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Numbers 7. Report of Major General Oliver O. Howard, U. S. Army, commanding Army of the Tennessee. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, Savannah, Ga., December 28, 1864.

CAPTAIN: The campaign of Savannah is so closely connected with the campaign into Alabama, just closed, and I have so carefully stated the strength of my army and left it concentrated at Atlanta, where it remained but one day, that I will not weary you with a repetition. General Sherman's Field Orders, Nos. 115 and 119, issued from Kingston, Ga.,* so remarkable for completeness and so explicit that they could not be misunderstood, have been faithfully adhered to. They were the means of initiating preparations fully adequate to the work that has been accomplished.

My command consisted of two army corps-the Fifteenth (Major General P. J. Osterhaus), of four divisions, as follows: First Division, Brigadier-General Woods: Second Division, Brigadier General W. B. Hazen; Third Division, Brigadier General John E. Smith; Fourth Division, Brigadier General J. M. Corse; the Seventeenth Army Corps, Major General F. P. Blair commanding, consisted of three divisions, as follows: First Division, Major General J. A. Mower; Third Division, Brigadier General M. D. Leggett; Fourth Division, Brigadier General Giles A. Smith-one regiment cavalry (First Alabama), one regiment of engineers (First Missouri), and a bridge train of sufficient capacity to throw two bridges across any stream that we found en route.

At Gordon I made the following report, which I will resubmit without charge:

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,Gordon, Ga., November 23, 1864.

GENERAL: In accordance with Special Field Orders, Numbers 124, from your headquarters, dated November 14, 1864, my command marched from White Hall, near Atlanta, in two columns. The left column, Major-General Blair commanding, took the direct McDonough road. This column consisted of the Seventeenth Corps, bridge train, engineer regiment, and supply train of General Kilpatrick's cavalry, the whole preceded by the First Alabama Regiment. The right column, of Fifteenth Corps, Major-General Osterhaus commanding, department headquarters train and the herds of cattle. This column moved via Rought and Ready, turning to the left toward McDonough, about five miles from Jonesborough. Upon the evening of the 15th the command went into camp-Kilpatrick near Jonesborough, the heads of the two infantry columns near Stockbridge. Kilpatrick met the enemy's cavalry skirmishers near East Point, and drove them before him to the crossing of Flint River. Osterhaus met them not far from Rough and Ready, and again in the vicinity of Stockbridge. He found encamped at that point Lewis' brigade of rebel cavalry, reported 900 strong.

November 16, 1864, the command marched to the vicinity of McDonough by three routes. General Osterhaus met the enemy's cavalry at the crossing of Cotton River. They retreated rapidly, setting fire to the bridge. Some mounted infantry that he had in advance drove them from the bridge in time to put out the fire and save everything but the planking. The bridge was immediately repaired, and detained the column just forty minutes. General Kilpatrick crossed the Flint River at the bridge near Jonesborough at 7 a. m. Finding the enemy had left that place, he followed him to Lovejoy's, where he occupied the strong position there, having two brigades of cavalry and two pieces of artillery, and holding the old rebel works. The general charged the works with dismounted cavalry and carried them, driving back the enemy. Subsequently the enemy's artillery was overtaken by another charging column, and captured. He drove the enemy beyond Bear [Creek] Station, capturing over fifty prisoners. He then moved to the left and encamped on the Griffin and McDonough road.

November 17, 1864, moved to Jackson and its vicinity in three columns, encamping, the right near Indian Springs and the left at Hendricks' Mill. General Kilpatrick moved to Towaliga Creek. Some cavalry of the enemy crossed the creek, burning the bridges.

November 18, 1864, the nearest division was pushed to Nutting's (or Planters') Factory early next morning, and a part of it crossed over by the ferry. The bridge arrived at about 10 a. m., was laid, and the troops commenced crossing at 1 p. m. During that day and night, General Blair's corps, Thireenth Army Corps, and all the cavalry, had crossed. The hill on the east side was steep, and the heavy rain during the night rendered the ascent extremely difficult.

On the morning of the 19th instant regiments were detailed in each division to assist the trains in getting up the hill. The Fifteenth Corps, following the cavalry, took country roads to Hillsborough. The Seventeenth Corps moved to the vicinity of Hillsborough via Monticello. The road now becoming very heavy, the progress was slow. We had two bridges at the point of crossing, and they were kept full all day, yet the crossing was not completed by the rear guard until the morning of the 20th instant.

November 20, 1864, the command moved on Gordon in two columns-General Kilpatrick with his cavalry taking the Clinton road and the river road toward Macon; General Osterhaus, with the bridge train, cavalry train, &c., moved toward Clinton; General Blair with his command via Blountsville. The head of the right column encamped at Clinton, and the left near Fortville. General Kilpatrick waited at Clinton until the arrival of the head of the infantry column, at 12 m., when he moved out toward Macon on the left Macon road. He met the enemy's cavalry about four miles from Macon, drove them in, and changed their works, defended by infantry and artillery. The head of his column got inside the works, but could not hold them. He succeeded in reaching the railroad and destroyed about one mile of the track. The road was struck in two or three places by the cavalry, besides the above, and a train of cars burned. It rained hard during the entire night.

November 21, 1864, the cavalry took up an advanced position covering all the roads debouching from Macon. General Blair continued his march direct on Gordon, reaching that place with his leading division. The right column was subdivided, two divisions, with small trains, taking the road toward Irwinton, and the rest, with headquarters, bridge trains, cattle, &c., moving on the direct Gordon road. The center and left columns met at a point six miles from Gordon, called Pitts' Mill, where the center made a parallel road into Gordon. Only the division of General G. A. Smith, however, reached Gordon on the 21st instant.

November 22, 1864, the troops and trains were closed up toward Gordon, excepting General Woods' division, who was directed to take up a strong position on the Irwinton road, and make a demonstration toward Macon. The demonstration was made by General Walcutt's brigade, in conjunction with the cavalry, on the different roads. The rebel cavalry in force made a charge early in the morning, capturing one of our cavalry picket posts-estimated 45 men killed, wounded, and missing. Quite a little action grew out of it, in which there was charging and counter-charging of cavalry, when finally the enemy were driven from the field in confusion, Walcutt's infantry, skirmishing, leading a hand. In the afternoon Walcutt had taken up a position two miles in advance of his division toward Macon, having two pieces of artillery, and had thrown up rail barricades, when he was attacked by quite a large body of infantry, accompanied by some artillery, probably a battery of four guns. The assault was made with great vigor, but was met in the usual manner and completely repulsed. The action continued for some three hours. Walcutt was assisted by a regiment of cavalry on either flank. General Woods was present during the action and General Osterhaus part of the time. I regret to say that General Walcutt, than whom there is not a braver or better officer, was wounded, but I hope no seriously. The conduct of the troops, both cavalry and infantry, was highly commended by the general officers present. On my arrival at Gordon, I directed General Blair to send forward the First Alabama Cavalry and General G. A. Smith's division some eight or the miles toward the Oconee bridge, which he did, with instructions to move forward to-day, and, if possible, to secure that bridge and plank it over for infantry to cross.

November 23, 1864, the Fourth Division, Fifteenth Corps, with bridge train, having roads that were almost impassable, only reached the vicinity of Clinton last night. This morning fifty-five six-mule teams have been sent to assist the pontoon train through. General Woods' division is moving up this way abreast of General Corse; General Hazen moving toward Irwinton; General Blair moving along the railroad and destroying it. I propose, with your sanction, to move across the Oconce River at two points-one six miles below the railroad bridge (at Ball's Ferry), the other two miles and a half above railroad bridge (at Jackson's Ferry). I have already forwarded to you dispatches captured.

Prisoners still estimate the strength of the enemy in our vicinity about 10,000. The attack on Walcutt was made, I think, by militia, mingled with some old troops retained at Macon.

The number of prisoners of war in my hands: In the Seventeenth Corps, 35 enlisted men; in the Fifteenth Corps, 80 enlisted men; total, 115. I believe the cavalry have some 50 or 60 more in addition. We have about 45 wounded of our own men.

The number of bales of cotton reported officially to have been burned is 2,130.

A large cotton factory, known as Ocmulgee Mills, or Planters' Factory, on the map, containing 1,500 spindles and giving employment to 150 hands, and some 20 cotton gins, have also been destroyed.

We have found the country full of provisions and forage, and have almost completely supplied ourselves, drawing but very little upon our rations.

