Chapter 18 Summary

The Union army is now only 20 miles outside of Atlanta and for the first time, the citizens can hear the sounds of battle. All of the men are being called upon to fight, whether they are young or old. People are nervous and panic ridden. As the men of the militia march through the town, Scarlett sees John Wilkes, who has resigned himself to die for the cause. Scarlett panics that Gerald is going off to war, but he cannot walk far enough with his bad knee, so he is remaining at Tara.

Though many believe that Johnston and Hood can hold the line at Peachtree Creek forever, when shells begin falling in the streets for the first time, the people begin leaving town. Aunt Pitty leaves for Macon, but Scarlett must keep her promise to Ashley and stay with Melanie, who is...