By 3:00 AM Confederate forces have left Savannah. Hours later, Mayor Richard D. Arnold walks out and surrenders the city to waiting Union troops. Black citizens cheer as Sherman’s army then marches into the city and hoists the United States flag at the City Exchange. The general, however, is not with his troops. Sherman, not…
Despite defiance mere days earlier, Confederate forces evacuate from Savannah today, leaving the city to Sherman‘s army. An official Confederate report of the evacuation notes: “The troops from the western lines were quietly withdrawn in the order and at the hours indicated in the circulars issued by the lieutenant general for the evacuation of the…
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…