General French, CSA

As Southern forces concentrated near Bolton to repulse the on-coming Union Army in 1864, General Samuel G French recalls the ill timing of intrusion;

Autobiography of CSA General French, by Samuel Gibbs French 1901

From the Southern perspective in early July, General French of the CSA took his retreating back across the Chattahoochee with some irritation as Sherman encroached. On the 5th, “we were on the retreat, and it was well executed by the troops and we came into Vining Station ahead of the other divisions"

Note: interestingly, it appears historic reference to "Vining's Station" by both Union on Confederate records, were randomly inclusive of both "Vinings" and the Bolton rail bridge area - to which circumstantial comment often has to be scrutinized.

Then closer to the railroad bridge near the heavily fortified Shoup line, where on a quiet 6th, he recounts “Yesterday the impolite followers of Sherman came near spoiling our dinner as we sat on the ground eating, by sending a twenty pound Parrott (artillery shell) near enough to throw sand about and over it.”

Three days later on the 9th, the CSA dropped back from their line across the railroad bridge as result of Union breaching of the river further north, where French moved around near Paces Ferry on the east bank: "9th About 9 A.M. the enemy attacked the line of skirmishers in front of Sears Brigade with force and drove them from their pits. Col. Barry advanced the 36th Miss Regiment and forced them back, captured their line...

This P.M. rec’d orders to withdraw my command across the river by the railroad bridge. After all were crossed both the railroad and dirt bridges were burned. We moved on towards Pace’s Ferry, and bivouacked by the wayside."


French still camped up near Paces Ferry remarked on the 17th, as Union movements across the river transpired, states in his memoirs: “Sunday 17th The enemy commenced a more rapid and continued fire from their batteries near the railroad bridge, where I have pickets. This as usual, presages some movement. And here it is: “Hold your command for a movement.” It doe seem strange that we cannot have one quiet Sabbath. Sherman has no regard for the Fourth Commandment.”