Nov. 4th Lieut. La Count was sent to Chattanooga for the purpose of forwarding all of the baggage belonging to our regiment. I sent $350 by him to be expressed from Chattanooga to Mr. M. Pollard at Eagle, Wisconsin. A few hours after the Lieut. left the regiment, his commission as Captain of Co. "K" arrived. But he was unable to rejoin the regiment until the next spring, consequently did not muster in as captain until the close of the war. He was one of our best officers, brave, competent and upright. Captain Wiesbrod made application to muster out on order No. 75.

Nov. 5th The company officers were instructed to make out muster and payrolls for the months of Sept. and Oct. in order that we might be paid for those months. I worked steadily at this, assisted by Sergeant Burnham and Co. Clerk Olsen, and we got them completed in good time. Flat cars passed through Kingston on the was from Atlanta to Chattanooga loaded with artillery. This looked as though Atlanta was to be abandoned by our forces.

Nov. 6th Col. Hobart, Major Fitch and Lieut. Otto arrived from Wisconsin. Gen. Thomas ordered that our regiment be sent to Chattanooga, but Gen. Jeff. C. Davis, our Corps commander, succeeded in getting the order countermanded. Col. Hobart thought we would make a long march to the south, probably to Savannah, GA.. In a letter from home I received my 2nd Lieut. commission, and my discharge papers form the 14th Wis.. I had thought to use them in an attempt to muster out, but it becoming evident that we were about to commence another campaign, I concluded to make no effort to leave the service until its close.

Nov. 7th Lt. Col. Hobart was mustered in as Colonel, Major Fitch as Lt. Col. and Captain Walker as Major. Col. Hobart being assigned to the command of our (1st) brigade, Lt. Col. Fitch assumed command of the regiment. Four companies of the regiment were paid for the months of Sept. and Oct.. Seven men with two teams and wagons, belonging to our brigade, were captured while out foraging. Weather was very windy.

Nov. 8th This was "Lincoln Day". Wisconsin soldiers in the field were allowed to vote on the national and state issues. The election was held by companies , whose officers made the certified returns to the proper officials at Madison, Wis. My company polled 34 votes, everyone of which was for Lincoln and Johnson. The Republican majority in the regiment was 230. Six Co.'s of the regiment were paid for Sept. and Oct. I received $250.00. Privates Hall and Trice were sent to Chattanooga, sick. My own health was first-rate.

Nov. 9th Chaplain O. P. Clinton obtained a leave-of-absence to visit Wisconsin and carry home a portion of the money received by the soldiers of the regiment. My company sent $2000 by him. I sent $225 to my wife. Captain Wiesbrod received his papers from Headquarters with the endorsement that he could be mustered out whenever an officer could be commissioned to fill his place in the company. Asst. Surgeon Brett arrived at the regiment.

Nov. 10th A foraging party from our brigade, consisting of a detail of men from each regiment, was sent out under the command of Captain Stuart of the 21st Wis. They went out three miles and returned to camp empty handed, declaring that they saw signs of confederate soldiers, but none of supplies. It was rumored in camp that Lincoln had carried the states of Ohio, Penn., Ind., Ill. and Wis. but it was much too early to obtain authentic information in regard to the election. We were still at Kingston. Marching orders were looked for.

Nov. 11th Six companies of our regiment, including my own, with the 104th Ill. numbering 300 men, with wagon-trains, were sent out foraging. We marched 10 miles east, obtained 400 bushels of corn and returned to camp at 8 o'clock P.M. We passed over the ground where Cassville had stood. Two weeks to this time the town had been destroyed because many of the inhabitants were proved to be bushwhackers and bridgeburners. Of course in such cases the innocent suffered with the guilty, but is not that always the case in war? We were destined to witness wholesale destruction of property before the end came. The 3rd Division of the 15th Corps passed through Kingston on their way from Rome to Atlanta. Privates Seaton and Somerson, being sick, were sent to Chattanooga. In the evening our last mail went north and we had received our last communication from home. I had only time to write the following:

