The next day, we were moved to the right, the Seventh being on the extreme right during the fierce fight of the 28th,—the rebels making seven different bayonet charges, and were repulsed each time, by Gen. Howard’s command.
When the grand flank movement commenced on the right, which ultimately gave us possession of Atlanta, Col. Garrard’s brigade bore a conspicuous part, for there was scarcely a position gained that was not first gained by Col. Garrard’s cavalry, and in many instances we fought the enemy in front, until the infantry came up and intrenched themselves in our rear.
This being done, they would send a brigade to relieve us, and we would be placed further out on the flank.
On the first of September, near Rough and Ready Station, which is south of Atlanta, on the road leading to Macon, Capt. Rankin commanding a battalion of the Seventh, was the first to find the works evacuated at this point.
On reporting the same to Gen. Thomas, he was ordered to return and go through the works and gain a high ridge road, about a mile and a half beyond the intrenchments, and on gaining the road, to take the end leading toward Atlanta and go as far as he deemed practicable.
On returning to the works, he found it occupied by Gen. Cooper’s division of infantry, with a line of skirmishers in front skirmishing with the enemy.
Upon reaching this line, the Captain dismounted his battalion, leaving number four to hold horses, deployed as skirmishers and moved them directly through the infantry lines, through woods to fields and fields to woods until they gained the road above mentioned.
This being done, the horses were ordered to be brought forward. The infantry also came forward and moved along the road leading to the Station, which was less than one mile off.
Upon the arrival of the horses, the battalion mounted and moved toward Atlanta.
After proceeding a mile and a half they received a volley from the enemy, secreted in the woods, whereupon a fight took place which lasted till dark, resulting in our driving the enemy about a mile and a half further, after which the Captain returned to his picket post which he had occupied the night previous, at the crossings of the Atlanta, Jonesboro, Shoal creek and McDonald roads.