USA > Georgia > Chatham County > Savannah > History of Savannah, Ga.; from its settlement to the close of the eighteenth century > Part 3
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The United States troops, and volunteer companies of the city of Sa-
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MEXICAN WAR.
vannah, commanded by Colonel White, the orator and committee of ar- rangements, the reverend clergy, judges and officers of the Superior Court, justices and officers of the Inferior Court and Court of Ordinary, judge and officers of the Court of Common Pleas and Oyer and Ter- miner, the mayor and aldermen, and all officers deriving their appoint- ments from the city, justices of the peace, foreign consuls and officers, the collector and other officers of the customs, officers and soldiers of the Revolution, officers of the revenue marine, officers of the militia, the Union Society, the Medical Society, the Library Society, the Hibernian Society, the St. Andrew's Society, the German Friendly Society, the Georgia Historical Society, the Catholic Temperance Society, the Me- chanics' Temperance Society, the Agricultural Society, Georgia Chapter No. 3 and Masonic Lodges of Savannah, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the United Ancient Order of Druids, teachers of public schools and their pupils, teachers of Sabbath-schools and their pupils, the pilot of the port of Savannah, captains and officers of vessels and marines.
When hostilities between the United States and Mexico commenced in 1846, a call was made upon Georgia for a regiment of soldiers to be sent to the seat of war. All the infantry volunteer companies of the city offered their services to the State to make up the regiment, but only one com- pany could be taken and it was decided by lot which it should be. The lot fell upon the Irish Jasper Greens, which was accepted and formed a part of the regiment, which, under the command of Colonel Henry R. Jack- son, shared the honors won by American soldiers on the plains of Mexico. The Jasper Greens were composed of the following named officers and men : J. McMahon, captain ; G. Curlette, D. O'Conner, lieutenants; John Devaney, M. Carey, P. Martin, sergeants ; Leo Wylly, M. Feery, P. Tier- ney, T. Bourke, Owen Reilly, corporals; William Baudy, W. D. Burke, P. Bossee, Francis Camfield, J. Chalmers, P. Clark, P. Cody, John Coffee, William Coffee, John Coulihan, Elijah Coudon, Joseph Davis, Dennis Dermond, Michael Downy, Michael Duggan, Francis Datzner, Charles Farrelly, Thomas Fenton, David Fountain, James Fleeting, James Flynn, William P. Fielding, James Feely, P. Gerrin, Moses Gleason, O. B. Hall, Michael Hoar, Timothy Howard, R. M. Howard, E. W. Irwin, John Kee- gin, Humphrey Leary, W. S. Levi, David Lynch, Michael Lynch, L. Mahoney, Henry Moury. John Makin, Bryan Morris, James McFehilly,
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HISTORY OF SAVANNAH.
Hugh Martagh, Henry Nagle, Daniel Nichels, M. M. Payne, George Perminger, Thomas Pigeon, John Reagan, Francis Reeves, R. Richard- son, J. Rinehart, B. Rodebuck, R. M. Robertson, J. D. Ryan, Thomas Ryan, John Sanderlyn, Michael Shea, Peter Seizmel, David Stokes, C. F. E. Smyth, R. L. S. Smith, Patrick Shiels, Patrick Tidings, Daniel F. Fowles, J. W. Warden, James Waters, Michael Weldon, John Whaling, James Waters, jr., Jacob Zimmerman, privates; William Gatehouse, George Gatehouse, musicians.
In May, 1847, Daniel Webster, accompanied by his wife and Miss Sutton, visited Savannah and was accorded a public reception in John- son square. The citizens gave him a public dinner at the Pulaski House, and he was also similarly entertained by the bar of Savannah ; at the lat- ter Hon. M. Hall McAllister, and Hon. William Law presided. The distinguished orator and jurist was highly gratified with his reception, and made a feeling speech of thanks.
Col. James S. McIntosh, of Savannah, one of the heroes of the Mex- ican War, died in October, 1847, of wounds received in the battle of El Molino del Rey on the 8th of September, 1847. His remains were brought to Savannah, where his funeral obsequies were held on Satur- day, March 18, 1848. The Savannah paper of March 20, 1848, gives the following notice of the services :
" Our fellow-citizens generally on Saturday forsook their usual avo- cations to mingle around the bier of the veteran soldier, the gallant leader of the Third Infantry, and acting brigadier-general in more than one well fought battle on the plains of Mexico. The Music of the Military, at an early hour of the forenoon, summoned the Members of the respec- tive Volunteer Corps, attached to the First Regiment, and their full ranks attested the admiration of the Citizen Soldier for the character of the warrior who now rested from his labors.
