Empowered by his re-election last month, U. S. President Abraham Lincoln issues a proclamation for 300,000 more volunteers to serve in the military in order to finish the task of defeating the Rebellion. The Confederacy, by way of contrast, has exhausted efforts to recruit new soldiers. Twice as many solders have deserted as are now…
With the Confederates declaring their refusal to surrender Savannah to Sherman, the Union General begins preparations to take the city. Numerical manpower and firepower are on Sherman’s side, a fact recognized by the Confederacy. More soldiers are desperately needed in the defense of the city, but none are forthcoming. The armies of the South, decimated…
For Savannans, the dreaded day has arrived: Union General William T. Sherman, encamped outside the city with some 60,000 soldiers, demands that Lieutenant-General W. J. Hardee surrender the city. For Sherman, it is a day to relish: Months of planning and a long, hard march have led to this moment. One week before Christmas, the…