Only two days after assuming command, General Hood attacked Sherman's army at Peachtree Creek. The stronger Federals pushed back the assaults with ease. Still not loosing hope, General Hood attacked again two days later. This battle, which lasted all afternoon, brought losses on both sides. Night, however, found Hood back inside the safety of Atlanta's trenches and the Federal forces.(18)

Soon after, Sherman followed Grant's advice and began to surround Atlanta, moving troops to the west and south. On July 28, realizing he was being surrounded, Hood attacked at Ezra Church. It was a costly battle for both sides, but only caused Sherman to squeeze Atlanta harder. The Confederates made another desperate attempt on August 31, just as their last railroad supply line was cut, at Jonesboro.(20) The loss of that battle cost them the city and on September 2, Sherman marched his men into Atlanta. Spirits in the Union perked up as soon as they heard Atlanta had been captured and then Lincoln was reelected president in November of 1864. The people of the Union were more anxious than ever to win the war.