tween the city and the South Carolina shore intervenes Hutchinson's Island, several miles in length, the upper end of which had been seized by Gen. Slocum as the Federal left wing approached the city. But the lower end, divided from the upper by a canal, was fortified and still held by the enemy; and somewhat below the island, on the South Carolina side, commences Union Causeway, traversing the extensive swamps intervening between Savannah and Charleston, and offering a practicable line of retreat to Gen. Hardee. To approach the city from the north, along the Carolina shore, through the wide stretch of swamps and ricefields, artificially and skilfully flooded, seemed almost an impossibility, and the enemy relied confidently upon a protracted and perhaps successful resistance. On the 16th Gen. Sherman sent a formal demand for the surrender of Savannah, closing his despatch with Hood's words to the colored troops at Dalton. To this General Hardee replied that as his communications were still open and his men supplied with subsistence, he was able to withstand a long siege, and was determined to hold the city until his forces were overpowered.

Gen. Sherman now rapidly pushed forward his work, and by means of a substantial corduroy road traversing the swamps and rice-fields between Kingsbridge and the city, brought up heavy siege guns which by the 20th were put in position. Perceiving this, and also that preparations were making to close up the Federal lines on the left, Gen. Hardee seems to have become suddenly aware of the danger that menaced the city, and alive to the necessity of securing his own retreat while Union Causeway afforded an avenue of escape. On the afternoon of the 20th his troops were hurriedly set to work to destroy the navy yard and Government property, while the formidable iron-clads, Georgia and Savannah, moved up the river and commenced a furious fire on the Federal left, supported by several batteries. Under cover of this fire the garrison was transported during the night of the 20th, by steamboats, rowboats, and rafts to Union Causeway, and on the morning of the 21st the troops were well on their way to Charleston. Before leaving, they blew up the iron-clads and the fortifications below the city. At dawn of the 21st the evacuation became known to the Federal pickets, and several regiments were sent forward to occupy the deserted intrenchments. A few hours later Gen. Sherman entered the city at the head of his bodyguard, and received its formal surrender from the municipal authorities. The following despatch to the President announced this crowning success of the campaign:

SAVANNAH, GA., December 22. His Excellency President Lincoln:

I beg to present you as a Christmas gift the city of Savannah, with one hundred and fifty heavy guns and plenty of ammunition, and also about twenty

five thousand bales of cotton.

W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General.

The following from Gen. Foster gives additional details of the capture:

STEAMER GOLDEN STATE, SAVANNAH RIVER,
December 22-7 P. M.

To Lieut. Gen.-Grant and Maj.-Gen. H. W. Halleck: I have the honor to report that I have just returned from Gen. Sherman's headquarters in Savannah.

I send Major Gray, of my staff, as bearer of despatches from Gen. Sherman to you, and also a message to the President.

ing of the 21st. The city of Savannah was occupied on the mornGen. Hardee, anticipating the contemplated assault, escaped with the main body of his infantry and light artillery on the morning of the 20th, by crossing the river to Union Causeway, opposite the city. The rebel iron-clads were blown up, and the navy yard was burned. All the rest of the city is intact, and contains twenty thousand citizens, quiet and well disposed.

The captures include eight hundred prisoners, one hundred and fifty guns, thirteen locomotives in good order, one hundred and ninety cars, a large supply of ammunition and materials of war, three steamers, and thirty-three thousand bales of cotton, safely stored in warehouses. All these valuable fruits of an almost bloodless victory have been, like Atlanta, fairly won.

I opened communication with the city with my steamers to-day, taking up what torpedoes we could see, and passing safely over others. Arrangements are made to clear the channel of all obstructions.

