In November 1864, Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman left Atlanta, Georgia in flames and embarked on his historic March from Atlanta to the Sea. Along the way, he unintentionally liberated thousands of black people held as slaves in the Georgia cities and towns. They left the farms and plantations in droves--some joining the Union Cause as hired servants, cooks, laundresses, teamsters, and pioneers, and others saying goodbye to slavery to begin living as free citizens of the United States. They... Read Full Story
Deveaux Residence, Savannah, Georgia, The day after General Sherman left Savannah Dearest Child, I did not understand too much at all until I knew there was you. Now I know what freedom means. For me, it's the freedom to become a teacher and to be your mother. I am not alone. Other women, young girls like me -- away from their homes and soon to be mothers, mothers of soldiers’ babies -- meet every week at Miss Jane Deveaux’s house. Long before the war started, Miss Jane taught negro... Read Full Story
War Department, Adjutant General's Office, Washington The following resolution of the Senate and House of Representatives is published to the army: PUBLIC RESOLUTION--No. 4. Joint resolution tendering the thanks of the people and of Congress to Major-General William T. Sherman, and the officers and soldiers of his command, for their gallant conduct in their late brilliant movement through Georgia. Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America... Read Full Story
Savannah, Ga. I never in all my life knew such furious rains as we had last night; it seemed as if the heavens themselves were falling upon us. In addition to the uproar among the elements, my slumbers were disturbed by frightful dreams about Garnett. Twice during the night I dreamed that he was dead and in a state of corruption, and I couldn't get anybody to bury him. Col. Avery and Capt. Mackall were somehow mixed up in the horrid vision, trying to help me, but powerless to do so. In the... Read Full Story
Headquarters 14th Corps, in the field, near Savannah, Georgia THE REVIEW OF THE MARCHA wonderful march has been made, and most substantial successes achieved. Considered as a spectacle, the march of General Sherman's Armyhas surpassed in some respects, all marches in history. This great and unexampled expedition has added another laurel to the brilliant record of the armies of the Military Division of the Mississippi, and justified the hopes of its most ardent friends. The conception and... Read Full Story
In camp, near Pocotaligo, South Carolina In accordance with orders the 21st Wis. moved out of Savannah at 10 o'clock A.M. and joined the brigade one mile from town. The entire 14th Corps moved on the Louisville Pike. The continued rainfall through the day made the roads nearly impassable and we were compelled to move very slow. We went into camp at 4 o'clock P.M. having marched but 7 miles for the day. The ground upon which we camped is spongy and water soaked, yet the rain continues to... Read Full Story
Onboard ship We are on a transport. The boys are amusing themselves shooting at the porpoise—a big sea fish which are playing around our boat. The waves run pretty high and very few are able to hit them. We have had some fun. They sky lights from the lower deck come up through the upper deck where we are, and our boys can look down on the tables where the officers are having a splendid dinner fixed up for them. My but it looks and smells good! Some of the boys have got a lot of purpoise... Read Full Story
Headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, In the Field Savannah Dearest Ellen, I have all your letters up to the 4th and also yours to Charley which I have read in his absence, so that I am now well advised of all matters. It may be some days yet before I dive again beneath the Surface to turn up again in Some mysterious place. I have a clear perception of the move, but take it for granted that Lee will not let me walk over the track without making me sustain some loss. Of course... Read Full Story
Headquarters Military Division Oe The Mississippi, In The Field, Near Savannah, GeorgiaSpecial Field Orders, No. 151. The islands from Charleston south, the abandoned rice-fields along the rivers for thirty miles back from the sea, and the country bordering the St. John's River, Florida, are reserved and set apart for the settlement of the negroes now made free by the acts of war and the proclamation of the President of the United States. 2. At Beaufort, Hilton Head, Savannab, Fernandina, St... Read Full Story
Headquarters, 14th Corps, Savannah, Georgia I attended a meeting of colored people in the Baptist Church today. The building was packed to its utmost capacity, and hundreds stood during the whole evening, while hundreds of others came and went away, being unable to find even a place to stand. The meeting was opened by one of the brethren in a prayer of great pathos and rare power. He paused in the midst of his supplications and offered up a thrilling supplication for the great army that had... Read Full Story
