The Atlanta (Georgia) Campaign: May 1 - September 8, 1864., Part I: General Report.
Maj. George B. Davis, Mr. Leslie J. Perry, Mr. Joseph W. Kirkley, Ed.

Captain: Agreeably to orders received from Colonel Walker, commanding brigade, I have the honor to report the movements of the Twenty-third Missouri Infantry Volunteers since joining the brigade. I reported with seven companies of my regiment (three [772] companies having been left at McMinnville, Tenn., to garrison that post) to Brigadier-General Turchin, commanding First Brigade, Third Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, near Vining's Station, Ga., on the 10th day of July, 1864, and encamped on the north side of the Chattahoochee River. On the 17th we moved with the brigade across the river without opposition. On the 19th crossed Peach Tree Creek under a heavy fire from the rebel skirmishers and threw up earth-works. On the 20th moved forward again to obtain a more suitable position on the right of the brigade. On the 26th three companies of my regiment arrived from McMinnville, Tenn. On the 28th were ordered to advance the skirmish lines, which was done under a heavy, enfilading fire. On the 7th of August Companies D and E and a portion of F, on the skirmish line, were ordered to advance. A severe engagement ensued with the enemy's skirmishers, driving them to their main works, but [we] were forced to retire. During the night the regiment advanced and threw up a line of works. On the 12th we were relieved from the front line of works and placed in reserve. Have remained in camp with the exception of the 19th and 20th, when we were out on a reconnaissance with the brigade.¹

Captain: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part performed by the Twenty-third Missouri Volunteer Infantry in the campaign just closed, from the 6th of August last to the present date:

On the 6th of August the regiment remained in camp northwest of Atlanta in the second line of works, the Seventeenth Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry occupying the first line in our immediate front. August 7, advanced my line about 150 yards in front of the Seventeenth Ohio and built breast-works, my skirmishers meeting with an obstinate resistance by the enemy's pickets, who finally unwillingly withdrew to their first line of rifle-pits. August 8, 9, and 10, remained in camp; skirmish firing almost constantly, with occasional shelling. August 11, our lines being extended to the right, my regiment was placed in reserve in the second line of works. August 27, nothing worthy of notice has occurred with the regiment from the 11th instant until to-day; it moved with the brigade about four miles to the right. August 28, marched about three and a half miles southeast toward the Montgomery railroad, crossing the same about four miles below East Point. August 29, remained in camp. August 30, marched about eight miles southeast and built breastworks. August 31, marched about three-quarters of a mile and threw up works. In the evening of the same day advanced about two miles and again built breast-works.

September 1, marched southeast about six miles, when the regiment was formed in the second line of battle, the Seventeenth Ohio on the right. A portion of the Third Brigade, Third Division, being [773] in the first line were hotly engaged with the enemy in our immediate front, but having succeeded in taking the enemy's works by assault, capturing and dispersing the enemy, this regiment took no part in the battle. September 2, marched southeast about one and a half miles, crossing the Macon railroad near Jonesborough. September 6, remained in camp until to-day, when the regiment marched with the brigade on the Atlanta road about two miles, and was placed in the rear as a support to the skirmish line. September 7, marched about nine miles and went into camp near Rough and Ready. September 8, marched about seven miles to our present position, one and a half miles southeast of Atlanta. I am proud to be able to state that the officers and men of this regiment, without a single exception, have borne the hardships and fatigues of the campaign without a murmur, never shunning danger where duty called, but always manifesting a willingness truly commendable to do their duty wherever placed. More than 250 men of this regiment having served over three years from date of enlistment, fears were expressed that they would not willingly join in the charge upon the enemy, as their term of service had already expired, but all doubts on this point were dispelled in the affair of the 1st instant, as at one time it was supposed our line would have to move up to the — support of the troops engaged with the enemy in our front, and when the command to advance was given, they marched forward with an unwavering firmness and determination only known to brave men.²

I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,