Cherry, Joseph M. (1840-1910) to Joseph M. Maitland
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.10.124 Author/Creator: Cherry, Joseph M. (1840-1910) Place Written: Acworth, Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 June 1864 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 24.9 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy
Addresses letter "Dear Cousin." Reports on the movements of his regiment, the Ohio 46th Infantry. States they have been on the move for over a month since leaving camp in Scottsboro, Alabama. Discusses the battle at Dallas, Alabama in great detail. Says they laid in their breastworks for ten days. Informs him they use the Spencer rifle with great success. Expresses relief at his duties as clerk, allowing him to stay back with the wagons to take care of books and papers. Mentions his furlough and how enjoyable it was.
Joseph Maitland enlisted on 8 August 1862 as a Private. He was mustered into "G" Co. OH 95th Infantry. He was mustered out 31 May 1865 at Memphis, Tennessee. The 46th Ohio regiment took part in the Atlanta, Georgia Campaign that lasted from 1 May 1864 to 8 September 1864. During the Campaign, the 46th regiment fought in the Battle of Resaca on 14-15 May, advanced on Dallas 18-25 May, and conducted operations and fought in the Battle of Dallas, New Hope Church and Allatoona Hills from 25 May to 5 June. The regiment assisted in operations about Marietta and against Kenesaw Mountain from 10 June to 2 July, led an assault on Kenesaw 27 June, Nickajack Creek from 2-5 July, Chattahoochie River 6-17 July, fought in the Battle of Atlanta on 22 July 1864, assisted in the Siege of Atlanta from 22 July -25 August 1864, along with various other operations against Atlanta. As described in this letter by Cherry, part of General William T. Sherman's strategic plan for the Atlanta Campaign was to create an army that could move quickly. This was accomplished by packing light, carrying little supplies, and feeding off the land.
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