J. G. FOSTER, Major-General.

With the capture of Savannah ended the great winter campaign through Georgia, just five weeks after the Federal army left Atlanta. Within that period Gen. Sherman traversed at his leisure, and with a total loss of less than fifteen hundred men, a tract of country varying from sixty to twenty miles in width, and completely destroyed the great railroad quadrilateral of which Atlanta, Macon, Augusta, and Savannah formed the four corners. When it is recollected that from Atlanta to Madison on the Georgia road, and from the neighborhood of Macon to Savannah, the track was systematically torn up, beside considerable portions of the Milledgeville branch and the Augusta and Millen road, Gen. Sherman's estimate of 200 miles destroyed will seem under the mark. The work of destruction was carried on with a completeness and deliberation unknown to previous expeditions. Every rail was heated and twisted; every tie, bridge, tank, wood-shed, and depot building was burned, and every culvert blown up. For miles on the Georgia, Georgia Central, and Augusta and Millen roads, the track is carried over marshy territory by extensive trestle-work. This was all burned or otherwise injured beyond the pos sibility of immediate replacement. Almost from the moment of departure the army literally fed on the fat of the land, and fared probably better on the march than in camp. Live stock, poultry, Indian meal, sweet potatoes, sorghum syrup, and other luxuries were found in an abundance far exceeding the demands of the and mules were gathered up on the march and men, and many thousand head of cattle, horses, brought safely to the coast. The army is said to have encamped around Savannah with fifty days' rations of beef on the hoof. As a rule the

regulations respecting pillaging were observed by the troops, but of necessity many instances occurred where private property, not necessary to sustain life or assist military operations, was appropriated by stragglers. Such occurrences are unavoidable in the unopposed progress of a large army through a well-stocked country. As was expected, large numbers of slaves, of both sexes and of all ages, seized the opportunity to gain their freedom, and followed in the wake of the several columns. The ablebodied men did good service as pioneers, teamsters, or laborers, and in many cases the places where horses, cattle, provisions, cotton, or valuables were concealed, were revealed by the colored fugitives. On several occasions this class of followers became so numerous as to impede the movements of the army and the trains. Many dropped off from time to time exhausted by the march; but from eight to ten thousand succeeded in reaching Savannah. Cotton was of course invariably burned whereever discovered, and the loss is estimated at 15,000 bales. The most remarkable feature of the campaign was the trifling opposition which the enemy opposed to the expeditionary army, and the ease with which every attack was repelled. In every engagement, down to the smallest skirmish, the Federal troops, having an absolute faith in their leader which made them equal to any task he might impose, showed their superiority. The cavalry advance, supported occasionally by a division or two of infantry, and frequently engaging superior numbers, was found adequate for any thing which the enemy could oppose to them. Full half the loss sustained by Gen. Sherman was of stragglers and plunderers, surprised and captured by the enemy while out of the direct line of march.

Upon the surrender of Savannah, Gen. Geary was appointed military commander. The city was found uninjured, the Federal cannon having never opened upon it, and was crowded with refugees from the interior, many of whom were without the means of procuring food. Measures were adopted for supplying the wants of these persons, and stringent orders issued by Gen. Geary for the protection of peaceful citizens and their property against outrages by soldiers. The cotton was, however, appropriated by the United States Government, with the design of shipping it to the North for sale. The following order was issued by Gen. Sherman for the government of the city:

HEADQUARTERS MILITARY Division of the MISSISSIPPI, IN THE FIELD, SAVANNAH, GA., Dec. 26th, 1864. Special Field Orders No. 143.

The city of Savannah and surrounding country will be held as a military post and adapted to future military uses; but as it contains a population of some 20,000 people, who must be provided for, and as other citizens may come, it is proper to lay down certain general principles, that all within its military jurisdiction may understand their relative duties and obligations.

1. During war, the military is superior to civil authority, and where interests clash the civil must

give way; yet where there is no conflict, every encouragement should be given to well-disposed and Families should be disturbed as little as possible in peaceable inhabitants to resume their usual pursuits. their residences, and tradesmen allowed the free use of their shops, tools, &c. Churches, schools, all places of amusement and recreation, should be enCouraged, and streets and roads made perfectly safe to persons in their usual pursuits. Passes should not be exacted within the line of outer pickets, but if any person shall abuse these privileges by communicating with the enemy, or doing any act of hostility to the Government of the United States, he law. Commerce with the outer world will be resumed or she will be punished with the utmost rigor of the to an extent commensurate with the wants of the citizens, governed by the restrictions and rules of the Treasury Department.

