Personal Recollections of Sherman's Campaigns in Georgia and the Carolinas

by George W Pepper

  The Independent Presbyterian Church is the grandest of the denomination to be found in the South. The building is large and magnificently ornamented. Its situation is in the very heart of the city. Dr Axson, the pastor, is rather ancient in his style of oratory; it is acceptable, however, to his auditors, many of whom are in the sere and yellow leaf of their history. The Catholic Cathedral, although inferior in grandeur and dimensions to many similar structures in the North, is an extensive, a commanding and an interesting building. The Bishop, on Christmas, preached a rather novel sermon. Addressing the Yankees, he greeted them, hailed their advent, and commended them and their cause to the benediction of Almighty God. The Methodists have a neat, substantial church. It has a large membership and an eloquent pastor. The vicinity of the Methodist Church is rich in historical associations. A few yards distant is the spot where Wesley first preached on American soil the glorious Gospel, The site where he preached is now occupied as a livery stable.

  The Methodist Church is a plain building, located in a pleasant portion of the city. This church has been built for a number of years, has a large membership and an able pastor. A few paces from the church is the site of the old temple where the sainted Wesley first preached the Gospel. The old temple has been displaced by a livery stable. There is something that overpowers the heart as we look and gaze on that spot, where Wesley initiated the great religious movement of the age. A thousand reflections dash at once across our brain, and in the intensity of feeling we cannot but exclaim: "What hath God wrought?" When the brave preache? Commenced his mission of Wesleyism, the nobles and Parliament of England frowned on him, and yet his system spread, until today his disciples are numbered by thousands. We can account for this wonderful prosperity in the last recorded utterances of the dying patriarch, "The best of all, God is with us" The first families of Savannah still retain the old prejudice against Wesley and his cause.

  PULASKI’S MONUMENT

  Who has not heard of Pulaski, the gallant Pole, who fell, fighting for American Independence? Nothing can exceed in grandeur and beauty the stately monument erected to the memory of that heroic role. It was built about thirteen years ago. The hero is represented on the monument as being mortally wounded. He is in complete armor, from crown to feet, and belted with his trusty sword. The sides and edges are beautifully sculptured. On the South side of the monument is this inscription:

  "Pulaski, the heroic Pole, who fell mortally wounded, fighting for American Liberty, at the Siege of Savannah, 9th October, 1779."

  I love to contemplate these magnificent shafts of moral marble — this memorial of departed worth. Whatever flings the mind forward to futurity, or makes it revert to "the deeds of other years," improves at once the understanding and the heart. That man says Johnson "is not much to be envied for his stoicism, whose patriotism would not be warmed upon the field of Marathon, or his piety exalted and inflamed amid the ruins of Iona."

  The prospect is that a portion of this army will enter on another campaign. The Twentieth Corps will probably remain here. The Fifteenth and Seventeenth will go somewhere. The troops are eager for the march.

  A loyal paper has been started in this place call the "Loyal Georgian." The people are generally Union. The Irish and Germans, without a solitary exception, are loyal to the core. They hailed our arrival with tears of joy. To them the old flag is an emblem of hope and a signal of salvation. The real natives have a thorough contempt for the Irish, and wish they were in the bottom of the sea, or in some other place.

  I have devoted time and attention to an examination of all that could interest in the shape of public and charitable institutions. Certainly Savannah is deservedly placed in the front rank of cities for intelligence, learning, splendor and all the graces that go to make a people great.

  The spacious streets, the superb residences splendidly decorated, the stately churches, the venerable cemetery, the charming fountain sparkling in the sunshine — these are a few of the attributes of this beautiful sea-board city. Could James Oglethorpe awake from his distant tomb, and revisit his beloved city, what emotions would arise, when he beheld the noble river crowded with splendid steamers, the bay thronged with capacious store-houses, filled with rations, and all the activities of a growing city. Could the founder of that poplar creed, Methodism, also revisit the sacred spot of his once arduous labors, and behold the beautiful temples dedicated to his Divine Master, filled every Sabbath with large and devout congregations of soldiers and citizens, verily, he would exclaim, "Nunc Dimittas" — "My cup of joy is full, let me depart in peace.

  The custom-house is a large and commodious building, with some pretensions to architectural grandeur. The Pulaski Monument is a grand specimen of architecture, devised by the patriotism and munificence of the city corporation. This monument is equal to any in the famed Abbey of Westminster. The Whitfield Orphan Asylum is a compact and neat structure. The Marine Hospital is a large building with wings, surrounded by a noble plain. The grounds are tastefully laid out and planted with trees.

  THE CEMETERIES.

  Savannah, among other things, is distinguished for the variety and splendor of its cities of the dead. The oldest one is situated in the center of the city, and is surrounded by a large stone wall. The vaults, many of which are still entire, merit the particular notice of the traveler, both on account of their size and extraordinary construction. The most costly monuments, which once were the glory of the people, are now fast falling into decay. The remains of some of these ancient memorials, are at present unimposing. In the days of the revolution, and long before it, this was the favorite burying-ground for the citizens of Savannah. It fills one with melancholy ideas of departed grandeur, to see the stately monument gradually crumbling beneath the touch of time; and everywhere can be seen the sad evidences of neglect and sacrilege.