Kingston, Ga.
Nov. 11th 1864

Dear Wife,

It is late and I have just been notified that our last mail to the north will soon be closed. Although I have been out on a foraging expedition and have marched 20 miles today, I am not too tired to write a few words to you. We look for marching orders at any moment. Our first move will be to Atlanta. I understand the railroad track will be thoroughly destroyed as we go, and probably a large amount of other property will be destroyed as well. Whether we shall go southwest from Atlanta towards Mobile, Ala. or southeast toward Savannah, Ga. is a matter of uncertainty, and I may as well say, indifference to the soldiers. They have unbounded faith in Gen. Sherman and are ready to follow his lead in either direction. Whichever way we may go, I doubt not we shall inflict serious damage upon the Confederacy, and I hope do much to hasten its downfall.

Dear Wife I have only time to write a short letter but a little more than to say good-bye. I know you will be glad to know that I am well, and in the best of spirits. I will write to you upon the first opportunity. Until then, good-bye. Keep of good cheer, and may God bless and protect you.

Yours Very Truly,
James M.

Nov. 12th At 1:30 P.M. we moved out in the direction of Atlanta. We marched lively and went into camp at Cartersville at 7 o'clock P.M. making a march of 12 miles. All of the business portion of Kingston was destroyed before we left, and many dwellings were also burned. As we marched along, we saw many houses in flames. Most of the people had left their homes, many had gone toward Chattanooga. Our army had really cut loose from the north, and had entered upon a campaign of destruction. All government property, not needed, was destroyed, as was also all railroad property as we came to it. Where our campaign would lead to, of course no one could tell, nor did the boys seem to care. They were perfectly willing to follow Gen. Sherman wherever he might lead.

Nov. 13th We moved at 6 o'clock A.M. marched to Big Shanty, 18 miles and went into camp at 8 o'clock P.M. It was a tiresome march. We destroyed six or eight miles of railroad track, which consumed a considerable time. Cartersville and Ackworth were almost entirely destroyed by fire. A quantity of government rations were also destroyed at Cartersville. While we were engaged in destroying railroad track I had the misfortune to injure my foot so that I could scarcely walk.

Nov. 14th We moved forward at 7 A.M. Marched to the Chattahoochie River 20 miles, and went into camp at dark. I was quite lame and was obliged to ride a portion of the time in an ambulance. The pack mule that carried my cooking utensils and blankets failed to reach camp at night, consequently I was unable to sleep much through the chilly night. Marietta shared the same fate as Ackworth and as other towns through which we passed. All public buildings were burned and many other buildings also. The recruits and drafted men that had belonged to the 10th Wis. and had been at Marietta for some time fell in with our regiment as we passed. Major Walker had been at Marietta several days making arrangements for the transfer.

Nov. 15th We marched nine miles and went into camp at 2 o'clock P.M. on the east side of Atlanta. I suppose our camp was about one mile east from the center of the town. It was plainly to be seen that Atlanta was doomed. Gen. Sherman ordered the destruction of all public property, and much private property was destroyed as well. At 9 o'clock in the evening I wrote in my diary by the light of burning Atlanta. It was as light as day. Not many people remained in town. Those who did not leave upon the order of Gen. Sherman date Sept. 13th had afterwards been compelled to leave on account of their inability to obtain provisions. During the time of our march to the rear after Hood, most of the 20th Corps had remained at Atlanta. Rations and ammunition had accumulated in sufficient quantity to fill all of our wagons. All surplus baggage and everything that could possibly be dispensed with was taken from the wagons and destroyed, and every inch of space was stored with the real sinews of wars. It was urged upon all that in the long march before us, we would need every pound of bread, coffee and sugar that our train could carry. It was not proposed to take much meat in wagons as it was thought the country through which we passed would furnish a supply. Gen. Sherman had perfected his plans and we had entered upon a move to the southward. Gen. Thomas with the "Army of the Cumberland" had been sent north to look after Hood. The strength of our army was about 10,000 men, including a division of cavalry under Kilpatrick. The 15th and 17th Corps constituted the right wing under Gen. Howard, while the left wing included the 14th and 20th Corps under Gen. Slocum. All under the chief command of Gen. Sherman. The 21st Wis. was the only Wisconsin regiment in the 14th Corps.

