From the October 21, 2020, Athens (Ga) Banner-Herald "October 21, 1888: General Sherman writes a letter to the Augusta Chronicle editor" by Boll Kirby.
He left Atlanta and Columbia in flames. Well, why didn't he do the same to Augusta?
For years after the Civil War, Augustans argued about why feared Union General Sherman had not attacked their city. They had a variety of reasons and some were even silly.
Finally, Pleasant Stovall, editor of the Augusta Chronicle, and asked the famous old general nd he answered in what might be one of the most famous-ever letters to the editor.
It was published on October 21, 1888, and, basically the old war horse said he didn't attack Augusta because he didn't have to. He wanted to get to Savannah where the Union Navy could bring him supplies.
However, he offered to correct the oversight if Augusta felt neglected, writing: "I can send a detachment of 100,000 or so of Sherman's bummers and their descendants who will finish up the job without charging Uncle Sam a cent."
Send In the Bummers!! --Old Secesh
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