OnMay 27, 1864, Union forces under the command of William Tecumseh Shermanattacked Confederate general Joseph E. Johnston and his men at Pickett’s Millin Paulding County, Georgia. Following his defeat at New Hope Church, Shermanordered Major General Oliver Howard to attack Johnston’s flank, which Shermanbelieved to be exposed. But the Confederate soldiers were ready, and Sherman’ssupporting troops never arrived. What ensued was a battle that cost 2,100 livesand a defeat that Sherman left completely out of his memoirs. Author Brad Butkovichbrings to life through personal letters, newspaper accounts and unit historiesthe battle that Union soldier and author Ambrose Bierce called “the Dead-Line."