the backbone of the army, and the fact that
so many Southern men gave up commissions in the United States army and
came South when their States seceded, overthrew the idea that they were
tools of the general government and had lost identity or sympathy with
people at home. But General Toombs was bold and impatient in his
positions.

Equally opposed was he to the policy adopted in Georgia of recommending
the planting of all grain and no cotton. From Richmond he wrote in
March, 1864, directions to his brother Gabriel Toombs, who managed his
plantations in Washington:

I do not care to change my crops. I wish to raise an
abundant provision crop and then as much cotton as I
can.... Brown's and Chambers' policy is all foolishness....
As to what I shall choose to plant on my own estates, I
shall neither refer it to newspapers, nor to public
meetings, nor to legislatures. I know what sort of people
compose these classes. Let them take up arms and come with
me to drive the intruders away from our soil, and then we
will settle what sort of seed we will put into it.

CHAPTER XXIII.

WITH THE GEORGIA MILITIA.

General Toombs' next appearance in the field was as adjutant and
inspector-general of General G. W. Smith's division of Georgia militia.
He was present during the battles before Atlanta, the engagement at
Peachtree Creek, and the siege of the city. General J. E. Johnston had
just been relieved from command of the Confederate forces, and General
J. B. Hood placed in charge. General Toombs wrote from Atlanta:

The tone of the army has greatly improved. We are now
receiving reenforcements from the West. Davis, having
kicked Johnston out, now feels obliged to sustain Hood, so
the country is likely to get good out of evil. General Hood
is displaying great energy and using his best exertions for
success. I think very well of him. He is a most excellent
man, and undoubtedly of great military talent. Whether
equal or not to this great struggle, time must prove.

The militia are coming up finely. Twelve hundred of them
arrived here this evening, armed and tolerably well
equipped. Poor fellows! They are green and raw,
undisciplined and badly officered. It keeps us at work day
and night to bring order out of this confused mass, and we
have but a poor chance. They march right into t