With Sherman’s army drawing ever closer to Savannah, Confederates assemble a force of 4,000 troops in front of Union forces at the Little Ogeechee River, hoping to prevent the Federals from crossing. However, the much larger Union army, spreading out to cross the river at three points, quickly dissuades the Rebels, forcing a rapid retreat under the cover of darkness.
Crossing the river uncontested this day, Sherman marches to the nearby community of Oliver, pausing at the Little Ogeechee Baptist Church.
Finding the Baptist meeting house suitable, the general confiscates the building as a temporary stable for his growing collection of white horses previously taken from civilians and troops the Federals have encountered in their march thus far.The horses, along with the conquered city of Savannah, are to be a Christmas present to U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. The capture of Savannah prior to Christmas seems assured by this point.
Sherman then establishes temporary headquarters near the depot while his troops camp throughout the countryside. The army remains in Oliver for two days while Sherman, preparing for a coastal assault, coordinates the movements of his four columns spread out over dozens of miles.
Sources: “The Confederate Line at Ogeechee Church, No. 4 1/2 CRR,” Historical Markers Across Georgia (link); “Downtown Sylvania,” Sylvania Chamber of Commerce (link)
