sharp-shooters was constructed to-night in the open field, within plain sight of all parts of the enemy's line, and within good musket-range of it. December 14.-Heavy and persistent artillery firing kept up all day from the enemy's batteries. The majority of their guns were thirty-two pounders. One was a sixty-four-pounder, and there were a few light field-pieces. Received to-day the official orders announcing the capture of Fort McAllister, and our communication with the fleet. A small wagon-train from my command was sent for supplies. At ten A.M., one of the enemy's gunboats came up on the high-tide in Back River, the other side of Hutchinson's Island, fired several shots into Jones's camp, and withdrew. The practice was good, causing three or four casualties. December 15.-The usual artillery firing from the enemy. They expended an immense amount of ammunition in my front, averaging over three hundred shots per day. No reply was made, except by my sharp-shooters, who were very active and accurate in their fire, causing much greater losses to the enemy than were produced among my troops by their artillery fire. My troops were kept well concealed, and it was impossible for the enemy to make any correct estimate of my force. Received to-day New-York papers of the tenth, being our first Northern news since leaving Atlanta. December 16.-No change in position to-day. The usual sharp-shooting from our side and artillery firing from the enemy was kept up. It having been decided to place some heavy guns in position on my line, a working party of one hundred men from my Second brigade was employed throughout the night constructing a strong lunette near the left of Barnum's line. The work was under the superintendence of Captain Schilling, Topographical Engineer on my staff. I had now two regiments of Jones's brigade, the Seventy-third Pennsylvania and One Hundred and Thirty-fourth New-York volunteers, both under command of LieutenantColonel Jackson, encamped on Hutchinson's Island, and so intrenched as to hold the upper part of it against any force the enemy might bring. At high-tide, daily, the enemy's gunboats moved up in Back River, and shelled these regiments. The enemy's land batteries also turned their fire in that direction frequently. Very few casualties occurred. lunette for heavy guns, in the open field, in front of Pardee's left. This position being exposed to fire from all the batteries in my front, the work upon it had to be done quietly and at night. December 18.-The working detail on Fort No. 2 continued until nine A.M., at which time the heavy fog lifted. That on Fort No. 1 worked all day inside the parapets. All the roads within my lines and to the rear were corduroyed to-day. The usual artillery firing continued by the enemy during the day, and also throughout the night; their principal aim being to prevent our men from working on the forts, in which they did not succeed. To-night, a working detail from my First brigade began the construction of Fort No. 3, in the open field, to the right and in advance of No. 2. Details from the Third brigade continued working on the latter, while Fort No. 1 was being finished by details from the Second brigade. December 19.-A conference of the division and brigade commanders with the General commanding the corps was held at ten A.M. to-day, with view to the adoption of a plan for storming the enemy's works, as soon as the heavy guns should be in readiness to open fire. Fort No. 1 was finished this evening. The details from First and Third brigades continued work on the other forts during the night, under a heavy artillery fire from the enemy. Several casualties occurred, among them Major Wright, a most valuable officer, commanding the Twentyninth Ohio volunteers, who was severely wounded by a shell. Sloan's battery of three-inch rifled guns had already taken position in a work thrown up to the right of Fort No. 3, and in the open field. December 20.-The usual artillery firing and sharp-shooting to-day. By this evening we had constructed, and in readiness for use in the contemplated assault, two hundred large straw fascines, to fill up ditches in front of the enemy's works; also a large number of fascines made of bamboo-cane. The latter were to be used for bridging the canal by laying them across baulks, which were furnished from the pontoon-train for that purpose. The work on Forts 2 and 3 was well advanced to-day, and would probably be completed to-night. Three siege-guns (thirtypounder Parrotts) were brought down this evening, and mounted in Fort No. 1. I ascertained this morning that the enemy had completed a pontoon-bridge from Savannah across to the South-Carolina shore, and notified the General commanding corps of the discovery. This bridge was about two and a half miles from my left. The usual artillery firing was kept up by the enemy during the day and night. During the night I heard the movement of troops and wagons across the pontoon-bridge before mentioned, and sent a report of the fact to the General com December 17.