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)

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)