Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Harvard Memorial Biographies

[271] expected for the last fortnight, in what direction or for what purpose every one is open to speculate upon. Orders have just come in to have all surplus baggage at once sent to the rear for storage, that is, to Chattanooga. My opinion of the move is this,. . . . that we are about to move on Savannah, and open a water communication. The last move of General Hood, or rather Beauregard, has demonstrated that we want some other road of communication than the present one. If this is the move intended, some time will elapse before I again shall hear from the North. This move will be attended with much hard marching and rather slim rations, but with little fighting. Rather pleasant for the army to enter Savannah, and afterwards, say, Charleston.

Savannah, Georgia, January, 1865.

my dear brother,—I am happy to acknowledge the receipt of your welcome letter. My letter, dated Argyle Island, left off with a general account of our march through the State of Georgia. I had scarcely finished my letter when our brigade was ordered across the river to the sacred soil of South Carolina, and there remained for two days, threatening the only road left open to the Rebel forces under General Hardee, and skirmishing pretty sharply with Wheeler's cavalry. On the second day we heard of the evacuation of the city of Savannah. We were, however, pretty well assured of the fact before news came to brigade Headquarters; for from our position we could see baggage, carriages, cavalry, and camp-followers passing along the Charleston and Savannah roads. On the next day we returned from the sacred soil, and encamped with the division half a mile from the city, where we have remained to the present date. The city of Savannah is a very pleasing old place, possessing very many elegant residences. Very few of the inhabitants left with the Rebel army, and the city consequently presents quite a cheerful aspect. Last week the various corps were reviewed by General Sherman. The review took place in one of the principal streets, and I believe it was the general opinion that our corps carried off the laurels. The regiment received numerous compliments as to its appearance and marching. On New-Year's day, early, Headquarters in the city were thrown open, and, in company with other officers, I made my calls. I had the honor and pleasure of shaking hands with General Sherman,—Tecumseh, as he is commonly called by the soldiers. The General occupies a really elegant house, and entertained his guests on that day in a truly hospitable manner. He possesses a very happy faculty of catching one's name