Savannah surrenders under a siege threat

Sherman's message to William J. Hardee stresses both artillery capable of reaching the city's centre and Union control of every avenue supplying the garrison. He offers liberal terms if Savannah surrenders but threatens bombardment, starvation, and harsh treatment if forced into an assault. Hardee's evacuation spared Sherman a costly battle for the city. Lincoln's response praises the risk because Sherman had divided his army, sent its stronger portion on a new mission, and still left Thomas enough strength to defeat Hood. The capture demonstrates the campaign's purpose: manoeuvre and logistics created a siege position whose credibility made an assault unnecessary.