Sherman's Troops in Purrysburg During the Civil War

Sherman's Troops in Purrysburg During the Civil War. . , On January 17, 1865, the first of Sherman's Third Division troops crossed the Savannah River into South Carolina. The 123rd New York crossed over a bridge of swaying pontoon boats and encamped at Cheves Plantation and/or Hardee Plantations. With Brigadier General's National Jackson's First Division close behind, Major General William Ward moved inland. Ward encamped several of his brigades at Hardeeville and sent Brigadier Daniel Dustin's Second Brigade to the old landing at Purrysburg. Upon reaching Purrysburg, Col. John Coburn's Second Brigade noted that the town was deserted, the houses were in ruin, but not due to the war. Purrysburg had been abandoned years before (exact date unknown) and nothing was left but a few ruins. Jackson and his troops followed Ward to Purrysburg. There, just like General Prevost during the Revolutionary War, the troops' progress was temporarily halted due to flooding rains and deep mud. When the troops finally departed to burn and pillage their way through the county, the Thirty-Third remained at Purrysburg building substantial quarters, improving the camp, and guarding supplies., Further Recommended Reading: , "History of the Thirty-Third Indiana Veteran Volunteer Infantry During Four Years of Civil War" by John R. McBridge (1900). , "Facing Sherman in South Carolina March Through the Swamps" by Christopher G. Crabb (2010). , "South Carolina Civilians in Sherman's Path Stories of Courage Amid Civil War Destruction" by Karen Strokes (2012). , "Sherman's March Through the Carolinas" by John G. Barrett (1956).