Joseph T. Derry , A. M. , Author of School History of the United States; Story of the Confederate War, etc., Confederate Military History, a library of Confederate States Military History: Volume 6, Georgia
Clement Anselm Evans, Ed.

[316] corps, Featherston's division lay between the railroad and eastern base of the mountain, Walthall and French along the crest of the short ridge, French's left reaching its southwestern base. Walker's division of Hardee's corps was next the mountain on the southwest, then Bate, Cleburne and Cheatham in order. This was an admirable position, with Kenesaw as a salient from which all the movements of the enemy could be observed. The Federals moved up close to the Confederate position, intrenching as they advanced, and working south toward the Chattahoochee past Hardee, who was held inactive by high water in Nose's creek. This made it necessary to transfer Hood to the Confederate left, beyond Cheatham, on the Powder Spring road. During these movements for position, the same incessant skirmish firing which characterized the campaign continued not only throughout the day, but into the night, when the flash of the guns in the woods had, it is said, the semblance of ‘swarms of fireflies.’ On the 20th, General Wheeler repulsed an attack by Garrard on the right, and then charging in turn routed the enemy with heavy loss, and captured many prisoners. This was the most considerable cavalry affair while Johnston had command of the army. Wheeler was invincible, and he and Jackson were indispensable to the operations of the infantry, which, when necessary, they reinforced on foot.

The Confederates were not able to place many guns to advantage on the precipitous heights of Big Kenesaw, but on the lower hill General French planted nine cannon, which were dragged up by hand at night, the road being commanded by Federal artillery. On the 22d a furious fire was opened from these guns upon the Federals in front and below, causing much confusion among them; and at night the cannonade was continued, presenting a magnificent spectacle. Sherman concentrated, it is said, over 100 guns against this battery, the terrific fire of which cut down the trees on the summit of the mountain and swept over the heights toward Marietta.