TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 35 (Part I) AUTHOR: United States. War Dept., John Sheldon Moody, Calvin Duvall Cowles, Frederick Caryton Ainsworth, Robert N. Scott, Henry Martyn Lazelle, George Breckenridge Davis, Leslie J. Perry, Joseph William Kirkley PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 1891 Page A Production Note Cornell University Library produced this volume to preserve the informational content of the deteriorated original. The best available copy of the original has been used to create this digital copy. It was scanned bitonally at 600 dots per inch resolution and compressed prior to storage using ITU Group 4 compression. Conversion of this material to digital files was supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Digital file copyright by Cornell University Library 1995. This volume has been scanned as part of The Making of America Project, a cooperative endeavor undertaken to preserve and enhance access to historical material from the nineteenth century. Page B Title Page Page R001 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OP THE OFFICIAL IIRECORDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. PREPARED BY The late Lieut. Col. ROBERT N. SCOTT, Third U. S. Artillery. PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF The Hon. REDFIELD PROCTOR, Secretary of War, BY MAJ. GEORGE B. DAVIS, U. S. A., MR. LESLIE J. PERRY, MR. JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY, Board of Publication. SERIES IVOLUME XXXVIN TWO PARTS. PART IReports, Correspondence, etc. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1891 Page R002 / 4 1 K N UN lYE ~ lidS? / Additions and Corrections Page A001 TIlE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL T~ECORDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. ADI)ITIONS AND OO1{RECTIONS TO SERIES IVOLU1VIE XXXV. (lEo be inserted inn the voirtine. For explanation see G~niera~ Index volume, Serial No. 130, page XXVIII.) PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF The Hon. ELIHU ROOT, Secretary of War, BY BRIG. GEN. FRED C. AINSWORTII, CHIEF OF THE REcOIU AND PENSION OFFIcE, WAR DEPARTMENT, ANI) MR. JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY. Mr. JOUN S. MOODEY, Indexer. WASHJNt~ TON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1902 Page A002 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS~ TEXT. PART i. Page r. Second foot-note, erase the words All sac/i are designated in the Inde.r. Page 403. Erase foot-note and insert Omit/ed. Page 520. Seventeenth line, bottom, for in T irginia read to Virginia. Page 654. Lor Wrights (CI.) read Wrights (Henry C.). Pages 655720. Erase foot-note No circumstantial reports on file, wherever it occurs. PART 2. Page s48. No. 21, roll of prisoners of war, etc., erase * after Trezeer, ames F., anti for AJcI9onalds brzg~ade read McDonalds battalion, also erase foot-note. Page 171. Hawley to Smith, date line, for sS6i read 5863, fourth line, for Mon- tones read Matansas; ninth line, for armed read a vowed. NoTE.Thic letter should have been printed in Series I, Vol. 28, Part 2, p. i6, after Seymour to Gillinore. Page 425. Otey to Guerin, fourth line, for Twenty-ninth South Garolina read Tzven/v-second South Carolina. Page 591. Phillips to Bacon, following signature, for Twenly-second Georgia read Thirty-second Geo;y-ia. INDEX. Insert all words and figures in italics and strike out all in [brackets]. An asterisk (*) following a correction indicates that Additions and Correctioi~s to the text should be consulted. References are to parts of volume. Part. Alabama Troops (C.). Cavalry Gompanies: Goldsbys, Fl~ Infantry [Companies: Goldshys,* 4421 . . A ndersoa, Edward C. (~ozrespondence al/k C. T. Beauregard, 500. I Anderson, Edward C. Jr. [Correspondence with G. T. Beauregard, 500]. Barton, William B. Mentioned, 299 [Burton, William n., 299] ... Beauregard, G. T. Correspondence with Anderson, Edward C., [jr.] I Bishop, Richard [Richardson] [Brewer, Joseph T., 148]* 2 Browne [Brown], Junius Henri 2 Bruton, ~. j. 615 [Burton, P. J., 645] 2 Butt, W. C. L Camfield, C. H., ~ [Camfield, William E., 583] Canonicus, Steamer [U. S. 5 ~, 2 Charles Hong/zion, Steamer, i~, H 235, s8g, s8~ 2 Czisolm [Chisholm], J. J Chisolm, RobertJ. [Chisholm, a. j.] 2 (Jongress, U. S. Florida Expedition. Feb. ~ss, zS6g, 292 Davant, RichardJ.[J. a.], Jr 2 Denham, William [ ] 2 Dickson, B. F. [F.] Eddy, Edward, Jr. [Norman] Part. Evans, rhomas E., sS [Evans, James C., 28]. Fiser, John C [Colonel] 2 Fonlkcs [Foniks], Tbomas, Steamer Frazier, f/K TV., Steamer 2 Fripp [Tripp], w. F 2 Georgia Troops. Artillery, lightBatteries [Regiments] ... InfantryRegiments: [22d, 591]* 2 32d,59I~ 2 Gilchrist, a. C. Correspoudence with Soulb, Nelvil [Neville] 2 Green, James .9., Steamer 2 Hale, F. 11., U. S. S. [C. S. S.] I Ifanchel [Hankel], John 2 Iloke, Augustus D. [Xv.] Houghton, (~harles, Steamer 2 Ilutchinson, John I. [J.] Indian Chief, Ship [Steamer] James S. Green, Steamer 2 Johnson, William H. (;th (han.), [~7] Johnson, William H. (19/h Ga.), 537 I Jones, Samuel. Correspondence with Sonlh, Nelvil [Nevillel 2 Kennady [Kennedy], W. H McDonell, Thaddens A. [McDonald, ] 2 McKinae [McKennie], B Means, Robert S. [S. a.] Page A003 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. Part. Meyers, James F. [John] I Nash, Edwin [Edward] A 2 Nisbet, Reuben B. [Nesbitt, J,ieutenant-Col- onel] 2 Ray, Jesse [Jessie] Read, J. Harleston sr Mentioned, 469 [Read, J. H., 469] 2 Robertson, James W., 509; Robertson, J. R., Mentioned, [509] Schnierle, J. M. (istS. C Lao.), [550] Schnie-le,J. M. (sjdS. ~ Smith, William Willard [W.] 2 Sonlb, Nelvil [Neville J.] Sonlb, Nelvil [Neville] 2 Sonth Carolina Troops. InfantryRegiments: 22d,425* 2 [29th, 425]* 2 Steele, Theophilus [Thomas] 2 Part. Stevens, James 0., 28 [Stevens, Thomas E., 28] Stimpson [Simpson], Edward S Tennessee, U. S. S., s~o; Tennessee, C. S. S., [iso] 2 Thickstnn [Thickstnm], Israel Thomas Foalkes [Foniks], Steamer Thompson [Thomson], J. J Tombs [Toomhs], James H. Mentioned, 532 [Toomhs, J. W., 532] Wagner, fharles G. [Major] 2 War Department, C. S. Correspondence with Hauckel [Hankel], John 2 Washington, George L., 550 [Worthington, George S., ~~o] Watkins, H. Carrington s Weston, H. James [James H.] Wright, Henry G. [G. J.] Page A004 Page R003 PREFACE. By an act approved June 23, 1874, Congress made an appropriation to enable the Secretary of War to begin the publication~of the Offi- cial Records of the War of the Rebellion, both of the Union and Con- federate Armies, and directed him to have copied for the Public Printer all reports, letters, telegrams, and general orders not hereto- fore copied or printed, and properly arranged in chronological order. Appropriations for continuing such preparation have been made from time to time, and the act approved June 16, 1880, has provided for the printing and binding, under direction of the Secretary of War, of 10,000 copies of a compilation of the Official Records (Union and Confederate) of the War of the Rebellion, so far as the same may be ready for publication, during the fiscal year; and that of said number 7,000 copies shall be for the use of the House of Repre- sentatives, 2,000 copies for the use of the Senate, and 1,000 copies for the use of the Executive Departments. * * Volumes I to V distributed under act approved June 16,1880. The act approved August 7, 1882, provides that The volumes of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion shall be distri- buted as follows: One thousand copies to the Executive Departments, as now pro- vided by law. One thousand copies for distribution by the Secretary of War among officers of the Army and contributors to the work. Eight thousand three hundred copies shall be sent by the Secretary of War to such libraries, organiza- tions, and individuals as may be designated by the Senators, Representatives, and Delegates of the Forty-seventh Congress. Each Senator shall designate not exceed- ing twenty-six, and each Representative and Delegate not exceeding twenty-one of such addresses, and the volumes shall be sent thereto from time to time as they are published, until the publication is completed. Senators, Representatives, and Dele- gates shall inform the Secretary of War in each case how many volumes of those heretofore published they have forwarded to such addresses. The remaining copies of the eleven thousand to be published, and all sets that may not be ordered to be distributed as provided herein, shall be sold by the Secretary of War for cost of publication with ten per cent. added thereto, and the proceeds of such sale shall be covered into the Treasury. If two or more sets of said volumes are ordered to the same address the Secretary of War shall inform the Senators, Representatives, or Delegates, who have designated the same, who thereupon may designate other libraries, organizations, or individuals. The Secretary of War shall report to~ the first session of the Forty-eighth Congress what volumes of the series heretofore puNished have not been furnished to such libraries, organizations, and individuals. He shall also inform distributees at whose instance the volumes are sent. II Page R004 Iv PREFACE. This compilation will be the first general publication of the military records of the war, and will embrace all official documents that can be obtained by the compiler, and that appear to be of any historical value. The publication will present the records in the following order of arrangement: The 1st Series will embrace the formal reports, both Union and Con- federate, of the first seizures of United States property in the South- ern States, and of all military operations in the field, with the corre- spondence, orders, and returns relating specially thereto, and, as proposed, is to be accompanied by an Atlas. In this series the reports will be arranged according to the cam- paigns and several theaters of operations (in the chronological order of the events), and the Union reports of any event will, as a rule, be immediately followed by the Confederate accounts. The correspond- ence, & c., not embraced in the reports proper will follow (first Union and next Confederate) in chronological order. The 2d Series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns, Union and Confederate, relating to prisoners of war, and (so far as the military authorities were concerned) to State or political prisoners. The 3d Series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns of the Union authorities (embracing their correspondence with the Confederate officials) not relating specially to the subjects of the first and second series. It will set forth the annual and special reports of the Secretary of War, of the General-in-Chief, and of the chiefs of the several staff corps and departments; the calls for troops, and the correspondence between the national and the several State authorities. The 4th Series will exhibit the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns of the Confederate authorities, similar to that indicated for the Union officials, as of the third series, but excluding the corre- spondence between the Union and Confederate authorities given in that series. ROBERT N. SCOTT, Major Third Art., and Bvt. Lieut. Cot. WAR DEPARTMENT, August 23, 1880. Approved: ALEX. RAMSEY, Secretary of War Table of Contents Page R005 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XLVII. Page. Operations in South Carolina and Florida, and on the Georgia coast. Janu ary 1November 13, 1864 1646 (v Page R006 Special Index Page R007 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME I. CHAPTER I Page. Operations in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. December 20, 1860-April 14, 1861 1317 CHAPTER II. The secession of Georgia. January 3-26, 1861 318325 CHAPTER IlL The secession of Alabama and Mississippi. January 4-20,1861 326-330 CHAPTER IV. Operations in Florida. January 6-August 31, 1861 331473 CHAPTER V Page. The secession of North Carolina. Janu ary 9-May 20, 1861 474-488 CHAPTER VL The secession of Louisiana. January 10- February 19,1861 489-501 CHAPTER VII. Operations in Texas and New Mexico. February 1-June 11, 1861 502636 CHAPTER VIIL Operations in Arkansas, the Indian Terri- tory, and Missouri. February 7-May 9, 1861 637691 VOLUME II. CHAPTER IX. Page Operations in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. April 16-July 31,1861.... 1-1012 VOLUME III. CHAPTER X. Page. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Indian Territory. May 10-November 19,1861... 1-749 VOLUME IV. CHAPTER XI. Page. CHAPTER XIII. Page. Operations in Texas, New Mexico, and Operations in North Carolina and South- Arizona. June 11, 1861-February 1,1862. 1174 eastern Virginia. August 1, 1861-Janu. CHAPTER XII. ary 11, 1862 566-721 Operations in Kentucky and Tennessee. July 1November 19, 1861 175561 VOLUME V. CHAPTER XIV. Page. Operations in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and West Virginia. August 1,1861-March 17,1862.. 1-1106 VOLUME VI. CHAPTER XV. Operations on the consts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Middle and East Florida. August 21,1861April 11, 1862 Page. CHAPTER XVI. Page. Operations in West Florida, Southern Al abama, Southern Mississippi, and Lou- 1435 isiana. September 1,1861May 12,1862. 436894 VOLUME VII. CHAPTER XVII. Page. Operations in Kentucky, Tennessee, N. Alabama, and S. W. Virginia. Noi~. 19,1861-Mar. 4,1862.. 1-946 (VII Page R008 VIII CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME VIII. CHAPTER XVIII. Page. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Indian Territory. Nov. 19, 1861-April 10, 1862. 1-884 VOLUME IX. CHAPTER XIX Page. CHAPTER XXI. Page. Operations in SoutheasternVirginia. Jan- Operations in Texas, New Mexico, and uary 11March 17, 1862 171 Arizona. February 1-September 20, CHAPTER XX 1862 481-730 Operations in North Carolina. January 11August 20, 1862 72480 VOLUME XIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXII. Operations in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Mississippi, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. March 4-June 10, 1862. Page. Part I-Reports 1927 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1-642 VOLUME XIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXIII. The Peninsular Campaign, Virginia. March 17-September 2, 1862. Page. Part IReports, March 17June 24 1-1077 Part IlReports, June 25-September 2 1-994 Part IllCorrespondence, etc 1-691 VOLUME XIIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXIV. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. March 17-September 2,1862. Page. Part IReports, March 17-June 25 1-818 Part lIReports, June 26-September 2 1-820 Part IllCorrespondence, ~tc 1-966 VOLUME XIII. CHAPTER XXV. Page. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, the Indian Territory, and the Department of the Northwest. April 10-November 20, 1862. ... 1-981 VOLUME XIV. CHAPTER XXVI. Page. Operations on the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Middle and East Florida. April 12, 1862-June 11, 1863 11025 VOLUME XV. CHAPTER XXVII. Page. Operations in West Florida, Southern Alabama, Southern Mississippi (embracing all operations against Vicksburg, May 18-July 27, 1862), and Louisiana, May 12,1862-May 14, 1863; and oper- ations in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. September 20, 1862-May 14, 1863 1-113 Page R009 CONTENTS OF PRECEDiNG VOLUMES. IX VOLUME XVIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXVIII. Operations In Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. June 10October 31, 1862. Page. Part iReports 1-1168 Part il--Correspondence, etc 1-1017 VOLUME XVIIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXIX. Operations in West Tennessee and Northern Mississippi. June 10, 1862-January 20, 1863. Page. Part IReports 1-807 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1-916 VOLUME XVIII. CHAPTER XXX. Page. Operations in North Carolina and Southeastern Virginia. August 20, 1862-June 3, 1863 1-1104 VOLUME XIXIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXI. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. September 3-Novem ber 14.1862. Page. Part IReports, September 3-20 1-1108 Part ilReports, September 20-November 14; Correspondence, etc., September 3-Novem- ber 14 173 VOLUME XXIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXII. Operations in Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. No. vember 1,1862January 20, 1863. Page. Part IReports 1-997 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1-516 VOLUME XXI. CHAPTER XXXIIL Page. Operations In Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. November 16, 1862January 25, 1863 1115 VOLUME XXIIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXIV. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, the Indian Territory, and the Department of the Northwest November 20, 1862December 31,1863. Page. Part IReports 1926 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1416 Page R010 x CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME XXIIIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXV. Operations in Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. Jan. uary 21-August 10, 1863. Page. Part IReports 1-858 Part INCorrespondence, etc 1-986 VOLUME XXIVIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXXVI. Operations in Mississippi and West Tennessee, including those in Arkansas and Louisiana connected with the Siege of Vicksburg. January 20-August 10. 1863. Page. Part IReports, January 20-May 15, including the General Reports for whole period, January 20-August 10 ~457 Part 11Reports, May 16August 10 1-699 Part 111Correspondence, etc VOLUME XXVIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXVII. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. January 26-June 3 1863. Page. Part IReports 1-1119 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1-862 VOLUME XXVIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXVIII. Operations in West Florida, Southern Alabama, Southern Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and New Mexico. May 14December 31, 1863. Page. Part IReports, Union Correspondence, etc 1-920 Part lIConfederate Correspondence, etc 1-58 VOLUME XXVIJIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXXIX. Operations in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Department of the East. June 3-August 3,1863. Part IReports Page. 11059 Part lIReports 1-1005 Part IllCorrespondence, etc - 1-1092 VOLUME XXVJIIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XL. Operations on the coasts of South Carolina ann Georgia, and in Middle and East FlorIda. June 12 December 31, 1863. Page. Part IReports 1-755 Part lICorrespondence, etc 1-609 VOLUME XXIXIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XLI. Operations in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia. Maryland, and PennsylvanIa. August 4-De cember 31, 1863 Page. Part IReports 1-10181 Part lICorrespondence, etc 1-98 Page R011 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. XI VOLUME XXXIN FOUR PARTS. CHAPTER XLII. Operations In Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, North Alabama, and North Georgia. August 11October 19, 1863. Page. Part IReports 1-1071 Part IlReports 1-821 Part I lIUnion Correspondence, etc 1-1017 Part IVUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc .. 1-768 VOLUME XXXIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XLIII. Operations in ICentucky, Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, North Alabama, and North Georgia. October 20December 31,1863. Page. Part IReports and Union Correspondence 1-852 Part IlReports 1-782 Part 111Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc . 1-893 VOLUME XXXIIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XIIV. Operations In Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and North Georgia. January 1-April 30,1864. Page. Part IReports 1-703 Part IlUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-833 Part IllUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-879 VOLUME XXXIII. CHAPTER XLV. rage. Operations in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Jan uary 1April 30, 1864 11335 VOLUME XXXIVIN FOUR PARTS. CHAPTER XLVI. Operations in Louisiana and the Trans-Mississippi States and TerritorIes. January I-June 30, 1864. Page. Part IReports 1-1058 Part IlUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc..... 1-1107 Part IllUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-835 Part IV Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-70 Page R012 C-4 (D 1 C.4 p II Sunday. C~I...L ~3~-L)..L . . ~$~~: ~ ~ oo~~~: ~OO~: ~: Monday. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Tuesday. ~ 01~~L~: ~1oc1~a~~ ~w~~lo: ~-~~OC~: ~ Wednesday. ~ ~: Thursday. ~3~L ~ ~ ~ ~3 0!: ~ Friday. - ~ . ~ . ~: ~ Oo~~~: 0~W 0!: c~o~: ~ Saturday. 0 0 .4 -~ ~ .Z~~C0O. oe~o~e~~3. 0T~IIfr. ~ ~ Sunday. ~ ~ ~ ~ 0!: ~ ~ Monday. -~OC~0~. ~ ~ ~ ~ Tuesday. ~ ~ ~ ~ Wednesday. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Thursday. ~ ~. ~ ~ ~ ~w0!: ~ ~ Friday. c~. er~ vi~ ~ W 0! ~-4. ~ -~ ~ CO. -~ 0 CO 0~. CO & O Saturday. 0 CO O~ e~ H Page 1 CHAPTER XLVII. OPERATIONS IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND FLORIDA, AND ON THE GEORGIA COAST. January 1November 13, 1864. PART I.~ SUMMXRY 0F TIHIE PiRINCIPAL EVENTS.t Jan. 1Nov. 13, 1864.Operations in Charleston Harbor and vicinity, S. C. 7, 1864.Affair on Waccamaw Neck, S. C. 25, 1864.Affair at Bayou Grand, Fla. Feb. 522, 1864.The Florida Expedition. 9, 1864.Skirmish near Point Washington, Fla. 910, 1864.Expedition from Fernandina up Nassau River, Fla. 10, 1864.Capture of Camp Cooper, Fla. 1314, 1864.Skirmishes at Pease Creek, Fla. 1523, 1864.Expedition from Fernandina to Woodstock and Kings Ferry Mills, Fla. 20, 1864.Skirmish at Pease Creek, Fla. 22, 1864.Skirmish at Whitemarsh Island, Ga. Mar. 1, 1864.Skirmishes at Cedar and McGirts Creeks, Fla. 4May 14, 1864.Operations in Florida. 13, 1864.Capture of C. S. steamer Sumter in Lake George, Fla. 16, 1864.Skirmish near Palatka, Fla. 25, 1864.Affair at McClellansville, S. C. 31, 1864.Skirmish at Palatka, Fla. Affair at Spring Island, S. C. * Embraces the Union and Confederate reports from January 1 to November 13, 1864, and the Union and Confederate Correspondence, & c., from January 1 to Feb- ruary 29, 1864. t Of some of the minor conflicts noted in this Summary no circumstantial re- ports are on file. All such are designated in the Index. 1 1 R RVOL XXXV, PT Page 2 2 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. Apr. 1, 1864.Destruction of U. S. transport Maple Leaf in Saint Johns River, Fla. Expedition from Palatka to Fort Gates, Fla. 2, 1864.Skirmish on Cedar Creek, Fla. Skirmish at Cow Ford Creek near Pensacola, Fla. 4, 1864.Maj. Gen. Quincy A. Gilimore, U. S. Army, ordered to proceed with all available force to Fort Monroe, Va. 16, 1864.Destruction of U. S. transport Hunter in Saint Johns River, Fla. 20, 1864.General G. T. Beauregard, C. S. Army, superseded by Maj. Gen. Samuel Jones, in command of the Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. 26-May 6, 1864.Expedition from Jacksonville to Lake Monroe, Fla. May 1, 1864.Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Department of the South. 6, 1864.Affair at Tampa, Fla. 9, 1864.Destruction of U. S. transport Harriet A. Weed in Saint Johns River, Fla. 11[1864.Reconnaissance to Daufuskie Island, S. C. 16, 1864.Skirmish on the Ashepoo River, S. C. 1927, 1864.Operations on the Saint Johns River, Fla., including affairs (19th) at Welaka and Saunders and capture (23d) of U. S. steamer Columbine. 25, 1864.Affair at Jacksons Bridge, near Pensacola, Fla. Skirmish near Camp Finegan, Fla. 26, 1864.Maj. Gen. John G. Foster, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Department of the South. Destruction of U. S. transport Boston at Chapmans Fort, Ashe- P00 River, S. C. 28, 1864.Skirmish near Jacksonville, Fla. 31-June 3, 1864.Expedition from Jacksonville and capture (June .2) of Camp Milton, Fla. June 3, 1864.Capture of U. S. gun-boat Water Witch in Ossabaw Sound, Ga. 25, 1864.Operations on Yellow River, Fla. July 131, 1864.Operations on the west coast of Florida. 3,1864.Skirmish near White Point, S. C. 1520, 1864.Expedition from Jacksonville and skirmish (15th) at Trout Creek, Fla. 2125, 1864.Expedition from Barrancas, Fla., toward Pollard, Ala., and skirmishes (22d) at Camp Gonzales, Fla., and (23d) near Pol- lard, Ala. 23-28, 1864.Union raid from Jackscnville on Baldwin, Fla., and skir- mishes. 24, 1864.Skirmish at Whitesville, Fla. 27, 1864.Skirmish at Whiteside, Black Creek, Fla. Aug. 2- 4, 1864.Naval expedition to McIntosh County, Ga. 7, 1864.Affair at Bayou Grand, Fla. 10, 12, 1864.Skirmishes at Baldwin, Flu. 13, 1864.Skirmish at Palatka, Flu. 1314, 1864.Expedition from Fort Barrancas, Flu. 1519, 1864.Union raid on the Florida Railroad, including action (17th) at Gainesville, Flu. 17, 1S64.~kirmish at South Newport, Ga Page 3 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 3 Aug. 29, 1864.Skirmish at Milton, Fla. Sept. 18Oct. 4, 1864.Expedition from Barrancas to Marianna, Fla., inclQding af- fair (September 23) at Euchee Anna Court-House and action (September 27) at Marianna. 24, 1864.Skirmish at Magnolia, Fla. Oct. 5, 1864.Lieut. Gen. William J. Hardee, C. S. Army; assumes command of the Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. 18, 1864.Skirmish near Milton, Fla. 21, 1864.Skirmish at Bryants Plantation, Fla. 24, 1864.Skirmish near Magnolia, Fla 2528, 1864.Expedition up Blackwater Bay and skirmish (26th) at Milton, Fla. JANUARY 1NOVEMBER 13, 1864.Operations in Charleston Harbor and Vicinity, S. C. SUMMARV OF1 THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. Feb. 2, 1864.Destruction of blockade-runner Presto. 614, 1864.Expedition to Johns and James Islands and skirmishes (9thlith) near Bugbee Bridge. 17, 1864.Destruction of U. S. steamer Housatonic. Apr. 8, 1864.Demonstration on James Island. 15, 1864.Demonstration on Battery Island. May 10, 1864.Skirmish on Pine Island. 13, 1864.Affair on James Island. 2123, 1864.Demonstration on James Island. July 2, 1864.Skirmish on James Island. Skirmish near Secessionville. 3, 1864.Assault on Fort Johnson and Battery Simkins. Skirmish at Kings Creek. Skirmish on Johns Island. 4 9, 1864.Attack on Battery Pringle. 7, 1864.Skirmish on Johns Island. 9, 1864.Action at Burdens Causeway, Johns Island. 10, 1864.Attack on Fort Johnson and Battery Simkins. 16, 1864.Skirmish on James Island. Aug. 20, 1864.Burning of Legareville. Oct. 23, 1864.Destruction of blockade-runner Flamingo. REPORTS, ETC. * No. 1.Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the South, of operations May 123. No. 2.Maj. Gen. John G. Foster, U. S. Army, commanding Departr~ient of the South, of operations May 26November 6. No. 3.Itinerary of military operations January 1November 13. No. 4.Maj. John C. Gray, jr., Judge-Advocate, Department of the South, of in- vestigation relative to assault on Fort Johnson and Battery Simkins. *The reports of Hatch, Foster, Clum, Beauregard, and Jones (Nos. 1,2,5,28, and 29) and the Itinerary (No.3) also include general operations in the respective depart- ments. For naval reports of co-operative movements, see Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy, December 5,1864 Page 4 4 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. No. 5.Capt. Henry R. Clum, Chief Signal Officer, of operations February 5-March 31 and May 1-July 31. No. 6.Lieut. George A. Fisher, Signal Officer, of operations July 111. No. 7.Brig. Gen. Alexander Schimmelfennig, U. S. Army, commanding North- ern District, of operations April 28September 2. No. 8.Maj. Joseph Morrison, One hundred and third New York Infantry, of demonstration on James Island (May 22) and skirmish on James Island (July 2). No. 9.Brig. Gen. Rufus Saxton, U. S. Army, commanding Northern District, of operations in September. No. 10.Brig. Gen. Edward E. Potter, U. S. Army, commanding Northern Dis- trict, of operations October 27November 7. No. 11.Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch, U. S. Army, commanding U. S. Forces, Hilton Head, & c., of operations July 211. No. 12.Col. Henry M. Hoyt, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Infantry, of assault on Fort Johnson and Battery Simkins. No. 13.Maj. Thomas B. Jayne, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Infantry, of assault on Fort Johnson and Battery Simkins. No. 14.Capt. Robert W. Bannatyne, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Infantry, of assault on Fort Johnson and Battery Simkins. No. 15.Lieut. Philo M. Burr, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Infantry, of assault on Fort Johnson and Battery Simkins. No. 16.Capt. Walter S. Chatham, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Infantry, of assault on Fort Johnson and Battery Simkins. No. 17.Lieut. William V. Hollingsworth, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Infantry, of assault on Fort Johnson and Battery Simkins. No. 18.Capt. Hannibal D. Weed, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Infantry, of assault on Fort Johnson and Battery Simkins. No. 19.Capt. Nathaniel Pierson, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Infantry, of assault on Fort Johnson and Battery Simkins. No. 20.Capt. Harry H. Jenks, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Infantry, of assault on Fort Johnson and Battery Simkins. No. 21.Lieut. David Moses, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Infantry, of assault on Fort Johnson and Battery Simkins. No. 22.Capt. John B. Fish, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Infantry, of assault on Fort Johnson and Battery Simkins. No. 23.bleut. Norman P. Farr, Fifty-secoifd Pennsylvania Infantry, of assault on Fort Johnson and Battery Simkins. No. 24.Maj. Edward H. Little, One hundred and twenty-seventh New York In- fantry, of assault on Fort Johnson and Battery Simkins. No. 25.Col. William W. H. Davis, One hundred and fourth Pennsylvania Infan- try, commanding brigade, of destruction of blockade-runner Presto, and operations July 1-6. No. 26.Col. Philip P. Brown, jr., One hundred and fifty-seventh New York In- fantry, of expedition to Johns Island and skirmishes. No. 27.Lieut. Col. William Ames, Third Rhode Island Artillery, Chief of Artillery, Departinen{of the South, of destruction of blockade-runner Flamingo. No. 28.General G. T. Beauregard, C. S. Army, commanding Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, of operations January 14April 19. No. 29.Maj. Gen. Samuel Jones, C. S. Army, commanding Department of South Carolina Georgia, and Florida, of operations April 20September 1. No. 30.Extracts from Journal of Operations in Charleston Harbor, January 121. No. 31.Brig. Gen. Roswell S. Ripley, C. S. Army, commanding First Military Dis- trict, of operations May 1316 Page 5 Ciiip. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON hARBOR, ETC. 5 No. 32.Brig. Gen. Beverly H. Robertson, C. S. Army, commanding Second and Sixth Military Districts, of operations July 710. No. 33.Brig. Gen. Henry A. Wise, C. S. Army, commanding Sixth Military Dis- trict, of operations February 812. No. 34.Brig. Gen. William B. Taliaferro, C. S. Army, commanding Seventh Military District, of operations April 8October 15. No. 35.Extracts from Journal of Operations in the Seventh Military District, March 31April 29. No. 36.Lient. Col. Stephen Elliott, jr., and Capts. Francis T. Miles, James M. Car- son, Thomas J. China, S. H. Wilds, John C. Mitchel, Charles W. Parker, C. A. Willis, Thomas A. Huguenin, and Stephen D. Mobley, command- ing Fort Sumter, of operations January 1September 26. No. 37.Capt. John Johnson, C. S. Engineers, of operations July 19-26. No. 38.Col. Alfred Rhett, First South Carolina Artillery, commanding Fifth Mili- tary District, & c., of operations June 2September 20. No. 39.Col. George P. Harrison, ,jr., Thirty-second Georgia Infantry, commanding brigade, of action at Burdens Causeway, Johns Island. No. 40.Col. John L. Black, First South Carolina Cavalry, of attack on Fort John- son and Battery Simkins and operations September 10-18. No. 41.Col. Charles H. Simonton, Twenty-fifth South Carolina Infantry, of opera- tions April 8 and 15 and May 13. No. 42.Lieut. Col. Joseph A. Yates, First South Carolina Artillery, of assault and attack on Fort Johnson and Battery Simkins. No. 43.Lieut. Col. J. Welsman Brown, Second South Carolina Artillery, of skir- mish on Pine Island. No. 44.Lieut. Col. 0. M. Dantzler, Twenty-first South Carolina Infantry, of de- struction of U. S. steamer Housatonic. No. 45.Lieut. Col. John G. Pressley, Twenty-fifth South Carolina Infantry, of operations April 15. No. 46.Maj. R. A. Wayne, First Georgia Regulars, of skirmish on Johns Island. No. 47.Maj. William S. Basinger, Eighteenth Battalion Georgia Infantry, of opera- tions May 1316. No. 48.Maj. John Jenkins, Third South Carolina Cavalry, of operations July 3-10 and the burning of Legareville. No. 49.Lient. Col. Del. Kemper, C. S. Artillery, of operations July 79. No. 50.Capt. Thomas A. Huguenin, First South Carolina Infantry (Regulars), of operations May 1316. No. 1. Reports of Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the South, of operations May 123. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton. Head, S. C., May 14, 1864. COLONEL: Since I came in command of the department there has been little of interest to report. Two rams, building in Charleston, have been launched and are now receiving their plating. The en- emy have been for some time repairing Fort Sumter, and deserters report that a few hours work in clearing away the debris will ex- pose a powerful battery on the sea front. The lower casemates on that front have never been injured. It is also reported that a mortar battery is being established in the worV. A bombardment from the mortar batteries on the north end of Morris Island has been kept u Page 6 0 S. C., FtA., ANI~ ON THE GA. COAST. (CHAP. XtAVXI. since this last information was received. A few shells are daily thrown into the city of Charleston, not with the expectation of do- ing serious injury, but with the hope of annoying them and delay- ing the movements of the railroad trains. In Florida a successful expedition by General Birney has been made on the east side of the Saint Johns River as far south as Lake Harney. The enemy were not found in that section of the country. A large number of cattle (reported 3,000) were driven toward Jacksonville to prevent their being carried away by drivers of the rebel army. Some cotton (amount not known) and two small schooners were taken at or near Smyrna. General Birney left several small detachments scattered through the country he had traversed. General Gordon, now in com- mand, writes that he will draw them in immediately. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., ]Jiliay 22, 1864. COLONEL: Since my last report there has been no material change in the condition of the department. To procure information, a picket-post of 5 men was captured very handsomely by a detach- ment from the One hundred and third New York Volunteers, who landed on James Island. The force of the enemy at Charleston and its vicinity is reported to be six regiments of infantry, six light bat- teries, four guns each, 3,000 heavy artillery, and 400 men with siege train. A fire at intervals has been maintained against Fort Sumter from our mortar batteries. A few shells are each day thrown into Charleston. On the 13th and 14th instant, a heavy fire was maintained from our mortars, columbiads, and rifled guns upon Sumter. On the 13th, 240 and on the 14th 308 shells were thrown. On each of these days two monitofs took part in the bombardment, two casemates were opened, a large portion of the new parapets thrown in the water, amid a part of the Moultrie face thrown down. Since then a steady but not heavy fire from the mortar batteries has been maintained. On the 13th, the enemys fire was principally directed at the monitors. On the 14th, the enemy opened all his batteries on James and Sul- livans Islands, except Fort Johnson, on Battery Chatfield, and Fort Putnam. Four hundred and fifty shells were thrown, damaging the traverses and parapets. No casualties occurred. Charleston papers of the 19th state that on the 16th Johnstons army had fallen back from Resaca to Adairsville, where fighting was then going on. The Governor of Georgia had called out the militia and civil officers to assemble at Atlanta. Rebel officers met by flag of truce to-day at Port Royal Ferry acknowledged the Confederacy as nearly gone. I intend to make an attempt to cut the Charleston and Savannah Railroad on Monday or Tuesday night, and have every reason to believe I will meet with success. General Gordon writes me from Florida that the Union sentiment is undoubtedly increasing in that State. The small parties left scat Page 7 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. tered through the country by General Birney had all been brought in without loss. One hundred and fifty bales of cotton captured by General Birney had been brought in. There will be some trouble about the cattle reported by him as captured. A large portion of them are claimed as the property of loyal citizens. Justice will be done both the Government and the citizen. An examination of brands and other marks is being made. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH. Brigadier- General, Commanding. Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., May 23, 1864. COLONEL: A report from General Schimmelfennig, commanding Northern District of this department, arrives just as the steamer is about sailing. He considers the bombardment of Sumter as having rendered completely useless the guns lately put in position in that fort. He also believes that the force of the enemy has been consid- erably reduced within two days, although the force left under my command was reduced to a purely defensive force. I shall endeavor to take advantage of the present opportunity should I find that the enemy are sufficiently weakened to enable me to do so with a reason- able prospect of success. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 2. Reports qf Maj. Gen. John G. Foster, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the South, of operations iIiLay 26November 6. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., May 26, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report my arrival and the assump- tion of command to-day. Au expedition has been sent out by Gen- eral Hatch, consisting of about 2,000 men, under Brig. Gen. W. Birney, having for object the destruction of the railroad bridges over the South Edisto and Ashepoo Rivers, and the long trestle-work over the swamp lying between those two rivers. This expedition was expected to land near the mouth of Mosquito Creek, on the Ashepoo River, last night, and to march to the railroad and perform its work to-day. I propose to visit the whole department on a tour of inspection, and to make a report to you afterward of its condition and wants. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff, Washington, D. C Page 8 8 S. C., FLA., ANT) ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., ]Iiliay 28, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that the expedition under Brig. Gen. W. Birney, which had been sent out by General Hatch before my arrival to destroy some bridges on the line of the Charles- ton and Savannah Railroad, as described in my letter of the 26th instant, has returned tinsuccessful. It appears from verbal reports, which are all I have yet received, that two of the transports, the steamers Edwin Lewis and the Bos- ton, under the conduct of Col. Thomas Bayley, Ninth U. S. Colored Troops, did not stop at the point designated for disembarkation, but, by mistake, continued on up the Ashepoo River until the steamer Boston ran fast aground within good range of a rebel bat- tery. This battery obtained a direct and raking fire and soon dis- abled the vessel. The troops on board were saved by swimming and by the boats of the Edwin Lewis, with the loss of~ their arms. The steamer was then burnt. Our loss is 13 killed, drowned, or missing. Seventy-five cavalry horses and 8 team horses that were on the Bos- ton were burnt with the vessel. The expedition then returned to this point, arriving this morning and during the night. I have ordered a court of inquiry to investigate this matter, and to fix the responsibility for the losses. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., June 6, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that nothing of marked interest has transpired in this department since my letter of the 28th ultimo. I have visited Morris and Folly Islands, and also the District of Florida. In the former I found the condition of affairs to be satis- factory. General Schimmelfennig has succeeded, with his boat in- fantry, in driving the enemys boats out of the creeks between Morris and Folly Islands and James Island, and also in keeping close watch on the enemys operations on James Island and in Fort Sumter. A line of batteries and rifle-pits now extends from Fort Johnson to Secessionville and thence across to the Stono River. This line is very strong, but there are chances in favor of a surprise, by means of boats and light-draught steamers. These chances are, however, very small, with ordinary vigilance on the part of the enemy. - The enemy still hold Fort Sumter, wjhich they are constantly working to strengthen against an assault. I have not yet obtained full infor- mation on this point, but hope to be able to report it next week. There are, as in case of the batteries on James Island, some chances of succeeding in an attempt to assault Fort Sumter by means of small boats and steamers. I will communicate the details as soon as I obtain the necessary information. I directed the fire on th Page 9 CHAP. XLVIL] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 9 city and Fort Snmter to be increased a little. Our troops upon these islands are well posted for security, and are, generally, quite healthy. In the District of Florida I found it necessary to make some changes with the view of concentration and mutual support. Before my arrival General Gordon had performed a handsome feat in turn- ing, by a rapid night march, the enemys camps called Camp Milton and Camp Finegan, situated, respectively, 10 and 6 miles from Jack- sonville. The enemy, finding a force in front and rear, took to their heels and escaped. The camps were completely destroyed. The enemy fell back on Baldwin, which is strongly fortified. Camp Milton was also a strongly fortified position against a front attack. The line of well-constructed bastions, rifle-pits, and block-houses extended nearly 2 miles. Brigadier-General Birney is now in command of this district in obedience to your orders. I would have preferred General Hatch as commander there, for several reasons, but did riot, nevertheless, fail to carry out your order at once. I have ordered a regiment to be organized in Florida from the loyal whites and all men able to bear arms in this district, as well as all the others, to be enrolled, officered, and drilled as militia, to be called into service, in case of an emer- gency, like that of an offensive movement, in which case they are to be used to garrison the posts from which the veteran troops are taken. I have ordered a school of instruction for those colored regi- merits that required drill and discipline to be established at Hilton Head, where they will receive constant instruction in regimental and brigade drill and in the firings. Brigadier-General Potter is to be in immediate command, under the general supervision of General Hatch, commanding the district. Steps have been taken to preserve the healthfulness of the com- mands in the various districts of the department. Fresh vegetables and fruits are to be brought each week from Florida to the troops on Morris and Folly Islands, and an ice-house is being constructed for their further benefit. The exposure and labor to which these troops are constantly subjected fully entitles them to these attentions to their coumfort. The court of inquiry in the case of Gemmeral Birneys expedition and the, loss of time steamer Boston has concluded its labdrs, and attach the blamne to Colonel Bayley, Ninth U. S. Colored Troops. The evidence shows that General Birney did not take two necessary precautions, viz, to send the pilot that was to take the Lewis and the Boston up under the guard of an officer or soldier to prevent his failuve to perform his duty; second, to post a boat opposite the point of disembarkation to prevent the steamers passing it in the darkness. I have ordered a court-martial to try Colonel Bayley. This expe- dition was planned by General Hatch, and, with every chammce in its favor, should have succeeded. On the 22d and 23d of May a strong demonstration was made on the enemys line on James Island. They were forind to be too for- mmuable to risk an attack in front. I shall continne to make full reports by each steamer. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, MaJor~ qeneral, Corn rnandinq. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff Page 10 10 5. 0., FLA., AND ON TIlE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. ADDENDA. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF TIlE SOUTH, No. 123. Hilton Head, S. 0., August 23, 1864. I. Proceedings of a general court-martial, which convened at Hil- ton Head, S. C., pursuant to Special Order, No. 243, from head- quarters Department of the South, dated Hilton Head, S. C., June 16, 1864, and of which CoL P. P. Brown, jr., One hundred and fifty-seventh New York Volunteers, is president, was arraigned and tried Col. Thomas Bayley, Ninth U. S. Colored Troops. CHARGE: Neglect of duty, to the prejudice of good order and military discipline. Spec~tfication lst.Jn this, that the said Thomas Bayley, colonel of the Ninth U. S. Colored Troops, being in command of said regi- ment and of the transport Edwin Lewis, and under orders to pro- ceed up the Ashepoo River to the mouth of Mosquito Creek, did, to the great danger of his command, utterly neglect and fail to put a competent pilot at the helm, although he knew there was one on board of the Edwin Lewis, or a vessel close by, and subject to his orders, but proceeded up the river with a pilot unacquainted with the channel. This at Ashepoo River, S. C., on the night of the 25th of May, 1864. Specification 2d.In this, that the said Thomas Bayley, colonel of the Ninth U. S. Colored Troops, being in command of said regiment and of the transport Edwin Lewis, which had been sent him by Brigadier-General Birney, commanding the expedition, to convey the said regiment of troops under command of said Colonel Bay- ley to the mouth of Mosquito Creek, on the Ashepoo River, did wholly neglect and fail to avail himself of the services of William C. Mandel, a competent pilot, although he was informed at that time by Acting Master C. M. Hancock, of said transport, that Brig- adier-General Birney had placed the said competent pilot on board the Edwin Lewis for the purpose of piloting said vessel up the Ashepoo. This at the Ashepoo River, S. C., on the 25th day of May, 1864. Specification 3d.Jn this, that the said Thomas Bayley, colonel of the Ninth U. S. Colored Troops, being in command of said regiment and of the transport Edwin Lewis, and under orders to proceed to the landing at the mouth of Mosqnito Creek, on the Ashepoo River, did wholly neglect and refuse to inform the acting master and the pilot on said transport what landing they were to stop at, although the said master and the said pilot frequently expressed their desire to know; and did continue so to neglect and refuse until the said transport had gone up the river about 8 miles above the said land- ing, and past the pickets of the enemy, and under the guns of a rebel battery. This at the Ashepoo River, S. C., on the 25th day of May, 1864. Specification 4th.Jn this, that the said Thomas Bayley, colonel of the Ninth U. S. Colored Troops, being in command of his regi- ment and of the transport Edwin Lewis, in the Ashepoo River, and under orders to stop at the month of Mosquito Creek, about 8 miles from Saint Helena Sound, did negligently and carelessly proceed 6 or 8 miles farther up the Ashepoo River, and was there hailed by a rebel sentry, standing near a fire on the bank, with; What boat is that ? or words to that effect, and that the sai Page 11 it c~. 2CLVIII OPERATIONS IN OIIARLI~S~VON HARBOR, ETC. Bayley answered, The Edwin Lewis ; that instead of turning back, the said Bayley passed with the transport and the troops on board beyond the sentry and abont 1 mile farther into the lines of the enemy, althongh he distinctly heard the alarm given by the rebel sentry; which act of criminal thoughtlessness endangered his whole command, put the enemy on guard against the intended sur- prise, and contributed greatly to tlie loss of the steamer Boston. This at the Ashepoo River, S. C., on or about the 25th of May, 1864. To which charge and specifications the accused pleaded as follows: To the 1st Specification, Not guilty. To the 2d Specification, Not guilty. To the 3d Specification, Not guilty. To the 4th Specification, Not guilty. To the CHARGE, Not guilty. FINDING. The court, having maturely considered the evidence adduced, finds the accused, Col. Thomas Bayley, as follows: Of the 1st Specification, Not guilty.. Of the 2d Specification, Not guilty. Of the 3d Specification, Not guilty. Of the 4th Spec~ification, Not guilty. Of the CHARGE, Not guilty. And the court do therefore acquit him, the said Col. Thomas Bay- ley, Ninth U. S. Colored Troops. II. The proceedings and findings in the foregoing case of Col. Thomas Bayley, Ninth Regiment U. S. Colored Troops, having been submitted to the major-general commanding, are hereby ap- proved. Col. Thomas Bayley, Ninth Regiment U. S. Colored Troops, is accordingly released from arrest and restored to duty. III. The court-martial, of which Col. P. P. Brown, jr., One hun- dred and fifty-seventy Regiment New York Volunteers, is president, is hereby dissolved. By command of Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster: W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General. HILTON HEAD, June 11, 1864. GENERAL: This department was so thoroughly cleared out by Gen- eral Gillmore that I find, in addition to the force being very small, that there is a lack of boats, horses, and material for engineering pur- poses. I am plai~ning to make the best of everything, and will soon, I hope, be in a condition to operate on the offensive with some effect. As many of the regiments, especially the new colored ones, are sadly deficient in drill, I have ordered them collected into a camp of in- struction at this place. I will soon make something of them. We made a strong demonstration on James Island a week ago, but found the works too strong to attempt in front. There are small chances of succeeding in an attempt on James Island, except by a surprise. But if I only had men enough to make the venture, I am sure that I could succeed by landing on the mainland in the rear o Page 12 12 S.C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. Mount Pleasant, entering in light-draught steamers by one of the three inlets south of Bulls Bay. This will take Sullivans Island in reverse, and also command the city. I am ready to attempt this at any time that you may think best. I shall want four or five of such light-draught steamers as those built by Mr. Wiard and sent to Fort Monroe; two more are ready to launch in New York. As far as I know thus far, this operation promises greatly in favor of success. To make it sure would, of course, require a considerable increase of my force. But I am ready to undertake it now if the emergency of military affairs in Virginia requires a powerful demonstration here. I think I may be able to effect a partial surprise, and then, if the navy co-operates strongly, we will have the garrison of Sulli- vans Island at our mercy. I am thus particular in stating all these points, because I understand you to direct me to act upon the defen- sive strictly, and therefore do not feel at liberty to take a step of the above character until I have received authority to that effect. General Gordons movements in Florida, resulting in the destruction of Camps Finegan and Milton, were well executed. He effected a perfect surprise. I have the honor to be, very respectfully and truly, yours, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., June 15, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that nothing of special in- terest has transpired in this department since the date of my last report, the 6th instant. The fire upon the city of Charleston has been somewhat increased, and has been continued night and day, at irregular mt ervals, the number of shots varying from 30 to 60 in ordinary firing. Quite a brisk cannonading was maintained be- tween our batteries and those of the enemy from daylight on the 7th June until noon of the same day. The cause of it was the fire of Fort Putnam (Gregg), which opened upon a small steamer dis- covered to be aground at daylight on the point of shoal lying be- tween Fort Sumter and Fort Johnsoii. This was a small steamer used to ply about the harbor and carry supplies to the different forts, and had evidently run aground the night before in returning from Sumter. As soon as Fort Putnam opened upon the rebel steamer the enemys batteries opened upon Putnam, to which fire our other batteries, including Fort Strong (Wagner), replied. The result was that the rebel steamer was knocked to pieces, upon see- ing which the rebel batteries ceased firing and our batteries did likewise. Four deserters from the Second South Carolina Artillery deserted from Sullivans Island last week and came within our lines. Eight- een deserters from Savannah caine to Fort Pulaski on the I 2th. From the information given by these men it appears that the ene- mys force at Charleston is 5,000 and at Savannah 2,000, making 7,000 in all, besides the militia. I am commencing the instruction of the colored regiments in tac- tics at Beaufort. They are deficient in drill as well as in the firing Page 13 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 13 It will take two months hard drilling before some of them are fit to be placed hi action. I shall collect a brigade of white regiments at this place to be drilled and made ready for any emergency. The reports from Florida indicate the withdrawal of nearly all the Confederate troops except one or two regiments of Georgia cavalry. The Florida militia is the principal force in the field opposed to us in that district. This department has been nearly depleted of its transportation, and does not possess sufficient to make the ordinary transfers of troops and supplies without considerable delays. It will be very difficult and almost impossible to make an effective military move- ment until this want is supplied, at least in part. Nearly all the boats, pontoons, & c., were taken away with the Tenth Corps, together with nearly all the lumber, nearly 200,000 feet. I am, however, try- ing to build new pontoons. We very much need some light-draught steamers for operations in the inland waters, silnilar to those built by Mr. Wiard, of New York, and delivered at Fort Monroe. I have written a letter upon this snbject, dated June 11, respectfully calling your attention to it and explaining the necessities of the case. The health of the department is thus far good, and I am con- vinced, if onr precautions and plans are fully carried out, that we shall have very little sickness during the summer. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Maj. Gen. H. ~. HALLECK, Major- General, Commanding. Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., June 22, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has transpired since the date of my last report. On the 16th instant, the enemy fired a general fem de joie from all th~ir batteries, some firing shot and shell and others blank cartridges. About 500 shots were fired in all in Charleston Harbor on that day. I am at a loss to account for this demonstration, except it be as a commemoration of the confirmation of the rebel Government or the repulse of Gen- eral Benham at Secessionville. On the 20th, a reconnaissance in force was made by Geiieral Schimmelfennig on Johns Island and a rebel battery near Legarevihle destroyed. A Charleston paper of the 14th gives the names of the U. S. officers, prisoners of war, who arrived in that city on the 12th, and were to be quartered in the part of the city ipost exposed to the enemys (our) fire. I inclose this list in another letter. I am awaiting an answer to my letter of the 16th to you upon this subject. f Our fire upon Charleston averages about 50 shots per day. From information received through the Navy Department the admiral is of the opinion that the rebel naval force, both outside and inside, will attempt some operation on this coast in a short time. The b lockadiug fleet is at this time very weak, both in vessels and men to man them. I am, however, confident that we cau hold our own in any emergency that may arise, and also aid the navy if they need * See Part II, ~. 145. f See Part II, p. 135 Page 14 14 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. it. I wish we were prepared to strike a blow at this time, so as to anticipate the rebel plans if they have any. I shall be ready as soon as I can get torpedo catchers rigged to the few army gun- boats we have, and a few pontoon-boats made. The health of the command is generally good, although the sick- list is on the increase. This must be expected in this climate at this season. I have made arrangements to insure as great attention as possible to the health and comfort of the troops. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., July 7, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I left here on the even- ing of the 1st instant with a force of about 5,000 infantry, 100 cav- alry, and two sections of artillery, for the purpose of making a demonstration against Charleston and the railroad leading to Savan- nah. We entered the mouth of the North Edisto River on the morning of the 2d instant, and proceeded immediately to land on Seabrook Island a force under Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch, which consisted of three white regiments from his own district, and Brig. Gen. R. Saxton, with three regiments colored troops and one white regiment, and one battery of artillery, and 100 cavalry. General Hatchs orders were to push forward to the upper part of Johns Island, to seize the ferry, cross over, and, if possible, destroy the railroad; at any rate, to destroy the bridge over Rantowles Creek with his artillery. I then sailed up the Edisto to White Point, where I landed Brigadier-General Birney, with 1,200 infan- try and two pieces of artillery. His orders were to push forward to the railroad, place torpedoes under the track, to endeavor to destroy the bridge over South Edisto River, and, if fortune favored, to de- stroy the trestle-work between it and the Ashepoo, and the bridge over the Ashepoo River. General Birney, however, did not move forward with sufficient alacrity, and on the following morning at 7 oclock had only proceeded about 5 miles into the country, where, at the intersection of the road by a creek, he found a small force of the enemy posted with a few pieces of artillery. I ordered General Birney to cross the creek with a boat (which I furnished him, on wheels, for. emergencies like this), while I went up Dawho Creek with two small gun-boats amid shelled the battery on the flank. General Birney, however, soon reported his incapability to carry out my order and asked to withdraw, which I was forced to allow him to do. I then ordered him to re-embark and move around to the Stono River and join Brigadier-General Sclmimmelfennigs force. Brigadier-General Schimmelfennig, on the night of the 1st, ad- vanced with his disposable force (about 2,000 infantry) on James Island and had assaulted and carried one of the enemys batteries, capturing two 24-pounder howitzers; this battery, however, was directly in front and within grape-shot range of all the batteries in the first line of the enemys defenses, extending from Secessionville to Fort Pringle. He, howev9r, held it during the following day an Page 15 cHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 15 night, until he safely established his command a short distance to the rear, when he retired, securing the captured guns. While this was occurring a portion of General Schimmelfenni~s force, under Colonel ~Gurney, was prepared to assault Fort Johnson in boats. This attack was made in the night of the 2d, with 1,000 men, but unfortunately more than an hour too late to profit by the tide. The consequence was some of the boats got aground, and although Col- onel Hoyt, of the Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, landed with his first division and captured Fort Simkins, he was not supported by Colonel Gurney with his reserve, and was finally forced to sur- render with 5 officers and 132 men. Although this operation was a failure, it proved to me that a properly organized expedition of this kind can easily be made successful. One great want is a sufficient number of boats to carry the requisite number of men. In the mean time General~ Hatch with his command had marched across Johns Island, but owing to the heat of the weather and our men being unaccustomed to long marches, he was unable to reach the ferry in time to prevent the enemy from concentrating and meeting him in some force. I therefore ordered him down on the Stono River in positions from which the first line of rebel defenses can be enfiladed and their bridge across the river near Fort Pringle be destroyed. Such ~s the position of affairs at the present time, which I intend to continue and threaten the enemy for a few days longer, before withdrawing the troops. After giving them a few days rest and preparing for a second raid, I shall make it, and, I hope, with bet- ter success than this one. I shall continue to do this as often as op~ portunities occur, and I can prepare, in obedience to your wishes and those of the General-in-Chief expressed to me in your letter of the 29th ultimo. * The present demonstration has had an excellent effect, inasmuch as it greatly alarmed the rebels. Their trains have been running night and day bringing in troops from the surround- ing country. Having become convinced that the enemy were strengthening themselves in Fort Sumter and making arrange- ments for defense, I have concluded that it is necessary to more ef- fectually demolish the walls of that fort. For this purpose I have ordered the bombardment to be renewed to-morrow morning and all the guns to be so aimed as to breach the wall in a horizontal line on that part of the wall which is now standing vertical. As soon as a good cut is made though the wall I shall float down against it and explode large torpedoes until the wall is shaken down and the sur- rounding obstructions are entirely blown away. I shall continue this until the walls are demolished as far as possible. I am con- vinced that the fort can, after such a bombardment, be assaulted and taken by boats, and that it can be held without any great loss of life. The only reasons in favor of taking it, beyond its occupa- tion by our troops, are that it would afford a shelter or starting point by which boat expeditions can again attack Fort Johnson or Mount Pleasant. It now serves as a watch-tower to the enemy. