The Flood

Far, far away stories came, of a monster flood,

Loose on the river: rising, leaping, swelling, growing;

Sending news of its arrival.

First pieces of wood, then boards, then logs, all gently

Flowing down the stream, vanguard to the coming storm,

First a sound, a deafening roar, then…

Great waves rush down the widening river,

Sweeping all before them,

Ever flowing, ever rushing, ever moving

On down to its destination, far, far away.

Roaring through a multitude of ports and towns,

Pouring forth great gushes, spouting, spewing,

Sending the country folk all scattering.

Cruel and crafty, it seeps; stealing,

Creeping, crawling, slowly moving up and up.

There a pig cries, wildly screaming;

There a helpless widow stands, hands limp,

And still the torrent rushes on,

The water swishes left and right,

Weaving, swirling, spinning, sweeping,

Far, far on to its destination.

The flood has gone, the wet ground dries,

Revealing cracking mud and strewn debris 

Littering the long shore where once the tyrant flowed.

There a lizard slithers, twisting, writhing;

There a child is comforted, softly moaning;

There a boy looks o’er the expanse, wishing, thinking,

Thinking of the places far down the river.

Aaron Riker and the Occupation of Atlanta

This excerpt from the Civil War journal of Aaron Denton Riker (1830-1914) of the 66th Ohio Volunteer Infantry describes his regiment's role in the occupation of Atlanta in Georgia (account edited for spelling, punctuation, and consistency).

At that time in the fall of 1864, the regiment was part of the Army of the Cumberland,  commanded by Maj. Gen. George Henry Thomas. The regiment (Lieut. Col. Eugene Powell) was in the first brigade (Col. Charles Candy) of the second division (Brig. Gen. John W. Geary) of the twentieth army corps (XX Corps), led by Gen. Henry W. Slocum,

Atlanta, Georgia, September-November 1864

September 2^nd, 1864
The news of the capture of Atlanta reached us at 10 o’clock today. One brigade of the 3rd Division of 20th Corps were the first to enter the city… . We remained at Pace’s Ferry until Sunday morning, the 3rd of September, when we also took up the line of march for the city, at which place we arrived in the afternoon, camping in the west part of town.

I have been over a portion of the city today, which I find terribly torn up by our shells in the northern portion of town. From Main Street out, scarce a house is left whole. Many of them have been struck dozens of times and are literally torn to pieces.

Ruined buildings on Peachtree Street in Atlanta. Library of Congress

The fortifications around Atlanta are of the strongest that engineering skills could make them. The outer fortifications consist of a regular chain of forts of large size, linked together by a strong line of breastworks, all of which are guarded by abatis on the outer side.

Elaborate Confederate fortifications guarding Atlanta. Library of Congress

Inside of this main line, there are other forts and earthworks. At a distance of one hundred feet back from the main line, a regular line of pits are dug, where the machinery for heavy siege guns was erected, on which and extending a short distance above ground was mounted their heavy guns—64 pounders. These they were unable to get away. They burned the works on which they were mounted, spiked the guns, and left them. We find eight of these heavy guns.

On the surrender of the city, our forces found a large amount of stores of most every description. The boys have found large quantities of tobacco, which they have eagerly appropriated to their own use.

The city of Atlanta is built on very broken and […] soil. The streets are laid out very irregularly, so much so that some of our boys have remarked they could go to any portion of the city seemingly on the same street.

Panoramic view of the city of Atlanta, as photographed in October 1864 from the top of the Female Seminary, extending from the Atlanta Medical College on the southeast around by the south to a point on Peachtree Street a little north of west. Library of Congress

I have as yet failed to find the beautiful portion of Atlanta but for where we take private residences, some of which cannot be beat for beauty of architecture or situation. Most of these residences have the most beautiful lawns I have ever seen, with all kinds of the most beautiful shrubbery, some of which is now in full bloom. These lawns seem to have been cultivated with all the ingenuity of taste, reminding us of what we have read in legends of the fairies.

Union officers standing in front of the Atlanta house that had served as the headquarters of Confederate Gen. John B. Hood. Library of Congress

I notice some of the finest machine shops I have ever visited. The depot is very large, with three tracks running through. Three trains can be run in at one time. The engine house is built of bricks, covering near an acre of ground.

Railroad tracks and engine house in Atlanta. Library of Congress

There are also several large foundries, blacksmith and wagon shops; in fact, shops for the casting of all kinds of machinery, both for the army and for general use. Most of the machinery has been removed previous to the occupation of the city by our troops.

The wealth of Atlanta has been immense. Now, however, the city is a complete wreck, and years must elapse ere it will again revive and flourish as formerly. The machine shops are being fitted up for government use.

The society of Atlanta has been quite aristocratic. Here, like all other southern cities, the poorer class of both black and white have been the slaves of the rich. And we found, too, that all the white population of males have been or are now in the Southern army. Those who we now find living in the city have all been conscripted and have, in nine cases out of ten, been in arms against us.

Those who reside here now are all, or nearly so, of the wealthy class, who have remained behind to look after their property. As soon as General [William Tecumseh] Sherman announced the campaign over, he then issued an order to the effect that Atlanta was to be used strictly as a military post and that all citizens not in government employ would be required to leave the city between the 12th and 23rd of September.

Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman, leaning on the breach of a cannon, with members of his staff at a Union fort near Atlanta. Library of Congress

All who could prove their loyalty and choose to go north could do so. Those families having husbands and friends in the Rebel army must go south. A truce was entered into between Major General Sherman, commanding the Division of the Mississippi, and General [John Bell] Hood, commanding Rebel forces, for the purpose of the removal of all families and their effects going south.

Transportation is now being furnished to families going south. They are hauled in wagons to Rough and Ready, a point agreed upon being half way between the two armies, distant from here six miles. Our trains are there met by trains from the Rebel armies, and the goods transferred.

Refugee wagons near the Atlanta train depot. Library of Congress

No distinction is made between rich or poor. All must come under the same head. All share the same mode of conveyance and journey the same road, once more to try the fortunes of treason. Those whose loyalty is undoubted are furnished railroad transportation north of Nashville to try their fortunes in a land of plenty.

At the provost marshal's office, Atlanta citizens could obtain passes to go either north or south. Library of Congress

Some of the people are loud in their denunciation of this order, thinking great injustice is being done them in having to leave their once peaceful and quiet homes. They choose rather to seek protection under the flag of our Union (which they have tried to pull down), then to again launch out on the perilous seas of disunion. I believe the order just and proper, and it must and will be enforced.

There are [four] railroads centering in Atlanta: the Western & Atlantic Railroad [connecting north to Chattanooga, Tennessee], the Georgia Railroad [connecting east to Augusta, Georgia, and the Confederate Powderworks on the Savannah River], the Macon and Western Railroad [connecting south to Macon and Savannah, Georgia], and the Atlanta and West Point Railroad [connecting west to West Point, Georgia]. Then there are connections with these railroads leading over almost the entire south.

As a military point, it is second to none in the South. On the railroad leading east is where the Rebels destroyed their large rolling mill and eighty cars loaded with ammunition. This destruction of property took place half a mile from the city.

Ruins of railroad cars carrying ammunition and the Atlanta Rolling Mill, destroyed near Atlanta during the Confederate evacuation of the city. Library of Congress

. . .

October 1^st
The truce entered into between Generals Sherman and Hood for the removal of families from Atlanta existed on the part of General Sherman, made and kept in good faith. But we have good reason to doubt [it] was most grossly violated on the part of Hood, the commander of the Rebel force.

It became known to Sherman about the time the truce ended that a large Rebel force had crossed the Chattahoochee River and was making for some point on our line of communication. We are well aware this force must have moved during the suspension of hostilities.

Thus again we see the utter failure of the Rebels to carry on a war as a Christian Nation. They have openly violated the most solemn pledge existing between armies during hostilities. The truce was accepted on their part in seeming good faith, but to their shame be it said has been most grossly violated.

When General Sherman became aware of this foul treachery, detachments from the Armies of the Tennessee and Cumberland were sent by rail to the rear to protect our communications. Major General [George Henry] Thomas went back also with the detachments.

We learn now that the main Rebel army have struck the railroad at Big Shanty, holding and destroying the same. With the exception of the 20th Corps, our army are under orders to move. Troops are being sent to the neighborhood of Marietta and Kennesaw Mountain.

Kennesaw Mountain, as seen from Big Shanty. Library of Congress

October 2^nd
Troops are being sent back today as fast as possible. Fortunately, three of four trains of cars happen to be on this side of the break in the railroad.

October 4^th
But little is known of the extent of damage being done to the railroad; there [are] no bridges in the vicinity of Big Shanty. General Sherman and staff left Atlanta this morning for the scene of our present difficulties, the general remarking as he rode away that he was going back to grind Hood to powder. At four o’clock this afternoon, his headquarters were in Marietta. General Thomas with his force is north of the Rebel force and, consequently, we have no communication with him. Our cavalry are reported in rear of the enemy.

October 5^th
General Sherman moved with his army this morning from around Marietta. A battle is expected hourly. No communication with Thomas yet.

October 6^th
We have no news since morning. Then a report was prevalent that yesterday fighting was going on at Allatoona. There does not seem to be any large force of the enemy left behind. One man was wounded prowling around our pickets on the night of the 4th. Since then all has been quiet.

Heavy details are at work fortifying the city on the east and south sides. The 20th Corps are charged with the defense and holding of Atlanta at all hazards. We are well supplied with all kinds of rations except salt meat. There is none for issue. Forage for animals is also very scarce.

Union soldiers at work refortifying a former Confederate fort. Library of Congress

We hope to have communication open again in a short time. The enemy are making a desperate effort to retake Atlanta. Time will show whether they are or have been successful with all their treachery. We feel confident we are fully able to hold the city, and we are willing to trust the matter of our communications with General Sherman.

October 7^th
Official dispatches from General Sherman have been received here today stating the enemy were driven from the railroad and were severely repulsed in two successive charges made by them on our forces. Thirteen hundred prisoners are reported captured by our forces. Five miles of railroad has been effectively destroyed. Material is on hand for the repair of the railroad and communication will soon be open again by rail.

We begin to feel the need of having communication opened again. Our animals are suffering for want of forage. The ration for the troops still holds good with the exception of salt meat. That part of the ration has entirely run out. We are reduced also to half a pound of fresh beef per day. The ration of bread is now 1½ pounds per day. Double rations of vegetables are also allowed for the present.

The work on the fortifications progresses finely. Large details are kept busy day and night. The Rebel prisoners confined in the barracks here are marched out each morning armed with pick and shovel and set to work on the fortifications.