-The work on Fort No. 1 (that in the left of Barnum's line) progressed so far last night that my details were working inside of it to-day, being protected by the heavy parapet. This work was but two hundred and fifty yards distant from the advanced fort on the enemy's right, and could be plainly seen by them. They expended both artillery and musketry fire on it all day, but without effect. At eleven A.M., a manding corps. Leaving one of my staff to large mail arrived for us, and caused universal rejoicing, being our first during nearly six weeks. To-night, working details from my First brigade commenced constructing Fort No. 2, to be a large watch the sounds in that direction, I notified my officer of the day and brigade commanders to keep a vigilant watch upon the enemy, as they were probably evacuating. The details on Forts 2 and 3 continued working through the night, the enemy shelling them heavily. December 21.-After three o'clock this morning the firing ceased, and my pickets advancing to the enemy's line, found them hastily retreating. Having possession of their line of works, with all their cannon in front of my own and the other division of the corps, I immediately sent a staffofficer to notify the General commanding, and at the same time pushed forward rapidly in the direction of Savannah, hoping to overtake and capture a part of the enemy's force. My skirmishers deployed and swept over all the ground between the evacuated works and the Ogeechee Canal, from the river to the Augusta road, while my main body of troops marched rapidly by the flank through McAlpin's plantation to the Augusta road and on into the city. Just outside of the city limits, near the junction of the Louisville and Augusta roads, I met the Mayor of Savannah and a delegation from the Board of Aldermnen, bearing a flag of truce. From them I received, in the name of my Commanding General, the surrender of the city. This was at half-past four A.M., and I sent immediately another staffofficer to announce the surrender to the General commanding the corps. He had considerable difficulty in passing the line of another division of this corps, on the Augusta road, but finally convinced them that he belonged to the Twentieth corps and not to the enemy. In the mean time, my entire division entered the city of Savannah at early dawn, and before the sun first gilded the morning clouds our national colors, side by side with those of my own division, were unfurled from the dome of the Exchange and over the United States Custom-House. Barnum's brigade, which led in entering the city, was at once ordered to patrol it, reduce it to order and quiet, and prevent any pillaging or lawlessness on the part either of soldiers or citizens. My orders on the subject were very strict, and within a few hours this city-in which I had found a lawless mob of low whites and negroes, pillaging and setting fire to property was reduced to order. Many millions of dollars' worth of cotton, ordnance, and commissary stores, etc., which would otherwise have been destroyed, were saved to the United States Government, and the citizens once more enjoyed security under the protection of that flag which again waved over them, exactly four years since the passage by the State of South-Carolina of the secession act. Two regiments from Pardee's brigade, the Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania and Twenty-ninth Ohio veteran volunteers, were sent down to Fort Jackson, and early in the morning had possession of it and all the intermediate and surrounding works. The iron-plated ram Savannah, which lay in the river below the city, threw a few shells at these two regiments as they flung the Stars and Stripes to the breeze from the walls of Fort Jackson. All the other gunboats of the enemy had been fired by them, and burned to the water's edge. On the arrival of the MajorGeneral commanding the left wing, I was, by his Sabre-Belts, Leg-Guards,. Rife-Boots, Shoulder-Belts, Port Fires, In enemy's front line. In City of Savan nah. | In Forts below the City, including Fort Jackson. Total. 81 8 1 13 18 230 280 25,000 25,000 4,000 4,000 2,000 2,000 Glass, (boxes.). Zinc, (case,)... Total. 123 1,000 16 842 500 128 342 In concluding this report, I must express my high appreciation of the officers and men whom I have so long commanded, and whose conduct and general discipline on this campaign were worthy of their past well-earned reputation. I desire to return my thanks to the gentlemen composing my staff, departmental and personal. Some deserve special mention for their efficiency 1,000 and uniform attention to duty. To Captain W. 16 T. Forbes, Assistant Adjutant-General, I am 500 especially indebted for the faithful performance of every duty devolving upon him. I must also 1,200 commend Captain Eugene Schilling, my Topo2,060 graphical Engineer, for his general industry and 50 ability, and especially for his energy and faithful15 ness while laying out and superintending the erection of forts under the enemy's guns, during 1 the siege of Savannah. No. & names unknown. 