The above estimate is independent of what has been done by the cavalry. I regret to say that quite a number of private dwellings which the inhabitants have left, have been destroyed by fire, but without official sanction; also, many instances of the most inexcusable and wanton acts, such as the breaking open of trunks, taking of silver plate, &c. I have taken measures to prevent it, and I believe they will be effectual. The inhabitants are generally terrified, and believe us a thousand times worse than we are. Having soldiers in the command who have been bitten by bloodhounds, permission has been given to kill them.

Permit me to commend to you Generals Blair and Osterhaus and the officers and men under them, also General Kilpatrick and his command, for their faithfulness, energy, and untiring exertions to make our march a complete success. While the pleasant weather lasted, the marches were easily made; but as soon as the rains came on, the roads became very heavy and the poorer mules broke down, but we have found a number in the country that have more than replaced our losses.

The members of my staff have given me material aid, and I hope to be able to reward them substantially at some time for faithful services.

Very respectfully,

O. O. HOWARD,

Major-General.

P. S. -General Osterhaus reports the enemy's killed on the field yesterday number 300.

O. O. H.

Major-General.

Major General W. T. SHERMAN,

At Irwin's Cross-Roads a second report was made, embracing operations up to that time, as follows:

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,Irwin's Cross-Roads, Ga., November 27, 1864.

GENERAL: In accordance with instructions from your headquarters, contained in Special Field Orders dated November 23, my command marched from Gordon in two columns-the Fifteenth Corps, via Irwinton, to Ball's Ferry, Seventeenth Corps along the railroad, with instructions to cross at Jackson's Ferry, two miles and a half north of railroad bridge. General Giles A. Smith, who had preceded his column with the First Alabama Cavalry, drove quite a force of enemy from two stockades and across the bridge. He found that Jackson's Ferry was an old abandoned route through the swamp, completely impracticable. I therefore directed that General Blair's corps move to Ball's Ferry. The two heads of column arrived at Ball's Ferry about the same time on the 25th instant. A detachment of the First Alabama had the day before reconnoitered the ferry. Finding a small force of the enemy, made a raft, crossed the river, and drove the enemy back, but were subsequently themselves forced to recross the river, with some loss. On our arrival at the river, we found the enemy with barricades and quite an extended line of skirmishers. Generals Osterhaus and Blair confronted them with a line which extended beyond the enemy's flanks both up and down the river. The former placed artillery in position and made a demonstration on the front along the road, while the latter, General Blair, sent a detachment some two miles up the river under the direction of Lieutenant-Colonel Kirby, of his staff. Captain Reese, chief engineer, assisted them with boats to cross the river. The current was too swift to get them over by rowing; they were finally swung over after the fashion a flying ferry. After working through the bayous and swamps till near morning, his men reached the road at a point that was in rear of the enemy's position, but the enemy had retreated. Colonel Kirby came in sight of his rear guard and wagons, but could not overtake them. The Oconce at this place is about as wide as the Ocmulgee at Planters' Ferry, but the correct is very swift, and there are some two miles of swampy ground on the right bank, but the immediate approach to the ferry on the left bank is very good. The bridges were laid so that the troops commenced crossing in two columns about 12 m. November 26. Generals Corse and Woods, Fifteenth Army Corps, reached this point between nine and ten miles from the ferry last night. Seventeenth Corps massed near the forks of the roads that leads to Station 14. The rear of the Fifteenth Corps is now crossing. General Blair has sent a division that is destroying the railroad from Oconee bridge to a point near Irwin's Cross-Roads; General Osterhaus has sent a force to destroy the rest to

Station 13. I directed the wagon bridges across Commissioner's Creek and the three bridges across Sandy River to be destroyed. The enemy helped me themselves by destroying the one nearest the Oconce. The country this side of the river is thus far quite open and sandy, but there is plenty of forage thus far. Wheeler with his main force passed here the day before yesterday. My headquarters will remain here to-day.

Respectfully, &c.,

O. O. HOWARD,

Major-General.

Major General W. T. SHERMAN.

In accordance with instructions from the General-in-chief, dated Sandersville, November 27, 1864, I issued the following order:

SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS,HDQRS. DEPT. AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, Numbers 179.Irwin's Cross-Roads, November 27, 1864.

