The Fall of Savannah
Transcript of telegram from William Tecumseh
Sherman (1820-1891) about the fall of Savannah
Telegram transcript, December 22, 1864
Manuscript Division
Gift of Robert Todd Lincoln, 1923
(41.2a)
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President Lincoln was genuinely concerned for William T. Sherman's
55,000-man army during the March to the Sea. By operating deep
in enemy territory without a line of communication, Sherman was
violating every military convention. But with his four-to-one advantage
in troop strength and his ability to deceive his opponents as to
his destination, Sherman swept through the south from Chattanooga
to Atlanta. To Sherman's surprise, Savannah seemed to welcome Federal
occupation.
Abraham
Lincoln to Sherman
Holograph letter, December 26, 1864
Manuscript Division
Gift of Robert Todd Lincoln, 1923
(41.2b)
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