#524- THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN (Part the Twenty-third)
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “#524- THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN (Part the Twenty-third)” inside PodZeus.
This episode of The Civil War & Reconstruction podcast examines the Federal assault on the Dead Angle at the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain on June 27, 1864, focusing on Colonel John Mitchell's brigade attack. The episode details Mitchell’s tactical approach—advancing in column with plans to deploy into line upon reaching Confederate works—while facing intense fire from abatis, artillery, and muskets. Despite fierce resistance, Mitchell’s forces managed to briefly close with the Confederate entrenchments, but were ultimately repelled, retreating behind a small rise for cover. The Confederate defense, led by Brigadier General George Manning and bolstered by reinforcements, exemplified extraordinary resilience under extreme conditions. The episode highlights personal accounts from soldiers like Sam Watkins and William Hughes, offering vivid descriptions of the chaos, exhaustion, and near-total destruction experienced on both sides. The discussion underscores how defensive earthworks and disciplined leadership allowed a numerically inferior Confederate force to hold a critical salient, even as Union troops came closer to breaking through than in any other part of the battle. The episode concludes with a book recommendation and a call to support the podcast. Key takeaways include: 1) Defensive earthworks were decisive in the Confederate victory at Kennesaw Mountain, even against superior Union numbers; 2) The 'stand up to the rack, fodder or no fodder' idiom captures the unwavering duty and sacrifice demanded of soldiers in desperate positions; 3) Tactical execution in column formation, while risky, was mitigated by careful maneuvering, though still failed under intense fire; 4) The psychological and physical toll of combat was immense, with soldiers on both sides suffering exhaustion, dehydration, and trauma; 5) Leadership under pressure—like Manning’s and Hughes’ actions—often determined the outcome of critical moments in battle.
Defensive earthworks were the decisive factor in the Confederate victory at Kennesaw Mountain, compensating for limited manpower.
The phrase 'stand up to the rack, fodder or no fodder' symbolizes unwavering duty in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Tactical column attacks, despite careful planning, failed to break the Confederate line due to terrain, fire, and disorganization.
Leadership and morale—exemplified by Colonel Hume Field and William Hughes—were critical in sustaining defense under extreme pressure.
The Union assault on the Dead Angle came closer to success than any other part of the battle, highlighting the vulnerability of even strong positions under sustained attack.
Introduction and Context: The Dead Angle Assault
The episode opens with a brief introduction, setting the stage for the detailed analysis of Colonel John Mitchell's brigade attack on the Dead Angle at Kennesaw Mountain. The host reviews the previous episode's focus on McCook's assault and outlines the plan to examine Mitchell's role in the June 27, 1864, attack.
Mitchell's Brigade: Organization and Tactical Plan
The episode delves into the composition and preparation of Mitchell's brigade, including the background of Colonel John Mitchell and the deployment of his regiments. It details the column formation with echelon alignment, the use of skirmishers, and the plan to deploy into line upon reaching the enemy works, highlighting the risks and mitigations of this approach.
The Assault and the Confederate Defense
“Well, they have got me at last, but I have killed fifteen of them, so turnabout is fair play, I reckon.”
Aftermath and Strategic Implications
The episode examines the aftermath of the failed assault, including the retreat behind a rise of ground, the arrival of reinforcements, and the Confederate assessment of the situation. It emphasizes the psychological and physical toll on both sides and the strategic significance of the repelled attack.
Broader Battle Context and Leadership
The episode places Mitchell’s attack within the larger context of the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, discussing the inaction of reserve forces, the lack of coordination, and the failure of multiple Union corps to break through. It reflects on the broader implications of defensive tactics and leadership under pressure.
“The line of blazing fire from the muzzles of the Yankee guns being poured right into our very faces. The hot blood of our dead and wounded spurting on us. The blinding smoke and stifling atmosphere filling our eyes and mouths, and above all, the roar of battle made it perfect pandemonium.”
“Well, they have got me at last, but I have killed fifteen of them, so turnabout is fair play, I reckon.”
“Holding good ground and fighting a defensive battle from behind earthworks provided the key to Confederate success at the battle of Kennesaw Mountain.”
Host
Sam Watkins
person
John Mitchell
person
George Manning
person
113th Ohio
other
1st Tennessee
other
121st Ohio
other
Ben Cheatham
person
Jefferson C. Davis
person
Hume Field
person
34th Illinois
other
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “#524- THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN (Part the Twenty-third)” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime