Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1865-01-06
MIscEL1ANkOUs DISPATCHES.
FoRrREss MoNRoE, De-. 3

The steamer California arrived here at a
late hour last night from Fort Pulaski in ff.
ty-eight hours, bringing important dispatches
from Gen. Sherman and oonfrmatory intelli-
gence Of the capture OF Savannah
On the 29lh, Sherman having nearly com
peted investing the city, and captured Fort
Lee and several other minor outworks in the
immediate vicinity of the principal intrench
ments, and planted his siege guns in such
close proximity to the rebel lines as to COM
mand elfectually every position held by the
rebels, he sent summons by flag of truce to
the effect that If the place was not 10 GER
tain time surrendered bombardment and as
sault would at once commence.
To this summons the rebel Gen. Hardee
sent back a reply that as his Communications
were yet open, and his men fully supplied
with subsistence stores Of every kind, he was
able to stand long siege, and determined to
hold the city to the last moment and defend
its citizens and the property which had been
placed under his protection until overpower-
ed and compelled to surrender.
Every preparation had been made to as
sault the rebel position next day, but when the
morning Of the 2lst dawned it was ascertaned
the enemy had evacuated their entrenchments
Several regiments Of infantry were immedi-
H.ely advanced who took possession OF them
and shortly Afterward Gen. Sherman entered
the city at the head Of his body guard and
received from the hands Of deputation Of
its citizens the surrender OF the place.
Gen. Hardee on the night Of the goth,
seeing the impossibiity Of holding the city,
and fearing that the only means Of escape
would be cut of, retreated. His troops be-
tore leaving were set to work to destroy the
Navy Yard aud Government property, and a
twilight, under protection Of two rsbel iron.
clads, they succeeded in crossing the Savan-
nah river, intending to push forward to
Charleston.
Tbuty-three thousand bales Of cotton were
stored in the city, which the rebels in their
haste neglected 10 destroy. The two iron
clads were sunk, and all The property they
could not carry with them was destroyed
Four small steamers, one a gunboat, werl
captured, which with cotton and large
amount OF rebel munitions Of war, form q
part Of the spoils VI sherman's victorious
army.
NEw YoRK, Dec. 81.
The Worlds special dispatch from For
trees Monroe to-day gives the following par
ioulars Of the capture Of Savannah, as Oh
tanned from Major Gray, of Gen. sherman
staff:
The surrender was made bJ the Mayor and
Council. Sherman's and Slvcums headqu4r.
ters are in the city The demand for the sur
render was made the l6th, and Sherman
closed his dispatch with Hoods words to the
negro tro pc at Dalton, to the effect that if
his demand was not complied with he would
take no prisoners. Hardee replied that he
could and would hold the city. Shermtu
proceeded to complete the investment Of tbs.
city, but owing to the swamps on tue nut,h
side, could not at once extend his lines in that
direction. Gen. Hatch's division Of Fosters
force held the left OF our line, occupying the
upper part Of Hutohinson's leland, complete
ly blockadng iugress and egress over the
river. Below ferry boats were discovered
plying between the city and the Union Cau'e-
way. This was the hole through which Har-
dee got out. Our prisoners are increased by
constantly finding them secreted. The city
is so full Of citizens, refugees and others, that
many live in the streets. Nearly 800 Union
prisoners have succeeded in reaching our
lines.
WAR DEPARrMENr, Dec, 2s,
1880 z NJ
. 1dl uen. Dtr :
The following extracts from the Richmond
papers Of to-ksy have been received by tho
Department
The latest official adviees from Georgia in
dicate that Sherman has followed up tie oc-
cupation Of Savannah by sending force OF
cavalry, artillery and infantry upon an exps-
diton whose destination can only be guessed
at from the direction 10 which it has moved.
ward the Altamaha river, and we shall no
doubt next hear that they have crossed that
stream and s.e moving TO Southwestern Geor-
gia in quest Of the prisoners Of war be
were supposed to be at Addersonville. Sher-
macs programme for his grand campaign
Northwards seems to be no secret. He will
start from from Port Royal and move on
straight for Branchville. the point of junction
between the Georgian and Carolinian rail-
roads. He then proposes to follow the main
lines of railroad towards Virginia steady, and
mar uding as much he can by the way. =
All very fine, but If Sherman proposes Lee
disposes.
The following official despatch was receiv-
ed last night:
Washington, Dec. 22-6 p. M..--To His
Ercelleney the President of the Confederate
States The enemy has re-embarked under
the cover OF his feet. His movement is not
developed. Have visited Fort Fisher and
find the damage slight, except of the build
ings not necessary for defence. Only two
guns were dismounted. The works remain
ing ihdica'e that the bombaldment was We y
heavy, Maj, Gen. Whiting commanding at
the mouth of the river. Col Lamb com
manding the fort, and the officers and men
composing the garrison, deserve especial com
mendation for the gallantry, efficiency, and
fortitude displayed under every trying cir
cumstances. BRAxToN BRAGG.
The Lynchburg has the following addition
al Information Of the capture of the salt works
announced officially yesterday. We had been
led to hope that these important were safe,
but the source which the report of their cap
ture comes leaves us no room to doubt It's
correctness. They were occupied by the en-
emy on Tuesday the Gosh, and held by them
as is stated until Thursday, when the Yam
KEGS retreated towards Bristol. We learn
that the place was held by abont 200 reserves
under Col. Preston, the most OF whom escap
ed capture. The works are reported to be
but little damaged, and we understood from