New fortifications constructed by Union forces in Atlanta. Library of Congress

I presume a great hue and cry will be raised against setting these prisoners to work. But we think their treachery deserves far worse punishment than this. There is nothing they will not stop to do in the treatment of the prisoners the fate of war has thrown in their hands, and we think a little work will not hurt them.

October 9^th
A Sabbath stillness pervades Atlanta. The day is cool and very pleasant. I have felt that this is the Sabbath Day. All places of business have been closed. Both soldier and citizen seem to have that regard for the Sabbath they should. We have news of a fight at Allatoona, in which our forces were victorious. One hundred and fifty of the enemy were buried by our forces. We captured 450 prisoners; our loss reported at 600.

October 10^th
Last night we received a dispatch announcing the capture of Richmond; no particulars given as yet. We also have a dispatch by signal that Sherman has defeated Hood at Lost Mountain. All quiet here.

October 11^th
The election for state and county officers in the states of Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania was held today. Ohio soldiers were the only soldiers that voted in 66th Regiment. Stands 163 Union votes; no opposition. News of the capture of Richmond contradicted; no new official [report] from General Sherman.

October 14^th
Railroad again repaired. Received a very large mail today. No supplies coming yet by rail. A foraging expedition returned today having been out four days. They brought in six hundred wagonloads of forage. Weather very fine. Sherman on the move. Rebels making desperate efforts to cut our communications. All quiet around Atlanta.

October 16^th
Our communications again cut. Fighting reported; no definite news. Railroad said to be badly damaged. An attack on Atlanta expected. Troops prepared for any emergency.

November 1^st
But little has transpired of which we have an official notice since the 16th. The enemy has been driven back from our line of communication. They are now in Alabama. General Sherman has advanced his army 30 miles beyond Rome, where his is now preparing for a new campaign.

The 20th Corps have orders to prepare for a fifty-days campaign and to be ready by the 4th to enter upon the duties which may be assigned us. Our communications with Nashville are now open and trains are now running through. The weather is cold and rainy.

November 8^th
We are still in Atlanta though we are expecting orders hourly to march. We are well aware that it is General Sherman’s intention to evacuate Atlanta. All is bustle and excitement here. Everything movable is being sent to the rear as fast as trains can carry it away. Citizens are going away as fast as they can get transportation. All is confusion with them; they do not like the idea of again falling into Rebel hands and yet transportation is very hard to get now owing to the crowded state of the cars.

The polls are open today, and the soldiers are voting for President of the United States. I feel today that the fate of our country hangs on this day’s vote, how important that every man should vote right.

November 9^th
This morning at daylight, cannonading was heard to the east of us. At sunup, the Rebel cavalry, as it proved to be, shifted around to the south of us and made an attack on the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 20th Corps. The cannonading and musketry was very brisk for half an hour, when the enemy fell back on the Sandtown Road in haste, leaving two killed, one mortally wounded, and one well prisoner in our hands. Our loss was one man killed.

The 66th Ohio Regiment was paid today, 7 months and a half’s pay. This brings our pay up to the 31st day of August. The election results stand 335 Lincoln votes and 131 McClellan, majority for Lincoln 204 votes. We have a dispatch this evening that Lincoln has carried every state except Kentucky and New Jersey.

The weather is warm and showery. The roads are getting muddy. I fear we shall have bad weather for campaigning as this is the season for rains in the South.

November 12^th
This has been a very windy day. The roads are in very good condition; weather fair.

Last night was a very exciting night in the city. There seems to have been a concerted plan to burn the city without authority. The intention of the authorities has not been to burn the city and, even was that the intention, we were not ready for the conflagration.

Union efforts to blow up buildings of military significance before the evacuation of the city engulfed other buildings. Library of Congress

At about seven o’clock, a frame building near the Junction of the Macon and Chattanooga roads was set on fire by some unknown person. The flames from that communicated with a half roundhouse used as an engine house. This house was of brick, with a frame and tile roof. The fire burned very slowly, and the flames would have been arrested there had the incendiary’s torch not have been applied to a row of frame buildings on the opposite side of the street.

These were fired, and the flames spread rapidly to other buildings in the vicinity. The headquarters of the 66th Ohio [Regiment] were in a corner building fronting on Hunter and Forsythe Streets. On Forsythe Street running north are a row of one-story frame and brick buildings running to Alabama Street.

On the corner of Forsythe and Alabama Streets was a large two-story frame house. West of this house on Alabama Street stood another two-story frame house. Some rascal carried fire to this building. When the flames soon reached the corner building, guards were placed around other buildings nearby to prevent anyone from entering them.

There, fortunately for us, happened to be one vacant lot between the corner building and other buildings connecting with our headquarters, and these buildings were saved by the vigilance of Col. Powell, who acted on his own responsibility. No orders came to him during all this time, and he not knowing whether he was acting right or not, yet deeming his duty to be to arrest the progress of the flames, he acted according to his own judgement, which proved to be right as no authority was given to fire any building.

Fires in Atlanta. Library of Congress

There happened to be an engine in the city, which was brought out, and water was freely used on buildings that would have taken fire and done immense damage to the command here. The troops were ordered under arms and heavy patrols sent out over the city to arrest every man found on the streets without authority.