V. The army will move forward substantially as follows:

First. Major-General Osterhaus will move his left column, of two divisions, by the Louisville road to the intersection of the Johnson road, and thence to Johnson this evening, being careful to clear that intersection at an early hour to-morrow morning. His right column will move by a settlement road directly to Johnson, starting at 7 a. m. to-morrow.

Second. Major-General Blair will move on the Louisville road-starting his column at 7 a. m. to-morrow, or earlier, at his option-till he reaches the nearest parallel road to the railroad on the south side, south of Williamson's Swamp Creek. He will follow this road till abreast of Station Numbers 10 (or Sebastopol), where it is probable he will cross the Ogeechee. Major-General Sherman proposes to accompany this column in person. Headquarters will be at Johnson to-morrow night, the train moving with the leading division of right column. The herds of cattle (other than those belonging to divisions) will follow the right column to Johnson, a regiment from the read division of which will remain at this point till everything is passed, and will then follow on to Johnson, carefully guarding all roads leading south.

By order of Major General O. O. Howard:

S. L. TAGGART,

Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.

The above order was literally conformed to, excepting that a portion of General Corse's division bore to the right and entered Wrightsville, the capital of Johnson Country. Some considerable difficulty arose from the numerous roads through the pine woods, and from the fact that neither citizens nor negroes knew of such a place as Johnson's Cross-Roads. At night of the 28th the command encamped-the center column near Riddleville, the left abreast on the Sandersville and Savannah roads, and the right (consisting of one brigade and a battery of artillery) at Wrightsville.

The next day (29th) the two lower columns nearly formed a junction, the advance, under General Woods, encamping near Summerville, and the rest along the lower Savannah road and near Sunderland's Mills, some seven miles to the rear of General Woods; the Seventeenth Corps on the upper Savannah road, abreast of Station Numbers 10 of the Georgia Central Railroad. The character of the country, open pine woods, wire grass, quite a number of swamps along the Ohoopee River and its tributaries, very few clearings or plantations. Quite a number of mules and horses were captured in the swamps, the citizens having run them off, in the hope of escaping our army and Wheeler's cavalry.

November 30, Generals Woods and Corse's divisions pushed on through Summerville northward, until they reached the upper Savannah road, and encamped near Deep Creek. General Blair moved forward to Station Numbers 9 1/2, effecting a crossing of the Ogeechee. At that point he rebuilt the wagon bridge, partially destroyed, and also laid a pontoon bridge across the river.