1,500 1,200 2,060 1 50 15 10 1 140 580 700 Large quanti ty. I submit the following estimate of property and supplies appropriated or destroyed by my command during the march from Atlanta to Savannah : Horses taken for use, 84; mules taken for use, 267; corn taken for use, pounds, 299,421; corn fodder taken for use, pounds, 262,000; rice fodder taken for use, pounds, 88,000; beef cattle, head, 700; bacon, pounds, 3700; sugar, pounds, 1000; molasses, gallons, 1000; potatoes, bushels, 2000; meal, sacks, 250; salt, barrels, 10; cotton bales destroyed, 2700; cotton-gins and mills destroyed, 50; flour-mills destroyed, 11; saw-mills destroyed, 14; factories destroyed, 3. The amounts of articles of forage and subsistence given above, are those given in the returns of my quartermaster and commissary. In addition to these amounts, there was doubtless as much more of all such articles taken by the division for use of the men and animals, who subsisted bounteously on the country passed through. Railroads destroyed: on East-Point Railroad, 7 miles; between Atlanta and Chattahoochee, 2 miles; between Social Circle and Madison, 1 mile; between Madison and Oconee, 5 miles; between Milledgeville and Gordon, 2 miles; be tween Tennille and Davisboro, 9 miles; total, 261 Brigadier-General Commanding. COLONEL PARDUCK'S REPORT. HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, SECOND DIVISION, SAVANNAH, GA., December 25, 1864. Captain W. T. Forbes, Assistant Adjutant-Gen eral: CAPTAIN: In compliance with Circular Order, No. 144, I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this brigade, from the capture of Atlanta, September second, 1864, to the occupation of Savannah, Georgia, December twenty-first, 1864: During the occupation of Atlanta, the brigade was camped near the intersection of the Sandtown with the White-Hall road, and occupied the fortified position of the enemy, constructed to command these roads. The usual camp and picket duties were performed, and in addition to this, details from the command were on duty in the construction of the chain of fortifications which encircled the city. On the twenty-fifth day of October, Colonel John Flynn being temporarily in command, the brigade formed part of a foraging expedition under command of Colonel Dustin, Third division, Twentieth corps, and proceeded to Latimer's farın, returning to its camp October twenty-fourth, 1864. This was the only change of duty of any material importance which occurred until NoRailroad bridges across the Oconce and Ocmul-vember ninth, 1864, when Colonel Young, with gee, besides a large number of small bridges, trestles, water-tanks, etc., also large quantities of new ties, railroad timbers, cord-wood, etc. his command of about one thousand (1000) cavalry and a section of artillery, drove in the pickets of the brigade, and sought to enter the works. The attack was easily repulsed, and without a casualty in the brigade. The enemy left two (2) men killed and two (2) men wounded, on the field. From a prisoner captured, it was learned that from fifteen to twenty men had been carried away wounded. November 13th.-Acting under the orders of the General commanding division, the brigade was engaged part of this day in destroying the railroad, from the water-tank to a point two and one quarter (24) miles therefrom, in the direction of the Chattahoochee River, by burning the ties and bending and twisting the rails, and of which a special report was made the day following. For some days previous to November fifteenth, 1864, active preparations were made for the campaign which commenced that day. Tuesday, November 15th, at seven A.M., the camp of the brigade was vacated, and the command marched to near Stone Mountain, Georgia, and bivouacked for the night. The road taken was that leading through Decatur. Distance marched, thirteen (13) miles. November 25th.-We crossed Gum Creek at seven A.M., and passed through Hebron, taking the road to Sandersville. On reaching Buffalo Creek Swamp, the bridges were found to be destroyed. The construction of these detained the column until five P.M., when it went into camp on the east side of the creek. November 26th.-The brigade moved at daylight, and marched to Sandersville, and from there to Tennille, a station on the Central Railroad. Near this place we commenced tearing up the track and destroying it, by burning the ties, and bending, breaking, and twisting the rails. Distance marched, fifteen (15) miles. Early on the morning of November sixteenth, the march was resumed. The position of the brigade was the third in line, the division being in the advance, and, having the trains of the divi- November 27th.