  "Perhaps in this neglected spot is laid,

  Some heart once pregnant with celestial fire;

  Hands that the rod of empire might have swayed,

  Or waked to ecstasy the living lyre."

  The moralist may find a pleasing object of contemplation, the painter a glowing subject for his pencil, but here, where the ruins are not sufficients old for this— where time has not wrought the entire destruction of the noble and venerable memorials of the past — yet one cannot but deplore the dilapidated condition of the "City of the Dead" where repose the remains of the gallant Pole, Pulaski. As I strolled alone, meditating among the tombs, I felt as if the ground was holy. Here is the vault containing the remains of General McIntosh, a revolutionary officer. He was interred with all the honors of war. Nearby is a beautiful cenotaph to a lovely girl, who was lost in a storm at sea. A short distance from this, is a superb monument to the Rev. Dr. Kollock, for a number of years an eloquent orator, and pastor of the Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah. This memorial was erected by his congregation. Here, also, in a family inclosure, lies Sir Patrick Houghton, President of his Majesty's Council in Georgia. He came over to this country with Oglethorpe. I might mention the name of several distinguished orators, statesmen, divines and heroes.

  The new cemetery is situated about half a mile from, the city. It occupies an area of several acres, and is full of rural and picturesque beauty. It is diversified with hill and dale, adorned with forest and floral charms; and intersected with shady and meandering walks. The more elevated portions of the grounds are nearly level, and laid out as places of interment; but taste and fancy have frequently led to other locations of a wilder, more sequestered and more romantic character, for the repose of the cherished dead. Around, and in it, are several cypresses and weeping willows. Carriage-ways, foot-walks and broad avenues are laid, wherever necessary. Many of the lots are enclosed with iron, and handsomely improved with monuments and the most choice shrubbery, making it emphatically a "garden of graves." Most of the cemetery is thickly wooded by a young and thrifty growth, interspersed with the towering poplar, giant oaks, graceful cypress, beech, sycamore, cedar, juniper
, silver firs, and with flowers. These, with the improvements and diversified landscape, cannot fail to attract the attention and leave deep impressions on every visitor. The beauties of the scene disarm death of half its terrors.

  The Catholics have a charming cemetery on the road to Fort Sherman. The monuments are of the richest and most improved character. Some sacrilegious hands have despoiled this lovely spot of many of its ornaments.

  REVIEW OF THE FIFTEENTH CORPS.

  The review of the renowned Fifteenth Corps on Saturday was everything that heart could wish, and the most brilliant auguries of its admirers were fully realized. The morning was clear and beautiful. Several of the finest streets were lined with veteran regiments, and the procession as it marched along Bay Street, teemed like a huge caterpillar of gorgeous colors slowly moving on innumerable legs, keeping pace to the strains of martial music. The matchless battalions composing this Corps are mostly veterans, and were among the first to respond to the call of the country.

  The flags with which they started out have been raised aloft on many battle-fields; most of them have been soiled and stained, and riddled in the hurricane of fire and iron, to which they have been exposed. A braver, nobler, set of men never left their native States to battle for the right. Nobody, we will venture to say, who looked upon that sea of heads, will dispute this statement. As this historic Corps marched with soldiery step through the streets, a single impulse seemed to animate all — a determination to rise to the grandeur and full emergency of the crisis that is now upon us. This review of the veteran regiments was great, emphatically; great in numbers, great in enthusiasm, great in patriotism, great in devotion, great in character, great, sublime, in object. The triumphal movement of this Corps, with all the splendor of glorious war, recalls old history and reminds us of the Crusaders. Every State of the Union and every nationality under Heaven, is represented in Logan's command. They have flocked to his standard from the green hills of the East, from the rich States of the imperial centre, and from the distant shores of Golden California. I noticed several Irish regiments, carrying the green bankers, which were shot through and through. The Nineteenth Illinois (Irish Legion) number only one hundred muskets. In the gallant charge at Fort McAlister they lost eight killed, and twenty wounded. The arrival of the gallant Logan, and the desire to see him, had collected an immense assemblage of citizens and soldiers of other Corps.

  A NEGRO MEETING.

  The colored population, to the number of several thousand assembled here, preparatory to some final disposition. These Africans are moral and intelligent. They understand and thoroughly appreciate their present condition and prospects. Two thousand recently went to Beaufort. I attended a meeting of colored people in the Baptist Church a few days ago. The building was packed to its utmost capacity, and hundreds stood during the whole evening, white hundreds of others came and went away, being unable to find even a place to stand. The meeting was opened by one of the brethren in a prayer of great pathos and rare power. He paused in the midst of his supplications and offered up a thrilling supplication for the great army that had delivered them. In a strain of rude but hearty eloquence, he thanked God that the black people were free, and forever free. The whole congregation here gave vent to their joyous emotions, in bursts of: Glory to God! Hallelujah! Praise his name!

