CHAPTER XIX.
CAPTURE OF ATLANTA.
AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER, 1864 The month of August opened hot and sultry, but our position before Atlanta was healthy, with ample supply of wood, water, and provisions.

The troops had become habituated to the slow and steady progress of the siege; the skirmish-lines were held close up to the enemy, were covered by rifle-trenches or logs, and kept up a continuous clatter of musketry.

The mainlines were held farther back, adapted to the shape of the ground, with muskets loaded and stacked for instant use.

The field-batteries were in select positions, covered by handsome parapets, and occasional shots from them gave life and animation to the scene.

The men loitered about the trenches carelessly, or busied themselves in constructing ingenious huts out of the abundant timber, and seemed as snug, comfortable, and happy, as though they were at home.