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Gommanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff. * See Part II, p. 155 Page 16 16 S. C., FLA., AND ON TILE GA. COAST. [CRAP. XLVII. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., July 7, 1864. List of casilalties which occurred during the 2d, 3d, 4th, and 5th days of July, 1864: On James Island, 3 officers and 32 men wounded, S men missing. On Morris Island, 1 man killed, 6 officers and 132 men missing. On Johns Island, 2 men killed and 1 man wounded. Died of sunstroke, 3 enlisted men on James Island, and 18 enlisted men were drowned in transit to James Island. This list contains the most correct reports which have as yet beeii received. J. G. FOSTER, liiliajor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., July 12, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report, in addition to my report of the 7th instant, that our advance upon Johns and James Islands caused the enemy to accumulate troops to oppose our further prog- ress. These took up a position on Johns Island, in front of our troops, which occupied the south bank of the Stono to above Fort i~ringle. On Thursday, 7th instant, General Saxton ordered the Twenty- sixth U. S. Colored Troops to attack the enemy in flank, which was executed with so much effect that one of the enemys field batteries would have been captured had the Twenty-sixth been supported by other troops. During the day the force of the enemy was largely increased by Georgia regiments, which must, I think, have been brought from Atlanta by rail; and on Saturday morning [9th], at 4.30 a. in., they made an attack on our position. General Hatch repulsed them after a sharp fight. At 6 a. in., they made another determined attack, which our troops, being prepared for, likewise repulsed in ten minutes, with great loss to the enemy, who were suffered to come on until within good musketry and canister range. The enemy then fell back under cover of their batteries. Having ascertained by reconnaissance that the establishment of enfilading batteries on the south side of the Stono would be of little effect against the well-traversed batteries of the enemy on the north side, and that to venture a general assault would be to incur a cer- tain heavy loss, with doubtful results, I decided to re-embark at once, and after giving the men a few days rest to try the enemy at another point. The demonstration had proved perfectly successful in one respect, viz, impressing the enemy with alarm as to our pur- poses, and in forcing him to accumulate a large force to meet us. The troops were re-embarked (unmolested) on Saturday night and Sunday morning, and returned to their stations. Our total loss was 33 killed, 133 wounded, 143 missing, 3 sunstruck, and 18 drowned by the upsetting of a boat. I inclose a copy of General Hatchs report, * giving details of operations on Johns Island. On Friday fire was opened on Fort Sumter, and by Saturday the wall was successfully cut throngh in several places. On Sunday the *See p. 84 Page 17 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 17 fire was discontinued, but opened again on Monday morning, and will be continued until the fort is thoroughly deiiiolished. This has never been thoroughly done yet, and as far as I can ascertain the lower line of casemates remain intact. I propose to make a breach- ing cut along the line of lower embrasures and then shake the wall by explosions of large quantities of powder, floated down against the fort on rafts. I shall take these rafts up to-morrow morning. The jails for the rebel prisoners are now made, and they will also b~ taken up to-morrow, and put up at night on Cummings Point. I am 110W collecting the four companies of cavalry, all the cavalry that remains in the department, for the purpose of a raid on the railroad. As the weather is too hot for infantry to march any dis- tance, I propose to land the infantry and cavalry together, and push forward the latter to do its work, while the former holds the landing and advances as far as possible to give support. The general health of the command is good. The late movements have had a decidedly beneficial effect on the troops, both white and black. The latter, especially, improved every day that they were out, and, I am happy to say. toward the last evinced a considerable degree of pluck and good fighting qualities. I am now relieved of apprehension as to this class of troops, and believe, with active service and drill, they can be made thorough soldiers. I have the honor be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., July 17, 18434. GENERAL: I have nothing of interest to report since my letter of the 12th. The fire upon Fort Sumter has been kept up, slowly and with marked effect. A breach which appears practicable has been made near the right gorge angle. We are now demolishing the left gorge angle, where the rebels have their magazine contain- ing the small supply of ammunition left in the fort. I shall try the mine rafts as soon as I can go up there and arrange the details for locating and firing them. I would like very much to receive your sanction to the occupation of this fort, which, I think, can be done with little loss of life. I am preparing to make an attack on the railroad and afterward on a point near Savannah. I am, however, not able to make these moves as rapidly as I desire for want of proper and sufficient trans- portation, of which I have made full reports. I will do the best I can. The jails are now being erected on Morris Island, and as soon as ready will receive the prisoners in my hands. The health of the command is good. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Kajar- General, L1ommanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff. 2 R RvoL xxxv, PT Page 18 18 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH Hilton Head, S. 0., July 25, 1864. GENERAL: I have nothing important to communicate since my last report. The bombardment of Fort Sumter and the city is main- tained slowly. I am extending Battery Putnam and connecting it with Battery Chatfield, so as to obtain positions for a larger number of guns bearing on Fort Sumter and the channel. We have already knocked down the temporary defenses erected by the rebels on top of the ruins of Sumter and have also scraped off the ruins at one point of the gorge, so as to make the ascent practicable from the waters edge. The northeast storm that has prevailed for several days has put a stop to the operations of the mine rafts as well as to all military movements by water. I hoped to have received aid from the monitors in floating these rafts against the fort, but I found after some delay that the officers entertained so many objections to going as near the fort as I judged necessary for effect, say 1,000 yards, that I was forced to give up the idea of their assistance. I then turned the rafts over to the boat infantry on shore to operate. I do not think that Admiral Dahlgren intends to undertake, on his own responsibility, any offensive operations with the iron-dads. I have ascertained much with regard to the present condition of Fort Sumter from deserters. The summary of all this is as follows, viz: The lower tier of casemates is generally still intact and habita- ble, being used as quarters for officers and men, store-rooms, maga - zine, and gun-rooms. The top of the arches of this tier is covered with the debris from the second tier and parapet, and is nearly bomb- proof. The ends of the arches toward the parade are closed up by the ruins of the upper wall, and are thus effectually protected from shot or shell. A communication extends all around in this tier from casemate to casemate, even through the ruins of the gorge. The earth has been taken out of the parade to put upon the arches and bomb-proofs and to build traverses. A walk of 3 or 4 feet width only is left around the edges. The water in the space thus dug out is about 4 feet deep. A plank walk extends across this from the sally-port, which is on the left bank near the shoulder angle, to the battery, as it is called, which is on the right face near the shoulder angle. This battery is on the right face near the angle and consists of three guns. In rear of this, on the parade and covering the case- mates, in which are the guns, is a large bomb-proof, constructed of timber and covered with earth. Two more guns are in casemates on the left face near the shoulder angle. One of these is fired as even- ing gun. The sally-port is formed by enlarging an embrasure on the left flank near the shoulder angle. It has strong gates and opens upon a floating wharf. The wagazine is now situated in the right shoul- der angle of the fort. The old magazine in the left gorge angle was blown up accidentally some time ago. There are four light field pieces, 12-pounder howitzers, which are hauled to the top of the ruins every night to be used in case of assault. Hand-grenades of the improved pattern are also issued to the guard on the wall each night. This guard is about 100 men. The garrison numbers 250 men, and is relieved every two or three weeks. Captain Mitchel, the son of the Irish patriot, now commands. Temporary obstructions are placed upon the ruins at night, and removed before daylight. There is the fragment of a boom ~stiil in front of ihe right face. No torpe- does are around the fort Page 19 Ca& i. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 19 The rebel force in this department has been very much increased since our demonstration on Johns Island. At that time Jacksons brigade of Georgia troops (veterans) were withdrawn from John- stons army, and arrived in time to fight our men on Johns Island. Since then more men have arrived in Charleston. In Savaniiah the veteran force is reported from 1,500 to 2,500 men, besides all the heavy batteries and six field batteries of four guns each. The line of the railroad is now strongly guarded in anticipation of a raid, and field batteries are stationed at central points, so as to be able to reach each available landing place. The point upon which I hoped to effect a surprise with onr 300 cavalry is now guarded by a battery and 1,000 rebel cavalry. There are two points near Savan- nah that are accessible, but the operation will involve several days and nights spent in the rice fields, and this at this season will be apt to prostrate the troops with fever. I am, however, determined to attack somewhere as soon as I can make the necessary preparations, which take considerable time, as it will now be necessary to go in full force whenever I make an attempt. I inclose copies of letters received (unofficially) from our officers, prisoners in Charleston, with my reply. The health of the command continues good. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 4~ 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report, since the date of my last letter, that we have been able to achieve quite a little success in Florida. Brig. Gen. William Birney having received instructions from me to seize the first opportunity that should occur for operating with his small force to destroy the railroad between Baldwin and Lake City, and at the same time to turn the fcrrner place, finding that the regiments of Georgia cavalry had been drawn away to guard the railroads in this vicinity against our threatened raid, collected quickly all his available force, and, moving up the river a short dis- tance above Jacksonville, lauded at the mouth of Black Creek, and pushing rapidly inland cut the Cedar Keys railroad, and following on quickly succeeded in destroying the long trestle-work over the south branch of the Saint Marys River, on the Central Railroad. Turning then toward Baldwin, he advanced there on the rear of that place and forced the evacuation of that place, the enemy garrisoning it (consisting of the Florida reserves, both foot and cavalry, with fifteen pieces of artillery) retreating rapidly westward on the night of the 25th ultimo, and crossed the Saint Marys River at the ferry in the Big Bend. Our forces occupied Baldwin and its fortifications, capturing arms, stores, turpentine, & c., in a considerable quantity, the amount not known; the turl)entine was accidentally fired. Subsequently Camp Milton, between Baldwin and Jacksonville, was found deserted and occupied by our troops. The destruction of the trestle-work on these railroads cut off tw Page 20 20 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. ~CHAP. XLVII. trains of cars, one of which, consisting of a locomotive and seven cars~ has been already secured and brought into Jacksonville. The rebels had taken away one or two important pieces of the locomo- tive, which can soon be replaced. Upon the report of this successful operation I resolved immedi- ately to re-enforce General Birney with five regiments, and to have him move out with his whole force, and make a sweep of all horses and cattle and all able-bodied negro men from the Santa F6 and New Rivers southward over the counties of Alachua, Levy, and Marion, and to bring his spoils across the upper Saint Johns safely into the territory east of that river. If opportunity offered by the continued weakness of the enemy in Florida, he was to drive the enemy beyoiid the Suwannee River and destroy as much of the Cen- tral Railroad as possible. The Florida Railroad from Fernandina to Cedar Keys was to be kept intact to favor our own operations. The troops were already embarking for this purpose when your order of the 25th ultimo, inclosing telegraphic order* from General Grant, was received. Although this order was not peremptory, I did not consider that our necessities would warrant my delaying to carry out its directions at once. I therefore sent orders to General Birney to proceed at once to Fort Monroe with his brigade. Brig. Gen. J. P. Hatch was immediately ordered from here to proceed at once to take command in General Birneys place, with regiments from this place to replace those taken away by General Birney, in- creased by an additional force from this vicinity, to enable him if possible to carry out the programme laid down for General Birneys action. Brigadier-General Hatch~ sailed with his force day before yesterday (the 2d instant). General Birney, with that portion of his brigade now in Florida, had notyet arrived. One of the regiments of his brigade now here is sent on the Fulton, which sails this p. in., and the remaining ones will follow in transportation already provide& immediately on their arrival from Florida. These four regiments number 2,500 effectives, and althouglr colored troops, are as good as any troops in this de- partment. The health of the department is as good as it usually is at this season of the year, but many officers and men are beginning to feel the effects of the heat and their efficiency is correspondingly im- paired. The operations in the Northern District have been satisfactory. The slow and careful firing upon Fort Sumter is beginning to ex- hibit a marked effect; two breaches, one on the gorge and the other on the right flank, are being successfully made. The immense mass of debris that is presented in appearance to our forts is being smashed up and blown away by our shells in a slow but a sure manner. In a reasonable time the fort will be rendered untenable, and if still held by the enemy can be taken by our troops at any time we choose. I prefer, however, before doing this to wait until the preparations are completed, so as to avoid loss of life. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Mcijor- General. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff. * See Part II, p. 185 Page 21 Ca& 1?. XLVII.I OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 21 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 8, 1864. GENERAL: The bombardment of Fort Sumter continues with marked effect, although our fire is very slow and unfrequent, in con- sequence of the stock of ammunition having given out and none being received. The rebels are calculating how many days they can hold the fort, expecting that we will assault. In consequence of our want of ammunition and guns, I have accepted the offer of Admiral Dahigren of six 11-inch guns, with officers, crews, and ammunition, and these will soon be placed in a battery built by the troops, and will no doubt prove very effective. As you did not order the assaulting arks, plans of which I sent you, I am going to work building two of them here. These will be simply modern row galleys, fifty oars on a side; will draw 26 inches of water when loaded with 1,000 men; will have elevated towers for sharpshooters, and an assaulting ladder or gang-plank of 51 feet in length, operated by machinery. These will be very useful anywhere, in assaulting a fort or landing troops in shoal water. I propose also to build a light-draught iron-clad, and have written to General Meigs to ascer- tain if I can have the railroad iron, obtained from Florida, rolled into plates without delay; or if he can have an exchange made for 2-inch or 4-inch plates at once. Very respectfully, and truly, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. U, August 18, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report the following operations in this department since my last report: Brigadier-General Hatch has been actively engaged with his com- mand in Florida, making successful raids in the surrounding coun- try, and reports favorably in regard to an anticipated capture of a large number of horses, and thinks that quite a number of negroes will also be found who are waiting to come within our lines. In Hilton Head District the new work on the line of constructions is now nearly completed, and another work is about being erected on a site near Mitchellville. The work at Spanish Wells is rapidly pro- gressing toward completion. In Beaufort District the works are be- ing strengthened and put in order for defensive operations, and a new work to serve as a citadel is being commenced. In the Northern District the bombardment of Fort Sumter is progressing slowly but surely. Admiral Dahlgren has kindly consented to loan six of the heaviest naval guns, with officers and men to work them. A-para- pet has been thrown up forihese guns, and as soon as they are placed in propei~ position the demolition of Sumter will progress much more rapidly. The tents for the 600 rebel prisoners of war are being put in posi- tion on Morris Island, and the quartermaster has been ordered to have a high and strong board fence put around them to prevent an Page 22 22 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. of the prisoners from escaping. The batteries in this district (North- ern) are being improved and strengthened. The Swamp Angel has been put in thorough order again, and is now armed. The orders sent by yon from Lieutenant-General Grant in regard to sending troops to Washington is receiving every attention. Every available man is being got ready to be sent forward. The Forty-first New York Volunteers have already gone. They started in the steamer John Rice last night. The One hundred and third New York Volunteers and the Seventy-fonrth Pennsylvania Volunteers will go in the Arago and Cosmopolitan to-day, and others will be sent as soon as they arrive from the districts of the depart- ment. On the morning of the 9th instant, the propeller Prince Albert, a blockading vessel, was discovered aground off Sullivans Island, near Fort Moultrie, and was immediately opened upon by our batteries on the north end of Morris Island, which after a few effective shots succeeded in completely destroying her, bursting her boilers and set- ting her on fire before the enemy succeeded in getting off any but a small quantity of her cargo. She was loaded principally with med- icines and other light articles. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, lilajor- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 26, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to state that since my last report of operations in this department, under date of 18th instant, the news received from Florida is rather unfavorable. A cavalry raid, under command of Colonel Harris, Seventy-fifth Ohio Mounted In- fantry, consisting of 138 men Seventy-fifth Ohio Mounted Infantry, 90 men Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry, and one piece of artillery, sent out by Brigadier-General Hatch, supported by infantry, met with a disaster at Gainesville. It appears that the cavalry was too far in advance of the infantry to receive any support from it. While resting, and being very much scattered in Gainesville, they were surrounded by a body of Florida troops, under Captain Dickison, and were completely routed, with a loss of one piece of artillery, arms, and horses, and 100 men killed, wounded, and missing. This disaster apparently arose from the culpable negligence of the officers in command of the cavalry forces. An investigation is ordered, and if this supposition is found to be true, these officers will be properly punished. The new works at Hilton Head and Beaufort have been laid out and the engineers are now busily engaged in erecting them. In the Northern District little, if any, alteration has taken place since my last report. The camp for the 600 rebel prisoners of war has been selected, and I am now having a strong fence put up around it to prevent any possibility of escape; this camp will be ready in a fe Page 23 OIXAP. XLVII.1 OPEL~AT1ONS IN CI1A1~L1~STON 1IARBOI~, 1~T0. days, and I propose to take the prisoners np at once. The 600 pris- oners of war (rebel) arrived yesterday morning in the U. S. steam transport Crescent, and are now in the harbor. Dnring the passage of the Crescent to this place a circumstance happened that obliged me to take immediate action upon her arrival here. The vessel, while off Cape Romain, on the night of the 23d instant, separated from her convoy, the U. S. gun-boat Admiral, and deliberately ran on the shoals, the night being very clear and moonlight. One prisoner escaped by jumping overboard and suc- ceeded in swimming ashore, it being only about 100 yards distance when the vessel struck. The report of the circumstances connected with this occurrence convinced me that there was something culpa- ble in the conduct of the captain and second mate, and I have ordered a court-martial, which is now in session, for their trial. * J strongly suspect that they were influenced by bribes taken or ac- cepted from the rebel prisoners to run the vessel ashore in order to allow them to escape. The health of the department is not so good as it was. The sick- ness is increasing, but are principally cases of a maEtxious charac- ter. Every effort is being made to preserve the health and comfort of the men as far as possible. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Goinmanding. lVIaj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, hilton Head, S. C., September 19, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report the following operations in this department since my last report to you: The operations in the Northern District are progressing slowly. Requisition has been made for ammunition, but as it has not been filled as yet, I have been obliged to decrease the fire from the hat- teries on Morris Island. The fire on Sumter has almost entirely ceased in consequence, and the rebels are now taking advantage of the quiet by repairing that work. They have also a number of sharp- shooters with telescopic rifles, who annoy working parties very much, so much so that but little work can be done in the daytime in the front batteries on Morris Island. The enemys works in that district are being put in a strong defensible condition as rapidly as possible. The enemy have lately received large re-enforcements in the way of negro laborers from the interior of the State, and have them now actively employed in repairing their old and building new batteries. The department now is strictly on the defensive, the new batteries being very nearly completed, and the old being in the course of thorough repair. * The captain (Daniel D. Latham) and mate (William Baxter) were tried by gen- eral court-martial and found guilty of neglect of duty. The former was sen- tenced to be reprimanded in general orders, and the latter to pay a fine of one hundred dollars. The proceedings, findings, and sentences were approved by Major-General Foster in General Orders, Nos. 126 and 127, headquarters Depart- nient of the South, August 31, 1864 Page 24 24 5. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CIIAP. XLVII. The prisoners of war on Morris Island are now thought to be per- feCtly secure from aiiy danger of escape or rescue; decided orders have been given in view of any attempt of the kind. The rebels, in firing on Morris Island, do not endeavor to avoid this camp, and although the shot and shell fall all around no one has as yet received any injury. The prisoners seem to be perfectly contented with their lot. They receive the same treatment and rations as our prisoners now in Charleston. The health of the department remains about the same. A number of the sick have been sent North, under charge of the medical direct- or, they being in such a condition that a recovery in this climate was uncertain. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Maj. Gen. H. ~. HALLECK, Major-General, Commanding. Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, October 4, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has occurred mu thins department since the date of my last report. In the Northern District the usual firing on the city has been kept up. Sharp firing has at times taken place between our batteries and the enemnys batteries on James and Sullivans Islands. Suffi- cient fire is kept up to interfere with the landing of supplies at their wharf, situated on the left flank. The work upon the repairs and enlargement of the front batteries on Cummings Point is pushed as vigorously as the force will admit. I am surrounding these bat- teries by a new and strong palisading in the place of the old and flmmsy one, so as to effectually secure them against a surprise attack of the enemy in boats. Proper arramingements for close defense and flanking of these batteries are also being made. Brig. Gen. E. P. Scammon, having arrived and reported for duty, has been assigned to the command of this district, General Saxton returning to the Beaufort District. The condition of the rebel prisoners in the stockade on Morris Island is generally good. Some of them are sickening on their scant fare, and 1 has died. I have not yet allowed the 6 rebel officers to take the oath of allegiance, as authorized by the honorable Secretary of War. I am not satisfied that they are worthy of that favor. They seem to be the most worthless and unreliable fellows in the whole lot. If I had known this at the time of forwarding their application I should have disapproved it. The prisoners have made several feeble and ineffectual attempts to escape by tunneling, & c., but against all such attempts on the part of the prisoners or of their friends to rescue them the precautions taken seem to be adequate. I permit tIme prisoners to receive private stores from their friends in the precise proportion of the stores actually delivered to our officers, prisoners in Charleston. I hear that the private contributions sent to our privates, now prisoners, were of great service, the condition of our men being deplorable. Many of them were naked; many had only a blouse or shirt to cover their nakedness; and still many that had only some rags tied about the middle to serve as a breec Page 25 (J~AP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 25 clout. I am able to report from positive information that many of the people of Charleston exerted themselves in every way to relieve the necessities of our men, and freely, as far as their means would allow, made contributions of food and clothing. The effect, how- ever, upon our men, as far as their military status is concerned, has been very bad, inasmuch as 389 of them have been induced to take the oath of allegiance to the Confederate States, and to go to work in the shops in Charleston. This is in addition to the number that I reported in my last letter as having gone to work on the fortifica- tions of Mount Pleasant and Sullivans Island. The yellow fever is now prevailing in Charleston, but to what extent I am not informed. I have in consequence instituted a strict quarantine. Our fire upon the city is now far more effective than ever before. Our shells reach the arsenal and the whole upper part of the city. The general affairs of the department are in a satisfactory state. The health of the troops is improving, and it is expected will soon improve more rapidly from the effects of Vhe coming cool weather. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major-General, (Jomnianding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., October 13, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that the affairs of this department remain in a satisfactory condition. The whole force is occupied in the defense of the positions to be guarded, in strength- ening the works of defense, in erecting barracks and shelters, ~nd in the necessary works of police to preserve the health of our troops, and to avoid contagious infection from within the enemys lines. I have, since the date of my last report, made an inspection of the District of Florida. I find that General Hatch has diligently applied himself to the improvement of the defenses of Jacksonville, Magnolia, Picolata, aimd Yellow Bluff, so that in a short time those places will be impregnable to any attack short of a siege. I directed improvements to be made in the defenses of San Augustine, by re- newing, manning, and arming the covered way of Fort Marion, and also the grand moat and parapet that cuts across the peninsula. To this work I have devoted the labor of the military prisoners of the department. I have alsQ written to General Delafield with refer- ence to certain improvements that should be made in the plans of Fort Clinch, at Fernandina, Fla., to render it impregnable to as- saults and capable of withstanding a siege. General Hatch had just received a report from Colonel Noble, of the Seventeenth Connecticut Volunteers, who, with a small force, had gone to Enterprise to capture a body of militia of Volusia County that were to meet on the 3th. It proved a successful enter- prise. Colonel Noble captured Colonel Watson, the leader, 29 men, and 40 horses, and brought theni all safely in. The reports from the other districts are satisfactory. In the Northern District the usual amount of firing between our own an Page 26 26 5. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. the enemys batteries continues. The firing on the city continues and has improved, so that our shells fall into the extreme upper part of the city with so much accuracy that the people who had formerly moved there for safety are now moving back toward the burnt district. I am confident that the city can be destroyed entirely by the fire of a large number of 100 and 200 pounder brrott rifles say twenty in number. The work upon the enlargement and improvement of the batter- ies on Morris Island is diligently continued. The prisoners are well guarded. Brigadier-General Scammon has relieved Brigadier-Gen- eral Saxton in command of that district. Information received through Capt. ID. W. Fox, of the Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, who escaped from Charleston in the dis- guise of a rebel soldier on the 5th, represents the yellow fever as still prevailing at Charleston, and on the increase. The officers and men of our army recently prisoners of war in that city have all been removed, except the negro soldiers, to Columbia and other places in the northern part of the State. I have made no change in the dis- position of the rebel officers in my hands, for the reason that our officers were a long time under fire before these men were placed in a corresponding position; that the negro soldiers are still under fire, and I am not officially informed of the removal of the white officers and soldiers. Captain Fox confirms the report of many of our men taking the oath of allegiance to the rebel Government, but states that he believes them to be mostly those men whose terms of serv- ice have expired. The sanitary condition of the department is good. The health of the troops is improving, and no cases of yellow fever have ap- peared. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, lllajor- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., October 20, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that since my communica- tion of the 13th instant nothing of note has transpired in this depart- ment except the removal of the rebel prisoners of war from Morris Island, S. C., to Fort Pulaski, Ga., of which I have given full par- ticulars in another communication. The health of the command is very good. The yellow fever exists in Charleston and in the interior of the rebel lines, but we have, by instituting a strict quarantine, kept it out of the department; no cases have as yet occurred. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, 21Iq~or- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff Page 27 C~. XLVIII OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 27 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, ftilton Head, S. 0., October 28, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that since my report of the 20th instant nothing of importance has transpired in this de- partment. From the Northern District Brigadier-General Scammon reports the works on Morris Island as progressing as rapidly as the means of transportation will allow. On the morning of the 23d instant, a side-wheel steamer was dis- covered ashore opposite Battery Rutledge, Sullivans Island. She had run on a shoal at that point during the night while endeavoring to run the blockade. Our batteries immediately opened fire upon her, and she now lies a complete wreck. I inclose a copy of the report* of Col. William Ames, chief of artillery, in regard to the firing on this vessel. She is called the Flamingo by the navy, and the Flora or Florinne by the rebel papers. From the District of Florida Brigadier-General Hatch reports the enemy as removing everything between the railroad and the Saint Johns River. The rebel prisoners of war are now safely quartered in~ Fort Pu- laski, Ga. Every precaution has been taken to prevent the escape of any. In the Districts of Beaufort and Hilton Head matters remain about the same. The works on the fortifications are being pushed forward as rapidly as possible. The yellow fever still exists in Charleston and Savannah, and generally along the coast within the rebel lines. As yet we have had no cases reported in this department, which is undoubtedly due to the stringent quarantine and sanitary regula- tions established throughout the department. The health of the command is improving slowly. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, lYfajor- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., November 6, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to state that since my report of the 28th ultimo very little of importance has transpired in this depart- ment. A small cavalry force sent out from Magnolia for the pur- pose of collecting cattle was attacked by the enemy in superior numbers and defeated with a los5 of 20 to 30 men and a number of horses. I have accordingly ordered some changes to be made in the District of Florida. The post of Magnolia will be discontinued and a new post established to protect the inland passage froln the Saint Johnsto Fernandina, with an earth-work for defense. The Seventy- fifth Ohio Mounted Infantry I have ordered to be dismounted and the horses to be used for other purposes, transportation, & c. In order to supply an officer of the requisite experience in the Northern District, I have ordered Brigadier-General Hatch to take *See p. 108 Page 28 28 s. c., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. command and relieve Brigadier-General Scammon, whose health is very much impaired by his imprisonment, and was entirely broken down by exposure while in commai}d of that district. As soon as General Scammons health will permit he will go to Florida, which change is urgently recommended by the surgeon, to take com- mand of that district. In the Districts of Beanfort and Hilton Head everything remains in a quiet state, the troops being occupied in strengthening and im- proving the defenses and in drilling. In the Northern District the work of strengthening and improving the batteries continues with unabated industry. Everything else is in a satisfactory state. The general health of the command remains good. The yellow fever has not made its appearance yet, and owing to the strict sani- tary and quarantine regulations established, and to the fact of the season being well advanced, it is not expected. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff. ADDENDA. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 1113. Hilton Head, S. C., November 7, 1864. The following summary, of evidence relative to the attack on Forts Johnson and Simkins in July last is published for the infor- mation of the command. Its publication has been delayed by the illness and prolonged absence of Brigadier-General Schimmelfennig, who was originally charged with the investigation: At 2 a. in., July 3, 1864, the Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Hoyt, and the One hundred and twenty-seventh New York Volunteer Infantry, Major Little, with 60 men of the Third Rhode Island Artillery, left Paines Dock, Morris Island, in boats, and under orders to take Forts Johnson~ and Simkins. They were to cross Charleston Harbor till opposite the beach between the forts, then move by the left flank, pull vigorously to land, and assault with the bayonet. Clear and precise instructions were given to all concerned. The only signal of retreat was to be sounded on a bugle in possession of Colonel Hoyt. The pilot failed to find the passage through the bar near Fort Johnson, but a narrow channel was at last discovered near shore. Through this many of the boats had passed, when, by day breaking, the enemy opened a heavy fire, which was, however, ahuost entirely harmless, passing far over- head. The boats commanded by Colonel Hoyt, Lieutenant-Colonel Con- yngham, Captain Camp, and Lieutenants Stevens and Evans, all of the Fifty-second Pennsylvania, rowed rapidly to the shore, and these officers, with Adjutant Bunyan (afterwards killed) and 135 men, lauded and drove the enemy, but, deserted by their comrades, were obliged to surrender to superior numbers. ColQuel Hoyt bestows unqualified praise on the officers and men who landed with him; of them, 7 were killed and 16 wounded. Colonel Hoyt himself deserves great credit for his energy in urging the boats forward an Page 29 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 29 bringing them through the narrow channel, and the feeling which led him to land at the head of his men was the prompting of a gal- lant spirit which deserved to find more imitators. At the time of Colonel Hoyts landing great confusion existed in the second and third divisions of the Fifty-second Pennsylvania Regiment, and a retreat commenced. It is impossible to discover which boats first led off the disgraceful movement, the occupants of each declaring that others were retreating before they themselves turned. These divisions falling back in confusion, the One hundred and twenty-seventh shared the general movement, and the whole expe- dition returned to Paines Dock. Colonel Gurney, One hundred and twenty-seventh .New York Regiment, commanding Morris Island, who was charged with send- ing the expedition, did not accompany it, but remained at Paines Dock. There seems no sufficient reason for this conduct. The pres- ence of a commanding officer when the landing was effected would have been of the greatest service in preventing the retreat. The chief cause of failure was the lack of spirit, energy, and power of command on the part of subordinate officers. In such an expedi- tion the commanders of boats exercise in a great measure an inde- pendent authority, while at the sa~me time they are able to hold the men completely under their control. It is on them the main re- sponsibility mus,t rest, anti it is plain that many of them were totally unequal to the occasion. Among those who seem to have been most wanting in decision and determination were Major Jayne, Captain Weed, and Lieutenants Farr, Moses, and Ho]lingsworth, of the Fifty-second Pennsylvania Regiment, and the confusion in the boats of this regiment could only have arisen from a very lax state of discipline. TIre One hundred and twenty-seventh New York Regiment showed more coolness and better discipline; still they not only retreated without proper orders, but were gravely in fault for not obeying - the peremptory order of their comnianding officer, Major Little (who seems to have done everything that could be (lone), to land at once. From this censure must be excepted Captain Henry and Lieutenants Little arid Abercrombie, who brought their boats to shore and landed. Captain Weston, too, deserves favorable men- tion. The officers and men of the Third Rhode Island Artillery appear to have behaved well. The expedition was well planned and would have succeeded, had it not been for the absence of the corn- man ding officer and the want of spirit and energy on the part of many of his subordinates. The major-general commanding regrets that he has felt it his duty to make known the results of investigation into an affair which reflects so little credit on most of those concerned. He has reason to hope that many are heartily ashamed of their conduct, and he trusts it will be a lesson to the whole command, and especially to officers of all grades, how indispensable to the success of the most promising plan is tire possession of determination and soldierly spirit by those who are to execute it. By command of Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster: W. L. M. BURGER, A8sislant A~yt1ant- (lemeral Page 30 30 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. No. 3. Itinerary of iIIilitary Operations, January 1-November 13. * DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH.t JANUARY, 1864. Northern District, commanded by Brig. Gen. Alfred H. Terry. Northern District established January 15, 1864, consisting of that 2ortion of the department bounded on the north by Charleston Har- bor and on the south by Saint Helena Sound. Two posts on Folly Island, S. C., consolidated into one command by the order constitut- ing the district. The Third Brigade, U. S. Forces, Morris Island, S. C., ordered to Hilton Head January 28, 1864. The Fortieth Massa- chusetts Volunteers ordered from Folly Island to Hilton Head, S. C., January 13, 1864. The Twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteers, re-enlisted as veterans, ordered to Ohio January 14, 1864. January 19.Light Battery B, First U. S. Artillery, ordered to Hilton Head. January 25.First New York Volunteer Engineers ordered to Hilton Head. Fosters Brigade, commanded by Got. Jeremiah U. Drake, One hundred and twelfth ATew York Infantry. This brigade has, during the past month, been engaged in the fol- lowing duties: The Thirteenth Indiana and one company of the One hundred and twelfth and One hundred and sixty-ninth New York Volunteers were engaged in doing picket dii ty 011 Long Island; 2 commissioned officers and 64 men employed in guarding the signal - telegraph between Hilton Head and Folly Island. The remainder of the brigade were engaged in doing picket and guard duty on this island [Folly]. FEBRUARY, 1864. February 7.Occupation of Jacksonville, Fla. February 9.Forces under Brigadier-General Schimmelfenni g made demonstrations on Johns Island, S. C. A detachment of Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers left Fernandina, Fla., marching 35 miles inland, and returned, finding no enemy. February 15.Detachment of Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania Vol- unteers left Fernandina and proceeded up the Saint Marys River to Woodstock and Kings Ferry Mills, securing 700,000 feet of lumber. District of Florida constituted, comprising all of the State within the department limits. February 20.Battle of Olustee, Fla. February 21.Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania and detachment of Sixty-seventh Ohio Volunteers, commanded by Col. J. B. Howell, made demonstration on Wbitemarsh island, Savannah River, Ga. *As reported on the monthly retnrns of the commands indicated. t Commanded by Maj. Gen. Quincy A. Gihimore to May I 1861 Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch to May 26, 1864, and Maj. (len. John G. Foster to February 9~, i86~ Page 31 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 31 Northern District, commanded by Brig. Gen. Alfred H. Terry. FOLLY ISLAND, S. C.General Fosters brigade of Vogdes divis. ion, General Ames brigade, the Colored Brigade, under command of Colonel Beecher, and Battery E, Third U. S. Artillery, Capt. John Hamilton, ordered to Jacksonville, Fla. General Vogdes and staff also sent there. February 8.With parts of the First and Second Brigades and Fosters brigade of Vogdes division, and six pieces of artillery, all under command of Brig. Gen. A. Schimmelfenuig, crossed to Kia- wah and Seabrook Islands to make a demonstration to distract the enemys attention from the expedition to Jacksonville. February 9.Crossed the Haulover Cut to Johns Island at day- light, driving in the enemys pickets with some loss and taking some prisoners. February 10. Remained on the island. February 11.Pushed forward some 3 miles, meeting the enemys pickets and firing with artillery. Returned at night to Kiawah in obedience to orders. While on Johns Island discovered a book con- taining all the signals sent from Folly Island by the signal telegraph, correctly given, showing that the rebels have the key to our system of signals. MORRIS iSLAND, S. C.February 1.Blockade-running steamer Presto ran aground at Fort Moultrie and was destroyed by the bat- teries on this island and the monitors. February 6.Fourth New Hampshire Volunteers transferred to Hilton Head, S. C. February 18.Sloop-of-war Housatonic destroyed by a torpedo off Morris Island. February 27.Third New Hampshire Volunteers transferred to Hilton Head, S. C. First Brigade, Gordons Division, commanded by Gol. Leopold von Gilsa, Forty-first New York Infantry. February 6-12.The Forty-first, Fifty-fourth, and One hundred and forty-second New York and Seventy-fourth Pennsylvania Vol- unteer Regiments participated in an expedition commanded by Brigadier-General Schimmelfennig to Johns Island. The route was via Kiawah and Seabrook Islands, and across Haulover Cut bridge, at which point the rebel outposts were surprised by the One hundred and forty-second Regiment, which had the advance. February 911.Skirmishes with the rebels occurred, the latter being near Bugbee Bridge. The Forty-first New York sustained an aggregate loss in killed, wounded, and missing of 13 men, and the One hundred and forty-second New York Volunteers of 2; no other casualties occurred. The troops returned to their respective camps Oil the 12th. February 26.The Fifty-fourth New York Volunteers moved from Kiawah to Folly Island. U. S. Forces, Hilton Head District, commanded by Gol. Joshua B. Howell, Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania Infantry. February 21.The Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers and detachment of the Sixty-seventh Ohio Volnuteers, under the com- mand of Col. J. B. Howell, Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers Page 32 32 5. C., FLA., AND ON TILE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. commanding district, went on an expedition to Whitemarsh Island, near Savannah, Ga.; captured 16 prisoners of war; lost Lieutenant Michener, Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, wounded and taken prisoner; 2 men missing in action. District of Florida, commanded by Brig. Gem. Truman Seymour. February 7.Jacksonville, Fla., was occupied by the troops under Brig. Gen. T. Seymour. February 16.District of Florida organized. February 20.Battle of Olustee fought. Fosters Brigade, commanded by Col. Jeremiah C. Drake, One hun- died and twelfth New York Infantry. Until the 23d of the mouth the brigade has been doing picket duty on Long Island. Sixty-four men and 2 commissioned officers of the One hundred and twelfth New York Volunteers were employed in guarding the signal telegraph between Hilton Head and Folly Island. Two regiments of the brigade, One hundred and sixty-ninth and One hundred and twelfth New York Volunteers, formed part of the forces under Brigadier-General Schimmelfennig, who made a recon- naissance to Johns Island. February 23.Brigade sailed for Jacksonville, where it arrived on the 25th. Since that time it has been engaged in doing picket and guard duty at that place. Second Brigade, Ames Division, commanded by Cot. Joseph P. Hawley, Seventh Connecticut Infantry. At date of last report the brigade was stationed at Saint Helena Island, S. C. February 3.Forming part of General Seymours expeditionary force, it sailed for the Saint Johns River and advanced to Jack- sonville on Monday, the 8th. The brigade, to which was attached the Eighth U. S. Colored Troops, bore an honorable part in the events of the advance into Florida, and lost largely in the action at Olustee on the 20th. Third Brigade (colored), Ames Division, commanded by Got. ]kIit- ton S. Littlefield, Twenty-first U. S. Colored Troops. February 11 The brigade left Folly Island and proceeded to Jacksonville, reporting on arrival to Brigadier-General Seymour, commanding District of Florida. The First North Carolina Colored Volunteers were ordered to the front, and were shortly after at- tached to another brigade. The Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Volun- teers were attached to the Third Brigade. Light Brigade, commanded by Col. Guy V. Henry, Fortieth liifassa- chusetts infantry. February 4.The troops of this command left Hilton Head, S. C., arriving on the morning of the 8th at Jacksonville, Fla. In the afternoon started up the country along the line of the Tallahasse Page 33 (~AP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 33 railroad; at Ten-Mile Cut captured a rebel battery and a quantity of stores; went to Baldwin the next morning; captured several guns and prisoners and much property. February 10.Met the enemy at Barbers Ford, and after a sharp skirmish drove them; followed on to Sanderson. February 11.Had a skirmish at Lake City. February 12.Returned to Sanderson. From that time to the 20th occupied in raids, & c. February 20.Participated in the battle of Olustee; covered the retreat of the army to Three-Mile Run, where we have since re- mained doing outpost duty. MARCH, 1864. ]Iiifarch 1.Detachment of cavalry, mounted infantry, and light artillery, under command of Col. G. V. Henry, Fortieth Massachu- setts Volunteers, left Jacksonville, Fla., on reconnaissance; drove in the enemys pickets at McGirts Creek and retired to Three-Mile Run. i}Iarch 9.Demonstration made on Bulls Island, S. C., by a detach- ment of 730 men, commanded by Col. William Gurney, One hundred and twenty-seventh New York Volunteers. March 10.Palatka, Fla., occupied by the Forty-seventh, Forty- eighth, and One hundred and fifteenth New York Volunteers, and detachment of the Third Rhode Island Artillery, all under Cofl William B. Barton, Forty-eighth New York Volunteers. March 24.Brig. Gen. J. P. Hatch, U. S. Volunteers, assigned to duty in command of the District of Florida, relieving Brig. Gen. T. Seymour, U. S. Volunteers. Northern District, commanded by Brig. Gem. Alfred H. Terry. March 9.Col. William Gurney, with 730 men, sent to make a demonstration at Bulls Island. Expedition landed, partially ex- plored the island, and returned on the 11th instant without loss. The geographical limits of the post of Folly Island were altered by General Orders, No. 8, paragraph I, headquarters Northern Dis- trict, Department of the South, March 19, 1864, and restricted to that portion of the island west of a line drawn from districf head- quarters due northwest to Folly River. District of Florida, commanded by Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch. March 1.A battalion of Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry, two squadrons of Fortieth Massachusetts Mounted Infantry, and one section of Battery B, First U. S. Artillery, advanced to McGirts Creek on a reconnaissance; met the enemys pickets and drove them in. They were immediately re-enforced and in turn drove our forces back. The fight lasted from 10 a. m. until 3 p. in., our nien contest- ing every foot of ground. We were obliged to fall back to Three- Mile Run, where we encamped and remained until the 30th instant, when orders were received to fall back to a higher piece of ground about 1 mile nearer Jacksonville. March 9.Bartons brigade, a detachment of Third Rhode Island Artillery, and Company I, First New York Volunteer Engineers, all 3 R RYOL Xxxv, PT Page 34 34 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. under command of Col. W. B. Barton, Forty-eighth New York Volunteers, left Jacksonville and proceeded to Palatka, 75 miles up the Saint Johns River, where they disembarked without opposition on the 10th instant. Here they have remained, Constructing de- fenses, mounting guns, & c. March 28.-Brig. Gen. T. Seymour relieved from command of this district by Brig. Gen. J. P. Hatch. U. S. Forces, Palatka, Fla., commanded by Col. William B. Bar- ton, Forty-eighth New York infantry. March 9.Bartons brigade, a detachment of the Third Rhode Island Heavy Artillery, and Company I, Volunteer Engineers, all un- der command of Col. W. B. Barton, Forty-eighth New York Volun- teers, left Jacksonville, Fla., at 8 p. in., and proceeded to Palatka, Fla., 75 miles up the Saint Johns River, where they disembarked without opposition at 6 a. m. on the morning of the 10th. Here they have remained, constructing defenses, mounting guns, & c. Light Brigade, District of Florida, commanded by Got. Guy V. Henry, Fortieth Massachusetts Infantry. March 1.A reconnoitering party, consisting of two squadrons Fortieth Massachusetts, a battalion Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry, and one section of Battery B, was sent out; met the enemys pickets at McGirts Creek and drove them back, but they were immediately re-enforced with infantry and artillery and in turn compelled us to retire, which we did, contesting every foot of ground; fell back to Three-Mile Run and encamped. Third Brigade (colored), Ames Division, commanded by Got. Ed- ward N. Ilatlowelt, Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Infantry. March 9.Col. A. S. Hartwell, commanding Fifty-fifth Massachu- setts Volunteers, with five companies of his regiment, reported to Col. William B. Barton, Forty-eighth New York Volunteers, coni- manding brigade. They proceeded with the expedition to Palatka; one company of the Fifty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers remained in Jacksonville, and was detailed as garrison to Redoubt Fribley. The two remaining companies of the regiment proceeded to Yellow Bluff, Fla., and reported to Lieut. Col. C. B. Fox, Fifty-fifth Massa- chusetts Volunteers, commanding post, who was then in command of two companies of the same regiment. Montgomerys Brigade, commanded by Got. James Montgomery, Thirty-fourth U. S. Colored Troops. The regiment commanded by Col. James Montgomery, formerly known as the Second South Carolina Volunteers, by a special order from the War Department, was changed to the Thirty-fourth U. S. Colored Troops. The fragment of a regiment commanded by Lient. Col. Augustus G. Bennett, and known as the Third South Carolina Volunteers, and the fragment of a regiment commanded by Col. M. S. Littlefield, by a special order from the War Department, were consolidated and called the Twenty-first Regiment U. S. Colored Troops Page 35 C~. