Major-General GROYER,
Commanding U. S. Forces, Savannah:
In accordance with your request I have the honor of submitting the
following memoranda with reference to the defense of the city of
Savannah:
First. The defense of the city itself: This is accomplished by the line
of works now in process of construction after the plan indicated in my
letter to Major-General Sherman, dated December 2(1, 18G4.* These
works are now ready to receive sixty guns, partly siege and partly field
artillery, and, in my opinion, are in a condition which would warrant
their defense by the garrison estimated for. Captain Suter, U. S.
Engineers, and chief engineer, Department of the South, has been fur
nished with a trace of this line on which, the several positions of the
guns, composing the complete armament, are indicated. Captain Suter
has also been furnished with those maps, captured at this city, which
relate to the defense. Opposite the city on the main Carolina shore
two small works should be built to command the Union Causeway and
the Huger Causeway.
The above contemplates an attack by a much larger force than the
garrison, and, in my opinion, will never be made.
Second. The defense of the approaches: Three main roads lead into
the city from inland, viz, the Ogeechee plank road (Darien), the Louis
ville stage road, the Augusta stage road. The last two join within one
mile and a half of the city. The points where the enemy s late lines
crossed these roads furnish the best defense. When taken in con
junction with the obstacles formed by opening the sluice gates at high
tide the positions are strong. If the bridge across the Ogeechee at
King s is destroyed it effectually cuts off direct approach by that road,
and it can only be reached by crossing the river above and getting to
it by some of the numerous cross-roads. An enemy would not be likley
to do this unless he were in largely superior force, since he would
necessarily put himself in a u pocket. 7
Third. The defense of the river navigation : This is best accomplished
by a force stationed at this city large enough to go out and fight
* See Vol. XLIV, p. 811.
CHAP.LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. Ill
any enemy that would be likely to approach. In order that our oppo
nents might reach any of the points where they could injure us much,
they would be compelled to thrust themselves some miles beyond us 7
leaving whatever garrison there might be in Savannah on their Hank
and in rear. They could not interrupt navigation without establishing
themselves in inclosed works upon the bank of Saint Augustine Creek
(we hold Fort Jackson), and very short time would suffice for the capture
of any enemy having temerity enough to do this. With all our great
resources of water transportation I regard it impossible for our enemy
to make a successful lodgment on Saint Augustine Creek.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
O. M. POE,
Captain of Engineers, Brevet Colonel, U. S. Army,
Chief .Engineer Military Division of the Mississippi.
A map is in course of preparation and under my direction, which will
clearly show the topography of Savannah and vicinity, the works of
attack and defense, the new lines constructed during our occupation of
the city, and the lines of 1814. As soon as completed it will be for
warded to the Engineer Department. *
CJRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, Savannah, Ga., January 21, 186o.
General INNIS X. PALMER,
Commanding District of North Carolina, New Berne:
DEAR GENERAL : I have this moment received yonr letter of the
17th, inclosing the very full and complete returns which give me all
the data, save only the gauge of your railroad, of which we are in
doubt. One of my charts represent the gauge as four feet ten inches
and the other at live feet. I shall send up my principal railroad man,
Col. W. W. Wright, to look at it awl aceumnmlate at Morehead City
and Xew Berne iron arid cars ready for use when the time comes.
We can supply all these, if of the five-feet gauge, out of captured
stock. I don t want you to risk Xew Berne or Morehead City, and to
take Kinston now would attract attention and lengthen your line too
much to be held with any degree of security. Therefore don t attempt
to hold more than you now have until you know 1 am near at hand,
and you can discover the effect of my approach.
1 shall aim to reach Goldsborough, the effect of which will be three
fold: First. With my army at Goldsborough the enemy could not
remain at Wilmington. Second. I would have two railroads to the
coast for supplies, viz, to Morehead City and Wilmington Third.
Goldsborough is the point from which to strike lialeigh.
If my army can light its way across South Carolina and reach Golds-
borough these results will be certain.
