Johnston, Joseph Eggleston (1807-1891) to John P. Nicholson
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06656 Author/Creator: Johnston, Joseph Eggleston (1807-1891) Place Written: Savannah, Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 December 1875 Pagination: 2 p. ; 26.8 x 20.1 cm. Order a Copy
Possibly to John Page Nicholson, who published many essays on Civil War related topics. Discusses an article published by a Colonel Chesney in the "Fortnightly." Defends himself against Chesney's accusation that he (Johnston) exaggerated Federal losses. Attests that on pages 357 and 358 of his own narrative, his estimates of killed and wounded depend on the difference between the testimony of newspapers and prisoners. Also notes that it would have been impossible to beat troops as skilled as those led by General William T. Sherman "with insignificant losses like those reported by their officers. And also statements of Northern Newspapers. The testimony of the cemeteries is certainly conclusive." Disapproves of several other conclusions drawn by Chesney regarding Sherman's Atlanta campaign. Mentions General Hood (possibly John Bell Hood). Concludes by stating, "So accept their officers statements of trifling losses- Against the permanent testimony of graves. If it was the true federal policy to force the confederates back to Atlanta, Genl Sherman directed his operations and handled his troops as well as possible."
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