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 35 March 30. The colonel commanding brigade received orders to proceed to Palatka, Fla. ; transportation was furnished for but one regiment; in the evening the Thirty-fourth U. S. Colored Troops broke camp and embarked on board transports and reached Palatka, Fla., on the morning of the 31st. APRIL, 1864. Tenth Army Corps, commanded by 4liaj. Gen. Quincy A. Gilimore. The corps left the Department of the South, in detachments, dur- ing the month for rendezvous at Gloucester Point, Va. JUNE, 1864. District of Florida, commanded by Brig. Gen. William Birney. June 1.Troops of the district, commanded by Brig. Gen. George H. Gordon (temporarily organized in two brigades, under Colonels Noble and Shaw), made an expeditioii from Jacksonville, and routed the rebels from Camp Milton by a brilliant flank movement, which rendered their strong intrenchments useless for defensive opera- tions. The enemy fled precipitately. June 3.Expedition returned to Jacksonville after destroying with fire the enemys extensive and imposing line of fortifications in front of Jacksonville. JULY, 1864. District of Florida, commanded by Brig. Gen. William Birney. General Birney, with the Seventh and four companies of the Thirty-fifth U. S. Colored Troops, absent on expedition in South Carolina until the 10th of the month. During the generals absence the district was commanded by Colonel Noble, Seventeenth Connecti- cut Volunteers. The enemy having established a camp on Trout Creek, in close proximity to Yellow Bluff, endangering the forces at that point, also the navigation of the river, the troops at Jackson- ville, led by General Birney in person, moved to meet them July 15. The rebels fled without fighting. Three days were occupied in the pursuit, destroying the corn fields and torpedo manufactories, and tearing up railroads, telegraph, & c., betweeii Trout Creek and Nas- sau River. At the latter point a valuable saw-mill was seized. July 23.An expedition under Brigadier-General Birney (com- posed of the Seventeenth Connecticut Volunteers, Seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteers, Seventh, Eighth, and Thirty-fifth U. S. Colored Troops, Battery A, Third Rhode Island Artillery, and two companies of the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry) left post at Jacksonville, and dis- embarking at the mouth of Black Creek in the night, marched to and took Baldwin. This was accomplished without serious opposi- tion. A few of the enemy were surprised at Baldwin and made prisoners. July 30.Palatka was occupied by three companies of the Seven- teenth Connecticut Volunteers, commanded by Capt. William L. Hubbell, of the same regiment. Before the troops landed a shell was thrown into the town from the gun-boat Hale, and directly after 2 or 3 rebel pickets were observed to leave the place Page 36 36 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. District of Beaufort, commanded by Brig. Gen. Edward E. Potter. Since the last monthly return the following-named regiments, Fifty-sixth New York State Volunteers, Twenty-sixth U. S. Colored Troops, Ninth U. S. Colored Troops, Thirty-fourth U. S. Colored Troops, and Battery F, Third New York Artillery, have been engaged in action with the enemy on Johns and James Islands, S. C. These organizations were absent from Beaufort, S. C., from June 30 to July 10, during which time they were occupied in a reconnais- sance, the object of which was successfully attained with small loss of life. Morris Island, S. C., commanded by Cot. William Gurney, One hundred and Twenty-seventh New Yorl& Infantry. July 1.Battery B, Third New York Artillery, the Fifty-fourth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, and Twenty-first U. S. Colored Troops left the post to join an expedition against James Island, un- der command of Brigadier-General Schimmelfennig. These troops returned July 11. The casualties during their absence were as fol- lows: In the Twenty-first U. S. Colored Troops, 20 enlisted men lost by drowning. A boat accidentally upset in Stono River. In the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers, 1 man died of sunstroke. July 2.In the night an assault from boats was made upon the enemys works at Johnsons Point, James Island. The forces en- gaged were the Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, under com- ~mand of Colonel Hoyt; the One hundred and twenty-seventh New York Volunteers, under Major Little, and a detachment of 60 men from the Third Rhode Island Heavy Artillery. Being opened upon by a heavy fire of both artillery and musketry, a small force only effected a landing, nearly all of whom were captured by the enemy. The boats returned under a heavy fire from the batteries of James and Sullivans Islands. The casualties were as follows: Killed, 1 enlisted man, Third Rhode Island Heavy Artillery; wounded, 2 en- listed men, One hundred and twenty-seventh New York Volunteers; missing, 6 officers and 134 men of Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volun- teers, and 1 man of Signal Corps. AUGUST, 1864. District of Florida, commanded by Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch. August 3.Palatka abandoned; troops transferred to Picolata, A skirmish at Palatka previous to its abandonment resulted in the capture of 1 officer and 7 enlisted men of the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry. August 4.Brig. Gen. William Birney relieved from command of the district by General Hatch. August 4 and 6.Command re-enforced by the arrival of the Thirty-fourth and One hundred and second Regiments U. S. Colored Troops and the One hundred and fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers from Hilton Head. August 6.General Birney left the district, taking with him the Seventh and Eighth Regiments U. S. Colored Troops. August 15.Baldwin burned and abandoned. The mounted por- tion of the forces there, consisting of the Seventy-fifth Ohio Page 37 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 37 Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry, and one section of Light Battery A, Third Rhode Island Artillery, all in command of Colonel Harris, Seventy-fifth Ohio, started same day on an expedition. Moved southward through New River and Alachna Counties, arriving at Gainesville August 17, where a severe engagement took place, with heavy loss to our side. Colonel Harris, with the remnant of his command, cut his way out of Gainesville and retreated, fighting, towards Magnolia, on the Saint Johns River, which place he reached August 18. Colonel Noble, Seventeenth connecticut, who left Bald- win August 15, with an infantry column composed of the Thirty- fourth, Thirty-fifth, and One hundred and second U. S. Colored Troops, reached Magnolia on the evening of August 19, bringing in about 75 contrabands, some horses, wagons, and other captured property, not having encountered any of the enemys forces. SEPTEMBER, 1864. District of Florida, commanded by Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch. September 24.A slight skirmish near Magnolia between 12 of the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry,under Captain Staples, and, a por- tion of the rebel Captain Dickisons command; no casualties. The troops at Magnolia, under direction of the engineer depart- ment, were employed during the greater part of the month in erect- ing earth-works and preparing their position for defense. Company A, Third Rhode Island Artillery, Capt. William H. Hamner, was relieved from duty in District of Florida by Company F, Third New York Artillery. September 28.All the available troops of the Seventy-fifth Ohio Mounted Infantry, Col. Andrew L. Harris, also portions of the Sev- enteenth Connecticut Volunteers and Thirty-fourth U. S. Colored Troops, left camp on an expedition to the vicinity of Enterprise, Volusia County. The expedition commanded by Col. William H. Noble, Seventeenth Connecticut Volunteers, not yet returned. The regiments and detachments stationed at the several posts of the district engaged during the month in improving their drill, equipment, means of defense, and general effiGiency. District of West Florida and South Alabama, lila]. Gen. Gordon Granger. September 16.A force of 700 cavalry and infantry, niounted, left Barrancas, under command of General Asboth, on an expedition into the west part of Florida. They penetrated as far as Marianna, where they met and repulsed, after a sharp fight, a rebel force under Colonel Montgomery, capturing him and 80 of his men, 200 horses and mules, 100 stand of arms, several wagons, 400 cattle, and 600 contrabands, all of which were brought safely within our lines. Our loss was 39 killed, wounded, and missing. Brigadier-General Asboth was severely wounded, but retained command until the close of the expedition. Major Cutler and Lieutenant Adams, with sev- eral enlisted men of the Second Maine Cavalry, were badly wounded and left at Marianna. Captain Young, Seventh Vermont Volun- teers, and Lieutenant Ayer, Second Maine Cavalry, were killed. The losses are not reported on this return, as no official reports were received from the regiments in season Page 38 38 S. C., FLA., AM) ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. OCTOBER, 1864. District of Florida (or Fourth Brigade), commanded by Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch. October 48.The expedition to Enterprise, Volusia County, in com- mand of Colonel Noble (started from Jacksonville and Magnolia September 29th and 30th), returned safely to camp; no casualties; 29 prisoners (civilians and soldiers) taken and about 30 horses and mules. October 1115.Detachments from regiments stationed at Jack- sonville were sent up the St. Johns River to Orange Mills to get oranges. Over 300 barrels were obtained, a part distributed to the troops in the district, and the remainder shipped to Hilton Head. Maj. Gen. John G. Foster, the department commander, visited the district on the 13th; left the 15th. October 17, 18.Lieutenant-Colonel Marple, of Thirty-fourth U. S. Colored Troops, commanding U. S. forces at Magnolia, East Florida, made a raid into the country about Cedar Creek and secured and drove into Magnolia 150 head of fine beef-cattle. October 24.Two companies of the Fourth Massachusetts Cav- alry, led by Lieutenant-Colonel Marple, Thirty-fourth U. S. Colored Troops, met the enemy at Gum Creek, 8 miles from Magnolia; fought him one hour, then retreated with loss of 3 men killed and several wounded and captured; 40 horses were killed. The strength of the U. S. contending force was about 50; that of the enemy nearly 400. Our loss in killed, wounded, and captured was 29. District of West Florida, commanded by Brig. Gen. Alexander Asboth. October 18.A detachment of 200 men and o~ie section of First Florida Battery, under Lieutenant-Colonel Spurling, were sent up Escambia Bay on the steamer Planter to collect logs. While thus engaged they were attacked by the rebels, about 300 strong, who were repulsed after one hours heavy skirmishing, and the expedi- tion returned with 140 pine logs, having lost 2 men; rebels lost 4 killed or mortally wQunded. October 19.About the same number under Lieutenant-Colonel Spurling were sent up Escambia Bay to collect bricks. Returned the same day with 10,000 without having been molested. October 25.Another detachment, under same commander, was sent for bricks, with the same result. October 31.A force of 700 men, under Lieutenant-Colonel Spur- ling, left on steamers Planter and Lizzie Davis for same point up Escambia Bay. Proceeded as far as Milton; encountered and badly whipped a cavalry and militia force of the rebels, capturing several prisoners, killing and wounding quite a number, and capturing some horses and mules, quite a large amount of quartermasters and com- missary stores, ordnance and ordnance stores, and a large amount of different kinds of lumber, among which was 85,000 feet of long lumber. No casualties on our side. Very much credit is due Lieu- tenant-Colonel Spurling for the energy and ability he has shown, and the care and foresight which have enabled him to accomjplish successfully such important (to us) results. He has the confidence of his officers and men, and they do not hesitate to go where he leads, and he is never behind Page 39 39 CHAP. XLVIII OI~RATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. NOVEMBER, 1864. District of Florida, commanded by Brig. Gem. E. Parker Scammon. November 17.Seventy-~fth Ohio Volunteers transferred from Empire Mills to Jacksonville; the regiment dismounted and the horses shipped to Hilton Head; post of Magnolia abandoned on the 4th; the Thirty-fourth Regiment U. S. Colored Troops transferred from that post to Jacksonville. November 14.Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch, U. S. Volunteers, re- lieved from command of the district by Brig. Gen. E. P. Scainmon, U. S. Volunteers. No. 4. Report of MoJ. John U Gray, jr., Judge-Advocate, Department of the South, of investigation relative to assault on Fort Johnson and Battery Simkins. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., October 29, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECI(, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: II have the honor to inclose herewith a copy of the report of the investigation into the cause of the failure of the attack on Forts Johnson and Simkins, James Island, S. C., on the night of July 2, 1864. In explanation of the reason for the delay in trans- mitting this report I would respectfully state that it was in conse- quence of the long illness of Brigadier-General Schimmelfennig, who made the entire examination himself, examining not, only the officers, but the enlisted men, but who in consequence of ill health could not make up the report. The present report, made by Major Gray, judge-advocate, though much condensed, is very clear and dis- tinct, and Ii think covers all the points. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., October 26, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER Asst. Adjt. Gem.; Dept. of the South: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the accompanying report of the attack on Forts Johnson and Simkins on the night of July 2, 1864. Brigadier-General Schimmelfennig, U. S. Volunteers, was ordered to make a report on this subject, but went North ~n sick leave before doing so, and the large mass of evidence which he had collected was referred to me, by order of the major-general com- manding the departmeni, for investigation and report. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN C. GRAY, JR., Major and Judge-Advocate Page 40 40 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST.* [CHAP. XLVII. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, October 26, 1864. Report of the attack on Forts Johnson and Simkins, James island, S. C., on the night of July 2, 1864: On the evening of July 2, 1864, the Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Hoyt, and the One hundred and twenty- seventh New York Volunteer Infantry, Major Little, were sent on an expedition from Morris Island to James Island. Three detach- ments of 20 men each from the Third Rhode Island Volunteer Ar- tillery accompanied them, two attached to the Fifty-second Penn- sylvania and one to the One hundred and twenty-seventh New York. The men embarked immediately after dark and proceeded to Paines Dock. The low stage of the tide caused the boats to run agronud, producing some delay. The boats started from Paine~ s Dock in single file, the Fifty-second Pennsylvania leading. They were to cross the harbor till opposite the beach between Siinkins and Johnson; then each boats crew was to turn to the left, Bill vigor- ously to land, and assault with the bayonet, the Fifty-second Penn- sylvania attacking Fort JDhnson, the One hundred and twenty- seventh New York Fort Simkins. Clear and precise instructions were given to all concerned. The only signal of retreat was to be sounded on a bugle in possession of Colonel Hoyt. The time of leaving Paines Dock was about 2 a. m. Some of the boats were pontoons, some metallic boats; a few leaked, but the great majority were in good condition, and the failure cannot be attributed to any dqfect in the means of transportation. Perhaps as much cannot be said for the skill of the boatmen. If the boats had been steered and rowed by seamen, much of the grounding and fouling which delayed the progress of th& expedition and furnished an excuse to the faint-hearted for not pushing vigorously on might have been avoided. The pilot, Sergeant Bennett, One hundred and twenty-seventh New York, failed to find the passage through the bar near Fort Johnson; he seems to have lost his lead. Colonel Hoyt declares himself unable to decide whether this man was merely ignorant or was guilty of willful misconduct. Colonel Hoyt and Lieutenant-Colonel Conyngham, Fifty-second Pennsylvania, by their personal exertion, succeeded in finding a narrow channel through the bar and close to the shore. They passed through, but it was now about daybreak, and the enemy, discovering them, opened a heavy fire, which, however, was almost entirely harmless, passing far overhead. The boats commanded by Colonel Hoyt, Lieutenant-Colonel Con- yngham, Captain Camp, Lieutenant Stevens, and Lieutenant Evans, all of the Fifty-second Pennsylvania, rowed rapidly to the shore, and these officers, with Adjutant Bunyan (afterward killed) and 135 men, landed, took a water battery, and pushed toward Fort Johnson. This work they were not able to carry, and, being deserted by their comrades, were obliged to surrender to a force of the enemy esti- mated by Colonel Hoyt at 150 when the attack commenced and 300 at the time of his surrender. Colonel Hoyt bestows unqualified praise on the officers and men who landed with him, of whom 7 were killed and 16 wounded. Col- onel Hoyt himself deserves great credit for his energy in hurrying on the boats, and bringing them through a narrow passage in the bar when the pilot had failed Page 41 XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN ChARLESTON IIAR]30R, ETC. 41 It might have been better, as shown by results, if Colonel Hoyt had remained in immediate command of the second division of his regiment, which he at starting took under 14s charge, and in which and in the third division the retreat commenced; he might have stopped the confusion and retreat; but his error, if any, in landing at the head of his regiment was certainly a pardonable one, and a natural consequence of his inherent gallantry. At the time of Colonel Hoyts landing great confusion existed in the second and third divisions of the Fifty-second Pennsylvania Regiment (each regiment had three divisions), and a retreat com- menced. It is impossible to discover which boats first led off the disgracefnl movement. The occupants of each declare that they saw others retreating before they themselves turned ; the second and third divisions of the Fifty-second Pennsylvania falling back in confusion. The One hundred and twenty-seventh New York shared the general movement, and retreated also. The whole expedition returned to Morris Island. Colonel Gurney, One hundred and twenty-seventh New York, commanding post of Morris Island, who was charged with sending the expedition, did not accompany it, but remained at Paines Dock. There seems no sufficient reason for this conduct. The expedition was a highly important one, comprising a considerable part of the force on Morris Island, and there was no danger of an~ attack on the island during its absence. The presence of a commanding officer when the landing was effected would undoubtedly have been of great service in preventing the retreat. Colonel Gurney certainly committed at least a great error of judgment. The chief cause of failure was the want of dash, energy, and au- thority on the part of the subordinate officers. In an expedition of this kind, the officers commanding boats must exercise in great measure an independent authority, while at the same time they haye the men entirely under their control. It is upon them that the main responsibility must rest, and the evidence shows that many of theni were totally unequal to this occasion. Among those who seem to have been most wanting in decision and power of command were Major Jayne, Captain Weed, and Lieutenants Farr, Moses, and Hollingsworth, of the Fifty-second Peunsytvania, and the con- fusion in the boats could only have arisen from a very lax state of discipline in this regiment. The One hundred and twenty-seventh New York Regiment is less culpable than the Fifty-second Pennsylvania, inasmuch as they fol- lowed instead of leadino~ in the retreat, and they showed more cool- ness and discipline; still they are gravely in fault for not obeying the peremptory orders of their commanding officer, Major Little (who seems to have done everything in his power), to land. From this censure must be excepted Captain Henry, Captain Little, and Lieutenants Little and Abercrombie, who brought their boats to the shore and landed. Captain Weston, too, deserves favorable men- tion. The officers and men of the Third Rhode Island Artillery behaved well. The expedition was well planned, and notwithstanding hinderances and delays would have succeeded had it not been for the absence of the commanding officer and the want of spirit and energy on the part of many of his subordinates. JOHN C. GRAY, JR., Major and Judge-Advocate Page 42 42 S. C., FLA., ANP ON TIW GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. No. 5. Reports of Qapt. Henry R. Glum, Chief Signal Officer, of operations February ~5-March 31 and May 1-July 31. HDQRS. SIGNAL DETACHMENT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., February 29, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the con- dition of the signal detachment in the Department of the South, and of its operations from 5th instant to the date hereof: I found on my arrival at this place an expedition about starting for Florida. Four commissioned officers and 15 enlisted men of the signal corps accompanied it3 commissioned officers and 12 en- listed men with General Seymour, who was in command of the expedition, and 1 commissioned officer and 3 enlisted men with Gen- eral Gillmore, who accompanied the expedition as far as Jackson- ville, Fla. The remaining commissioned officers and enlisted men in the detachment were stationed at these headquarters on the U. S. steamer Vermont, on the signal line between this place and Folly Island, and on outposts on Morris, Long, and Black Islands. On the 8th instant, an expedition under General Schimmelfennig, to Johns Island, S. C., was accompanied by Lieutenants Andrews, Bruyn, and Head, with their fiagmen. The accompanying plan,* copy of the one forwarded by Lientenant Andrews with his report of operations, will show the locations of the stations established. The station on Botany Bay Island is one of the stations on line between this place and Folly Island, and communicates with station on Kiawah Island and thence to Folly Island. Lieutenant Head was stationed at Station No. 1, on plan; Lieutenant Andrews at Station No. 2, and Lieutenant Bruyn at Station No. 3. But little signaling was done. At place marked battle-field on plan some artillery firing took place, our forces retiring and finally returning with no other engagement. While at or near Haulover Cut, a book was found containing copies of messages that had been transmitted over the line between this place and Folly Island. The messages had been read from Botany Bay station by a man belonging to the rebel signal corps. No messages of importance or froni which the enemy could derive any information was found in the book. The officers in this detach- ment, I understand, had been instructed to send all important mes- sages in cipher. I have since given instructions to transmit. all official messages in cipher. Immediately after learning the enemy had been reading onr signals, a number of false messages were, at the suggestion of Lieutenant Andrews, transmitted by order of the commanding general through to Botany Bay station, in order to mislead the enemy, should any one be in position to r.ead them. The expedition returning soon after the messages were transmitted, their effect was not ascertained. On the 115th instant, by order of the general commanding Depart- ment of the South, the signal line between Hilton Head and Folly Island was discontinued, it being, in his opinion, of not sufficient importance to warrant its being kept open, and, in accordance with instructions from department headquarters, the officers and enlist.ed men on Saint Helena, Otter, Big Bay, and Botany Bay Islands were ordered to report at these headquarters. On same day I placed *Not found Page 43 CRAP. XLVIII OPERATIONS IN CnAIRLESTON IIARI3OR, ETC. Lient. W. S. Andrews in charge of the signal detachments in the Northern District, Department of the South. His command at pres- ent consists of 4 commissioned officers and 24 enlisted men. On the 17th instant, a station was opened at Lands End, Saint Helena Island, to commnnicate with station at this place. Lient. Charles F. Cross was placed in charge of the station, having with him Lient. 0. B. Ireland and 10 enlisted men. This station will be of but little use, bnt the officers and men will be near at hand in case of any emergency. On the 19th instant, Lieutenants Cross and Ireland, with 6 enlisted men, accompanied an expedition under Colonel Howell to White- marsh Island, near Savannah, Ga. No occasion offered for using signals, as the expedition was recalled just as our troops were land~ ing. I have not, as yet, received reports from the officers in Florida. I am, however, advised by letters from Captain Dana, who is in charge of the signal detachment in the District of Florida, that, with the exception of communication by signals between the land and naval forces at Jacksonville, no work has been done by his detach- ment. The country through which our forces marched, and in which the late battle was fought, is perfectly level and thickly wooded, rendering it impossible to signal. A rebel signal code was found by Captain Dana at a place called Baldwin. It is the same, or nearly so, as the one discovered, I thiiik, by Captains Marston and Thickstun, with the Army of the Poto- mac. At the request of Captain Dana, I inclose a copy of the code* herewith. On the 20th instant, Lient. George A. Fisher, with 20 enlisted men of the Signal Corps, U. S. Army, arrived from Signal Camp of Instruction, Georgetown, D. C., and reported for duty. All the enlisted men in this detachment who desire to be examined with a view to transfer to the Signal Corps, U. S. Army, have been examined, with the exception of 2 who are sick in hospital. During the month 19 enlisted men who have either declined or failed to pass the prescribed examination for enlisted men have been returned to their regimemits. One of these men was, in fact, re- turned in the month of January, but I think no notice of it was made on any return for that month. There are 4 enlisted men yet remaining, who should be returned to their regiments; they are, however, on detached service with the U. S. military telegraphs. Nothing further worthy of note has transpired during the month. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. R. CLUM, captain and. Chief Signal Officer, Dept. of the South. Maj. W. J. L. NIcODEMUS, In charge Signal Bureau, Washington, D. C. HDQRS. SIGNAL DETACHMENT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., ]Iiliarch 31, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the opera- tions of the signal detachment in the Department of the South for the month ending this day, and of its present coAdition: In the Northern District the stations are as follows: One at Stono, * Not found Page 44 44 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. on Folly Island, and one on Kiawah Island; these two are flag stations. On Morris Island is a lookout station at lookout tower, and another at left battery. On Black Island is another station, and on Long Island another. The stations at left battery, Black Island, and Long Island communicate with station at lookout tower by means of preconcerted signals. On the 9th instant, an expedition. under Colonel Gurney, One hun- dred and twenty-seventh New York Volunteers, from Folly Islan& to Bulls Island, a place some 35 or 40 miles up the coast from Folly Island, was accompanied by Lieutenants Clemens and Arnsden, with their flagmen. No engagement took place, the object of the expedi- tion being simply to attract the attention of the enemy. Some 15 or 20 messages were sent. The expedition returned to Fol]y Island on the 11th instant. In the District of Florida, two stations have been opened, one at Yellow Bluff, about 7 miles from Jacksonville in air line; the other at the pilot-house at the mouth of Saint Johns River, distant about 7~ miles from Yellow Bluff in air line. At Yellow Bluff a tower has been built 90 feet high, another on a church at Jacksonville, 85 feet high from the ground. Communication between Yellow Bluff and the pilot-house is perfect. Between Yellow Bluff and Jackson- ville it has not yet been opened, owing to the tower at Jacksonville not being high enough. Another tower is being built at that place, and when completed I think the communication will be perfect on the whole line from Jacksonville to the mouth of the river. At Yellow Bluff we have a force stationed; it is the only important point on the river be- tween Jacksonville and the mouth of the river, being the only place the enemy could station a battery with which to annoy our trans- ports. It is an isolated post hud some 15 miles from Jacksonville by way of the river. Communication is had between gun-boats on the river and the stations at Yellow Bluff and pilot-house by means of preconcerted signals. No change of station has been made in the Southern District since my last report. The detachment at present is distributed as follows: In the Northern District, 4 commissioned officers and 28 enlisted men; in the District of Florida, 7 commissioned officers and 30 en- listed men; in the Southern District, 7 commissioned officers and 22 enlisted men. On leave of absence, 1 commissioned officer; on - furlough, 20 enlisted men; and on detached duty with the U. S. military telegraphs, 12 enlisted men. Twenty-six enlisted men have re-eiilisted, 19 of whom have received furloughs for thirty-five days and have left the department. Second Lieut. John M. Head, Third New Hampshire Volunteers, acting signal officer, has been honor- ably discharged the service by paragraph 1, Special Orders, No. 122, dated headquarters Department of the South, Hilton Head, S. C., March 24, 1864. During the month the enlisted men have been armed with pistols. The detachment not being mounted, the sabers in the hands of the enlisted men have been turned in to the acting ordnance officer of the detachment. All Government property in the hands of the several officers in the detachment has been turned over to the act- ing quartermaster of the detachment. Nearly all the surplus articles amid equipments which have been carried around by th Page 45 Ca~p. XLVII.] OPERATWNS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 45 officers of the detachment have been collected, and the officers now or soon will have such equipments only as are needed in the performance of their duties. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. R. CLUM, Captain and Chief Signal Qificer, Dept. of the South. Maj. W. J. L. NICODEMUS, In charge Signal Bureau, Washington, D. C. HDQRs. SIGNAL DETACHMENT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head S. C., May 31, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the con- dition of the signal detachment in ~the Department of the South, and of its operations during the month ending this day: The station at Pilot Town, mouth of Saint Johns River, Fla., has been closed by direction of General Birney, then commanding in that district. The station had been used only to report vessels com- ing in or going out the river. We have no troops stationed at Pilot Town, and it had not been of much service. At the station at Yel- low Bluff, vessels can be discovered as soon as they enter the month of the river; consequently the arrival at the mouth of the river of any vessels is known at Jacksonville as soon as it was when the sta- tion at Pilot Town was open. With this one exception the stations remain the same as last month. Previous to the 2~d instant no active operations had taken place in this department. On that day a reconnaissance was made on James Island, in the Northern District. Some of the enemys rifle- pits were taken by our troops, but the enemy having been re-en- forced, our troops were obliged to withdraw from the island. Lieu- tenant Andrews, at the time, was absent by order of the general commanding the district. Lient. C. Roberts, jr., however, with the assistance of Sergeants Colvin and Parsons, rendered good service. The accompanying map showing the tract of country in which the stations were located, and which was forwarded by Lieutenant Roberts with his report, shows the stations that were opened. Lieutenant Roberts was at the white house, Station No. 1 on map, on Folly Island, at which place General Schiinmelfennig had his headquarters. Sergeant Parsons was at Station No. 2, on Coles Isl- and, and Sergeant Colvin at Station No. 3, on Long Island. Quite a number of important messages were transmitted. The general commanding being on Folly Island during the whole time, his com- munication with the front was had wholly by means of signals. On the 25th instant, an expedition under General Birney left Hilton Head for the purj~ose of destroying the Jacksonborough bridge and some of the railroad between Charleston and Savannah. Lieuten- ants Fisher and Carrique accompanied the expedition as signal offi- cers. Two of the transports by mistake went up the wrong river. One of them, loaded with troops and horses, got aground, was rid- dled by a rebel battery, and, to prevent her falling into the hands of the enemy, was burned. The expedition then returned to Hilton Head, not having accomplished its object. The only signaling that *Not found Page 46 46 5. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. was, done was in keeping up communications between the vessels. No other occasion offered, owing to the failnre of the expedition. All the enlisted men in this detachment who have been reported absent without leave have returned, and, by special orders from department headquarters, have been restored to duty without trial, they having given satisfactory reasons for their absence. The stations now open are all, in good working order. The offi- cers and men are supplied with everything necessary to enable them to perform their duties with dispatch. A few good telescopes and marine glasses are needed. The necessary requisition for the same has been made, and when received, the detachment will be well equipped in every respect. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. R. CLUM, Captain and Chief Signal Officer, Dept. of the South. Maj. W. J. L. NICODEMUS, In charge Signal Bureau, Washington, P. C. HDQRS. SIGNAL DETACHMENT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., June 30, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the con- dition of the signal detachment in the Department of the South, and of its operations for the month ending this day: There have been no active operations in this department during the month, and consequently all the work the detachment has been called upon to perform was to keep open the stations already in operation. The station at Pilot Town, mouth of Saint Johns River Fla., has been reopened by order of General Gordon, who at the time was commanding in that district. Two stations have been closed and two opened in the Northern District, on which precon- certed signals only were used. With these exceptions there has been no change in stations. Abont the 1st of the month Sergt. John D. Colvin was stationed at Fort Strong, on Morris Island, with the several codes heretofore used by the rebels, for the purpose of reading the enemys signals if possible. If not successful he was to take down the numbers for the purpose of deciphering them. For nearly two weeks nothing could be made out of their signals, but by persevering he finally succeeded in learning their codes, a copy of which was forwarded you on the 14th instant. Sergeant Colvin is still at Fort Strong, with instructions to telegraph all messages read by him to General Schimnielfennig, who is commanding in that district. Messages have been read by him from Beach Inlet, Battery Bee, and Fort Johnson. Lieutenant Roberts reports that the sergeant has also succeeded in deciphering all but three or four of the letters of the cipher as used by the enemy. All the old, worn-out, unserviceable, and surplus stores and equipments have been shipped, in accordance with your instructions, to Capt. Joseph H. Spencer, Signal Corps, U. S. Army, at Washington, D. C. I have to report Lieut. George Stroop as absent without leave since the 27th instant, at which tilne his leave expired; also the death of Private Norman F. Whitmore, who died in hospital at Jacksonville, Fla., on the 9th instant, o Page 47 47 Ci~. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. chronic diarrhea. I have this day received instructions to have some officers and enlisted men ready to accompany an expedition that leaves this place to-morrow, destination nnknown. Nothing further of importance has transpired since my last report. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. R. CLUM, Captain and Chief Signal Officer, Dept. of the South. Maj. W. J. L. NICODEMUS, In charge Signal Bureau, Washington, D. C. HEADQUARTERS SIGNAL DETACHMENT, Hilton Head, S. C., July 20, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to snbmit the following report of the dnty performed by the signal detachment in this department during the expedition which left Hilton Head on the 1st instant: In accordance with instructions from department headquarters the following assignment of signal officers, with their flagmen, was made, namely: Lient. Paul Brodie to Brig. Gen. J. P. Hatch, LieuL George A. Fisher to Brig. Gen. William Birney, and Lieut. Thomas H. Carrique to Brig. Gen. R. Saxton. By like instructions I accom~ panied the major-general commanding. Lieut. Charles Roberts, jr., was at the time on duty with Brigadier-General Schimmelfennig. The expedition left Hilton Head on the afternoon of the 1st, about dusk, arrived off the mouth of the North Edisto River about 1 a. m. of the 2d, and as soon as it was light proceeded up the river to Sea- brook Island, where the troops under General Hatch were disem- barked. The balance, under the command of General Birney, re- mained on shipboard till near night, and then proceeded up the river to White Point and disembarked. On the morning of the 3d, General Birney advanced inland, skirmishing with the enemy for a distance of about 5 miles, when he found a deep creek about 10 rod~ wide, the bridge torn up, and the only crossing commanded by a six-gun battery. The general commanding in the mean time had proceeded up the Dawho River in the revenue cutter Nemaha, ac- companied by the gun-boat Geranium and armed transport Croton On arriving abreast General Birneys command the enemy opened fire on the vessels. The fire was returned by the vessels, and kept up for nearly two hours. General Birney, finding the enemys posi- tion too strong to assault with the troops in his command, advised the withdrawal of the troops from that point, which was done under cover of the succeeding night, and, embarking on transports, pro- ceeded next morning, July 4, up the Stono River to James Island, where they were landed a short distance above Legareville. The general commanding had the night before proceeded tip the Stono River a short distance above that point. General Hatch in the mean time had crossed from Seabrook Island to Johns Island, and on the 4th had arrived within a short distance of the Stono River. General Schimmelfennig had also made an attack on James Island, and on the 4th held his position on that island, with his headquarters about 1-~ miles from Stono River. Up to this time communication by signals was had between the different generalsat the time the expedition left Hilton Head, while lying off the mouth of the North Edisto River, while the troops were landing on Seabrook Island, at the landing of General Birney at White Point, during the engagement up the Dawho River Page 48 48 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. while General Birney was diseinbarking on James Island, and with Admiral Dahigren in Stono River. Communication was also opened on the 4th between Foster and General Schimmelfennig. From the 4th until the 10th instant, at which time the expedition, or a portion of it, returned to Hilton Head, communication was had almost constant]y between the land and naval forces and between the different generals. Stations were opened on land at the following-named points: At the white house and Legareville, on Johns Island; at General Schimmelfennigs headquarters, and the advanced position of our troops on James Island on the 2d instant; at the battery on Coles Island, at the battery on Long Island, and at the white house on Folly Island. The accompanying map* will show the location of the different stations and lines of communication on land and a por- tion of those on the different vessels. Several of these stations were more or less under fire. The one marked A on the map was during all the time it was open subjected to a very severe fire. Sergt. W. Eddy, who was in charge of it, showed great courage and coolness by remaining at his station, sending and receiving messages until our troops withdrew from that portion of the island. I have to report 1 enlisted man, Private T. F. Rymer, who par- ticipated in the assault on Fort Johnson on the morning of the 3d, as missing since that time. Private Rymer was sent by Colonel Gurney (without the knowledge of the chief signal officer in the Northern District) for the purpose of making signals of success or failure with the countersign lights. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. R. CLUM, Captain and Chief Signal Officer, Dept. of the South. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. SIGNAL DETACHMENT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., July 31, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the con- dition of the signal detachment in the Department of the South, and of the work performed by it for the month ending this day: From the 1st until the 10th of the month all the officers and men, with the exception of those in the District of Florida, were with the expedition to James and Johns Islands. The work performed by the detachment during the expedition was considerable and of good service to the different commanding officers in the expedition. For the particulars I would refer you to the copy of my reportt to the commanding general of the department, forwarded on the 23d in- stant. - An expedition under General Birney left Jacksonville, Fla., on the 23d instant. Lieutenants Vidal and Hatfield accom- panied it. The result I have not learned, not having as yet received any reports from those officers. Judging from the nature of the country in that portion of the State, I think but little, if any, signal- ing could be done. No other active operations have taken place in this department since my last report. The same lines that were open and in work- ing order during the month of June last have been in operation *Not found. f See p. 47 Page 49 Ciw~. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 49 during the present month. One outpost station has been tempora- rily closed. No other change of permanent stations has taken place. During the month Sergt. J. D. Colvin has succeeded in deciphering another code used by the rebels around Charleston. This code is used in transmitting all messages of importance. He is now read- ing all the rebel messages transmitted within view of Fort Strong. The information thus gained from the enemy is frequently of great importance; so much so, that General Foster has recommended Ser- geant Colvin for promotion for the services rendered by him in that particular. The resignation of Lieut. W. S. Andrews and the removal of Lieut. Paul Brodie from this detachment will leave too few signal officers in this department. I think if two second lieutenants could be ordered here the detachment would be sufficiently large to per- form all the work required of it. As it now is, so long as no active operations take place the detachment is large enough, but at other times there are not a sufficient number of officers. The signal equip- ments that were shipped for this place in May last have not yet been received. Lieutenant Fisher has written to the quartermaster in New York in reference to them; still nothing has been heard either from the quartermaster or equipments. The glasses are very much needed. When these equipments are received the detachment will be well supplied with everything requisite to enable it to perform any duty required of it. On the 21st, th~ tower on Morris Island was blown down and Pri- vate P. C. Dick, who was on watch at the time, severely injured; the surgeons, however, think not seriously. The tower will be rebuilt at once. Private T. F. Rymer, who has been missing since the assault on Fort Johnson on the 3d instant, has not been heard from other than by an intercepted message from Fort Johnson to Charles- ton, transmitted soon after the assault. In the message it stated that one signal corps had been captured. Lieut. George Stroop, acting signal officer, returned to this department on the 15th in- stant and reported for duty, and Privates Burnell and Barrows on the 21st and reported for duty. There is but 1 enlisted man, Pri- vate T. A. Rhodes, at present absent on furlough. Nothing further of importance has transpired in this detach- ment since my last monthly report. H. R. CLUM, Captain and Chief Signal Officer, Dept. of the South. Lieut. Col. W. J. L. NIcODEMUS, In charge of Signal Bureau, Washington, D. C. No. 6. Report of Lieut. George A. Fisher, Signal Officer, of operations July 1-11. HEADQUARTERS SIGNAL CORPS, U. S. ARMY, Hilton Head, S. C., July 14, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of duty performed during the expedition which left Hilton Head July 1, 1864: In obedience to Special Orders, No. 17, headquarters Signal De- tachment, Department of the South, I reported to Brig. Gen. Will- 4 R RVOL xxxv, PT Page 50 50 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. jam Birney on board steamer N. P. Banks. We left Hilton Head soon after dark, accompanied by the steamers Canonicus and Mary A. Boardman, and proceeded out to sea past the light-ship, and fol- lowed the rest of the expedition, which had preceded us. After sail- ing in a southeasterly direction for thirty minutes all lights were extinguished, and we immediately shaped our course northwest and arrived off North Edisto about daylight morning of July 2. After crossing the bar we moved up the river and took a position near the rest of the fleet and anchored in the river, while the troops of Gen- eral Hatchs command were landing on Seabrook Island. The fol- lowing are messages transmitted and received: Captain MOORE: Have the troops taken off the steamer Mary A. Boardman and placed on some other boat immediately. BIRNEY, General. General BIRNEY: Will send the Edwin Lewis as soon as I can get her out. MOORE, General BIRNEY: Captain. There are gang-planks, spikes, hand-saws, axes, and hatchets on board Edwin Lewis. Shall I leave them for you? MOORE, Captain. General BIRNEY: I have five boats for you. How would you like them distributed? FOSTER, General. General FOSTER: I would like them here. At Rantowles bridge there is a fort with heavy guns. As General Hatch has no artillery to cover my assault, shall I attack the fort? BIRNEY, General. At high tide on the afternoon of July 2, General Birney gave or- ders for the steamer N. P. Banks, followed by steamers Canonicus and Edwin Lewis, to move up the river. As soon as we had got under way the gun-boats Dai Chiiig, Geranium, and U. S. Coast Survey steamer Vixen and revenue cutter Nemaha, with General Foster on board, passed us and proceeded up to White Point and took position to cover our lauding. The following are messages received and transmitted: General BIRNEY: Come up and laud troops. Anchor with the vessels as near the shore as possible and land troops. FOSTER, General. Rebel cavalry can be seen in woods ahead of Canonicus. How many? Only a picket station. General BIRNEY: Use all your boats in landing troops; those of the Canonicus also. FOSTER, General Page 51 CHAp. XLVII.I OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 51 Troops were all landed during the night, and ~dvanced a mile and at half to Legar6s plantation, where we remained until daylight, July 3, when we advanced, skirmishing with the enemys cavalry for about 5 miles, when they retreated across the bridge, taking it up behind them. Our lines were immediately advanced to the bank of the creek and attempt made to cross. I was ordered by General Birney to the left of the line to communicate with the fleet and Gen- eral Foster. The following are the messages received and trans- mitted: Anything to communicate? We have found a battery of rifled guns. We are trying to flank it. How is it going? General FOSTER: They have a squadron of cavalry, with a light battery, on the other side of deep creek; only approach commanded. We are trying to flank them. Your shells are bursting in our lines. Lengthen your fuses. Our whole force is on right side of road. Shall cross if possible. All bridges destroyed. Ammunition most gone for howitzers. Our skirmishers are as near as we can get. Two wounded. BIRNEY, General. General FOSTER: We have a boat and will cross creek as soon as possible. BIRNEY, General. General BIRNEY: Cross if possible. FOSTER, General. General FOSTER: I think I shall be ready to storm the battery by 10 oclock. Troops are thrown to the right seeking a place to cross. BIRNEY, General. General FOSTER: Crossing impossible, except directly in face of battery, six guns; creek 10 rods wide, mostly swamp; boats useless ; could not trust these troops to make the assault. We are on an island and cannot flank. Advise the withdrawal from this point. BIRNEY, General. General BIRNEY: Keep your present position and do all you can all day. You will withdraw under cover of the night. I will place the gun-boats to cover your embarkation. - FOSTER, General. We retained our position until after day, when the troops were silently withdrawn and were all embarked by 1 oclock a. in., July 4, and we moved from the river inside the bar. At daylight crossed the bar and proceeded to Stono River and moved up the river oppo- site James Island, July 4, 1864. General BIRNEY: Land your troops as fast as possible, using all your boats, and join General Schim- inelfennig. FOSTER, Qen~er~1 Page 52 52 5. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. tOHAP. XLVII. The troops were immediately landed on James Island and were placed in the second line of intrenchments. I proceeded to signal station at General Schimmelfennigs headquarters and assisted Lieutenant Roberts. On the 5th of July, I received orders from you to have com- munication opened with Lieutenant Carrique, with General Sax- ton, on Johns Island. On the 6th instant, I was relieved by Gen- eral Birney from signal duty, he haying been ordered to Florida. Being unable to report to you, as you had gone to Hilton Head with General Foster, I used every effort to open communication with the forces on Johns Island and with the fleet and general commanding. Every assistance was rendered me which I asked for, and I was thus enabled, by cutting down a large portion of the woods, to open com- munication with the forces on Johns Island and also with the fleet in Stono River. I remained with General Schiminelfennig until the evening of the 10th, when we evacuated James Island and proceeded to Folly Island, where I found Lieutenants Brodie and Carrique with their parties, waiting transportation to Hilton Head. I flume- diately took charge of their horses, & c., and they were enabled to proceed to Hilton Head on the 11th. Same night I obtained trans- portation for horses and men and reached Hilton Head morning of July 12, 1864. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GLO. A. FISHER, First Lieutenant, Signal Corps, U. S. Army. Capt. H. R. CLUM, Chief Signal Officer. No. 7. Reports of Brig. Gen. Alexander Schimmelfennig, U. S. Army, commanding Northern District, of operations April 28Septem- ber 2. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., May 5, 1864. CAPTAIN: Since the visit of Brigadier-General Hatch to this dis- trict (Thursday, April 28) nothing of importance has occurred. I have to report as follows: No prisoners have been made, no deserters come in. All the infor- mation received is from the outposts. On Sullivans Island small working parties appear from time to time as usual. A battalion has been seen drilling as heretofore. The batteries fired an occasional shot at Morris Island, and last night they opened from Sullivans and James Island, firing 20 or 25 shots, but without effect. Fort Sumter.The bombardment has been confined to shelling from our mortars at irregular intervals, and at the rate of about 4 an hour; occasionally by volleys from all the mortars. About one-half of the shells explode in or immediately over the fort. The result within the fort is not known, but the steamers have discon- tinuCd to ply between the city and ~umtQr at night, This firin Page 53 XLVII.1 OPI~RATIONS IN ChARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 53 has been ordered to prevent the enemy from carrying on the work of repair, which they have been doing to a considerable extent during the past month. In Charleston Harbor the enemy shows more life than usual. They maneuver with their rams in the rear of Castle Pinckney, in Cooper River, and practice with their guns. The firing into the city is continued at the rate of 2 or 3 shots in twenty-four hours, at irregular intervals and in different directions. On James Island, in front of Long Island, and Black Island, viz, the line from Johns Island to Secessionville, the enemy, it appears to me, has reduced his forces, or at least shows less than formerly. To ascertain the facts and find out the weak points, I have ordered the boat infantry to drive the enemys boats out of the creeks and marsh between the two lines. I have also ordered the commander of Morris Island to take possession of a block-house in that marsh about midway between the fort on Black Island and Secessionville, and the commander of the outposts on Long Island to advance a post three-fourths of a mile in front of his outpost, and three-fourths of a mile from Secessionville, on a strip of land in the marsh studded with high trees. Besides this I will adopt other measures. In front of Coles Island and on James Island the enemy shows his usual strength and thick, double line of outposts. I have ordered the commander of Folly Island to take possession of Battery Island and make a lodgment there. As regards Johns Island nothing has been done on our part, and we have no information of the enemy. Occasionally a shot has been fired from the gun-boats into Legareville, which has effectually prevented the enemy from re-establishing their pickets and lookouts there. On Kiawah Island I have taken the guns from the forts, armed the large fort with rockets, and reduced the garrison to an outpost of 40 men. As deserters of the Forty-first New York Volunteers had ~probably informed the enemy of these facts, their cavalry came up to our ontposts yesterday. I therefore shall remove the negroes from the Vanderhost farm to-day, under the protection of a party now follow- ing up the enemy on Kiawah Island. The command has been well supplied with rations, but no hay has been received for more than a fortnight, and the horses are now without it. The health of the troops in the district is good, with the exception of some of the col- ored regiments. From an investigation made, it appears to me that the surgeons excuse more men from duty than they should, and I have given the necessary orders in that respect. The Massachnsetts colored regiments are dissatisfied and difficult to manage, having received no pay for more than a year. I beg to call the generals attention to the fact that at this district about 500 men will have served out their time at the end of this or the beginning of next month. As will be seen by orders annexed, I have divided the district into two posts, at Morris Island and the south end of Folly Island, respectively. In order to keep up com- munication with Long Island, I shall leave a garrison of 40 men in a closed work at Pawnee Landing, and the same number in a similar work at the white house. Patrols will be kept up between the works. Besides this, I very much need facilities for mounting a small force of infantry for the purpose of patrolling the whole of Folly Island and also Kiawah, as well as occasionally for offensive purposes. I would therefor Page 54 54 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. LOHAP. XLVII. respectfully beg the brigadier-general commanding to approve a requisition by my quartermaster, Captain Cushing, for 80 horses and equipments complete, for mounting infantry. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier-General, Commanding District. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. NORTHERN DiSTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., May 9, 1864. CAPTAIN: Nothing of special interest has occurre(l within the command since my last report, dated the 5th instant. The dispo- sition of my own troops remains unaltered, with the exception of the arrival on the 6th instant of the Thirty-second Regiment U. S. Col- ored Infantry, numbering 752 enlisted men, and of a company of engineers under Captain McKenna. The Thirty-second U. S. Col- ored Regiment was assigned to the post of Morris Island, but I have to-day ordered the left wing over to this island. where such arrange- ments have been made by the post commander that they will have half their time for drill and the other half to do fatigue duty on the new works to be built. The force and disposition of the enemy on my front seems to remain the same, except that a new camp is re- ported as having been established behind Secessionville. Fort Surnter.The occasional throwing of mortar shells into Fort Sumter, sometimes by volley, is still continued, with the view of preventing the work of repair. Guns have been mounted bearing on the sea face of Sumter. Within the last few days a new battery is being erected by the enemy near Mount Pleasant. Charleston Harbor.On the morning of the 5th instant, a small river steamer was discovered aground about 2 miles below Mount Pleasant Landing, and about 3~ miles from Fort Putnam. She was fired at from our batteries, but the distance was too great for very good practice. Several shots struck her, but not sufficient to disable her, and on the morning of the 6th she was no longer to be seen Morris Island.A 100-pounder Parrott gun in Battqry Chatfield burst on the afternoon of the 5th instant, at the second round. Ele- vation when fired, 18 degrees. No casualties occurred. Twelve contrabands, field hands from Christ Church Parish, 7 miles from Charleston, came into our lines at Fort Putnam on the morning of the 7th instant. Colonel Gurneys report of these refugees will be herewith forwarded. I have not yet examined them myself. James Island.At about 8.30 a. m. of the 8th instant, the en- emys batteries on James Island, near Secessionville, opened fire on Long Island. They were replied to by one gun from Long Island, and also by Fort Greene, The firing lasted about three-quarters of an hour, without any casualties on our side. Kiawah Island.A party of 100 men was sent out on Kiawah Island the 5th instant, reaching Vanderhosts plantation at day- break, patrolling the island during the day, and returning at night. They did not meet the enemy. While this party was out, the negroes at Vanderhosts plantation (8, old and young) were allowed to move within our lines, where they are now established. Witl Page 55 55 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. the above exceptions, no movements have been made on our part or that of the enemy. The new battery to be erected near white house is commenced. The work of putting the oyster-shell fort on Coles Island in a state of defense is going on. I have directed the bomb-proofs to be en- larged in Fort Putnam and Battery Chatfield. The health of the troops is good with the exception of the Fifty-fourth and Fifty-fifth Massachusetts (colored) Regiments. Very respectfully, your obedient servant A. SCHIMMELFEINNIG, Brigadier-General, Commanding District. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Department of the South. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., May 13, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has occurred within this district since my last communication. The enemy has kept quiet and I myself postponed small operations in order to hold my force in readiness, for reasons stated in a letter to the general commanding the department. The enemy has continued to fire from Secessionville on the pickets lately advanced to Pine Island, in front of Long Island, and his fire has been answered. We have now an idea of the armament of his batteries at Secessionvihle, which is of inferior description. Our fire into Charleston is the same as heretofore; so also on Sumter, with the exception that the 100- pounder recently mounted has been brought to bear on the sea front, where the enemys guns are supposed to be. The enemy has fired at various times, and heavily, at Fort Putnam and Battery Chatfield from Moultrie and Siinkius, and as usual, imitating our fire, now use mortars. Morris Island.On the 11th instant, a 30-pounder Parrott from Fort Putnam, used for firing at the city, burst. I have given orders that some of the embrasures in various batteries on Moj~ris Island be so arranged that the guns shall bear on Fort Johnson as well a~s on Fort Sumter and Sullivans Island. On the night of the llthl2th instant, 7 deserters from Fort John- son, coming over in a boat, were met and brought in by our boat infantry. The information received from them I have made the subject of another communication. I have the honor to be, very respectfullyq your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier- General, Commanding District. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assmstant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., May 16, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report as follows with regard to operations and occurrences within this command since my last report of May 13: In order to test the information given by deserters I instructed my Command to embrace any opportunity presented along our lines fo Page 56 56 S.C., FLA., A~D ON THE GA. COAST. [cRAP. XLVII. taking prisoners from the enemy. An attempt to this effect by the One hundred and third New York Volunteers, from Long island, proved highly successful. They crossed Secessionville Creek from the fort on Long Island by boat, advanced through the marsh on James Island, and captured a picket-post of 5 men. These men re- port the news in the Charleston papers of the 12th to be that Meades army was thrown back by Lee, but that Meade had received re-en- forcements and made a stand south of the Rappahannock. The prisoners are of the Second South Carolina Artillery Regiment, and, having been about more on James Island than the deserters from Fort Johnson, know more with regard to the troops remaining there. They represent the force of the enemy as over six regiments of infan- try, among whom is Colquitts (Georgia) brigade, six light batteries, about 3,000 men of the heavy artillery (being the First and Second Regiments South Carolina Artillery and Lucas battalion), and 400 men with the siege train. This does not include troops on Johns Island and in the vicinity of Adams Run nor the cadets in Charles- ton City. The prisoners stated that the enemy estimated our force here to be about 5,000. Morris Island.On the 13th instant. Fort Putnam and Battery Chatfield and the columbiad battery fired 240 shells at Fort Sumter, of which 227 were good, striking the point fired at. Two casemates were opened, and a large portion of the new parapets tumbled into the water. During the night mortar shells were fired into Sumter, at intervals, to prevent working parties from repairing damages done. Two of our monitors moved up at 11 a. in., and continued their fire until 6 p. m. The enemy directed all his fire at the monitors, without apparently doing them any serious damage. On the 14th instant, we fired 308 shells at Fort Sumter from Fort Putnam and Battery Chatfield. The injury to the sea face of the fort was still further continued, and we knocked down the south portion of the Moultrie face. It will require perhaps one or two days more firing to be certain that the guns which they had again mounted in Fort Sumter are unserviceable. Two monitors again took part in the action, but this day the enemys fire was directed at our~batteries on Morris Island. Four hundred and fifty shells were thrown around our forts and batteries, doing some damage to the traverses and parapets. No casualties occurred. The enemy opened from all his batteries on Sullivans and James Islands, with the ex- ception of Johnson. On Sullivans Island he displayed several - batteries of which we were before ignorar~t, and which I shall have duly noted on the map. No changes have taken place in the num- ber or disposition of troops in my command. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant A. SCHIMMELi~ENNIG Brigadier- General, Commanding Dislrict. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General. IIDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., May 21, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report as follows since my last communication: On the 16th instant, we fired 49 shells at Fort Sumter, and the enemy fired 70 shells at our batteries. Two monitors took part i Page 57 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 57 the action from 10 a. m. until noon. The enemys batteries on Sulli- vans Island opened on the monitors with 200-pounder rifles and columbiads, and badly damaged a pilot-house of one of the monitors. On the 17th instant, we fired 50 shells at Sumter. The enemy did not reply. I consider the object in view in the late bombard- ment of Sumter as attained. The sea front has been so knocked down by our fire and that of the monitors that the batteries recently established there must be entirely unserviceable if not buried un- der the ruins. The repairs recently carried on by the enemy in the fort have again been overthrown; besides that we have now the advantage of knowing the armament of all the enemys bat- teries capable of bearing on Forts Putnam, Chatfield, and Strong. The armament of Battery Bee is very effective (columbiad guns of 200 pounds and over, rifled and banded). The new battery at Mount Pleasant opened with one columbiad. The mortar batter- ies on James Island and several batteries on Sullivans Island showed a very inferior armament, most of their shells not reaching our lines. I am happy to be able to report the above results without any loss of life on our part, and that the enemy expended more ammu- nition in attempting to stop our fire than we did during the whole bombardment. Our only loss is the bursting of six guns. The enemys loss is not known, but from the fact that the Charles- ton papers give no particulars, while formerly they used to be very minute in their accounts of casualties or in the statement that none had occurred, I conclude that the enemy has suffered more than he likes to confess. It appears from the Charleston papers (herewith inclosed) that our fire at the city is not as effective as formerly. Banks, insurance companies, and offices are advertised as being open in the lower part of the city during business hours. Ever since I have taken permanent command of this district it has been my aim to force the enemy to keep a larger force than my own on my front, this being my only means of co-operating with the more important move- ments of our armies in Virginia. By minor operations, heretofore reported, and as stated hereafter, I have succee dod in this up to yes- terday. On the 17th instant, I ordered a reconnaissance up Stono River, with the intention of having the party land on Johns Island, 2 miles above Legareville, drive in the enemys outpost, and destroy their boats. This, however, did not succeed, as the place was strongly guarded and the shells of the gun-boats failed to drive the enemy back. The outposts here are of a Virginia regiment, and were stronger on that day than ever before. Our boats frequently patrol, both by day and night, the creeks and marshes between Secessionville and Battery Simkins, and have been repeatedly fired upon. They have driven the enemys boats out of these waters entirely. The boat infantry, under Captain Gurney, patrols around Sumter and between Sumter and Johnsons Point. They have not yet met the enemys boats, but have been fired upon from the howitzers at Sum- ter, and have found the rebel iron-clad on guard every night in rear of Johnson as reported by deserters. Desiring to compare our good news from the North with the rebel accounts, I instructed my pickets to shout over to them that they had got badly whipped, and see what they would say. In reply they sent over a flag of truce with some letters and papers of th Page 58 58 S. C., FLA., AM~ OK THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. 