Nov. 16th The left wing of our army moved out from Atlanta between seven and eight o'clock A.M. Our course was nearly due east along the Augusta Railroad. We passed through Decatur, seven miles from Atlanta, and made a march for the day of 20 miles and went into camp at Lathoria. Before leaving camp in the morning each Company Commander was required to read to his men, general orders from Headquarters in relation to the campaign, and for the guidance of foraging parties, the correct interpretation of which was "to forage liberally upon the country". For this duty twenty men were detailed from each regiment under the charge of an officer. Two brothers, Henry and Andrew Calkins, of my company were detailed. Decatur had been a pretty place of over 1,000 inhabitants, but many people had fled, and a portion of our army had been there long enough to give the place an appearance of a camp. Lathoria, about half the size of Decatur, contained many vacant houses.

Nov. 17th We moved forward again at 7 o'clock A.M. Still following the Augusta Railroad we passed through Conger Station, a town of nearly 1,000 inhabitants. We marched 12 miles, destroying the railroad track a portion of the distance, and went into camp on the north bank of the Yellow River. In the evening Col. Hobart requested all of the company commanders of his brigade to assemble at his quarters, whereupon he made us quite a speech regarding the campaign, and in relation to our duties in general. Col. Hobart was a good talker, and was by no means hard to please. He found no fault with us, but he surprised us very much when he advised us all to procure horses to ride during the continuance of the campaign. He did not order that this be done, merely advised it. But I know of no line officers who acted upon the advice. We all would have enjoyed the ride no doubt, but it did not seem like fair treatment of the men in the ranks, and the tendency would be prejudicial to discipline.

Nov. 18th We marched 7 miles and went into camp at noon. We passed through Covington, the home of Alexander Stephens, Vice President of the Confederacy. The place contained nearly 2,000 inhabitants, and was certainly the most handsome town I had seen in the south. It was at this point that the 14th Corps left the Augusta Railroad and moved to the right of that line. The 20th Corps on our left followed still further toward Augusta. We passed finely improved plantations and there was every indication of wealth. Hundreds of slaves lines the sides of the road to see us move along. Many of them were unable to withstand the temptation to fall in on the rear of our column, and march "Wid de Lincun Sogers". After getting into camp I was taken suddenly sick.

Nov. 19th After leaving Atlanta our (1st) Division had been in the advance of the 14th Corps, now the 2nd and 3rd Divisions moved past us and we took our position in the rear of the Corps. We marched 7 miles, passing through a good section of country. Our foragers found an abundance of corn, potatoes, beef and molasses. They also secured some fine horses and mules. We passed a small place call Sandtown. Being unable to walk I rode in an ambulance.

Nov. 20th We moved forward at 7 o'clock A.M. I marched with the company, though I was not feeling very well. In our march of 16 miles we passed through fine country. The plantations were large and well improved. We noticed one in particular - "Shady Dale" by name - that was far more extensive than anything we had seen. A large mansion surrounded by a hundred or more neat cabins. A regular little city of itself. Previous to the war 900 slaves were kept there, now there were but 300 to be seen, and many of these fell in with our troops and marched away. This was undoubtedly the most aristocratic portion of Georgia. Thus far it had escaped the ravages of war. The "Yankee Invader" had never been seen in these parts before, and to the whites our presence now was extremely obnoxious. But the negroes regarded the matter very differently. Instinctive or otherwise, they looked upon the Union soldiers as their friends, and seemed to feel as though their day of deliverance was at hand. Their manifestations of happiness were unbounded, and who could wonder at it.

Nov. 21st We moved at 7 o'clock A.M. but our march was delayed by a wagon-train in our front. Heavy rains fell during the night and early morning, which made the roads slippery and bad. We went into camp near the Oconee River, only 5 miles from the place of starting. It was supposed that the 14th Corps would pass through Eatonton but we went five miles south of that place, on the direct road to Millidgeville. I was feeling first-rate.

