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

[263] them, and then returned to camp. It is probable that Colonel Hallowell's force would have been called upon for an attempt against the enemy's works about old Pocotaligo had not Savannah fallen on the night of the 20th. Hardee evacuated the city after abandoning or burning immense stores and many guns, retiring to Hardeeville, S. C., across the river.

Graham's Neck, occupied by our brigade, is the point of land between the Tullifinny and Pocotaligo rivers. Along its length farther inland than our position was a road from Mackay's Point on the Broad to the State road, which crossed Graham's as well as Devaux's Neck. In our vicinity were the abandoned plantations known to us as the Dr. Hutson, Mason, Steuart, and Howard places. To our right front was an open country as far as Framton Creek; but in our immediate front bordering the Tullifinny were creeks, swamps, and heavy woods.

During the night of the 21st, the pickets of the Twentysixth United States Colored Troops captured three cavalrymen. In retaliation, the next morning the enemy attacked their line, killing one man and wounding another, forcing them back. Major Pope, with Companies C, E, H, and K, relieved the Twenty-sixth men later that morning, taking up the same badly run and dangerous line, which was given up for a better position the same evening.

Our brigade expected an attack the succeeding day, as Colonel Hallowell was warned to be on the alert. At night news came of the occupation of Savannah, causing great enthusiasm. Early each morning the brigade moved to and occupied an intrenched line beyond the Fifty-fourth camp. Daily scouting parties were sent out. Quartermaster Ritchie drew rations at Gregory's, ferried them