Emilio, Luis F., History of the Fifty-Fourth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry , 1863-1865

[287] and Second United States Colored Troops, made up the colored brigade under Colonel Hallowell, who occupied No. 109 Broad Street, procured for him by Lieutenant Ritchie at the same rent as the Jacksonville houses. Bvt. Maj.-Gen. Cuvier Grover commanded the district, and his division of the Nineteenth Corps held the posts. Bvt. Brig.-Gen. E. L. Moleneux commanded the defences.

Savannah was a most attractive city, with wide, shaded streets, numerous parks, and many good buildings, and elegant residences. All the approaches to it had been well fortified by the enemy, for there were heavy works on the river and a line of fortifications from the Savannah to the Little Ogeechee River. Beyond, facing this land defence, were the works thrown up by the besiegers. On every side were the deserted camps of Sherman's and Hardee's armies, marked by debris, rough shanties, cleared spaces, and approaching roads. When captured, the population was estimated as twenty thousand, of whom thousands were supported upon army supplies or those sent from the generous North by ship-loads. The most attractive spot was the beautiful cemetery of Bonaventure, with its majestic live-oaks and wooded paths. Savannah had fallen by siege in every war; to the British in 1788 and 1812, and to the Federal troops in 1864.

It was a busy time, our short stay there, for returns were in arrears, and the books had to be written up. Clothing was issued and drills resumed. The regiment furnished picket details in proper turn for the brigade. It was delightful weather, the gardens already blooming with camellias, japonicas, and Cape jessamine. On the 18th, the Fifty-fourth with the whole division was inspected by Brig.-Gen. Seth Williams, U. S. A. Our regiment was in