Nov. 22nd We crossed the Oconee River at 7 o'clock A.M., marched 10 miles and went into camp. We were still passing through fine country. Captain Edwards was detailed with his company to forage. They came into camp at night with a good supply of potatoes, hams, mutton and some beef. It was rumored in camp that Richmond had been evacuated. Of course we did not believe this. We did not expect that event to occur until Sherman's army had arrived in that vicinity. After a cold night we had a pleasant day for marching. The boys were well and cheerful.

Nov. 23rd We moved forward at 7 A.M., marched 13 miles and went into camp at Millidgeville, at that time, the capitol of Georgia. We again passed through a productive country. The plantations were large and in good state of cultivation. I should judge that the "peculiar institution" must have flourished here before the war, though it now showed signs of demoralization to a certain extent. We saw many blacks, the most of whom were women and children. The able-bodied men were gone, either with the Confederate army building earthworks or they had worked themselves through the lines to our army or they had been hidden away from our line of march to prevent their following us off. We passed the home of Howell Cobb, a man of prominence before the war, and was at that time a Confederate General. All of the buildings on his place were burning as we passed by. It was reported that the Confederates under Hood had been defeated by Gen. Thomas. (This event had not at that time occurred, but it took place at Nashville, Tennessee, three weeks later). I looked through the Capitol buildings. They were quite conveniently arranged, though not very expensive. Millidgeville was 90 miles from Atlanta.

Nov. 24th We moved at 7 A.M. in advance of our Corps. Crossed again the Oconee River, marched 9 miles and went into camp at 2 o'clock P.M.. Our general course was a little north of east, through a poor section of country, very different from that northwest of Millidgeville. The land was broken and sandy, about the only timber to be seen was scrub-pine.

Nov. 25th Our division remained in camp all day, affording the men an opportunity to rest and all appreciated it. The 2nd and 3rd Divisions of our Corps moved past us, as did also the Corp's wagontrain. A large number of blacks, old and young, followed the train. Some of them were in old wagons drawn by old, broken down horses or mules. Some were mounted upon the ancient chargers but the majority of them were on foot. The old and crippled ones were kindly assisted by those younger and strong. All were jubilant. They were moving out of bondage and the thought nearly made them insane with joy. Some of our foragers were driven in by Confederate cavalry. This was the first we had heard from them since leaving Kingston.

Nov. 27th We marched at 7 o'clock A.M., went to Sandersville eight miles southeast. Our brigade was rear guard and were delayed in crossing Buffalo Creek. The entire 1st Division was guarding our Corp's train, also the train belonging to Kilpatrick's cavalry. We remained at Sandersville until nearly dark, after which time we marched 8 miles and went into camp at midnight making the distance travelled for the day 16 miles. Sandersville, the County Seat of Washington County, contained about 800 inhabitants. Before we left there the Court House, printing office and all places of business were burned to the ground. Many negroes left here with the army.

Nov. 28th Marched at noon, passed through Davisboro, and went into camp a 8 o'clock P.M. after a march of 12 miles. Davisboro was but a railroad station though it was surrounded by fine plantations. Our foragers came into camp well loaded with supplies. We learned that the railroad between Milan and Augusta had been destroyed by Kilpatrick's force. Our brigade marched in the rear of our wagon-train. The Confederate cavalry was inclined to press closely upon our footsteps.

Nov. 29th We moved at 7 o'clock A.M., crossed the Ogeeche River, with our wagon-train, on a pontoon bridge, passed through Louisville and went into camp making a march of only 3 1/2 miles. We passed the 3rd Division of the 20th Corps who had their wagon-train in charge. For the first time since leaving Atlanta the troops drew government rations. A supply had been gathered from the country and no soldier had suffered for food. Louisville, Ga. was quite a pretty place, containing about 1000 inhabitants. During the day I sat upon the ground and had a tooth extracted.

