On the 9th of June, Sherman, having made his communications to the rear secure and obtained ample supplies, moved forward to Big Shanty. ‘On approaching close to the enemy,’ he wrote, ‘I found him occupying a line full 12 miles long, more than he could hold with his force. General McPherson was ordered to move toward Marietta, his right on the railroad; General Thomas on Kenesaw and Pine mountains, and General Schofield off toward Lost mountain; General Garrard's cavalry to the left and General Stoneman on the right, and General McCook to our rear and communications.’ Gen. W. H. Jackson held Stoneman in check for several days, aided by the line of intrenchments between Lost mountain and Gilgal church, and Wheeler and Garrard engaged in daily and strenuous contests.
On the 11th, Sherman prepared to attempt to break the line between Kenesaw and Pine mountains, and on the morning of the 14th, it being feared that Bate (posted on the latter hill) might be easily isolated, Johnston, Hardee and Polk rode to the summit to survey the country before them from that eminence. Just as the officers had finished their inspection and concluded to abandon the mountain, a Federal battery opened fire upon them, the group having become conspicuous by the addition of a party of soldiers. The third shot passed through the body of Lieutenant-General Polk, causing his instant death. ‘The death of this eminent Christian and soldier, who had been distinguished in every battle in which the army of Tennessee had been engaged,’ says General Johnston, ‘produced deep sorrow in our troops.’ Maj.-Gen. W. W. Loring, the ranking officer in the corps, took temporary command, and was later succeeded by A. P. Stewart, promoted to lieutenant-general.
Before daybreak on the 15th, Pine mountain was abandoned, and Bate placed in reserve. The Federals, following
