The Atlanta Journal Constitution Presents
The Atlanta Constitution
August 21, 1864
VOL. 5 - No. 21 (235)
"Front Page" 

This Week in Atlanta: Shellfire and Blazes.
Atlanta's steady diet is shelling, fire and dwindling food stocks.  Yet, there is less looting than before (stragglers being returned to their commands).  Remaining residents remain hopeful that Gen. J. B. hood, from his White Hall St. headquarters, can yet outfox Gen. W. T. Sherman.  Day by day, here were the key incidents in Atlanta this week:

Sunday (last):  Destruction of Kyle & Co.;s and other buildings on the square, the home of Dr. Biggers on Marietta St., as well as Dr. J. F. Alexander's brick house adjoining and other...Most of the time five different batteries were active.  Yet, services were held in Trinity Church, the congregation composed largely of officers, young ladies and older citizens, with a sprinkling of soldiers.

MONDAY:  Skirmishing fire crackled constantly...Shells continued to fall, many residents remaining in their "gopher holes" throughout the day... Rain settled the city's dust and stench at night...Federal cavalry reconnoitered around Cobb's Mills, returning through Decatur.

TUESDAY:  The Atlanta Intelligencer, publishing at Macon, reported that Gens. W. T. Sherman and G. H. Thomas "dispatched to the king Ape (Lincoln) of the Washington menagerie that Atlanta had fallen!...There is exceptional activity around the railroad as Capt. W. A. Fuller keeps rolling stock and other equipment moving south for safekeeping.

WEDNESDAY:  Lt. L. B. McFarland, adjutant of the Atlanta Post Headquarters, published an order forbidding the sale of all "intoxicating liquors" in Atlanta, with confiscation and arrest set as penalties for violations...Shelling was constant during the night.

THURSDAY:  Heavy cannonading .... Sherman ordered Thomas: "Keep the big guns going and damage Atlanta all that is possible"... There was some skirmishing on the Confederate left... From Macon, Dr. W. P. Harden, surgeon-in-charge of the Empire Hospital established at nearby Vineville, sent out a plea for rags, especially for the gangrene ward.  

FRIDAY:  There is still ample swapping of items between troops-generally with Confederate whiskey going for federal coffee.

YESTERDAY:  Generally quiet, as summed up by one soldier: "The sound of small arms to me has become monotonous."