On Dec. 8, 1864, the Left Wing of Gen. Sherman's army, consisting of the 14th and 20th Corps and advancing from Atlanta on its destructive March to the Sea, was moving through Effingham County toward Savannah. Maj. Gen. H. W. Slocum's Left Wing headquarters was in Springfield. The 14th Corps under Davis was encamped at Ebenezer Church, and the 20th Corps under Williams had passed through Springfield and was encamped on the Eden road. On the 9th, Left Wing headquarters moved forward to Monteith. By the evening of the 11th, both corps were in line facing the Confederate fortifications of Savannah, and the Siege of Savannah had begun.