2523

Cleveland Morning Leader, 15 December 1864 (9 inches) ~ See original
p.3, col.2 ~ View at ChronAm

2523 - L Dec. 15:3/2 - In a letter to the editor, T. M. Davidson, a re-
leased prisoner says, many things regarding his experience in the Southern
Confederacy. Of special interest is his description of the fortifications
of Savannah and the condition of that city. He says: "The river at Fort
Jackson is lined with thirty-six huge siege guns. The river is blocked with
heavy timbers leaving just enough room for a boat to pass. Just above this
entrance are two ironclads, well manned, and above these are torpedoes.
Their location is known, by the sharp pointed projection of a log about
six inches from the surface. No man could be seen at, or near the forti-
fication, earth works being thrown up around the guns for the men's pro-
tection. These guns, together with obstructions in the river, are intended
to crush anything that may come up but offer little resistance from a land
force from the direction of Savannah. Sherman will have little difficulty
at this point. The swamps will impede his progress more than anything
else. The force at Savannah is composed of old men, little boys and
crippled officers. Business of all kinds in the city is stopped, re- -
minding us of Sunday." - - - - - (9)

Wars / Civil War / Military Engagements and Campaigns

Index terms:

Confederacy; Davidson, T. M.; Fort Jackson, La.; Savannah, Ga.; Sherman, Gen. W. T.