December 1, the three columns moved as follows: The lower on the Statesborough road, the middle upon the Savannah road, and the left along the Georgia Central Railroad, destroying it en route. The two right columns encamped opposite Station Numbers 8, General Woods securing and repairing the wagon bridge across the Ogeechee at that point. A small force crossed over and made a break in the railroad and destroyed the depot. The Seventeenth Corps succeeded in reaching Station Numbers 9. December 2, the columns preserved the same order of march. General Blair reached Millen, having completely destroyed the railroad up to that point, including the large depot, and considerable lumber, railroad ties, &c. The middle column encamped near Clifton's Ferry, having thrown a bridge ovthat point, and sent a brigade of General Corse's division to assist the Seventeenth Corps in breaking up the railroad. In addition to the above, Scull's Creek, a wide stream too deep to be forded, was carefully bridged in two places. Our scouting parties hurried on to Scarborough, a little below, and seized a mail, which gave us Savannah papers of that day. December 3, the Fifteenth Corps remained in position, excepting that two brigades of General Corse's division crossed the river and aided the Seventeenth Corps in destroying the railroad from Millen to Scarborough. The Seventeenth Corps came up abreast, encamping near Station Numbers 7. December 4, the central column marched to Wilson's Creek; the left reached Station Numbers 5 1/2, having continued the destruction of the railroad up to that point; the right proceeded as far as Statesborough, Hazen's division leading encountered a small body of the enemy's cavalry, said to be 400 strong, and had a successful skirmish with them. The road being boggy, he was obliged to corduroy several long stretches during the day. December 5, the two columns of the Fifteenth Corps moved along their respective roads, to a position nearly opposite Station Numbers 3. I was with the central column, and hearing that some resistance was offered to General Blair near Ogeechee Church, I caused a feint of crossing the Ogeechee to be made at Flat Ford. Some men were thrown over in boats, but no bridge was laid. General Sherman detained General Blair near Station Numbers 4 1/2 for the Left Wing to come up. December 6, reconnaissances were made toward Wright's Bridge and the bridge at Eden Station (Jenks' Bridge) with a view to saving them, if possible. Colonel Williamson's brigade, of General Woods' division, reached the former in time to save much of the timber, but all the planking and several of the trestles were already burned. He, however, constructed a foot bridge and crossed over a small force, whitoward the railroad. A small detachment went as far as the Twenty-Mile Station, and returned skirmishing all the way. This brigade skirmished considerably with the enemy near night. Colonel Oliver's brigade, of Hazen's division, made the reconnaissance to Jenks' Bridge, but found the bridge destroyed. I sent an officer (Lieutenant Harvey) with a select party to strike the Gulf railroad, but he found the bridge across the Cannouchee burned, and the approaches were guarded by rebels, so that he was compelled to return without doing the work. Another party also sent to try for a point higher up the Cannouchee for the same purpose was not yet heard from. December 7, my command moved as follows: The First Division (General Woods) remained at Wright's Bridge, except one brigade of infantry that crossed the foot bridge and marched down the east bank of the Ogeechee toward Eden Station. On the arrival of the pontoon at Jenks' Bridge, the chief engineer (Captain C. B. Reese), finding the enemy on the other bank, threw over a regiment of Colonel Oliver's brigade and cleared the way. The bridge was immediately laid. General Corse's division had arrived by this time. One brigade (General Rice commanding) crossed over, met the enemy's skirmishers some 500 yards beyond, drove them in, and routed a battalion of rebels behind rail piles in a very handsome manner, capturing 17 prisoners and killing and wounding several more. He lost 2 killed and 2 or 3 wounded. This brigade them formed a junction with General Woods' brigade from Writht's Bridge, at Eden Station. General Hazen's division moved on to Black Creek, sending forward Colonel Oliver's brigade to the Cannouchee. The rest of the corps was encamped near Jenks' Bridge. The Seventeenth Corps encamped in the vicinity of Station Numbers 3, ceasing to destroy the railroad after leaving Ogeechee Church. December 8, by the map there appeared to be a road between the Big and Little Ogeechee Rivers. As the enemy was reported in some force near the Twelve-Mile Post, having a line of works in his front, I resolved to turn his position by sending two divisions of Fifteenth Corps down the west bank of the Ogeechee, which were to force a crossing of the Cannouchee and send forward sufficient force to break the Gulf railroad and secure, if possible, King's Bridge, over the Ogeechee, about a mile above the railroad; also, to reconnoiter with one division between the Ogeechee Rivers. The movement on the right bank led; General Osterhaus, in person, conducted it with his First and Second Divisions. I accompanied General Corse, who found a good ridge road on the left bank of the Big. Ogeechee. We came upon some carefully constructed works some three miles and a half from Station Numbers 2, but they were abandoned. The road was obstructed with trees at several points, but the obstructions were so quickly removed by the pioneers that the column did not halt. On reaching the Savannah Canal we found the canal bridge burned. A new one was made in less than half an hour. The Ogeechee bridge near the canal's mouth, called Dillon's, was almost completely destroyed; but Dillon's Ferry, a mile and a half above, I found practicable for a pontoon bridge. General Corse sent forward a reconnaissance, which found the enemy in force at the junction of this road with King's Bridge and Savannah road. General Osterhaus effected a crossing of the Cannouchee with a couple of brigades, as directed. The Seventeenth Corps meanwhile moved up abreast of Station Numbers 2, having much corduroying to do and many obstructions to clear army. After reaching the canal, I returned to the Station Numbers 2 and communicated with General Sherman in person. He was glad of the results of the reconnaissance, but directed me to allow General Blair to continue on the Louisville road.