  The following hymn was read and sang with wonderful power:

  "Blow ye the trumpet, blow,

  The gladly solemn sound,

  Let all the nations know

  The year of jubilee has come."

  The effect of this stirring poetry on the assembly was thrilling. The elder, who read the hymn, when he came to the words: The year of Jubilee is come! Was so overwhelmed with emotion that it was impossible for him to proceed, the audience caught the magical influence, and then a scene ensued which baffles description. All classes, black and white, old slave owners, and the soldiers of the army were alike affected.

  That staunch patriot and eloquent minister, Mansfield French, well known in Ohio, as the friend of the Negro, was the principal speaker. He called the attention of the emancipated to the duties and responsibilities devolving upon them in their present position. He recommended them to cultivate habits of honesty, purity, thrift and enterprise; admonishing them of the necessity of industry on their part; advising them to love their old masters, and not cherish feelings of revenge.

  At every mention of the Union, and Liberty, and the names of Lincoln and Sherman, the walls almost trembled beneath the thunder which followed. When the orator declared the re-election of Mr. Lincoln as the guarantee of their freedom for all time, the vast gathering rose to their feet, and with shouts and tears, returned thanks to Almighty God. Never did the painter find a nobler sight for his pencil than the spontaneous uprising of that liberated people. What a lofty ambition for one man to be the emancipator of the oppressed! History, who keeps a record of events, will hand down the name of Abraham Lincoln to posterity on her brightest page. Our hearts yearn to thee, noble par trio. We are lifted up in wonder and admiration; when we see thy cheerful endurance, thy uncomplaining spirit; we respect and honor thee, brother French electrified the multitude by earnest outbursts of glowing patriotism, which was received with cheer upon cheer. But it is useless to attempt to convey any adequate idea of the great meeting held in the Baptist Church. The colored population of Savannah send greeting, a solid, enthusiastic greeting to their brethren in other States and cities throughout the length and breadth of the land, and ere long, we trust and expect similar meetings will be held everywhere.

  REVIEW OF KILPATRICK'S CAVALRY.

  This long expected equestrian sight took place today, on South Broad and Bay streets. It was witnessed by a very large concourse of the citizens, who were anxious to see the great wizard of the saddle— the man who always whipped their Wheeler. General Sherman, in reviewing this splendid Corps, was accompanied by several distinguished officers. I noticed Secretary Stanton, Generals Meigs and Barnard. At the conclusion of the review someone in the crowd called for three cheers for Stanton. He made a graceful acknowledgment, and asked in return three cheers for Sherman, Kilpatrick, and the President. These cheers were given with great éclat. The Secretary looks hale and hearty. If he succeeds in getting more rations to this army his visit will be of some use.

  The Christian Commission have formed a Society here, and opened extensive rooms for the sole benefit of the soldier. There is no organization that is doing so much good to the army as the Cristian Commission. This very day I witnessed scores of our brave boys being furnished with paper, envelopes, pens and stamps. The generous people at home cannot apply their funds to a more worthy cause than that of the Christian Commission.

  The Sanitary Association contemplate establishing a branch society as soon as practicable. When this Commission apply the stores at their disposal to the sole benefit of the soldiers, it does much good, when, as is often the case, the gifts of a generous people are monopolized by certain hospital loafers, then, the institution becomes a nuisance.

  SHERMAN’S ARMY IN SOUTH CAROLINA

  The veteran army of Sherman is actually in the Palmetto State of South Carolina. It was in this factious State that the atrocious rebellion of the slaveholders, fired the first gun at the nation's life, imperiling the noblest government that was ever instituted to secure to men their property, liberties, and rights.

  We are at present on the Savannah and Charleston railroad, forty miles from the latter place and twenty miles east of Beaufort. We took our departure from the Forest City with the most pleasing recollections of its beauty, hospitality, and grandeur. With many reminiscences of hours of enjoyment, spent in the society of kindred spirits, whose grand devotion to the Union, during the sad years of Confederate rule, entitle them to the love and admiration of every loyal man. The privations and sufferings these simple, noble-hearted people underwent for the sake of the old banned, sounds more like fiction than fact. Many of them were reduced to beggary and utter ruin,
because they could not chant the litany of slavery, or bow the suppliant knee to the Davis despotism.

  The advent of the matchless battalions of the Union "into this city, was hailed by these patriots with the most tumultuous orisons. Such enthusiasm could not be expected in the extreme New England States. In some portions of Georgia, the women could be seen in the windows of their elegant mansions, casting a significant and scornful smile at the conquering heroes of the country; but no sooner had we gained the beautiful sea-board city, than shout after shout went up from joyful hearts in response to the waving of the nag by our soldiers. At the corner of every square we would see brave men and fair women pressing forward, in order to give some token of their gladness at our advance. Honor and glory be decreed to those uncomplaining, unyielding Unionists of Savannah, who, in the darkest hours of slavery, stood forth the advocates, and, if need be, the martyrs, of United America. A grateful people shall ever hold them in remembrance.