Posted on 01/01/2025 7:13:53 AM PST by Homer_J_Simpson
From Our Own Correspondent.
WINCHESTER, Va., Monday, Dec. 26, 1864.
The crisp, sharp weather of the last two weeks, which nearly rendered all military movements impracticable, has been moderating since the commencement of the holidays, until rain commenced falling twenty-four hours ago, and to-day the snow has almost entirely disappeared. While in civil life the old as well as the young generally celebrate this season of the year, the soldier in this valley has but little to enjoy save the remembrance of other times. A few have been cheered by favors from the dear ones at home, and the occasion is seized upon by some to present swords, horses, accoutrements, and other tokens of good will, but the large majority see no difference in Christmas than any other week. Christmas evening was only remarkable for the small quantity of stimulants consumed, and ere "taps" had been sounded the camps were as quiet as on days not particularly designated as holidays. And yet the whole army is to-day rejoicing over the success at Savannah. The result of the assault there was announced officially in the different camps yesterday morning, and caused, as well may be supposed, general good feeling to prevail. One hundred guns were fired in honor of the event. Gen. SHERIDAN, very considerately, has a bulletin-board at his headquarters, upon which is published all official statements of all important news received from the armies of the Union elsewhere, and the same information is also transmitted to the headquarters of the different commands, so that all receive not only early but reliable information as to what is going on throughout the whole field of operations.
A large number of officers captured during the Summer and Fall campaigns have recently rejoined their commands in this military division.
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: May 2025.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.
Posting history, in reverse order
https://www.freerepublic.com/tag/by:homerjsimpson/index?tab=articles
To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by reply or freepmail.
Link to previous New York Times thread
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4287316/posts
From Sheridan’s Army: The Weather – 2
The War in Tennessee: Thomas and His Losses – 2-3
Hood’s Army: The Rebel Forces Thought to be North of the Tennessee – 3
Army of the Potomac: New Rebel Batteries –3
St. Albans Raiders: Arrest at New-Haven of Four Men Supposed to be Connected with the Gang – 3
News from Rebel Sources – 3-4
News from Washington – 4
Record of Crime for 1864 – 4
Editorial: The New Year – Retrospect and Prospect – 4
Editorial: Bounties for Volunteers – 4-5
What “victory”? There was no battle, no seige. The Savannah Mayor, Aldermen, and Ladies of the City crawled to General Geary on their knees and begged him not to destroy the city or harm the citizens and they would not resist.
On the contrary, none of the Northern troops wanted to burn, rape, or pillage Savannah. None of the Command (bad guys) wanted to either. After the fall of Fort McAllister in Richmond Hill (earthen Fort that was only conquered because of low tide) and the other brick fortress Forts falling before, Savannah was deserted when the good guys fled across the river to SC.
Savannah having a large population of Jews, a grand Masonic Lodge, lack of opposition, the troops had a change of heart compared to the blood lust in the north and central part of the state.
In 1864 NYC's population was around 1,000,000 and they counted 100 known murders.
In addition, they counted 237 unknown people found dead, so potentially 337 total murders, though just as likely other unnatural causes such as accidents and suicides.
Today NYC's population is around 8,000,000 and in 2023 they counted 387 murders, a 12% decrease from 2022 and the first time under 400 murders since 2019.
Today around 7,000 New Yorkers per year die from other "unnatural causes" such as accidents (6,500) and suicides (500).
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.