I have already secured Pocotaligo and am moving my army into
position on a line from Sister s Ferry, on the Savannah, across to Poco
taligo, whence I will move around Charleston and across the country
to Fayetteville and Goldsborough or Wilmington according to the sup
plies I find. General Foster will hold Savannah, &c., and will have a
small force in hand to take advantage of any let-go the enemy may
venture to make. I would have been off before this, but L am delayed
by the rains, which have flooded the whole country. Don t attract
* See Plate LXX, Map 2 of the Atlas.
112 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., AND N. FLA. [CHAP. LIX.
attention, but hold New Berne and Morehead City (Fort Macon) secure
as points for ine to depend on. Don t risk anything; let me run the
risk, but stand prepared to aid ine as I approach. I leave my chief
quartermaster and commissary here to follow me up with boats and
supplies.
1 do not think Grant will spare you any more men, nor do 1 suppose
them necessary for the simply defensive position you should maintain.
As I approach you I may aim ior the railroad, near where it crosses
the Neuse near Kinston, as I suppose there the enemy will oppose me,
and it may be prudent to open communication with you before I cross
and attack the position at Kinston or Goldsborough, but Goldsborough
is the strategic point I shall aim to secure in North Carolina.
I am, with respect, your obedient servant,
W. T. SHEliMAN,
Major- General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
Hilton Head, S. C., January 21, 1865.
Brig. Gen. I. N. PALMER, or
COMMANDING OFFICER DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA:
The District of North Carolina having been added to my command
by the Secretary of War, at the request of General Sherman, in order
to concentrate more effectually the resources of the seaboard in co-oper
ating with the movements of his army inland, I have the honor to
inclose you confidential instructions for your guidance. It is possible
that I may not be present at the time your services are needed, in
which case you will be prepared to act with promptitude in obedience
to any orders which you may receive from General Sherman. General
Sherman, as you will see by the inclosed orders,* has command over
this department as well as those within his Military Division of the
West.
Your obedient servant,
J. G. FOSTEE,
Major- Gen eral, Comm anding.
[Inclosure.]
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
Hilton Head, 8. C., January 21, 1865.
Brigadier- General PALMER, or
COMMANDING OFFICER DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA:
The present plans of General Sherman contemplate a devastating
march through South Carolina and into North Carolina. Upon arriv
ing in North Carolina he will draw his supplies from New Berne by
striking the railroad at Goldsborough. He may also before reaching
Goldsborough obtain supplies by striking the coast at Wilmington.
There is more certainty, however, of his striking the railroad at Golds-
borough. You will, therefore, make every preparation, not only to aid
promptly and efficiently the forwarding of supplies when General
Sherman reaches that point, but also to have your position perfectly
secure against any attempts that may possibly be made against you, by
detachments from Lee s army, for the purpose of preventing the attain
ment of the very purpose sought to be secured by these orders. In the
first place be sure and watch the enemy, and prevent any attempt to
destroy the railroad within the limits of your extreme outer pickets,
*See Special Field Orders, No. 13, January 15, p. 52.
xX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 113
and as much beyond as you possibly can defend. Secondly. Prepare
for lauding and forwarding, either from New Berne or Beaufort, princi
pally from Beaufort, supplies for 70,000 men and 40,000 animals. (These
supplies are to come from here in transports). The wharves at Beaufort
must be put in order, and all the facilities for landing supplies made
perfect. Accurate information must also be obtained of the extent of
railroad between Batchelder s Creek and Kinston, which it will be
necessary to rebuild. Also the condition of the bridge over the Trent
at Kinston. Lieutenant Colonel Wright, of General Sherman s army,
will be sent up to ascertain all the wants of the railroad, rolling-stock,
construction, &c. General McCallum, the railroad constructor, is here
and at the proper time will be there ready for immediate work.
What I want to know from you is, exactly what is wanted, so that it
may be provided and brought there at the moment for operations.
The object is not to divulge the important fact that anew base is to be
made at that point until the last moment. I want also to know how
much of the railroad from Beaufort to Goldsborough you can protect
after General Sherman has reached Goldsborough, and the exact force
you can concentrate for this or any other purpose. Of course no move
ment of any description will be made until you receive orders from
General Sherman or myself. General Sherman will probably be at
Goldsborough, or in communication with you, by the 22d of February.
