Sunday, 11th.—Wind blowing very cold from the north; two inches of snow and frozen over; slick as glass. Our line out in an open field; no timber near; cutting and hauling green elm wood. Our eyes nearly smoked out. “Go it slippers; boots are out ot fashion.” Some of the boys about bare-footed.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Saturday, December 10. — Reached a station about 15 miles from Charleston at 6 A.M. Got breakfast there through the influence of the conductor. Charge $500! Reached Charleston, where we were with a Colonel Hatch. He told us we were to go to the Pavilion Hotel, as it was doubtful if we could get to our boat on account of the fog. Were taken to the hotel. Colonel Hatch called the colonels in and gave us a drink of whiskey and made us a speech, etc. As the fog soon cleared up, we were sent down to the boat, a blockade-runner. Saw the effect of the shells on the city, which, by the way, is very old-fashioned looking. Almost every house in the lower portion has a shell-hole in it. Were taken out and transferred to our boat, the George Leary. Saw all the fortifications, etc. Day rainy and misty.
Painting by Conrad Wise Chapman.
“Shows calcium light thrown from Morris Island. Mail boat in the distance.” – Conrad Wise Chapman, 1898
December 10th.—Snowed two inches last night. Cloudy and damp this morning.
Guns were heard down the river last night at a late hour. Perhaps it was nothing more than shelling the enemy’s canal.
We have nothing yet authentic from Georgia; but many rumors of much fighting.
It is said Gen. Hampton has got in front of the enemy’s column at the Weldon Railroad, and is driving them back. Gen. Hill, it is presumed, is this side of them.
It is also reported that Gen. Longstreet is now (12 m.) attacking the enemy on this side of the river, and driving them. Distant guns can be heard southeast of us, and it may be true.
Major Cummings, Confederate States, Georgia, dispatches that the railroad between Atlanta and Chattanooga should be repaired immediately, to bring off supplies from Middle Tennessee. Gen. Bragg concurs.
The following was received from Gen. Bragg to-day, 11 A.M.:
“Augusta, December 10th, 1864.—The following dispatch is just received from Gen. Wheeler, twenty-seven miles from Savannah, 10 P.M., 8th December. Enemy are still moving toward Savannah, obstructing the road in the rear, and resisting warmly this morning. I cannot learn that any have crossed the Savannah River. I hear artillery firing, far in my front; do not know what it means: 14th corps and Kilpatrick’s cavalry on the river road; 15th on middle ground road; and 17th, and probably 20th, on Central Railroad.
“I think the force on the right bank of Ogeechee must be small.”
Saturday, December 10, 1864. — A cold day; deep snow (eight inches) on the ground. [I] am the centre of congratulations [on promotion to generalship] in the camp. General Duval and staff, Colonel Comly, etc., drink poor whiskey with me! A rational way of doing the joyful, but all we have!
December 10th. All things have remained quiet as we go through our regular routine of duty from day to day. We get newspapers quite regular from home, furnished by good people, for all of which we are very thankful.
Fort Gillem, Saturday, Dec. 10. Froze very hard last night Two inches of crust on the ground, very slippery and the air is very cold. On guard. Post No. 1 in’ the front. Ration day. We only drew ¾. Things are very short here to-day. We have to buy a great deal. Many of the boys are out of money too. No demonstrations on the line as we know of. Perhaps it is too cold for the boys to fight as they have enough to do to keep warm.
Before Savannah, December 10, 1864.
Crossed the Ogeechee near the mouth of the Canoochie, then a canal, and then up the tow path toward the city. All the other divisions of our corps are ahead of us. An awful country to get through, all lakes and swamps. We are now five miles from Savannah. Have just got our works up and got our suppers. Hear some skirmishing on our right, should think a mile from us. Commenced raining at dark and continued. Made 20 miles to-day.
10th. Saturday. Cold day. No drill. Boys on picket.
Painting by Conrad Wise Chapman.
“Fortifications in the rear of Charleston, where Henry A. Wise’s brigade was encamped.” – Conrad Wise Chapman, 1898
