We dreaded another Chickamauga.
The blow fell on the 22d of July.

It was well planned.

The Army of the Tennessee, the left of Sherman's forces, was the part struck.

On the night of the 21st Hood marched a heavy force around its left flank and gained its rear.

On the 22d this force fell on the rear with the impetuous violence of a cyclone, while the Rebels in the works immediately around Atlanta attacked furiously in front.
It was an ordeal that no other army ever passed through successfully.
The steadiest troops in Europe would think it foolhardiness to attempt to withstand an assault in force in front and rear at the same time.
The finest legions that follow any flag to-day must almost inevitably succumb to such a mode of attack.