II. The Chief Quartermaster and Commissary of people, white and black, or transport them to such the army may give suitable employment to the points as they choose, where employment may be had, and may extend temporary relief, in the way of provisions and vacant houses, to the worthy and needy, until such time as they can help themselves. They will select, first, the buildings for the necessary uses of the army; next, a sufficient number of stores to be turned over to the Treasury Agent for trade stores. All vacant storehouses or dwellings, and all

buildings belonging to absent rebels, will be construed and used as belonging to the United States, until such times as their titles can be settled by the courts of the United States.

III. The Mayor and City Council of Savannah will continue and exercise their functions as such, and will, in concert with the commanding officer of the post and Chief Quartermaster, see that the fire companies are kept in organization, the streets cleaned and lighted, and keep up a good understanding be tween the citizens and soldiers. They will ascertain and report to the Chief C. S., as soon as possible, assistance and support. the names and number of worthy families that need

The Mayor will forthwith give public notice that the time has come when all must choose their course, viz.: to remain within our lines and conduct themselves as good citizens, or depart in peace. He will ascertain the names of all who choose to leave Savannah, and report their names and residence to the Chief Quartermaster, that measures may be taken to transport them beyond the lines.

IV. Not more than two newspapers will be pubwill be held to the strictest accountability, and will lished in Savannah, and their editors and proprietors be punished severely in person and property for any libelous publication, mischievous matter, premature news, exaggerated statements, or any comments whatever upon the acts of the constituted authorities; though copied from other papers. they will be held accountable even for such articles

By order of Maj.-Gen. W. T. SHERMAN. L. M. DAYTON, Aide-de-Camp.

In marked contrast with the inhabitants of other Confederate cities captured during the war, the population of Savannah showed a desire to conform their conduct to circumstances, and refrained from open insults or efforts to vex or harass their captors. It does not appear that a bale of cotton, or indeed any thing of positive value, was destroyed by the citizens to prevent its falling into the hands of the Federal troops. A latent Union feeling was even developed, and at a meeting of influential citizens convened on the 28th, in pursuance of a call from Mayor Arnold, to take into consideration "matters relating to the present and futuro

welfare of the city," the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:

Whereas, By the fortune of war and the surrender of the city by the civil authorities, Savannah passes once more under the authority of the United States; and whereas we believe that the interests of the city will be best subserved and promoted by a full and free expression of our views in relation to our present condition, we, therefore, the people of Savannah, in full meeting assembled, do hereby resolve,

1st. That we accept the position, and in the language of the President of the United States, seek to have "peace by laying down our arms and submitting to the national authority under the Constitution, leaving all questions which remain to be adjusted by the peaceful means of legislation, conference, and votes." Resolved, 2d. That laying aside all differences and burying bygones in the graves of the past, we will use our best endeavors once more to bring back the prosperity and commerce we once enjoyed.

Resolved, 3d. That we do not put ourselves in the position of a conquered city asking terms of a conqueror, but we claim the immunities and privileges contained in the proclamation and message of the President of the United States, and in all the legisla tion of Congress in reference to a people situated as we are; and while we owe on our part a strict obedience to the laws of the United States, we ask the protection over our persons, lives, and property recognized by those laws.

Resolved, 4th. That we respectfully request his Excellency the Governor to call a convention of the people of Georgia, by any constitutional means in his power, to give them an opportunity of voting upon the question whether they wish the war between the two sections of the country to continue.

Resolved, 5th. That Major-General Sherman having placed as military commander of this post BrigadierGeneral Geary, who has, by his urbanity as a gentleman and his uniform kindness to our citizens, done all in his power to protect them and their property from insult and injury, it is the unanimous desire of all present that he be allowed to remain in his present position, and that for the reasons above stated the thanks of the citizens are hereby tendered to him and the officers under his command.

Finding the people so tractable and resigned to their condition, Gen. Geary exerted himself to protect them from oppression, and to maintain order; and several instances occurred of soldiers being severely punished for drunkenness, pillaging, or other improper acts. Measures were at once taken to prepare the Custom House and Post Office for the former uses, and by several of the insurance companies the propriety of establishing a National Bank, under the Act of Congress, was seriously considered.

