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Look away Dixieland
Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at 07:44AM 
Southern Cross of Honor, St. Peter's Lutheran Church Cemetery, Chapin, South Carolina
TG and I are in Savannah, Georgia, for a few days. We met Andrew here as he is on assignment with his unit. I'm so glad boom operators get days off.
If you like gracious lowcountry touches such as wrought iron and gaslight, Live Oaks harboring masses of dreamy Spanish moss, stunningly ethereal cemeteries, a staggering array of restaurants, and gentle southern customs, Savannah is the place.
View of Bull Street from Foxy Loxy Cafe, Savannah
All its myriad charms are like a gift.
Just over one hundred fifty years ago however, Savannah was the gift.
Ives Monument, Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah
On December 22, 1864, General William Tecumseh Sherman, having concluded his infamous hyper-destructive March to the Sea, dispatched a message he no doubt considered clever:
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To His Excellency President Lincoln:
I beg to present you as a Christmas gift, the City of Savannah, with one hundred and fifty heavy guns and plenty of ammunition, and also about twenty-five thousand bales of cotton.
Signed,
W.T. Sherman, Major-General
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The festive holidays came and went.
In the new year, Sherman launched the Carolinas Campaign, which involved marching northward through South Carolina and torching Columbia.
Vinnie Van GoGo's: The place for pizza in Savannah
The nefarious act was accomplished on February 17, 1865, exactly one hundred fifty years ago.
The view of Main Street from the steps of the State House is a gorgeous one today.
Carriage horse, Savannah
In late February of 1865, however, thanks to a vindictive General "Total War" Sherman and his obnoxious Yankee troops, it looked like this:
Main Street from the Capitol, Columbia, South Carolina: February 1865
No; I didn't take that picture of the smoking rubble. I will thank you not to snicker.
Meanwhile, President Lincoln prepared for his second inaugural on March 4, 1865.
He would live barely six weeks after delivering it.
Louisa Porter Angel, Laurel Grove Cemetery, Savannah
Six days before President Lincoln's death, Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia to U.S. Grant, after one final engagement: The Battle of Appomattox Court House.
Every word of Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address is fascinating when you consider the way things were going. Although not necessarily a fan of Abraham Lincoln personally, I am impressed by both his poetic wisdom and his political acumen.
William Scarbrough House/Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, Savannah
So on this day so historically significant for my adopted hometown, a city I have grown to love, I give you the closing words of that speech, which in these perilous times hold a haunting ring of truth for America and for the world.
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With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.
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Happy Tuesday
Reader Comments (9)
Sherman is Definitely on my "list"!
Loved the post sweet lady...sad anniversary...These days, I can firmly see the advantage of the South winning the war... :o)
hughugs
I can see that I would love Savannah. Your photos are gorgeous and I'm so glad you're having a good time there.
I have always admired Lincoln, but lately I've mentioned to Bob a few times that it may be time for the country to split as was attempted back then. The crazy liberals can have their half and leave us conservatives alone and happy. I'll come South, they can stay in the cold. :)
@Donna ... We have an accord. I think South Carolina should secede again. I will lead the charge. All you have to do is stand there and look cute. xoxo
@Mari ... You would definitely love Savannah. I like it even better than Charleston and that's saying something. The restaurants in both places are divine but Savannah is more my kind of vibe. And ditto on leaving the cold half of the country to the numbskull libs. You could bring your whole clan south and y'all would not miss that snow and ice one little bit! xoxo
But - I would miss the snow and ice! What about the west? I love the angel giving solace. Your photos of the southern landscape make me want to visit - but probably not stay. I like cold better than humidity.
@Barb ... We could all go West for visits! I like snow for short durations. You're right about the humidity. It's not fooling around. During hot months I stay in the pool or air conditioning. xoxo
I would love to re-visit Savannah when it's not St. Patrick's weekend. Holy Toledo, catfish. What a horror!
So glad you're able to be with Andrew; such a blessing. xoxo
@Sally ... no, I don't imagine that would be the weekend to visit Savannah! I'm just glad you're feeling well enough to comment. xoxo
Tap tap - this thing on?
Need an update here - this is the blog Nazi.
xoxo
@Sally ... haaaahaaha you're really feeling your oats again, eh? Hang on. Update coming soon.