Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. III.djvu/77

 ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT 51 moved upon Hagerstown and Frederick. There was great consternation in Washington, and Grant was harassed by many anxieties. On July 11, Early advanced against the fortifications on the north side of Washington; but Grant had sent the 6th corps there, which arrived opportunely, and the enemy did not attack. Sherman had outflanked Johnston at Kenesaw, crossed the Chattahoochee on July 17, driven the enemy into his works around Atlanta, and destroyed a portion of the railroad in his rear. In Burnside s front, before Petersburg, a large mine had been constructed beneath the enemy s works. Many of Lee s troops had been decoyed to the north side of the James by feints made upon the lines there. The mine was fired at daylight on the morning of July 30. A defective fuse caused a delay in the explosion, and when it occurred the assault ordered was badly executed by the officers in charge of it. Confusion arose, the place was re-enforced, and the National troops had to be withdrawn, after sustaining a heavy loss. Grant, in his anxiety to correct the errors of his subordinates, dismounted and made his way to the extreme front, giving directions in person, and ex posing himself to a most destructive fire. He went to Monocacy August 5, had Sheridan meet him there on the 6th, and placed him in command of all the forces concentrated in Maryland, with direc tions to operate against Early s command. On