" The National Banner was displayed at half-mast at the Garrison and on the Chatham Light Artillery Armory-and all the shipping in Port displayed their colors also at half-mast. The following corps formed as a battalion on the Bay. The Georgia Hussars-Captain Bailey. The Chatham Light Artillery-Captain Stephens. The Republican Blues- Captain Anderson. The Savannah Volunteer Guards, Captain Richard- son The Irish Jasper Greens-Captain M'Mahon. The German Vol- unteers, Captain Stegin. The Phoenix Riflemen, Lieutenant Polin.
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35 I.
VISIT OF EX-PRESIDENT POLK.
" Under the command of Colonel Knapp the battalion proceeded to the residence of Major Wm. J. McIntosh, where the mortal remains of his gallant brother reposed. The veteran lay in a leaden coffin, inclosed in one of Mahogany, with the following inscription : Colonel Jas. S. Mc- Intosh, Fifth Regiment, United States Infantry, died first October, 1847, of wounds, received in the battle of El Molino del Rey, Mexico, eighth September, 1847. The American flag was thrown as a pall over the cof- fin, and the sword with the dress of the deceased, (pierced by eight bul- let holes), which was worn by him at the fatal battle of El Molino del Rey, rested upon the coffin. Reverend Rufus White of St. John's Church, as- sisted by Edward Neufville D.D., officiated at the house, and read the funeral service of the Episcopal Church. Escort, Clergy-Pall Bearers, W. B. Bullock, Judge J. M. Wayne, Major Wade, U. S. A., Lieutenant Colonel Law, Colonel Williams, Colonel J. W. Jackson, Captain Stephens, Major Talcott, U. S. A., Family, Colonel John G. Park, and Major M. D. Huson, the Commander on the part of the State in charge of the body from Mexico-Officers of the Army and Navy, Brigadier- General White and Staff, Committee from the Floyd Rifles and Macon Volunteers un- der Captain Conner ; Officers of the First Regiment-Grand Marshal not on Duty-Mayor and Aldermen-Citizens.
" On entering the old Cemetery, the services at the grave were per- formed by Reverend Rufus White. After the coffin was deposited in the vault which contains the remains of General Lachlan McIntosh, a patriot of the Revolution, three volleys were fired over the grave of the warrior by the Rifles and the four Companies of Infantry. The battalion then returned to the Bay, and the Companies were dismissed to their respec- tive commands. Thus has the grave closed over the remains of one who in life we cherished as a gallant citizen, ready at any moment to lay down his life for his Country."
Saturday, March 10, 1849, was made memorable in the municipal his- tory of Savannah by the arrival in the city of ex-President James K. Polk. He was received by the mayor and aldermen of the city and a commit- tee of twenty-one citizens. He came by boat from Charleston and was accompanied by his wife, nieces, and Hon. Robert J. Walker, ex-secre- tary of the treasury. The battalions composed of the Hussars, Lieu- tenant Blois ;' the Blues, Captain Anderson; the Guards, Captain Rich-
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HISTORY OF SAVANNAH.
ardson ; the Irish Jasper Greens, Captain Wylly; the German Volun- teers, Captain Stegin ; and the Phoenix Riflemen, Captain Mills, turned out in honor of his presence. He remained from Saturday evening until Monday morning, when the Republican Blues escorted him to the Cen- tral Railroad depot, whence he proceeded to Macon.
In August of the following year the people of Savannah, in common with the people all over the country, mourned the death of the chief mag- istrate of the nation, Zachary Taylor, whose victories in Mexico had so shortly before won the hearts of the American people. The mayor and aldermen adopted suitable measures for the commemoration of his death, which were carried out on Thursday, the 8th of August. W. W. Oates was made chief marshal of the day, and a committee of arrangements, composed of R. R. Cuyler, W. Thorne Williams, F. S. Barton, William Law, W. P. White, W. B. Felmaine, J. L. Locke, Alderman J. Lippman, Rob- ert Habersham, E. J. Hardin, A. R. Lawton, Chas. S. Henry, Geo. Schley, R. D. Arnold, Aldermen R. H. Griffin and M. Cumming was appointed. A procession was formed, composed as follows: The escort of volunteer companies, chief marshal, the standard of the United States, the orator and committee of arrangements, the reverend clergy, teachers of public schools, the mayor and aldermen and their officers, judges and officers of the Su- perior Court, justices of the Inferior Court and their officers, judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and Oyer and Terminer and officers, magistrates and officers of the city and county, foreign consuls, officers of the United States, collector and officers of the customs, military and naval officers of the United States, brigadier-general of the First Brigade and staff, major of cavalry and staff, field staff and company officers First Regiment, the Union Society, the Medical Society, the Library Society, the Hibernian Society, the St. Andrew's Society, the German Friendly Society, the Georgia Historical Society, the Irish Union Society, Temperance Soci- eties. During the march of the procession the Chatham Artillery fired minute-guns to the number of sixty-five, the age of the deceased, and at sunset a national salute was fired. Banks, public buildings, stores and private dwellings were draped in mourning, and during the ceremonies all business was suspended. Francis S. Bartow delivered the funeral eulogy on the public life and character of the illustrious dead at the new Methodist Church in St. James square.