18th, and were anxious to get our news and papers. They were given a Herald of the 14th. It is evident from the annexed Charles- ton paper of the 18th that they had. no later news from Lee than ours, and that communication between Richmond and Petersburg, as well as between Lee and Richmond, must be cut off. Outpost reports of yesterday and to-day show that last night and the night before considerable moving took place on James Island, and the railroad was very active. Wagon trains have been moving, locomotive whistles and bells heard, and there is every indication that the enemy is withdrawing from my front in consid- erable numbers. In view of these facts, I have given the annexed instructions (A and B*) to my post commanders and shall report the result without delay. If the enemy has merely changed without diminishing the troops on my front, I consider that it will be neces- sary, if he is to be retained there, to strike more decisive blows than heretofore. If he has withdrawn, there of course remains nothing for us but to follow up the advantage, the method of doing which I have made the subject of another communication to the general commanding. I regret to be obliged to report that two bounty substitutes, Forty-first New York Volunteers, have again deserted to the enemy, even after the receipt of our good news. They were no (loubt sup- ported in their desertion by the picket-posts on their right and left, who have all been arrested. As the conscripts and substitutes of this regiment have proved very unreliable and dangerous to my command I have given orders that they shall be formed into a work- ing battalion, and employed only in doing fatigue duty under guard on the fortifications. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier- General, Commanding District. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRs. NORTHERN DIsTRIcT, DEPT. OF TILE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., ]IIay 23, 1864. SIR: A general reconnaissance along my lines took place during the night of the 21st, 22d, and during the day yesterday. The enemy was found at Sumter ready to receive us, with a number of men on the walls and on the dock and several row-boats in the rear of the fort. It appears, therefore, that the garrison at Sumter has not been reduced. The party sent out in boats to land between Se- cessionville and Battery Simkins returned without accomplishing anything. On Long Island, Major Morrison, of the One hundred and third New York Volunteers, with 150 men of his regiment, under com- mand of Captain Quentin, and 250 men of the Fifty-fifth Massachu- setts Colored Regiment, crossed over to Tiger Island at night, waded through the marsh to James Island, and attacked the enemy early yesterday morning (the 22d). They drove the enemys pickets, about 120 men, far to the north of Battery Wright. *See Schauffler and Dean to Gilsa, May 21, Part II Page 59 CHAP. XLVII.) OPI~RATIONS IN CIIAI~LESTO~ hARBOR, ETC. 59 During this time a detachment of the Seventy-fourth Pennsylva- nia Volunteers and Forty-first New York Volunteers repaired the bridges from Coles Island to James Island and crossed over, the Rocket Battery on Coles Island and the guns of the fort at Long Island supporting the movement. At Battery Wright Major Mor- rison halted his command, gave nine cheers for the Union, and awaited my further orders. Colonel von Gilsa directed these move- ments from Coles Island. The enemy showed in the first part of the engagement about 400 to 500 infantry, and was re-enforced about noon by about 200 more infantry and a light battery of four pieces. During the afternoon columns of dust on the road showed plainly that the enemy was advancing with considerable force against our troops on James Island, and, as my object was accomplished, I gave orders to retire. Had I known, general, your intentions in regard to another movement it would have been an easy matter for me to hold part of James Island, and thus to keep a most threatening atti- tude against the enemy. Last evening three steamer loads of troops were taken across from Charleston to James Island. It is estimated by those who saw them that they took over from 1,200 to 1,500 men. I hope by demonstrat- ing and attacking the enemy again to-day to keep those troops on James Island. The annexed order will show you what I am about to do. Besides this, Colonel Gurney, commanding Morris Island, is ordered to drag boats over the marsh in the direction of Sumter to lead the enemy to believe we are making preparations for an attack on the fort. None of the parties sent out on the night of the 21st succeeded in making prisoners. On Johns Island the enemy retired, and my troops met only cavalry. My loss on the 22d was, wounded, 11. I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier- General, Commanding District. Brig. Gen. J. P. HATCH, Commanding Department of the South. HDQRs. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., May 28, 1864. CAPTAIN: I respectfully report that, from the detailed reports sent in by the different commanders relative to the demonstration on the 22d and 23d instant, it is known that the enemy left 2 dead on the ground when they retired; also that his ambulances were in mo- tion during the forenoon of the 22d and the afternoon of the 23d. The Seventy-fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers captured 1 horse, slightly wounded, and brought him over from James Island to Coles Island. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier- General, Commanding District. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 60 60 S. C., hA., A~D O~ THfl GA. OOAST. tOHAP. XLVII. IIDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly island, S. C., ]Vliay 28, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to reDort that nothing of importance has occnrr~d within the district since my last. The demonstration Monday afternoon, the 23d instant, and dnring the following night, was made strictly in accordance with the orders which I had the honor to forward on the 23d to the general com- manding the department. The gnn-boats in Stono Inlet, nnder com- mand ofCaptain Dnncan and Captain Gamble, co-operated with me in the most satisfactory manner, proceedhig np the river as far as the bend, i~ miles north of Legareville. The sham attack on the 22d had induced the enemy considerably to strengthen his ontposts in front of Coles Island, and to have field pieces with them. As will be seen from the map, the battery on Long Island and the gnn-boats on Stono River north of Legareville take the enemy on the sonthwestern part of James Island entirely in flank and rear; besides this, the enemy received the fire of the rockets and two how- itzers in front. In conseqnence onr fire created considerable havoc among them, driving them from one piece of woods to the other. It was probably with the view of drawing the fire of onr gnn-boats to that point that the enemy on the 23d for the first time opened fire from Battery Pringle. Toward evening the transfer of the troops from Long to Tiger Island, and the disembarking of troops on Battery Island, commenced. During the early part of the night the boat howitzer on Secessionville Creek continned to fire from dif- ferent positions. The enemy kept up a signaling throngh the whole night from James Island to Charleston. I am satisfied that the sham attack of the 22d, on James Island, and the demonstration of the 23d, have prodnced the desired result, viz, to oblige the enemy to keep a larger force than my own on my front. Their pickets have in some cases been observed to be mate- rially strengthened; more tents are visible on James Island than before, and a greater number of bathers and strollers are to be seen aronnd Fort Johnson and at other points. Our batteries on Morris Island have thrown the usual nnmber of shells into the city and Fort Sumter. The firing into the city has been made more lively daring business hours, some 30 shots being thrown in between 9 a. m. and 2 p. m. On the 26th instant, the enemy opened a new battery, situated to his right and rear of Fort Johnson; the guns are rifled and throw 6-inch projectiles. From this battery and Simkins 43 shells were fired at Fort Putnam on the 26th, all of which burst in and around the fort. The fire was returned by our guns without loss on our side. The enemy has also shown more fatigue parties than usual around Forts Johnson and Moultrie and Battery Simkins. Fort Sum- ter has been considerably repaired since our last bombardment, and Castle Pinckney is being strengthened by having a wall of sand built up around it from the outside. As to the movements of the enemy within the harbor, I have noth- ing unusual to communicate. I have had no prisoners or deserters since my last report. There was some cheering heard at Secession- ville on the , but the outposts in front of Coles Island keep as quiet and uncommunicative as before. In regard to the fort at the white house, I have to report that within a few days it will be sufficiently advanced in its structure to be garrisoned by infantry Page 61 CHAI~. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN ChARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 61 On the 23d instant,.orders were given to Colonel von Gilsa, com- manding post, to employ all his available men on this work, and the department order with regard to working at night will at once be carried into effect. I do not consider it of very great importance to arm this fort with artillery before it is fully completed, as a mortar schooner, armed also with rifled guns, is permanently stationed at the white honse, and as the gun-boats in Stono Inlet can at any stage of the tide go up Folly River to Pawnee Landing, and with their heavy batteries sweep the marsh to the north and Folly Island to the south; whatever force of the enemy can step in on Folly Island during one night, passing our pickets hidden in boats, we can readily drive out the next day and take them prisoners. On the other hand, it seems to me of the highest importance to avoid the possibility of one of our guns falling into the hands of the enemy and being used against our gun-boats. In regard to the old oyster- shell fort on Coles Island, I have to report that it is in repair and will be armed to-day. I am glad to be able to report that the public property, with the exception of the buildings, has all been removed from the former post at Pawnee Landing to Stono Inlet or Morris Island, and that I am thus enabled considerably to reduce the details for outpost duty and etonomize in land transportation. All the necessary orders have been given to comply with the order from your headquarters with regard to the formation of a company of mounted infantry. I will report more specifically on this in my next, after seeing the post commander. The health of the command, as will be seen from the report of the medical director, is good, the colored regiments having improved very fast. No casualties occurred since my last. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier- General, Commanding District. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly island, S. C., June 3, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to state that nothing of importance has occurred within this command since my last report. On the night of the 31st ultimo to the 1st instant, 2 contrabands came into our lines. They are servants of officers in the First C. S. Artillery. They left Johnsons Point and made their way through the marsh between Batteries Siinkins and Cheves, swam the creek, and met our pickets near the Swamp Angel. They give no general information except that there is no cheering in the enemys camps and that the officers are silent within hearing of their men in regard to the operations now going on in Virginia. One of these contrabands was in Charleston on Sunday last and saw no other troops than one or two companies of artillery and the cadets. They were never al- lowed to leave camp and consequently know but little in regard to the enemys forces on James Island. They report General Taliaferro still commanding the artillery as before reported, but instead of the Georgia infantry, one regiment of cavalry. This cavalry has also been reported to me by our outposts as doing picket duty in front of our lines and on ~tono P~iver Page 62 62 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. In regard to the sham attack on James Island, on the 22d and 23d of May, the contrabands state that the enemy sent, with the excep- tion of a guard of 20 men, every available man from Johnsons Point to the support of his outposts; that the three steamer loads of troops which were reported as being sent over from Charleston to James Island, on the afternoon of the 22d, consisted of armed citizens. Yesterday and to-day 100 men patrolled Kiawah Island and found the enemys cavalry pickets on Seabrook Island posted as usual, but dressed partly in ciiilians dress. There were evidences that the enemys cavalry patrols had been up Kiawah Island as far as Van- derhosts farm. On the morning of the 1st, a patrol of 40 men went over the southwest part of Johns Island ~is far as 3 miles west of Legareville. They met the enemys pickets in the usual force, not 30 cavalrymen. The enemys river boats are now daily reported as being seen on Stono River above Battery Tynes and the bridge fOr- merly mentioned. It appears to me that these steamers are only used for bringing down provisions, and one kept in Stono River only to convey troops from James to Johns Island and vice versa, the bridge not yet being passable. I keep two rocket-boats in ambush every night in case these steamers should come farther down the river, as they were reported by the navy to have done one night. It seems that the appearance of my boats farther up in the harbor of Charleston has caused the enemy to establish a second line of picket-boats between Charleston, Castle Pinckney, and Mount Pleas- ant. In accordance with the instructions of the major-general com- manding department the fire into the city of Charleston and at Fort Sumter has been considerably increased. On the 2d instant, a large working party at Fort Moultrie was dispersed by our guns. Battery Simkins then opened and threw 12 shells into Fort Putnam. It was replied to and silenced by our batteries. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier-General, Commanding District. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of the South. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. 0., June 8, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to state that nothing of importance has occurred since my last report. No information has been received in regard to the enemys movements and strength except by my out- posts. The cavalry regiment reported in my last seems to have left James Islaiid. The firing at the city and at Sumter has been kept up in accordance with instructions received from the major-general commanding department. The enemy have answered from Sulli- vans and James Islands occasionally. The firing from Long Island at the Secessionville batteries, and vice versa, has been quite lively during the last few days. The enemy tries to fill up a gap between two of his batteries at Secessionville, which our battery on Long Island prevents him from doing. The enemy now uses a 100- pounder Whitworth gun in place of a 64-pounder, which was dis- mounted by our 200-pounder Parrotts. The enemys steamers on Stono River continue to ply about very frejuently. It seou~ that they come dowu from QhavlCston Ilaxbo Page 63 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 63 by way of James Creek and Newtons Cut. Two reports came in yes- terday evening that one of the steamers had something like a large torpedo-boat or small ram in tow. These reports have not been con- firmed by reports from other parts of the outposts, which only men- tion the steamer, but I have nevertheless ordered the picket-boats farther up the Stono, and to have ropes drawn across from the piles to the Coles Island shore; also to have a calcium light established on the fort at the left of our outposts on Coles Island. By these means I hope to prevent any torpedo-boats from coming down unnoticed, or without being attacked by my own and the navys picket-boats. The gun-boats will go up to the Stono in a few days, and I will then land parties to search the Johns Island shore. In regard to Kiawah River, a larger party should go up again as far as Haulover Cut. This will be done as soon as the men can be spared from this district. I have the honor and pleasure to report the full destruction of one of the enemys supply steamers by our artillery on Morris Island, and annex a full report of this affair made by Lieutenant-Colonel Ames, Third Rhode Island Artillery, chief of artillery of this dis- trict. The Ironsides has left the blockading fleet, and the rebel iron-dads have since then been moving about more than heretofore in the harbor. I have ordered over to Morris Island the battalion of the Thirty-second U. S. Colored Troops which was at the post of Folly Island, with a view to completing the bomb-proofs at Putnam and Chatfield as soon as possible. One officer and 30 enlisted men (cavalry) have reported here, and are now doing patrol duty on Folly Island. It is ascertained that Light-House Creek has 18 feet of water at high tide, but a bar closes up the creek near the harbor. I have ordered a large plank walk over the marsh, west of Morris Island, to be relaid. This plank walk leads from the Swamp Angel to the Light-House Creek, and was formerly used by the enemy to pass from James to Morris Island. This pass will give me full control over Light-House Creek, and enable my scout-boats to risk more and go nearer the enemys batteries. The state of health of this command remains good up to this time, but I fear that scurvy will break out if vegetables are not more frequently supplied. Some indications of this disease have already appeared on Morris Island. I have written on this subject to the Sanitary Commission, and have ordered my commissary (Captain Leiby) to procure a larger supply either from the Government or by private means. I beg once more to call the attention of the major-general commanding the department to the fact that I am without a medical director. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier-General, Commanding District. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., June 10, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has transpired since my last communication. The enemy has kep Page 64 64 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. very quiet, and I have done the same, with the special view of for- warding the work on the bomb-proofs on Morris Island. This work, as well as that on the fort at white house on this island, is progressing very favorably. I have given orders for two booms to be placed on Stono River from the piles just above Legareville to the shores, respectively, of James and Johns Islands. They will be capable of being opened for the passage of our gun-boats. One of these booms will be ready and laid next week, and the other a few days after. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier-General, Commanding District. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of the South. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. 0., June 15, 1864. CAPTAIN: I hai~e the honor to report that yesterday evening I received a communication, by flag of truce, from General Ripley, commanding in Charleston, and to the effect that 5 generals and 45 field officers of the U. S. Army, prisoners of war, were kept under the fire of our guns in the city of Charleston. I have made this matter the subject of another communication. * I have the honor to forward with this report three newspapers, two received by flag of truce and one from the fleet. From Morris Island our batteries have kept up the usual average of firing into the city and at Fort Sumter. The enemy has thrown an occasional shot from Moultrie. The enemy has shown consider- able activity in carrying on engineer work on various parts of his lines, and especially around Secessionville. Here he has been con- structing bomb-proofs, surrounding his old batteries with obstruc- tions, and beginning to erect some new work. He has already mounted one or two new guns, and on the 12th instant opened on Long Island with six heavy guns. This fire was replied to and silenced from Long Island and Forts Greene and Purviance. I have ordered two more 30-pounder Parrotts to be mounted on Long Island, temporarily, to attract the enemys attention there. On the 10th instant, 4 rebel deserters, of the First South Carolina Heavy Artillery, left Sullivans Island in a boat and succeeded in reaching our navy. They were forwarded to me by the admiral for examination. Their testimony has been made the subject of another communication. I shall ask the admiral to retain these men here, as their services may be of great use to us. The oyster-shell fort on Coles Island occasionally throws a few shells at Legareville, caus- ing some disturbance to the enemys cavalry pickets there. This is done more to drill the new gunners than for any other purpose. The engineer work on the bomb-proofs on Morris Island has pro- gressed as favorably as the weather would permit. The battery at white house has advanced slowly, owing to the changes in troops, some regiments being under marching orders, and others arriving. The regular details were interrupted, but have now again been re- sumed. From various indications the enemys numbers seem to have been increased lately on James Island. For three nights wagon trains Part II, p. 131 Page 65 C~. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 65 were heard moving and hammering going on. Some new camps have appeared, and a band been playing near Secessionville. The following changes have taken place in the troops of my com- mand since my last report: On the 12th instant the Thirty-third Regiment U. S. Colored Troops arrived here, and was assigned to the post of Morris Island. On the 14th instant the Fifty-second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers arrived here to relieve the Forty-first Regiment New York Volunteers, which has embarked this day for Hilton Head. The Fifty-second Pennsylvania Vol- unteers remains on Folly Island, according to a verbal order re- ceived from the major-general commanding. The Thirty-second U. S. Colored Troops are kept at Morris Island until further orders. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier- General. Commanding District. Capt. XV. L. M. BURGER, A. A. G. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTh, Folly Island, S. 0., June 16, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that since my last report nothing df especial importance has occurred. Our fire upon the city has been kept up as usual, and that of the enemy has been desultory. Yesterday afternoon, the enemy being observed at work upon their fortifications near Secessionville, Forts Greene and Purviance and Long Island opened upon them with good effect. Batteries Tynes and Pringle fired in the direction of our outposts upon Coles Island, but the shots fell short. Between 5 and 6 oclock this p. m. the enemy opened fire from all their batteries upon Sullivans and James Islands, and also from Fort Ripley, Castle Piuckney, the city batteries, and from the rams. They fired a number of blank cartridges and some shot and shell at our works. The chief of artillery of the district estimates the num- ber of shots fired at about 400. I am at a loss to account for this demonstration unless it was made wholly for effect, as the firing was too irregular for salutes. From all the outposts new camps and enlargement of old camps are reported upon James Island, and II am satisfied that the enemy has received re-enforcements, but of what they consist I have not as yet been able to ascertain. The boom to be placed across Stono River is nearly completed, and I am fully prepared for any demonstration the enemy may make in that direction. A patrol of infantry and cavalry sent out last night trav- ersed the whole of Kiawah Island and returned this afternoon. No traces of the enemy were found, except the track of a small cav- alry patrol, which had been as far up as the sugar plantation. The works at Haulover Cut and the sentries thereon were plainly seen from the lower end of Kiawah. No force was observed from Sea- brook Island. This patrol was sent out not only to scour the island but to cover a navy schooner which had gone ashore on the beach during the late storm. She has since been got off. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier-General, Commanding District. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, A. A. G. 5 R RVOL xxxv, PT Page 66 66 S. C., FLA~, AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Light-House Inlet, S. 0., June 21, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to state that nothing of especial in- terest has occurred within this command since my last report. Fir- ing at the city and at Fort Sumter has been carried on as usual. Since the firing along the entire rebel line, reported in my last, they have been unusually quiet. On James Island the enemy has con- tinued to show new camps, at the same time partly breaking up the old ones. He has been seen moving heavy guns, although from the lookouts we find every gun in position as before. I have not yet been able to obtain such information as to determine whether the new camps are merely a ruse, whether the enemy is merely moving guns or withdrawing them, or whether the enemy is really re-en- forced. All indications given by the outpost reports are in the latter direction. On the evening of the 18th instant, a side-wheel steamer was re- ported from Coles Island as coming down the Stono River. She ran down about 2 miles this side of Battery Priugle, and then re- turned. She is reported as being larger than any steamer seen before on Stono River, and having the appearance of a gun-boat. Any movement of the enemy down the Stono would undoubtedly be accompanied by the appearance of his troops in force at Legare- ville, on Johns Island. I therefore sent out a party on the night of the 19th instant to destroy the earth-works southwest of Legare- ville, which the enemy erected last winter, and from which they opened on our gun-boats on Christmas day with heavy artillery. The party met with the usual rebel cavalry pickets, and had some skirmishing. After having carried out their orders, they returned without loss. The enemy continues his engineering work on James Island, strengthening the bomb-proofs around Secessionville, and repairing the damages done to his batteries. On the 18th instant, at 10 a. in., the execution of Private Wallace Baker, Company I, Fifty-fifth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, as ordered in General Orders, No. 90, headquarters Department of the South, June 16, 1864, took place in presence of all the troops on Folly Island. SincAe then I have thought it best to remove the Fifty-second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers to Morris Island, they being acquainted with the ground there, and have ordered the Thirty-third Regiment U. S. Colored Troops onto Folly Island. I am making my headquarters for the present on Morris Island. I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier- General, Commanding District. P. S.I regret to state that during a reconnaissance on Kiawah Island, on the 15th instant, 3 men of the Fifty-second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers deserted to the enemy. A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier-Gener at, Commanding District. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. 0., June 28, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to state that since my last report no deserters or refugees have come within my line~ from the enemy Page 67 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 67 Parties which I sent out to make prisoners have failed to attain this object. The field glasses which I placed in my lookouts while shelling the enemys camps all along my line could not. discover much, the weather having been quite hazy for the past week. It is, however, a remarkable fact that, although I have used every means to provoke the enemys fire, I have received no answer from those guns which were formerly manned by the Second South Carolina Heavy Artillery. This fact, and several incidents of smaller im- portance, lead me to suppose that a change of troops took place on my front shortly after the heavy firing of the enemy along his entire line, reported some time ago. Such a change of troops of course implied a reenforcement of the enemy for some little time, while the change was being effected. The silence of the enemys artillery tends to show that part of the artillery force (perhaps the Second South Carolina) have been sent elsewhere, and have taken their best pieces (those with which they formerly reached our lines from Secessionville and Legar6s Point) with them. Cavalry and infantry, perhaps militia, will have taken their places. My fire on Sunday last, directed at the works on Johnsons Point, to provoke a reply, was promptly answered by the enemy from those works, which are manned by companies of the First South Carolina Artillery. The only method of clearing up this question will be to attack the enemy and make him show his force. I do not con- sider myself at present authorized to do this without orders from the major-general commanding the department. The enemys steam- boats on Stono River have disappeared, with the exception of one which is anchored above Battery Pringle. The bridge between Batteries Pringle and Tynes, leading from James to Johns Island, the enemy has completed within the last four nights, so far as regards the piles and part of the covering and railing. This bridge has no draw, which precludes the intention on the part of the enemy of coming down the Stono River for offensive purposes with anything larger than torpedo-boats. It furtjier goes to show that the enemy means to defend Johns Island by re-enforce- ments sent from James Island, and this again indicates that the former district of General Wise (Adams Run, Church Flats, Ran- towles Station, and Johns Island) is but insufficiently guarded. The boom across Stono River was laid, but sunk, through miscalcu- lation on the part of the captain of engineers; it will be relaid by to-morrow night. I regret to state that through direct disobedience of my orders by Captain McKenna, First New York Volunteer Engineers, who yester- day landed 6 men at Legareville without a guard, 2 of them were captured by the enemy. The captain of engineers reports that the bomb-proof of Battery Chatfield will be completed this week. The firing into the city has been kept up as usual. As regards Fort Sumter, I have had to repeat my former orders, the firing at the fort having been neglected. The recent high tides have washed away the sand and again exposed the wall perpendicular to the water. Our rifle guns are cutting horizontal and perpendicular lines in this wall to reduce the fort to its former condition and over- throw the repairs lately made by the enemy. The enemy fired at Fort Putnam from Moultrie three days, throw- ing each day about iti or 20 mortar shells. There have not been a Page 68 68 S. C., FLA., AND ON TH]~ GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. many of the enemys fatigue parties visible for the last few days as usual, but they are working heavily at night, mainly at Secession- ville. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier-General, Commanding District. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., July 1, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, from intercepted mes- sages signaled by the enemy, I obtained information that boats are being collected in the creek back of Mount Pleasant. This informa- tion is confirmed by the statement of refugees from Sullivans Island, who came to the fleet night before last. They say that it was the common talk among the infantry and artillery on Sullivans Island that an attack is to be made upon our batteries at the front on Morris Island. Yesterday from fifteen to eighteen boats were seen from Morris Island to come out from behind Johnsons Point and proceed to the wreck of a steamer in the harbor; also a group of boats were observed at anchor between the wreck and Castle Pinckney. An unusual number of lights and considerable signaling was observed on Sullivans Island last night. I am, of course, unable to say whether any attack will be made, but am prepared for it. The 2 refugees whom I examined gave a full statement of all the works upon Sullivans Island and their armaments. This informa- tion will be forwarded with that relating to the other works of the enemy on our front. Their statements agree with information pre- viously received. They say that the First South Carolina Regular Infantry and seven companies of the First South Carolina Heavy Artillery are garrisoning the works on Sullivans Island. The in- fantry are doing duty as heavy artillery, sometimes cavalry, and a battery of light artillery is brought over at night from Mount Pleas- ant for picket duty. At Mount Pleasant there is one battalion of infantry, two light artillery batteries, and some cavalry, who do picket toward the Fifteen-Mile House. They also state that the city is guarded by home guards. In regard to James Island and general information, they know nothing. Our fire upon the city has been as usual; we have also fired upon different working parties on Johnsons Point and at Secessionville. At the latter place thQy are mount- ing guns. At this present writing (3 p. in.) a brisk cannonade is being kept up between our batteries on Morris Island and the en- emys works up on Johnsons Point and Sullivans Island, also be- tween our works on Long Island and two batteries at Secessionville. Your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier-General, Commanding Post. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Ad.jutant-GeneraZ Page 69 CHAP. XLVIL] OPERATiONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 69 HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. U., July 28, 1804. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that nothing of special in- terest has occnrred in this command since the last visit of the ma- jor-general commanding. The firing npon Snmter has been contin- ned at the same rate as when General Foster was here, and with good effect. The enemy has only occasionally answered onr fire by a few shells from Snllivans Island or James Island. A reconnaissance aronnd Snmter, made by Lientenant Eaton, of the One hnndred and twenty-seventh Regiment New York Volnnteers, is reported to General Foster, in connection with the object of the same. On the night of the 25th to the 26th instant, 4 deserters of the First Sonth Carolina Artillery, from Fort Johnson, came into onr lines across the marsh, and were picked iip by the boat infantry. The in- formation given by them is made the snbject of another report. The encrineer work on Morris Island has been carried on as rap- idly as p~sible with the force at my disposal. Captain Edwards, of the First New York Volnnteer Engineers, with 68 men, arrived here yesterday, and was assigned to the post of Morris Island. The enemy on my front seems to have abont the same force as before the late movements on Johns and James Islands. They have been unnsnally active in fatigne dnty aronnd Johnson and Simkins and the works near Secessionville, both repairing their present works, connecting the batteries With rifle-pits, and erecting new batteries. I have the honor to be, very respectfnlly, yonr obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier-General, Commanding District. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Morris Island, S. 0., August 3, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has occurred within this command since my last communication. The bombardment of Sumter has continued according to instrnctions from department headquarters, as far as the snpply of ammnnition and the condition of the guns in the batteries will allow. The re- sult for the past eight days has been most favorable, and gives more hope of an ultimate demolition of the fort than ever before. The supply of mortar powder in the district has entirely run out, and I have been obliged to borrow 100 barrels from the navy to keep up the mortar firing. The ordnance officer informs me that he made requisition for this powder ten days ago, but has heard nothing from it yet. In compliance with orders received from the major-general com- manding, with regard to the exchange of prisoners to be effected in Charleston Harbor this day, the fire from our batteries was sus- pended as soon as the rebel steamer was seen coming out of the harbor, and resumed after she had returned. Last night 2 persons in a boat coming out from Charleston were picked up by our picket-boats. They represented themselves as officers of the Third Ohio Volunteers, lately brought to Charleston and now escaped. They give their names as B. C. G. Reed, cap Page 70 70 S. C., FLA., AND ON TEE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. tam Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry; T. B. Stevenson, first lieuten- ant. They state that there are 630 U. S. officers now confined in the jail at Charleston, lately brought there from Macon, Ga. Two other parties of prisoners, amounting to about 1,000, were started for Charleston, but were, for some reason, not sent through. My fire on the city will continue as before until I receive orders to the contrary. These officers report that communication between Charleston and Atlanta has been interrupted since the 29th ultimo. They also state that a party of 60 U. S. officers effected their escape somewhere near Charleston, and will try to get through to our lines. I shall do everything possible on my front to meet and assist them, sending out parties on Kiawah, Seabrook, and Johns Islands. Further particulars of information may be furnished by the gentle- men themselves, whom I herewith forward. Inclosed please find a copy of a report from the commanding officer of the boat infantry of a late reconnaissance around Saniiter. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier- General, Commanding District. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, ]Jforris Island, S. C., August 16, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report as follows: Since my last report, Augnst3, the enemy has shown no changes of any importance on my front. From the outpost reports it appears that his force is larger than before our last demonstration on his lines. This agrees with the accounts given by deserters. They state that of the re-enforcements sent from Atlanta to General Jones at the beginning of last month, the Fifth and Forty-seventh Georgia Infantry have been kept on Johns and James Islands ever since. Consequently our late operations in this region did more than temporarily reduce the force at Atlanta. I have no informa- tion direct from the enemys lines within the last eight days, but the fact that the number of the Union prisoners in Charleston has been increased rather indicates that the enemy intends to make Charles- ton something of a base, and consequently will not reduce his force there. I have the honor to annex a report giving the regiments, their strength, and locality in the enemys position. It sums up as fol- lows: Old troops, from 6,000 to 7,000 men; able-bodied civilians in the employ of the Government, 1,000 men; State reserves, 1,000 men; negro workmen, 3,000 to 4,000 men. The same disproportion exists between my artillery force and the enemys. Against my one light battery he has five at his command; against my 100 heavy guns he has 200 in position. The large supply of workmen above men- tioned has enabled the enemy to commence digging again all along his lines. He is erecting new batteries north of iBattery Beaure- gard; another makes its appearance to the east of and close to Bat- tery Bee; Sumter he is repairing constantly under our fire; large fatigue parties were seen for three days at work on Castle Pinckney as if mounting some heavy guns, perhaps the 600-pounder Blakel Page 71 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 71 they have been talking of so long. The several batteries at Sim- kins Point, known by the name of Battery Simkins, he is connect- ing by rifle-pits, and probably closing in the rear, on the line of bat- teries between Fort Johiison and Battery Cheves. New works appear at two different places on the so-called new line, extending from Fort Pringle, in the arc of a circle, to Secessionville. The enemy is observed working nearly everywhere, completing the line, repairing damages, and erectiiig new batteries. He has also tried to repair Battery Wright to his front of the new line, bnt the fire of onr batteries on Coles Island so often and effectually molested these parties that the enemy seenis to have given up work there. I expected the enemy would use his superiority in numbers to ~ take the offensive to some extent, and execute his former threat of taking Forts Putnam and Strong by surprise, in order to either hold them or at least to spike the guns. I therefore, during the last four weeks, considerably strengthened the garrisons of those forts and the pickets in their vicinity. The expected attack, however, did not take place, and the enemy has also kept very quiet all around the harbor of Charleston. In front of Long Island his picket-boats have again appeared. I have given orders to place boats in ambush for them and drive them out of those creeks within the next few days. The enemys artillery fire has been heavier than usual during the last fortnight. He has again commenced from J ames as well as from Sullivans Island to shell our camps, but without any effect. In the front batteries there have been 4 men wounded. I annex the report of the chief of artillery, giving the exact num- ber of shots fired by the eiiemy as well as from our batteries. The following dispatch, sent by the enemy from the city to their gun-boats, shows a certain state of nervousness still prevailing on his part, and that lie expects us to attack him at some weak point rather than to take the offensive himself. The alarm was caused by three boats, under command of Lientenant Eaton, One hundred and twenty-seventh New York Volunteers, of the boat infantry, engaged in experimenting in the harbor with a rope: City to 22. Commodore TUcKER: The following message just received from Colonel Brown, commanding at A large number of barges in front of Battery Simkins. The officer in charge heard the officer order the boats to move two abreast. I think it is for Sumter, but I will be prepared for them here. I sent a telegram to Sumter for them to be on the alert. Have your gun-boats out so as to prevent the enemy from taking John- son in the rear. C. S. STRINGFELLOW, Major, Assistant Adjutant-General. Another dispatch shows plainly that though our fire on Sumter was slow, the enemy has sustained considerable loss by it. In this dispatch the commander of Fort Sumter asks for 30 negroes to make up the losses which he had sustained in killed, wounded, and sick. In regard to my own operations, I have to report that Captain Quentin, of my staff, with the assistance of a navy boat, which was willingly furnished by the fleet, landed at different points on Long Island, north of Sullivans Island, and found this island unoccupied by the enemy, a small outpost opposite Battery Marshall excepted. I have the honor herewith to annex his report Page 72 72 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. The shelling of our camps by the enemy caused me to give the order to Fort Strong always to reply shot for shot to the enemys batteries. On the night of the 8th to the 9th instant, while a quite lively fire was being exchanged between Fort Strong and Sullivans Island, a blockade-runner undertook to run in. Either struck by our shells, or from fear of them not daring to keep in the channel, she ran aground, as was discovered by daylight the next morning. She was an iron steam propeller, of about 200 tons bur- den. She was aground immediately outside of Fort Moultrie and was entirely knocked to pieces and sunk by our fire. All the reconnoitering parties sent up to and around Sumter re- port a very heavy swell in the channel, even during a calm night. This, and the want of professional men, has caused great delay in regard to the placing and explosion of the mines. I have not wished to try anything on a large scale before the men were accus- tomed to work on a small scale, and in these latter attempts they have failed thus far, simply from want of experience and of care. I am progressing slowly in this matter, but am confident of final suc- cess. The greatest effect will doubtless be obtained if we are able to explode those mines at the same time that our artillery fire on the fort is the heaviest. Orders have been given by me to buoy out the channels of the harbor between Sumter, Johnson, Simkmns, Paines Dock, Forts Strong and Putnam. These orders have been partly executed. One- third of the plank walk from the left batteries over the marsh to Paines Dock is finished. The old batteries at the front are at present in tolerable repair. The new battery, I hope, will be finished this week. One of the magazines is nearly finished at present; one of the platforms is ready, one will be finished to-day, and one gun will be mounted to- night. The so-ca]led Swamp Angel Battery was finished and the 30-pounder Parrott mounted there on the 13th instant. The firing from this gun seems to be quite effective, as reported by the pickets on Paines Dock. The fire from our front batteries against Sumter has necessarily been slow and at long intervals, from want of ammu- nition and guns. I have borrowed 450 barrels of powder and 1,000 30-pounder shells from the navy, in order not to be obliged entirely to suspend my fire. I have thus managed to keep the fort in about the state it was a fortnight ago, and it is my intention not to do more for the pres- ent and until a sufficient number of guns and supply of ammunition has been brought to the front batteries to admit of a constant fire for about one week. I have made my intentions in this respect the subject of a confidential communication to the major-general com- inanding, On the 6th instant, a party of 100 infantry and a section of the Rocket Battery, under command of Captain Zeh, of the Seventy- fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, was landed at Legareville and proceeded in a westerly direction as far as the bridge across Aber- poolie Creek. The object of the movement was, in case any of our escaped Union officers were on Johns Island, back of Legareville, to give them the opportunity to come in. The party proceeded as far as the bridge, driving in the enemys cavalry pickets before them. No casualties occurred and the party returned at evening. On the night of the 6th to the 7th, a party of 30 cavalry, 60 in- fantry, and a section of the Rocket Battery, under command of Cap Page 73 CHAP. XLVIL] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 13 tam Blan, of the Fifty-fourth New York Volunteers, were sent out over Kiawah Island with the same object as the party from Legare- yule. They proceeded to the southeastern end of Kiawah Island, carefully patrolling the interior of the island, but found no trace of either friend or enemy outside of our lines. I had given the party orders to cross to Seabrook Island, if practicable, but this was found impossible on account of the change that has taken place in the creek between Kiawah and Seabrook. This creek, which formerly had but from 2 to 3 feet of water at low tide, has deepened so much as to be no longer fordable even for cavalry. On the 14th instant, a portion of the Seventy-fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, under command of Major Klenker, laid planks on the bridge, and crossed from the right of Coles Island to James Island for the purpose of setting fire to the trees and brush which we cut down before leaving our position there on the 10th of July. Their crossing was covered by the guns of our battery on the riglit of Coles Island. The enemy fell back, and the object of the crossing was accomplished with no attempt at interference on his part. It is thus demonstrated that we can now at any time cross to our former position on James Island without difficulty. Companies E and I of the Third Rhode Island Artillery, sta- tioned at Fort Strong, were relieved on the 14th instant by Compa- nies K and L of the same regiment, the former being about to re- turn home by reason of expiration off term of service. On the 15th instant, eighteen teams arrived in the district from Hilton Head. A schooner bringing the five Dahlgren guns arrived at Light-House Inlet this morning, and is now being discharged. The only steamer now at my disposal is the Golden Gate; she is not sufficient to supply the transportation of ammunition from Stono to Light-House Inlet, especially as I am obliged to send her to Legareville and elsewhere for lumber to supply the engineers. The large amount of fatigue duty that the troops under my command are obliged to carry on is beginning to have its effect in an increase of sickness among them. In compliance with orders from department headquarters received this day, the One hundred and third Regiment New York Volun- teers and the Thirty-second Regiment U. S. Colored Troops have been ordered to embark for Hilton Head, en route for the North. My reason for selecting the One hundred and third Regiment New York Volunteers as the one to go are: First. That they have been in this department longer than any other white regiment in this dis- trict, and that the effect of the climate is showing itself in their sick list. Second. That the colonel of this regiment has heretofore made application to be removed from my command. I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier-General, Commanding District. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, A. A. U. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Miorris Island, S. C., August 24, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that nothing of special interest has occurred since my last report except the burning of Legareville by the enemy on the night of the 20th instant. Thi Page 74 74 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [Ca& p. XLVIL was evidently done to prevent onr obtaining lumber from there, as we have done lately. The enemy shows considerable activity in front of Folly Island. On the 20th instant, two boats loaded with men appeared in Seces- sionville Creek, opposite Pine Island, the men of one boat landing on Pine Island and those of the other remaining, in the stream, apparently fishing for or sinking something. They were fired at from Long Island, bnt did not hurry their departnre on that acconnt. I have reprimanded the officer then commanding Long Island for not attacking them more vigorously and in boats. On the afternoon of the 23d instant, a small stern-wheel steamer came down Stono River as far as Battery fsland, remaining in the stream about twenty minutes, and then returned up the river. In view of this reconnoitering on the part of the enemy I have ordered the 10-inch columbiad from the right of Coles Island to be placed in the battery (No. 2) on the left of Coles Island, on the Stono River, opposite Legareville. This is where it was originally intended to be placed when interfered with by the movement against James Island. I have also ordered another columbiad, of which the muz- zle is partly blown off, to be placed in this same battery (No. 2), Coles Island. Another rebel iron-clad or ram, making the fourth, is now visible in Charleston Harbor. This I am certain of from my own observation, having distinctly seen four iron-clad~ in Cooper River steam up. There was besides a smaller steamer, apparently built on the same model as the rams, which steamed about among them, and seemed to act as a tender. On the night of the 21st to the 22d, the enemy seems to have had an alarm in the harbor. Some shots were heard, and at daybreak about 100 men, armed with muskets, were seen on the species of citadel visible on Sumter. The enemy has continued the work of repairs and alterations along his entire line of works. The following is the number of shots fired by our batteries and by the enemy since my last report of the 16th instant: At Fort Sumter, total number of shots, 1,014; at the city we have fired within the last twenty-four hours fifteen 100-pounder shell. Pre- vious to that there was no firing at the city, the 100-pounder being dismounted by reason of a broken carriage, and the powder that we had for the 30-pounder being so poor as not to throw a shell into the city. The enemy has fired from Sullivans and James Islands at our camps and front batteries 118 shells. This fire has been responded to from Fort Strong. I have stopped all the fatigue duty for the purpose of proceeding with the prisoners camp and putting my front batteries in decent repairs, which they very much required. In order to make these batteries secure against assault a certain amount of strong pahisad- ing is required, which I cannot obtain here. I will make this mat- ter the subject of another communication. In view of the reappearance of the enemys steamers on Stono River, I would respectfully urge that the chains and other material for a boom across the river, called for some time ago, be furnished by the proper department without delay. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMIVIELFENNIG, Brigadier-General, Commanding District. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, A. A. U Page 75 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 75 HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Morris Island, S. 0., September 2, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that nothing of especial in- terest has occurred within this district since my last communication. On the 28th ultimo, 2 deserters from the Forty-seventh Georgia Infantry came into our lines, having crossed the marsh and swani the creeks from Secessionville to Long Island. A report of their examination is forwarded by the provost-marshal of the district. They bring no general news of any interest and represent the enemys forces about Charleston very nearly the same as last re- ported by me. Their own regiment, the Forty-seventh Georgia, they state, has now only about 250 men for duty, a very large num- ber being sick in hospital. They do not consider that any offensive operations are intended, and the fact that volunteers were called for to set Secessionville on fire certainly indicates considerable timidity on the part of the enemy. Parties of the enemy have shown themselves of late more fre- quently than usual in front of Long and Coles Islands, but have not as yet taken the offensive. The fatigu6 duty is continued as before on the works along their entire line. On the 26th ultimo, a paTty commanded by Captain Friedle, Fifty-fourth New York Vol- unteers, landed at Legareville. They explored the country for over a mile from the river, but found no signs of batteries nor any force of the enemy. The party returned at evening, after having knocked down the chimneys which impeded our view. On the night of the 28th ultimo, a pontoon-boat, fitted up for the purpose and containing about twenty hundredweight of powder, was taken out by Lieut. G. F. Eaton, One hundred and twenty- seventh New York Volunteers, boat infantry, and floated down into the left flank of Fort Sumter. The garrison of Sumter was alarmed before the mine reached them, and opened upon our boats with musketry, without, however, doing them any injury. Owing to the fact of the officers of the boat infantry having miscalculated the rate of the current, especially near the fort, where there seems to be nearly dead water, the mine exploded about 50 yards from the fort and did not apparently do it any injury. On the night of the 31st ultimo six torpedoes, made of barrels set in frames, each containing 100 pounds of powder, were set afloat with the flood-tide from the southeast of Sumter with the view of destroying the boom. They probably exploded too early and only injured perhaps two lengths or links of the boom, which are not now visible. The firing from our front battery since my last report (nine days) has been as follows: At Fort Sumter, 936 shells; at the city, 298 shells. The enemy has fired during the same time from his bat- teries on James and Sullivans Islands 490 shells, which have been duly responded to from Fort Strong. The enemy has thrown mor- tar shells at Paines Dock for several nights past. I have made the following alterations in the armaments of some of my smaller batteries: From Long Island I have taken away two 30-pounder Parrotts and placed there one of the 12-pounder howitz- ers captured from the enemy on James Island last July. From the battery on the right of Coles Island, I have removed one 10-inch co- lumbiad and two 10-inch mortars, leaving there two 30-pounder Par- rotts and one captured 12-pounder. In the battery on the left of Coles Island I have placed two 10-inch columbiads. In the oyster- shell fort on Coles Island I have placed two 30-pounder Parrotts Page 76 76 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. With regard to the engineer, work in this district Lieutenant Edwards, First New York Volunteer Engineers, reports that all the repairing of platforms in the old works is completed and the necessary sodding ~s being done as rapidly as practicable. The Dahlgren battery he reports cannot be completed with the present details and transportation available in less than from two to three weeks. The ground for the prisomers camp is entirely inclosed and graded off. The tents will be put up to-night; all that is wanted to com- plete the camp is the material for the raised sentry walk to be put around it. I received notice this morning from Captain Green, commanding squadron off Charleston, that these prisoners were on board of a transport steamer off this island. I expect to be ready to have them land by Sunday, the 4th instant. I will submit the regu- lation for the prisoners camp by the next steamer. I have to report that I sent the armed transport steamer Plato back to Hilton Head on the 28th ultimo. On the same day Ensign Neil, of the major-generals staff, also left here for Hilton Head. The supply of coal in this district has entirely run out. The chief quartermaster at Hilton Head has instructed my quartermaster to borrow coal from the navy, but it seems their supply is also ex- hausted and they have none to lend. I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier- General, Commanding District. Capt.. W. L. M. BURGER, A. A. G. No. 8. Reports of Maj. Joseph Morrison, One hundred and third New York Infantry, of demonstration on James island (May 22) and .skirmish on James Island (July 2). LONG ISLAND, S. C., May 22, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that, in obedience with orders I received from the commanding officer of the post of Folly Island, S. C., I this day made a reconnaissance in force to James Island, with 400 meniSO men of the One hundred and third New York Volunteers and 250 of the Fifty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers. As I received the order to cross to James Island very late in the evening of the 21st, I had but little time to make preparations, and as the moon and tide were against such a movement, I entered on the expedition fully conscious that my landing on James Island would be disputed, and that I would find the rebels in force at the abatis in front of Tiger Island, and I was not mistaken. Owing to the fact that I had but four small boats at my disposal, it took me from 12 m. to 4 a. m. to land my men on Tiger Island. The rebel picket-post in front of Battery No. 2 could plainly see every boat-load of men that crossed. At ten minutes after 4 a. in., I sent a party of 20 men over the swamp as skirmishers, to feel if the enemy was in force behind the abatis. As the skirmishers were fired upon immediately, I sent Capt. J. E. Quentin, One hundred and third New York Volunteers, over with 75 men, with orders to deploy his men so that his right would rest on the swamp that runs through James Island, and to advance rapidly in the direction of Stono River, always keeping hi Page 77 77 C~r~ XLVII.I OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. right resting on the swamp. I sent Capt. William Redlick, One hundred and third New York Volunteers, after Captain Quentin, with orders to form his men on the left of Quentins and to advance in a line with him. I ordered Capt. W. Nutt, with one company of the Fifty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers, to deploy and engage the enemy that were posted on the right of the stone house, and who were at the time firing upon us from behind bushes. I then crossed over with the remainder of the Fifty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers, and, on landing, detached another company to support Captains Quentin and Redlick, who were at the time busily engaged with the enemy on the right. While Captains Quentin and Redlick were driving the rebels on the right in the most gallant manner, Capt. W. Nutt, of the Fifty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers, was advanc- ing and clearing the woods on the left in fine style. When I arrived opposite Coles Island, and finding that nothing more could be accomplished, as the enemy would not stand and fight, I was pre~paring to fall back by way of Coles Island when I met the colonel commanding the post, who had with him a force to cover our crossing in case the enemy followed us up. We fell back in perfect order, having 9 men wounded and 2 missing. Seven of the wounded belonged to the One hundred and third New York Volun- teers, and the 2 missing to the same regiment. The missing are sup- posed to have been killed. All our wounded were carried off the field in safety and are now in hospital. During the engagement the officers and men of the One hundred and third New York Volunteers proved themselves worthy of the reputation they made at South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Suffolk. The Fifty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers conducted themselves throughout like veterans, and no one would judge from their conduct under fire that it was their first fight. The presence of their acconiplished colonel, who volunteered for the purpose of witnessing the demeanor of his men (waiving his rank), had an ex- cellent effect on the men. As the officers and men of both detach- ments have done so well I am very loath to speak in terms of censure of any one, but my duty to the service compels me to say that First Lieut. A. Hurner, of the One hundred and third New York Volun- teers, and Lieutenant Bradish, of the Fifty-fifth Massachusetts Vol- unteers, behaved more like poltroons than like officers of a military organization. Lieutenant Stimpson, of the Fifty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers, acted as my aide, and was conspicuous for his coolness. I regret that circumstances over which I had no control prevented me from taking any prisoners, but I am conscious of having carried out to the letter the orders I received and of having done everything to forward the objects that the colonel commanding had in view. I met the enemy in superior force and in positions chosen by himself, and defeated him at all points. The fact that it required four 4-horse ambulances all the forenoon to draw off from the field the killed and wounded of the enemy shows how severely he was punished by my men. Hoping that the indomitable bravery of the officers and men under my command may be recognized by the colonel commanding the post, I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH MORRISON, Major, Gomdg. 