiment, and had seen enough of war.

We remained in camp here about one week, during which time about the same order of things prevailed. More or less artillery or musketry firing each day, though the loss, in our immediate vicinity, was comparatively few. Our camp was constantly filled with the wild rumor in regard to the movement of our troops, or of the enemy. But we had learned to take these yarns with a large grain of allowances. Nothing could we take for certain unless it was something that we saw and then it was well to look sharp. I had fully recovered my health.

Aug. 18th I had a rather exciting experience: Captain Walker of our regiment was in command of the brigade picket line. Wishing to visit Department Headquarters in the morning before being relieved, he requested me to do this, though I had not been over the line and knew nothing of its situation. Still everything was comparatively quiet, and I knew of no contemplated movement. My services upon the line were not likely to be called for and I was glad to do Captain Walker a favor. But sometimes the unexpected happens, so it was in this case. In less than a half hour after the Captain left, I received an order from Brigade Headquarters to advance the picket line. The impression prevailed that the enemy had withdrawn from our front, and this move was to be made to ascertain whether or not such was the case. The line was fully one mile in length, running through heavy timber most of the way and generally well fortified, but there were open spaces across which our breastworks did not extend. Starting on the right I hurriedly made my way towards the left of the line, giving the order to follow up the charge where it commenced on the right. I had to make this trip as soon as I possibly could, hence I had no time to shield myself by picking my way. At an open space, in plain view, and within one hundred yards of the Confederate line of works, I knew the undertaking was an extremely hazardous one, but I had no time to loose. As soon as I stepped into the open the confederates cut loose. It seemed as though there were hundreds of muskets discharged at me. I was the only Yankee in sight, the bullets flew about me. Surely I was the target aimed at. When running at my utmost speed I tripped and fell. Then it was that our neighbors over there gave a mighty yell. They surely thought they had winged me, and at first I was not quite certain whether or not I was hit. I soon concluded however that I was still all right and I quickly hurried myself under the cover of our breastworks. A bullet had struck the scabbard of my sword, during the race. I had sustained no injury unless it was that caused by panic. I have often wondered at my narrow escape, probably my time had not yet arrived but I attribute it largely to poor marksmanship on the part of the enemy. Their will was good but their aim was exceedingly poor. When I got round, the order to advance the line was countermanded. I could testify that the enemy was still there.

Aug. 19th During the night the 21st Wis. moved to the right and formed a line behind the breastworks built by the 2nd brigade who moved back to the rear. The 24th Ill. formed on our left. About 10 o'clock A.M. there commenced a heavy firing on our left which lasted about an hour.

Aug. 20th Heavy rainfall during the night. I received certificates of disability in the case of Lieut. Harding and Private Haywood.

Aug. 21st The second brigade returned from their trip to the rear, and camped close behind us. For an hour or more during the day the cannonading near us was very heavy. Col. Hobart started for Wisconsin. Private Wm. E. Constance was detailed for duty at Brigade Headquarters.

Aug. 22nd Our regiment was relieved by the 2nd brigade, and we moved into works upon the left. The confederate sharpshooters annoyed us very much. One man of the regiment was wounded, others had their clothes cut by bullets. I stood talking with Lieut. La Count when a bullet passed through the top of his hat.

Aug. 23rd The regiment remained inactive. Our artillery kept up a lively firing. One battery threw shell directly over our regiment. The Confederate sharpshooters were regular pests. One man of the regiment was killed by them. Lieut. Bradish, having been sent after our books and papers, arrived with them, and company officers went to work making out monthly reports.

Aug. 24th During the night a detail of men was sent out to cut down timber in our front, in order that we might get an unobstructed view of the enemies works, upon which we were ordered to open fire at daylight. But the order was countermanded and we did not fire a shot. I received notice of the death of Private Noyes at Nashville.

Aug. 25th About the usual number of shells were thrown over our heads by our own batteries. Not much picket firing near us. I worked steadily upon monthly reports. There was an accumulation of this kind of work, having been so situated that we could not attend to it at the proper time.

Aug. 26th Cannonading and picket firing along the line. Our forces seemed to be moving to the right, wagon trains also moving in that direction. It looked as though Sherman intended to flank the Confederates out of Atlanta. I made out two copies of muster-roll for May and June. Private Lampkins came up to the company from the hospital.

We marched at 8 o'clock P.M. going about four miles in a south-west direction. Took a position behind breastworks and remained until the morning of the 28th.

Aug. 28th We marched at daylight, went about eight miles in a south-west course, passed the 4th and 23rd Corps. We crossed the West Point R.R. ten miles SW of Atlanta, and camped near it.