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VISIT OF EX-PRESIDENT FILLMORE.
The present custom-house was erected in 1850, under plans designed by John S. Norris. The customs had been collected for several years previous to the erection of the present building in the Exchange.
On the 22d of April, 1854, ex-President Fillmore, accompanied by Hon. John P. Kennedy, arrived in Savannah. They were received at the Central Railroad depot by a large concourse of citizens, the Chatham Ar- tillery firing a salute as the train came in. The reception ceremonies were held in the extensive warehouse of the Central Railroad, after which the distinguished guest and suite were honored by a civic and military escort to quarters provided at the Pulaski House. "On Saturday, the day following his arrival, the ex-president," says the Georgian of Tuesday April 25th, "visited Bonaventure." " On Sunday morning he attended Christ Church, Reverend Bishop Elliott, officiating. In the afternoon he attended the Independent Presbyterian Church, and listened to a sermon from Reverend Chas. Rogers, in the absence of the Pastor, Reverend Doc- tor Preston. In the evening he attended the Unitarian Church, Rev- erend John Pierpont, Junior, to which denomination we believe he is at- tached as a member. Yesterday from ten to eleven o'clock a public levee was held at the Pulaski House. The citizens without distinction paid their respects to the ex-President. At eleven o'clock by invitation of Captain Hardie, Mr. Fillmore and suite visited the Steamship the Key Stone State. He was welcomed by a salute of twenty-one guns. Af- terwards the Steamer Seminole was placed at his disposal-the ex-Presi- dent and his friends viewing the scenery down the river. Dinner fol- lowed, and many toasts were enjoyed on board the Seminole. The Boat returned to the city at an early hour of the evening, in time to attend the ball, where. there was a large gathering. On Tuesday morning the party departed for Charleston accompanied by several citizens."
The year 1854 was an era of extraordinary calamity. Throughout the civilized world its history is written in pestilence, war, and disasters of the most fatal and appalling character. The fields of Eastern Europe were strewn with the dead of contending armies who fell by the sword and by pestilence. Over our own country swept two fatal epidemics, the cholera in the North and West and the fever in the South, while dis- asters at sea, collisions on land, tornadoes and conflagrations added to the destruction of life and property in a degree perhaps unparalleled in any
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HISTORY OF SAVANNAH.
previous year. Savannah was severely scourged by yellow fever. The disease made its appearance on the 12th of August in the eastern district of the city among the Irish population in Washington ward. Here the sickness was confined to a limited space for a week or ten days, be- fore its epidemic character had been sufficiently developed to excite gen- eral apprehension. It soon, however, spread over a larger surface in the eastern district, after which it extended with great rapidity through the center of the city westward, spreading from St. Julien to South Broad street and reaching to the extreme western limits of the town. By the first of September the epidemic was diffused in every direction, and the mortality reached its maximum height about the 12th of that month, on which day fifty-one interments were reported. For several days there was little abatement observable in the sickness or number of deaths, and it is very certain that but for the exertions of the mayor of the city, the medical faculty, the Board of Health, the clergy, the Young Men's Be- nevolent Association, organized about that time, and the many benevo- lent citizens who devoted themselves to the alleviation of the general suffering among all classes of the citizens, the list of mortality would have been increased to a still more frightful figure. The decline of the sick- ness began about the 20th of September. During the week ending on the 26th of that month the deaths from all diseases numbered 121, being 68 less than the previous week, and 79 less than the week ending on the 12th. when the mortality reached 210. From the 26th the number of deaths gradually decreased until the 29th of October, the date of the last report of the Board of Health, when only one death by yellow fever was recorded.