103d New York Voturdeers. Capt. THEOPHILE WAUGNER, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 78 78 5. 0., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. HDQRS. 103D REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS, Folly Island, S. 0., July 11, 1864. SIR: In obedience to orders from post headquarters, Folly Island, I have the honor to report the part taken by this regiment, under my command, in the late attack made by our forces on James Island, S.C. On the afternoon of June 30, 1864, I was ordered to move my reg- iment to Pawnee Landing, and to report to Colonel Hartwell. I arrived at Pawnee Landing about 5 p. in., and by 9 p. m. my regi- ment was safely landed on Long Island. At 10 p. in., I received orders to return withmy command to Pawnee Landing. As I had to wait for the Fifty-fifth Massachusetts to precede me in crossing, it was after midnight before the boats were at my disposal. By 2 a. in., July 1, I had succeeded in getting about half of the regiment over to Pawnee Landing, when the order was countermanded, so that portion of the regiment in boats had to return to Long Island, arriving there about daylight. I know not who is responsible for keeping my officers and men rowing between Folly Island and Long Island, depriving them of all rest just as they were about entering upon an expedition that required troops to be in the best physical condition. On the evening of July 1, I moved my regiment over to Tiger Island, and as the tide was low the landing was very difficult, many of the men sinking into the mud almost to their armpits. At 4 a. in., I was ordered to cross to James Island, which I did, moving by the right flank. As we approached the island a few of the enemys vedettes fired upon us. I sent Captains Crosby and Turut forward with their companies to engage whatever picket force the enemy might have stationed on my right and in front of Battery No. 2, Long Island. When I advanced on the island a few rods I halted the head of my column in order to enable the men-on the left to close up, but before I could get the regiment in any shape I was ordered to advance. By this time the few skirmishers I had thrown forward had moved off to the right and were not to be found. I again halted. I sent my acting adjutant in search of the skir- mishers, and in the mean time tried to get the regiment closed up in some kind of shape, as the march through the swamp had so com- pletely fatigued a portion of the men that it was with the greatest difficulty they could be kept up with the regiment. I had not more than halted when I was again ordered forward, and as my adjutant reported that he could not find the skirmishers, and deeming it un- safe to advance without them, I ordered Sergeant Kimball, of Com- pany I, to take 10 men and advance as skirmishers. As the sergeant and his men knew nothing about skirmishing they were of no use, as they never advanced 50 yards in front of the column. As I moved forward I came upon an open strip of land, situated in front of Battery Wright, and as I was about moving toward the battery by the direct road that runs through James Island at this point, I was ordered to file to the right and follow the river running up to Fort Lamar. I had just got the right wing of my regiment on the new direction [when] we were fired upon by a few rebel in- fantry that were posted in a clump of bushes immediately in front of the head of my regiment and a little to the left of Battery Wright, and the next instant the enemy opened with two pieces of artillery from Battery Wright. The first fire of the enemy killed 7 of my men and wounded many others, aiid as my regiment was taken completely by surprise and in no position to charge the battery, Page 79 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 79 was compelled to fall back a few rods and reform behind a strong rifle-pit, running in front of the enemys works. At the time the enemy opened upon my regiment with canister, the Thirty-third U. S. Colored Troops on my left commenced firing. After forming my regiment behind the rifle-pits, I received orders to advance by the left flank on the rebel works, which I did, but did not arrive until the Fifty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers had possession. After form- ing at Battery Wright, I was ordered to move my regiment forward and take up a position behind a rifle-pit about a quarter of a mile farther on in the direction of Secessionville, where we remained till 9 p. in., when I was ordered to march the regiment back to the over- seers house, opposite Coles Island. Nothing took place during the 3d of July worth reporting. I cannot close this report without acknowledging my indebtedness to Lieutenant Olmesorg, who acted as my adjutant, for the cheerful assistance he rendered me during the stay of the regiment on James Island. His energy as an executive officer is only surpassed by his gallantry under fire. I am, lieutenant, very respectfully, & c. JOSEPH MORRISON, Major, Comdg. 103d New York Volunteers. Lieutenant PERRY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. ADDENDA. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, No. 21. - Folly island, S. C., May 26, 1864. The colonel commanding the post expresses thanks to officers and men of his command who have participated in the engagements on the morning of the 22d of May and the night before. All orders have been carried out with the strongest determination. The col- onel commanding feels it his duty to mention particularly the con- duct of Major Morrison, of the One hundred and third New York Volunteers, and the detachments of the One hundred and third New York Volunteers and of the Fifty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers under his command, and with pride he expresses his fullest satisfac- tion t~o all of them. By order of Col. Leopold von Gilsa, commanding post: TH. WAUGNER, Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 9. Report8 of Brig. Gen. Rufus Saxton, U. S. Army, commanding Northern District, of operations in September. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Morris Island, S. C., September 17, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that there is no material change in the status of affairs in this command since my last report. The enemy seems very active along their lines and have recently re- ceived a large number of negroes from the interior, who are at work on their batteries. Quite a number are in Fort Sumter. A new battery has been established between Johnson and Secessionville, which, with Bee and Moultrie, gives a pretty strong cross-fire on our front works. A new camp was discovered yesterday on Sullivan Page 80 80 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [QHAP. XLVII. Island, and re-en forcements are also reported on James Island. In- tercepted dispatches indicate that the enemy is also busily at work on Fort Sumter as well as on Bee and Marshall. I keep up a regular fire upon Charleston from the 100-pounder Parrott, with most excel- lent effect. Some intelligent deserters, who came to the navy on yesterday direct from Charleston, informed me that within the last week our fire has been more destructive than ever before to the city. The shells fall more than two blocks above Calhoun street, into the most populous portion of the city. The city is completely within the range of our guns and can be destroyed. The materials for building the stockade have not yet arrived, and consequently no progress has been made in this much-needed work. The naval battery is progressing very slowly; we have no material for the bomb-proof. Within the last two days the work on this battery has been greatly interfered with by a corps of sharp- shooters which the enemy has stationed on Fort Sumter. The bul- lets came in very thick when I was at the front this morning. I hope if there are any telescopic rifles in the department, or any can be procured, they may be sent to me at once. I think I can use them to great advantage. The shelling from the enemys mortars was severe this morning on our front works, and having but little mortar powder we were unable to reply effectively. The mortars were very much needed to-day. I regret that our ordnance supplies are so scanty that I cannot make a decent defense of this important post. No powder for the mortars, no suitable fuses for the fire on Charleston, no shells for the 30-pounder Parrotts (a most useful gun for silencing the enemys fire), no material for making cartridge bags or grease for lubricating the projectiles. I shall do all in my power with what I have, but these deficiencies in materials which are of such vital importance to successful operations I deem it my duty to call your attention to, in the hope that they may soon be supplied. More ammunition for the 300-pounderthe most useful gun in these worksis also very much wanted. The prisoners now confined in front of Fort Strong are well cared for and quiet. In their firing the enemy seem to disregard them entirely. No casualties have as yet occurred among them. Our batteries act entirely upon the defensive, except the one gun on Charleston. I have issued the inclosed (confidential) orders* to the field and staff officers of this command, to be observed in case of an attack for the purpose of rescuing the prisoners now in our hands. The rations for them are regulated in accordance with the ration list you sent me. The deserters report that our prisoners from Andersonville, Ga., are being moved to Charleston, and that 10,000 of our soldiers are now in the city. I cannot express too strongly my own convictions of the great importance of having all the materials sent here to place the forts and batteries with their armament and magazines in complete order for service. I am, general, with great respect, yours, R.~AXTON, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Commanding Department of the South. * See General Orders, No. 56, September 15, Part II, p. 289 Page 81 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 81 HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, lJliorris Island, S. C., Septe~nber 27, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that the affairs of this dis- trict remain much as at the date of my last report. The enemy seems to be busily engaged strengthening his defensive works and mounting new guns. His sharpshooters continue to annoy my working parties from Fort Sumter. With this exception, he has made no demonstration upon my lines. His sharpshooters are very industrious, and retard my work somewhat. I keep up a steady and effective fire upon the city from my 100-pounder and 200- pounder Parrotts. The 200-pounder now in use is by far the most effective gun ever brought to bear upon the city. I think it is very destructive, as nearly the entire city can be covered by its fire. I am anxious to experiment with a 300-pounder upon the city. If there is another one in the department, or one can be procured, I hope it will be forwarded to me for this purpose. I think we should have more and heavier guns mounted than the enemy. At present we have not, and he has a terrible cross-fire upon Gregg, which he will be sure to use to our injury if we are not prepared for it. A large fire, probably caused by our shells, broke out in Charles- ton on the 17th instant at 2 p. m. and burned fiercely for several hours, causing great excitement in the city. Last evening my sig- nal officer inteicepted the inclosed dispatch from the rebel General Ripley. The first part of the dispatch my officer did not get. I sent a copy of the dispatch to the admiral of the fleet. Believing that the enemy intended to attack Fort Putnam, I made my dispositions accordingly to give him a warm reception, but the night being stormy he did not appear. From the long silence of all his batteries I infer that the enemy intends to attack soon. I shall endeavor to be ready. I have, however, to work my force severel~y. The defi- ciency in my ordnance supplies has not yet been filled.~ I hope they~ will be hurried up. The prisoners are all safe and well guarded. They have made two unsuccessful attempts at tunneling out, and 6 tried to escape from the schooner on which I had embarked them for a change of air. There is a great deal of sickness among them; 1 has died. I think the sickness is the result of a want of proper food. The work on the forts is progressing, but slowly. I am not satis- fied with the progress made, but in saying this I do not wish to be understood as censuring any one. Lieutenant Edwards, the engi- neer in charge, is diligent and faithful. Want of transportation and material is the great cause of delay. I need thirty-six mule teams immediately, in addition to what I now have, to do the work of this post. I trust the general commanding will have them sent. I also need a large-sized field telescope for observing the movements of the enemy. General Gillmore had one while he commanded the department. If it is not now in the department, I respectfully re- quest that the chief quartermaster be ordered to purchase one in New York. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. SAXTON, Brigadier-General, Gommanding. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General. 6 H HvOL xxxv, PT Page 82 82 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. [Inclosure.] FORT STRONG, September 26, 1864. City to Fort Johnson. and take Gregg. while I attempt to run out to-night. Our batteries have been instructed to permit them to pass. Please inform your pickets. RIPLEY, General. Lieutenant ROBERTS: This message was sent in the new code, and there were a few words in the beginning that I did not get, but from the purport of the message IL should judge that they intended to attack to-night and run a vessel out. Please inform the general. Will keep a bright lookout. COL YIN, Sergeant. No. 10. Report of Brig. Gem. Edward E. Potter, U. S. Army, commanding Northern District, of operations October 27November 7. HDQRS. NORTH~ERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH Jkliorris Island, NovembeI~ 7, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the major- general commanding, that since assuming command of this district* I have visited and inspected all the forts, batteries, garrisons, and outposts on the different islands. On Morris Island the palisading about Fort Putnam and the naval battery is completed. The stock- ade in rear of Battery Chatfield is very nearly finished; the palisad- ing in its front is not yet commenced. The work upon the naval battery has been delayed by the want of plank for revetments and for the bomb-proof. Five of the 11-inch guns are in position, and fire could be opened at any time. A serious drawback to the speedy completion of these works has been the lack of transportation, there not being sufficient to carr{ sod and lumber to the front as fast as they were required. I won ci suggest that a covered way, to serve also as an infantry parapet, be constructed between the naval bat- tery and Battery Chatfield. Some sand has been loosely thrown up there, but the winds soon scatter it. Fort Shaw and Battery Pur- viance, at the south end of the island, are both in good condition, with the exception that the palisading around each of them requires to be repaired and strengthened. The troops upon Morris Island are generally in good health. The Fifty-sixth New York, which came from Beaufort with a large sick- list, have improved, but still furnish a larger sick report than any other regiment in this district. Their camp being in an unhealthy locality, I directed its removal farther up the beach. The boat infantry, composed of the larger portion of the Fifty- second Pennsylvania Volunteers, has had its efficiency lessened by * October 27, 1864 Page 83 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 83 the fact that several of its boats have become unserviceable; the reason assigned for their not having been repaired was the want of boards. Finding that the post quartermaster had a small quantity of suitable material at his boat shop, I ordered all the boats needing repairs to be sent there. Fire is kept up on Charleston at the rate of 1 shell every fifteen minutes from the 100-pounder Parrotts at Fort Putnam. There has been some mortar practice at Sumter from Battery Chatfield. On the morning of the 5th instant, a sloop was discovered aground off Fort Moultrie. Fire was opened upon her from Fort Putnam with two 30-pounder Parrotts, from Battery Chatfield with one 300-pounder Parrott, and from Fort Strong with 100-pounder Parrotts. Lieu- tenant-Colonel Ames, chief of artillery, reports the practice to have been remarkably good. The vessel was set on fire and burned to the waters edge. Her cargo is supposed to have been cotton. Only 33 rounds were fired at her in all. On Folly Island, Fort Greene, at the northern end, is in good order. Battery Mahan and Fort Delafield are both undergoing repairs. In accordance with orders issued by General Scammon the Fifty-fourth New York has been moved from the southern end of the island and camped nearly midway between Pawnee Landing and the white house. The Fifty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers remain at the southern extremity of the island. On Coles Island the battery on the right, known as No. 1, is being repaired by the officers in command. The abatis in its front needs to be renewed and strengthened, which I directed to be done. The battery on the left, No. 2, I found to be without ditch or palisade. This work is more exposed to attack than any other on the whole line. I ordered a ditch to be commenced at once and a palisading to be constructed. A corporal of the New York Volunteer Engineers has been sent to take charge of this work. From Battery No. 1 to No. 2 a chain of pickets extends across the island. At the southern point of Coles Island are encamped five companies of the Thirty-third U. S. Colored Troops, the remainder of the regiment furnishing the gar- rison of the batteries and the details for outpost duty. The battery on Long Island is undergoing repairs. The interior slopes and magazines have been newly revetted. The exterior slopes are still in an unfinished state. The garrison upon this island consists of three companies Fifty-fifth Massachusetts (colored), detailed from the post of Folly Island. The battery on Black Island is in good order. Its garrison con- sists of one company Fifty-fourth Massachusetts, from the post of Morris Island. The supply of ammunition in all these forts and batteries is kept up to the amount of 100 rounds for each gun, besides the quantity in reserve in the ordnance depot. I forward herewith the report of Lieutenant-Colonel Ames, chief of artillery, Department of the South, of the firing from the heavy guns in this district during the month of October. Very respectfully, your obedient se:vant, K E. POTTER, Brigadier- General, Gommanding. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 84 84 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. No. 11. Report of Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch, U. S. Army, commanding U. S. Forces, hilton Head, & c., of operations July 211. HDQRS. U. S. FORCES, HILTON HEAD, FORT PULASKI, SAINT HELENA, AND TYBEE ISLANDS, Hilton Read, S. C., July 12, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the reconnaissance in force lately made by my command on Johns Island: The force, consisting of Saxtons brigade (three regiments of in- fantry) and Days battery (Third New York Artillery), commanded by Brig. Gen. R. Saxton; Davis brigade (three regiments of in- fan try), cornmanded by Col. W. W. H. Davis, One hundred and fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers; two companies Fourth Massachu- setts Cavalry, commanded by Maj. D. B. Keith, commenced disem- barking on Seabrook Point on the morning of the 2d instant. Owing to the shallowness of water at the dock and unexpected difficulties in landing, we were unable to complete the disembarka- tion until the morning of the 3d instant. The One hundred and forty-fourth New York Volunteers, Col. W. J. Slidell commanding, as soon as landed on the morning of the 2d, advanced and occupied Haulover Cut, where some opposition had been expected. The prompt movement of Colonel Slidell prevented the occupation by the enemy of the works at that point. The remainder of Davis brigade, with a few cavalry, were sent to his support as soon as pos- sible, and a good bridge over the cut, capable of passing artillery, completed before night. As soon as landed Saxtons command and the cavalry were pushed forward to Haulover Cut, where the last of the command arrived about 10 a. m. on the 3d. Davis brigade, the cavalry, and a piece of artillery marched to Jenkins house, on Bohicket Creek, 4 miles in advance of the cut, on the morning of the 3d, and the whole command was consolidated at that point on the evening of the same day. From the moment of landing a small force of the enemys cavalry hovered around the advance, occasion- ally firing upon us, but rapidly falling back when pursued by our cavalry. July 4.The command moved to a point on the Aberpoolie Creek, 3 miles from Legareville, where a detachment of 25 of the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry and Wildts battery of the Third New York Artillery joined. The intense heat of the day prevented a longer march that day, a large number of the command becoming exhausted. July 5.Leaving a battalion of four companies of the Twenty- sixth U. S. Colored Troops at the camp of the last night, and two companies of the same regiment at the forks of the road, where the road branches to Bugbee Bridge, to prevent my communication. with Legareville being cut, we marched to a point opposite Battery Pringle and occupied a strong position, fronting on a marsh, the right of the line protected by the Stono River, the left by an almost impenetrable jungle. Pickets, strongly supported, were thrown half a mile to the front and a reconnaissance made of Battery Pringle. This battery or fort was found to be an extensive earth- work, mounting eight large guns, protected from an enfilading fir Page 85 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 85 on Johns Island by heavy traverses, and containing an enormous bomb-proof, apparently equaling in size that of Fort Wagner. Along the front of this work, and separating it from the portion of James Island on which our troops are situated, is a marsh with a small creek, crossed by a bridge. Battery Tynes, in its rear about 1~ miles, completely commands Battery Pringle. It is a small but well-built work with traverses and large bomb-proof, apparently mounting five guns. Information reaching me during the day that the enemy had cut my line of communication at the forks of the road, General Saxton, with a brigade, was detached to reopen it. He found that the two companies at the forks of the road had been attacked by a large force, with one howitzer, and had fallen back to the camp of the previous night, with a loss of 2 killed. July 6.Continued reconnaissance; the enemy, appearing in front of our pickets in force with three pieces of artillery, shelled our camp. The. only casualty was the severe wounding of Col. W. W. H. Davis, who, with Lieutenant Suter, U. S. Engineers, and myself, was. examining the front, with a view to intrenching. Saxton, with his brigade, joined in the afternoon, bringing up the regiment left to guard the road. Communication with the troops on James Isl- and having been opened by means of the fleet, it was no longer necessary to retain the regiment on the road. Receiving informa- tion from Major-General Foster that during his absence I would be in command of all the forces operating near Charleston, I turned over to General Saxton the command of the troops on Johns Island and repaired on board ship in the Stono River, to which point the transports that had landed the troops at Seabrook Point had arrived, to receive them on the completion of the reconnaissance. July 7.General Saxton this day attacked the enemys line of rifle-pits with the Twenty-sixth U. S. Colored Troops. The troops behaved very handsomely, advancing steadily in open ground, under a heavy fire, and driving the enemy from the line. Had the ad- vance been supported, the enemys artillery would have been cap- tured; as it was, both artillery and infantry were driven from the field. July 8.The enemy were strongly re-enforced, and Battery Prin- gle opened on our camp with one 8-inch and one 10-inch columbiad. There were, however, no casualties. General Foster having re- turned to the Stono River, I again assumed immediate command of the troops on Johns Island, being re-enforced by Montgomerys brigade. July 9.At daybreak the enemy drove in my pickets. At 5.45 a. in., he attacked my line in force with great spirit, but was easily repulsed in about fifteen minutes. At 6.30 a. in., he again attacked with a larger force. There was no wavering in our lines, while the infantry poured in a deadly fire. Captain Day, securing a good position for five Napoleon guns, gave them volleys of spherical case, while the Sixth, being in front, fired double canister. It was not necessary to bring up the reserve infantry, the enemy flying in con- fusion in ten minutes from the opening of our fire. Our loss in these two attacks was trifling, while that of the enemy was undoubtedly severe. During the remainder of the day the enemy remained quiet, and the object of the expedition being fully accomplished, preparations were made to retire from the island. One battery was sent to the rear during the day, and during the night the wholo command was withdrawn to a point near Legareville, and embarked without annoyance from the enemy Page 86 80 S. C., PtA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. ECHAP. XLVII. The total loss during the occupation of Johns Island was 2 officers and 9 mcii killed, and 2 officers and (39 men wounded. The number missing I have not yet received. it is, however, very small, but unfortunately numbers among them a valuable officer, Surg. W. T. Robinson, One hundred and fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers. In closing this report, I take pleasure in calling to the notice of the major-general conimanding the department the valuable serv- ice rendered by Col. W. W. H. Davis, One hundred and fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers. His energy, activity, and gallantry made his loss a severe one to the expedition, and it was felt to be so by his command, who are much attached to him. Colonel Montgom. ery, commanding brigade, and Colonel Slidell, commanding One hundred and forty-fourth New York Volunteers, also deserve notice for their skillful handling of their troops and gallantry in action. Lieut. Col. W. T. Bennett, One hundred and second U. S. Colored Troops, serving on my staff, rendered valuable assistance, both on the march and in action. I cannot express too strongly the estima- tion in which I hold his conduct. Lient. E. B. Van Winkle,, aide- dc-camp, was untiring in the performance of his duties, and ambi- tious of distinction on the field. To the officers of Major-General Fosters staff, Capt. W. L. M. Burger, assistant adjutant-general, and First Lieut. J. R. McGinness, Ordnance Department, who ac- companied me as volunteers, I am under obligations for their cheer- ful attention to the disagreeable duties imposed on them by the vexa- tious delays and difficulties, unexpected but unavoidable. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH, Brig. Gen., U. S. Volunteers, 6Yomdg. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 12. Reports of Gol. Henry AL Hoyt, Fifty-second Pennsylvania In fantry, of assault on Fort Johnson and Battery Simhins. CHARLESTON JAIL, August 2, 1864. On 3d July we carried Fort Simkins, the Brooke gun battery, and with 135 men (all who had landed) pushed over the parapets of Fort Johnson, and the garrison had actually begun to leave. The bat- tery (Tynes) was in our possession. Nothing but the failure of the other boats to laud preventcd our capture of the works. All who landed (five boat-loads, 135) were captured. I trust the most thor- ough investigation will be made, let the responsibility fall where it may. HENRY M. HOYT, Colonel Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers. [Indorsement.] AUGUST 5, 1864. Received by the hands of one of our released officers. Copy to be sent to General Schimmelfennig. J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Gommanding Page 87 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. IIDQRS. FIFTY-SECOND PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS, Morris Island, S. 0., August 21, 1864. CAPTAIN: I bog leave to submit the following report of the opera- tions of the Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers on Fort Johnson, in Charleston Harbor, on the morning of 3d July last: In pursuance of orders from Colonel Gurney, One hundred and twenty-seventh New York Volunteers, commanding U. S. Forces, Morris Island, S. C., the Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, to the number of 500 officers and men, embarked in twenty barges on the evening of 2d July, and moved to Paines Dock, the appointed rendezvous, arriving there somewhat before 12 midnight. We were immediately joined by the other forces composing the expedition, to wit, 60 officers and men of the Third Rhode Island Artillery, under Captain Churchill, and the One hundred and twenty-seventh New York Volunteers, under command of Major Little, of that regiment. At a few minutes past 1 a. in., the moment the tide (which had been at dead low water) turned, the fleet of boats moved for its destination under the instructions, in the order and for the purpose following. All these instructions and orders had been fully, carefully, and re- peatedly explained and communicated to the officers and men in the affair to an extent to render misconception impossible. We were to move across Charleston Harbor, land on the beach between Fort J ohnson and Battery Simkins, assault and carry the works on the east end of James Island, the attack on Fort Johnson being assigned to the Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, that on Simkins to the One hundred and twenty-seventh New York Volunteers, the artil- lery detachment being divided between them both. The boats were to move across the harbor with the Fifty-second Pennsylvania Vol- unteers in advance, followed by the Third Rhode Island Artillery and the One hundred and twenty-seventh New York Volunteers, in single file, well closed up, expecting to cross the bar at a point mid- way between Forts Sumter and Simkins, head for Johnsons Point, face by the left flank, and move vigorously to the beach and carry the works with the bayonet. A pilot (one Sergeant Bennett, of Com- pany E, One hundred and twenty-s~venth New York Volunteers), who was selected by Colonel Gurney to conduct us, was placed in the leading boat, commanded by First Lieutenant Farr, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers. Colonel Gurney announced his intention of making his own headquarters at Paines Dock, and ordered an officer of his staff, name unknown to me, to report with a light dis- patch-boat to myself, then to be the senior officer in the movement across the harbor and the expected assault. This officer did not re- port to me. But one signal of retreat, should such possibly be ordered, was agreed upon, and this was to be made upon a bugle, which was in my possession. With these plain and minute instructions, which were understood by everybody afloat, we moved from Paines Dock the instant the tide turned. The head of the column, properly followed, proceeded in the proper direction. I am aware of no delays wiuch occurred except such as were necessarily caused by the pilot in his attempts to find and keep the channel he sought. Upon arriving at the bar extending from Simkins to Fort Sumter, the great obstacle we had to encounter, it was found still to be out of water, the tide being at about a quarter full. The pilot in the leading boat announced his utter inability to find any channel through the bar and declined t Page 88 88 S. C., FLA., AND ON TIlE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. proceed, and had clearly struck it at a point very far distant from the contemplated passage. I know- not whether to attribute the actions of this pilot to ignorance or deliberate misconduct. By this failure, though without personal knowledge of the locality, .1 was driven to my own responsibility and my own efforts to pass that bar. During the delay which occurred here, the barges had all closed well up upon each other, and the expedition was substantially to- gether and well in hand. We were then lying close to the marsh in front of Simkins, and not more than 1,000 yards from Fort John- son, the general direction of which was evident enough. Accident put us at once in possession of a practicable passage close to this marsh, deep, but only admitting one boat at a time, and speedily opening into a much wider expanse. Not more than ten minutes elapsed after the refusal of the pilot to proceed before the whole expedition was under orders, advancing with the utmost dispatch, and promptly filing through the channel. From this point there was no obstacle to encounter except the enemy. It was becoming daylight and the designated point of landing was in view. The first gun was fired as the leading boat rounded a small sandspit running out from Simkins toward the Brooke gun battery, and about 100 yards from it. I am~ persuaded, after the most thorough subsequent investi~a- tion, aside from my personal knowledge at the time, that when t is shot was fired all the boats of the Fifty-second Pennsylvania Vol- unteers, with two exceptions, the boats of the Third Rhode Island Artillery, and a very considerable number of those containing the One hundred and twenty-seventh New York Volunteers had passed the bar and were in good water. The distance between that bar and the leading boat did not exceed 600 yards. Hereupon cannon- ading and musketry were opened upon us from Simkins along the beach and from Fort Johnson with considerable rapidity but en- tirely over our heads. A landing was immediately and successfully effected by the lead- ing boats at the Brooke gun battery, which was readily carried, and no halt whatever occurred at it. Five boats were now ashore, being those commanded by Lieute~iant-Colonel Conyngham, Capt. T. B. Camp, First Lieut. J. G. Stevens, and Lieut. T. E. Evans, with my own, which, besides the crew, carried Acting Adjutant Bunyan, a bugler, and a signal sergeant, being a total of 6 officers and 135 men, all of the Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers. It was now ap- parent that not only were no other boats landing but that the entire expedition were retreating in the boats, not only without orders, but in disobedience to the most explicit orders to tbe contrary. Neither then nor since have I been able to arrive at any satisfactory knowledge of the causes and facts connected with their failure to land. So much of the expedition as disembarked pushed with all the vigor possible upon Fort Johnson and its connected line of high earthen parapets. The parapet was entered near the main fort with a brisk movement of about 30 of the advance, who exchanged shots within the work, but were compelled to retire. The whole of our force was then conducted along the entire line from the rebel left to the right, with repeated efforts to enter it, until, at the extreme right another assault was attempted. It was only partially suc- cessful and resulted in the capture of most of the troops who joined in the attempt Page 89 CIAl. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 89 At this time my forces were very largely outnumbered; the con- troversy was prolonged some little time, but in a feeble and desul- tory manner, and the undertaking was of necessity abandoned. The entire party was taken prisoners. I am persuaded that at the time of our landing the number of the enemy in the work did not exceed 150, nor during the pendency of our attempts to enter and hold the works did their numbers increase by re-enforcements, which were near at hand in camp, to more than 300. I beg leave to speak in terms of unqualified praise of the conduct of the officers whose names I have mentioned above and the men who landed, both in their resolute manner of bringing their boats ashore and the gallantry with which, under a most disheartening want of support, they charged a formidable line of forts and earth- works under severe fire of musketry, grape, and canister, and the tenacity with which they continued an evidently hopeless struggle. The casualties on shore were, killed, 7; wounded, 16; total, 23. I have deemed it my duty to give many minute particulars of facts which occurred and make this report a very detailed one. Very respectfully submitted. HENRY M. HOYT, Colonel Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers. Capt. R. H. L. JEWETT. A. A. A. G., U. S. Forces, Morris Island, S. C. No. 13. Report of MoJ. Thomas B. Jayne, Fifty-second Pennsylvania In fantry, of assault on Fort Johnson and Battery Simicins. CAMP FIFTY.SECOND PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS, Morris Island, S. C., August 10, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken in the assault of Fort Johnson on the morning of July 3, 1864: Orders had been received for the Fifty-second Pennsylvania Vol- unteers, Col. H. M. Hoyt commanding, to proceed across the harbor for the purpose of assaulting Fort Johnson. The movement, from causes of which I am not informed, was delayed until the evening of July 2. Arrangements as to how the Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers should proceed there had all been completed on the 1st, and we were to go by the Fort Sumter channel. Late on the even- ing of the 2d, the route was changed, and another guide from the one which I understood was to act was substituted. This guide was a sergeant of the One hundred and twenty-seventh New York Vol- unteers, who was to conduct the expedition through a middle chan- nel, in order to avoid being discovered by the enemy at Fort Sumter. By this route it was fully understood that we were to land the same as though proceeding by the Sumter channel. On the evening of July 2, as soon as the darkness was sufficient to cover the movement from the observation of the enemy, the Fifty- second Pennsylvania Volunteers moved to the camp of the boat in- fantry, near which they were to embark. The regiment was assigne Page 90 .90 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. twenty boats (pontoons and metallic), the right of the regiment to embark in the lightest-draught boats, as they were to take the lead. Col. John B. Conyngham was assigned the first boat division, con- sisting of the three right companies of the Fifty-second Pen~isyl- vania Volnnteers (A, F, and D). They were to embark in four boats, Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4; First Lient. N. P. Farr commanding No. 1. to which the guide was assigned; No. 2, Capt. T. B. Camp; No. 3, Lieu- tenant-Colonel Conyngham; No. 4, First Lient. James G. Stevens. The four center companies (I, C, H, and E) formed the second boat division, under the command of Colonel Hoyt; No. 5, commanded by Capt. Harry H. Jenks, Company I; No. 6, First Lieut. Thomas E. Evans, Company I; No. 7, Capt. W. S. Chatham, Company C; No. 8, First Lient. William V. Hollingsworth, Company C; No. 9, Capt. John B. Fish, Company H; No. 10, Capt. H. D. Weed, Com- pany E. These boats were to immediately follow the preceding ones, to which they were to be attached by ropes, but this part of the arrangement was abandoned. The three left companies (K, G, and B) formed the third boat division, and were under my com- mand; No. 11, Lieut. David Moses, Company K; No. 12, Sergeant Samson, Company K; No. 13, Sergeant Kenyon, Company E; No. 14, Capt. N. Pierson, Company G; No. 15, Second Lieutenant Burr, Company B; No. 16, Capt. R. W. Bannatyne, Company B; No. 17 being the boat assigned to me; 40 artillerists, Third Rhode Island Heavy Artillery, which were assigned to Nos. 18 and 19, Captain Churchill and Lieutenant Bible; Colonel Hoyt having a light boat, No. 20. Some of these boats were found to be unfit for use; consequently some changes were made, and there was not found transportation sufficient for a considerable portion of my boat division. I was directed by Colonel Hoyt, after embarking my boat divis- ion, to proceed immediately to Paines Dock, which I did. The tide being low I got stuck in the creek and was obliged to get out in order to get the boat off. Some time after arriving at Paines Wharf the boats all started for Cummings Point. I endeavored to keep my division together. Soon after leaving Paines Dock Colonel Hoyt ran his boat along- side of mine and informed me that my boats were getting in the advance and that they would get fast in the channel; by halting, threw my boats out of order upon reaching the point from which we were to start across. The expedition frequently halted, being uncertain as to its course. My boat division was to land imme- diately after the others and to run my boats between theirs. At early daylight we found ourselves in front of Fort Simkins and on the left-hand side of the bar. The first intimation that I had of any bar being there was, while pulling well to the right to form my line of battle as directed, I ran upon this bar and found some difficulty in getting off. Other boats jamming into the channel obliged my boat to pass to the rear in getting off. The boats of both regiments were mixed together considerably. After getting off the bar I endeavored to get to the front in order to land on the beach, but found it impossible, as the channel was full of boats that were not moving on. I then asked my cockswain if he could get ashore from the marsh; he replied that it was impossible. Previous to this the enemy had discovered the advaiice boats, fired a signal gun, and opened upon the boats with musketry, grape, and eanister, causin Page 91 Cnii. XLVIII OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARI3OR, ETC. 01 great confusion among the boats. Only one boat, No. 6, First Lient. Thomas E. Evans commanding, of the second boat division, landed. Had I been able to have reached the front I think the regi- ment would have landed, although the fire was heavy. The failure in landing the second boat division I cannot account for; they fell back without orders, as the bugle sound only was to have been the signal to retreat. The following are the names of the cockswains and oarsmen of the different boats: No. 1, Lieut. Norman P. Farr commanding, all of Fifty-second except the cockswain; cockswain, Sergt. Robert Ben- nett, One hundred and twenty-seventh New York Volunteers; oars- men, Privates Thomas Cassiday, Jonas Miller, Thomas Ray, and Daniel W. Turner, Company A. No. 6, Capt. H. H. Jenks, all of the Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers; cockswain, Jonathan Davis, Company I, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers; oarsmen, Albert Seneff, Jeremiah James, Michael Cadden, Richard Davis, Company I. No. 7, Capt. W. S. Chatham; cockswain, W. W. Archer, sergeant Company H; oarsmen, Peter Weaver, P. Snedicor, William James, and Peter Connelly, Company H, all of the Fifty-second Pennsylva- nia Volunteers. No. 8, Lient. William V. Hollinsworth, Company C; cockswain, Private Michael ONeil, Company H; oarsmen, John G. La France, John E. Perry, Charles Wagner, Martin Groner, Com- pany H, all of the Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers. No. 9, Capt. John B. Fish, Company H; cockswain, Sidney B. Weed, Coin- pany E; oarsmen, Joseph L. White, Ezra 0. Smith, Peter L. Vroo- man, Alfred D. Finney, Company E, all of Fifty-second Pennsyl- vania Volunteers. I~ o. 10, Capt. H. D. Weed, Company E; cock- swain, Corpl. Alva Dolph, Company K; oarsmen, Tryal Styles, Edmund Jones, Andrew Scntt, and Charles Rubeck, all of Company K, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers. No. 13, Capt. Nathaniel Pierson, Company G; cockswain, Corpl. Henry C. Mott, Company G; George Mack, William Long, and Henry Rummerfield, oarsmen, all of Company G, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers. No. 14, Sergt. George W. Samson, Company K; cockswain, Corpl. William H. Robbins, Company G; [oarsmen,] Alamauza De Camp, John Welch, William Carroll, and Edward H. Davis, all of Company G, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers. No. 15, Lieut. David Moses, Company K; cockswain, Private James Sweeney, Company B; oars- men, Jonathan Jones, Joseph B. Maxwell, Jacob W. Sharp, Charles Livingston, privates Company B, all of Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers. No. 16, Capt. R. W. Bannatyne, Company B; cock- swain, Private John J. Culberson, Company B; oarsmen, Nathaniel Josling, John G. Gilmartin, D. Shoemaker, Giles R. Wilcox, privates Company B, all of Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers. No. 17, Maj. T. B. Jayne; cockswain, Private George H. Titus, Company B; oarsmen, John H. Riker, William H. Kishpaugh, J. F. Miller, Lean- der C. Low, privates Company B, all of Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers. The numbers of boats crews not included are those which were unfit for use. I am, captain, very respectfully, THOMAS B. JAYNE, Major Fifty-second Penn. T7ols., Gomdg. Third Boat Div. Capt. R. H. L. JEWETT, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 92 92 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. No. 14. Report of Capt. Robert W. l3annatyne, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Infantry, of assault on Fort Johnson and Battery Siinkins. MORRIS ISLAND, S. 0., August 10, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by my command in the attack on Fort Johnson, S. C., July 3, 1864: My boat was known as beach boat, in the line of attack as No. 16 boat, third division, which was commanded by Maj. Thomas B. Jayne, of Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers. The names of tbe boats crew were: Cockswain, John J. Culberson; oarsmen, N. Jos- ling, J. G. Gilmartin, D. Shoemaker, G. R. Wilcox, all of Company B, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers. The infantry force at my disposal was 1 sergeant, ~5 corporals, and 16 privates, all of Company B, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers. The number of men in the boat was 28, including myself. The men were loaded in the boats at the boat-infantry landing, and as fast as the boats were ready, they moved on to Paines Dock, the final place of starting. In going to the dock my boat got aground, but was soon got off. According to instructions received from Colonel Hoyt previous to starting, the boats were to leave Paines Dock in a single line, one behind the other, and connected by a rope from the stern of the leading boat to the bow of the next boat in the rear. We were to go by the bar that runs out from Battery Simkins, which course would bring us to the left and nearly opposite Fort Sumter. When the last boats of the line had passed the bar we were to turn by the left flank and pull straight to the beach near Fort Johnson, and at the same time to preserve the line of battle as near as possible. However, at a late hour this plan was changed and we were told by the colonel that we would pass the bar by a chan- nel nearer James Island. We were to have one pilot, and he was to be in the leading boat, and the other boats were to follow him in line, one behind the other, as near as possible, and on this p lan we started from Paines Dock about 1 a. m. of July 3, 1864. Did not go but a short distance until the boats were out of their places; not being connected together it was impossible to keep in line in the darkness, and no talking being allowed except in a whisper. After going a short distance from Paines Dock, Colonel Hoyt came along- side and said, You are out of your place, to move up. I then pulled on until I found that I was certainly ahead of my place in line, when I lay to and then discovered that the boats were moving very slow, and it appeared to me as though the pilot could not find the passage through the bar. The tide was coming in and drifting us to the left. After some delay the boats moved on, but rather slow. I then pulled on until I found that I was ahead of my place, and then stopped. It then commenced to show daylight in the east. I then moved on slowly until several boats passed me and I saw that those ahead of me were passing the bar, and several were aground, or at least stopped, when I passed the bar. In passing my boat struck the bottom several times, but did not get hard aground. The chan- nel was narrow and crooked and scarcely water to float our boats. Before I was fairly by the bar the enemy fired a gun from Johnson. At the report of the gun the cockswain threw himself down and lost the oar that he was steering the boat with. The stroke-oar was the Page 93 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 93 handed to him, and by the time he got the boat straightened n another shot was fired on us, when the cockswain again fell or dodges and lost the second oar and the boat lost its headway. I then or- dered him down in the bottom of the boat, and directed First Sergt. William Vaughn to take his place, which he did, and handled the boat in a cool manner. We were then going toward Fort Johnson, but made slow progress on account of having only three oars to work with. Directly after the second gun they commenced firing on us with several guns, some 4 or 5 shots coming almost together. I was then moving straight toward the beach in front of Johnson, distant about 250 yards, when seeing the boats in front of me turn- ing back, and looking to the rear I saw the boats in rear of mine were turning back, and not seeing any of the boat division com- manders, nor knowing where they were, and being uncertain whether any of our boats landed or not, I did not think it proper to go any farther. I had previously heard the order to retreat, but did not know who gave it, whether an officer or not; did not consider it au- thority to retreat on. I then gave the order to retreat and returned to Paines Dock. With the exception of the cockswain, the men be- haved well. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. W. BANNATYNE, Gaptain, Fifty-second Penn. Vots., (Jomdg. Go. B. Lieut. DAVID MOSES, Acting Adjutant. No. 15. Report of Lient. Philo M. Burr, Fifty-second Pennsylvania In fantry, of assault on Fort Johnson and Battery Simicins. MORRIS ISLAND, S. C., August 10, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part I took in the attack on Fort Johnson, S. C., July 3, 1864: I was assigned to the command of the metallic boat, No. 15 in line, third division, nuder command of Maj. T. B. Jayne, Fifty-sec- ond Pennsylvania Volunteers. While embarking, Lieutenant Moses boat was disabled, and Colonel Hoyt ordered him to get into No. 15. There being no other boat, I got into No. 17 with Major Jayne. The names of the crew were as follows: Cockswain, George H. Titus; oarsmen, John H. Riker, L. C. Low, J. F. Miller, William H. Kishpaugh, all of Company B, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Vol- unteers. There were 17, all told, in the boat; 8 of the infantry were of Company B, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, I from Com- pany C, and the sergeant-major of the regiment. Major Jayne and myself, while going to Paines Dock, were compelled to get out of the boat and lift it over the bar once. We remained at the dock until about 1 a. in., when we started toward Fort Putnam in order. It was quite difficult to keep our places, owing to the darkness and the boats not being connected. When nearly opposite the mouth of Wagner Creek we turned toward Fort Johnson. We passed several boats and met Colonel Hoyt. He told Major Jayne he was jtoo far in advance, and that he must get with his division, which he did. We moved on some way, when the boats stepped again. We cain Page 94 94 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. up and found that some of the boats were aground on the bar nearly in front of Battery Simkins, and some were going toward Johnson. By this time the alarm had been given, and the enemy opened on us with artillery and musketry. We tried to pass the boats but could not on either side. Some one gave the order to retreat. I do not know who it was. In a short time all the boats turned back to Paines Dock. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. M. BURR, Second Lieut. Company B, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Vols. Lieut. DAVID MosEs, Acting Adjutant. No. 16. Report of Capt. Walter S. Chatham, Fifty-second Pennsylvania In fantry, of assault on Fort Johnson and Battery Simkins. CAMP FIFTY-SECOND REGT. PENNSYLVANIA VOLS., Morris Island, S. C., August 9, 1864. ADJUTANT: I have the honor to report that on the night of the 2d July, 1864, I embarked in boat No. 7 (Col. H. M. Hoyts boat division), in the creek near the left batteries. I had on board the boat 35 men of my company (C, Fifty~second Regiment Penn- sylvania Volunteers) and 5 men of company H (boat crew). Ar- rived at Paines Dock about 11 p. in.; halted there until about 2 a. in. the morning of the 3d, and then took my place in the line, and moved toward the point at Fort Putnam. Here there was another halt of perhaps half an hour, the boats running together, when we again made a forward movement and pulled steadily for the bat- teries on the point of James Island. My boat being loaded heavily some of the lighter-draught boats passed me, so that I was unable to keep my place in the line. In coming up to, or a short distance above, Simkins I counted the boats on my right, commencing on the ext~eme right, back six boats, so as to enable me to land at my proper place in the line. Arriving at that point (I should judge about 100 yards above Simkins) there was a signal gun fired from the island. I immediately ordered my boat to make a landing on the beach, and running in when the enemys batteries opened. One of my oarsmen backed water with his oar and turning the boat parallel with the beach, heading toward the boats on the right. My cockswain again headed the boat to the beach. I then told this oarsman that if he again disobeyed his order I would shoot him. Then again gave the order to give way and ran my boat ashore. At this time some one of the boats on my right crossed my bow and hailed my boat, at the same time that the order was to retreat. I asked who had given the order. The answer was, the major. Know- ing the commanding officer was not a major, I gave the order to pro- ceed to the shore, when my cockswain called my attention to the fact that boats were retiring. I put my boat about, ran back, and dis- embarked at the place of embarkation. I did not know until an hour or tWo after arriving in camp that any of our boats had made a landing Page 95 Ca& p. XLVII.] I OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 95 The names of my boats crew are as follows: Sergt. W. W. Ar- cher, Company H, cockswain; Peter Weaver, P. Snedicor, William James, and Peter Connelly, Company H, oarsmen. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. S. CHATHAM, Captain, Comdg. Co. C, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Vols. Lieut. DAVID MOSES, Acting Adjutant. No. 17. Report of Lieut. William V. Hollingsworth, Fifty-second Pennsyl- vania Infantry, of assault on Fort Johnson and Battery Sirnkins. CAMP FIFTY-SECOND REGT. PENNSYLVANIA VOLS., Morris Island, S. C., August 9, 1864. ADJUTANT: I have the honor to report that on the night of the 2d July, I embarked in the boat No. 8, Col. H. M. Hoyts boat division, in the creek near the left batteries. I had on board the boat 7 men of Company C, 12 of Company H, 9 color guards (my boat being the color-boat), and 5 boats crew, all of the Fifty-second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. I arrived at Paines Dock about 12 p. in., and took my place in the line about 2.30 a. in., the morning of the 3d; pulled up to Wagner Creek and halted about fifteen minutes; then started for the point of Fort Putnam, arrived there about 3 a. in., and halted about ten minutes, when the command Forward was given, at which time my boat got entangled with some of the boats of the One hnndred and twenty-seventh New York Volunteers and of the Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, when Capt. J. B. Fish, of the Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, told me that Captain Fish would hold me responsible for my boat moving forward; to which I replied, I will move as soon as I get orders where to go to ; to which he, Captain Fish, answered, Follow the boats ahead. I then ordered my men to pull ahead, which they did; arrived at Simkins Point at daybreak, when I commenced pulling round the point, and when within about 300 yards of Fort Johnson one of the boats ahead backed water and ran across the bow of my boat, and shoved me out in the stream. I then got straightened up as soon as I possibly could, and made another at- tempt to land, when the order Retreat was given. I looked round and saw that the boats were all retiring. I then ordered my boats [crew] to pull for Fort Putnam, which they did. When I arrived near the point of Fort Putnam, I changed my course and returned to the place of embarkation. I did not know that any of our boats had made a landing until after I returned to camp. The names of my boats crew are as follows: Private M. ONeil, Company H, cockswain; Privates John G. La France, John E. Perry, C. Wagner, Martin Groner, oarsmen. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. V. HOLLINGSWORTH, First Lie]lt. ~ompany C, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Vols. Lient. DAVID MOSES, Acting Adjutant Fifty-second Pennsylvania Vols Page 96 96 5. