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

[261] swamp on our left, mainly to command a culvert on the railroad. From that point four half-moons of the enemy could be seen near Coosawhatchie. General Hatch made his headquarters under canvas, while General Potter occupied Talbird's house.

From our camp of shelter tents pitched in an open field, details for picket and work on the intrenchments went out daily. Damp, rainy weather prevailed, causing considerable sickness, but it cleared, with sunny outbursts, on the 11th. The Seventy-fifth and One Hundred and Seventh Ohio joined the division on the 10th. Our brigade the next day was increased by the transfer to it of the Thirtyfourth United States Colored Troops. We were shelling the railroad through the cut whenever trains were heard, and also at intervals after nightfall. Firing in the direction of Savannah occurred on the 11th, and, as we hoped, proved to be Sherman's guns. On the 12th, Captain Duncan, Third Illinois Cavalry, and two men, drifted down past the enemy's batteries at Savannah in a boat, and brought a despatch that the Western army was confronting that city.

Frosty nights were now the rule, and the troops, lightly sheltered, thinly clothed, and in many cases without blankets, suffered. Supplies came regularly, and fresh beef in limited quantity was issued. The Sanitary Commission at Devaux's Neck did much for the sick and well. It was now a daily occurrence to bear Sherman's guns. Companies D and I, on the 14th, were detailed as guard at brigade headquarters. We had present at Devaux's Neck about four hundred and ninety enlisted men. News came on the evening of the 14th that Fort McAllister was taken, and Sherman and Foster in communication. As the news