December 3, 1864: Defending Savannah

DECEMBER 3RD, 1864:  As Union pressure on Savannah increased, the Confederate squadron under Captain W.W. Hunter, CSN, played an increasing role in the defense of the city and the important railway above it.

This date, Hunter wrote Lieutenant Joel S. Kennard, CSS Macon:  "The Charleston and Savannah Railway bridge at Savannah River is a very important point to defend, and, should it become necessary, endeavor to be in position there to defend it.

"In order to do so, and also to patrol the Savannah River, watch carefully the state of the river, and to not be caught aground or be cut off from the position at the bridge."

--Old B-Runner

Fighting in Georgia

DECEMBER 5-9, 1864:  The naval landing force under Commander Preble participated in heavy fighting around Tulifinny Crossroads, Georgia, while federal troops attempted to cut the vital Savannah-Charleston Railway and join with the advancing forces of General Sherman.

The Naval Brigade was withdrawn from Boyd's Landing, Broad River, on 5 December, and while Union gunboats made a feint against the Coosawwatchie River fortifications, soldiers and sailors landed up the nearby Tulifinny River.

During the next four days, the versatile naval brigade participated in a series of nearly continuous heavy actions, though plagued by rain and swampy terrain.  Union forces advanced close enough to the strategic railway to shell it but failed to destroy it.

--Old B-Runner

Confederate Naval Defenses at Savannah As Sherman Approached

DECEMBER 3, 1864: As Union pressure on Savannah increased, the Savannah Squadron, under Captain W.W. Hunter, CSN, played an increasing role in the defense of the city and the important railroad above it.

This date, Hunter wrote Lt. Joel S. Kennard of the CSS Macon:  "The Charleston and Savannah Railway Bridge at the Savannah River is a very important point to defend, and, should it become necessary, endeavor to be in position there to defend it.

"In order to do so, and also to patrol the Savannah River, watch carefully the state of the river, and do not be caught aground or be cut off from the position of the bridge."

--Old B-R'er