is line of retreat and abandoned the
enterprise. While in this belief, they were destined to have a jubilant
time; and to make it the merrier still, a mandate was sent out to the
country about for all to come and partake of the fatted calf. Fair
damsels flocked from the vicinity about to partake in the joy over
victory; but lo! in the meantime, the Yankees cut the Macon railroad so
that the birdies from the rural districts could not get to their homes,
and aged mothers cried in vain for their affectionate daughters,
wishing the Yankees many a curse for interfering in their jubilee. Ah!
their day of rejoicing had too soon turned to one of tears, their
unhappy city had been relieved from a siege only to be captured. O, the
bitter disappointments that overtake short-sighted man! One hour he
rejoices, the next he mourns! How varied the fortunes of war; to-day
the city is impenetrable, to-morrow it has fallen! Poor, proud Atlanta
reveled, rejoiced and wept the same day!

After the siege of Atlanta was abandoned it was not long until our
division, under General J. D. Morgan, arrived in the vicinity of
Jonesboro, about twenty-two miles south of Atlanta. At this place, on
the 1st of September, and at five o'clock P.M., our division was formed
for a charge: the 2nd brigade on the right, the 3rd brigade in the
centre, and the 1st brigade on the left, and advanced to the attack in
two lines of battle. The Eighty-sixth regiment in this battle held a
position in the second line. The enemy's works were handsomely carried,
capturing a greater part of rebel General Gowan's brigade, including
its commander, with two four-gun batteries. This brigade was among the
choice men of the rebel army, having fought with a desperation worthy a
better cause.

This charge came like a flash upon the enemy, who were not aware of our
coming until we pounced upon them like an avalanche, and though they
fought obstinately, they were completely conquered.

Our brigade was in the hottest of the fight, and among the first troops
to scale the works and capture them.

The loss of the Eighty-sixth Regiment in this battle was two killed and
sixteen wounded. The company loss was as follows:

KILLED.

Company F 1
Company I 1
--
Total 2

WOUNDED.

Company A 1
Company B 1
Company D 2
Company G 4
Company I