Bvt. Brig. Gen. W. B. WOODS,
Commanding Brigade, Garden s Corners:
GENERAL: Reconnaissances are being made toward Salkehatchie,
and it is important that you should keep up the movement from Gar
den s Corners. Continue it until further orders. If you can procure
boats you will make an effort to cross at or near Combahee Ferry, but
the general does not wisli it done at the loss of life. It is merely to
attract the enemy s attention.
By order of Maj. Gen. O. O. Howard:
JOS. A. SLADEN,
Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.
HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Pocotaligo, <S. (7., January 25, 1865.
Brig. Gen. M. F. FORCE,
Commanding Third Division, Seventeenth Army Corps:
GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you cause
two regiments from your command to report at the railroad depot at
daylight to-morrow. Captain Henley, aide-de-camp, will take them to
the point they are expected to occupy. General Mower will endeavor
to cross the Salkehatchie above the bridge, and these regiments are
intended to cover certain roads in his rear. Send with them one wagon
of ammunition.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. CADLE, JR.,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Pocotaligo, 8. C., January 25, 1865.
Bvt. Maj. Gen. G. A. SMITH,
Commanding Fourth Division :
GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you send
one brigade from your command to Salkehatchie bridge, starting at 7
a. in. to-morrow, with instructions to make a demonstration against
the enemy at that point and feign an attempt to force a crossing, so as
to draw their attention from General Mower s attempt at crossing above.
The general wishes the skirmish line pushed up as close to the river as
possible, but care must be taken to prevent loss. He wishes the posi
tion taken intrenched and held until your brigade is relieved by forces
from General Hatch s command. Should General Mower s movements
cause the enemy to evacuate, your brigade will push across and occupy
the works.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. CABLE, JR.,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
i) U R VOL XLV1L, PT 11
130 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. LIX.
HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING,
Savannah, Get., January 25, 1865.
Major -Gen era! SHERMAN,
Commanding Military Division of the Mississippi:
DEAR GENERAL: Your letter of yesterday lias just come to hand.
I ordered Davis yesterday to resume his march this morning at day
light, and directed Williams to push a division, if possible, from
Purysburg toward the ferry. These orders are now being executed.
Davis has gone with Morgan s division. I shall order Geary forward
to-morrow, and shall advise Corse to move at the same time on one of
the other roads. I shall send my headquarters teams with Geary s
division and go up the river on one of the transports. This will give
me an opportunity to stop at Purysburg and give whatever new orders
may be necessary; also to see the gun-boat and send it above the
ferry. I shall probably arrive at Sister s Ferry as soon as the head of
Davis column can reach there. I shall hear from Davis this evening
as to the progress made to-day, and will write you again before leaving
here.
Very respectfully, &c.,
II. W. SLOCUM,
Major- General.
HEADQUARTERS TWENTIETH CORPS,
Savannah, Ga., January 25, 1865.
Bvt. Maj. Gen. J. W. GEARY,
Commanding Second Division :
GENERAL: The major-general commanding the corps directs that
you move with your command, to-morrow morning, for Sister s Ferry,
following the Fourteenth Corps. You can march on either of the roads,
selecting the best. The general directs that you take charge of all the
trains of the corps now on this side of the river, and march them with
your column. The Fourteenth Corps starts to-day, and will march on
three roads. Upon arriving at Sister s Ferry you will cross your com
mand and rejoin the corps.
By command of Brevet Major-General Williams:
H. W. PERKINS,
Assistant A djutant- General.
SPECIAL ^ HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION,
FIELD ORDERS, > TWENTIETH ARMY CORPS,
No. 2. ) Savannah, Ga., January 25, 1865.
This command will move to-morrow at 8 a. m. Further instructions
will be issued this afternoon.
By order of Bvt. Maj. Gen. John W. Geary:
W. T. FORBES,
Assistant Adjutant General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
Hilton Head, 8. C., January 25, 1865.
Bvt. Maj. Gen. C. GROVER,
Commanding, &c., Savannah, Ga. :
GENERAL : The provisions, &c., sent on the Greyhound and Daniel
Webster should be received and turned over to the mayor, Mr. Arnold,
CHAP.LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 131
and facilities, &c., afforded in getting the vessels to the dock. There
are some private goods on both these vessels which I am willing to have
landed and sold at Savannah. The persons owning them have given,
the freight of the provisions for the poor of Savannah.
Respectfully, yours,
J. G. FOSTER,
Major- General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
Washington^ January 25, 1865.
