Hood, JOHN BELL

Hood, JOHN BELL, an American general, was born at Owingsville, Kentucky, 1st June 1831, graduated at West Point in 1853, and saw some service against the Indians. He entered the Confederate army, commanded a brigade, and was severely wounded at Gaines's Mill, at Gettysburg, and at Chickamauga, where he lost a leg and was made lieutenant-general. He commanded a corps under General J. E. Johnston in the retreat to Atlanta, and in July 1864 succeeded him in command of the army. On September 1 he was compelled to evacuate the city, and leave the road free for Sherman's march to the sea. He yet made a bold attempt to cut Sherman's communications, and, though worsted at Franklin on November 30, pushed as far north as Nashville; but here he was again defeated by Thomas on December 16, and at his own request he was relieved of command. He died in New Orleans, 30th August 1879. His personal experiences were published posthumously as Advance and Retreat (1880).