Saturday, February 7, 2015

Naval Cooperation for Sherman on His New March-- Part 2

Sherman and his subordinates utilized water transport and naval support as much as possible during his move northward.  This date, Lt.Col. Alexander C. McClurg, Chief of Staff of the 14th Army Corps, wrote Lt.Cmdr. Luce of the USS Pontiac: "All the transports will, by this afternoon or evening, be unloaded and ordered to return to Savannah.  General Morgan, commanding the rear division, has been ordered to withdraw his pickets on the Georgia shore of the [Savannah] river as soon as the transports have passed the lower landing.

"The general commanding requests that you assist and cover the crossing of these troops.  The general commanding takes this opportunity to express to you and your officers his thanks for your efficient cooperation during your stay and movements at this point."

Two days later, Major general Cuvier Grover added a letter to Luce:  "Understanding that you have in view leaving this station, I will respectfully request that, if it be consistent with your instructions, you would remain here until such time as you can be relieved by some other naval vessel, as I would consider it quite necessary that there should be at least one gunboat here at all times."

--Old B-R'er

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