Harvard memorial biographies ...

Yames Ingersoll Grafton.

27I

expected for the last fortnight, in what direction or for what purpose every one is open to speculate upon. Orders have just come
in to have all surplus baggage at once sent to the rear for storage,
that is, to Chattanooga. My opinion of the move is this,.... that
we are about to move on Savannah, and open a water communication. The last move of General Hood, or rather Beauregard, has
demonstrated that we want some other road of communication than
the present one. If this is the move intended, some time will
elapse before I again shall hear from the North. This move will
be attended with much hard marching and rather slim rations, but
with little fighting. Rather pleasant for the army to enter Savannah, and afterwards, say, Charleston."
" SAVANNAH, GEORGIA, January, 1865.
" M DEAR BROTHER, - I am happy to acknowledge the receipt
of your welcome letter. My letter, dated Argyle Island, left off with
a general account of our march through the State of Georgia. I
had scarcely finished my letter when our brigade was ordered across
the river to the sacred soil of South Carolina, and there remained
for two days, threatening the only road left open to the Rebel forces
under General Hardee, and skirmishing pretty sharply with WheelSer's cavalry. On the second day we heard of the evacuation of the
city of Savannah. We were, however, pretty well assured of the
fact before news came to brigade head-quarters; for from our position we could see baggage, carriages, cavalry, and camp-followers
passing along the Charleston and Savannah roads. On the next
day we returned from the sacred soil, and encamped with the
division half a mile from the city, where we have remained to the
present date. The city of Savannah is a very pleasing old place,
possessing very many elegant residences. Very few of the inhabitants left with the Rebel army, and the city consequently presents
quite a cheerful aspect. Last week the various corps were reviewed
by General Sherman. The review took place in one of the principal
streets, and I believe it was the general opinion that our corps carried off the laurels. The regiment received numerous compliments
as to its appearance and marching. On New-Year's day, early,
head-quarters in the city were thrown open, and, in company with
other officers, I made my calls. I had the honor and pleasure of
shaking hands with General Sherman,- Tecumseh, as he is commonly called by the soldiers. The General occupies a really elegant
house, and entertained his guests on that day in a truly hospitable
manner. He possesses a very happy faculty of catching one's name