The epidemic continued about nine or twelve weeks and during that time the mortality from all diseases reached upwards of one thousand, and the number of sick during the same period, including the dead, was at least five thousand. The census taken by the Young Men's Benevo- lent Association when the sickness was at its height gave a white popu- lation of 6,000, being only one-third of the permanent white population. Of the 6,000 who remained in the city a very large majority were sick, while many of those who had left had been sick and had recovered, or were attacked after leaving the city. The medical faculty and the clergy were conspicuous in their devotion to the plague stricken city, most of
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EPIDEMIC OF YELLOW FEVER.
them remaining at their post of duty while several fell while battling with the disease. Ten physicians and three medical students were numbered with the dead while many others were sick. Of the clergy three died and every one of their number who remained was attacked. Of the editorial corps, all of whom remained at their posts until attacked, two died.
The fearful ravage of yellow fever was not the only calamity the people of Savannah were called upon to endure in 1854, for on the 10th of September of this year a severe storm fell upon the city which wrought great havoc. Hutchinson and Fig islands were covered with water, a number of houses were washed away, and several persons were drowned. Most of the trees on South Broad street were blown down, buildings were unroofed, shipping in the river was driven upon the wharves, and the large dry-dock parted from its mooring, floated up the river, and damaged several vessels. Never had the people of Savannah been more sorely tried. Disease, tempest, and tides had united to complete the work of destruction. The deplorable condition of the people strangely appealed to the sympathy of the benevolent all over the country and contributions of money to the extent of nearly sixty thousand dollars, and of provisions poured in from every quarter. The thanks of the people for this timely and generous assistance were expressed at a meeting of the city council, when Alderman Screven offered the following resolutions which were unanimously adopted :
" Whereas, by the dispensation of Providence, this city has been af- flicted with an epidemic of the most fatal character, and its inhabitants during its prevalence have been the recipients of the munificence and benevolence of various public bodies, charitable associations, and indi- viduals. Be it therefore resolved that the thanks of this body are due, and are hereby tendered to the corporate authorities of our sister cities for the sympathy they have manifested in the afflictions of this city, and for their generous contributions in aid of its suffering and des- titute inhabitants. Resolved, that the thanks of this body are due, and are hereby tendered to all benevolent and other associations and to in- dividuals who have in any manner contributed to the relief of the af- flicted in this city. Thanks to the resident physicians for their noble conduct during the epidemic; to transient physicians for their profes-
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HISTORY OF SAVANNAH.
sional gallantry when our physicians were falling in our midst, victims to the faithful discharge of duties. Thanks to the devoted clergy who, without exception, pursued their holy calling. Thanks to the Young Men's Benevolent Association."
The progress of the city from 1855 to the beginning of the war was of the most satisfactory character in its social, religious, business, and ma- terial interests. The great political questions which agitated the country during this period largely engrossed the public attention, and the events immediately preceding 1860 and during the years of the war are so im- portant that a separate chapter has been devoted to this period of the city's history.
CHAPTER XXVI.
THE WAR PERIOD.
Exciting Event in 1860-Secession of South Carolina -- Rejoicing in Savannah-Call for a State Convention-Governor Brown's Order-Seizure of Fort Pulaski-State Con- vention in Savannah-Unfurling of the Confederate Flag -- Departure of the Oglethorpe Light Infantry-Death of General Bartow-Defenses of Savannah-General Lee in Sa- vannah -- Attack on Fort Pulaski-Surrender of the Garrison-Naval Assault on Fort McAllister-Sherman's March from Atlanta-Proclamation by the Mayor -- The Fed- eral Army before Savannah-Fort McAllister Attacked by a Land Force-Graphic Ac- count of the Assault and Its Capture-Plans for Evacuating the City-General Sher- man's Demand for the Surrender of Savannah -- Evacuation of the City -- How the City was Surrendered-General Sherman's Order -- Confiscation of Cotton-Destructive Fire of January, 1865-Return of Peace and Prosperity. -
[N Savannah, as well as all over the country, political affairs monopo- lized a large share of the public attention from 1855 to 1860. Na- tional politics, before the latter year closed, had reached the point of rev- olution. The people of the South and North were beginning to assert themselves away beyond their leaders, who had worked them up to the extremity where discussion and persuasion ceased to have any weight or effect. Savannah had enjoyed a career of business prosperity for a few years preceding the war, but when the first sound of war's alarms was
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THE WAR PERIOD.
heard throughout the land the march of progress diverged from its ac- customed course. Building operations were, to a great extent, discon- tinued, and business in some of its departments was paralyzed to a greater or less extent.