The fire of which I have spoken was not the only one in the city. Near General Slocum’s headquarters on Peachtree Street, a building was fired, and in the northeast part of the city several houses were fired and consumed. Then on Marietta Street in the northwest part of town, a dozen or so buildings were burned. In the south part of town, several buildings were fired but were found out in time to arrest the flames.

Who was the author of all this I have not learned. It is thought that some Rebel sympathizers were the chiefs, as men were seen in the vicinity of the fires dressed in citizen’s clothes and mounted on horseback. Our patrols could not get near enough to arrest them.

Had shells from the enemy’s batteries been thrown among us, they could not have created greater consternation. At midnight, the excitement had subsided and heavy patrols were out all night. This evening, the Michigan engineers are engaged in tearing down the Roundhouse. They have it about torn down at sundown. Details are also at work tearing up the railroads.

Ruins of the Atlanta Roundhouse (engine house). Library of Congress

November 13^th
The work of tearing up and burning the railroad commenced early this morning. One building has been burned this morning near the Roundhouse. General Sherman has offered a reward of five hundred dollars for the evidence to lead to the conviction of those who were engaged in firing the city Saturday night.

Union soldiers tearing up railroad tracks. Library of Congress

The work of tearing up the railroad still goes on. This evening, most of the [public buildings] are torn down. Atlanta begins to wear a desolate and lonely appearance.

Atlanta train depot in ruins. Library of Congress

The last train of cars left for the North yesterday morning. We now are cut off from all communication with the North. What our fate must be, time will show. We are on the eve of an important move.

Thoughts of home, dear home, come up in my mind tonight. In imagination, I see happy faces seated around the fireside, chatting or singing the songs I love. I anticipate the happy time when I, too, can meet dear ones in my happy home.

See also "Aaron Riker at the Siege of Atlanta," "Aaron Riker at Cedar Mountain," "Aaron Riker in Dumfries," "Aaron Riker at Chancellorsville," and "Aaron Riker at Gettysburg."

Aaron Denton Riker (1830-1914) of Champaign County, Ohio, enlisted as a private in the 66th Ohio Volunteer Infantry on October 11, 1861. The regiment was mustered in for three years service on December 17, 1861, under the command of Colonel Charles Candy. In April 1862, while in Strasburg, Virginia, during the Shenandoah campaign, Riker was assigned to the commissary department, handling supplies for the troops. In October of that year, he found himself in charge of the regiment's commissary and subsequently attained the rank of sergeant while his regiment was stationed in Dumfries, Virginia.

Riker was mustered out of the regiment in 1865 as a first lieutenant.

Aaron D. Riker, Columbus, Ohio, July 27, 1865.

Riker kept a journal recounting his experiences during the Civil War. The journal is now housed at the George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections and Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick, Maine. Journal. Transcript.

Aaron Riker at the Siege of Atlanta

This excerpt from the Civil War journal of Aaron Denton Riker (1830-1914) of the 66th Ohio Volunteer Infantry describes his regiment's role in the siege of Atlanta in Georgia (account edited for spelling, punctuation, and consistency).

   

At that time in the summer of 1864, the regiment was part of the Army of the Cumberland,  commanded by Maj. Gen. George Henry Thomas. The regiment (Lieut. Col. Eugene Powell) was in the first brigade (Col. Charles Candy) of the second division (Brig. Gen. John W. Geary) of the twentieth army corps (XX Corps), led by Brig. Gen. Alpheus S. Williams.

Atlanta, Georgia, July-August 1864

July 22^nd
Our troops advanced to within shelling distance of Atlanta, where they established their lines and threw up strong [earth]works under the guns of the Rebel forts.

The enemy have kept up a vigorous shelling but have done us no injury up to the morning of the 27th of July. Everything seems to work very well, and the siege of Atlanta may be said to have fairly commenced. Heavy guns are being worked on both sides; many of our heavy shells have been thrown into the city. The enemy will make a stubborn resistance here as their last hope seems to be to hold their city and works. It must fall, though, and that soon.

Union soldiers at the siege of Atlanta. Library of Congress.

August 2^nd
Our army still circles around a good portion of Atlanta. Changes have been made in our lines from left to right. The 15th, 16th, and 17th Corps moved on the 27th of July from left to right. They moved with such caution as to gain their position before the enemy were fully aware of the move. A charge was then made by our forces, which resulted in the capture of two lines of works and a thousand prisoners. The loss in killed on the side of the enemy amounted to several thousand. Ours was not heavy.

Today the 14th Corps have advanced their lines. Their skirmishers now command one of the enemy's forts, which must be a source of annoyance to the enemy as they cannot work their guns as sure is the aim of our sharpshooters. The 23rd Corps, or Army of the Ohio, have moved from our left to the right.

Union forces occupy a captured Rebel fort. Library of Congress

Heavy cannonading has been kept up along our lines. The enemy have not replied, only with occasional shots. The weather is very hot, with occasional showers of rain.

August 6^th
The movement of troops from left to right has been for the purpose of gaining on the enemy's flank sufficient to hold the Macon and Atlanta railroad. On the 4th, our troops advanced to a point commanding the road, but were forced back. Heavy skirmishing at times is kept up along our lines, then again the firing ceases for a time and all becomes quiet.

The cannonading at times is also very rapid and heavy from both sides. The enemy seem determined to make their final stand for the defense of Georgia. Their position is a very strong one. A regular chain of forts encircles the city, with strong breastworks running from fort to fort around the entire city.