The greatest secrecy must be observed by yourself to prevent the
enemy ascertaining the fact that General Sherman will draw his sup
plies over the railroad to Goldsborough. If they penetrate the secret
they will, of course, destroy the railroad. You will divulge the infor
mation contained in this confidential letter to no one, but make all the
preparations ordered.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. G. FOSTER,
Major- General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
Hilton Head, 8. C., January 21, 1865.
Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. II. TERRY, or
COMMANDING OFFICER U. S. FORCES,
Wilmington, N". C. :
The District of Xorth Carolina having been added to my department
by the honorable Secretary of War, at the request of Maj or- General
Sherman, in order to facilitate concentration of resources to supply his
army while marching inland, I inclose to you the folio wing confidential
instructions, which you will carry out if you are to remain there, and
if you are removed you will turn over to your successor, with the
proper cautions as to secrecy. I may not be present at the time for
action, in which case you will depend upon instructions from Brigadier-
General Hatch or General Sherman direct. General Sherman, as you
will see from general orders inclosed,* has entire command of this as
well as the departments forming the Military Division of the Mississippi.
I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
J. G. FOSTER,
Major- General, Commanding.
* See Special Field Orders, No. 13, January 15, p. 52.
8 R R VOL, XL VII, PT II
114 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. LIX.
[Inclosure.]
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
Hilton Head, 8. C., January 21, 1866.
Confidential instructions to Maj. Gen. A. H. Terry, or the Commanding
Officer V. S. Forces, Wilmington, N. C.
General Sherman s plans contemplate a devastating march through
South Carolina and into North Carolina. He will draw his supplies
from the coast, receiving them by different rivers in South Carolina,
and when he arrives in North Carolina, from Wilmington and from
New Berne. His army has now commenced moving. Full and definite
instructions have been given to General Palmer, at New Berne. Less
definite instructions are given to you, because it is not certain that
Wilmington may be taken at the time General Sherman arrives in
North Carolina, and also that you be prepared to take efficient inde
pendent action. What I wish attained by this information is a vigilant
watch for General Sherman s appearance in your vicinity about the
loth of February, and as great a preparation on your part for the pur
pose of aiding him. The supplies for his army will come from here in
transports loaded for the purpose. There are many things, however,
which you can do to facilitate the transmission of these supplies to
his army when it arrives. These preparations should have in view
the fact that his army numbers 70,000 men and 40,000 animals. If
Wilmington be taken you will occupy as much of the railroad toward
Manchester as possible, and guard as many of the bridges in that direc
tion as you can. In fact, the same order holds good in regard to the
Goldsborough railroad and the railroad through Luniberton and Rock-
ingham toward Charlotte. If Wilmington be not taken of course you
can do nothing of this kind, but must be on the watch and ready to act
when required. The utmost secrecy must be observed in regard to
this. The enemy may suspect the locality of General Sherman s route,
but nothing should transpire to lead them to any conclusion as to his
real objects or the points at wluch he is to get supplies.
Eelying upon your discretion in this matter, I am, general, very
respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. G. FOSTER,
Major- General, Commanding.
HILTON HEAD, January 22, 1805.
General HOWARD:
I am at Hilton Head. Will be up to-morrow. My staff and horses
on the steamer Coit will be up in an hour. Let some officer look out
for their comfort, as I want the boat to return to Savannah early
to-morrow to bring another load. I have ordered the balance of John
E. Smith s division and Logan s headquarters to come to you by water.
Corse will come by Sister s Ferry. I will be up to-morrow.
SHERMAN,
Major- General.
CHAP. LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 115
HILTON HEAD, January 22, 1865.
Genera-l HOWARD:
I ordered all mules whose wagons had come to Beaufort to be sent;
also the remaining wagons and mules of John E. Smith s. I had a
long talk with Logan and arranged for three complete divisions of his
corps to come to Pocotaligo, leaving only Corse to come by Sister s
Ferry. The present storms will delay us much. I wanted the boat
Coit to discharge, so as not to lose to-morrow s tide, but as the rain will
delay us there is no need of such hurry.
SHERMAN,
Major- General.
SPECIAL ORDERS, ) HDQRS. FOURTH Div., 15TH ARMY CORPS,
No. 10. ) Savannah, Ga., January 22, 1865.
