Gulf Railroad, which was being employed to While the extreme right was thus closing in upon the rear of Savannah, the main body moved south by rapid marches between the Ogeechee and Savannah Rivers. The weather, which had been for the most part favorable during the first half of the campaign, became rainy after the columns passed Millen, and the swampy regions of the coast, which the army had now entered upon, offered serious obstacles to rapid marching. But, inspired by continued successes and the prospect of soon opening communications with the fleet on the coast, the troops pushed forward with no more delays than were caused by bridging streams or corduroying swamps, and on the evening of the 10th the advance of the several columns ha reached positions varying from three to eight miles distant from Savannah. On the march the left wing struck the Savannah and Charleston Railroad where it crosses the Savannah River, from which point southward the track was thoroughly destroyed. The enemy showed considerable resistance as the Federal army approached the city, and the 14th and 17th corps sustained some loss in skirmishing. A number of men having been wounded by the explosion of shells and torpedoes, buried and concealed in the road, the rebel prisoners were placed in front of the columns, and compelled to remove them. Kilpatrick covered the rear, and kept at bay such scattered bodies of cavalry as attempted to harass the march. The 11th and 12th were occupied in putting the troops in position, establishing batteries, erecting breast works, and in other operations connected with a regular investment, and on the latter day the army was concentrated so as to form a semicircle, extending from the Savannah River to the Savannah and Gulf Railroad. The line was about ten miles long, the extreme left, held by the 20th corps, being about three miles from the city, while the extreme right of the 15th corps, resting on the railroad, was eleven miles distant. Next to the 20th corps came the 14th, and next to that on the right the 17th. Everywhere the troops encountered a strong line of earthworks, having heavy guns in position, and held apparently by a large force. These were the exterior fortifications of Savannah, and although of considerable extent, were so flanked by a series of impassable swamps stretching across the peninsula, as to be capable of easy defence. All the openings to these morasses, as well as the roads leading through them, had been fortified with extreme care, and could hardly be carried without severe loss. Meanwhile, as early as the 9th, Capt. Duncan and two scouts had been sent from the 15th corps on the hazardous enterprise of penetrating the enemy's lines and reaching the coast, for the purpose of communicating with the fleet, which it was known was on the alert for intelligence from Gen. Sherman's army. Embarking in a small skiff on the Ogeechee, at nightfall, they paddled down the river until warned by the approach of day to conceal themselves in the rice swamps. On the night of the 10th they resumed their voyage, and creeping past Fort McAllister and the picket boats during a rain storm, emerged into Ossabaw Sound, where, on the morning of the 11th, they were picked up by the Federal gunboat Flag, which immediately conveyed them to Hilton Head. Gen. Foster, commanding the department, was at once summoned from Pocotaligo, where he was demonstrating against the Charleston and Savannah Railroad in aid of Gen. Sherman's movement, and received from the scouts Gen. Howard's despatch of the 9th: "We have had perfect success, and the army is in fine spirits." This was the first direct intelligence from the expeditionary army since its departure from Atlanta, and its reception in the North a few days later caused universal rejoicing. The greater part of the avail. able naval force on the station being already in the Savannah River for the purpose of cooperating with the army, nothing remained to be done but to send a few vessels around to Ossabaw and Wassaw Sounds to endeavor to open communications. Wassaw Sound, into which empties the Wilmington River, being nearer the city, was carefully explored by Gen. Foster and Admiral Dahlgren, and both there and in Ossabaw Sound the gunboats were directed to make frequent signals with the shore. Gen. Sherman having determined that Ossabaw Sound, which forms the mouth of the Ogeechee, afforded the most practicable means of communicating with the fleet, immediately took measures to reduce Fort McAllister, which commands the water approaches in that direction. This work, situated on the right bank of the Great Ogeechee, about six miles from the Sound, was one of the strongest of its class in the South, and had successfully resisted attacks by the Monitor fleet in January and March, 1863. It comprised three half bastions and two curtains, and mounted twenty-one guns, several of which were 8-inch and 10-inch pieces. Every line of approach, both by land and water, was swept by howitzers and fieldpieces placed on the bastions, and along its front extended a ditch forty feet wide and of great depth, into whose bottom were driven heavy palisades. Outside of the ditch was a formidable line of abatis, and beyond this the land approaches were thickly planted with torpedoes. The fort had received additions in armament and garrison since the naval attacks, and was now held by two hundred and fifty men, commanded by Major Anderson and Captains Clinch and White. On the evening of the 12th Gen. Hazen's division of the 15th corps, to which was assigned the duty of assaulting the fort, marched from its position on the Savannah and Gulf Railroad toward Kingsbridge over the Great Ogeechee, distant about six miles. This structure having been destroyed by the enemy, a new one, eighteen hundred feet in length, was erected during the night, and at daybreak of the 13th the column pushed on for Fort McAllister. At half-past four in the afternoon the work was completely invested, and the troops advanced to the assault in a single line, over an open space of six hundred yards, the greater part The obof which consisted of a rice swamp. stacles were formidable enough to have deterred veterans of more experience than those who formed the attacking column, and might have justified the erection of intrenchments and a system of gradual approaches, which would have involved a loss of valuable time and delayed the opening of communications with the fleet. "Carry the place by assault to-night if possible," was