Camp near Savannah, Ga.

December 28th, 1864

Cousin Lou,

The old year is fast closing up and we earnestly hope the New One, soon to dawn upon us, may bring with it blessings as abundant as that whose last days still linger with us in a peacefull decline toward that end when we must bid it adieu forever. One year ago we were laying around Chattanooga, Tennessee, little thinking that another year would find us still "Soldiers in Army" and much less that we would be here in Savannah, Ga. but minds change with changing time and we find ourselves today near the South Eastern coast of Georgia instead of being (as we expected one year ago) among Friend and Kindred in that Place to the Soldiers of all on Earth most loved "Home". And we are well satisfied here, knowing that we will thus sooner restore our Country to that State, when we can better enjoy those Comforts & Pleasures then now. But on these Holidays we have a hankering after some of the good things that we know grace the tables of Friends & Relatives, and I tell you I would like to take a peep beneath some of the lids upon Christmas & New-Years. But here we are with Uncle Sam's same old Bill of Fare, Hard-Tack, Pork & Coffee. And no visible sign of change in dishes at this hotel.

The weather during the greater part of our Expedition was unusually favorable for marching and our route lay through the best & richest part of the state. From Atlanta we moved east to Covington then south passing Maj. Gen. Howell Cobb's plantations & destroying everything thereon, then by Milledgeville, Sandersville Lewisville & Waynesboro & from the latter place directly to Savannah where we took up our Line of Battle within 4 miles of town on the 11th of Dec. and in the afternoon of the 14th Fort McCallister upon the Ogeechee River was taken thus opening communication with the North. Thus matters were moving quietly to success when on the night of the 20th the "Johnnies" took alarm at a movement of ours and made a grand skedaddle across the Savannah River toward Charleston, S.C., and on the morning of the 21st we took possession of the town. They left all their Artillery behind them of which there was 180 pieces on the line & many more in town, besides ammunition & supplies of all kinds in large quantities for their Army. They burned two of their Gun Boats, but their Pontoons, several transports, many engines & cars and machinery of all kinds fell into our hands uninjured, they not having time to destroy them, so great was their haste to rid themselves of the Presence of these hateful Yankees. There are more citizens in this town than any we have yet occupied, and they seem pleased at the change in their Rulers. All, and especially the Ladies treat us kindly and seem to welcome our coming, while our "Sable Friends" hail us with the exclamation Lor bress de Lincum Sogers! Many of the latter have already enlisted in the Army expressing a determination to help destroy those who have been their oppressors. Savannah is a fine town of 25,000 inhabitants. It is well laid out, and has done an extensive business in shipping all kinds of Merchandise before the War commenced. This army is making preparations for another rapid march. At what point we will strike we do not know yet but it will not be long before you hear of Sherman knocking at another door in this Confederacy. And where he knocks you know the doors always open to him. We think Gen. Sherman's compliments will next be paid to Augusta Ga., or Charleston S.C.. Hoping to hear from you soon & sending my kindest regards to all I am truly

Your Friend & Cousin

William

Co. B 79th Penna. Vols.

Savannah

& nbsp; Ga.

P.S. I almost forgot to tell you that I did not receive your kind & welcome letter of Nov. 1st untill Dec.

17th. Wishing that you may have a Merry Christmas & Happy New-Year I remain

Yours truly W.T.C.