The American Civil War - This Mighty Scourge of War

266 The American Civil War

upstream. As Federals worked their way over
the river, Johnston had to abandon yet
another powerful defensive position. He
retreated to the south side of Peachtree
Creek, only 3-miles (5km) from the heart
of Atlanta.

As Johnston fell back closer to Atlanta,

people began to lose faith in their highly

touted commander. Soldiers grumbled; some

cast aside their weapons and went home; still

others turned themselves in to the Yankees.

How far Johnston would retreat, no one

knew, but soldiers and civilians alike grew

more and more concerned.

Battles around Atlanta