HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, Savannah, GA., December 21, 1864.

Admiral DAHLGREN,

Commanding South Atlantic Squadron:

SIR: Savannah is ours, with upwards of sixty heavy guns and a large quantity of public property, cars cotton, &c. In the absence of General Sherman, General Howard requests you to clear away the torpedoes and other obstructions in the Savannah River channel.

I am, sir, with respect,

L. M. DAYTON,

Aide-de-Camp.

KING'S BRIDGE, December 21, 1864.

Captain DAYTON:

Aide-de-Camp:

DEAR CAPTAIN: News has reached here by an orderly that Savannah was evacuated last night. It is highly important that we should know whether this news be correct or not. Please, therefore, give me the earliest information in regard to it.

Yours, in haste,

A. BECKWITH,

Colonel and Chief Commissary of Subsistence.

HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, December 21, 1864,

Colonel BECKWITH,

Chief Commissary of Subsistence:

I send a letter* for the General, giving the condition of things up to this time. Please see that he gets is soon as possible. The enemy has abandoned the outer works, and probably the city itself. We have now fourteen guns, and are near the city.

L. M. DAYTON,

Aide-de-Camp.

SAVANNAH, December 21, 1864.

Major General W. T. SHERMAN,

Commanding U. S. Military Forces near Savannah:

SIR: The city of Savannah was last night evacuated by the Confederate military and is now entirely defenseless. As chief magistrate of the city I respectfully request your protection of the lives and private property of the citizens and of our women and children.

Trusting that this appeal to your generosity and humanity may favorably influence your action, I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

R. D. ARNOLD,

Mayor of Savannah.

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*See 9 a. m., p. 771.

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