Col. J. B. McCown, commanding First Brigade, Third Division,
Fifteenth Army Corps, will move with his command and the trans
portation of his division to Beaufort, S. C., by water, without delay,
reporting to Bvt. Maj. Gen. John E. Smith, commanding Third Division.
Colonel McCown will report in person to Lieut. Col. G. L. Fort, chief
quartermaster Fifteenth Army Corps, who will furnish the necessary
transportation.
By order of Bvt. Maj. Gen. J. M. Corse:
A. W. EDWARDS,
Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
Hilton Head, S. 6 ., January 22, 1865.
Bvt. Maj. Gen. R. SAXTON, U. S. Volunteers,
Beaufort, 8. C.:
GENERAL: I am directed by the major-general commanding to
inclose you Major General Sherman s Special Field Orders, No. 15,*
appointing you inspector of negro settlements and plantations in this
department; also General Orders, No. 8,t current series, from these
headquarters, placing Brig. Gen. E. E. Potter in command of the Dis
trict of Beaufort. Major- General Sherman has placed at the disposal
of General Foster a large number of animals, partially broken down,
that will be loaned to the negroes to be used by them on the planta
tions until they are sufficiently recuperated for active service, when
they will be called for. Please send word to these headquarters about
how many of these animals you desire, and they will be sent at once.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. L. M. BURGER,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
CITY POINT, January 23, 1865 2 p. m.
(Received 3.30 p. m.)
Major-General HALLECK,
Washington :
Please have all transports collected for the transportation of Scho-
field s command coaled and watered and rations loaded. The troops
* See p. 52. t See p. 108.
116 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. LIX.
should start with five days issued, and from 200,000 to 250,000 rations
stored in the holds of the vessels. This will give a supply that will last
until more could be got to them. As soon as transports for a division
are ready they might be sent to Fortress Monroe to report by telegraph
for orders.
U. S. GRANT,
Lieutenant- General.
WASHINGTON, D. C., January 23* 1865 3.50 p. m.
Lieutenant-General GRANT,
City Point:
Some time since orders were sent to General Thomas to forward to
Savannah, via New York, all fractions of regiments, &c., belonging to
the corps under General Sherman. General Meagher telegraphs to-day
from Pitts burg that he has 7,000 men and wants transports ready in
New York, but General Van Yliet says that he cannot furnish them if
he sends transports here to meet Schofield s corps. To which shall the
transports be given first? If Meagher s command stops in New York
it is feared that very many will desert, and there are no quarters for
them on Governor s Island. Please reply immediately.
II. W. HALLECK,
Major- General and Chief of Staff.
CITY POINT, January 23, 1865 7 p. m.
(Received 7.30 p. in.)
Major-General HALLECK,
Washington :
Order Meagher to Alexandria. We will send Schofield s corps first,
and add this detachment to it until such time as it can be got to Sher
man. It is too late now for it to reach Sherman from Pocotaligo.
U. S. GRANT,
Lieutenant- General.
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, Beaufort, S. C., January 23, 1865.
Colonel POE,
Chief Engineer, Savannah :
General Sherman directs that you join him via this place and order
the First Michigan Engineer Regiment to follow you in like manner.
Apply to General Easton lor such transportation as may be required.
L. M. DAYTON,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, Beaufort, 8. C., January 23, 1865.
Bvt. Col. O. M. POE,
Chief Engineer, Military Division of the Mississippi :
COLONEL: By direction of Major-General Sherman I have tele
graphed you to join him via this place, and now repeat the instruc-
CHAP.LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 117
tions, as also the further instructions for you to direct the engineer
regiment (First Michigan Engineers) to come this way also. Apply to
General Easton, chief quartermaster, for such transportation as you
may require in conforming to this order.
I am. with respect,
L. M. DAYTON,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, Beaufort, 8. C., January 23, 1865.
General EASTON,
Savannah :
Transport to Beaufort, by boats, all of Howard s troops, wagons,
and mules, except Corse s division, which can move with the Left
Wing. I have sent you every boat available from this quarter and
would like you to push this job at one trip.
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major- Genera*,.