Rebel fortifications and guns in a fort defending Atlanta. Library of Congress

Our lines are being shortened and made secure by strong earthworks, with abatis in front, so that it will require an overwhelming force to break any portion of our lines. We feel sure of yet capturing the city together with the greater portion of the garrison.

Defensive breastworks and palisades link Rebel forts encircling Atlanta. Library  of Congress

August 7^th
A Sabbath stillness reigns along our front today, though far on our right the sound of artillery is heard during the greater part of the afternoon. There has been no artillery fired in front of the 4th, 20th, and 14th Corps today and but little musketry.

Union picket post. Library of Congress

While all is calm in front, let us take a survey of the rear of a great army. As we fall back from the entrenchments, we pass the headquarters of the brigade, next the division, and still further on the headquarters of the corps commander.

At a distance of from a half to three-fourths of a mile, we come to a large cluster of tents in some cool shady spot among the pine and cedar. This is the hospital. Let us go among the tents and see who occupies these canvas houses as we go the rounds of the camp, which occupies perhaps an acre of ground.

Here we see men suffering from wounds received in action. One has lost a leg, another an arm, another is shot through the lungs, in another the head or face has been cut by shell or ball. In fact we see wounds of every part of the body, some but slight, others mangled and torn in the most shocking manner.

We pass the amputating table. An ambulance has just come in bearing a wounded man shot through the arm. He is carried to a table and laid down on his back. Surgeons examine the wound and find the bone fractured in such a manner that amputation is necessary. A cloth wet with chloroform is placed to the mouth and nostrils of the patient, and he inhales the chloroform and is soon lost to all sense of pain. The knives and saws are brought into requisition and soon the arm is off and cast into a hole dug in the ground, where we see legs, feet, arms, and hands in large numbers that have preceded it. The patient is now allowed to recover from the effects of chloroform. He finds that while he slept his arm has been taken off and that he was insensible to the pain.

Battlefield surgeon at work. Library of Congress

Let us leave this place. The groans of the sufferers are not pleasant sounds, so why linger longer here. We pass a pine grove, a beautiful shady retreat. In among these shady trees, we see a cluster of tents while a large number of orderlies can be seen going from point to point, carrying orders along the road.

We see a square tent before which is standing a lot of Rebel prisoners. Their names are being registered. This is the Provost Marshal's office. A little to the right of this and almost hidden from view about 300 feet back, we see the starry flag floating in the still air.

In rear of this flag in a plain wall tent is General Thomas's quarters. The surrounding tents are for his staff officers. General Thomas's headquarters are in rear of the 20th Corps, about one mile from the front.

Maj. Gen. George Henry Thomas. Library of Congress

Passing this we come to the immense trains of wagons, packed in solid mass in rear of each Corps. Here we find the ammunition trains of each division and also the general ammunition train, the medical supply depot, supply trains of forage and rations. Strong guards are posted in and around all these.

Mules pulling a supply wagon. Library of Congress

One not accustomed to such views would naturally suppose that a large portion of our army was used as guards and hands in the employ of the various departments. The noise in the rear is sometimes greater than the noise in front. A mule gets loose and fifty voices holler "whoa." Another kicks the driver and crack goes the whip for 10 minutes, and at each cut a curse that may be heard a mile off if the voice was not drowned by the yelling of teamsters, the braying of mules, or the rattling of wagons.

A Union regimental band. Library of Congress

Night now comes on. Everything becomes more quiet, when the brass bands commence playing, making the hills echo with the soul-inspiring music of some national air. Far in the night, we retire to our couches and sleep shuts out the vision. We dream of home, happy home, and loved ones there. Such is a soldier's life.

August 13^th
A new battery of 40-pound guns has been planted on a hill occupied by the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 20th Corps. These guns opened [fire] on the evening of the 9th. They threw shells into the heart of the city. We could distinctly hear them strike some object and burst, and the sound as from buildings failing could be plainly heard. Yesterday, while firing this battery, one of the guns burst, rendering it unfit for further use.

Along the right of our lines, there has been some heavy fighting, resulting in the defeat of the enemy at every charge they have made. Our lines have made regular approaches daily and are now so strongly entrenched that a small force can hold any part of our lines. Thus, men can be spared for operations elsewhere.

The weather for a few days has been showery, and the atmosphere has become cooler so that men can work or watch in the trenches with some degree of comfort. Colonels [Charles] Candy and [Eugene] Powell have both gone to the rear to recruit their health. Colonel Pardea of the 14th Regiment is commanding the 1st Brigade; Major McConnell is commanding the 66th Regiment.

August 14^th
Last night, a portion of the city was in flames. Fire bells were ringing, and there seemed to be great consternation among the soldiers and citizens in the Rebel lines. And to add to their panic, our batteries kept pouring in shell.

All has been as quiet as usual in our front. There has been as usual fighting on our right. Both armies seem to have thrown their forces toward the Macon road. Only a single line occupies the lines on the left.

August 15^th
Another large fire was seen in the city last night. Our large gun batteries keep up a regular fire on the city. Deserters from the Rebel army keep coming in almost every night in front of our division. Several hundred come in weekly along the line of our army. A great many prisoners are sent north every week. Thus we are continually weakening their army, while ours is being strengthened by recruits and convalescents.