Gen. Sherman's order to Hazen, and the troops, fighting under the immediate eye of their commander, who was watching the action from a house-top some miles distant, and aroused to a high pitch of enthusiasm, pressed eagerly forward, regardless of bursting torpedoes or the fire from the fort. In an almost incredible short space of time the open ground was crossed, the abatis A few surmounted, and the ditch reached. minutes sufficed to remove the palisades, and the men, with loud cheers, swarmed over the parapet, shooting and bayoneting the gunners who refused to surrender, and planted the national colors upon the rampart. The assault occupied barely twenty minutes, and from first to last the storming column never wavered in its advance. The Federal loss was but twentythree killed and eighty-two wounded, owing to the celerity of the movement, and that of the enemy amounted to fourteen killed and twentyone wounded. Two hundred and eleven rebel officers and men were taken prisoners. On the succeeding day the latter were employed in removing the torpedoes buried around the Just previous to the assault Gen. Sherman detected a gunboat reconnoitring in the river below the fort, and at once opened communications with her by signals. No sooner was the fort taken than he embarked in a rowboat on the Ogeechee, and a few hours later was taken on board of the steamtug Dandelion in the cabin of which he wrote his first despatch to the Secretary of War as follows: ON BOARD DANDELION, OSSABAW SOUND, 11:50 P. M., Dec. 18. To-day, at 5 P. M., Gen. Hazen's division of the 15th corps carried Fort McAllister by assault, capturing its entire garrison and stores. This opened to us the Ossabaw Sound, and I pushed down to this gun. boat to communicate with the fleet. Before opening communication we had completely destroyed all the railroads leading into Savannah and invested the city. The left is on the Savannah River, three miles above the city, and the right on the Ogeechee, at Kingsbridge. The army is in splendid order, and equal to any thing. The weather has been fine, and able, and we were not at all arrested by guerrillas. supplies were abundant. Our march was most agree We reached Savannah three days ago, but owing to Fort McAllister could not communicate; but now we have McAllister we can go ahead. We have already captured two boats on the Savannah River, and prevented their gunboats from coming down. I estimate the population of Savannah at twentyfive thousand and the garrison at fifteen thousand. Gen. Hardee commands. We have not lost a wagon on the trip, but have gathered in a large supply of negroes, mules, horses, etc., and our teams are in far better condition than when we started. My first duty will to clear the army of surplus stroyed over two hundred miles of rails, and connegroes, mules, and horses. We have utterly desumed stores and provisions that were essential to The quick work made Lee's and Hood's armies. with McAllister and the opening of communication with our fleet, and the consequent independence for me off and starve the army. supplies, dissipates all their boasted threats to head I regard Savannah as already gained. Yours, truly, W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General. On the succeeding day he met Gen. Foster and Admiral Dahlgren in Wassaw Sound, where measures were concerted for opening permanent communication between the army and the fleet, and for efficient cooperation by the latter in the reduction of Savannah. The new base was established on the Ogeechee at Kingsbridge, and the obstructions in the river having been removed, a number of transports passed up on the 16th and 17th. On the 16th several tons of mail matter were distributed among the soldiers. Meanwhile the lines of investment were steadily pressed around Savannah, prisoners being employed to remove the torpedoes buried by the enemy along the chief avenues of approach. On every side of the city but that fronting the river the investment was complete. By means of rows of piles, sunken vessels, and the guns of Forts Jackson, Lee, and Lawton, the enemy commanded the river to within a few miles of Fort Pulaski. Be 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, Į 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. Gen. Hardee, anticipating the con The city of Savannah was occupied on the morntemplated 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, city is intact, and contains twenty thousand citizens, and the navy yard was burned. All the rest of the quiet and well disposed. The captures include eight hundred prisoners, one hundred and fifty guns, thirteen locomotives in good of ammunition and materials of war, three steamers, order, one hundred and ninety cars, a large supply 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 possibility 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 prínciples, 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 the names and number of worthy families that need and report to the Chief C. S., as soon as possible, assistance and support. 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 they will be held accountable even for such articles whatever upon the acts of the constituted authorities; though copied from other papers. 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 future 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 legislation 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. CHAPTER XLVI. General Sheridan takes command on the Upper Potomac-Attack on Fisher's Hill-March of Sheridan up the Shenandoah -Sudden Attack of the Enemy-Their Repulse and Pursuit-Guerrillas-Movements of Gen. Price in Missouri-Investment of Nashville by Gen. Hood-Battles-Retreat of Hood and pursuit by Gen. Thomas-Expedition against the Mississippi Central Railroad from Baton Rouge-Movements of Gen. Warren against the Weldon Road. 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 8 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. K 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 from Opequan Creek to Winchester. The rebels and carried every position taken up by the rebels were strong in numbers and very obstinate in their fighting. I desire to mention to the Lieut.-General command Crook, Emory, Torbert, and the officers and men ing the army the gallant conduct of Generals Wright, under their command. To them the country is indebted for this handsome victory. P. H. SHERIDAN, Major-Gen. Commanding. The force of Gen. Sheridan was composed as |