The Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1863-1886, 1865-02-16
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA,
Feb. 8, 1865.

JOHN D. MARTIN, ESQ Dear Sir:
When / last wrote you, the army of
Gen. Sherman had only in part moved
from this place. A few days after, the
portion that remained in camp moved
also, but only short distance, in con-
sequence of the rains of the preceding
night, which had already made the
causeway over which Gen. Hardee
evacuated the city, well-nigh impassa-
BILE. TO this was added the breaking
or cutting by the enemy Of the dykes
above, which in q few hours submerg
ed nearly all of the men and teams
that had not returned to Savannah;
many of the men barely escaping
watery grave. Before this reverse by
the elements, the 18th Corps had driv-
en- the enemy from the Pocotaligo
bridge and secured permanent footing
on the main land. Gen. Sherman, not
dismayed, hurried forward his sup
plies up the river to Sisters Ferry-a
position above the dykes, and on firm
er soil. From Sisters Ferry, the left
wing, with one division Of the 18th
Corps will take eight days rations and
as usual, strike out-,chere, will bo bet
ter known when they once more east
anchor for repairs and supplies. That
something will be done, is sure and
"SUtain," although the season, the
cast of the country and the elements
arc against them. Certainly one thing
promises success, and that is, General
Sherman s army never goes back.
In my last letter I wrote of a rough
monument to mark the spot where
Pulaski fell. That was an error, as
afterwards learned for the naked OBJ
elisk is sacred to the memory Of Gen.
Green, whose lasting service in our
first struggle for life and liberty made
him next to Washington for whom
the hearts of patriots ever beat with
Ijoy. No matter, then, if a rough slab
only be erected to his memory.
On Pulaski square, General Hardec
has the shell Of a magnificent home
but, like the man in tho Scriptures
who built his house without first
counting the cost-it now stands 0
beautiful, unfinished structure, warn
ing to others of their end, if, like him
they cast overheard the ballast of the
National ship and sail out on the
rough sea of revolution. His is but
the case Of thousands who have given
fathers and sons, brothers, home and
comforts that they might hold the
closer their accursed system of sla'
very.
One square further south lies tht
great city park, laid out nicely with
its walks, swings. and jetting fountains
all shaded by the native pines anc
cedars-the place of all the rest il
balmy days for southern beauty anc
fashionable beaux mnglng with wool
ly heads in charge Of younger ones o
many families. The buildings arr
, principally built in a barrack style
= with single walls enclosing the lot
the lower story devoted to the dearly
: beloved negro as also the rooms above
, the stable, and carriage house on tn,
: alley, thus collecting all the filth un
lder ones nose, and at the same tim,
t shutting out the healthy circulOtio,
/, Of air.
. Last night we were visited by ter
riblc fire which destroyed nearly fou
0 squares, six or eight lives, and million
t dollars of proper ty, all the work o
Q some struggling descrter or spy. Th'
t citizens attach no blame to our troops
e for all that was done to save life ant
property was accomplished through
: their effoi is at tho risk Of lite an,
7 liMb. 1t broke out about IL o'clocl
b P. NJ, in a largo wooden stable, nea
A the old rebel magazine. The wine
blowing strong from the west, 500
carried tho FIRE beyond co0trol, an
on rearhing the Magazine it presente
a scene both sublime aud terrific. I'll
q glaring light discovered the marks q
4 horror, dismay and dependency c
n the faces Of many who had just recov
a cred from the dread Of Sherrnans saw
: age army, and were quietly resting j
! tho peace and security which on
= arms afforded, when they were arouse
q by the bursting Of shot and shell, an
q the cries Of fire around and about then
y The negro fire companies were force
+ to work their engines by the bayonet
i of the soldiers, while others aided tn
# flight of the inmates of buildings en-
:. the saving of what property the
n could. Such is war To-day tn
" brave boys to punish traitors, will huI
to the ground all that is theirs; t.
night their sympathizing hearts wi
70 aid the disconsolate, and wish the
s. could do more! And yet we thin
y tho good people of New York, Bosto
/: and Philadelphia were very much in
y posed upon by the cry for bread ft
n, the poor Of Savannah. The truth
4 when the city was evacuated, the poc
IN citizens and negroes cared for then