August 17^th
This morning, orders were received for each quartermaster to be in readiness to move at short notice. Commissaries were ordered to supply the troops with three days rations.

We have had no mail since the 15th. We hear of cavalry raids on our line of communications. The railroad has been cut in several places. The force operating in our rear is estimated at four thousand. One brigade of the 4th Corps was sent back on the morning of the 17th. There was some brisk skirmishing along the front of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 20th Corps this evening; a few shells were thrown from both sides. I heard of no casualties.

August 18^th
At four o’clock this morning, a spirited artillery duel opened between the 1st and 3rd Divisions, 20th Corps and the Rebel batteries. Some of the Rebel shells burst near our trains. The duel was kept up until 7 a.m.

The orders for an immediate move have been countermanded. It was the design to move a portion of the troops from the left to the extreme right in order to gain the Atlanta and Macon Railroad and, at the same time, abandon a portion of our lines on the left by drawing the troops off and establishing a new line to the [Chattahoochee] river.

Our generals obtained information that a large cavalry force had been detached from the Rebel army and sent to operate in our rear. On obtaining this information, General [Hugh Judson] Kilpatrick with his cavalry force was at once ordered to the right to cut and hold the Rebel line of communication. Hence, the countermanding order changing our lines on the left.

It appears the enemy supposed our forces were changing position. This morning, when they opened their batteries on the 2nd Division, 20th Corps, the casualties of their shelling was two or three wounded in Captain Bundy’s battery.

August 19^th
This morning at 4 o’clock, the batteries in front of the 20th Corps opened on the enemy, firing twelve shots per gun. The roar, as it sounded through the still morning air, was almost deafening. The enemy did not reply. They have been very still today.

We have had no mail for several days. The monotony of camp life becomes almost unbearable when we cannot get regular mails. There is nothing seems to do a soldier as much good as kind letters from loved ones at home.

August 23^rd
Yesterday was the most quiet day along our lines we have had since we came in front of Atlanta, scarce a gun being fired during the day.

Our communications are once more unobstructed, and supplies are coming through in abundance. Our mails also reach us daily, and the newsboys visit our camp with daily papers. We get Cincinnati papers in four days after publication, yet they sell very readily. We can get Nashville papers two days old containing the same telegraph news as the Cincinnati papers.

The monotony of a soldier's life would be intolerable if no mails were permitted to reach us. A kind letter from dear ones at home encourages the heart of a soldier more than anything else. With what anxiety do we watch the opening of the mails. If a letter is handed us bearing our address, with what joy we take it, and with light heart and buoyant step we hurry to our little tent or perhaps seek the shade of the quiet wood where we open and carefully note every word until we commit to memory the kind words of our loved ones. Could our friends see and know how much we prize their letters, they would be encouraged to write often.

There is both cannonading and musketry along our front this morning. Our siege guns are tossing shells into the city again. We can hear the loud reports of the bursting shells far away among the houses of Atlanta. Very often we hear them strike the buildings with a terrible crack, the shell bursting in the building, very often setting the building on fire.

August 24^th
At 2 p.m., we have orders to leave camp and proceed across the Chattahoochee River. Many hard words are spoken; the teamsters have the idea that we are going to retreat. Those of us who understand the move are well pleased. We know that it means rest to the 20th Corps.

I have just returned from the front and have supplied the regiment with three days rations in full. I have been very unwell today and have been suffering with neuralgia in my left jaw and eye.

August 25^th
We left camp with the train at 3 p.m. yesterday, crossed the Chattahoochee River at 4 p.m., and camped about one and a half miles from the river. I have been most crazy with neuralgia, all afternoon of yesterday and a portion of last night. I feel much better this morning.

We moved camp again today to within half a mile of the railroad bridge spanning the Chattahoochee River. We have a nice camp now among the pine and cedar trees. They form for us a beautiful shade.

August 26^th

Last night and this morning, the troops in front of Atlanta commenced moving the entire army, with the exception of the 20th Corps, to the right. The 20th Corps fell back to the river to guard the various fords and the bridge with the base of supplies.

The 1st Division occupies the hills and positions covering the railroad bridge and base of supplies. The 2nd Division, 2nd and 3rd Brigades, are stationed at and covering the ferry at Pace’s crossing. The 1st Brigade occupies the range of hills known as the Chattahoochee Heights. This brigade forms a line from the 1st Division to the 2nd and 3rd Brigades of 2nd Division. a distance of two miles. Two brigades of the 3rd Division are stationed at Turner’s Ferry, below the 1st Division. One brigade of 3rd Division is stationed near the railroad on the north side of the river.

Map showing the location of a defensive earthwork near Pace's crossing on the Chattahoochee River. Library of Congress.

September 2^nd
The news of the capture of Atlanta reached us at 10 o’clock today. One brigade of the 3rd Division of 20th Corps were the first to enter the city. This brigade was very soon reinforced by one brigade of 2nd Division. The 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, was now ordered to the left to guard Pace’s Ferry, relieving the 2nd and 3rd, these two brigades being both ordered to Atlanta.

See also "Aaron Riker at Cedar Mountain," "Aaron Riker in Dumfries," "Aaron Riker at Chancellorsville," and "Aaron Riker at Gettysburg."

