Early in 1865, "Sonoma" participated in operations of the squadron clearing the way for General William Tecumseh Sherman in his march north from Savannah. On 9 February 1865, "Sonoma", the sloop-of-war , and the sidewheel steamer engaged Confederate batteries at Togodo Creek, near North Edisto, South Carolina. "Sonoma" was hit twice in the action, but she silenced the Confederate guns. On the same day, Sherman was marching on nearby Orangeburg, South Carolina, which he took on 12 February 1865. Assurance of Union naval control of the waters in its path enabled Sherman's army to travel fast and light and helped to shorten the war.