The next day (December 9) the Seventeenth Corps came upon the enemy in rifle-pits three miles and a half from Station Numbers 2. General Blair drove the rebels from them, but soon came upon an intrenched line with guns in position. At this place the road led through a dense swamp covered with wood and undergrowth peculiar to this region. The swamp was apparently impassable, yet General Blair moved three lines of battle, preceded by a skirmish line, along on the right and left of the road for some two or three miles, occasionally in water knee-deep. He drove the enemy from every position where he made a stand, and encamped for the night near Station Numbers 1. The Fifteenth Corps marched as follows: The detached brigades succeeded in reaching the Savannah and Gulf Railroad at different points and destroying it. The Third Division (General John E. Smith) closed up on General Corse at the canal. As soon as he was within supporting distance General Corse moved forward toward Savannah. He encountered about 600 rebel infantry with two pieces of artillery near the cross-roads. His advanced brigade quickly dislodged them, capturing one piece of artillery and several prisoners. He followed them up across the Little Ogeechee, and, by my direction, took up a strong position about twelve miles from Savannah, and sent a detachment which broke the Gulf railroad. His advance crossed the Little Ogeechee and halted about eight miles from the city. King's Bridge had been burned by the rebels. All the enemy's force was withdrawn from Osterhaus' front in the morning, except the independent garrison at Fort McAllister, situated on the right bank and near the mouth of the Ogeechee. During the day that section of the pontoon bridge which had been with General Blair's column was sent to Dillon's Ferry, near Fort Argyle, and laid across the Ogeechee, thus substantially uniting my two right columns.

December 10, the entire command closed in on the enemy's works which covered Savannah-General Osterhaus with the right column, consisting of General Corse's division, followed by General Hazen, on the King's Bridge road; the central column, consisting of General John E. Smith's division, followed by General Woods; and the left, General Blair's corps, Major-General Mower's division in advance. These several columns struck the enemy's lines simultaneously with the Left Wing of the army. The nature of the country was such as to render the approaches to that front extremely difficult. By means of the canal and the Little Ogeechee River he was able to flood the country; besides, the great portion of the front was a marsh, with a deep stream winding through it, under the cover of a number of batteries of the enemy. Pursuant to Special Field Orders, Numbers 130, from your headquarters, the Army of the Tennessee simply gained ground to the right. With regard to opening communication with the fleet, the engineer department, under direction of Captain C. B. Reese, chief engineer, was instructed to rebuild King's Bridge, which was effected by the morning of the 13th. The work was a remarkable one (being completed in about two day's time), considering there was little left of the old bridge except the posts. The bridge measured 1,000 feet in length. The General-in-chief in the above order had directed General Kilpatrick to aid me in opening communication with the fleet. I therefore sent him across the pontoon bridges near Fort Argyle to reconnoiter Fort McAllister and the inlets in the vicinity, and, if practicable, to take the fort. General Sherman himself subsequently modified these directions, ordering Kilpatrick not to assault the works. General Hazen, of the Fifteenth Corps, was directed to hold his division in readiness to cross King's Bridge the movement it was completed and take Fort McAllister. General Kilpatrick made his reconnaissance on the 12th, drove in the outposts at McAllister, and reported the fort defended by a garrison of some 200 men, with several heavy guns bearing on the land approaches.

