The country about Savannah is low and marshy, and the city was well intrenched from the river above to the river below; and assaults could not be made except along a comparatively narrow causeway.

For this reason assaults must have resulted in serious destruction of life to the Union troops, with the chance of failing altogether.

Sherman therefore decided upon a complete investment of the place.

When he believed this investment completed, he summoned the garrison to surrender.

General Hardee, who was in command, replied in substance that the condition of affairs was not such as Sherman had described.