The "March to the Sea" Begins: Union General W.T. Sherman intended to bring the Confederacy to its knees with his "March to the Sea," destroying military and civilian property between Atlanta and Savannah. In its first battle, Brigadier General Charles W.C. Walcutt led the right wing of the attack toward the town of Griswoldville on November 22, 1864, forcing Confederates to retreat by nightfall.