ays later did the same. This left our division the
extreme left of Sherman's army. We readjusted our line of fortifications,
making a refused flank with completely inclosed forts supplied with
surplus ammunition, water and food. Sherman's flank movement by the right
to the south of Atlanta commenced on August 25th by withdrawing our 4th
corps to the rear of the 20th corps and moving it (the 20th) to and across
the Chattahoochee River with all surplus trains and artillery, we the 4th
corps continuing to move to the right, on the following day passed beyond
the extreme right of Hood's army and on the 28th advanced to the Mount
Gilead Church, skirmishing heavily and driving the enemy across the West
Point railroad. On the 29th and 30th, continuing the movement, we gained
possession of the Macon railroad, thus severing the last line leading from
the city, and September 1st, until about 4 p. m., we were burning the ties
and heating and twisting the rails, moving south as we did so, and by so
doing were prevented from reaching Jonesboro in time to envelop the flank
of Hardee's corps. We were rushed hastily into position and were driving
their shattered flank when darkness and the entanglement of brush,
ravines, etc., and the danger of coming into conflict with our troops
closed the movement. In the morning we found the enemy had fled. During
the night we heard the explosion of the magazines and trains of ammunition
at Atlanta, over twenty miles away. We followed Hood south to Lovejoy
Station, when we drove their skirmishers and outposts into their main
line of works. We remained in front of them until the 5th, when we
withdrew and marched back to Atlanta, where we remained in camp until
about the 20th. During our stay at this place official reports were made
covering the losses of each organization during the Atlanta Campaign. I
have not access at this writing to those reports as published in the war
records. The 26th Ohio had killed and wounded, as officially reported,
117.[5] Of this number company E lost but two, one mortally wounded, one
wounded. Clark became captain of the company in December, 1862. He was on
detached service, commanding a battalion of pioneers, and did not join the
company and regiment until we veteranized in January, 1864. In May, 1864,
he was placed in command of the brigade battalion of pioneers, consisting
of twenty privates, two corporals, one sergeant and one commissioned
officer from each regiment o