Aug. 29th Our brigade moved three miles toward Atlanta, in line of battle with the 21st Wis. deployed as skirmishers. The object of this move was to destroy the W.P.R.R. and this was thoroughly done to within seven miles of Atlanta. We met but few confederates. We then returned to the camp from which we moved in the morning. It was now evident that our entire army - except Gen. Slocum's 20th Corps - was moving to the south of Atlanta. Weather hot.

Aug. 30th The entire 14th Corps marched at daylight. Moving south eight miles went into camp at 5 O'clock P.M. on the edge of a beautiful field. In our march we again passed the 4th Corps. The army was moving in line of battle as it were. We were constantly in readiness for an attack by the Confederates should the choose to make one. I received notice of the death in hospital of Private T. Watson. Warm.

Aug. 31st Marched at daylight. After going two miles our regiment was deployed as skirmishers but were soon after ordered to rejoin our brigade and to build breastworks. At noon I was detailed in charge of thirty men for picket duty, and we established our line one and a half miles east of the brigade. At night the picket was withdrawn and the brigade returned to the camp from which we moved in the morning. There was very heavy firing in the direction of Jonesboro, which place was about six miles east of us.

Sept. 1st Early in the morning the 14th Corps - except our brigade - moved east at a rapid rate with Gen. Thomas at its head. It was generally thought the move meant business. Our brigade was placed in charge of the Corps wagon trains. We moved three miles nearly south, took a position, built breastworks and remained behind them all day. There was hard fighting five or six miles east of us.

Sept. 2nd At 2 o'clock P.M. our brigade, with the trains, started for Jonesboro, seven miles distant. We found there had been very hard fighting near here, in which the 14th Corps had taken an active part. Our 1st division had lost 250 in killed and wounded. Jonesboro had been a pretty place but now it was ruined. The weather was showery.

Sept. 3rd We remained at Jonesboro. There was some fighting at Lovejoy Station, six miles south. Over four hundred prisoners were brought in from there. Gen. Sherman officially announced the evacuation Of Atlanta by Gen. Hood, and its occupation by the 20th Corps under Gen. Slocum. The Confederates destroyed their magazines with a large amount of ammunition. I will insert the following letter bearing even date here written.

Jonesboro Ga.
Sept. 3rd 1864

My Dear Wife,

After a week of active and exciting service, in which we have been constantly on the alert, and passed through some dangers, I am happy to be able to again write you. On the evening of Aug. 26th we commenced a grand flank movement that has resulted in the capture of Atlanta by our forces. The entire army took part in this move, with the exception of the 20th Corps which was left at the Chattahooche River and were the first of our troops to enter Atlanta. When we first abandoned the trenched north of Atlanta to commence this flank movement, the confederates were jubilant at what seemed to be the defeat of Sherman's army. They certainly thought we had abandoned the campaign. But when we struck the West Pt. R.R. and thoroughly destroyed three miles of it, up to within seven miles of Atlanta, and then moved threateningly toward this, their only remaining railway line, they became aroused and prepared to dispute our progress. It was here that the two armies met and fought the battle that settled the fate of Atlanta. After the destruction of a large amount of stores the place was evacuated by the confederates and at once occupied by the 20th Corps. The entire 14th Corps, except our brigade, was engaged in this battle of the 1st and they won a brilliant victory. Our 1st Division made the only really successful charge that has been made during the campaign. Their loss alone were 250 killed and wounded. Our brigade was detached as train guard, consequently was not in the fight. We arrived here, with the train, yesterday. We are twenty miles south of Atlanta. I have no idea as to our future movement. Time alone will tell that. The boys are joyous over the fall of Atlanta.

Truly Yours,
J. M. Randall

We remained at Jonesboro three days building a light line of breastworks in the meantime. At noon on the 6th we started towards Atlanta and arrived there on the 8th. The army was ordered into camp as follows:- The 4th and 14th Corps at Atlanta, the 15th, 16th and 17th Corps at Eastport. The 23rd at Decatur, while the 20th remained at the Chattahooche River. The 21st Wis. had now been in active service for two years, during which time its numbers had been reduced from 1150, including recruits, to 450 all told, with but 130 present with the regiment for duty. Some were in detached service of various kinds. A few were absent on furlough. Quite a number were in hospital either sick or wounded, and some were in southern prisons. In consequence of the reduced number present it was decided to consolidate the ten companies, temporarily, into three. To me was given the command of Co's. "G", "I" and "K" as one company.

A congratulatory circular was read to all of the army from President Lincoln and General Grant upon the capture of Atlanta.

Chapter Fourteen --->