Nov. 30th Our division moved at 7 o'clock A.M., marched 16 miles passing through Savastopol Station on the Georgia Central Railroad. The 1st Division alone marched in this direction, the object of which was to drive the Confederates from a ford on the Ogeeche River where the 15th and 17th Corps were to cross. In this we were successful. The 2nd and 3rd Divisions of our Corps moved on the direct road from Louisville to Milan. Our foragers found plenty of potatoes and meat.

Dec. 1st The 1st Division marched but 6 miles. This brought us back to the road running from Louisville to Milan. We went into camp at 10 o'clock A.M. and remained the balance of the day. The object for which our division moved to the ford on the Ogeeche River was successfully accomplished, and the right wing of the army crossed there. The 20th Corps passed us going in the direction of Milan. In our march we passed a few fine plantations, and our camp at night was in a good neighborhood. Our divisions were encamped upon the extensive premises of a Mr. Brack, who was evidently a man of wealth and prominence. Rich in lands and human chattels. An extreme southern man, he - like most of his class - left home upon the approach of Sherman's army. First however he had sent all of his able-bodied slaves into the swamp, away from our line of march, to prevent them from following us off. It seems that he had one very reliable slave, into whose charge, he had placed his field-hands with instructions to keep them hid until our army had passed. During the half day that we were at the home of Mr. Brack, I came across a diary kept by him, the reading of which I found to be interesting. He had written of his business transactions generally, but more particularly about the management of his slaves, his purchases and sales, births or deaths among them were all recorded. Each one had been referred to by name as Sambo, Sam, Gus, Love, Lucy, or Moriah, etc. It must have taken much of Mr. Bracks time to write up his diary. I noticed he had much to say about "Gus" in whom he seemed to place the greatest reliance. He was the trusted overseer who had been sent away from our line of march, in charge of the gang of slaves. The next morning when we were about ready to move, an order was issued requiring that every enlisted man employed as cooks or servants by officers, should be at once be returned to the ranks of their respective companies. A number of officers thus suddenly found themselves to be their own "Chief Cook and Bottle washer". I was in that fix myself. Each officer had to act as his own servant, or hire a "darkie". We all preferred the latter course.

Just at this nick of time a squad of thirty darkies came marching into camp, in charge of a bright yellow man who stated that they wished to go along with us, in any capacity they could. I hired the leader of the party, and others of them found employment in the regiment. I found my man - who was none other than "Gus" the trustee of Mr. Brack - to be brave, honest and faithful. He had been faithful to his master, but when the boon of freedom came within his grasp who would blame him for seizing it? He soon expressed a wish to go north with me at the close of the war. I promised him that if I lived through, and he did well, he should go. He faithfully served me and when I went home, Gus went with me.

Dec. 2nd Our regiment was detailed as guard to our division wagon-train, which with the 20th Corps train moved to within ten miles of Milan, then turning to the left moved in the direction of Lawton Station. Our division marched on a road running parallel and four miles from the Louisville and Milan road. After a march of 8 miles our regiment rejoined the division at night.

Dec. 3rd We marched at 7 A.M. Went to Lawton Station 10 miles and went into camp at dark. We crossed Buckhead Creek, a deep stream, on a pontoon bridge. The 21st Wis. was in the rear of the 14th Corps. Following us were probably three hundred black refugees, men, women and children. Some had followed our army fifty miles or more. All were joyous as they marched toward freedom. But for some reason Gen. Jeff. C. Davis, our Corps commander, desired to get rid of these followers, and he chose to do it at the crossing of Buckhead Creek. He ordered that as soon as the last soldier, and those blacks who were employed by officers, had crossed, the pontoon bridge should be immediately removed. Thus the poor creatures were left in the swamp to their doom. I saw the bridge removed and heard the piteous pleadings of these people to be allowed to cross. As they came to realize their helpless condition, they presented a sad sight. I have always regarded this as an inhuman act ordered by Gen. Jeff. C. Davis, and without an excuse. Our regiment went out on picket at night. My company was stationed on the railroad 250 paces north of the depot. General Sherman's Headquarters was in Milan.