-This day the brigade, in comsion and the supply and headquarter teams of the pany with the balance of the division, was engagcorps and wing in charge, was distributed among ed in destroying the railroad; two trestle bridgthe wagons-each regiment having a certain num-es, each about seventy-five (75) feet long, were ber to guard, and assist in the passage of obstacles. Yellow River was crossed at Rock Bridge from this place. The road leading through Sheffield was taken, near which place we encamped for the night. Distance marched, twelve (12) miles. November 17th.-This day we marched through Sheffield and camped near Social Circle, a distance of about eighteen (18) miles. November 18th.-Marched at five A.M., the brigade being in advance, and passed through Social Circle and Rutledge. At the last-named place, the Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania volunteers, Colonel John Flynn, was temporarily detached from the column, to destroy the dépôt and warehouses belonging to the railroad company, as well as to tear up the track and bend the rails near those buildings-all of which was effectually accomplished. This night we camped near Madison, having marched about eighteen (18) miles. November 19th.-The command moved at five A.M. burned, and the ties and rails for one and a half miles effectually destroyed. The camp for the night was at Davisboro. November 28th.-This day was spent in destroying the railroad between Davisboro and Tennille. Two and one half (24) miles of track and five hundred (500) feet of trestle-work were burned. November 29th.-Marched from Davisboro to Spiers Station, and from thence parallel with the railroad to near New-Bethel, making in all a disdance of twenty-one (21) miles. November 30th.-Marched to near Louisville, ten (10) miles. December 1st.-Marched at seven A.M., taking the direct road to Millen, and camped for the night at Bark Camp Creek. Distance marched, fourteen (14) miles. December 2d.-The march was resumed at daylight, and was uninterrupted until Buckhead Creek was reached. The bridge over this place was partially destroyed, and a few of the enemy's cavalry were on the opposite side of the swamp. Major Wright, commanding the Twenty-ninth Ohio volunteers, was ordered to cross the creek with his regiment, and drive and keep away this force, which was accomplished without loss. The command camped for the night near Buckhead Church. Distance marched, eight (8) miles. All the trains were left behind, with a sufficient guard of men, unable to make a rapid march, to proceed with the remainder of the corps. We marched to Blue Spring, near the railroad bridge over the Oconee River, at which point a considerable distance of the railroad was destroyed, by burning the ties and bending and twisting the rails. Distance marched, fifteen (15) miles. November 20th.-From Blue Spring, we moved December 3d.-The troops of the brigade were in a direction parallel to the Oconee River to to-day in rear of the wagon-trains of the division, Parks Ferry, and from thence to Philadelphia in which were included the trains of General KilChurch. November twentieth and November patrick's cavalry command, and did not march twenty-first, to near Dennis Station, at which from the camp of the preceding night until one point we struck the railroad leading from Mil- P.M. The roads were in a horrible condition, ledgeville to Eatonton. From this point we passing as they did through numerous swamps, marched (November twenty-second) along the and across many unbridged streams. The prograilroad to Little River, and from there to Mil-ress of the trains was exceedingly slow in conledgeville, through which we passed, and went sequence. The brigade reached the camp of the into camp on the east side of the river, (Oconce.) division three and a half (34) miles from Horse November 23d.-The brigade remained in camp Creek, at half-past six A.M., December fourth. this day. Distance marched, fourteen (14) miles. November 24th.-The command moved at seven A.M., in a south-easterly direction, on the road leading to Hebron, and went into camp near Gum Creek for the night. Distance marched, fourteen (14) miles. December 4th.-Marched at nine A.M. During the day, Horse Creek and Crooked Creek were crossed. Distance marched, ten (10) miles. December 5th.-The distance marched this day was fifteen (15) miles. The road, as had been the case for several days past, was over plains of a sandy soil, well-timbered, (pine,) and crossed numerous small streams and marshes. The Little Ogeechee River was crossed this day. December 6th.--Nothing of any special importance transpired to-day. December 7th.-Owing to the exceeding bad condition of the roads, the troops of the brigade were distributed along the train, and rendered material assistance in pushing them along. The camp for the night was near Springfield, and the distance marched, about twelve (12) miles. December 8th.-The command moved at daylight, crossing Jack's Creek, and passing through Springfield, in the direction of Monteith. December 9th and 10th.