The morning of the 13th I accompanied General Sherman to Doctor Cheves' rice mill, where we had McAllister full in view. At the rice mill a section of De Gress' battery was firing occasional shots at the fort opposite, three miles and a half distant, as a diversion, having for its principal object, however, to attract the attention of the fleet. During the day we watched the fort and the bay, endeavoring to catch glimpses of the division moving upon the work and of vessels belonging to the fleet. About midday the rebel artillery at McAllister opened inland, firing occasionally from three or four different guns, and by our glasses we could observe Hazen's skirmishers firing on the fort. About the same time a movable smoke, like that from a steamer, attracted our attention near the mouth of the Ogeechee. Signal communication was established with General Hazen, who gave us notice that he had invested the fort, and also that he observed the steamer. General Sherman signaled him from the top of the old rice mill that it was important to carry the fort by assault to-day. The steamer had now approached near enough to draw the fire of the fort when her signal flag was descried. Captain McClintock, aided by Lieutenant Sampson, signal officers, speedily communicated with the vessel, which proved to be a tug sent by General Foster and Admiral Dahlgren for the purpose of communicating with us. Just as the signal officer of the vessel inquired if the McAllister was ours, we noticed a brisker fire at the fort, and our flags and men passing the abatis, through the ditch and over the parapet, and then we saw the men fire upward in the air, and could distinctly hear their cheer of triumph as they took possession of the fort. It was a gallant assault. General Hazen lost, in killed a wounded, about 90 men; of the garrison, between 40 and 50 killed and wounded, and the rest captured. There were 22 guns of various descriptions, and a large quantity of ammunition, captured in the fort. That night I accompanied General Sherman in a small boat on a visit to General Hazen, to the fort, and thence down the river to the steamer. Here we learned that Captain Duncan and the two scouts that I had sent down the Ogeechee, on arriving at the Savannah canal, has succeeded in passing all obstructions and reached the fleet, and communicated with Admiral Dahlgren. Until now I had been uncertain as to the fate of the party. After the general had written several dispatches, we returned to General Hazen's quarters, feeling that our expedition had been completely successful, our supplies sure, and the possession of Savannah, not far distant. It having been intimated that our future plans would be modified by specific instructions from the Commander-in-Chief, General Sherman and his officers became anxious to crown our success by the capture of Savannah. In order to accomplish this every exertion was made. Heavy guns were brought from Hilton Head and McAllister and placed in position, the lines were worked up closer to the enemy, along the dikes, good batteries constructed for small guns, and every part of the front of Generals Osterhaus and Blair thoroughly reconnoitered; light bridges were constructed and fascines made, so as to span the streams and fill up the ditches; in brief, every possible preparation was made to assault the enemy's works. The same was the case along General Slocum's front. Two, at least, of my division commanders felt perfectly confident of success in case the assault should be made. While these preparations were going on, the General-in-chief, having demanded the surrender of Savannah on the 18th instant, and having been refused, had gone to the fleet in order to secure co-operation from the admiral and General Foster in the contemplated attack. He left directions to get ready, but not to strike till his return.

The morning of the 21st, about sunrise, Brigadier-General Leggett reported that the enemy had evacuated his front. Soon the same report came from General Slocum and from other officers. General Slocum moved at once and took possession of Savannah, the enemy having withdrawn to the South Carolina shore. He had abandoned heavy guns in all the works on my front, in town, and at the different forts on the coast. Until now our depot had been at King's Bridge, where the army had built a good wharf and corduroyed the main road thereto from our front for the most of the way. Besides, the railroad between the Ogeechee and the Altamaha was completely destroyed-Brigadier-General Hazen having the eastern and Major-General Mower the western half. This work was completely done, as directed in Special Field Orders, Numbers 133, from your headquarters.

I have only attempted to touch upon the work really accomplished by the Right Wing of the army, and have purposely abstained from discussing the contemplated objects of the campaign. The former is best told in the accompanying statistical record, and the latter are already evinced in the growing confidence of our army in a speedy and complete success.

I wish to acknowledge my obligations to Major-General Osterhaus, commanding Fifteenth Corps, for his great activity and energy displayed during the entire campaign.

To Major-General Blair, commanding Seventeenth Corps, I feel specially indebted for his hearty co-operation at all times, and for his successful accomplishment of the work allotted to his command.

I here name again the division commanders: Major General J. A. Mower, Brigadier General C. R. Woods, Brigadier General John E. Smith, Brigadier General M. D. Leggett, Brigadier General W. B. Hazen, Brigadier General J. M. Corse, Brigadier General Giles A. Smith. I cannot express too high commendation of these officers, who have worked vigorously, early and late, without flagging, to keep their commands in order, to accomplish the marches, to bridge creek and rivers, to fight battles, destroy railroads; in short, who were ready, without question or hesitation, to set on foot and carry through the varied labors given into their charge.

I wish further to tender to brigade commanders and to other officers and soldiers of this army something of the deep sense of obligation I feel toward them, and commend them to the commander-in-chief, and through him to the country, for cheerfulness, for constancy, for ability, and for distinguished gallantry.

Much praise is due Lieutenant Colonel William Tweeddale for the aid he afforded the chief engineer in building wagon and foot bridges across the rivers that we met.

I tender my thanks to Admiral Dahlgren and Major-General Foster for their courtesy and the assistance they rendered me in the operations near Savannah.

I wish to bring before the commander-in-chief the names of my staff, who so materially gave me assistance during the campaign:

Lieutenant Colonel William E. Strong, assistant inspector-General and chief of staff, ever afforded me the most cheerful and ready assistance. He always accompanied one or the other of the columns en route, and used every exertion to have my orders out in letter and spirit.