In the present quiet and peaceful days in Savannah it is hard to realize the intensely excited state of public feeling in the latter part of 1860. That the two sections were on the verge of open rupture all felt, but few appreciated the magnitude of the struggle that was to take place. Still the hum of preparation was heard on every side, and the ranks of the va- rious volunteer companies were crowded with new members. There was an eager restlessness that filled every soul, and while the older citizens may have felt some forebodings for the future, there can be no doubt that the great mass of the people thought the time for argument had passed and were ready to maintain what they believed to be their rights at the hazard of their lives.
The newspapers of Savannah were faithful chroniclers of these times. Every move of the diverse populations of the Union was recorded and every changing shade of public opinion. For months, and until the in- auguration of Lincoln, all eyes were turned upon Charleston, S. C. It was the theater of exciting events, and even local affairs were lost sight of in view of the contest between that State and the Federal authorities. The diplomatic movements of the distinguished agents and commission- ers of the State, and afterward of those of the Confederate States were carefully noted and criticised and furnished occasion for some fierce out- bursts against the North. The resignations of Cobb, Floyd, Thompson, and Thomas were occasions eagerly seized for an eulogy upon these statesmen, and the formation of the provisional government of the Con- federacy, and the organization and assembling of troops kept the public constantly on the qui vive.
The announcement of the secession of South Carolina in December of 1860 was hailed with almost as much delight in Savannah as in Charles- ton. A secession flag bearing the representation of a large rattlesnake, with the inscription " Don't Tread on me," was unfurled from the top of the Green Monument in Johnson square, while the newspapers were filled with calls for meetings to ratify the course of South Carolina. The old vol- unteer companies, the Chatham Artillery, Savannah Volunteer Guards,
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HISTORY OF SAVANNAH.
Republican Blues, Georgia Hussars, Phoenix Riflemen, Irish Jasper Greens, Oglethorpe Light Infantry, De Kalb Riflemen, and German Vol- unteers, promptly tendered their services for any duty that might be re- quired of them.
A call for a State convention to be held in Savannah was issued in December, 1860, and throughout the State was received with ready re- sponse. An election for delegates to this convention was held in Savan- nah on January 2, 1861, and resulted in the selection of Francis S. Bar- tow, John W. Anderson, and Colonel A. S. Jones, all of whom favored im- mediate secession and separate State action.
When the news of the evacuation of Fort Moultrie and the occupa- tion of Fort Sumter by United States troops, under Major Anderson, reached Savannah the excitement reached fever heat. The evident in- tention of the United States government to gain possession of all the forts commanding the harbors of the Southern States determined Governor Joseph E. Brown to take the bold step of seizing the fortifications of the United States built upon Georgia soil to prevent their occupation by the Federal government. At this time the First Volunteer Regiment of Sa- vannah was the only military organization larger than a company at his command, and accordingly an order was transmitted to Colonel A. R. Lawton, then in command of the regiment, directing him at once to take possession of Fort Pulaski, " and to hold it against all persons." The full text of this memorable document was as follows:
" HEADQUARTERS, GEORGIA MILITIA, "SAVANNAH, January 2, 1861.
" Col. A. R. Lawton, Commanding Ist Regiment, Georgia Vols., Savannah :
"SIR,-In view of the fact that the government at Washington has, as we are informed on high authority, decided on the policy of coercing a seceding State back into the Union, and it is believed now has a move- ment on foot to reinforce Fort Sumter, at Charleston, and to occupy with Federal troops the Southern forts, including Fort Pulaski in this State, which if done would give the Federal government in any contest great advantage over the people in this State ; to the end therefor that this stronghold which commands also the entrance into Georgia may not be occupied by any hostile force until the convention of the State of
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THE WAR PERIOD.
Georgia, which is to meet on the 16th instant, has decided on the policy which Georgia will adopt in this emergency, you are ordered to take pos- session of Fort Pulaski as by public order herewith, and to hold it against all persons, to be abandoned only under orders from me or under com- pulsion by an overpowering hostile force.
"Immediately upon occupying the fort you will take measures to put it in a thorough state of defense as far as its means and ours will permit ; and for this purpose you will advise with Captain Claghorn, Chatham Artillery, who has been charged with all matters relating to ordnance and ordnance stores, and their supply.
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