No. 39. report of Lieut. Col. George W. Smith , Eighty-eighth Illinois Infantry.

Hdqrs. Eighty-Eighth Illinois Infantry Vols., tlanta, September 10, 1864 .

Lieutenant: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the regiment which I have the honor to command in the campaign which has resulted in the capture from the enemy and occupation of Atlanta:

On the 3d day of May, 1864, the regiment marched from Cleveland, Tenn., its effective strength being 18 officers and 261 men. Subsequently it assisted in the occupation of Rocky Face Ridge after the capture of that place by the Third Brigade, Second Division, Fourth Army Corps. May 14 and 15 , it was engaged with the enemy at Resaca. May 17 , skirmished from Calhoun, Ga., to Pleasant Hill; engaged at Pleasant Hill from 4 p. m. to 6 p. m. May 25 , took position at New Hope Church, on left of Twentieth Army Corps; engaged constantly in skirmishing for eleven days. June 6 and 7 , covered removal of hospital, Third Division, Fourth Army Corps. 18th, supported skirmish line at Mud Creek. 19th, skirmished on Noonday Creek, in front of Kenesaw Mountain, taking 12 prisoners. 27th, formed part of column of attack on enemy's works. July 9 , marched to Roswell and forded Chattahoochee River. 11th, recrossed river and returned to Rottenwood Creek. 13th, crossed river at Powers' Ferry. 20th, skirmished with the enemy, driving him and capturing three lines of skirmish pits, gained position; was attacked by enemy in afternoon, and repulsed him. July 22 , moved to position in front of Atlanta and built works. August 1 , moved to left of line, relieving Twenty-third Army Corps. 25th, marched to west of Atlantic and Western Railroad. 30th, skirmished with enemy, driving him. September 1 , marched to Jonesborough; in second line, moved upon the enemy, forcing him back. 8th, returned to Atlanta. The above summary indicates the marked points of a campaign of incessant marching, building works, and fighting.

The records of the regiment exhibit the loss of several officers and many men, chief among them the accomplished, zealous, and brave Lieut. Col. George W. Chandler , killed in the charge of the 27th of June , than whom no purer or more gallant spirit has fallen as a sacrifice for the honor of the Government. First Lieut. Noah W. Rae , who died June 2, 1864 , from wounds received May 17 , was an excellent and brave officer.

I deem worthy of special mention for meritorious conduct during the campaign the following officers: Capt. John W. Chickering, jr. , Company F; Capt. Dean R. Chester , Company G; First Lieut. James Rhines , Company E; First Lieut. Albion G. Burnap , Company A.

Accompanying this is a list of casualties Nominal list (omitted) shows 1 officer and 25 men killed, 4 officers and 81 men wounded, and 1 officer and 3 men missing; total, 115. of the regiment during the campaign.

I remain, respectfully, your obedient servant,

Geo. W. Smith, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Lieut. N. P. Jackson , Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.