Gibson, Randall Lee (1832-1892) to his sister Louisiana Gibson
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04501.024 Author/Creator: Gibson, Randall Lee (1832-1892) Place Written: Atlanta, Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 July 1864 Pagination: 3 p. ; 20 x 25 cm. Order a Copy
Confidently predicts a Confederate victory against Sherman's army, which "will be driven back to the borders of the Ohio." His troops are stationed on Peach Tree Road, near the Atlanta railroad. The civilians have evacuated the town. "Louly" is Louisiana Gibson's nickname.
Excerpt:
"...under General Johnston, we retreated about 100 miles having repeatedly inflicted heavy losses upon the enemy. With the past week General Johnston has been relieved from command and General Hood made Commander-in -Chief of the Army and we have already gained quite a handsome victory...We do now more fighting than retreating...I confidently believe that Sherman's army will be driven back to the border of Ohio...We are now in the line of battle upon the outskirts of Atlanta...the town has been pretty much deserted...We have occasional skirmishing and heavy artillery battle everyday. This house has been struck 20 times...my flag continues to float when the shelling is heavy. We sit in the basement where we are comparatively safe...This war was waged against a brave, intelligent and Christian people by a ruthless and cruel enemy...Captain Norton is seated at the table and [J.E.B.?] Stuart is sleeping upon a bench nearby...."
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