Major-General SCHOFIELD,
Willard s Hotel:
GENERAL : Your corps will embark at Alexandria as rapidly as trans
ports can be prepared. The first division will proceed to the vicinity
of Wilmington, N. C., landing at Federal Point or up Cape Fear River,
as may be deemed best on their arrival. The second division will
proceed to Beaufort, landing at that place, unless orders to the con
trary are received there. The remainder will touch at Fort Monroe for
orders, and are expected to land near Wilmington or Beaufort, as Gen
eral Grant may direct. General Meagher s provisional division will
be ordered to report to you till it can join General Sherman.
Very respectfully,
H. W. HALLECK,
Major- General and Chief of Staff.
WASHINGTON, D. C., January 25, 1865.
Maj. Gen. J. D. Cox,
Warren, Ohio:
The commanding-general directs that you report in person without
delay for duty with your command.
J. A. CAMPBELL,
Major and Assistant Adjutant- General.
BALTIMORE AND OHIO RAILROAD DEPOT,
Washington, D. C., January 25, 1865. (Received 10.16 a. m.)
Hon. E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War:
First train ot troops arrived about 3 this a. m. and was run direct to
Alexandria. The cars have been returned, and are now on the way
west. Two trains are east of Monocacy, one having passed that point
at 7.35 and one at 8.08 this a. m.
GEO. S. KOONTZ.
BALTIMORE AND OHIO DEPOT,
Washington, I). C., January 25, 1865. (Received 10.35 p. m.)
Hon. E. M. STANTON:
Second train of troops arrived at 7.15, third train at 7.20, and fourth
at 7.30. They have been started for Alexandria.
G. S. KOONTZ.
132 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA, [CHAP. LIX.
NEW YORK, January 25, 1865.
(Received 10.25 a, m.)
Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK:
I arrived here last evening.
Q. A. GILLMORE,
Major-General.
NEW YORK, January 26, 1865.
(Received 12 m.)
Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON,
Secretary of War :
Just arrived after a rough passage on steamer Monterey. Could not
land at Cape Fear. Left Savannah 19th, Port Royal 22d. Wet and
stormy weather. General Sherman still at Savannah. Cotton being
shipped at rate of 800 to 1,000 bales per day. Treasury and War
Departments working smoothly and harmoniously.
M. C. MEIGS,
Quartermaster- Genera I.
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, Pocotaliyo, 8. 6 ., January 26,
Maj. Gen. O. O. HOWARD,
Commanding Army of the Tennessee :
GENERAL: General Mower is still maneuvering against the Salke-
hatchie bridge and it is important the movement from Garden s Cor
ners should be kept up. Continue it until you receive further orders. 1 f
boats can be obtained, let an effort be made to cross, but I do not wish
it done at the risk of loss of life merely to attract the enemy s atten
tion.
Your obedient servant,
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General, Commanding.
SPECIAL ORDERS, ) HDQRS. FIRST Div., IOTH ARMY CORPS,
No. 17. ( Beaufort, 8. C., January 26, 1865.
#**#** *
III. The Second and Third Brigades of this division will move from
their present camp toward Garden s Corners at 8 o clock to-morrow
morning, the brigade and regimental teams following in rear of their
respective brigades. The division train, under direction of the offi
cers in the quartermaster s and ordnance departments, will follow the
division to Garden s Corners, the wagons loaded with all the forage
and supplies that can be taken.
IV. Brigade commanders will send into Beaufort forthwith all bag
gage, boxes, &c., to be left in accordance with orders from department
headquarters to be stored with the post quartermaster, who is ready to
give memorandum receipts for such property as may be left under his
control.
By order of Bvt. Maj. Gen. C. R. Woods:
FRED. II. WILSON,
Actiny Assistant Adjutant- General.
CHAP. LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 133
HDQRS. FIRST BRIO., THIRD Div., 15TH ARMY CORPS,
Near Beaufort, 8. C., January 26, 1865.
Capt. S. M. BUDLONO,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Division, Fifteenth Army Corps :
CAPTAIN : I am here with my command under orders from Major-Gen
eral Logan to report to Brevet Major-General Smith, at Pocotaligo.
Have wagons and baggage of brigade, also ambulances and wagons
left behind of Third Division, but no teams. Transportation could
not be furnished for them when I came. Lieutenant Gorgas is behind
with detail to bring them forward as soon as possible. Lieutenant
Gorgas will endeavor also to bring up the wagons of train that were
abandoned in the march at Savannah.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. B. McCOWN,
Colonel, Commanding Brigade.
