Walter Coffey's Blog, page 22

The Republicans Look to Unite

President Abraham Lincoln works to unite the differing factions within his Republican Party as the presidential race begins heating up. His efforts lead to the withdrawal of a rival candidate in exchange for the removal of key officials within his cabinet.Continue reading

McClellan Repudiates His Party’s Platform

Former General-in-Chief George B. McClellan officially accepts the presidential nomination by the Democratic Party. But he faces pressure to balance the demands of both the War and Peace Democrats, or else alienate one of the party’s two wings, which could cost him the election.Continue reading

The Atlanta Evacuation

William T. Sherman, commanding the Federal armies now occupying Atlanta, makes the controversial decision to force all residents out of their city. This “total war” policy, which includes targeting civilians, makes Sherman the most hated man in the South.Continue reading

The Fall of Atlanta: Aftermath

William T. Sherman’s three Federal armies regroup after capturing Atlanta, which allows John Bell Hood’s Confederate Army of Tennessee to escape to fight another day.Continue reading

The Death of John Hunt Morgan

A Federal private ends the life of one of the Confederacy’s most legendary raiders.Continue reading

The Fall of Atlanta

William T. Sherman receives official confirmation that his Federals have captured the vital industrial and railroad city of Atlanta. The loss of this key industrial city greatly demoralizes the South and emboldens the Republicans in the upcoming northern elections.Continue reading

The Battle of Jonesboro: Day Two

After the heavy fighting the previous day, just one Confederate corps is left to face six Federal corps at Jonesboro, south of Atlanta on the Macon & Western Railroad. This threatens to make the fall of Atlanta imminent.Continue reading

The Battle of Jonesboro

Federal and Confederate forces clash south of Atlanta as the Federals seek to cut the last Confederate supply line into the city.Continue reading

Atlanta: Federals Approach Jonesboro

William T. Sherman’s three Federal armies work their way to the west and south of Atlanta. The Confederates initially misinterpret this maneuver until they realize that Sherman is threatening the key town of Jonesboro on the Macon & Western Railroad.Continue reading

The 1864 Democratic National Convention

Delegates assemble at Chicago to nominate an opponent for President Abraham Lincoln in the upcoming election. But the party is split over how to deal with the Confederacy.Continue reading