Aaron Denton Riker (1830-1914) of Champaign County, Ohio, enlisted as a private in the 66th Ohio Volunteer Infantry on October 11, 1861. The regiment was mustered in for three years service on December 17, 1861, under the command of Colonel Charles Candy. In April 1862, while in Strasburg, Virginia, during the Shenandoah campaign, Riker was assigned to the commissary department, handling supplies for the troops. In October of that year, he found himself in charge of the regiment's commissary and subsequently attained the rank of sergeant while his regiment was stationed in Dumfries, Virginia.

Riker was mustered out of the regiment in 1865 as a first lieutenant.

Aaron D. Riker, Columbus, Ohio, July 27, 1865.

Riker kept a journal recounting his experiences during the Civil War. The journal is now housed at the George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections and Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick, Maine. Journal. Transcript.

Aaron Riker at Chancellorsville

This excerpt from the Civil War journal of Aaron Denton Riker (1830-1914) of the 66th Ohio Volunteer Infantry describes his regiment's role in the Battle of Chancellorsville in Virginia (edited for spelling, punctuation, and consistency).

   

At that time in the spring of 1863, the regiment was part of the Army of the Potomac,  commanded by Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker. The regiment (Lieut. Col. Eugene Powell) was in the first brigade (Col. Charles Candy) of the second division (Brig. Gen. John W. Geary) of the twelfth army corps (XII Corps), led by Maj. Gen. Henry W. Slocum.

Chancellorsville, Virginia, April-May 1863

We remained at Aquia Creek from the 22nd to the 27th of April, when we again marched with the Army of the Potomac in the direction of the Rappahannock [River], arriving at Kelly's Ford on the 29th.

We crossed the river without opposition and traveled down the river, surprised and captured two hundred of the enemy at the crossing [Germanna Ford] of the Rapidan [River]. From the Rapidan we traveled on the [Orange] Plank Road in the direction of Fredericksburg, arriving at Chancellorsville on the 30th of April. Here the army halted in line of battle and rested for the night. The enemy were disposed to dispute our further march.

Maj. Gen. Hooker's forces arrived at Chancellorsville, the site of the Chancellor family home and roadside inn, on April 30, 1863. The large building stood at the intersection of three roads, each of which led to Fredericksburg, and Hooker and his staff established his headquarters at the house.

May 1st

Reconnoitering parties were send out and had some heavy skirmishing with the Rebels. The 66th [regiment] was of the skirmishers. It now became evident a big fight must come off soon. Entrenchments were hastily thrown up by our army behind which they sheltered themselves from the balls of the enemy. The Rebels advanced to the attack and were promptly met by our troops. Heavy fighting afternoon and night.

Much of the battle was fought in the dense, scraggly woods and tangled thickets of the area known as the Wilderness. Maj. Gen. Slocum's Twelfth Corps threw up earthworks and entrenched themselves in these woods until they were finally forced to fall back after several days of fierce combat.

May 2nd

This afternoon, the enemy under Jackson were massed on our right where the 11th corps were stationed. Here the fighting was terrific. After a stout resistance of nearly two hours, the 11th corps gave way and broke their lines. The enemy followed up this advantage, thereby gained a crossfire on the right center 12th corps, causing that to give way.

Our lines fell back slowly and formed anew and checked the tide of battle, which for a time had set against us. The 12th corps was now relieved from the right center and assigned to the left of our line of battle.

May 3rd

The battle raged all day. The cannonading was terrific. There was scarcely any intermission between reports but was almost a constant roar.

Confederate artillery on a hilltop known as Hazel Grove dueled with Union guns at a farmstead know as Fairview, a half mile away, in a furious cannonade.

While the rattle of musketry was almost deafening yet, remarkable as it may appear, I could distinctly hear the cheers of those who were then engaged in deadly strife. Our army held their new position and repulsed every attempt made by the enemy to dislodge them. Yet owing to the disaster of the preceding day, our forces could not successfully advance.

On May 3, Confederate forces converged on the Chancellor house, their artillery shells striking the brick building. One shell hit a porch column on which Hooker was leaning, causing it to collapse and injure the general. Another shell set the building on fire. The house burned to the ground. Only a few remnants of the house's foundation are visible now.

May 4th

On the fourth, the fighting was again renewed and continued throughout the day at intervals, neither army seemingly gaining any advantage. The slaughter of human life has been dreadful. The 66th has again suffered severely, though our loss in killed has been light. This evening, the enemy attempted to cross the Rappahannock at Banks Ford so as to gain our rear. But after a hard fight they were repulsed with great slaughter.

May 5th

This morning, our army fell back, crossing the Rappahannock at United States Ford, each corps falling back to its former camp around Falmouth, Aquia Creek, and Stafford. The Rebels did not pursue, and our retreat from the battlefield was very successfully accomplished.

Thus ended another campaign in which our army has lost much in officers and men, though good authority says the Rebel loss greatly exceeds ours. We have taken a large number of prisoners, while the enemy have taken about an equal number from us. In the assault on our right on the evening of the 2nd, the Rebel General Jackson received a mortal wound and died in a few hours.

This plaque near the site of the Chancellor house summarizes the Battle of Chancellorsville. Contrary to Riker's account, "Stonewall" Jackson died of pneumonia on May 10, eight days after he was accidentally shot by Confederate pickets.

Our division fell back to camp near Aquia Creek.