HDQRS. FOURTH DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Savannah, Ga., January 20, 1865.
Col. F. J. HURLBUT,
Commanding Third Brigade :
COLONEL: The major-general commanding directs that you move
out with your entire command on the road designated and in accord
ance with the instructions sent you yesterday. The general desires that
you inspect and thoroughly repair the road as far as you move, so that
the supply trains can move without impediment. You will move eight
or not to exceed ten miles and await there the arrival of the division,
when you will take the advance, with such instructions as will be given
you hereafter. The general wishes you to move by 8 a. m. to-morrow,
the 27th instant, irrespective of the Twentieth Corps. A staff officer
from these headquarters will accompany you to designate the route.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. H. EVERTS,
Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General.
SPECIAL ORDERS, ) HDQRS. SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
No. 23. ( Pocotaligo, ti. C., January 2(>, 1C>65.
*******
II. The extra baggage, tents, &c., -of this command will be sent to
the wharf on Pocotaligo River to-morrow, for shipment to Hilton Head,
instead of being taken to Beaufort, as ordered in Special Orders, No.
23, of this date. Lieut. William E. Ware, acting assistant adjutant-
general, Seventeenth Army Corps, will have charge of the storing and
direction of the future movements of the baggage.
By command of Maj. Gen. F. P. Blair:
C. CADLE, JR.,
Assistant Adjutan t- Genera I.
SAVANNAH, GA., January 26, 18658 p. m.
Major-General SHERMAN,
Commanding Military Dirision of the Mississippi :
DEAR GENERAL: Davi^ made a good march yesterday and found
the roads in fair condition. I have heard nothing from Williams. I
134 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. L1X.
leave here on transport to-morrow morning and shall stop at Purys-
burg. I think we shall be at Sister s Ferry on the day mentioned in
your letter the 29th.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. W. SLOCUM,
Major- General.
HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Springfield, (la., January 26, 1865 11.15 a. m.
Lieut. Col. A. C. McCLURG,
Asst. Adjt. Gen. and Chief of Staff, Fourteenth Army Corps:
COLONEL : The head of my division passing through Springfield. I
shall move about a mile to the first good camping ground. I hear
nothing from General Baird. Iverson s cavalry are said to be seven
miles from here. A few of the enemy s pickets have been struck. I
await further orders. Road about Ebenezer Creek is bad; from there
to this point, good.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES D. MORGAN,
Brigadier- General.
HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING, ARMY OF GEORGIA,
Savannah, Ga., January 26, 1865.
Brevet Major-General GEARY,
Commanding Second Division. Twentieth Corps :
GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you start
your command to-morrow morning to Sister s Ferry. He directs that
you take charge of and conduct to that place all trains of the Twentieth
Corps now here. Captain Whittelsey, acting chief quartermaster, will
be instructed to report to you.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBT. P. DECHERT,
Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General.
SPECIAL } HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION,
FIELD ORDERS, > TWENTIETH ARMY CORPS,
No. 3. ) Savannah, Ga., January 26, 1865.
This command will move at 8 a. m. to-morrow. Order of brigades:
First, Second, Third. Knap s battery will follow the Second Brigade.
###*#*#
By command of Bvt. Maj. Gen. John W. Geary:
W. T. FORBES,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
POCOTALIGO RIVER, January 26, 1865.
Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN,
Commanding, &c.:
GENERAL : I went over the defenses at Pocotaligo to-day, and waited
as long as I could on account of the falling tide in hopes of seeing you.
I wished to ask you if you would not consider the advisability of
CHAP.LIX.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 135
vacating the intrenched camp that you have ordered to be established
after you have passed so far on your march as to have entirely cut
loose from any connection by the way of Pocotaligo. The force to hold
such a camp Avill require to be larger than I at first supposed say 3,000
men while if the object be to secure debouching avenues it will be
defeated, probably, by the enemy by his blocking the roads at defiles
or other good defensible points. I would respectfully suggest that the
force be retained in such a position only until a positive result has
been obtained from your inarch and you are entirely beyond Columbia.
Then, if Charleston be taken, to allow the force to guard the railroad
for our iuture use; but if that city does not fall, to have this force
destroy this road as far as possible and then retire to Port Eoyal
Island, to be used in attacks, as at Bull s Bay and Georgetown, or other
places that have to be assailed as demonstrations. I beg that you will
pardon me for my suggestions. I only desire to make myself as useful
as possible, and therefore to have available as large a force as possible.
