Information below was taken from the National Park Service
Civil War Soldiers & Sailors System Web Site
Regimental History
2nd
Regiment, Mississippi Cavalry
Battles
New
Hope Church
Other Names:
None
Location:
Paulding County, Georgia
Campaign:
Atlanta Campaign (1864)
Date(s):
May 25-26, 1864
Principal Commanders:
Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman and Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker [US]; Gen. Joseph E.
Johnston [CS]
Forces Engaged:
Military Division of the Mississippi [US]; Army of Tennessee [CS]
Estimated Casualties:
Total unknown (US 1,600; CS unknown)
Description:
After Johnston retreated to Allatoona Pass on May 19-20, Sherman decided that he
would most likely pay dearly for attacking Johnston there, so he determined to
move around Johnston’s left flank and steal a march toward Dallas. Johnston
anticipated Sherman’s move and met the Union forces at New Hope Church.
Sherman mistakenly surmised that Johnston had a token force and ordered Maj.
Gen. Joseph Hooker’s corps to attack. This corps was severely mauled. On the
26th, both sides en-trenched, and skirmishing continued throughout the day.
Actions the next day in this area are discussed under Pickett’s Mills.
Result(s):
Confederate victory
CWSAC Reference #:
GA010
Pickett’s
Mill
Other Names:
New Hope, New Hope Church
Location:
Paulding County, Georgia
Campaign:
Atlanta Campaign (1864)
Date(s):
May 27, 1864
Principal Commanders:
Maj. Gen. Oliver Otis Howard [US]; Maj. Gen. Patrick R. Cleburne [CS]
Forces Engaged:
IV Corps [US]; Cleburne’s Division and Brig. Gen. John H. Kelly’s Brigade
[CS]
Estimated Casualties:
2,100 total (US 1,600; CS 500)
Description:
After the Union defeat at New Hope Church, Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman ordered
Maj. Gen. O.O. Howard to attack Gen. Joseph E. Johnston’ s seemingly exposed
right flank. The Confederates were ready for the attack, which did not unfold as
planned because supporting troops never appeared. The Rebels repulsed the attack
causing high casualties.
Result(s):
Confederate victory
CWSAC Reference #:
GA012
Selma
Other Names: None
Location: Dallas County
Campaign: Wilson’s Raid in Alabama and Georgia (1865)
Date(s): April 2, 1865
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. James H. Wilson [US]; Lt. Gen. Nathan B. Forrest [CS]
Forces Engaged: Two cavalry divisions [US]; troops in city (approx. 5,000 men) [CS]
Estimated Casualties: 3,019 total (US 319; CS 2,700)
Description: Maj. Gen. James H. Wilson, commanding three divisions of Union cavalry, about 13,500 men, led his men south from Gravelly Springs, Alabama, on March 22, 1865. Opposed by Confederate Lt. Gen. Nathan B. Forrest, Wilson skillfully continued his march and eventually defeated him in a running battle at Ebenezer Church, on April 1. Continuing towards Selma, Wilson split his command into three columns. Although Selma was well-defended, the Union columns broke through the defenses at separate points forcing the Confederates to surrender the city, although many of the officers and men, including Forrest and Lt. Gen. Richard Taylor, escaped. Selma demonstrated that even Forrest, whom some had considered invincible, could not stop the unrelenting Union movements deep into the Southern Heartland.
Result(s): Union victory
CWSAC Reference #: AL007
Preservation Priority: IV.2 (Class B)
