BA002018
Ezra Church, Ga
July 28, 1864
Event ID # BA002018
Federal Troops Engaged: 15th Army Corps.
Gen. J. C. Brown was ordered to attack Gen. John A. Logan and drive him beyond Ezra Church. An attempt was made on the Union forces just as they reached the top of the ridge upon which the church was situated and the line was carried at several places, but Brown was repulsed. After a little time the Confederate commander sent three brigades of Gen. Clayton's division against Logan, but with the same result. The Union troops had had time to throw up some rude defenses and the fire of the Confederates did not affect them as much as in the first assault.
After Brown and Clayton had failed Gen. Walthall was sent out by Gen. Hood, commanding the Confederate forces, to engage Logan. Sharp fighting continued from 2 o'clock until dark when Hood withdrew all his forces within the lines about Atlanta. This engagement at Ezra Church was the last fought outside the Confederate works during the campaign. The fight lasted from 11:30 a. m. until darkness fell. Logan reported his loss as 50 killed, 439 wounded and 73, missing. The Confederate loss was 600 killed. Logan's forces also captured 5 battleflags. 106 prisoners and 1,500 to 2,000 muskets.
Notice that Col. George Doherty Johnston had been commissioned a brigadier general arrived just three hours before a bullet fractured his leg bone. Supporting the wounded limb in his bridle rein, he continued in command of the brigade (Deas's) until exhausted. He was replaced by Col. Coltart wounded, replaced by Col. B. R. Hart of the 22nd Alabama Regiment wounded, replaced by Lieut. Col. H. T. Toulmin of the 22nd. The Alabama 19th's colors were captured after being planted on Union breastworks.