GENERAL SHERIDAN, after taking command of the army on the upper Potomac, held a strong position near the railroad from Harper's Ferry toward Winchester. On Sept. 14th a reconnoissance was made by Gen. Wilson within two miles of Winchester, which resulted in the capture of the 8th South Carolina infantry, numbering 136 men and 16 officers. On the 18th Gen. Gardner made an attack on Gen. Averill, at Martinsburg, but was repulsed. At this time the main body of Gen. Early's army was in the vicinity of Bunker Hill, northwest of the position held by Gen. Sheridan. By a rapid advance along the Winchester road Gen. Sheridan could gain the rear of the enemy, and he quickly embraced the opportunity. The 6th and 19th corps began to move at 3 A. M. on the morning of the 19th. Gen. Crook followed three hours later and joined the main column at the crossing of the Opequan. This advance was stubbornly resisted, and the first and second lines were temporarily thrown into confusion. But the artillery being brought into position, the ranks were reformed, and a severe contest ensued. At some points the opposing lines were not more than two hundred yards apart. By a successful cavalry charge the enemy were thrown into confusion and driven from the field. The enemy retreated toward Fisher's Hill, a

short distance south of Strasburg, closely followed by Gen. Sheridan. That evening he sent the following despatch to Gen. Grant:

WINCHESTER, VA., Sept. 19, 7.80 P. M.

Lieut.-Gen. U. S. Grant:

forces of Gen. Early over the Berryville pike, at the I have the honor to report that I attacked the crossing of Opequan Creek, and after a most stubborn and sanguinary engagement, which lasted from early in the morning until 5 o'clock in the evening, completely defeated him, driving him through Winchester, capturing twenty-five hundred prisoners, five pieces of artillery, nine army flags, and most of their wounded. The rebel Generals Rhodes and Gordon were killed, and three other general officers wounded. Most of the enemy's wounded and all of their dead fell into our hands.

Russell, commanding a division in the Sixth Corps, Our losses are severe; among them Gen. D. A. who was killed by a cannon ball. Generals Upton, McIntosh, and Chapman were wounded.

I cannot yet tell our losses. The conduct of the officers and men was most superb. They charged and carried every position taken up by the rebels from Opequan Creek to Winchester. The rebels were strong in numbers and very obstinate in their fighting.

I desire to mention to the Lieut.-General command ing the army the gallant conduct of Generals Wright, under their command. To them the country is in Crook, Emory, Torbert, and the officers and men

debted for this handsome victory.

P. H. SHERIDAN, Major-Gen. Commanding. The force of Gen. Sheridan was composed as

follows: 6th corps, about 12,000; 19th corps (two divisions), 9,000; Crook's corps, 12,000; cavalry (three divisions), 10,000; artillery, about 2,000; total, 45,000, and 20 or 22 batteries, 6 guns each.

That of the enemy was known to consist of Gens. Early and Breckinridge's corps, amounting to about 20,000 men, exclusive of cavalry and artillery, which was estimated at 10,000 more. The artillery consisted of 14 batteries of 6 guns each.

On Sept. 22d Gen. Sheridan attacked the enemy's position at Fisher's Hill, and by forcing back the left of his line and throwing a force in his rear, compelled him to abandon it. He thus described and reported his success:

HEADQ'ES MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION,
SIX MILES FROM WOODSTOCK,
11.80 P. M. September 22d.

Laeut.-General Grant:

I have the honor to report that I achieved a most signal victory over the army of General Early at Fisher's Hill to-day. I found the rebel army posted with its right resting on the north fork of the Shenandoah, and extending across the Strasburg valley westward to North Mountain, occupying a position which appeared almost impregnable.