With great respect, very truly, yours,
J. G. FOSTER,
Major -General of Volunteers.
P. S. We found ouly seven inches in Pocotaligo Creek at low tide.
ORDERS.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO,
Washington, D. C., January 26, 1865.
The corps will embark at Alexandria as soon as practicable and
move as follows, viz, the Third Division, Major-General Cox command
ing, will embark first and move at once to the vicinity of Wilmington,
N. C., lauding at Federal Point or higher up the river, as may be found
expedient. The Second Division, Major- General Couch commanding,
will move to Beaufort and land there unless contrary orders be received
at that place. The First Division, Brigadier-General Ruger command
ing, will touch at Fortress Monroe for orders from the major-general
commanding or Lieutenant- General Grant. It is expected the division
will go to Beaufort or Wilmington. Lieutenant-Colonel Boyd, chief
quartermaster, will confer with Brigadier- General Rucker, assistant
chief quartermaster, in reference to transportation, and inform the
division commanders, who are charged with the execution of this order.
By command of Major-General Schofield:
J. A. CAMPBELL,
Major and Assistant Adjutant- General.
BALTIMORE AND OHIO DEPOT,
January 26, 1865. (Received 8.20 p. m.)
Hon. E. M. STANTON:
Fifth train of troops arrived at 5 o clock, and the sixth train at 7
o clock this p. m. Troops unloaded and put in barracks.
G. S. KOOOTZ.
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, Pocotaligo, S. C., January 27, 1865.
M"aj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
Chief of Staff, Washington, D. C. :
GENERAL : We had heavy and continuous rains up to and including
the 24th instant, causing all the rivers, the Savannah included, to over-
136 OPERATIONS IN N. 0., 8. C., 8. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. LIX.
flow their banks, and making the roads simply impassable. I came up
to this point on the 25th, and with the troops here, Seventeenth Corps,
have been demonstrating against the Salkehatchie, but that stream is
out of its banks and we cannot cross. I only aim to drive the enemy
over toward Edisto, a little farther from our tlank, when I move against
the Charleston and Augusta road. I have in person reconnoitered the
ground from Salkehatchie bridge back to Coosawhatchie, and iind the
country very low and intersected by creeks and points of salt marsh,
making roads very bad, but I am pushing to get the Right Wing here,
and have official notice from General Slocum that he had the Twen
tieth Corps, General Williams, on this side the Savannah at Purys-
burg, and on the 25th the Fourteenth Corps, General Davis, would
resume his march from Cherokee Hill, ten miles out of Savannah,
where he was caught by the rain-storm, so that I expect to hear of the
Lelt Wing and cavalry reaching Sister s Ferry to-morrow. A gun
boat and fleet of transports will attend the Left Wing up the Savan
nah River, and General Slocum is ordered to replenish his wagons,
rendezvous at Robertsville, and report his readiness to me.
I expect on Monday or Tuesday next, viz, February 1, to be all ready,
when I will move rapidly up toward Barnwell and wheel to the right
on the railroad at Midway, leaving Branchville to the right; after
destroying that road I will move on Oraugeburg, and so on to Colum
bia, avoiding any works the enemy may construct in my path, and
forcing him to tight me in open ground, if he risk battle. I will use
Hatch s division, of Foster s command (4,000), to cover my movement by
posting it between this and Salkehatchie bridge. You will note that
our position is now nearer Branchville than from Charleston. I get
a few deserters and have made some prisoners, who report cavalry only
between me and Barnwell and infantry between me and Charleston.
Of course, I shall keep up the delusion of an attack on Charleston
always, and have instructed General Foster to watch the harbor close
from Morris Island, and when he hears of my being on the railroad
near Branchville to make a landing at Bull s Bay, and occupy the
Georgetown road, twenty-four miles east of Charleston. Admiral
Dahlgren will also keep up the demonstration on Charleston. My
chief difficulty will be to supply my army, but on this point I must
risk a good deal, based upon the idea that where other people live we
can, even if they have to starve or move away.
Weather is now cold and clear. I will write again.
I am, with respect, &c.,
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major- General, Commanding.
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, Pocotaligo, 8. C., January 27, J8(i~>.
Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK.