Captain S. L. Taggart, assistant adjutant-General, aided by Captain W. Bedford, were never too weary to issue clear and distinct orders after the day's march, and otherwise constantly afforded me aid in bearing dispatches.

Captain C. B. Reese, chief engineer, with the assistance of Lieutenant Stickney, have always received my warm commendations for their untiring activity, both in engineering and topographical duty. He collated information with regard to different roads, furnished me good maps when needed, and superintended the laying of pontoons, and the rebuilding of bridges over rivers and creeks in our route.

Major T. W. Osborn, chief of artillery, aided by Major M. V. Z. Woodhull, assistant adjutant-General, and Lieutenant W. N. Taylor, aide-de-camp, were constant in their exertions to mobilize the artillery, and keep the animals and material in perfect order. Major Osborn always ably assisted me in using the artillery on the field, and I always found him and his officers able and hearty co-operators, frequently giving me material aid not connected with that special department. Whenever an opportunity has afforded, our batteries have been located, intrenched, and handled in the most skillful manner. Quite brisk artillery duels transpired after our investment of Savannah, where my attention was more particularly called to the artillery of the command, and when I have had occasion to admire the skill and bravery of its officers and men.

Major E. Whittlesey, judge-advocate of the department, has afforded me substantial aid by carefully revising all the courts-martial and records of military commissions, besides doing ably other important duties connected with different department of the service.

Captain D. H. Buel, chief of ordnance, receives my commendations for his carefulness in regulating the ordnance supplies in such manner as to occasion me no trouble or anxiety.

Captain E. P. Pearson, Jr., commissary of musters, assisted me heartily in various ways during the campaign, and always has performed the duties of his department with fidelity and the clearest apprehension of its requirements.

My chief quartermaster, Colonel J. T. Conklin, has performed cheerfully all the duties devolving upon him, omitting no exertion to procure animals and forage as needed.

My chief commissary, Lieutenant Colonel David Remick, has anticipated the wants of the command and regulated the supply in such manner that no real want has been left by any soldier of this such army during our lengthy campaign. I commend him for cheerfulness, fidelity, and ability, in discharging the duties of his department.

Captain D. W. Whittle, assistant provost-marshal-General, receives my hearty approbation for his activity in discharging the public duties of his department, for his careful record and disposition of prisoners, and for his unremitting attention to the comfort and interest of myself and staff, while acting in his capacity of commandant of headquarters.

No department of this army has been better conducted on this campaign than the medical. To Asst. Surg. D. L. Huntington, acting medical director, is due great praise for his diligence and eminent success. To him and to Doctor Duncan, the staff surgeons, the officers and soldiers at headquarters of the army are indebted for all the medical aid they required.

Major C. H. Howard, senior aide-de-camp, is commended for his diligence, in causing my orders to be executed, in bearing dispatches by perilous and distant routes, and for affording me sympathy and moral support of one who identifies himself completely with the interests of the service.

Captain W. M. Beebe, Jr., additional aide-de-camp, receives my thanks for his generous assistance, being over anxious to undergo any risk, or perform a gallant action.

Captain F. W. Gildreth, aide-de-camp, is always at the post of duty, and has spared no pains to carry my orders promptly, and see them executed.

Lieutenant E. Blake, staff quartermaster and commissary of subsistence, has shown himself remarkably efficient, and has often received my special thanks.

Captain E. H. Kirlin, chief of scouts, has carefully reconnoitered the country through Captain William Duncan and the other scouts, and kept me well advised of the movements of the enemy.

Lieutenant J. A. Sladen has cheerfully aided me, writing at my dictation, bearing dispatches, and keeping important records.

My recommendations for the promotion of general and staff officers have already been forwarded and will be found separate in duplicate accompanying this report.

The General-in-chief has been enabled, under a Providential care, not to be mistaken to conduct our noble army thus far to results that one year ago seemed scarcely possible of attainment. He has secured our complete confidence, and, therefore, it may not be improper for me to express the faith that it is our mission, under his direction, to give the finishing blow to this hated rebellion. *

Please find accompanying this a statistical record for the campaigns.

Respectfully,

O. O. HOWARD,

Major-General, Commanding.

Captain L. M. DAYTON,

Aide-de-Camp.