After a great deal of manoeuvring during the day, General Crook's command was transferred to the extreme right of the line on North Mountain, and he furiously attacked the left of the enemy's line, carrying every thing before him. While General Crook was driving the enemy in the greatest confusion, and sweeping down behind their breastworks, the Sixth and Nineteenth army corps attacked the works in front, and the whole rebel army appeared to be broken up. They fled in the utmost confusion. Sixteen pieces of artillery were captured, also a great many caissons, artillery horses, &c., &c.

I am to-night pushing down the valley. I cannot say how many prisoners I have captured, nor do I know either my own or the enemy's casualties. Only darkness has saved the whole of Early's army from total destruction. My attack could not be made until 4 o'clock in the evening, which left but little daylight to operate in.

The 1st and 3d cavalry divisions went down the Luray Valley to-day, and if they push on vigorously to the main valley, the result of this day's engagement will be still more signal. The victory was very complete. (Signed,)

P. H. SHERIDAN, Maj.-Gen. Com.

The number of prisoners taken was eleven hundred. The pursuit was made and continued to Staunton, which Gen. Sheridan occupied with his cavalry and inflicted much damage upon the enemy. He then leisurely and destructively fell back toward Strasburg. The losses of the enemy in these battles in killed, wounded, and missing was estimated at nearly ten thousand men. The losses of Gen. Sheridan were also severe.

On the night of the 27th Gen. Averill met with a repulse near Brown's Gap, and on the following day fell back six miles. He lost some twelve men. While Gen. Sheridan was at Staunton all public property was destroyed, including the railroad and factories. His cavalry then proceeded to Waynesboro for the purpose of destroying the iron railroad bridge and all the barns and mills in that section of country, The force of Gen. Early, in the mean time, had

I have the honor to report my command at this point to night. I commenced moving back from Port Republic, Mount Crawford, Bridgewater, and Harrisonburg yesterday morning. The grain and forage in advance of these points had previously been destroyed in coming back to this point.

The whole country, from the Blue Ridge to the North Mountain, has been made untenable for a rebel army. I have destroyed over 2,000 barns filled with wheat, hay, and farming implements, over 70 mills filled with wheat and flour; four herds of cattle have been driven before the army, and not less than 3,000 sheep have been killed and issued to the troops. Fork Valleys as well as the main valley. A large This destruction embraces the Luray and Little number of horses have been obtained, a proper estimate of which I cannot now make.

Lieut. John R. Meigs, my engineer officer, was murdered beyond Harrisonburg near Dayton. For this atrocious act all houses within an area of five miles were burned. Since I came into this valley from Harper's Ferry, up to Harrisonburg, every train, whacked by people, many of whom have protection small party, and every straggler has been bush

papers from commanders who have been hitherto in that valley.

tofore they have had no reason to complain, because The people here are getting sick of the war; herethey have been living in great abundance. I have not been followed by the enemy up to this point, with the exception of a small force of rebel cavalry that showed themselves some distance behind my rear guard. To-day a party of 100 of the 8th Va. cavalry, which I had stationed at the bridge over the North Shenandoah near Mount Jackson, they were asleep, and the whole party dispersed or was attacked by McNeil with seventeen men while captured. I think they will all turn up. I learn that 56 of them had reached Winchester. McNeil was mortally wounded and fell into our hands. This was most fortunate, as he was the most daring and dangerous of all bushwhackers in this section of the country. (Signed)

P. H. SHERIDAN, Major-Gen. A correspondent, who was present with the army, thus describes the scenes of this march: The atmosphere, from horizon to horizon, has been black with the smoke of a hundred conflagra tions, and at night a gleam, brighter and more lurid than sunset, has shot from every verge. The orders and to drive the stock before for the subsistence of have been to destroy all forage in stacks and barns, the army. The execution of these orders has been thorough, and in some instances, where barns, near dwelling houses, have been fired, has resulted in the destruction of the latter. In no instance, except in retaliation for the murder of Lieut. Meigs, have that of the burning of dwellings within five miles, in orders been issued for the burning of houses, or bare such orders been sanctioned by Gen. Sheridan. Such wholesale incendiarism could not have been pursued, however, without undue license being taken frequent instances of rascality and pillage. Indis by the worst class of soldiers, and there have been criminating (for with such swift work discrimina