Aaron Denton Riker (1830-1914) of Champaign County, Ohio, enlisted as a private in the 66th Ohio Volunteer Infantry on October 11, 1861. The regiment was mustered in for three years service on December 17, 1861, under the command of Colonel Charles Candy. In April 1862, while in Strasburg, Virginia, during the Shenandoah campaign, Riker was assigned to the commissary department, handling supplies for the troops. In October of that year, he found himself in charge of the regiment's commissary and subsequently attained the rank of sergeant while his regiment was stationed in Dumfries, Virginia.

Riker was mustered out of the regiment in 1865 as a first lieutenant.

Aaron D. Riker, Columbus, Ohio, July 27, 1865.

Riker kept a journal recounting his experiences during the Civil War. The journal is now housed at the George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections and Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick, Maine. Journal. Transcript.

Aaron Riker at Cedar Mountain

This excerpt from the Civil War journal of Aaron Denton Riker (1830-1914) of the 66th Ohio Volunteer Infantry describes his regiment's role in the Battle of Cedar Mountain in Virginia (edited for spelling, punctuation, and consistency).

At that time in 1862, the regiment had marched from the Shenandoah River Valley to become part of the newly constituted Army of Virginia,  commanded by Maj. Gen. John Pope. The regiment (Col. Charles Candy) was in the first brigade (Brig. Gen. John W. Geary) of the second division (Brig. Gen. Christopher C. Auger) of the second army corps (II Corps), led by Maj. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks.

Cedar Mountain, Virginia, August 1862

We marched over a beautiful country from Warrenton to Culpeper, at which place we arrived in the night of the 8th of August. It was reported the enemy were preparing to dispute our further progress and were massing their forces some six miles south of Culpeper Court House.

Cedar Mountain served as the backdrop for the battle between Union and Confederate forces that occurred on August 9, 1862. Confederate artillery gunners were entrenched along the slope of Cedar Mountain and could fire down upon any units in the fields below.

On the morning of the 9th of August, the various regiments took up the line of march expecting a fight, in which they were not disappointed. The enemy were found strongly posted at Slaughter's or Cedar Mountain. Our men were formed in line of battle, and at 3 p.m. the fight commenced and continued with unabated fury until late at night.

At the start of the battle on a blisteringly hot afternoon, Confederate soldiers were deployed along a road passing parallel to a fenced cornfield, backed by woods, with Maj. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson in overall command.

Our brigade was exposed to galling fire during the whole fight, and the 66th lost 102 men in killed, wounded, and missing. Our division and brigade commanders were both wounded. When the command fell on Col. Candy of the 66th, darkness put an end to the slaughter.

Brig. Gen. Auger's division, which included the 66th Ohio Volunteer Infantry of the first brigade, attacked the Confederate line directly across a field of tall corn, enduring fire from Confederate infantry in front of them and the Cedar Mountain artillery behind them. Auger and Ohio brigade commander Geary were both wounded during the battle.

Both armies fell back during the night and formed their lines in the rear of the positions occupied during the fight. On Sunday morning after the fight, a flag of truce came in from the enemy asking permission to bury the dead, when both armies performed these sad rites to departed heroes.

Battlefield stone pillar marks the presence of the 66th Ohio Volunteer Infantry at the Battle of Cedar Mountain.

On Monday morning, it was ascertained the Rebels had fallen back. Our cavalry pursued them to Rapidan [River] taking some prisoners. Neither party seemed to have gained much advantage over the other in this fight, both losing heavily.

Our division now fell back to Culpeper, where we encamped, remaining there about 8 days. From spies and scouts sent out by our generals, it was ascertained the enemy were strongly reinforced, and with greatly superior numbers were coming to attack us.

Then commenced on our part what is known as Pope's Retreat. We left Culpeper on Sunday evening, Aug. 17th, and marched all night. We crossed the Rappahannock [River] at daybreak.

Thanks to the efforts of the American Battlefield Trust and Friends of Cedar Mountain Battlefield, significant parts of the land over which the Battle of Cedar Mountain was fought have been protected and restored. Unlike many other civil war battle sites, Cedar Mountain retains much of its period character, with an array of open fields and scrubby woods in an undulating landscape.

Much of the fighting during the Battle of Cedar Mountain took place in dense, scraggly woods next to roads and fields, where visibility was poor.

Nancy Henderson (great great granddaughter of Aaron Riker) and I wish to thank Bradley M. Forbush, our guide at the Cedar Mountain Battlefield, for his insights into the battle and the role played by the 66th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Forbush has a website devoted to the history of the 13th Massachusetts Volunteers.

See also "Aaron Riker at Gettysburg" and "Aaron Riker at Chancellorsville."

Aaron Denton Riker (1830-1914) of Champaign County, Ohio, enlisted as a private in the 66th Ohio Volunteer Infantry on October 11, 1861. The regiment was mustered in for three years service on December 17, 1861, under the command of Colonel Charles Candy. In April 1862, while in Strasburg, Virginia, during the Shenandoah campaign, Riker was assigned to the commissary department, handling supplies for the troops. In October of that year, he found himself in charge of the regiment's commissary and subsequently attained the rank of sergeant while his regiment was stationed in Dumfries, Virginia.

Riker was mustered out of the regiment in 1865 as a first lieutenant.

Aaron D. Riker, Columbus, Ohio, July 27, 1865.

Riker kept a journal recounting his experiences during the Civil War. The journal is now housed at the George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections and Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick, Maine. Journal. Transcript.