12 December 1864
Dahlgren, John Adolphus Bernard, 1809-1870
Autograph document signed
Title: to Gideon Welles
Telegram as commander of the South-Atlantic Squadron, to Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles, providing the first news from Sherman's army that the march to the sea had been successful: "I have just received a communication from Gen. Sherman's Army. It is a few miles from Savannah and in fine spirits. A dispatch is forwarded with this…. I shall bring all my available force into connection with the Army." Dahlgren learned the news by courier from Gen. O.O. Howard and immediately forwarded the crucial information to the government in Washington.
GLC09330