Dec. 4th We had a quiet time on picket and were released at 9 o'clock A.M. There was some cannonading in the direction of Waynesboro, done by the Confederates shelling the camp of the 3rd Division. I learned that but little damage was done. There was quite a fight between the forces of Gen. Kilpatrick and those of Gen. Wheeler. The loss however was not heavy. Our Division moved at noon, and after a march of 6 miles went into camp at dark. We passed through a poor country. A few of those black refugees whom we left at Buckhead Creek overtook us. We learned that several were drowned in an attempt to cross this stream.

Dec. 5th We moved on again at 7 o'clock A.M., marched 15 miles and went into camp at dark. Our brigade moved in the rear of the 1st and 2nd Division, our regiment being scattered among the moving train. The 3rd Division marched on our left, following the Savannah road. Our (1st) Division camped at night one mile west of this road. The country through which we passed was sandy and poor though our foragers found a good supply of sweet potatoes.

Dec. 6th Moved forward at 7 o'clock A.M. on the direct Savannah road, which ran parallel with and about one mile from the Savannah River. We marched 16 miles, going into camp at night pretty tired. The roads were sandy, which made it tiresome walking, though we thought it better than mud.

Dec. 7th We were again on the move at 7 A.M. taking the direct Savannah road which ran along the west bank of the Savannah River. We went into camp at 7 P.M. after a march of 15 miles. We found the country rather better than it had been thirty or forty miles back. Our foragers obtained a fair supply of food. Gen. Kilpatrick's cavalry was engaged almost constantly with Wheeler's forces in our rear. We had a cold rain.

Dec. 8th We moved out at 7 A.M. but owing to a bridge having been burned we were obliged to wait nearly all day for it to be rebuilt. We marched 7 miles and went into camp at midnight. The enemy had used every possible means to delay our march. Bridges and culverts were all destroyed and large trees had been felled across the road wherever it could be done.

Dec. 9th We found in the morning that we had camped near an old Revolutionary landmark. This was Ebenezer Church and grave yard near the banks of the Savannah River. The church was built in 1769 and upon a tablet we read it was used as a hospital during the Revolutionary War. Upon the bank of the river nearby we were able to trace the outlines of an old fort, built by the forces under Gen. Green about 90 years before. It was by the forces under Gen. Green that the church had been used as a hospital. I do not think there was a residence within two miles of this church. What had evidently been at one time a thickly settled neighborhood, was now abandoned to grow up to old field pine. The grave yard even had been neglected and allowed to grow up to vines, brush and trees. The land all about had been under cultivation. The old cotton rows could still be traced, even through groves of timber. Here and there were a few stone or brick which seemed to indicate where once a house had stood. It looked as though the thin, sandy land might have been abandoned because it had ceased to produce. I could account for its desolate appearance in no other way. This was in accordance with the southern plan. Ebenezer Church however, as a relic of its former days, was well cared for and services were occasionally held there.

We started out at an early hour, but the roads were so obstructed that we were obliged to move very slow. We marched 7 miles and went into camp 2 1/2 miles northwest from the Savannah and Charleston R.R. bridge over the Savannah River. The Confederates had a force of 400 men and four pieces of artillery between us and the bridge. It was said they also had a gunboat in the river to help defend the bridge. A Lieutenant belonging to the 2nd Division was killed by a sharpshooter.

