In Rome, Georgia, Union General William T. Sherman today orders the torching of buildings in the town that could potentially be used by Confederate forces for war purposes.
“Tonight destroy all public property not needed by your command,” Sherman orders, “all foundries, mills, workshops, warehouses, railroad depots, or other storehouses convenient to the railroad, together with all wagon shops, tanneries or other factories useful to the enemy. Destroy all bridges immediately, then move your command to Kingston.”
Fort Norton is among the first buildings torched. The night sky in Rome is soon brightly lit by flames from depots, shops, warehouses and a grist mill.
The burning of Rome marks the beginning of Sherman’s march to the Georgia coast. Marching out of Rome, Sherman moves toward Atlanta, where his forces will consolidate before heading eastward to Savannah.
Meanwhile, the Virginia Baptist Religious Herald calls upon Baptist churches in the state to obey the call of Confederate President Jefferson Davis to observe Wednesday the 16th as “a day of public worship” on behalf of the nation.
We issue the present number under circumstances which preclude the insertion of the President’s proclamation appointing Wednesday, November 16, as a day for public worship throughout the Confederate States. It is surely not unmeet that we should assemble in our respective houses of devotion, “there to unite in prayer to our Heavenly Father that He bestow His favor upon us, that He extend over us the protection of His might arm; that He sanctify His chastisements to our improvement, so that we may turn away from evil paths and walk righteously in His sight; that He restore peace to our beloved country, healings its bleeding wounds and securing for us the continued enjoyment of our right to self-government and Independence; and that if He graciously hearken to us, while we ascribe to Him the power and glory of our deliverance.” Let us do this; remembering that there is no access to the Father, no acceptance with Him, except through the merits and righteousness of Jesus Christ, the Surety of the New Testament, the Captain of our salvation, the Author and Finisher of faith.
Prayer seems to be only possible weapon left at the disposal of the Confederacy. Little effective thus far, it is unclear why God should now heed the petitions of a white master class committed to black slavery.
Sources: ‘Rome, Ga. Civil War History” (link); “Day of Public Worship,” Religious Herald, November 10, 1864
