Following the American Civil War Sesquicentennial with day by day writings of the time, currently 1863.

Post image for Downing’s Civil War Diary.–Alexander G. Downing.

Downing’s Civil War Diary.–Alexander G. Downing.

December 23, 2014

Diary of Alexander G. Downing; Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry

Friday, 23d—The citizens of Savannah have generally remained in their homes, only a few having left town. Four-fifths of the people are women and children, the rest being old men. They appear to be glad that our army has taken possession of the city, and most of them are willing to take the oath of allegiance. The people here are not so near starvation as they are in other places in this state. Two or three small boats came up the river from the coast, but they did not have any rations for the army, as there is danger from the torpedoes laid in the river. The torpedoes are being taken out as fast as the men can get to them.

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