A few days ago I mentioned the McCook and Kilpatrick Raids near Atlanta and the involvment of Ross' Brigade. I have entered articles concerning these raids on the Whitfield / Ross Texas Cavalry Brigade page. General E. McCook's raid was a total failure, though he captured General Ross for a short time. He essentially re-supplied the brigade at a time when it was very ragged. Ross came away with horses, weponds and supplies and a pair of cannons that were needed. McCook lost 2000 plus men, many officers, including generals and several total units. At the time it occurred the Ross Brigade was beginning to be short of soldiers. Attrition had done its job. At times the brigade could only field 500 fighters.

The Kilpatrick raid did a little better, but failed to do its mission. Again Ross' Brigade was run over by a superior force that could have captured every man and horse, but did not. The brigade re-grouped, and was ready for renewed battle the same day. General Ross was latter assured by his superior, that had he been supported by the two Infantry Brigades, that were planned for his backup, Kilpatrick would not have got away nor over run Ross.

These stories along with others of the brigade are almost unbelievable. With far fewer troops and greater courage they were able to slow General Sherman's advance on Atlanta. Along with the total cavalry effort they almost stopped him. Only because of the unbelievable numbers of troops the Union had and were willing to loose, and the cavalry's inability to do one more "detour" caused the end result. The surrender of Atlanta by Hood, was and end in itself.

I did mis-spell General Kilpatrick's name, and createdeven more confusion concerning the raids. McCook, captured Ross, and then lost half of his men and most of his equipment. Kilpatrick did better, but lost both men and material and ran for his life. Had he known Ross' strength, he would have probably policed up the whole brigade and maybe a lot of Jackson's Cavalry Division which greatly under strength. An estimate of 4500 for this division was closer to 2000 or less.

In a day or so I will enter the tale of two privates, that are dear to me.