Dec. 10th I was detailed in charge of our foraging party. We started forward quite early, but owing to the fact that the 20th Corps was in our advance, we found supplies rather scarce. We were lucky enough however to find three very large, fat sheep. These were hidden below deck in an old scow in the river. We stopped at the home of a gentleman by the name of Tucker who was the owner of an extensive rice plantation. His large crop of the season was not yet threshed and consisted of twenty five or thirty large ricks in the straw. All of the valuable machinery for the threshing, hulling and cleaning the crop for market, together with building for storing, were all near together, and worth, in the aggregate, a good deal of money. While I was talking with Mr. Tucker I happened to notice smoke issue from a pile of chaff in the stockyard. I suppose that some straggling soldier - he was not of my party - had slipped up a applied a match, expecting to witness the total destruction of the crop, mill, machinery and all else connected with it. It occurred to me that as the property consisted largely of food, it should not be destroyed. At any rate it was not our duty to destroy it. If desired it could be done by our forces in the rear. By a prompt effort our party put out the fire and saved the property. Before our army had all left that neighborhood the crop was all threshed out and our soldiers had eaten the rice, while the horses and mules had consumed the straw. Our Division marched 4 miles and went into camp near the Charleston R.R.. The 400 Confederates with their four pieces of artillery had left during the night.

Dec. 11th We marched at 7 A.M. following the Savannah road to within five miles of that city. We then turned to the right and moved two and a half miles, making a march for the day of 7 1/2 miles. Our Division relieved a portion of the 17th Corps, and they moved further to the right. It seemed to be the policy to extend our army around Savannah and compel its surrender. None of us doubted but that the city would be captured in a few days. It was reported that communications with the Union fleet was already open, but the report proved to be premature.

Dec. 12th At 2 o'clock P.M. our brigade moved 1 1/2 miles to the west (right) and built a strong line of earthworks near the north edge of a swamp. There was a considerable cannonading along our lines, some shell being thrown over the brigade. Gen. Sherman ordered that our rations on hand must be made to last twenty days. It was estimated that this would afford each man one cracker per day. Evidently our "cracker line" was not yet opened. Mr. Tucker's rice crop came in very good play.

Dec. 13th There was some cannonading on our right though it was not very heavy. A Division of the 15th Corps under Gen. Huzen made a charge upon Fort McAlister at the mouth of the Ogeeche River and captured it. Weather was very fine.

Dec. 14th There was some firing both on the right and left of us, but none in our immediate front. Gen. Sherman announced to the army the capture of Fort McAlister, also informed us that communication was open with the Union fleet. An opportunity was given us to send out letters and most of the boys availed themselves of it. I did myself. The left wing of our regiment went on picket at night.

Near Savannah Ga.
Dec. 14th 1864

My Dear Wife,

We are informed that there is an opportunity to send out letters. I hasten to improve it, knowing how anxiously you will be looking for a word from me. First I will say that I am enjoying the best of health, and that the general health of the army is first-rate. Since leaving Kingston we have marched about 330 miles through the land of our enemy, most of the time surrounded by his soldiers, yet he was able to inflict but slight damage upon us. On the other hand ours has been a campaign of destruction from start to finish. No move of our army, since the war began, has been so disastrous to the Confederate cause. Think of it, a strip of country 330 miles long by forty or fifty wide completely laid waste. Our rations have mainly been gathered from the country as we moved along, and we have fared sumptuously.

We are now entrenched around Savannah and we regard its surrender as a question of but a few days only. I am called upon for picket duty and must close. I will write again soon. We hope to get a mail ourselves soon.

Very Truly Yours,
James M.

Dec. 15th We remained on picket until sundown, when we were relieved by the right wing of our regiment. We had a quiet time, there was no firing in our front. Twenty seven men deserted from the Confederates and came into our lines. These men were formerly Union soldiers who had been captured and confined in prisons and had been induced to join the Confederate army to avoid starvation. They now improved their first opportunity to escape to our lines.

Dec. 16th We remained in camp until dark when seven companies of our regiment, together with the 94th Ill. moved out and formed a line in front of our earthworks. It was intended to make an attempt to cross the swamp in our front, but Gen. Jeff. C. Davis disapproved of the plan and it was abandoned. Companies "F", "G" and "K" went out on picket at 8 o'clock P.M.

Dec. 17th Our three companies remained on picket until sundown, when we were relieved by companies "B", "H" and "I". We had a quiet time on picket. There was some firing off to the right in the afternoon. A large mail was delivered to the army, the first after leaving Kingston. Nearly everyone was made happy by the reception of letters from friends. I got letters from wife and other friends. Sergeant Burnham of my company received his commission as 2nd Lieut. Other commissions were received parties in the regiment.