SPECIAL ^ HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT AND
FIELD ORDERS, > ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,
No. 21. ) Beaufort, 8. C., January 23, 1865.
I. The First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, having the most trans
portation, the quartermaster thereof, in accordance with the directions
of the chief quartet master of the army, will turn over to Lieutenant
Brown, acting assistant quartermaster, pontoon train, five six-mule
teams with harness and wagons complete for the use of that organiza
tion. As good teams are required the present ones in the division will
not be selected for this purpose.
II. As directed by Major-General Sherman, upon the advance of this
army all unnecessary servants and non-combatants will be left behind.
All chests for office papers and baggage not strictly necessary in the
field, and all tents save one for headquarters of each brigade, division,
corps, or array, and such as may be necessary for hospital purposes,
will be sent to Beaufort or Hilton Head and left in charge of proper
persons until such time as they can follow by water. Flies only will
be used for shelter. The inspector-general s department is charged
with the requirements of this order.
###### *
VII. Brig. Gen. W. T. Clark, U. S. Volunteers, will report to Maj.
Gen. John A. Logan, commanding Fifteenth Army Corps, for assign
ment to the command of the First Brigade, Third Division, Fifteenth
Army Corps.
######*
By order of Maj. Gen. O. O. Howard :
SAML. L. TAGGAET,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
118 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. LIX.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,
Beaufort, 8. C., January 23, 1865.
Maj. Gen. JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commanding Fifteenth Army Corps :
GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to send you
the inclosed copy of telegram from General Sherman to General Easton,*
and to say that you will give orders to General Corse to move his
division (entire) with the Left Wing of the army, sending the remainder
of your command to this point as rapidly as possible.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
SAML. L. TAGGART,
Assistant Adjutant- Geaernl.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,
Beaufort j 8. G\, January 23, 1865.
Maj. Gen. JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commanding Fifteenth Army Corps :
GENERAL: General Sherman says he cannot possibly spare the
steamers from carrying supplies to Purysburg and Pocotaligo, in order
to transport General Corse s division. Please direct General Corse to
move back over the route he came, between the Big and Little Ogeechee
Rivers, keeping up as high as, or higher, than the Twenty-Mile Station.
Perhaps it would be better to take General Blair s old route from
Station No. 2 back to Guy ton, or No. 3, and thence via Springfield to
Sister s Ferry. He should proceed thence by some route parallel to
Davis line of march to Hickory Hill. At that point you will be able to
unite your corps. This march General Corse can make easily in seven
days, but he will have to be exceedingly careful of forage until he
crosses the Savannah. If General Corse should happen to fall one or
even two days in rear of your other divisions at Hickory Hill it will
not matter.
Very respectfully,
O. O. HOWARD,
Major- General.
P. S. I do not make the order imperative as to the route, but rather
suggestive.
O. O. IL,
Major- General.
HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Pocotaliyo, 8. 0., January 23, 1865.
Capt. SAMUEL L. TAGGART,
Asst. Adjt. Gen.. Department and Army of the Tennessee :
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report my arrival at this point at 12
m. to-day. I left Savannah at 6 a. m. on the 19th instant, in compli
ance with orders from headquarters Fifteenth Army Corps (the Fourth
Division and animals of Second Division were to follow). The road
across Hutchinson s Island and the levees between the island and the
Union Causeway, although badly cut up, were passable up to 12 m. of
the 19th, when the rain and sudden rise of water made them impass
able. I had gone forward to New River bridge, fourteen miles from
Savannah, to see if it was in readiness to cross, but, finding it would
* See p. 117.
CHAP.LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 119
not be completed until about 4 p. m., I made my arrangements to camp
at the junction of the Hardeeville and Charleston roads. At about 2
p. m. the head of my column arrived, and the ammunition and part of
the supply trains following closely. I expected the remainder of my
division would arrive without serious difficulty. About this time I
received a communication from Major- General Logan directing me to
assume command of the Third and Fourth Divisions, when the orderly
informed ine that the balance of the troops were on the island and
could not come forward, owing to the condition of the roads.
I sent a staff officer to communicate with General Corse, and on the
morning of the 20th sent the pioneer corps of the Third and Fourth
Divisions, bnt they found it impossible to join the troops on the island,