Background

In May, 1864, the inexorable advance of Sherman's Union Army, on the Confederate industrial hub of Atlanta, was temporarily brought to a halt at New Hope Church, Georgia. As the rest of his army arrived, Sherman fanned out around the Rebel position, seeking its flanks. By May 27th, he felt secure enough to direct an assault on what he suspected was the flank of the Confederate line. Major General Oliver O. Howard was to lead two divisions, supplemented by an additional brigade, in an effort to roll up the Confederate right flank.

Federal preparations did not go unnoticed by the ever watchful Confederates and therefore, they too, extended their lines. By the morning of the attack, the veteran division of Major General Patrick Cleburne stood waiting, protected by newly-built entrenchments and deep, almost impenetrable, undergrowth.

Howard's intention had been to overwhelm the Rebel defense by sheer weight of numbers, using Wood's Division in column of brigades as his spearhead. Unfortunately for the Federals, disagreement over the exact meaning of orders resulted in only one of Wood's units marching forward to the attack. At 4:00 pm, the brigade of Brigadier William B. Hazen scrambled through dense jungle and climbed over sheer ravines in a valiant effort to "get to grips" with the enemy.

At left, Maj. Gen. Oliver O. Howard

Despite initial success, it was two hours of confused fighting later before Hazen was reinforced. By that time, an agile Confederate defense had insured a Union defeat. By 7:00 pm, the Union commanders knew the day was over. A third brigade, however, was ordered to advance and cover the withdrawal of the survivors of the first wave. Sadly, this only resulted in further casualties, as the newcomers were pinned down by heavy musketry and artillery. A Confederate counterattack by Granbury's brigade around 10:00 pm, finally caused the Yankees to make for the rear.

Federal losses amounted to 256 killed, 1,433 wounded, and 202 missing; the Rebels lost 85 killed and 363 wounded.

The Battle of Picket's Mill Scenario and Order of Battle
The Battle of Pickett's Mill Map (big file)