Chief of Staff, Washington, I). C. :
GENERAL: In making up our list for brevets in Savannah I am sat
isfied we did an act of injustice to a most worthy brigade commander,
Colonel Este, of an Ohio regiment, whose name and credentials you
will find in the list accompanying the official reports. I would respect
fully urge that he be brevetted brigadier-general on a perfect footing
with those made by the Secretary of War at Savannah. I am afraid
the lists are made so extensive that the Army will be over-burdened
CHAP. LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 137
with brevets, and woukTinfinitely prefer that vacancies be created by
mustering out absentees and giving the real rank to the worthy men
actually present on duty.
I am, &c..
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major- General.
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, Pocotaligo, January 27, 1865. (Received 29th.)
Admiral DAHLGREN, Commanding South Atlantic Squadron:
DEAR ADMIRAL : I have now reconnoitered all the country from the
Salkehatchie bridge back to and including Coosawhatchie. The
enemy had fortified every path leading from the various landings to
the railroad, and could have bothered us a good deal had we not got
Pocotaligo in the way we did by the several diversions and the quick,
prompt attack. From here we will find no trouble in getting an offing.
T have official reports that Slocum got off for Sister s Ferry on the
25th, and he should be there to morrow.
It will take him till Monday or Tuesday to cross over, load his
wagons, and rendezvous at Roberts ville, when we will be off. I hope
this cold, clear weather will last for that time, as the roads here would
cut to the hub after an hour s rain.
I have been feeling the Combahee Ferry and also at the bridge, but
the river is over its banks and fills the swamps for a mile back, too
deep at points to wade and too shallow at others to use boats. I can
only see a few rebels on the other bank, but a prisoner captured says
there is a brigade back a short distance and a considerable force about
Green Pond, ten miles east of this. We find no enemy this side of the
Salkehatchie, except cavalry, which is simply watching us, but I will
clear it away in a hurry when we are ready to move. I will be sure to
let you know the moment we are off, and will leave Hatch s division,
of Foster s command, here to cover our movement.
I am, with great respect, vours, truly,
W, T. SHERMAN,
Major- General.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,
Near Pocotaligo, S. 6\, January 27, 1865.
Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN,
Commanding Military Division of the Mississippi :
GENERAL : General Logan moved one division (Hazen s) to the vicinity
of Port Royal Ferry and another (General Woods ) to Garden s Corners.
Supplies had not arrived at Beaufort in sufficient quantity to fill the
wagons when the divisions left. Hazen s transportation, however, is
still at Beaufort, and I understand that supplies have arrived, so that
he will be able to fill up. General Logan says that General Easton
would not allow him boats, so that there are some 000 mules not yet
over. General Slocum had not left Savannah yesterday afternoon at
2 o clock. Corse will follow Geary s division. I perceive by General
Foster s note that we will have plenty of supplies now. General Logan
was here in person this afternoon.
Very respectfully, yours,
O. O. HOWARD,
Major- General.
138 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. LIX.
SPECIAL ORDERS, }_ HDQRS. DEPT. AND ARMY OF THE TENN.,
No, 2. j Beaufort, 8. C., January 27, 186-5.
*******
III. The First Regiment Engineers Missouri Volunteers, Lieut. Col.
William Tweeddale commanding, having arrived at this point, will, as
soon as its transportation can be made ready, proceed to Blair s land
ing on Pocotaligo Iliver, and encamp as near thereto as practicable,
reporting arrival to Capt. C. B. Reese, chief engineer.
By order of Maj. Gen. O. O. Howard:
SAML. L. TAGGAET,
Assistant Adjutant- Genera /.
SPECIAL ORDERS, ) HDQRS. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
No. 27. ) Beaufort, & C., January 27, 186").
*******
V. Headquarters Fifteenth Army Corps is hereby established at
Beaufort, S. C. Capt. H. N. Wheeler, assistant adjutant-general, U. S.
Volunteers, is assigned as in charge. All office desks and records not
taken with the command in the field will be left in his charge. Captain
Wheeler with headquarters will rejoin the corps at such points as may
be hereafter designated.
*******
Bv command of Maj. Gen. John A. Logan:
MAX. WOODHULL,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
GENERAL ORDERS, ) HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., THIRD Div.,
FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
No. 1. ) Beaufort, S. C., January 27, 1865.
In compliance with Special Orders, ^o. 26, of date January 2G, 1865,
from headquarters Fifteenth Army Corps, the undersigned hereby
assumes command of the First Brigade, Third Division, Fifteenth
Army Corps. Your general congratulates himself on his assignment
to troops whose discipline is so marked, whose valor has been so well
tried, and who have won by heroic deeds so brilliant a name in the his
tory of this war. Your career is well known to him. He was an eye