--These two days were occupied in marching to a point on the Augusta road, five miles from Savannah, Georgia. December 11th. - At nine A.M., the brigade marched to the bank of Savannah River, opposite Huchinson's Island, and went into position in rear of Third (3d) brigade, Second division, there skirmishing slightly with the enemy. In this position it remained until three P.M., when, in compliance with orders from the General commanding division, it was placed in position on the right of the Third brigade, and relieved the troops of the Second brigade, Second division, Twentieth corps. At one A.M., December twelfth, in obedience to orders, the brigade was placed under arms, and afterward formed in line in rear of the Third brigade, to await the movement. The orders from the General commanding division, were for me to occupy the position of the Third brigade, when it moved out, it being understood that these troops were to assault the works of the enemy at half-past two A. M., and then report to him for further instructions. At half-past four A. M., I received, through Captain Lambert, orders from the General commanding division, to withdraw my command, and march it to its original position, the assault having been postponed. second in line in the advance into the city. Soon after reaching the city, the Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania and Twenty-ninth Ohio volunteers, under the command of Colonel John Flynn, Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania volunteers, were, by order of the General commanding division, through Captain Veale, Aid-de-Camp, despatched to occupy Fort Jackson, and the smaller forts and batteries near it. The possession of the fort and other works was gained without resistance. The Fifth Ohio volunteers, Lieutanant-Colonel Kirkup, commanding, was placed in charge of the arsenal, on President street. With the remainder of the command, I took possession of the United States barracks. Attached to this report, please find inventories of ordnance and ordnance stores found at each of those places. I have the honor to call your attention, also, to the statements of the Brigade Quartermaster and Brigade Commissary, and would respectfully state that the forage and subsistence taken by the troops at halts and camps do not enter into these estimates. The supply trains are in much better condition than they were on leaving Atlanta, notwithstanding the long and tedious march, over roads which at times seemed almost impassable. The rations, owing to judgment exercised by Lieutenant Samuel D. Conner in their issues, lasted until the night of the fifteenth instant. He is deserving of especial credit for the systematic manner in which he secured supplies, and for their equitable distribution to the troops of the command. The Pioneer corps, under command of Captain Hedges, rendered valuable service in the construction of bridges, and the repair of roads, and especial thanks are due them for the part taken in the construction of the forts to which allusion has been made. Ohio volunteers, who was seriously wounded while supervising the working parties on the forts, for the promptitude exhibited by him in the execution of all orders, and his strict attention to the duties incumbent on him throughout the entire campaign. To the regimental commanders, I tender my thanks, for the strict obedience to orders, and the enforcement of the regulations prescribed in December 12th to December 20th, inclusive.- regard to the conduct of the march, and especially The command remained in the position previous-are they due to Major M. T. Wright, Twenty-ninth ly mentioned. A substantial line of works was thrown up for the protection of the command from the artillery of the enemy, and, in addition to this, two forts, with thirteen embrasures in the aggregate, were constructed by the command. The working parties on Fort No. 2 were under the command of Captain Kreicler, One Hundred To Lieutenant A. H. W. Creigh, Acting Assistand Forty-seventh Pennsylvania volunteers, and ant Adjutant-General; to Captain John W. Watthose on Fort No. 3, under command of Captain kins, Acting Assistant Inspector-General; to SurE. B. Woodbury, Twenty-ninth Ohio volunteers.geon William R. Longshore, Chief Surgeon of Both these officers and the men under their command are deserving of praise for the energy and perseverance manifested in the prosecution of the duty assigned them. December 21st.-The enemy having evacuated their position the night previous, their works were occupied at an early hour by the skirmishers of the division, and by suurise the city of Savannah was entered and occupied, this brigade being the brigade; and to Lieutenant C. W. Kellogg, Acting Aid-de-Camp, my especial thanks are due, for their devotion to duty, and for the creditable manner in which their several departments were conducted. Accompanying this, please find the reports of the regimental commanders, to which your attention is respectfully called, as well as to the list of casualties which is hereunto annexed: |