Dec. 18th Captain Weisbrod and I each made out and forwarded an application to be mustered out on the expiration of three years service. Our request was not granted because we had not served all of the time in one regiment. Captain Weisbrod then tendered his resignation based on a Surgeons Certificate of Disability. Lieut. Burnham mustered in on his commission. My health continued good.

Dec. 19th There was some firing on the right for a while. I sent on my resignation based on business matters, setting forth the fact that I had been in the army over three years and that there was an officer present to take charge of the company. But my reasons were not considered sufficient and my paper was returned to me disapproved. I had anticipated no difficulty in leaving the service at the end of three years and had made my arrangements to do so. Consequently I was a little disappointed. But I felt confident that the end of the war was not far distant and there was a degree of satisfaction in thinking that I might be in the army at its close.

Dec. 20th Orders were received from brigade headquarters directing every man of the brigade to provide himself with a pine torch and be in readiness to move at dark. It was understood that there was to be a general move of the army in an attempt to capture Savannah but only our brigade was required to provide themselves with torches. Nobody seemed to know why we should have them. The boys were ready to fight whenever called upon, either day or night, but why they should be required to move upon the enemy strongly entrenched, at dark, carrying a flaming torch, was a puzzling question to all. But we finally came to the conclusion that the idea originated in the brain of Col. Hobart, our brigade commander, who evidently desired that his brigade should play a conspicuous part in the movement. Of course we provided the torches as ordered, but it was well understood that in making our advance across the swamp and over ditches filled with water we could drop our torches whenever we found they drew too much attention from the Confederates. In other words, we could "dous the glin". For some reason the contemplated movement did not take place. I was detailed with my company for picket duty at 8 o'clock P.M. Weather was warm and pleasant.

Dec. 21st We had a quiet time on picket, no firing along the line. At daylight it was apparent that the enemy had left our front. I started four men across the swamp to a rude fort, six hundred yards distant, with directions to signal us if they found the fort evacuated. Shortly we saw our men on top of the Confederate works. Sending this information to brigade headquarters, my company advanced to the fort, where we were soon joined by the brigade. Two disabled cannon were found in the fort but nothing of value. We soon learned that the Confederates under Gen. Hardee, had evacuated Savannah during the night, crossing the river into South Carolina. He had abandoned a large amount of cotton and some heavy artillery. Our brigade advanced 2 miles and halted for the day. I rode into the city. A very windy day.

Dec. 22nd We marched 7 miles passing nearly through the city and went into camp at 4 o'clock P.M. Savannah was really a beautiful city, not so much on account of its buildings or style of architecture, as because of its numerous small parks and finely shaded streets. It seemed to be the home of the "Live oak tree", and here we saw it in all of its magnificence. It stood in the parks and it stood in stately rows along each side of many streets. The white people of course belonged to the aristocratic class of the south and I suppose possessed a considerable wealth. I don't think many left their homes upon our arrival, though at first, but few men and no women were to be seen upon the streets. Later they became more venturesome. A portion of the 15th Corps was placed on duty in the city. Afterwards our corps helped to perform that duty.

Dec. 23rd We moved a short distance to where we could lay out and build a camp. We were told that we would probably remain here two or three weeks, possibly longer. A rest was needed by man and beast, and here army rations could be had in abundance. Quite a number of official reports were due at the various departments at Washington, from company commanders. We received another large mail and many of the boys rejoiced over the reception of letters from friends.

Dec. 24th All hands worked steadily fixing up quarters. Lieut. Burnham and I did our best in building our cabin, though we had no other tool than a hatchet to work with. The boys built some comfortable little houses. Mostly with logs covered with their blankets. A few large ocean vessels arrived at Savannah loaded with army supplies. Up to this time our rations had been brought in wagons from the Ogeeche River. Some war vessels were engaged below the city in removing obstructions from the river. The weather was very fine.

Chapter Sixteen --->