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Reserve Camp of the Rebs at Buzzard Roost, Rocky Face Ridge, Georgia

May 7-13, 1864

Graphite and touches of white chalk on brown paper

Overall: 8 x 13 1/2 in. ( 20.3 x 34.3 cm )

James B. Wilbur Fund

1945.580.60

DescriptionCivil War Drawings Collection. CSA General Joseph E. Johnston had entrenched his army on the long, high mountain of Rocky Face Ridge and eastward across Crow Valley.

As Major General William T. Sherman approached, he decided to demonstrate against the position with two columns. The two columns engaged the enemy at Buzzard Roost (Mill Creek Gap) and at Dug Gap. In the meantime, a third column, under Major General James Birdseye McPherson, passed through Snake Creek Gap and on the 9th advanced to the outskirts of Resaca where it found Confederates entrenched. Fearing defeat, McPherson pulled his column back to Snake Creek Gap. The next morning, Sherman' s army withdrew from in front of Rocky Face Ridge. Discovering Sherman's movement, Johnston retired south towards Resaca on the 12th.

Result(s): Union victory (Union casualties were high, but they did force the Confederates off Rocky Face Ridge.)

InscribedInscribed at upper right in graphite: "(1) Reserve camp of the Rebs"; verso inscribed and signed at upper center: "Rebell camps & c on Buzard Roost Mts / North East view of North pass of Hovey Cap Georgia / by J. F. E. Hillen / May 29th 1864"

ClassificationsDRAWINGS