Allatoona, for instance, was defended by a small force of men under the command of General Corse, one of the very able and efficient volunteer officers produced by the war.

He, with a small force, was cut off from the remainder of the National army and was attacked with great vigor by many times his own number.

Sherman from his high position could see the battle raging, with the Confederate troops between him and his subordinate.

He sent men, of course, to raise the temporary siege, but the time that would be necessarily consumed in reaching Corse, would be so great that all occupying the intrenchments might be dead.

Corse was a man who would never surrender.