As the year draws to a close, Sherman eyes the Carolinas, the Confederacy prays for a miracle, and newly freed blacks in Georgia celebrate the miracle of their freedom. General William T. Sherman, having successfully captured Savannah, contemplates marching on nearby Charleston, the city that more than any other fostered Southern secession and then led…
With Savannah safely in Federal hands, the Union Navy today begins an assault upon Fort Fisher, a Confederate fort guarding the coastal city of Wilmington, North Carolina. The Battle of Fort Fisher lasts for four days. Today the Union attempts to destroy the fort’s walls by detonating a gunpowder-laden ship. This failed effort is followed…
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…