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. No. 18. Report of Capt. Hannibal D. Weed, Fifty-second Pennsylvania. Infantry, of assault on Fort Johnson and Battery Simicins. CAMP FIFTY-SECOND REGT. PENNSYLVANIA VoLs., Jliliorris Island, S. 0., August 9, 1864. ADJUTANT: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by me in the assault made on Fort Johns& n on the morn- ing of the 3d of July, 1864: I was in command of pontoon No. 10, being the last boat of center division, commanded by Colonel Hoyt, and having a crew of 30 men, 1 cockswain, Corporal Doiph, Company K; oarsmen, Styles, Jones, Scutt, Rubeck. all of Company K; total, 35; embarking at the boat infantry [landing] about 10 p. in., ran to Paines Dock and waited the arrival of the balance of the boats. The expedition left Paines Dock about 12 p. m. I folldwed in the rear of No. 9 boat, commanded by Captain Fish. The expedition came to a halt opposite Fort Gregg. Colonel Hoyt came along the line of boats and gave the order to advance. We then moved on, but not in regular order, the Fifty-second Penn- sylvania Volunteers and One hundred and twenty-seventh New York Volunteers being badly mixed; sometimes could hardly tell them apart. Between 3 and 4 oclock in the morning found us near the rebel works on James Island. A portion of the expedition then came to a halt. I was at that time lost from Captain Fishs (No. 9) boat; saw the color-boat (No. 8), commanded by Lieutenant Hol- lingsworth, and ordered my men to row to them; on getting to them I found they were moving toward the shore. I followed in their rear; my boat got jammed among some other boats. I then lost sight of the color-boat; we were at that time near Johnsons Point. I think there was at that time ten or eleven boats in the advance of mine. I passed the point, followed by Captain Pierson. I was at that time about 50 yards from shore, but all of 250 yards from where Colonel Hoyt must have landed. The rebel signal was soon fired, and I ordered my men to pull for shore, which order they were cheerfully obeying when orders came from the front to retreat, but who gave the order I cannot say. I asked several times who gave the order, but got no reply. The boats at this time in front of me had turned and were retreating. I gave orders for my boat to turn and follow. I did not know at that time there were any of our men on shore. Very respectfully, yours, & c., H. D. WEED, Captain, Fifty-second 1?egt. Penn. Vols., Corndg. Co. E. Lient. DAVID MOSES, Acting Adjutant Fifty-second Penn. Vols. No. 19. Report of Capt. Nathaniel Pierson, Fifty-second Pennsylvania in fantry, of assault on Fort Johnson and Battery Simkins. CAMP FIFTY-SECOND PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS, Morris Island, S. C., Augvst 9, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that on the day of the 2d of July, ultimo, I left camp with 174 mien for the purpose of an as Page 97 Ciiix. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 97 sault on Fort Johnson, and my company was assigned to boats named repaired boat and ship-boat, and the balance in number was to go to Company B, metallic boat. I had orders to select 4 oarsmen and 1 cockswain for each of the two boats, but when I got to the dock Colonel Hoyt told me that the boats did not hold as many as had been anticipated, and the boats that had been assigned to me had to be given to other parties, but he would furnish me boats if I would go down to the other dock, meaning the one to the right of the causeway or foot-bridge. I went there and found no boats. When Major Jayne called for me I went to him and he told me I might take that boat, pointing to one under the bridge, and ordered me to get a boats crew and take what men I could and follow Company K. I then detailed Corpl. H. C. Mott cockswain, and George Mack, William Long, and Henry Rnmmer- field as oarsmen, Sergeant Shepherd, who was slightly wounded in the knee by a musket ball from Fort Simkins, and 8 men accom- panying me, leaving on the dock 48 men for whom transportation could not be furnished. We left the dock about midnight and Paines Wharf about 2 a. in., July 3, and arrived in front of Fort Johnson about daybreak, when there was a terrific fire opened from the several forts on James Island. My boat at the time was close to Company E, Captain Weed. While lying there waiting orders, word came from the right to fall back; we cannot stand this. I inquired by what order, but we were near about run down by other boats, when we, out of slieer compulsion, were obliged to fall back. I could not and did not know that a single boat had landed until we got back to camp. I would further say that I was in the third division of the regi- ment under the command of Major Jayne. Yours, truly, N. PIERSON, Captain, Fifty-second Penn. Vols., Comdg. Co. G. Lieut. D. MOSES, Acting Adjutant Fifty-second Penn. Vols. No. 20. Report of Capt. Harry H. Jenks, Fifty-second Pennsylvania In fantry, of assault on Fort Johnson and Battery Simkins. CAMP FIFTY-SECOND REGT. PENNSYLVANIA VOLS., August 9, 1864. SIR: In compliance with instructions, I would respectfully report that I commanded the fifth boat in thc assault of Fort Johnson on the morning of 3d July. The crew were from my company, viz: Cockswain, Jonathan Davis, Company I; stroke oar, Albert Seneff; oarsmen, Jeremiah James, Michael Cadden, Richard Davis, all of Company I. My boat carried 41 men, viz, 30 of my company, 5 of Company D, 1 cockswain, 4 oarsmen, and myself. Being so heavily loaded I 7 R RVOL XXXV, PT Page 98 98 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. could not keep my place in the line; several of the boats lighter loaded passed me. When the firing commenced my men behaved well. I kept my boat moving forward until I was certain of hav- ing reached my place, as all the boats that had passed me had turned back, the last, carrying the colors, being the last to turn. I then saw it was folly to go ahead, as all the other boats were going back, and ordered my boat put about, and the cockswain to run for Fort Putnam. At the time my boat was put about there was no boat nearer Johnson than mine, except those which I afterward heard had landed. Mine was the first boat of Col. H. M. Hoyts division. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HARRY H. JENKS, Captain Co. I, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Vols. Maj. THOMAS B. JAYNE. No. 21. Report of Lieut. David Moses, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Infantry, of assault on Fort Johnson and Battery Simkins. CAMP FIFTY-SEcOND PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS, iiiliorris Island, S. C., August 9, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by me in the assault on Fort Johnson on the morning of July 3, 1864: I was assigned to boats Nos. 12 and 13, but after getting to the dock and commencing to embark the boat I was assigned to sank, so I had to take another boat, which I understand was No. 15. I had neither of the boats Nos. 12 and 13. The boat I was in leaked very badly and was half full by the time I reached Paines Wharf. I had neither of the boat crews first assigned to me, owing to the change that had taken place. The crew of No. 15 was from Company B, of our regiment. Their names are as follow~: Cockswain, Private James Sweeney; oars- men, Privates Jonathan Jones, Joseph B. Maxwell, Jacob W. Sharp, Charles Livingston. I was in the third division, under your command, and started from Paines Wharf about 2 oclock in the morning for Fort John- son, on James Island. The first intimation I had of the retreat was hearing considerable noise and howling in different parts of the line, and seeing boats passing back in the direction we came. When I put my boat about, the boat with colors was passing me on its way back. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID MOSES, Second Lieut. C~o. K, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Vols. Maj. THOMAS B. JAYNE, Commanding Fifty-second Pennsylvania Infantry Page 99 C~. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 99 No. 22. Report of Capt. John B. Fish, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Infantry, of assault ~n Fort Johnson and Battery Simicins. CAMP FIFTY-SECOND PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS, Morris Island, S. C., July 8, 1864. MAJOR: In Compliance with instructions, I have the honor to sub- mit the following report of the part taken by me in the recent attack on Fort Johnson: My instructions from headquarters were that I should furnish two boat crews, one to No. 7 and one to No. 8 boats, 12 of my men to go in the former and 30 in the latter. All of the boats were to main- tain their position in line, and to secure this they were to be pro- vided with ropes, which was not done. When I embarked my men occupied boats Nos. 8 and 9. As soon as they were loaded I pulled for Paines Wharf, and took my position in rear of boats already there. After waiting there about three hours the boats ahead began to move off, I following in my place. After moving out, the boats in advance stopped, and some of the rear boats came up and passed. At this time all stopped moving, except with the tide, and the order of line was entirely broken. In this condition we were de- layed about one hour, when the advance boats moved on again quite rapidly. I remained behind No. 8 boat, and then found that I was behind my place in line, and called to the officer in command of No. 8 boat that I should hold him responsible for keeping his place in line; after which I did not wait for No. 8 boat, but pulled as fast as pos- sible for Johnsons Point, passing many boats and running against others. In passing Johnsons Point we ran aground. I then heard the sentinel on shore challenge and fire his piece. We were delayed but a moment on the bar, but found the channel and pulled rapidly down the shore. Soon after passing the bar the first gun was fired from the fort. I used every effort to reach the shore, when we ran into two or three boats that were turned from shore. In the col- lision my boat was injured and my hand somewhat bruised. I then inquired why they were not making shore, and was answered that all were going back, and at this time a light boat passed, the occu- pants saying, Retreat. The party I did not know. I replied that there was no retreat unless the bugle sounded. Some man in my boat said the bugle had sounded, which caused me t0 hesitate. I then inquired if any of our boats had landed, and was answered that none had landed. I saw two boats on shore, and asked if they were not our boats. I could not believe that the bugle had sounded without my hearing it, so made an effort to rally the boats around me, but without avail. All boats at this time were going back or not going forward. I ordered my oarsmen to pull for shore and set the example. At this time I heard a cheer from the fort and supposed it was the rebels exulting over our defeat. The boats were put about without my orders. Feeling now that all was lost, I ordered the boat run for Gregg, bearing off toward Sumter to avoid the bar and crowd of boats. As we were on our return I heard tw Page 100 100 S. C., FLA., A~D ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. heavy volleys of musketry in our rear beyond Fort Johnson, when the musketry suddenly ceased, which was followed by cheers, which I am confident was from the rebels. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN B. FISK, Captain, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers. Maj. THOMAS B. JAYNE, Commanding Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers. No. 23. Report of Lieut. Norman P. Farr, Fifty-second Pennsylvania In fantry, of assault on Fort Johnson and Battery Simkins. CAMP FIFTY-SECOND REOT. PENNSYLVANIA VoLs., ]Iliorris Island, S. C., August 9, 1864. LIEUTENANT: In obedience to orders from headquarters I have the honor to submit the following report: I had one boats crew selected, Sergeant Bennett, One hundred and twenty-seventh New York Volunteers, cockswain; Privates Thomas Cassiday, Jonas Miller, Thomas Ray, and Daniel W. Turner, oarsmen; and the following-named men of Company A, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, viz: Sergt. N. B. Redden, Sergt. I. E. Finch, Sergt. J. S. Linn, Corpls. Thomas W. Aregood, J. B. Russell, Peter Allabach, S. W. Taylor, and Privates Henry Barnes, John Brown, James Brown, F. E. Carman, George B. Carey, James Countrymen, Lewis Cilfris, William Cilfris, William T. Delzell, George S. Dash, Frederick II. Deicil, Samuel Everett, F. Grnmm, George Greenawalt, John Huntsman, Henry Hopes, Will- iam Hypher, Michael Keef, Daniel Learch, F. S. Lape, Henry S. Mast, Thomas McGail, William L. Millham, N. P. Morgan, John F. Miller, Albert J. Meeker, George S. Peirce, Lorin D. Rozell, P. Riter, F. Souder, William Simons, John M. Taylor, John R. Wiley, E. 0. West. I embarked in the No. 1 boat of the first division, Fifty-second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was to take the lead and maintain that position if possible. If anything should happen that the leading boats should get fast on those mud bars the other boats were to pass. We embarked at the left batteries, about 10 p. in., and proceeded to Paines Dock. We lay there until 2 a. m. July 3, when I was ordered by Lieutenant-Colonel Conyngham to start out on the advance. I started, and when about half way between Paines Dock and Fort Putnam my boat struck on the bar. The next boat came up and I told them I was fast, and if they came on they would get fast. Colonel Conyngham was in the boat, and came up alongside, but did not run aground, his boat being lighter draught than mine. He said he could not pass me, as I had the guide with me. I told him the tide would float me off in a feW minutes, and it did. I passed on to the point where we were to turn to the left, made the turn, went about 50 yards, when I was halted by Colonel Conyngham. He said he was not going to charge those works with two or three boats, and said we should fall back near the shore and wait there for the remainder of the boats to come up. Page 101 ()~AP. XLVIII OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 101 lay there some time, near thirty minutes, when I started on my ~wn responsibility. I noticed my cockswain made very bad work steer- ing the boat. I inquired the cause and he said he could not steer it. When we got about half way to the bar he told the oarsmen to lay on their oars, for he wanted to see Colonel Hoyt. I urged them to pull away. About that time Colonel Hoyt came up and passed me; said something, I did not understand what. I got along near the bar and ran aground on the left-hand side of the channel. Colonel Hoyt came past me again from the rear. Sergeant Bennett said we could not pass over the bar yet, as the tide was not high enough. Colonel Hoyt said, Com& on, Farr. About this time we found the channel and passed through it. I shoved my boat off, and the cock- swain struck it on the other side. The No. 2 boat, the color-boat, and one or two other boats passed me. I got my boat off again and told the steersman to take Colonel Hoyts boat for a guide and run the boat ashore as soon as possible. We got under headway, and did well for some distance, only he ran more to the left than I intended, but did not interfere as long as we were going toward shore. I had got within 25 or 30 yards of the shore and about 100 yards to the left of Johnson, as near as I could judge, when the signa gun was fired. The steersman turned my boat square to the right and a little to the rear and ran the boat opposite Fort Johnson, a little to the right of the place where Colonel Hoyt landed. By this time the fire was very heavy and caused considerable excitement among the men. I got the boat headed for the shore twice but could make no headway. I saw Colonel Hoyt land and two or three boats. I am certain I saw the colonel and No. 2 boat go ashQre. In that time I saw two or three boats very near the shore. I am pretty certain that the color-boat was so near that it struck bottom. They shoved back and started for the rear. My men heard others say, They are all falling back, and they fell back, too. I lay the whole fault to the cockswain that I had. I never saw a man more frightened than Sergeant Bennett, One hundred and twenty-Seventh New York Volunteers. I think it was his intention to delay the boats until daylight, thinking the expedi- tion would be abandoned. I certify that this is as true and correct a report as I can make of the assault made on Fort Johnson on the morning of July 3, 1864. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, NORMAN P. FARR, First Lieut., Fifty-second Penn. Vols., Comdg. No. 1 BoaL Lieut. DAVID MOSES, Actg. Adjt. Fifty-second Penn. Vols. No. 24. Report of Maj. Edward H. Little, One hundred and twenty-seventh New York Infantry, of assault on Fort Johnson and Battery Simkins. HDQRS. 127TH REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS, Morris Island, 8. 0., July 3, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report: In compliance with verbal orders received, I embarked the One hundred and twenty-seventh New York Volunteers on the night of the 2d instant, between the hours 10 and 12. At 1.30 this a. in. w Page 102 102 S.C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVIL were all in position at Paines Dock. It was arranged between Col- onel Hoyt and myself that his regiment should lead the advance, moving by the right flank, and when he (Colonel Hoyt) had gained sufficient ground to the right he would flank to the left in line of battle toward the works on Johnsons Point. I was to continue moving by the right flank, passing to the rear of the Fifty-second Pennsylvania, and when I had gained sufficient ground to the right to get all my boats in line beyond the bar I was to flank to the left and advance toward Simkins. With this understanding the boats left Paines Dock at 2 a. m. I had formed the regiment into three divisions of five boats each, Captain Gurney commanding the right, Captain Allison the center, and Captain Henry the left. Each chief of division had a lieutenant in his boat and each of the other boats was commanded by a commissioned officer and ordered to follow their division leaders. My own boat contained, besides myself, the adjutant, sergeant-major, a bugler, and signalman, 4 oarsmen, and a cockswain. Before we reached the mouth of Vincents Creek I found that Captains Gurney and Henrys divisions had passed ahead of eight or ten of the boats of the Fifty-second Pennsylvania. I ordered them to halt and allow the Fifty-second Pennsylvania to pass. Soon after the line halted I went forward to see what the trouble was, and found that the boat immediately in advance of the boat contain- ing the major of the Fifty-second Pennsylvania had halted without cause and was between 200 and 300 yards in rear of its file leader. I asked the major if he was aware that the boat ahead of him had stopped; I forget what answer he made, but soon after the line moved on slowly. When near Fort Putnam the line filed to the left and advanced a short distance and again halted. I went forward to see what the matter was, and again found that a number of the boats of the Fifty-second Pennsylvania had halted without cause. While urging them to move on, Colonel Hoyt came from the right of the line and ordered them to move on faster, saying that the other boats were half a mile ahead. Again the line moved on some- what faster. At this time day began to break. In about ten minutes afterward I discovered that a large number of boats were congre- gated together, some of them with their oars locked, none of them trying to move forward. I found that they had inclined too much to the left, and were south and east from the bar that juts out from Simkins and close to the land. On the other side of the bar I saw two or three boats moving toward Johnsons Point. There was a narrow break in the bar through which the boats could pass. I ordered all the boats of the One hundred and twenty-seventh that I found there to go through the break as fast as possible and land with the boats ahead. Among this group of boats I found the major of the Fifty-second. I said, Major Jayne, why dont you exert yourself, and order your boats to move forward ? I cannot remember what reply he made; some one in his boat said that they were awaiting orders, or that somebody wanted to give orders. I asked if the colonel or lieutenant-colonel was there. I could get no answer. About 100 yards in rear of this group I saw a boat that looked like the one used by Colonel Gurney; thinking he was aboard, I rowed out to it. I found it contained Lieutenant Havi- land, who was acting as aide to Colonel Gurney. I asked him where Colonel Gurney was. He said Colonel Gurney was at Paines Dock. I told him that the boats would not moye forward. He said Page 103 CRAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLEST~N HARBOR, ETC. 103 Shall I tell Colonel Gurney that the movement is a failure ? to which I made no reply, but went back to the boats. I called to the officers of the boats and asked them to land their men; just then the rebels fired their signal gun and immediately opened with their batteries. I called to them again to land; that it was their only chance to save themselves. Some of the boats moved forward through the break in the bar as if to land. Soon after the signal gun was fired the rebels opened a musketry fire from Simkins, which rapidly increased in volume, but without much effect, as we were about 250 yards from the works. When I saw that the boats showed a disposition to land I ordered my boat to pass through the break in the bar in order that I might land above Simkins. As I was moving forward a pontoon got foul of my boat and crowded it against the bank. At this time the rebels fired very rapidly, and were sweeping the beach with grape and canister from a gun at Johnson. I could not see a man or boat on the beach, bat as far as I could see to the right the boats were retreating from the beach and heading toward Sumter. Concluding that the movement had been a failure, and that the order to retreat had been given by Colonel Hoyt, who I judged to be on the right, I ordered my boat to go about. I then found all the boats that were behind me were in full retreat, excepting Captain Henrys pontoon, which had previously landed on the marsh in front of Simkins, and were still firing at the rebels behind that work. When they found that the attack had been abandoned they took to their boat and got off without the loss of a man. I ordered my boat to head for Fort Putnam and finally went into Vincents Creek and landed at Strong, as my oarsmen had been constantly at work from the time the troops commenced to embark. If the proper spirit had been shown, if the efforts of the colonel and li~uteuant-colonel of the Fifty-second Pennsylvania had been properly supported, I think the movement wonld have been a suc- cess. For my own regiment, I can say that both officers and men obeyed promptly and cheerfully all the orders I gave them. Following is a list of casualties in my command: Private Lake, Company A, confusion on shoulder from shell; Sergeant Wells, Company G, arm, slight. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD H. LITTLE, Major, Commanding Regiment. Capt. R. H. L. JEwETT, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 25. Reports of ~Jol. William W. H Davis, One hundred and fourth Pennsylvania Infantry, commanding brigade, of destruction of blockade-runner Presto, and operations July 16. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Morris Island, S. C., February 6, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report, for the information of the major-general commanding, the part taken by the Morris Islan Page 104 104 S.C., ILA., AND ON TILE GA. COAST. [CH~. XLVII. batteries in the destruction of the steamer Presto, which attempted to enter the harbor of Charleston on the night of the 1st instant: After passing safely through the fleet, she struck on a bar on the Sullivans Island shore, between Forts Beauregard and Moultrie. She was discovered to be aground at reveille on the morning of the 2d, when the three 30-pounder Parrotts in Fort Putnam were imme- diately opened upon her. The first 3 shells (time fuse)- burst over her, driving away the men who were engaged in discharging the cargo. At 8 a. in., the 300-pounder Parrott in Battery Chatfield was opened upon the steamer with good effect, 1 shell striking the fur- naces. About this time two monitors moved up and commenced firing at long range, most of their shots passing over or falling short. Fort Strong opened soon after, firing a shell every fifteen minutes from the 200-pounder Parrott until 7 p. m. A 100-pounder Parrott at Strong was opened at noon and continued to fire until daylight the next morning. The fire of this gun, with that of the two 30-pounders in Putnam, prevented the rebels from getting any of her cargo during the night. She was set on fire about noon and burned for two hours. During the afternoon her mainmast was cut away by a shell from our batteries. On the morning of the 3d, the 200-pounder at Fort Strong threw 15 shells at the wreck, of which 5 struck the hull. The vessel was again set on fire in the afternoon by the 30-pounder Parrotts in Putnam and burned until dark. The fire was kept up from the 30-pounders through the night of the 3d and morning of the 4th until daylight, to prevent anything being taken from the wreck. The iron-dads kept up a fire during the 2d, 3d, and 4th, but with little accuracy. The night of the 4th, the rebels constructed a foot bridge from the shore to the wreck, and since then I have caused a shell to be fired at intervals to prevent their obtaining any of her cargo or other articles which may not have been destroyed. While our batteries were shelling the steamer on the morning of the 2d, the rebel batteries on Sullivans and James Islands kept up a heavy fire. They threw 400 shells, which burst in and around our batteries, wounding 2 of the Third Rhode Island~ Artillery. During the 2d, 3d, and 4th, 769 projectiles were thrown at the steamer from our batteries, of which Chatfield threw 34300-pounder shells; Fort Strong, 74 200-pounder shells and 86 100-pounder; and Fort Putnam, 535 30-pounder shells. The distance of the steamer from the batteries is as follows: From Fort Strong, 3,600 yards; from Battery Chatfield, 2,700 yards, and from Fort Putnam, 2,600. The vessel is a complete wreck; she was a side-wheel steamer. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. W. H. DAVIS, Colonel 104th Pennsylvania Vols., Comdg. Post. Brig. Gen. JOHN W. TURNER, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DAVIS BRIGADE Hilton Head, S. C., July 14, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the oper- ations of my brigade in the late expedition to Johns Island down to the time I was wounded and obliged to go to the rear: The brigade, composed of the One hundred and fourth Pennsyl- vania Volunteers, One hundred and fifty-seventh and One hundre Page 105 105 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. and forty-fourth New York Volunteers, embarked at Hilton Head ou steamers on Friday afternoon, the 1st of July, and left the harbor about sunset. Upon opening the sealed instructions given me before starting, I found my destination to be North Edisto, and accordingly steamed in that direction. We arrived off the bar at 2 a. in., but were obliged to wait until daylight before we ii~ould cross. Enter- ing the mouth of the river I disembarked my brigade at Seabrook soon after sunrise, and by order of Brigadier-General Hatch, com- manding, pushed forward to Haulover Cut, 5 miles from the land- ing, at the point where we were to cross to Johns Island. The One hundred and forty-fourth New York Volunteers had the advahce, and when they arrived at the cut, they found a small body of rebel cavalry there, which retired without disputing the passage. Colonel Slidell threw out skirmishers and secured the approaches on the side of the enemy. The bridge across the cut had been destroyed some time before, and until it should be repaired neither artillery nor wagons could cross over. On reaching that point with the other two regiments of the brigade, I set my pionecr corps at work to re- build the bridge, in charge of Quartermaster Lehuen, of the One hundred and fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and in less than four hours they built a bridge of 66 feet span, with two abutments and two piers, of sufficient strength to pass artillery and cavalry. Gen- eral Hatch joined the advance in the afternoon, but toward evening returned to Seabrook. I made the best disposition possible for the safety of the command and the night was passed without alarm. During the night two regiments of General Saxtons brigade came up, and in the morning the third regiment and the battery reported. General Hatch returned to the front at daylight and assumed the direction of the expedition. The troops advanced at about 8 a. in., my brigade leading, and bivouacked on the main road, about 4 miles from Haulover Cut, near a place called Parkers. We reached there about 11 oclock, Saxtons brigade coming up about 5 oclock in the afternoon. We remained there all night. Soon after halting an officer with a small body of cavalry reported to me that there were four pieces of artillery and 200 infantry at a point about 4 miles to our right, which General Schimmelfennig had sent to re-enforce us. I marched the next morning, the 4th instant, at 5 oclock, taking the right-hand or lower road, which covered more securely our new base of supplies, which had been transferred to the Stono. The day was unusually hot and sultry, and the men suffered severely from the dust and heat. We reached the point where the road branches to the right to go to Legareville about noon, and halted there for the day. Surgeon Robinson, One hundred and fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, during the march, unfortunately fell into the hands of the enemy. Leaving the camp after the brigade had marched, he took the wrong road and rode into the enemys lines before he was aware of it. Company G, of the same regiment, following as rear guard, also got off the road and encountered the enemys skirmish- ers, but effected its return to the regiment without any loss. A few of the enemys vedettes were seen on the march and wounded 1 cav- alryman in the ankle. The next day we marched about 5 miles, near to a point known as the Huts, which the advance reached about 9 oclock. This was found to be a strong position, with an impassable swamp on our right flank and front, and it was concluded to advance no farther. After securing the crossing I sent skirmishers to the front an Page 106 106 S. C., FLA., AND ON TIlE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. seized the woods and open country for abont three-fourths of a mile. Dnring the afternoon a force of some 200 of the enemy showed themselves in our immediate front on both sides of the main road. As there were indications of an advance on their part, I sent out Captain Laughlin, of the One hundred and fonrth Pennsylvania Volunteers, with a detachment of sharpshooters, who qnickly drove them from the hedges and ditches they were behind to the woods a half mile beyond. To make my position secure for the night, I placed two Napoleon guns in battery at the bridge, and dug a line of rifle-pits from the road to the edge of the swamp covering our left and rear. General Hatch and staff came to the front shortly after dark, when he assumed command. On Wednesday mornimig, the 6th instant, while at the picket-line examining the position of a piece of artillery the enemy had brought down and was using against us, I received a severe wound in the right hand by the explosion of a shell, which compelled me to go to the rear. I placed Col. P. P. Brown, One hundred and fifty-seventh New York Volunteers, in command of my brigade, who will make a report of its subsequent operations. It affords me pleasure to return my thanks to Major Place, One hundred and fifty-seventh New York Volunteers, and Lieutenant McCoy, One hundred and fourth Penn- sylvania Volunteers, serving on my staff, for their efficient assist- ance. Lieutenant-Colonel Bennett, One hundred and second U. S. Colored Troops, was temporarily attached to my staff, and I am also under many obligations to him. Before I left camp I organized a small battalion of sharpshooters, which I placed under the command of Captain Laughlin, One hundred and fourth Pennsylvania Volun- teers. They rendered the most valuable assistance, and on every occasion the conduct of Captain Laughlin and his officers and men was marked with great gallantry. I remain, very respectfully, W. W. II. DAVIS, Colonel 104th Pennsylvania Vols., Comdg. Brig. Maj. E. L. ROGERS Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 26. Report of Cot. Philip P. Brown, jr., One hundred and fifty-seventh New York Infantry, of expedition to Johns island and skir- mishes. HEADQUARTERS 157TH NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS, Folly Island, S. C., February 14, 1864. CAPTAIN: In compliance with circular received February 13, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part sustained by this regiment in the late expedition into Seabrook Island: The One hundred and fifty-seventh New York Volunteers left camp on the evening of Sunday, February 7, with 173 armed men, 10 cooks, 4 stretcher-bearers, 10 pioneers, 3 hospital attendants, 3 detailed as orderlies; total, 203 men, commanded by 1 field, 2 staff, 3 line, and 4 acting officers; total force, 213. In accordance with orders from brigade headquarters, the regiment proceeded to Ston Page 107 107 Ca~i. XLVII.] OPEE ATIOKS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. Landing, where it arrived a little after 8 p. m. It was ferried across to Kiawah Island 12.30 oclock the same night, and at once com- menced march on the left of the brigade. It arrived at the Vander- host plantation at daybreak, and bivonacked during the night at that place, in the same order in the brigade. March was resumed at 9 p. in., the regiment being third from the right. In this order it arrived at the Seabrook plantation in the early morning, when it wa~ at once ordered to throw out skirmishers. Lieutenant Gates, with Company G and parts of Companies A and I, was detailed for that purpose, making a force of 40 men. Lieutenant Gates advanced under the direction of General Ames at 8.15 a. in., and was imme- diately met by a brisk fire froni the rebel skirmishers, who had ad- vanced from the woods and were charging over a rise of ground. They obtained possession of a line of hedge and ditch, but were speedily dislodged by our men, who drove them into the open field. Here our line was re-enforced by a body of the Seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteers, who deployed on our right. Colonel Harris, Seventy- fifth Ohio Volunteers, here took command, and the line advancing pushed the rebels into the woods and continued driving them from half a dozen positions, until a halt was ordered at the distance of about 2-i- miles from the main force. Major Rice, One hundred and forty-fourth New York, had command at this time. In the mean time the regiment had advanced with the brigade into the field of the first skirmish, having formed line of battle and rested. On the reception of orders the command was marched by the flank on the left of the brigade up the main road through the woods and field at the rear of the picket-line, already established by Major Rice, One hundred and forty-fourth New York Volun- teers. Colonel Brown was then ordered to take command of the One hundred and seveni~h Ohio Volunteers, which, with his own regiment, was to form the left wing of the advance. The One hundred and seventh Ohio Volunteers were then ordered forward as skirmishers, the One hundred and fifty-seventh New York Volun- teers following as a reserve. The line having advanced in this order over two wide fields, it was checked upon entering the third by a fire from the rebel skirmishers, who were strongly intrenched. This was communicated to General Ames, who ordered a cessation of the advance, and afterward the withdrawal of the line. Just before the line was checked parties were dispatched to search the buildings of a plantation near the river and destroy all arms found there. The line was withdrawn in good order. The regiment was then ordered to the rear, where it bivouacked behind the earth-works already alluded to. They were at once strengthened so as to form a ditch and parapet of considerable strength. In this position the regiment remained from Tuesday afternoon until Thursday noon, February 11. It was then ordered, with the One hundred and seventh Ohio Volunteers and Seventy-fifth Ohio, to advance in support of columns already advanced. Marching by the flank, this force, under the direction of General Ames, proceeded along the left of the forest to within supporting distance of the skir- mishers and batteries previously sent out. The regiment took no other active part in this days operations until it was ordered at dusk to establish a chain of outposts to connect with those of the One hundred and sixty-ninth New York Volunteers on the extreme right. This was executed as speedily as possible, a line of about forty-five posts of 3 men each being established at intervals of 15 uaces. i Page 108 108 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. favorable positions, and a reserve of 30 kept in the rear. At mid- night orders were received for the withdrawal of the line, which was effected noiselessly and in good order, and the regiment rejoined the brigade between 1 and 2 a. m. It then marched on the left of the brigade from the scene of action, and reached camp at 4 p. in., Fri- day, February 12. I have to report William Pierce, Company I, mortally wounded in the skirmish of the first day, and J. Quick, Company I, not seriously; also M. B. Sheldon, missing (supposed to have strayed away on the last night to sleep). He is half-witted Our men report having seen 1 rebel captain killed (who was after- ward decently interred) and 1 rebel wounded, besides several car- ried off by their comrades. They captured 3 rebels. One horse, 3 carbines, and 3 sabers were taken by us. I have to transmit herewith the report of Lieutenant Gates, com- manding our force of skirmishers. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. P. BROWN, JR., Colonel, Commanding 157th New York Volunteers. Capt. J. M. BROWN, Assistant Adjutant-General, Ames Brigade. No. 27. Report of Lieut. Col. William Ames, Third Rhode Island Artil- lery, Chief of Artillery, Department of the South, of destruction of blockade-runner Flamingo. OFFICE CHIEF OF ARTILLERY, DEF~T. OF THE SOUTH, Morris Island, S. C., October 24, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that at daylight on October 23 a large side-wheel iron steamer with two smoke-stacks was discov- ered ashore opposite Battery Rutledge, sullivans Island, she having run on a shoal at that point during the night. This vessel was painted lead color, was very long, and appeared to be of light draught. She is probably of about 700 tons burden. The first shot fired at her was from the picket monitor; Fort Putnam opened at the same time with two 30-pounder Parrotts, striking her on the quarter at the second shot. This was the first shot that struck the blockade-runner from either army or navy. Battery Chatfield opened with a 300-pounder Parrott; the third shell from this gun passed through the starboard wheel-house into the vessel and ex- ploded, tearing the wheel and wheel-house all away and breaking up a large portion of her works amidships. Fort Strong opened with three 100-pounders, striking her many times in the hull and on her decks. The navy also kept up a fire upon the vessel from two monitors, doing the steamer much damage. The name of this vessel was the Flamingo; she was no doubt run- ning into Charleston at the time of getting aground. She now lies a complete wreck. This vessel was distant from Fort Putnam 2,700 yards, from Battery Chatfield 2,600 yards, and from Fort Strong 3,500 yards. The following amount of ammunition was expended in destroying this steamer: Fort Putnam, 30-pounder shell, 38; 24-pounder shell Page 109 Cnn~. XLVIL] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 109 22. Battery Chatfield, 300-pounder shell, 7. Fort Strong, 100- pounder shell, 77. Total, 1144. Ninety-eight of these shells struck the vessel. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. AMES, Lieut. Cot. 3d R. I. Arty., Chief of Arty., Dept. South. Lieut. THOMAS J. ROBINSON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 28. Reports of General G. T. Beauregard, C. S. Army, commanding De- partment of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, of operations January 14-April 19. CHARLESTON, S. C., January 14, 186410 a. m. Fire of enemy on city for last two days has been almost continu- ous, doing but little damage. Although averaging over 100 shots per day, only 1 person wounded. No firing on Sumter. Enemys fleet at Port Royal still slightly on increase; two monitors there, three here, and one in Ossabaw. G. T. BEAUREGARD. General SAMUEL COOPER, Adjutant and inspector General, Richmond, Va. CHARLESTON, January 15, 1864. (Received 16th.) Nothing important to-day. Enemy threw yesterday 273 shells at city; over one-fourth fell short; some ranged nearly 5 miles. Two fires occurred; not much damage; nobody hurt. I leave to-morrow for Savannah; will return probably in one week. G. T. BEAUREGARD. General S. COOPER. SAVANNAH, February 2, 1864. Nothing important here. I return to-morrow to Charleston. Enemy has recommenced shelling Sumter, of course with little effect, bomb-proof being in excellent condition. G. T. BEAUREGARD. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. CHARLESTON, February 8, 1864. Enemy making a serious movement on Saint Johns River, Fla., in force. Will do what I can with safety to Charleston and Savan- nah to repel him. G. T. BEAUREGARD. General S. COOPER Page 110 110 5. 0., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. CHARLESTON, February 8, 18649 p. m. Enemys demonstration at Jacksonville, Fla., indicates intention to cut off our supplies from that quarter. Five thousand State troops in South Carolina and Georgia have just been discharged. Cannot their place be supplied from another source to enable me to send sufficient folrce to Florida without endangering Charleston and Savannah? G. T. BEAUREGARD. General S. COOPER. CHARLESTON, February 9, 1186411.16 a. m. Have already sent General Finegan, from Savannah, two regi- ments infantry and one light battery, all I can spare. Am sending Colquitts brigade from here to Savannah to replace them, and sup- ply place of Georgia State troops lately discharged. Cant a bri- gade be sent to Florida temporarily from some other department? Our supplies in that State are becoming indispensable. I suppose enemys movement is a feint to draw troops from South Carolina and Georgia. G. T. BEAUREGARD. Hon. J. A. SEDDON. CHARLESTON, February 9, 18641 p. m. Enemy from Seabrook Island has driven back advanced pickets on Johns Island; must stop.part of Colquitts brigade just leaving for Savannah. I cant guard from here to Florida, including, unless re-enforced temporarily. G. T. BEAUREGARD. General S. COOPER. CHARLESTON, February 9, 186410 p. m. General Finegan reports enemy having moved in large force cav- alry and artillery from Jacksonville on Baldwin. General Gardner has been orderedi to re-enforce him with all available troops. Force sent from Savannah has already been reported. G. T. BEAUREGARD. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. CHARLESTON, February 10, 186410.30 p. m. General Wise reports enemy advancing on Johns Island. Checked three and a half regiments of Colquitts brigade, on their way to Sa- vannah. Have been directed to support Wise. General Finegan reports enemy advancing on Lake City from Baldwin. G. T. BEAUREGARD. General S. COOPER Page 111 Cliii?. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 111 CHARLESTON, February 11, 18648.30 a. m. Governor Milton telegraphs following: Enemys force at least 5,000 strong. Not force enough in State io prevent him pdssing through it. Col. J. F. McClellan, West Florida, telegraphs for re-enforce- ments. Immense loss of subsistence for armies and of property seems inevitable. We need at least 5,000 additional troops. Have sent Governor Milton all I can spare without risking loss of Charleston or Savannah. Cannot two brigades be ordered there from Northwest Georgia or North Carolina, temporarily? G. T. BEAUREGARD. General S. COOPER. CHARLESTON, February 11, 18642 p. m. General Finegan reports enemy about to attack him near Lake City. Rapidity of movements indicate Tallahassee as the objective point, probably to form junction with forces from the Gulf. I have ordered two and a half additional regiments and one light battery to Florida, to prevent loss of that State; but have much weakened thereby Savannah and railroad to that city. If one brigade could be sent here and another to Savannah, I would send immediately balance of Colquitts troops to General Finegan. A prompt answer is desired, as well as for 2 general officers I applied for few days since. G. T. BEAUREGARD. General S. COOPER. CHARLESTON, S. C., February 11, 186410 p. m. General Finegan has repulsed enemys advance force at Lake City; details not yet known. Prisoners report Gillmore relieved from command in my front; if so, he must be intended to command at-. tack against Fort Gaines or Morgan. G. T. BEAUREGARD. General SAMUEL COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va. (Same sent General D. H. Maury, Mobile, Ala.) CHARLESTON, February 12, 186411 a. m. General Finegans success yesterday was very creditable, enemys force being much superior to his own. His re-enforcements had not yet reached him owing to delays on road. Losses not yet reported. G. T. BEAUREGARD. General S. COOPER. CHARLESTON, February 12, 1864. General Wise gallantly repulsed the enemy last evening on Johns Island. He is to-day in pursuit. Loss very trifling. Force of enemy about 2,000. Ours about one-half. G. T. BEAUREGARD. General S. COOPER Page 112 112 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [Ciw. XLVII. CHARLESTON, February 12, 18649.30 p. m. Enemy evacuated Johns Island last night. All quiet in our front. Colquitts brigade will proceed at once to Middle Florida. I will follow it soon if necessary. G. T. BEAUREGARD. General S. COOPER. CHARLESTON, February 19, 18647.30 p. m (Received 20th.) General Finegan reports ten regiments, at least one mounted, of enemy in his front. Am re-enforcing Finegan to utmost practi- cable extent. It is essential to have there in immediate command officer accustomed to handle troops in battle. General Hill has not arrived or been heard from. I propose to send General Taliaferro at once. He should be promoted; has earned it. I will go there in due season. Resources of that section too large and vital to be lost. General Gilmer has been directed, as instructed, to repair at once to Mobile. G. T. BEAUREGARD. General S. COOPER. CHARLESTON, February 21, 1864. Have sent General Taliaferro to Florida, and will go there myseh at proper moment. I know him; have confidence in him; he should be promoted. I do not know enough of General Anderson to ask for him. G. T. BEAUREGARD. Hon,~ J. A. SEDDON. CHARLESTON, S. C., February 21, 1864. GENERAL: A gun-boat Sunken off Battery Marshall. Supposed to have been done by Mobile torpedo-boat, under Lieut. George E. Dixon, Company E, Twenty-first Alabama Volunteers, which went out for that purpose, and which, I regret to say, has not beeu heard of since. G. T. BEAUREGARD. CHARLESTON, S. C., February 22, 18645.16 p. m. Enemy has merely withdrawn troops hence to ship to Georgia and East Florida, where he must be met in force or serious disaster will ensue. His superior means of rapid transportation give him great advantages in concentration of forces. Five deserters just report three brigades still on Morris, Folly, and Kiawah Islands. General Mercer reports this morning serious demonstrations in his front on Whitemarsh Island; also concentration of gun-boats in Satilla River, 30 miles from railroad communication with Florida line. I have effective force as you state, but dispersed from Nort Page 113 113 CH~. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. Carolina to Alabama line (of which over 6,000 are artillery in posi- tion), not one company of which can be withdrawn withont exposure to enemys penetrating lines of defense of Charleston or Savannah before I could concentrate to meet him. Over 6,000 are cavalry, 2,000 of which are in Florida; rest defending lines of communica- tion between this and Savannah, and thence with Florida, so vital at this juncture; 3,000 are light and siege artillery, leaving about 15,000 infantry now in Florida or en route. Except barely enough for weakest possible supports and pickets for works on Johns, Sul- livans, and James Islands and at Savannah, every man I can spare with hope of safety has been ordered to Florida and Savannah. I trust the handsome victory at Olustee, officially reported this morn- ing, is but the earnest of what can be done to cripple the enemy in this department, and I shall then be in position to send General Johnston at least 8,000 troops of all arms at an early day. G. T. BEAUREGARD. His Excellency President JEFFERSON DAVIS. CHARLESTON, February 26, 1864. (Received 9.30, 27th.) General Finegan reports yesterday that his advance forces had occupied Baldwin~enemy having retreated to Jacksonville. He will be dislodged if possible. G. T. BEAUREGARD. General S. COOPER. CHARLESTON, S. C., February 26, 1864. No additional news from Florida. All quiet here; enemy shell- ing city as usual; damage slight. General Hill telegraphs he will be here to-morrow. I will leave same evening for Florida. General Anderson not yet reported. I do not know where he is. G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Comnw.nding. General S. COOPER, AdjI. and Insp. Gen., Richmond, Va. CHARLESTON, S. C., February 27, 1864. Prisoners report that it was the U. S. ship of war Housatonic, twelve guns, which was sunk on night 17th instant, by the subma- rine torpedo-boat, Lieutenant Dixon, of Alabama, commanding. There is little hope of safety of that brave man and his associates, however, as they were not captured. G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Gommc~nding~ General S. COOPER, AdjI. and Insp. Gen., U. ~ Arm y~, J~ichmqnd, Va, 8 I~ 11YQL XX~Y; PT Page 114 114 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. BALDWIN, March 3, 1864 (Received 9.40, 4th.) All quiet here at present; enemy has retreated to Jacksonville under cover of his gun-boats, where he is fortifying. His force is estimated at 12,000. He is reported receiving re-enforcements from New Berne, N. C. Our and enemys pickets are now 7 miles from Jacksonville. Our main body, about 7,000 strong, is in rear of Mc- Girts Creek side, 6 miles back. The victory at Ocean Pond was complete, but pursuit, especially by cavalry, was unsatisfactory. * G. T. BEAUREGARD. General S. COOPER. [Indorsement.] MARCH 4, 1864. Your estimate of enemys force is considered excessive. No re- enforcements can reach him from New Berne without the evacua- tion of that place. He should be expelled from Florida by prompt and decided measures. S. C. HEADQUARTERS FORCES IN FIELD, Mc Girts Greek, March 5, 1864. (Received 10.40, 6th.) All quiet here at present. The enemy reported receiving re-en- forcements at Jacksonville; our pickets are 7 miles from there. Major-General Anderson has reported for duty. G. T. BEAUREGARD. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. CAMP MILTON, NEAR MCGIRTS CREEK, FLA., March 7, 1864. All quiet here at present. General Gillmore is reported having left Jacksonville for Hilton Head on learning my arrival here, prob- ably to make a demonstration against Charleston or Savannah. I have telegraphed Generals Jordan and Mercer to be prepared ac- cordingly. Enemys wounded taken at Ocean Pond represent twenty-eight regiments and battalions. G. T. BEAUREGARD. General S. COOPER, Adjutant- General, Richmond, Va. CHARLESTON, April 2, 186412 m. All quiet here. Enemys forces reported gradually leaving Flor- ida. Appear to be in our front; probably returning to their former positions, preparatory to future operations. G. T. BEAUREGARD. General S. COOPER. * For Beauregards reports of engagement at Ocean Pond, & c,, see p. 3~O Page 115 115 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. CHARLESTON, April 2, 1864. Major-General Anderson reports yesterday a large double-stack side-wheel steamer is sunk in Saint Johns River, opposite mouth Doctors Lake, 15 miles above Jacksonville, Fla., supposed to be Maple Leaf, which exploded a torpedo at 4 a. m. Torpedoes were laid by Capt. E. P. Bryan, sent for that purpose from here. G. T. BEAUREGARD. General S. COOPER. CHARLESTON, S. C., April 13, 18641.30 p. m. General Anderson telegraphs on 11th: Enemy, 15,000 strong, at Jacksonville and Palatka; deserters from Folly and Kiawah report forces increasing there, confirmed by new encampments visible. G. T. BEAUREGARD. General SAMUEL COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va. CHARLESTON, S. C., April 14, 1864. The demand here for troops is now so urgent, I must ask suspen- sion until return of forces sent from South Carolina to Florida of paragraph 28, Order 22, disbanding certain troops in this vicinity. Please answer. G. T. BEAUREGARD. General SAMUEL COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va. CHARLESTON, S. C., April 16, 18646 p. m. General Anderson reports another steam transport of enemy de- stroyed on Saint Johns River by a torpedo. Our scouts report Palatka evacuated. G. T. BEAUREGARD. General SAMUEL COOPER, Adjutant c& nd Inspector General, Richmond, Va. CHARLESTON, S. C., April 16, 18648.15 p. m. General Anderson reports to-day four transports loaded with troops left Jacksonville; have ordered him to return as soon as prac- ticable troops sent to Florida. Enemy occupied Battery Island on Stono, near James Island, yesterday, but withdrew to-day. G. T. BEAUREGARD. General SAMUEL COOPER, Adjutant-General, Richmond, Va. HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. 0., April 17, 1864. GENERAL : I send herewith two views of Fort Sumter, photo- graphed by Mr. George Cook, of this city, from a very accurate draw- ing of the interior of that work made on the 9th December, 1863, by Lieut. John R. Key, post adjutant, C. S. Engineers, a young artist of great promise. The photographs have been delayed much longer than had been anticipated, by the want of proper material8 an Page 116 116 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. instruments. The fort is now much stronger for defensive purposes than represented by these views, its interior being well arranged for musketry and light artillery fire. There are also four 10-inch co- lumbiads, one 8-inch columbiad rifled, and two rifled 42-pounders, mounted in casemate, bearing on the pass toward Sullivans Island and on Rebellion roads. I remain, very truly, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, General S. COOPER, General, Commanding. Adjutant and Inspector General. [Indorsement.] Respectfully submitted to Secretary of War, with the views* within referred to. S. COOPER, Adjuiant and Inspector General. CHARLESTON, S. C., April 17, 18648 a. m. Is it not likely enemy will operate from New Berne, on Golds- borough and Raleigh; if so, is it not advisable to concentrate about Goldsborough.? Will my base be on Richmond or Wilmington? G. T. BEAUREGARD. General B. BRAGG Gommander-in-Chief, Richmpnd, Va. CHARLESTON, April 19, 1864. Enemy is still strong in our front. Should he withdraw large force to concentrate in North Carolina, your suggestion can be car- ried out to extent of two brigades, but northwest portion of this State should be watched closely from expedition through North Carolina. G. T. BEAUREGARD. General S. COOPER. No. 29. Reports of ]Ifaj. Gen. Samuel Jones, C. S. Army, commanding Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, of opera- tions April 20Sevtember 1. CHARLESTON, April 20, 1864. Your telegram of to-day to General Beauregard received. There are movements of the enemys troops now in progress, indicating that at least a serious demonstration will very soon be made at some point in this department. I earnestly ask that no other troops than those now under orders and moving be sent out of this department until the enemys designs are more clearly developed. SAM. JONES, ]lifajor- General. General S. COOPER. ~{QV QUmU Page 117 C~. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 117 CHARLESTON, April 21, 1864. (Received 7.3~, 22d.) The instructions conveyed in your letter of the 7th instant to Gen- eral Beauregard, and reiterated in your telegram of to-day to me, shall be carried out, but the enemy is now making threatening dem- onstrations near the batteries manned by some of the companies named, and I beg that I may be allowed to retain them as they are for a few days and until I can communicate with you more fully on the subject. SAM. JONES, General S. COOPER. Major-General. CHARLESTON, S. C., May 4, 1864. Two regiments of Wises brigade have started for Richmond; the remainder will leave to-morrow. Colquitts brigade will follow without delay. None of the troops ordered to me from General Johnstons army have arrived. I have only two regiments and one weak battalion, including Colonel Keitts, on Sullivans Island. No infantry on James Island, but one regiment of infantry between here and Savannah; there one regiment and two battalions, thirteen companies of infantry. I shall have to rely on artillery and cavalry for defense of department. The two cavalry regiments ordered from Virginia are not yet fit for duty. I will make the best arrangements possible under the circumstances, but if it be possible send me a few more regiments. SAM. JONES, Major- General. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. CHARLESTON, May 10, 1864. (Received 17th.) General Anderson telegraphs me that another of the enemys steamers was blown into fragments yesterday by a torpedo in the Saint Johns, a short distance below Jacksonville. She had two guns aboard, and was towing a schooner. The latter escaped. Not known how many lives lost. This is the third steamer that has met this fate in the Saint Johns within the last forty days. SAM. JONES, Major-General. General S. COOPER. CHARLESTON, S. C., May 16, 1864. Your dispatch of to-day received. I have ordered General Andei~- son to form the whole of his infantry into one brigade, and send it to Richmond with the greatest possible dispatch, Brigadier-General Finegan commanding. The brigade will be small, and formed of battalions and unattached companies, but it is all I have in tha Page 118 118 S.C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. State. I greatly doubt if one-half of the men ordered will leave Florida. The order will cause desertions and disorganization. I have not an infantry brigade in this department. SAM. JONES, Jllajor- General. General SAMUEL COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va. HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., Hay 17, 1864. GENERAL: I received last night your telegram of yesterday direct- ing me to send a good brigade of infantry from Florida to Rich- mond, Va., with the greatest expedition, selecting those troops most accessible. From the wording of your dispatch I must think you are not correctly informed of the number of troops in Florida. I send with this an abstract of returns, showing the total effective p resent in Florida. It will be seen that all the infantry there com- bined numbers but 1,698 total effective. It is made up of small battalions and unattached companies. From information I have I think it doubtful if one-half of the men ordered will leave Florida. I hope that in this I may be mistaken; at least it will be but a small and ill-organized brigade. I have, however, ordered Major-General Anderson to forward it with the greatest possible dispatch, with Brigadier-General Finegan in command. I will add that I have not a brigade of infantry in this depart- ment, and I earnestly beg that not another man be ordered from this department. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAM. JONES, Major- General, Gommanding. General S. COOPER, Ac~jutant and Inspector General. [First indorsement.] ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, May 30, 1864. Respectfully referred to General Bragg. By order Adjutant and Inspector General: H. L. CLAY, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Second indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY C. S., June 1, 1864. Respectfully returned to Adjutant-General. Brigadier-General Finegan has passe(l to the front with the most of his brigade. I know not whence it was drawn, but he told me it numbered 2,000 effective. BRAXTON BRAGG, General Page 119 CHAP. XLVII.) OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 119 [Inclosure.] Extract from return of the District of Florida, Maj. Gen. Patton Anderson com- manding. Effective Total. Aggre Arm of service. total. gate. Infantry . 1,698 1, S72 2,046 Light artillery 2~ 263 275 Cavalry .. . 1,218 1,430 1,462 Total 3, 160 3,565 3,783 Respectfully submitted. SAM. JONES, Major- General, Commanding. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF S. C., GA., AND FLA., Charleston, iJiag 16, 1864. CHARLESTON, S. C., ilfay 18, 1864. I think it proper, in view of the orders received last night, to inform you, and request you to inform the President, that the bom- bardment of Fort Sumter and this city has been recently resumed with renewed vigor, both by land and naval batteries. We have damaged their monitors, and I think seriously crippled two of them. A new admiral arrived this morning, and I presume they will renew their efforts to gain possession of the harbor. I am sure we can keep them off if we only keep the batteries manned and supported. The orders received last night will leave half the batteries on Sulli- vans Island unmanned and all on Sullivalis and James Islands and Sumter unsupported. If it can possibly be done, with due regard to the general interest of the cause, I beg that I may retain troops absolutely necessary until I can make other arrangements, which I can do in a few days. The Twelfth Georgia Battalion started this morning; the Eight eenth starts to-night. SAM. JONES, Major- General. General S. COOPER, Ac~jntanl and Inspector General. CHARLESTON, S. C., May 23, 1864. Brigadier-General Finegan, with two battalions (600 strong) of his brigade, left here to-day about 12 oclock for Richmond. The enemy has renewed his demonstration on James Island, and is firing rapidly now. I shall retain the Twentieth Regiment until to-mor- row. It is very important that I should have a few more troops. Can I get aiiy? SAM. JONES, Major- General. General B. BRAGG, Rwhmond, Va Page 120 e 120 s. c., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. CHARLESTON, May 23, 1864. The enemy landed some four or five regiments yesterday morning on James Island, and made a demonstration on our works. They were checked and repulsed, and have retired. * * * But to do it I had to detain one day the Twentieth South Carolina Regiment and two battalions of Florida infantry. They will go on now with- out delay. The Twentieth South Carolina and Florida battalions were on. the point of taking the cars for Virginia. I think it fortu- nate that I had an opportunity of exhibiting their strength with only one days delay. SAM. JONES, General S. COOPER, Mo~jor-General. Adjutant and inspector General. CHARLESTON, S. C., June 6, 1864. Bonauds battalion has been detained at Savannah a few days because of the threatening aspect of affairs there. Night before last orders were telegraphed to General McLaws to send it on with- out delay, but yesterday General McLaws telegraphed that several gun-boats and an iron-clad had approached Beaulien, and transports were seen going south from here (one, at least, with troops on board), and this morning the Ironsides and two other steamers have crossed the bar, apparently going south, probably to Savannah to look after the Water Witch, or make some attack. Can I retain Bonauds battalion longer? SAM. JONES, General BRAXTON BRAGG, Major-General. Richmond, Va. CHARLESTON, S. C., June 114, 1864. Major-General Foster has recently assumed command of U. S. forces on this coast; is now on or near Folly Island. I suspect he will attenipt some enterprise against us. A large transport landed troops on Folly Island yesterday. Spies and recent deserters have no doubt informed them of our weakness. Neither of the artillery companies ordered to me by Special Orders, No. 1O~5, current series, from Adjutant and Inspector Generals Office, have arrived; nor have I yet a man of the South Carolina reserves. Three artillery companies have been disbanded on James Island, and I cannot supply their places. This is a serious loss jnst at this time. This place will be in great danger if the enemy concentrates his troops on this coast against it. Can anything be done to aid me? Cannot General Johnston send me re-enforcemnents in a pressing emergency? SAM. JONES, General B. BRAGG. Major-General. CHARLESTON, June 15, 1864. The movements of the enemy decidedly indicate an attack on some point near here. Troops are concentrating on Folly Island. M Page 121 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBQR, ETC. 121 force is not only entirely too small for the protection of Charleston and Savannah and the railroad connecting them, but some of the troops cannot be relied on. A part of a guard near Savannah over- powered the others yesterday and escaped to Fort Pulaski. Many men of the First South Carolina regiment artillery and Lucas battalion firmly believe that they are held in service illegally and are greatly dissatisfied, and desertions to the enemy are frequent. General McLaws considers the whole garrison of Fort Bartow unsound. I cannot .place reliance in them. I beg that 2,000 infantry be sent me for service here and 1,000 for service at Savannah. With that additional force I believe I can hold the places against the force in my front. If not re-enforced serious disaster may soon occur. I have received no reserve force. Please bring this to the attention of the President and reply. SAM. JONES, ]Iiliajor- General. General S. COOPER. CHARLESTON, S. C., July 4, 1864. On the morning of the 2d instant the enemy landed several regi- ments on south end of James Island, supported by two monitors and several gun-boats in the Stono, and after a sharp skirmish captured 2 field pieces and commenced intrenching. At the same time sev- eral gun-boats and transports with troops came up the North Edisto. At early dawn yesterday from 700 to 1,000 men in barges attacked Fort Johnson and were handsomely and thoroughly repulsed, with the loss to the enemy of 140 prisoners, with their arms and accouter- ments and 5 barges, and many killed and wounded. Our loss very slight. The enemy on south end of James Island fell back hastily yesterday before our men, leaving their dead unburied, and our picket-line is re-established, but the monitors and gun-boats are still in the Stono firing heavily on our lines, and another transport has just come up with troops. The party from North Edisto landed at White Point and advanced,, but were met and driven back. So far the enemy has been repulsed at all points, with loss of about 600 men; but the position and movements of the enemy on James and Johns Islands and adjacent river threaten most serious danger to this city. I am in extreme need of re-enforcements; have not yet any of the South Carolina reserves. My men are greatly exhausted and under the incessant fire of the monitors and gun-boats. Two-thirds of them will soon be unfit for duty. Some assistance should be speedily sent to me. Please lay this before the President. SAM. JONES, Major-General. General SAMUEL COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va. CHARLESTON, July 5, 1864. No material change here since yesterday. Enemy hold south end James Island, with increased force. Their fleet of monitors in Stone incessantly shelling our lines. Officers captured say this is a care Page 122 122 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. fully matured plan of attack on Charleston, which it is confidently expected will sncceed. General Johnston has ordered two regiments to me. I need more. SAM. JONES, General S. COOPER. Major-General. CHARLESTON, S. C., July 7, 1864. My telegram of the 4th to Geiieral Cooper communicated result to that time of attacks and maneuver~ on this place, commenced on morning of the 2d instant, expressed opinion that this city was in serious danger, that assistance should be sent to me speedily, and that I had received none of the reserves of this State. Subsequent events confirm me in belief that this city is in great danger and that I greatly need re-enforcements. Enemy occupy south end of James Island and have position on Johns Island from which they can enfi- lade our works on James Island. Fleet of two monitors and several gun-boats in Stono heavily shelling us. I have called on Generals Johnston, Whiting, and Chesnut for aid. Johnston alone has responded, sending me 520 men. Call I look for re-enforcements from any quarter? The emergency is pressing. My troops greatly exhausted. SAM. JONES, Major- General. His Excellency President J. DAvIs, Richmond, Va. CHARLESTON, July 7, 1864. Can I get any re-enforcements? General Johnston sent only 520 men. The enemy is making a heavy demonstrative attack on Charleston. I am husbanding my force in the hope of being re-en- forced. If I am told I can get no help I would know better how to act. SAM. JONES, Major- General General S. COOPER. [Indorsement.] JULY 8, 1864. Your dispatch of yesterday received. It is impossible to fill your requisition unless it can be done by Brigadier-General Chesnut, to whom you will apply. S. C. CHARLESTON, July 8, 1864. Your telegram of to-day received. I have repeatedly called on General Chesnut, but he is unable to fill my requisition. The enemys attack on this place is formidable and persistent. Firing to-day very heavy. Several of our best guns left flank of works on James Island disabled. SAM. JONES, Major- General. General S. COOPER Adjutant and In8pector General Page 123 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 123 CHARLESTON, S. C., July 10, 18647 p. m. Yesterday morning Brigadier-General Robertson attacked enemy on Johns Island, near the Stona, and drove them from first position, with loss to us of over 100 killed and wounded. Last night and this morning enemy fell back to their transports near Legareville and passed over to James and Morris Islands. Two monitors and several gun-boats still in Stono, but have been driven by our bat- teries beyond effective range. One monitor believed seriously dam- aged by shot from one of our Brooke guus. Movements this evening indicate purpose to change point of attack. From prisoners Land] manuscript captured it appears that the force now operating against this place comprises all the available force on South Atlantic coast. Bombardment of Fort Sumter has been very heavy for several days and continues so. SAM. JONES, Major- General. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va. CHARLESTON, S. C., July 11, 1864. The enemy in barges attacked Battery Simkins, near Fort John- son, last night and were repulsed. The fleet on the Stono has dropped down below Battery Island. The force operating against this place since the 2d instant sailed from Hilton Head on the 1st, and composes three brigades, viz, Hatchs, Birneys, and Saxtons, and the force heretofore on Morris, Folly, and adjacent islands, Major-General Foster commanding in person. This I get from his confidential order, taken from one of his colonels in the field. SAM. JONES, Major- General. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va. CHARLESTON, S. C., July 12, 1864. Special Orders, No. 89, from your office, orders Fifty-fifth Georgia Regiment from Johnstons army to Savannah. I presume the Sixty- fifth was meant, as the Fifty-fifth is not with Johnston. Can you not correct the error and order the Sixty-fifth to me? In conse- quence of enemys attack I have 300 of the Fourth Georgia Cavalry here dismounted; their horses sent to Atlanta. Enemy has made no attack here since my last. I think they will try at some other point of my lines. SAM. JONES, Major- General. General SAMUEL COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va. HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, August 22, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report of military operations in the vicinity of this place from the 1st to the 10th ultimo: On the 1st ultimo, three brigadesHatchs, Saxtons, and Bi Page 124 124 S. C., FLA., A~D ON TilE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. neyssailed from Hilton Head and united with the troops on Mor- ris and Folly Islands and a portion of the naval force in an attack on the works defending this city. The land force, estimated at 8,000, was commanded in person by Major-General Foster, and the naval force by Rear-Admiral Dahlgren. The general plan of the enemy seems to have been to make, with the troops from Morris and Folly Islands and the navy, such a dem- onstration on our works on the south end of James Island as to induce us so to weaken the east lines on that island as to enable them to seize the important work, Fort Johnson. At the same time a column was to move up Johns Island and take positions from which our works on James Island could be enfiladed and taken in reverse, and where batteries could be established nearer the city than any they now have. The movement on Johns Island was to be covered and aided by a demonstration in force on the Savannah Railroad in the vicinity of Adams Run. Accordingly, at daydawn on the morning of the 2d, several regi- ments crossed over from Folly and Morris Islands to the south end of James Island, and after a sharp shirmish drove in our pickets and captured 2 field pieces. Two monitors and several gun-boats came up the Stono above Legareville and opened a heavy fire on our works. At the same time Hatchs and Saxtons brigades landed on Seabrook Island and Birneys sailed up the North Edisto and landed at White Point. All of our available force for the defense of Charleston was immediately concentrated on James Island. The First Georgia Regulars and 300 men of the Fourth Georgia Cavalry (dismounted), and tl~ree companies of the Third South Carolina Cavalry (also dismounted) were ordered from Savannah and its vicinity to Johns Island. At daydawn on the 3d, about 1,000 of the enemy in barges made an attack on Fort Johnson. They were handsomely and thoroughly repulsed by the garrison of Fort Johnson, under Lieutenant-Colonel Yates, First South Carolina Artillery, with the loss to the enemy of 140 men, including a colonel and 5 other commissioned officers cap- tured and many killed and wounded. At the same time General Birney advanced his command from White Point toward Adams Run, but had marched less than 6 miles when they encountered at Kings Creek a battery, supported by cavalry, which General Rob- ertson had placed there, and after an hour or two of skirmishing Birney fell back to White Point, re-embarked his troops, and re- joined Hatch and Saxton, who in the mean time had crossed from Seabrook to Johns Island and moved slowly up toward Charles- ton, our very small force on Johns Island retiring skirmishing; and on the 7th, repulsed quite a formidable effort to drive them off, in- flicting upon the enemy comparatively heavy loss. But the enemy nevertheless succeeded in gaining a position from which they could enfilade our works on James Island. It was manifestly of the utmost importance that they be dislodged and driven from Johns Island. The force at my command was so small, and from the nature of the service manning heavy batteries on a long line of important works, that I could not concentrate a sufficient force for the purpose without endangering the most im- portant line of works for the defense of the harbor, for, having com- mand of the water and ample steam transportation, the enemy could in a few hours change their point of attack from Johns to Jame Page 125 OnAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 125 or Sullivans Islands or the Edisto. I had reduced the force on Sul- livans Island to the lowest point I thought advisable to re-enforce James Island, and every available man along the line of the Savan- nah Railroad had been ordered to Johns Island. As soon as the movement of the enemy was known on the 2d, I telegraphed General Johnston asking for re~enforcements, and re- peated my request on the 4th, and also telegraphed the War Depart- ment and General Whiting asking for re-enforcements, and to Brig- adier-General Chesnut asking for reserves. General Johnston sent me two small regiments (the Fifth and Forty-seventh Georgia) and General Whiting sent me two companies of artillery. I could obtain no State reserves. When the troops sent by Generals Whiting and Johnston arrived Col. George P. Harrison was ordered to carry his own regiment, the Thirty-second Georgia, the Forty-seventh Georgia, and Bonauds Georgia battalion to Johns Island and to report to Brigadier-Gen- eral Robertson, commanding that district. With the force thus collected, though not more than a third of the enemys force on the island, it was intended to attack the enemy on the morning of the 8th, but the steamer sent through Wappoo Cut to transport the troops getting aground the attack was delayed. At daydawn on the 9th, the attack was gallantly made, Colonel Harrison commanding the advance column, composed of the Thirty- second and Forty-seventh Georgk~ Regiments and Bonauds Georgia battalion, and the enemy was driven from one line of defensive works, but rallied behind a second line and maintained their posi- tion until late in the evening, when they withdrew and embarked on transports in the Stono, and on the 10th sailed out of the river. In the mean time, from the 2d to the 10th, the enemys monitors and gun.boats (the naval force had been increased to twenty-two vessels of all classes) kept up a heavy fire on our picket-line and batteries, especially Battery Pringle, which replied with spirit and accuracy, crippling and driving out of action one of the monitors. But the active operations of the enemy were abandoned after their reverse on Johns Island on the morning of the 9th. The details of these operations are given by the reports, which are herewith forwarded, of Brigadier-Generals Taliaferro, commanding on James Island, and Robertson, commanding on Johns Island. I send also a copy of General Fosters confidential circular, found on the battle-field, directing the sailing of the expedition, and also a letter* dated 5th of July and published in the New York Tribune, giving an account of the enemys operations to that date. From them it will, I think, be seen that the expedition was one of consid- erable magnitude, from which much was expected. Officers cap- tured concur in representing that the expedition was well and care- fully considered and planned, and was confidently expected to result in the capture of Charleston. That it failed is due, under Provi- dence, to the gallantry and good conduct of our officers and men. Generals Taliaferro and Robertson, whose districts were attacked, were untiring in watchfulness and efforts to defeat the plans of the enemy, and they were admirably seconded by the officers and men. Col. George P. Harrison is deserving of special commendation, first, for driving back the enemys line on James Island, and, secondly, foi~ his gallantry and good conduct in the engagement on the morning ThA f911n~ Page 126 126 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA COAST. ~CRAP. XLVII. of the 9th. General Ripleys lines were not attacked, but they were constantry exposed to attack, and the reduction of his forces to re-enforce General Taliaferro imposed greatly increased vigilance on him and his officers, which was met by them with alacrity. My staff officers performed their various duties with zeal and intelli- gence. I am much indebted to Flag Officer J. R. Tncker for his ready and efficient co-operation. Besides his vigilance in watching the approaches to the harbor, he placed at my disposal a naval battalion, armed as infantry, Lientenant Dozier, C. S. Navy, commanding, which served well and faithfully in the works on James Island; and he also re-enforced Fort Johnson with a small detachment. Respectfully, your obedient servant, SAM. JONES, Jfajor- General, Commanding. General SAMUEL COOPER, Adit. and Insp. Gen., C. S. Army, Richmond, Va. [Inclosure.] CONFIDENTIAL CIRCULAR.] HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Bead, S. C., June 29, 1864. The following instructions willgovern commanding officers in the condnct of their troops on board transports and in disembarking the same: I. The nien composing each company will be kept together at all times. Upon approaching land or going up a narrow river the com- pany commander will give the command, Attention ! when the company will immediately form, facing outward, and stand under arms, the men being fully equipped and ready to disembark with- out breaking ranks. Company commanders must renlain at all times with their com- panies, except when out of sight of land, when they may retire to the cabins. II. Proper means of exit on each transport must be prepared to facilitate the disembarkation. Strong stairs must be ready to be placed at each gangway, forward and aft,at a moments warning. III. Two non-commissioned officers must be placed at each gang- way to assist in disembarking the troops, and to pass to them their muskets and knapsacks. Strong gang-planks must be prepared and placed near each gangway, ready for immediate use. IV~ The signal for starting will be the American flag under the Union jack at the fore, on the steam transport Sylph, the flag-ship of Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch. Each brigade headquarters will repeat the signal for sailing immediately after being hoisted on the flag-ship. The transports will sail in the following order: Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch, on transport Sylph, followed by transports con- taining the Hilton Head troops; Brig. Gem W. Birney, on trans- port N. P. Banks, followed by transports containing the Florida troops, with the Thirty-fourth U. S. Colored Troops; Brig. Gen. R. Saxton, on transport Flora, followed by transports containing the Beaufort troops. The several brigades must keep together as much as possible, also the vessels comprising each brigade, in order that they may be distinguished. The speed of the vessels to correspond with the ~lowe~t sailing transport of each brigade Page 127 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 127 V. The thole-pins of the small boats must be secured by lanyards underneath. Trail-lines must be fitted to secure the oars when dropped over. Painters uew and strong. VI. The flag of the major-general commanding will be blue, with white castle in the center. By command of Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster: W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., August 22, 1864. GENERAL: In connection with my report of this date of military operations near this place, I desire to bring prominently to the no- tice of the War Department the great need of additional troops in this military department. The operations of the enemy against this place, during the first ten days of July last, have demonstrated, I think, to all who know the principal facts what I have known and felt with great anxiety since I have been in command herethe inadequacy of the force at my command for the defense of the de- partment, and especially of this city. If the same or a similar p lan of attack on this place is again attempted (and I believe it wil I be) and. is carried out with spirit and determination, it may result in most serious disaster for us. Having command of the sea and ample steam transportation, the enemy can very easily transport a large force from Virginia to this coast, and I think it hi ghly probable that they will do so and attempt to indemnify themselves for their fail- ure thus far in Virginia by capturing this place or Savannah, or, without reducing their force in Virginia, they may attempt to accom- plish the same object by drawing the troops from the Gulf. The enemy has recently made demonstrations in East Florida, captured and burned Baldwin, and committed other depredations; and though the injury inflicted upon us there is niuch less than it was appre- hended it would be, it has resulted more from the lack of spirit and determination on the part of the enemy than our ability to drive them away. You are aware of the great importance portions of Florida are to us in many points of view, especially for its produc- tions of cattle, hogs, sugar, and molasses. The most productive portions of the State; and the capital itself, are greatly exposed to the ravages of the enemy. Repeated calls have been made upon me by the brigadier-general commanding in that district and by the Governor of the State for re-enforcements, which I have been unable to furnish. I have not heretofore urged upon the War De- p artment the importance of sending additional forces here, because I knew the Government was sorely pressed for men in Virginia and North Georgia, and I appreciated the paramount importance of concentrating all available forces to resist successfully the two grand armies of the enemy. In view now of the exposed condition of this department, the readiness with which the force in my front may be greatly increased, and of the recent success attending the operations of the enemys naval force in Mobile Bay, I respectfully urge that re-enforcements be sent to this military department at the earliest day practicable. SAM. JONES, Major-General, commandin~v, General S. Cooi~i~, Adjt. utd. Insp. ftner~l Page 128 128 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. [First indorsement.] ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, August 30, 1864. Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War. H. L. CLAY, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Second indorsement.] SEPTEMBER 1, 1864. Respectfully referred to General Bragg, for his information and consideration. J. A. S., Secretary. [Third indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY C. S., September 3, 1864. Respectfully returned to honorable Secretary of War. The policy of keeping ourselves at all times ready to meet the greatest effort the enemy might make is a very safe one, and were it practicable should be adopted, but without the nieans the question need not be discussed. When the enemy withdraws his forces from Virginia to attack Charleston, ours now confronting him may be sent to meet him on his new field, but in the mean time I can see nothing but evil in the course advised. BRAXTON BRAGG, General. [Fourth indorsement.] SEPTEMBER 4, 1864. I concur in General Braggs comment. J. A. S., Secretary. ADDENDA. Return of Casualties in the Confederate forces on Johns and Jame8 Islands, July I to 10, 1864. [Compiled from nominal list.] Killed. Wounded. Command. a a a Q . a a ~H 0 ~ 0 ~ Harrisons hrigade, July 9: 32d Georgia 10 2 21 33 47th Georgia 7 9 16 Bonauds hattalion a 7 4 28 39 Total 24 6 58 88 Miscellaneous: 1st Georgia Regulars, July 7 2 2 5 9 1st Georgia Regulars, July 9 I 4 5 4th Georgia Cavalry, July 9 2 2 2d 5outh Carolina Cavalry. July 7 6 9 15 Inglis Light Artillery, July 9 1 1 Marion Light Artillery 3 3 ~i~shington Light Artlil ry ... 2 2 Gr ndtotal ....,.......,,,....,,.,,,.. . 33 5 84 125 ~i 44J1 ilebort Knox rnort~1ly W0UIF1& ~l Page 129 CHAP. XLVIL] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 129 CHARLESTON, September 1, 1864. I am very anxious to have Basingers battalion (Eighteenth Georgia) for duty here. Can II get it? It is well instruCted in use of heavy guns, and I have not artillerists enough to man the city batteries. I am apprehensive of an early naval attack. SAM. JONES, ]Ifajor- General. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. No. 30. Extracts from Journal of Operations in Charleston Harbor, Jan uary 1~2I.* January 1.The first day of the new year commences with a heavy norther, which has caused the frigate Wabash to drag her anchor nearly a mile from its original position. The day was one of untisual quiet, not a gun on either side having been fired. In the afternoon the enemy were observed to be hauling two guns from Oyster Point to Battery Gregg. With this exception no movement could be seen on Morris Island. January 2.To-day was again one of unusual quiet. Not a gun was fired until about 1 p. in., when Battery Tatom exchanged a few (6) shots with one of the enemys works on Black Island. The en- emy appear to be busily engaged at Wagner and at Gregg. An embrasure bearing in the direction of the city is being opened. At 11 a. m. a gun-boat and a tug (the former with three barges and the latter two barges, both filled with men and in tow) were observed coming from a reconnaissance of Dewees Inlet. This would appear to indicate some movement in that quarter. The work on Long Island (opposite Secessionville), recently reported, was examined to-day from a point about half a mile distant. Only one face could. be seen, the remainder being masked by trees and hillocks on Mor- ris Island. It appears to be a carefully finished work with a large magazine, and the flank seen runs parallel with the creek from Se- cessionville, but nO guns are visible. The rear opening toward Folly River is closed, and it is not yet determined whether this work is for operating against Secessionville or for protecting the creek. Colonel Elliott reports that an 8-inch columbiad was placed on the berm, and can be taken off to-night on a fiat. January 3.There was no firing whatever last night, and until about 3 p. m. to-day our batteries were silent, except Battery Tatom, which about noon exchanged a few shots with Black Island. Dur- ing the night the enemy placed a heavy Parrott gun, supposed to be a 100-pounder, in the embrasure recently opened at Gregg. At 3.20 p. m. this gun and two at Battery Cumming opened on the city and fired 12 shells, of which only one-half exploded. Batteries Marion, Simkins, Cheves, and the battery near headquarters (Fort John- son) retnrned the enemys fire, and continued for about half an hour after the enemy had closed. Captain Adams, 6 officers, and 100 * Continued from Vol. XXVIII, and embodying the daily reports received under General Beauregards orders of July 15, 1863. 9 R RVOL Xxxv, PT Page 130 130 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. men from the Sixth, Nineteenth, Twenty-third, and Twenty-eighth Georgia Regiments, last night relieved Captain Butt and the same number of men and officers on duty in Fort Sumter. A 24-pounder was shipped from this work last night, but owing to the heavy sea on the north wall it was impossible to bring away the S-inch colum- biad. Colonel Simonton reports that Private Thomas Williams, First South Carolina Cavalry, went on Battery Island to-day with- out orders and with his gun and blanket. Soon after he was seen in company with 2 of the enemy, but whether as a deserter or prisoner is not known. The enemy have at Port Royal to-day 2 steam frigates, 2 sloops of war, 1 steam cutter, 4 wooden gun-boats, and 101 transports. The following is reported to be the number of shots fired by our batteries to-day: Simkins, 11; battery near Fort Johnson, 6; Fort Johnson, 2; Cheves, 10; Marion, 11. January 4.From the raift and fog it has been impossible at any time to make out the number and character of the Federal fleet off the harbor to-day. During the past night batteries on both sides have remained silent, but at 10.20 p. m. the enemy opened on the city from Battery Cumming and fired 14 shells at intervals of from five to ten minutes. Our works on James and Sullivans Islands responded vigorously and, as usual, closed with the enemys ce~isa- tion of fire. Seven of the shells thrown into the city failed to ex- plode. At about 5.15 p. mu. a party of the enemy in a barge, taking advantage of the dense fog, made a reconnaissance and approached within about 500 yards of Battery Beauregard, when the sentinel reported it. A gun was immediately fired, but before a second could be discharged the boat disappeared in the fog. It is not thought she was struck. The following is reported as the number of shots fired by our batteries in action to-day: Brooke gun battery, 14; Sim- kins, 14; battery near headquarters (Fort Johnson), 3. January 5.Both the enemys batteries and ours were silent dur- ing the night and continued so the entire day. The Ironsides, four monitors, and the usual number of wooden vessels are among the fleet off the harbor amid at Port Royal. No change of importance is noted. Working parties can be seen on Morris Island, who appear to be chiefly engaged in keeping their batteries in order. At Gregg, however, an embrasure bearing on James Island, which has been recently closed, was to-day reopened, as well as a new one in the southwest angle bearing in the direction of the city. Reports from the Stono are unimportant. There was some activity among the vessels there, but no change occurred worthy of note. January 6.Weather to-day was stormy and the atmosphere hazy, which has prevented accurate observations of the movements of the Federal fleet. The number in the harbor, however, was ascer- tained to be about the same as usual, and at the mouth of the Stono are twenty-six vessels, including the Pawnee and a very large steamer. Battery Simkins was the only work in action on either side during the entire day, and fired two 10-inch mortar shells agaimist a party near Battery Gregg. The 8-inch columbiad at Sumter, which has been awaiting shipment for several days, was brought away last night, at which time, also, Captain Groves, 6 officers, and 100 men from the Nineteenth, Twenty-third, Twenty-seventh, and Twenty- eighth Georgia Regiments relieved Captain Tidwell and the same number of officers and men of the Sixth, Nineteenth, Twenty-seventh, and Twenty-eighth Georgia Regiments, on duty at that post. The commanding general received to-day a communication from Fla Page 131 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 131 Officer Tucker, commanding afloat, stating that in consequence of the desertion of ~ men with a boat from the receiving-ship Indian Chief certain changes would be made in the signals of the Confed- erate harbor gnard-boats. January 7.Nothing worthy of note occurred to-day. The enemys batteries as well as our own remained silent, and not a shot was fired from daylight to dark. Except a few small parties repair- ing some of the works on Morris Island, no movements were ob- served among the enemy. The fleet remains about the same. January 8.The number and position of the Federal fleet remain unchanged. There was no firing last night, and during the day but a few shots were exchanged. About 11 a. in., Battery Simkins opened upon Battery Gregg. The latter did not reply until about 1.30 p. in., when it responded and the action was maintained on both sides until about 3.30 p. in., at which time both works closed. Our Sullivans Island batteries were generally silent. The Brooke gun battery and Battery Rutledge, however, firedthe former 1 and the latter 5 shellsat parties of the enemy engaged in repairing the chevaux- de-frise around Battery Gregg. General Hagood, commanding Sev- enth Military District, James Island, telegraphs that Captain Behr~, post commissary, reports that the meat rations at his depot have en- tirely failed, and that the commissary, Major Molloy, assistant to chief of subsistence~ informs him that he cannot be supplied to-mor- row, and does not know when he will be able to do so. Four officers and 20 men belonging to the enemys blockading squadron were captured yesterday under the following circumstances: The steamer Virginia Dare, from Bermuda, in attempting to run the blockade into Wilmington was discovered and chased off. Finding escape im- possible, she was beached at about 12 in. yesterday on the Waccamaw beach, at a point some 12 or 15 miles north of Georgetown entrance. The vessel was then fired and the officers, crew, and passengers made their escape. The enemy, in attempting to reach her in barges, encountered a very rough sea and were capsized. Three of the men were drowned. The remainder succeeded in reaching the shore amid surrendered to Maj. William P. White, 1 officer and 1 private, with- out firing a gun, though with arms in their hands. The prisoners were brought to this city. Jan aary 9.The enemy have off the harbor the Ironsides, 4 mon- itors, 2 mortar boats, 3 gun-boats, 2 tugs, and 10 sailing vessels. Very little of interest occurred to-day. Only a few shots were fired from Battery Gregg against Fort Johnson. No damage was in- flicted, and the latter work did not reply. All of our batteries were silent the entire day. The commanding officer of Battery Marion reports the reason he did not fire was the want of 10-inch mortar shells. About 11 a. in., one of the batteries on Cummings Point opened upon the city with two guns, and at midnight was still firing slowly ~at intervals of about one-half an hour. But little activity was observed among the troops on Morris Island. The work pre- viously reported on Long Island (opposite Secessionville), nearest to the Stono River, is of considerable length, and extends on each side of the causeway; the other work to the south of Dixons Arm is quite small, and will contain some two or three guns. The tents on Coles Island appear to have largely increased; in fact, the island is said to be white with them, while tents on Folly Island seemed to have diminished materially. General Hagood reports that a flag of truce was sent to the enemy to-day with a package from those head Page 132 132 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. quarters. Colonel Elliott reports that this night the steamer left the Fort Sumter wharf without a proper head of steam, and drifted with the tide below the fort. His attempt to call the attention of the signal and telegraphic operators was unsuccessful for twenty minutes. Additional report from the Stono: Twelve pickets re- turned from Horse Island about 11 oclock. About 200 men left the camp on Coles Island and took the road leading to tue batteries, but only 50 came to the works on Long Island and commenced oper- ations. There are 16 schooners, 1 brig, 1 bark~ 4 transports, and 1 tug-boat in the Stono and Folly Rivers. Two large transports are off the bar. One gun carriage and limber have been recovered. The other carriage we have failed to secure in consequence of the parting of the rope. Captain Walpole says he will [send] for another rope and hopes then to succeed. He has had the creek searched carefully and the guns are not to be found. January 10.As stated in yesterdays journal, the enemy com- menced shelling the city at 11 oclock last night, firing at intervals of about thirty minutes. After 18 shots had been thrown they ceased at 6 a. m. One shell fell short and 9 failed to explode. There is no material change reported in the Federal fleet except the depart- ure to the southward of one monitor. During the morning batteries on both sides remained silent, but at 3.25 p. in., the enemy opened on the city with three guns from Cummings Point, firing occasionally the three at the same time and again at intervals of from one to three minutes. Twenty-eight [shells] in all were thrown, when the enemy ceased at 4.35. Fifteen shells did not explode. Batteries Rutledge (with 16 shells), Brooke gun battery (5 shells), and Simkimis (with 17 shells) replied to the enemys fire, and closed soon after the enemy ceased. A reconnaissance has j.ust been made of Dewees, Capers, and Rattlesnake Inlets. The only indications of the enemys opera- tions were the discovery of two buoys, which are thought to have been placed merely to indicate the position of shoals. January 11.Lieutenant Kemper, with 38 artillerymen, last night relieved Captain King and 40 men from duty in Fort Sumter. Dur- ing the night there was no firing whatever. Only three monitors are visible among the Federal fleet off the bar. In the morning there were a few exchaiiges of shots between the batteries on Black Island and our works in the vicinity of Secessionville, and at meri- dian the hill battery on Morris Island fired one or two shots in the direction of James Island, but soon ceased, as did also the other works. At this time a river steamer was observed towing to tIme southward a mortar hulk. Umitil 3.35 p. m. the enemys as well as our batteries remained silent, when Battery Cuinming opened with a light rifled gun upon the city amid fired at rather longer intervals than usual until 9.58 p. in., by which time 88 shots had been thrown imi the direction, but not into the city, as 85 fell short. This must have been an experimental trial. The result was very satisfactory to us. The shells used are said to have been of the kind known as Wiard shells. Battery Simkins, the work near headquarters (Fort Johnson), and the Brooke gun battery were the only batteries in action to-day, and fired, respectively, 1, 8, and 5 shots. No per- ceptible effect was produced on the enemys works, and their fire against us was equally harmless. January 12.The weather to-day was damp and foggy, so that no accurate observation of the Federal fleet could be taken. One of the monitors, however, appears still to be missing. Last night Page 133 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 133 quantity of scrap iron, pieces of shells, & c., was brought to the city from Fort Sumter, and a 42-pounder smooth-bore, which has recently been disinterred from the ruins, lies on the berm ready for shipment. During the day there was but little firing from our bat- teries, the only one in action being Simkins, whence 22 mortar and 14 8-inch columbiad shells were fired against Battery Gregg, which replied with 13 shells, but, as usual, inflicted no damage. One pri- vate, however, was severely wounded with a fragment of shell. This was the only reported casualty on our, side during the day. About 1.30 p. in., the enemy opene(l a vigorous fire upon the city with several guns at or near Battery Gregg, using shells similar to those fired yesterday, but with somewhat more effect. At midnight the bombardment was still progressing. By this time 138 shells had been fired, and of these 87 fell short. The fuses used with these projectiles appear to be of a better quality, as but few failed to ex- plode. The damage done to the city, however, was inconsiderable. At about 7 p. m. (during the bombardment) a house in Lightwood alley, three doors east of Meeting street, was set on fire. It was fortunately discovered by an officer of the First South Carolina Ar- tillery, who succeeded in extinguishing it. In doing so, however, he was shot at by some unknown person in the vicinity, and from this it would appear that the fire must have been the work of an in- cendiary. Maj. J. R. Robertson, commissary on Sul]ivans Island, reports that the troops on that island were without meat on the 4th, 5th, 9th, and 10th instant. January 13.Rain and mist to-day have concealed to a great ex- tent the enemys fleet, both in the Stono and off the harbor. It is now determined that the light Parrott guns with which the enemy have for the past few days been shelling the city are situated at the foot of the scarp of the main work at Battery Gregg. As reported in yesterdays journal, the enemy were shelling at midnight. This was continued the remainder of last night at regular intervals, and during this day they have maintained a steady bombardment of the city, firing about once every five minutes. At 12 midnight the bom- bardment is unabated, and up to this time 244 additional shells have been fired in the direction of the city, 112 of which fell short. Our batteries have remained silent. Not a single shot is reported to have been fired by them the entire day. The shells used by the enemy are very lightbelieved still to be the Wiard pattern. January 14.The bombardment has been incessant for the last twenty-four hours, and up to 12 midnight they had thrown 203 shells, 27 of which fell short. Fire at the corner of East Bay and Broad streets was observed at 11 p. in., and was extinguished in about an hour. To-day the enemy was observed moving the small Wiard gun from Battery Cumming and placing instead a larger one. Two companies with battle-flag were seen moving down the beach to their camps. During the late foggy weather the fourth monitor again came inside the bar and the frigate Wabash disappeared. Fleet off the bar reported as 5 in sighti sloop of war, 1 gun-boat, light ship, 1 bark, and 1 schooner. In Stono and Folly Rivers are 19 schooners, 4 steam transports, 2 gun-boats, 1 brig, and 1 bark. One gun-boat is in North Edisto River. On Horse Island 4 or 5 of the enemy, appar- ently pickets, are to be seeii on the edge of the river. They have had to-day at the west end of Long Island, in front of Secessionville, a working party, up to which a man on horseback was seen riding (the first mounted man observed on that island). Our batteries have bee Page 134 134 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. silent to-day, with the exception of Simkins, from which 37 mortar shells were fired at Battery Gregg, eliciting no reply. The mortars on the right of Battery Marion have not been fired within the past twenty-four hours for want of shells. Two men of the guard at Battery Pringle this morning deserted to the enemy between 2 and 4 a. m. They escaped, it is thought, in a boat used by Colonel Simon- tons pickets, which was anchored off the battery. Three other men are missing, but it is supposed they are gone to the city. It is re- ported by Mr. J. J. Ryan, assistant superintendent of laborers on Sullivans Island and Christ Church Parish, that no meat rations have been furnished the hands in his district on the 5th, 8th, 9th, and 13th instant. Pursuant to instructions from the commanding general arrangements were this day completed for holding Colquitts brigade disposable as a movable column. The brigade is reported to be sup- plied fully with ammunition, canteens, & c., and is in condition for movement at any time. Brig. Gen. R. E. Colston reports to-day as follows: On Tuesday, 12th instant, a communication was received from Captain Hanleiter, commanding Beaulien Battery, to the effect that a non-commissioned officer had informed him of the existenee of a plot among the garri- son at Rose Dew Island (mouth of the Little Ogeechee River), the purpose of which was to abandon the post at Rose Dew, with arms, ammunition, & c.; to win over the troops at Beaulien if possible; to advance toward Savannah, taking with them the Terrell Artillery, at White Bluff, whose adhesion was considered certain; also some State troops encamped on the Skidaway road, and to come to the camp of the Fifty-seventh Georgia, upon whom they seemed to rely as ready to join them. The whole to make their way to the interior of the country, their avowed purpose being to induce by their ex- ample as many of the troops as possible to imitate them, and by refusing to bear arms any longer to put an end to the war. The plot was to be executed on last night. General Colston immediately sent Capt. W. T. Taliaferro, his assistant adjutant-general, to Beau- lieu and Rose Dew to investigate the matter. In the mean time an order was sent from district headquarters for the arrest of Private Coleman, Company F, Fifty-fourth Georgia, and he was sent on to the barracks at Savannah. From the result of investigations made by Major Hartridge, commanding at Rose Dew, and Captain Talia- ferro, it became evident that this plot, which at first appeared so improbable, did really exist. On yesterday General Colstou ordered about 300 mefi from the First Georgia Regiment and the First Florida Battalioii, under the command of Colonel Olnistead, First Georgia, to repair to the cause- way connecting Rose Dew Island with the main land and cut off the communication between the two. Captain Guerards battery of artillery was ordered to support him. One hundred and fifty men from the Sixty-third Georgia Regiment, under Major Allen, were ordered to report to Colonel Olmstead. These movements of troops were made ostensibly for the purpose of meeting some demonstra- tions of the enemy by way of the Ogeechee. No attempt of any kind was made on last night by the garrison at Rose Dew. The arrest of Coleman and the concentration of troops has evidently frustrated the design; but from the report of Sergeant Hinson to Captain Tanner (Jackson Guards, at Rose Dew) the attempt was not given up until late yesterday evening. Another non-commissione Page 135 CHAt. XLVII.3 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 135 officer confessed last night to Captain Tanner that nearly the whole company had agreed to go off that night. All the parties concerned were pledged to secrecy by an oath. The spirit of the Fifty-seventh Georgia Regiment is bad. The troops say they have never been properly exchanged, and the im- pression prevails (probably with good reason) that they will not fight if brought before the enemy. They are demoralized by the influence of home, to which they are too near, their friends and relatives per- suading them that they have not been properly exchanged and ought to be at home. General Colston says their presence there may have a bad effect npon the other troops, and their spirit and tone may be improved by removal to more distant points. It will be necessary, of course, to send other troops in the place of those re- moved. The companies at Rose Dew are: Company F, Capt. J. W. Anderson; Company I, Captain Elkins, Fifty-fourth Georgia Regi- ment, and Jackson Guards, Captain Tanner, who claims to belong to the Fourth Florida Battalion, but is considered there as commanding an independent company. There are two other companies of the Fifty-fourth Georgia Regiment near Savannah, commanded by Captains Russell and Brantley. The latter is with the siege train. January 15.Colonel Elliott, at Fort Sumter, reports that the weather will not permit a~n observation of the fleet within and outside the bar this morning, and that two 42-pounder guns were shipped last night. Some of our own batteries on the Stono were practicing this afternoon. All our other batteries have l)een silent. Ninety-four vessels of various classes are reported in Port Royal Harbor. At 10 a. in., two ships and two barks got under way and went to sea, the distance too far and too foggy to see troops aboard. One gun-boat went up Broad River to the upper end of Donough Island and returned. Everything very quiet in that harbor. Captain Walpole reports 31 vessels in Stono harbor. A transport (without troops) went up Folly River and returned this morning. Two river steamers ran up and down Folly River nearly all day, but it could not be discovered what they were at. There is one gun-boat in North Edisto. Several telegraph poles were cut between Branchville and Aiken during the night. Enemy con- tinued to fire on the Gity from Cummings Point. Whole number [shellsl fired, 189, of which 63 fell short, all of the first shots that came into the city falling in its southeastern corner, east of Meeting and south of Broad streets. At 3 oclock the direction of fire was changed, and for the first time shells fell in the upper portion of the city in the neighborhood of the Second Presbyterian Church, its tower evidently being the point aimed at. One shell passed immediately over the church and fell in the rear of a lot in John street near Meeting. At 6 a. in., fire was caused by the explosion of a shell from battery on Cummings Point, in a building on Meet- ing street near Water street. The fire department succeeded in con- fining it to the one building. January 16.Considerable movements were observed in the Yankee fleet in the Stono this morning, gun-boats, transports, and small steamers coming in and going out again during the day. About 40 men were carrying plank from Horse Island to the bat- teries at Green Creek. Several vessels passed going south. The number of vessels in Stono Bay has increased. In Port Royal Harbor are anchored 2 steam frigates, 2 steam sloops of war, 1 steam cutter, 5 wooden gun-boats, 73 transports, 7 ocean steamers, an Page 136 136 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. several other smaller steamers, tugs, and schooners, amounting in all to 83. A steam frigate arrived without troops on board. The river steamers and tugs were very busy plying between fleet at Saint Helena and the fleet at Hilton Head. Off Charleston bar the Wabash has given place to a small sloop of war without steam. There are also 6 blockaders. Inside the bar are the Ironsides, 4 mon- itors, and 17 other vessels, 7 of which are armed. A soldier and a negro died suddenly at Sumter of congestion of the lungs. Firing on the city is continued uninterruptedly, 153 [shells] having been fired, of which 75 fell short, the shells falling along the whole length of East Bay and on the wharves, inflicting but little injury to prop erty and none to life. A number of Yankee dispatches were inter cepted, among them the following, sent toward Folly Island: M The troops here have i~ations only to the 20th. Meat all gone: Are they to be supplied or relieved? To-day the enemy fired 4 shots over Fort Sumter from one of the small Parrot~ guns at Gregg. January 17.Vessels reported inside the bar to-day: Ironsides, 3 monitors, 6 woodeii gun-boats, 2 armed sailing vessels, and 12 un- armed. The fourth monitor is probably concealed behind some of the other ships. The sailing sloop of war reported yesterday as having taken the place of the Wabash has inov%~d inside, leaving 4 blockaders, 2 of which are steaniers. There are 4 steamers and 10 schooners in Light-House Inlet. Three gun-boats, 4 transports, and 24 schooners are in the Stono and Folly Rivers to-day. A large steamer with troops on board has been lying in the harbor all day. For want of a good glass Captain Walpole says the observations are not as accurate as they might be. Battery Simkins directed 43 mor- tar shells abainst Battery Gregg. The enemy replied with 38 columbiad shells, without effect. The bombardment of the city has continued without cessation. During the twenty-four hours 143 shells have been thrown, 17 of which failed to reach the city. January 18.Captain Johnston, 6 officers, and 100 men from the Nineteenth, Twenty-third, and Twenty-eighth Georgia, relieved Captain Groves, with the same force, at Fort sumter. The fog is ~ great that it is hard to obtaiii observations. In the Stono and Folly Rivers are 3 gun-boats, 4 transports, and 24 schooners. In North Edisto is 1 gun-boat. At 9.30 a. in., a steamer came down Folly River. At 11 a. in., a steamer came in from north, and at 1 p. in., one went out, going south. A large steamer with troops on board has been in Stono Harbor all day. Enemy continued to fire on city all day. One hundred and thirty-two shots were fired, of which 87 fell short. The shells fell all about over the city south of Calhoun street and east of King street. Artillery duel between Gregg and Simkins for three hours. January 19.Enemy continued to fire at the city all day, but owing to the high wind only 13 of the 123 shells thrown reached the city, falling chiefly on the wharves near the post-office, 2 shots only going up town, 1 falling n& ar the corner of King and Society streets. Twenty-four vessels of various classes are inside the bar and 7 out- side. In the Stono matters remain about the same as yesterday. One of the transports without troops on board left, going south. A few men were seeii across Green Creek. About 40 men were seen returning from Stevens Bridge. One gun-boat is in North Edisto Page 137 CIIAI. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 137 River. The Federal fleet in Port Royal is as follows: Eighty-two sails, 2 steam frigates, 2 steam sloops of war, 1 steam cutter, 5 wooden gun-boats, 4 ships, 4 barks, 2 brigs, 52 schooners, 7 ocean and 5 river steamers, and 3 tugs. Three vessels reported in Winyah Bay, about 7 miles below Battery White. General Trapier promises to reconnoiter on the 21st instant, so as to ascertain if there are troops on board. Battery Simkins fired 15 mortar shells against Cummings Point during the day. Effect unknown. Wind very high, making it very uncomfortable, at least for vessels outside the harbor. January 20.Pawnee caine up the Stono about 10 a. m. and re- mained below the obstructions about three or four hours, then returned to her usual anchorage. About 30 Yankees observed throw- ing up a causeway leading to Horse Island. At 8.30 a. in., enemy ceased their continuous fire upon the city, having in nine days and seven hours thrown 1,500 percussion and Wiard shells. At 12.45 p. in., Yankees opened on city again with one Parrott gun, firing fused shells, and later in the day they commenced again with percus- sion shells. Whole number thrown for the last twenty-nine hours, 80, of which one-half fell short. The Ironsides, 4 monitors, 1 ship of war, 3 gun-boats, 1 mortar hulk, 3 tugs, 2 barks, 3 brigs, and 6 schooners are inside the bar, and 5 light-ships, 1 sloop of war, 1 gun-boat, 1 bark, and I brig are off the bar. Two shots were fired at Sumter, both of which missed. In Port Royal Harbor are 84 sails, 2 steam frigates, 2 steam sloops of war, 1 steam cutter, 5 wooden gun-boats, 4 ships, 4 barks, 2 brigs, 48 schooners, 8 ocean and 5 river steamers. January 21.The enemy have been discovered throwing up what appears to be a considerable earth-work on Dixons Island, near observatory. It is now 7 feet high. They are also at work on what seems to be an earth-work on Long Island, next to Coles Island, at foot of bridge on Gr~en Creek. A steamer, supposed to be the Plantiiw, is lying in left mouth of the creek known as Schooner Creek, opposite Campbells house. Ten 30-pounder Parrott shots fired at Secessionville from the battery on extreme end of Little Folly Island. All fell short from one-quarter to one-half a mile. At 3 p. in., they again fired 4 shots from same battery, of which 2 fell short and 2 passed over, 1 striking just in rear of batteries on eastern flank of the post. About 25 or 30 Yankees have been all day working at their causeway leading to Horse Island. Two gun-boats, 4 transports, 20 schooners, and 1 bark in Stono and Folly Rivers. In Port Royal the fleet remains about the same as heretofore, 84 sail in all. Gun-boat shelled the pickets at Hogs Neck and then re- turned to her anchorage off Bay Point. Two schooners under way, outward bound. The number of vessels in Light-House Inlet to-day was very much diminished. Only 32 shells were fired at the city to-day. No. 31. Report of Brig. Gen. Roswelt S. Ripley, C. S. Army, commanding First ]Iliilitary Di.s~trict, of operations May 1316. HEADQUARTERS FIRST MILITARY DISTRICT, Charleston, May 24, 1804. CAPTAIN: At about 11 oclock on the morning of the 13th instant, one of the enemys monitors was observed slowly approaching t Page 138 138 ~3.C., FLA., AINT ON TILE GA. COAST. ~CHAP. XLVII. within range of Fort Sumter. Being at the time on Sullivans Island, the batteries were ordered to open upon her, which they did with the few guns which would bear, when she was about 2,200 yards from Fort Moultrie and 1,800 yards from Snmter. She in- creased her distance after the first 2 shots to about 2,700 yards from Moultrie. About 12 another monitor came to her support and, keeping at about the same range, opened fire on Sumter. The two kept up a cannonade in connection with the batteries of the enemy on Morris Island, upon that fort throughout the day. The fire of the mon- itors was to a considerable extent interfered with by the practice from Sullivans Island, although it was at comparatively lon~g range for the object, aiid but few guns would bear, their field of fire being materially contracted by the inerlons shutting them off from Morris Island. When ascertained that the enemy kept his position under these circumstances, the fire was discontinued. The monitors retired toward dusk. The Morris Island batteries kept up a fire on Fort Sumter throughout the night. No shots were fired by the enemy at Sullivans Island. On the 14th, the attack was renewed by the monitors at about the same time, the fire being directed as before at Sumter, the batteries on Morris Island still keeping up the cannonade vigorously. The position of the enemys vessels permitted a heavier fire from the batteries on Sullivans Island, and one soon moved out of action. The other followed to the extreme range of her guns and about 2 oclock ceased firing. Mean time, having learned from department headquarters that the fire of the enemy from Morris Island was annoying to the working parties at Sumter and causing some dam- age, I ordered the guns and mortars of Sullivans Island which would bear to open a heavy fire on the enemys batteries. This was speedily done, and the result was that, with the effect of those from James Island, the enemy~s fire slackened, and within an hour had nearly ceased at Fort Sumter. He opened on Sullivans Island with mortars and Parrott guns, and also on James Island, but without any effect upon the position under my command. Seeing that the enemy was availing himself of the position of our merlons to screen his vessels from fire, I directed the engineers to open as many embrasures in the direction of the sea approach as would give us a command of the usual position of the monitors. This was accomplished by Monday, the 16th, to the extent of few embrasures. No firing occurred on the 15th. On the morning of the 16th, two monitors approached and commenced the action as before. Their positions were taken with apparent confidence until the batteries opened, which they did with full effect. The nearest distance was about 1,800 yards, but the monitors immediately hauled off, keeping up the fire at long range at Sumter and pursued by our shot until they were from 3,500 to 3,800 yards distant. The practice was admirable. Of 92 shots at different ranges from Sullivans Island, 35 took effect. One monitor went off with her pilot-house badly knocked to pieces, and both were evidently seriously damaged, having been severely hit by heavy shot in their turrets, on their decks, and between wind and water. The renewal of the attempt against Fort Sumter proved a failure to the enemy and demonstrated the power of our heavy batteries, and the skill of our artillerists, offl~ers and men Page 139 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON IIARI3OR, ETC. 139 During the period embraced in this report, and within two days thereafter, three of the enemys monitors off the port left for the southward, oue arriving during the-same time. One of those which left was that which suffered most severely in the action of the 16th. The distance of their usual anchorage rendered it impossible to dis- tinguish whether either of the others had been engaged, though from the number of times our shot had taken effect, it is quite probable that all of those which were in action had been damaged to such an extent as to send them off for repairs. It is to be regretted that the position of the merlons was such as to have limited our offensive power to such an extent, and that the elevating apparatus for the heaviest gun (a 10-inch rifle) would not allow it to be used with full effect when the enemy were within its field of fire. I shall endeavor to have the defects rectified. Accompanying this report I have the honor to transmit the re- ports~ of Maj. William S. Basinger, Eighteenth Georgia Battalion, commanding Sullivans Island, and Capt. T. A. Huguenin, First South Carolina Infantry, commanding batteries enga,ed. Both these officers are entitled to credit for preparation of their com- mands. Referring to those reports for other details, and concurring with Major Basinger and Captain Huguenin in their mention of other officers named therein, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. S. RIPLEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Capt. H. W. FEILDEN, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 32. Reports of Brig. Gen. Beverly H. Robertson, C. S. Army, com- manding Second and Sixth Military Districts, of operations July 710. ADAMS RUN, [July 8, 1864.?] The enemy are advancing in heavy force across Johns Island. I have sent all my available force to Captain Parkers assistance. Cannot troops be thrown across Steno from James Island? B. H. ROBERTSON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL JONES. JOHNS ISLAND, July 9, 1864. Aitacked the enemy, who was expecting me, at daylight this morning, and am driving him at all points; hav~e passed the line of works he occupied yesterday; our casualties heavy. ROBERTSON, General. Major STRINGFELLOW. * For Basinger~s report, see p. 264, and for Hugueuins, see p. 271 Page 140 140 S. C., FLA., AND ON TILE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. HEADQUARTERS IN THE FIELD, July 9, 186410 a. m. The enemy has destroyed the bridge over causeway in his front. While he may not withdraw he cannot be dislodged without great loss of life. The casualties this a. m. are about 100. If sufficient force is seut over to make a separate if ank movement where artillery can be used we can drive him to his boats. Saxbys is doubtless the point coveted. There is a wharf at Grimballs. ROBERTSON, Maj. C. S. STRINGFELLOW. General. JOHNS ISLAND, Jaly 9, 186412 m. Deserters report two brigades iu my front, commanded by Hatch and Brown. There are nine regiments. They anticipated a forward movement, but for check this morning. Have sent deserters to you and can give much information. Hatch has been wounded. ROBERTSON, GeneraL. Major STRINGFELLOW, Assistant Adjutant- General. JOHNS ISLAND, July 9, 1864. Enemy massed large force on my left; a feint, I think. He may attempt to turn my right wing, which with his large force is practi- cable. Enemy has five days rations issued. ROBERTSON, Maj. C. S. STRINGFELLOW, General. Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS. July 9, 18646.4~ p. m. I have this moment returned from visiting my lines, and from the movement of the enemy I am satisfied his object is to make a permanent occupation of his present position. The force is much larger than I at first supposed, and I should not be surprised if an assault was made upon me in the morning. From casualties, sick- ness, & c., I am much reduced, but I think he will find a warm re- ception. I came very near assaulting his second line (beyond cause- way) this morning, but am glad from developments that I did not. It is generally believed that the enemy will attack us to-night. I must either be re-enforced considerably or I must withdraw my lines. From letters which I will send you there are not less than nine Federal regiments on Johns Island. I will write fully to-mor- row if I can. It is now getting dark. I send over one of the Stono scouts, who will answer all the questions contained in your dispatch. We need many things here, and especially wagons to haul forage from Rantowles. Will you send me four temporarily? The cav- alry and artillery horses are failing for want of food. Can you no Page 141 Ci~. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 141 send me the cavalry from Georgetown and the Rebel Troop? I think the enemy is preparing to erect batteries. Mr. Whaley, by whom I send this, can tell you. The troops fought nobly to-day. Our casualties were heavy, as were the enemys. I sent you a deserter this evening who can give you some infor- mation. He says they came with ten days rations. I also sent you a letter this morning; will send others to-morrow. I write in haste. Please tell me what arrangenients are to be made, as my men and horses are sufferiiig from overexertion. Signaling is a slow pro- cess; there must be something wrong. I have sent a man over to direct the fire from Battery Tynes. It is getting dark. Very respectfully, yours, B. H. ROBERTSON, Brigadier-General. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL JONES, Commanding. P. 5.Let wagons come by Rantowles aiid bring forage from that point. B. H. R. JOHNS ISLAND, July 10, 186411.10 a. m. My advance is at Grimballs. Eneniys pickets just beyond. Have ordered a reconnaissance. Gun-boats command the road beyond Grimballs. I think the enemy is abandoning the island, as their last position was a very strong one. ROBERTSON, General. General JONES. JOHNS ISLAND, July 10, 18649.3~ p. m. My artillery cannot attack wooden gun-boats, monitor lying above them. Major Jenkins gone over to see you. Will reconnoiter Sea- brook Island instanter. ROBERTSON, General. Geiieral JONES. JOHNS ISLAND, July 11, 186410 a. m. All enemys troops left Johns Island. Pawnee, two iron-dads, and one transport between Grimballs and Legar~s Point. Shall re-establish my lines and returii with artillery to Adams Run. ROBERTSON, General. Major STRINGFELLOW. HDQRS. SECOND AND SIXTH MILITARY DISTRICTS, July 14, 1864. MAJOR: Imiformation having reached me that a large Federal force had occupied Johns Island, I have the honor to report that on the afternoon of rrhursday the 7th instant, I left this station and proceeded direct to Church Flats, where I halted until after mid- night. Colonel Kemper, returning from the front, reported tha Page 142 142 S. C., ILA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. on the same afternoon the enemy had made several assaults on our lines, all of which were handsomely repulsed by the troops under command of Maj. R. A. Wayne, First Georgia Regulars, in the tem- porary absence of Major Jenkins. A report of that engagement is herewith inclosed. Learning that a renewal of the attack was anticipated early next morning, I immediately ordered forward the Fourth Georgia Cav- alry (dismounted), under Lieutenant-Colonel Harris, and pushed on with my staff. Having been informed that re-enforcements would be landed during the night at Townsends (opposite Fort Pember- ton), I at once resolved to attack the enemy and prevent his for- tifying the position then held, commanding our works on James Island; but an accident to the steamer prevented the arrival of the troops. About 2 p. m. on the 8th, Col. G. P. Harrison reported with the Thirty-second Georgia Regiment, Forty-seventh Georgia Regiment, and l3onauds battalion of Georgians. Having reconnoitered the enemys position, and finding him strongly posted and intrenched, both in front and rear of Burdens Causeway, and knowing that a perfectly practicable road, not exceeding 5 miles, led around his left to the rear of his second line, I determined to detach Colonel Harrisons command to execute this flank movement, while with the remaining force I would attack in front. I submitted my plan to the several commanders summoned for the purpose, and after a thorough discussion of the ground by Captain Walpole and others acquainted with the country it was fully concurred in. Half past 3 oclock was the hour selected, and signal rockets were distributed to insure unanimity of action. Unfortunately the ambulances, medi- cal stores, and ammunition wagons of Harrisons brigade had been sent around by Church Flats and did not arrive until next morning. I was thus compelled to abandon a movement from which I had every reason to expect the most splendid results. I then gave the necessary orders for assaulting the enemys works at daylight, placing Colonel Harrisons brigade in front. The re- maining forceconsisting of the First Georgia Regulars, Fourth Georgia Cavalry (dismounted detachment), and three companies of Thirty-second Georgia Regiment-I placed under the orders of Maj. John Jenkins, with instructions to support Colonel Harrison. Owing to the nature of the ground but little artillery could be used. The line of attack was quietly and rapidly formed, and the alacrity dis- played in their preparations for a forward movement reflected great credit upon those g llant Georgians. They had advanced but a few hundred yards when our line of skirmishers encountered the enemy, who fired and immediately fell back. With shouts of defiance and amid the deadly bullets of the foe our brave men pressed steadily onward to the enemys breast-works, from which they quickly drove them in confusion to their second line, beyond Burdens Caus~way. Our loss, though heavy, would have been much greater but for a thick fog and the density of the atmosphere, which prevented the smoke from rising. A dense forest skirted the enemys front lines, which enabled him to carry off nuder cover many of his dead and wounded, as was clearly evinced by the signs everywhere visible. His loss ~vas considerable. We took but few prisoners. Our occu- pation of his front line completely thwarted the enemys plamis, as it secured to us the elevated ground between Burdens Causeway an Page 143 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 143 Gervais house, upon which a Clearing was discovered, doubtless made with the intention of erecting batteries to enfilade our works on James Island. The second position taken by the enemy was iii rear of a causeway flanked by marshes, which were commanded by a line of breast-works. The bridge over causeway was destroyed in the enemys retreat. Knowing that many lives would be sacrificed in dislodging him, I preferred strengthening my own lines and making a flank attack, which, however, was rendered unnecessary by the enemys retreat during the night. A qnantity of commissary stores, ammunition, and camp and garrison stores fell into our hands. For the information of the major-general commanding I desire to state that negro prisoners assert that Colonel Silliman, commanding Twenty-sixth Regiment U. S. Colored Troops, in the presence of Brig. Gen. R. Saxton (who has always commanded negroes), gave orders to show no quarter; also, that on Thursday, when the right of our line was temporarily pressed back, Private Cooper, Coin-; pany B, Second South Carolina Cavalry, who was wounded, fell into the enemys hands. When we recovered the ground it was discovered that he had been bayoneted in six or seven different places. I respectfully recommend that the Yankee General Foster be held to a strict accountability for such violation of civilized warefare. You will please find inclosed the reports of separate commanders. Our entire loss is 37 killed and 91 wounded. The artillery, consisting of the Washington, Marion, and one sec- tion of Inglis Light Battery, all under command of Lieutenant-Cob onel Kemper, was well served and did admirable execution. Col- onel Harrison, Major Jenkins, and Major Wayne managed their troops with coolness and skill. First Sergeant Gervais, of the Stono Scouts, rendered me invaluable assistance on frequent occasions, and I would especially recommend him to the favorable notice of the commanding general. Privates Miller and Bryan, of same company, volunteered their services and gallantly charged with the Forty-seventh Regiment. Private Augustus J. White, Company I, Second South Carolina Cavalry, displayed the most signal courage, charging on horseback with the infantry advance. Too much credit cannot be given a portion of the Second South Carolina Cavalry, under Captain Clark, who in the action on Thurs- day held the right of our line against aii almost overwhelming force of the enemy. Out of 21 men 7 were killed and 6 wounded. My thanks are due to Maj. W. W. Harvie, commissary of subsistence; Captain Worthington, assistant adjutant-general; First Lieut. T. Henry Johnston, aide-de-camp; Capt. William Waller, and Lient. A. G. Taylor, members of my staff, for their prompt transmission of orders on the field. Privates J. R. Wilson and W. C. Meggett, acting couriers, were ~xposed to heavy musketry fire and behaved well. In conclusion, I would respectfully recommend the erection of works commanding the approach to Burdens Causeway. The posi- tion is an important one to the enemy, who will doubtless again attempt its possession. I ~m, major, respectfully, your obedient servant, B. H. ROBERTSON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. CHARLES S. STRINGFELLOW Assistant Adjutant-General, Charleston, S. C Page 144 144 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. No. 33. Report of Brig. Gem. Henry A. Wise, U S. Army, commanding Sixth Military District, of operations February 812. HDQRS. SIXTH MIL. DIsT., DEPT. OF S. C., GA., AND FLA., February 13, 1864. GENERAL: The night of Monday, the 8th instant, the enemy landed in force on Kiawah Island, forded the estuary between that and Seabrook Island, crossed from the latter at the Haulover to Johns Island, and drove in Major Jenkins pickets from that point. Their objects were two, I thinkone, general, to make a reconnaissance in force, and the other, special, to destroy the battery lately erected at Grimballs, on the right bank of the Stono IRiver. Their object may have been also to divert yonr forces from other points. The intelligence of the movement was received at Adams Run at 12.30 p. m. on Tuesday, the 9th instant. I immediately dispatched orders to Colonel Tabb, at Church Flats, and to Colonel Page, at Johns Island Ferry, to re~enforce Major Jenkins with all their available force, leaving only enough for guards and to support the heavy batteries. Colonel Tabb crossed immediately at the bridge, and Colonel Page was delayed only by the totally inadequate ferry. The infantry already on Johns Island and the Marion Battery (one section being already with Major Jenkins) were also ordered down, and I dispatched Charles battery and all the cavalry I had here, 64 n~n, under Captain Whilden, from this place; and in the evening, accompanied by Lieutenant-Colonel Harrison, of the Fourth Regi- ment Virginia Volunteers, who ordered three companies of that regiment from Meggetts and Youngs Islands, I followed in person to Church Flats, and thence about 11 oclock on the morning of the 10th overtook our forces fronting the enemy in line of batt]e on the Bohicket road, just below Dr. W. Jenkins, about a mile above the Haulover. We had two batteries (Charles had just reached there), about 200 cavalry, and 330 infantry. Colonel Page and Major Jen- kins both reported the force of the enemy as at least 2,000. Before I had time to reconnoiter or make any bbservations, the enemy were reported to be flanking us on the left. They were distinctly seen deploying their infantry in a heavy forest on a line with our left, while shelling with two l)ieces on our right and four on the left in front. I instantly ordered my forces to fall back to a triangle in the roads called the Cocked Hat. Above that point took position and sent back for all my reserve at Adams Run, for three more com- panies of the Fourth, and for the working parties at Pineberry and Willstown. The companies of the Fourth and Forty-sixth Regi- inents Virginia Volunteers vied with each other in the rapidity and promptitude of their marches, and they reached me, to their honor, hours before I expected them; but they were much rest-broken and fatigned from night marches and without any rations except a short supply of bread. The men of Major Jenkins also were severely worn from fighting and marching two days and nights. I cannot speak too strongly of their gallantry and the cool and sagacious bravery of their heroic commander. With but about 130 men, com- posed of the Stono Scouts, the Rebel Troop, the Cadets, and Sullivans company of cavalry, one section of the Marion Artillery, and one company of infantry (Captain Jennetts company) of the Fifty- ninth Regiment Virginia Volunteers he held the whole force of th Page 145 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 145 enemy in check; fought and fell back some 2 or 3 miles only, and in turn drove them back nearly the whole distance by snch repeated charges all day Tnesday that he made them fear he was snpjjiorted, and he held his gronnd manfully until night, when he was re- enforced by Colonel Tabb with a batt~liou of the Fifty-ninth Vir- ginia Volunteers and a section of the Marion Artillery. Before Colonel T~bb arrived he attacked the enemy at night and stunned him to a pause, capturing 4 prisoners almost within his line of en- campment. In the morning of the 10th, they were re-enforced by Colonel Page with five companies of the Twenty-sixth Virginia Volunteers, who took command, and was under fire in the attack again when I caine up and ordered the retreat on Wednesday, the 10th. The enemy on that day made no advance, and on the morning of the 11th, they had advanced only a few hundred yards to the position we had left the day before. In the mean time you had ordered up General Colquitt with two and a half regiments, and my own infantry force had increased to about 1,000 men, when the enemy began to advance, at first slowly, up the Bohicket and Mullett Hall roads, and then rapidly to the Cocked Hat. I made the best dispositions I could, when General Colquitt and Colonel Harris arrived. In the act of showing them the ground I had chosen the enemy came up, and at the same mo- ment one regiment of General Colquitt arrived. I placed my right on the Bohicket River, across the Bohicket road, and extended my line across the open field on a ditch back to the woods on my left, and through them to the Legareville road. I gave the command of the right to Colonel Page, with portions of the Twenty-sixth, Forty- sixth, Fifty-ninth, and Fourth Virginia Volunteers, and the left to General Colquitt, with his regiment of 900 Georgians. Lieutenant- Colonel Kemper commanded the artillery. I p laced one section of Charles battery on the right between the B ohicket road and river, the Marion Battery in front immediately on the left of the road, and the other section of Charles battery to protect the rear and left flank. Major Jenkins had been ordered in the morning to reconnoiter the left and rear of the enemy across the Bohicket, on Wad- malaw, which he and Capt. G. D. Wise, assistant adjutant and inspector general, did, and in Major Jenkins absence the cavalry were disposed on the right and left. By the time this alignment was made the enemy appeared in the field, and the Marion Bat- tery at 3.20 p. m. opened upon them at about 1,200 yards distance, when they fell back to the woods, at about 1,500 yards distance. The artillery practice was very efficient in everything except the friction primers. Three-fourths of them at first failed. The en- emy soon replied with (I thought) three pieces only, but one of their positions was concealed by a hedge-row, and after their retreat I found they had two positions for field piecesone on the right and the other on the left of thejoad. A section of Charles battery also opened from our right, and was very effectively served. In one hour and twenty minutes their fire began to slacken and be more distant, firing as they retired. By 5 p. m. their fire ceased. We were 4 miles from the Haulover. They had about lj miles the start of us, and I at once determined not to follow them, for the follow- ing reasons: 10 R RvOL XXXV, PT Page 146 146 S. C., FLA., AND ON TIlE GA. COAST. [CHAP XLVII. First. Captain Parker, of the Marion Battery, the most efficient, reported that he had exhausted all his shells and had but a few round shot left. Second. The men were exhausted by rapid, long night marches, want of food, and by constant watching and fighting for two days and nights. Third. Major Jenkins returned and reported that he round they had about 300 men, whom he could see in reserve, well posted, with three pieces of artillery at the Haulover, and there were two large gun-boats and two tugs just off the mouth of Bohicket, in the Edisto, and a small gun-boat was reported in the Kiawah as high up as she could get, and in range, and I was uncertain as to the number the enemy had on Kiawah Island. Fourth. There was no practicable way to flank them, and the lower part of the Bohicket road in front is very narrow, between high ditch banks, dense woods on either side at some places, and tangled hedge-rows at other places, the whole way impassable at night but in colnuins on the roads, which could be easily swept. Fifth. The possibility of being flanked by boats and barges right and left. Sixth. The lateness of the hour; a pursuit would have brought us to the Haulover in the night. Seventh. All the lower ground for a considerable distance from the Haulover was in range of the gun-boats on both sides. Eighth. The danger of the enemy getting in my rear at Walpoles or on the Burgess road from Legareville. Ninth. The hazard of withdrawing from Johns Island in case of a disaster, there being but one bridge (that at Church Flats), and Johns Island Ferry being useless for more than two or three com- panies in rapid retreat. Tenth. The object of relieving General Colquitt as certainly and soon as possible. Eleventh. Colonel Zachry had not come up, and my forces were weakened by a reserve left at Walpoles and by the large number of pickets and vedettes I had to place on the Legareville and Edendale roads. Twelft~. The want of sufficient cavalry. For these reasons I determined to rest on my line for the night and move early the next morning. In this conclusion General Colquitt concurred; but I put forward all the available cavalry I had (about 40 men) to pursue and watch the enemy closely and to report their movements; and II ordered a section of Kanapauxs battery (two Napoleons) to be met and sent over Church bridge to Rose Dew, on the Wadmalaw Island, to enfilade their reserve and rear at the Haulover from the opposite side of the Bohicket. Up to about 4 oclock the reports were that they were strongly picketed about a mile or more above the Hanlover. At 4 a. m. on the 12th, their gun- boats commenced to shell heavily, and I inferred at once they were covering a retreat, and commenced to move as early as possible. My orders at 6 a. m. were to advance upon the enemy, General Co]quitt on the left, Colonel Page on the right of the Bohicket road; Major Jenkins in front, with cavalry to be dismounted when near the enemy, and four companies of infantry to act as skirmishers and flankers; Lieutenant-Colonel Kemper, with the artillery, to advance on the Bohicket road between the two wings of the main body; and the orders were to drive the enemy across the Haulover or to crus Page 147 CH~I. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 147 them there. There was no time or opportunity to attempt any am- buscade or movement of finesse. I accompanied Colonel Harris and Major Jenkins in front, and in an hour we found the enemy had fled, leaving their dead along the way, obstructing the roads, and burn- ing the houses and bridge at the Haulover; and we found that there they had constructed a redoubt and converted a long ditch bank into a good line of breast-works. Thus ended their three days incursion. The accompanying rough sketch* will give you a general idea of the field of operations. The maps of Johns Island are extremely inaccurate, and a good one ought to be prepared. I have received as yet no reports of casualties. Major Jenkins lost some 13 men, to wit, Captain Humphreys company of cavalry (the Cadets), 92 killed, 3 wounded, and 4 prisoners. Captain Humphrey himself wounded in two places, but here in the hospital doing well. mall 10 Stono Scouts 1 Jennetts company, Fifty-ninth Virginia Volunteers, killed (1), wounded (2), and captured (1) 4 Total loss on Tuesday, 9th 15 Our loss on Wednesday, 10th, none. Our loss on Thursday, 11th (Twenty-sixth Virginia Volunteers), wounded 2 Grand total 17 Of the enemy, 4 bodies were found along the road, an(l some 4 or 5 were found buried. We also found the buried bodies of our dead, and have sent them to their families. We buried the enemys dead. From the account of the last prisoner which fell into our hands their whole loss was, killed, 14; wounded, 15; captured, 5; total, 34. We found 3 of their horses killed. Captain Humphreys horse was killed and Major Jenkins wounded. Light as the casualties are, there is a high roll of merit. Major Jenkins cannot be commended too highly for his conduct of the defense until he was re-enforced. He had but few men, and though he lost but 15 out of 150, it was not because he did not lead them into the thickest of danger. He at once repaired the surprise of his pickets and fought so closely and managed so masterly as to make the enemy think him strong. He maintained his ground until we could save the island. He deserves promotion, and I ask it for him. So also does Captain Humphrey. He was devotedly daring, and dashed upon ten times his number; was first in the fight and last out of it. And Major Jenkins speaks in high terms of Captain Jen- nett and his company. Some few of both Humphreys and Jen- netts companies straggled, but they are marked. All of the officers and men behaved well under my eye. General Colquitt, with the Georgia troops and the officers and men of the Fifty-ninth, Twenty-sixth, Fourth, and Forty-sixth Virginia Vol- unteers; the cavalry, commanded by Captain Whilden, and the artillery, exceeded my exl)ectations in their promptitude in bring- ing up re-enforcements. My total effective force on the evening of the 11th on the ground was 1,850 infantry, two batteries of artillery, and about 100 cavalry. The force of the enemy was 2~000 at least, with a reserve of 300 at the Hamilover. They had [been] re-enforced on Tuesday night. * Not found Page 148 148 S.C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLV1I. Finding that they had entirely left for their gnn-boats and Kiawah Island, I. ordered all my forces, except a strong picket, back to Fripps, and there relieved General Colquitt. He went on immedi- ately to Rantowles for Savannah. My own troops, all except Major Jenkins command and the companies of the Fifty-ninth Virginia Volunteers, I ordered to retnrn to their camps and works. I left Colonel Tabb with Major Jenkins to constrnct some rifle-pits at the Haulover which Colonel Harris laid ont. Colonel Tabbs command was retained for these works at the reqnest of Major Jenkins, and will be relieved as soon as they are completed. I have ordered your note of congratulation to be announced to the troops of my command, and we regret only that we did not do niore to deserve your approbation, which, I assure you, sir, is very grateful to us all. As soon as detailed official reports are sent in they shall be forwarded. The delay is owing to the scattered con- dition of my command. With the highest respect and esteem, I am, general, your obedient servant, HENRY A. WISE, Brigadier-General, Commanding, cfc. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, C~ommanding, & c. [Indorsement.] HDQRS: DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., February 17, 1864. Respectfully forwarded, for information of War Department. On being informed on 9th instant that the enemy had appeared in force on Johns Island and attacked Major Jenkins force, stationed to guard the approach from Seabrook Island, via Haulover Cause- way, I suspended the orders issued 8th instant, sending General Col- quitts brigade to Savannah en route for Florida, directing three and a half of his regiments, still awaiting transportation, to repair by shortest route to the assistance of General Wise, then on Johns Island. This order was obeyed with great alacrity, and these troops arrived in time to re-enforce General Wise at the critical moment, but at too late an hour and too much fatigued to permit a vigorous pursuit of the enemy. Meanwhile my chief engineer, Colonel Har- ris, had been sent to report to General Wise for such services as from his experience he might render. General Wise was also or- dered by telegraph to ambuscade the enemy if practicable. On the evening of the 10th instant, having been informed that the enemy was still in force (about seven regiments, or 4,000 men) on Johns Island, in position in advance of the Haulover Causeway, and wishing to get rid of him as soon as practicable to permit Gen- eral Colquitt to resume his journey to Savannah and Florida, and having strong reasons to believe from the statements of prisoners that to organize that expedition the enemy had withdrawn troops from Morris and Folly Islands, I determined to make a diversion in favor of General Wise by ordering all the harbor batteries bearing on Morris Island to open vigorously for one and a half hours at ~ o clock next morning, as though preceding an attack in force with infantry. General Wise was also telegraphed to that effect, that lie might be prepared to take advantage of any unusual movement of the enemy in his front. But the enemy retired, however, so ca Page 149 Crn~.p. XLVII.1 0PThATION~ IN ChARLESTON HARI3OR, ETC. 149 tiously that it was not until daylight that his withdrawal was dis- covered. For fear, however, that the enemy might be determined to hold a permanent footing on Johns Island, I ordered on 12th in- stant (see orders) one regiment from James Island and one regiment from Sullivans Island, together with two batteries (four 8-inch sea- coast howitzers and two 32-pounder Parrotts of the siege train on James Island), to be sent forthwith to the assistance of General Wise, to be crossed over from Fort Pemberton by a small steamer which had been mean time ordered into the Stono for the purpose of communicating freely with Johns Island. While these troops were en route, information having reached these headquarters that the enemy had retired from Johns and Seabrook Islands, they were recalled. Special attention is called to the well-deserved compliments paid by General Wise to Major Jenkins and Captain Humphrey, who are fully entitled to promotion by their resolute gallantry. The former has shown himself a most reliable officers who has already more than once attracted my attention by his judgment, promptness, and effi- ciency. He has infused into his small force that confidence which has much increased its usefulness and gallantry. General Wises promptness in ordering to the front to oppose the enemy all his disposable troops, and his conduct in repairing in per- son to the post of danger, meets with my cQrdial approval. His firnrness in confronting the foe at every available point until Col- quitts troops arrived to his support deserves high commendation. With such alacrity, determination, and daring the enemy can never gain a great or permanent advantage over us, and must in the end retire discomfited to the barren sand-banks and islands in his posses- smon. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Gene rat, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 1.] ADAI~S RUN, February 9, 1864. Brigadier-General JORDAN, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Major Jenkins reports that the enemy advanced from Seabrook Island this morning about daybreak, in force about five to his one, and are constantly pressing him back. They are using artil- lery. Most of our wounded are left on the field. Captain Humphrey wounded in two places. I ordered Fifty-ninth and Twenty-sixth to re-enforce instantly, posting a strong guard at Johns Island Ferry. Have sent all of my reserve cavalry and Charles battery; Parkers already there. Respectfully, HENRY A. WISE, Brigadier- General, C~ornmanding. [Inclosure No. 2.] HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., February 9, 1864. Brig. Gen. HENRY A. WIsE, Comdg. Sixth Military District, Adams Run: Your dispositions are approved. It is probably a reconnaissance in fo: ce of enemy. Colquitt will keep three regiments in reserve at Saint Andrews Depot until 12 m. to-morrow. G. T. BEAUREGARD Page 150 150 S. C., FLA., AND OX TIlE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. [Inclosure No. 3.] HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., February 9, 1864. Brigadier-General TALIAFERRO Oomdg. Seventh Mit. Dist., Royalls, James Island: Suspend movement of Colqnitts brigade for the present. Only let two regiments go to Savannah. By Command of General Beauregard: JNO. M. OTEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure No. 4.1 HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, February 12, 1864. Brig. Gen. HENRY A. WISE, Corndg. Sixth Mu. Dist., Fripps Rouse, Johns Island: Enemys force opposed to you represented by prisoners largely composed of recruits and drafted men. Can they not be ambuscaded successfully by selecting good position for that object, then osten- tatiously falling back with main body until proper point, when turn and attack front and flank? G. T. BEAUREGARD. [Inclosure No. 5.] HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., February 12, 1864. Brig. Gen. R. S. RIPLEY, Gomdg. First Military District, Mount Pleasant: Commanding general wants a good, strong regiment of infantry from your command sent via James island and Fort Pemberton to support of General Wise, Fripps house. Cannot you send Keitts regiment (four days rations), to move at night? THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff. [Inclosure No. 6.] HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., February 12, 1864. Brig. Gen. W. B. TALIAFERRO, Commanding Seventh Military District: Send one of Hagoods regiments to Fripps house, Johns Island, via Fort Pemberton, as soon as possible, with three days provisions, light marching order, and necessary amount of ammunition. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff. [Inclosure No. 7.] HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., February 12, 1864. Brig. Gen. HENRY A. WISE, Comdg. Sixth Military District, Johns Island: Two more regiments will be sent you to Fripps house. They will be there probably this night. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff Page 151 151 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. [Inclosure No. 8.] HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., February 12, 1864. Brig. Gen. W. B. TALIAFERRO, Gomdg. Seventh Mit. Dist., James Island: Hold the siege train in readiness to be sent via Fort Pemberton, with four days subsistence and proper amount of ammunition, to General Wise, on his requisition, to Fripps house, Johns Island. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff. [Inclosure No. 9.] HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., February 12, 1864. Brig. Gen. W. B. TALIAFERRO, Coiudg. Seventh ]Jiliil. Dist., Royalls, James Island: Order for a portion of the siege train to be sent to General Wise countermanded. Acknowledge dispatch. By command of General Beauregard: JNO. M. OTEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure No. 10.] HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., February 12, 1864. Brig. Gen. W. B. TALIAFERRO, Comdg. Seventh Mil. Dist., Royalls, James Island: The order for the movement of the Twenty-first South Carolina Volunteers is countermanded. Acknowledge dispatch. By command of General Beauregard: JNO. M. OTEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure No. 11.] HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, February 12, 1864. Brig. Gen. R. S. RIPLEY, Mount Pleasant: The order for the movement of the Seventeenth South Carolina Volunteers is countermanded. Ackr owledge dispatch. By command of General Beauregard: JNO. M. OTIEY, Assistant A(jutant- General. No. 34. Reports of Brig. Gen. William B. Taliaferro, C. S. Army, com- manding Seventh Military District, of operations April 8Octo- ber 15. HDQRS. 7TH MIL. DIST., DEPT. S. C., GA., AND FLA., James Island, S. C., April 9, 1864. CAPTAIN: I telegraphed for the information of the commanding general last night that the enemy were making certain demonstra- tions along my line. I now more fully state the circumstances Page 152 152 S. C., FLA., ANb O~ TilE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVIL At 8.30 p. in., rockets were observed to be thrown up at Battery Haskell, which was the arranged signal for communicating a demoi~- stration or threatened attack. In a few minutes I received infor- mation from Secessionville by telegraph that the enemy had landed at Haskell. I at once ordered all the troops in the district under arms, and directed General Hagood to re-enforce Haskell with snch portions of the garrisons of Fort Johnson and Secessionville as con]d be spared with safety to those places, while I ordered four companies of Colonel Simontons (Twenty-fifth) regiment from the west lines, with Blakes battery of light artillery, to make toward the supposed attacked point. General Hagood. ordered five com- panies from Johnson and four from Secessionville to re-enforce the Twenty-seventh Regiment in the vicinity of Haskell, which was all that he thought it safe to take from these points. In giving the order to Colonel Simonton I directed him, for fear that this was a blind to divert our attention from an attack upon Pringle (which is liable to attack by barges), or for some serious demonstration upon the southern lines, to man the batteries and to look particularly to Priugle. Colonel Gaillard, commanding at Haskell, & c., in a few minutes after the dispatch from Secession- ville was received, reported that it was a mistake; that the enemy had not landed, but that the picket-boat in front of Haskell had come in and reported two barges with about 50 men each in the creek near the work. I countermanded the order to the troops to march, but directed them to be held in readiness. At this time musketry firing was heard in the direction of Seces- sionville, and shortly afterward artillery firing in the direction of Tatom. Colonel Graham telegraphed that his pickets had fired upon barges near the one-gun battery (Secessionville rear), and I sub- sequently learned that the gun at Tatom had been fired at boats. I was uneasy lest the enemy might attempt a landing at Clarks Point, which, although a retired (re-entering angle) position on the lines, is a good landing, and telegraphed to General Hagood, who had gone to Haskell, to have Ryan and Redoubt No. 1 on the alert, and to re-enforce the small picket at Clarks if possible. This was done as well as could be hazarded by sending a part of the Twenty- seventh Regiment from Legar~s Point toward Ryan. Intelligent and reliable scouts in boats were then sent out by General Hagood to reconnoiter the creeks in front of Haskell, who returned and reported a lot of boats in the creek near the piling; the boats so close together that men could be seen stepping froni one to the other. A gun was brought to bear in that direction, and they were fired upon, but the night was so dark that there could be no distinct- ness or directness of aim. After this the boat scout was again sent out and reported that the enemys boats had left. The commanding ~,eneral will perceive {rom the above that the reconnaissance of the enemy was by a considerable party, amid ex- tended at the same time from Haskell to Secessionville, for the same boats could not have gomme from one to the other of these points in the short time intervening between their appearance at the two places. I hope the commanding general will pardon me for being thus minute in this matter, but I have done so for the purpose of direct- ing his attention to the situation of this (histrict, and to urge that additional troops be sent me for its defense. The number of troops is so small for the defense of the long lines which the conditions an Page 153 ChAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 15~ necessities of the topography have forced upon us in this important approach to Charleston, and thQse (troops) so distributed and neces- sarily broken into fractions for the occupation of the line, the points of occupation so remote from each other, so difficult of re-enforce- ment (when all points are threatened, as was the case last night) from one another, that, without even one regiment or one man at any point off of the very lines themselves as a central reserve, II am profoundly anxious and uneasy lest a sudden attack upon some one of the points of this line should be overwhelming before the neces- sary assistance could be rendered and a foothold gained by many, which would require a large force to expel them from. The shore line from Haskell to the Secessionville bridge, a dis- tance of 2 miles, is defended by earth-works immediately on the creek margins, viz, Batteries Haskell, Tatom, Ryan, right and left, and Redoubt No. 1, with a considerable line of intervening rifle-pits or infantry works. The front of this line cannot be picketed except with boats, and these can only, to a limited extent, answer the pur- poses of vedettes and not pickets, for they could not hold the enemy in check; they could only give notice of his approach. These bat- teries are manned by artillerists, but the entire infantry support, the whole available force besides, for resisting an attack made atiy- where along this line consists of the Twenty;seventh South Carolina Regiment, stationed at Legar& s house, about equidistant from the several works, and numbering for duty, by the report of yesterday morning, 526 men. It must be observed that little notice can be given of an attack by barges at night; that the land picket duty on the creek margins and the details for additional guards at night at all these works is very heavy; that a simultaneous attack upon more than one point, - or feints upon several, might be made, thus diverting the attention and subdividing the strength of this small command. To re-enforce these points, or to collect troops to expel the enemy, should he have succeeded in gaining any point, drafts would have to be made upon / Fort Johnson, Secessionville, or the southern lines. Fort Johnson is over 3 miles from Haskell. It is itself liable to sudden attack without warning. Its relation to the harbor is such that little should be risked in withdrawing troops from it. Within the Fort Johnson command is embraced Batteries Glover, Haskell, Simkins, Wampler, Cheves, & c., extending along 3 miles of harbor and creek shore. Independent of the artillery the whole infantry force is the Seventh South Carolina Battalion, reporting for duty yesterday 503 men. The five companies ordered to be held in readi- ness to move toward Haskell would have probably reached 300 men, all that could be spared. Secessionville is over 2 miles from Haskell. It is liable to the same condition of sudden attack, and the troops there have to picket the line from the bridge to a mile beyond Fort Lamar in the direc- tion of Battery Island. The force of infantry at this point is 502 men. The five companies, which was a hazardous draft, called for last night would have reached 300 men. The southern and western lines, extending from Secessionville to Pringle, and then up the Stono to Pemberton, are retired sufficiently from the water, except Pringle, to afford notice of an advance of the enemy, amhd pickets as strong as the command can possibly admit of are thrown to the front until they meet the enemys pickets at Dixons and other islands, a distance of 3 miles to the front of the works Page 154 154 S. C., FLA., AND ON TIlE GA, COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. Pringle is liable to barge attacks. The picketing is done by the infantry and snch of the artillery ~s can be spared from the eight batteries, mounting forty heavy guns. For this entire line, in which there are abont 4,900 yards of continuously connected earth-works, I have one infantry regiment, reporting yesterday morning 552 men. The distance from the camp of this regiment to Haskell is nearly 5 miles. The four companies ordered to be held in readiness wonld not have exceeded 150 men. I have taken Haskell as a point to which to refer these distauces becanse it was actually threatened last night, but it must be remembered that Haskell is an intermediate point, and that to re-enforce Johnson, or Lamar, or Pringle, or the new lines, a longer distance would have to be marched and more time required. I beg to call the attention of the commanding general from the above to the fact that I have only three regiments and one battalion of infantry in this entire command, numbering for dnty 2,077 men, which includes teamsters and other daily duty men, and that of this 750 men are about as many as could be well spared from the points occupied to re-enforce any assailed or threatened point without hazard to the lines. It is proper also to state that the extraordinary high tiaes and winds which have lately occurred have so injured niany of the inte- rior communications as to render them unavailable for some time. In conclusion, I desire to state that at least one brigade of movable troops is, in my opinion, required for this district as a central reserve force. As it is, the whole force now here may be regarded as con- stantly on picket, subjecting officers and men to the exposure, the responsibility, and the anxiety which that duty imposes; and in view of the great importance of this island to the defense of Charles- ton, the inability, from its immediate proximity to the enemy, of re- enforcing it in tinie to make such re-enforcements available before a collision with the enemy would occur, and in view of the large ma~ terial of war collected here wbich must be defended, I earnestly ask that additional troops be ordered to report to me. I beg to assure the commanding general, however, that such vigilance will be exertetl and such resistance made under any circumstances as is possible, and that this application for troops is made with the ex- tremest reluctance and omily from a sense of imperative duty. As bearing on this subject, I inciose a report* of Colonel Simon- ton, commanthing west lines. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. Th TALIAFERRO, Brigadier- General. Capt. JOHN M. OTEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. [First indorsementj HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. 0., April 10, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to the War Department, for its informa- tion and to show the necessity I am under of recalling a part of the troops now in Florida to insure the safety of James lslaud, and, con- sequently, of Charlestoii. * See p. 258 Page 155 CH~m XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. l5ti In no other part of the department can re-enforcements be obtained at present without exposing to imminent danger the portion thus weakened. I shall order at once Major-General Anderson to retnrn here immediately the two regiments of Wises brigade and the one of Evans, and as soon as practicable thereafter recall also Colquitts brigade. G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Commanding. [Second indorsement.] ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, April 26, 1864. Respectfully referred to General Bragg. By order of Adjutant and Inspector General: H. L. CLAY, Assistant Adjutant-General. [Third indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES, Richmond, April 28, 1864. Respectfully returned to Adjutant-General. The changed state of affairs in this department renders action on this application unnecessary. BRAXTON BRAGG, General. ROYALLS HousE, April 16, 18649.15 p. m. Colonel Simonton reports that the enemy were busy on Dixons Island to-day. A working party were engaged behind the battery in some way which could not be discovered. Another party were at work building a road apparently along the line of rifle-pits front- mes Island. Still another party were at work in the woods I directly opposite our second post, from Battery Island, apparently constructing a battery. Men could be seen in pretty large numbers with wheelbarrows and a wagon, and they were digging dirt. I4oth- ing else could be observed. W. B. TALIAFERRO, Brigadier-General, Comdg. Seventh Military District. General JORDAN, Chief of Staff. HDQRS. 7TH MIL. DIST., DEPT. OF S. C., GA., AND FLA., James Island, S. C., April 16, 1864. CAPTAIN: When I telegraphed yesterday evening that the enemy had landed in force on Battery Island, I quoted the e.xact language of Colonel Simontons report, which, as he has told me since, was based upon the report of the picket. officer to him. He thought that a serious demonstration was intended. I wish to explain in this way why I used an expression which conveyed to the commanding general an entirely exaggerated idea of the strength of the enemy Page 156 156 5. 0., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. I have a great aversion to sensational reports, but regard it as my duty to keep the commanding general advised of every occurrence here as soon as possible, and from abundant Caution to act upon re- ports as true, although they may turn out afterward to be false or exaggerated. I sent as soon as I received the report to ascertain what the force of the enemy was. It turned out that the force did not exceed 200 men, as will appear from the report* of Lieutenant- Colonel Pressley, herewith forwarded, which will also explain their movements, & c. I cannot conjecture the meaning of their demon- stration yesterday evening. The object of the gun-boat, perhaps, was to draw the fire of Pringle and ascertain the range of the guns of this work, and to find out if the bridge across the Stono above could be reached by the fire from the boat without her coming in range of the guns of the battery. Colonel Simontons report, here- with forwarded, will show that the projectiles fell in the river near the bridge. The object of the infantry force may have been to ascertain, by drawing our fire, if we had guns nearer than Pringle, which could command Battery Island, upon which they may wish to establish a battery. I respectfully ask that torpedoes be again placed in the Stono as soon as it can be effected, and that the raft recommended yesterday be thrown across the river so as more effectually to guard against any attempt by barges to burn the bridge or attack Pringle. I send with this one of the rockets fired from Dixons Island. It seems to be a 2-inch Hale rocket. About twenty have been, I un- derstand, picked up, some of 3 inches diameter. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Capt. JOHN M. OTEY, Brigadier- General. Assistant Adjutant-General. [Indorsement.] HDQRS. DEPT. oir S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. 0., April 17, 1864. Order the torpedoes put as requested. It must have been a recon- naissance in force for future positive or false operations. The raft has already been ordered. G. T. B., General, Commanding. ROYALLS, May 15, 18641 p. m. Two hundred and ninety-four projectiles from columbiads, rifles, and mortars fired at enemy yesterday from Fort Johnson command. Effect believed to have been telling, as they fired wild and slackened up after we opened. No firing froni our batteries after sunset; no firing this morning. Will direct that firing, if enemy open again, be more deliberate. I will send down a 30-pounder Parrott. which will save expense and annoy as mtich as heavier guii. The following vessels inside the bar: Oiie ironside, 7 monitors, 16 other vessels *See p. 262 Page 157 Cmu~. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. l5~7 from Secessionville; 4 gun-boats, 2 transports, and 5 schooners off Coles Island; 1 gun-boat and 2 schooners in Folly River; 1 gun- boat and 6 schooners and 2 transports in Light-House Inlet. No further change in enemys encampment; no one to be seen on Pine Island. WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Brigadier- General. Captain WARWICK, Aide-de- Camp. ROYALLS HOUSE, May 21, 1864. The enemy have landed on James Island from Long and Dixons Islands. Our pickets have fallen back to this side causeway very properly. We are firing on enemy from Secessionville, which place I have ordered to be re-enforced. I have sent aide to front to learn particulars. Since sending the above, hear that the enemy are ad- vancing a force on new lines. Simonton says he cannot hold them longer in check with his pickets. Asks all the re-enforcements he can get. Send some troops here. WM.. B. TALIAFERRO, Captain FEILDEN. Brigadier-General. ROYALLS, June 26, 18646.45 p. m. Colonel Yates reports that the enemy opened on Fort Johnson this evening with guns and mortars from Gregg. We returned their fire, cutting oft the tall flag-staff at Gregg. Colonel Frederick re- ports that he had Battery Island thoroughly scouted last night and finds that the enemy have obstructed the river with a cable from ilorse Island to the obstructions, to which cable he thinks torpe- J does may be placed to operate upon any torpedo or other boat going down the river. No sign of work on Battery Island, although the - enemy were over there yesterday. WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Brigadier-General. Major STRINGFELLOW, Assistant Adjutant- General. ROYALLS HousE, July 2, 18643.40 p. m. The enemys line of battle extends from Rivers to Grimballs Causeways, with their line of skirmishers in front. Their force is represented as strong and must be not less than 3,000 or 4,000. They are intrenching. The troops are just arriying from Charleston, but the force is not large enough, I fear, yet to attack WM. B. TALTAFERRO, Brigadier- General. Major STRINGFELLOW, Assistant Ac~jutant- General Page 158 158 S. C., FLA., AND ON TIlE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLY1I. ROYALLS, July 2, 1864. The enemy have captured a section of Blakes Light Battery on picket. 8end re-enforcements. WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Brigadier- General. Major STRJNGFELLOW, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Indorsement.] Major STRINGFELLOW: Telegraph General Ripley to bring over a light battery from his district. BATTERY No. 2, Via Royalls House, July 2, 18347.30 p. m. Three hundred men are all the force you have sent me. The enemy are throwing up works 600 yards this side of the causeways and have four guns in position. Unless more troops are sent me it will be impossible to drive the enemy off, as I am anxious to do. I fear if they are allowed to remain they will throw up works and occupy their present position permanently, in which case our picket- lines will be too much lengthened. I have been firing on them with heavy and light guns all day. I shall feel them and see what can be done. My estimate of the enemys force is 3,000 at least. After reducing the garrisons at Johnson and Haskell as much as is safe, ours is not half that number with the re-enforcements available for attack. I should like to have additional light artillery. A monitor and three more gun-boats in the Stono now visible from Battery No. 2. You must send more troops. WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Brigadier-General. Maj. CHARLES STRINGFELLOW, Assistant Adjutant-General. ROYALLS HousE, July 2, 1864ll.25 p. m. Three hundred and seventy-five men, consisting of the companies of Thirty-second Georgia Regiment, Bureau Battalion, and Naval Battalion, are all that have reported. Nothing has been heard of the Fire Battalion. Major Lucas reports five steamers in Stono, some of them transports, below the steamers, barges, and launches, crowded with troops. Can you not send Haynes company to Pringle? Can the Cadets be sent Qver? No nuns are required for Pe Dee Artillery; they are best as infantry. he enemy are still in line of battle, but had stopped working just before dark; just re- ported that barges are assembling in the Stono, around the monitor which lies near Grimballs Landing. WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Brigadier- General. Major STRJNGFELLOW, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 159 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 159 BATTERY No. 2, July 3, 18641 p. m. (Received 2.30 p. in.) Our old picket-line is re-established. The enemy probably occupy the peninsula; will find out. They left a number of their dead un- buried. Colonel Harrison re-established the line, the enemys skir- mishers falling back hastily before him. The monitors and gun- boats are shelling our men on the front furiously, and the monitors have been eugaging Pringle and shelling these batteries for two hours. Something must be done to drive them off. Davids and floating torpedoes, & c. WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Major-General JONES. Brigadier-General. BATTERY No. 2, FIRST LINE, July 3, 1864li a. in. There is no change observable on our front. Monitor and gun- boat out of range of Pringle on flank of our skirmish lines. I have sent Colonel Harrison with 300 men on left to feel the enemy and report, if he can, their strength. WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Major STRINGFELLOw, A. A. G. Brigadier-General. BATTERY No. 2, July 3, 186411.30 a. m. (Received 1.10 p. in.) Colonel Harrison has felt the enemy on the left, and they have retired from the front, or on the left that they were intrenching yes- terday, leaving spades, & c. The observatory reports that the enemy is heavily re-enforcing from Dixons Island, and I have cautioned Harrison not to endanger his right flank. Have sent him a section of light artillery. The monitor and gun-boats are shelling our light J battery in advance on the right, so heavily that I have directed it to retire. The eneniy are strong, I think, on our right, and have a very disagreeable control of the country up to this point with their gun-boats and monitor, which are beyond the range of Pringle. The enemys line of battle is from ~ to 1~ miles to the front of our heavy batteries. It is in range of our heaviest guns, and we have been firing until now, but ammunition is too short to risk niuch more. Have sent wagons to town for it. They would not think of occnpyiiig the eiid of this island but for the support of their ships, which we cannot control with our guns. Come over this eveiiing. I think you can judge much better of affairs by looking at ground. WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Major-General JONES. Brigadier- General. BATTERY No. 2, July 3, 186412 in. (Received 12.55 p. in.) Colonel Black says Colonel Yates is apprehensive of another attack to-night. I do not think they will trouble him again afto Page 160 160 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. the lesson of to-day, but the men are exhausted. Yates says that Commander Tucker c~n send some men to Fort Johnson. Please ask it and send them. There are now in Stono, out of range of our batteries, and firing on us, two monitors and seven gun-boats, includ- ing the Pawnee. They will, with this support, hold on. Would like a Brooke gun at Pringle, and the torpedo-boats should cer- tainly go down to-night. WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Brigadier-General. Major STRINOFELLOW, Assistant Adjutant-General. BATTERY No. 2, July 3, 18642.45 p. m. I require a large force here. The shelling of pickets is terrible. I wish the general to see this particularly. I dont think enemy will try Sullivans Island after the affair at Johnsons. My picket force has to be largely increased if tbe monitors and gun-boats [sic]. The men are worn out and exhausted. WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Brigadier-General. Major STRJNGFELLOW, Assistant Adjutant-General. BATTERY No. 2, July 4, 18646 a. m. All quiet this morning. The enemy threw mortar shells at works and pickets at intervals of five minutes during the night, with occa- sional rifle-shots and a few shots from monitors. There was some picket skirmishing all night. Barges were reconnoitering in rear of Secessionville, and were fired upon by picket-boat. Two monitors, Pawnee, and other gun-boats and transports in Stono; the first abreast of our picket-line. They will, I presume, repeat the severe shelling of yesterday, by which, however, no one was hurt. The enemys line of skirmishers extends from old Stono bouse on peninsula at Grimballs Causeway. I would drive them off, as I think it likely they have retired much of their force, but the moni- tors and gun-boats so completely command the peninsula that I will wait developments. The torpedo-boat did not come down. Some- thing must be done to expel the vessels, or the number of troops will have to be much increased, as they cannot ~tand the night and day annoyance of the she]ling. They command all parts of our lines. It is very important to have a Brooke gun at Pringle, and a 10-inch columbiad at No. 1. Please send them at once if possible. I estimate that the enemys loss has been at least 300 killed and wounded on this front, which is less than the estimate of prisoners. Our loss, 1 captured, 2 killed by premature discharge of one of our own guns, and 5 wounded. Colonel Yates captured, killed, and wounded 300 men, losing 4 wounded, 2 mortally. This makes opera- tions in this district for the last two days foot up: Yankee loss, 600; Confederate loss, 11 men and 2 light gulls. It is erroneous, as stated in the papers, that the section which was lost h~d no support. It had a small support, and was lost by th Page 161 Cii~. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 161 officei~ gallantly inducing him to fight his batteries too long before A he retired it. There are a number of Yankee dead, all negroes bnt one, on our front, becoming very offensive to our men. Shall I send a flag and ask them to come, for humaiiitys sake, and bury them? WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Brigadier- General. Major STRINGFELLOW, Assistant Adjutant- General. ROYALLS HOUSE, July 5, 186412.20 a. m. The enemy tried to drive in our pickets this evening with a heavy force, but were repnlsed at the causeways. Our lines are necessa- rily extended to meet the demonstrations on the Stono, and I fear the enemy may drive our pickets back in the morning, as I cannot re-enforce them without weakening the infantry supports of our works too much to meet an attack from the enemy landing from barges on the Stono above Grimballs, which the nuniber of vessels in the Stono renders possible. The enemy are now firing on our lines and pickets with mortar and other shells. WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Brigadier- General. Major STRINGFELLOW, Assistant Adjutant- General. BATTERY No. 2, July 5, 18647.35 a. m. The enemy this morning have formed again two lines of battle and are perhaps waiting for the fog to clear off fully to allow the gun-boats and monitors to shell our pickets before they advance. I do not understand the meaning of the forming double hues unless they mean to advance. The gun-boats enfilade our picket-line, un- fortunately, and the monitors look well into its rear. Can you not come over this mornino ~ 0~ WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Brigadier- General. Major-General JONES. BATTERY No. 2, July 5, 186410.20 a. m. Cannot well estimate the strength of the enemy. He is reported to have two lines of battle and a line of skirmishers half a mile long, as far as seen, with woods on his left. I hardly think they will attempt to assault our works in the day, but he may push back our picket-line and establish batteries, and may attack the lines at night when we can with difficulty tell where to expect him, as he may demonstrate on several points. I can better explain when you come over. All is now quiet; the gun-boats have not fired since day-light. WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Major-General JONES. Brigadier- General, 11 R I~YOb XXXV, PT Page 162 1162 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. BATTERY No. 2, July 5, 186411.45 a. m. (Received 12.30 p. in.) The enemy has been skirmishing with our pickets for some time. Major Manigault reports that their line of battle is 1 mile long and their force heavy. This looks like an assault upon our lines. He says they are evidently about to advance their main lines. I have directed Major Manigault not to sacrifice too many men in an effort to hold such a force long in check. The enemy have cavalry and artillery. WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Brigadier-General. General JONES. BATTERY No. 2, July 6, 118641.30 p. m. Lieutenant-Colonel Brown reports from Secessionville that the enemys lines of battle remain in the same position, and are appar- ently of the same length and strength as they were yesterday. A bridge, apparently for foot soldiers only, has been built from bat- tery to this island. Captain Smith, field officer of the day, reports that the enemy have advanced in force across Rivers Causeway. Now that fog has cleared away, the sentinel at the observatory at this post reports that the enemys force has not diminished. From the above statements I do not think that the enemys force on this front has been diminished by sending troops to Johns Island, but think the advance on that island was made by other troops. WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Brigadier-General. Major STRINGFELLOW, Assistant Adjutant- General. BATTERY No. 2, July 6, 186410.30 p. m. This evening I sent the scout, but by advices to Major Lucas from Major Jenkins it was thought impossible for the party to cross unobserved. Yates reported a few minutes ago that a large force was embarking in barges at the Swamp Angel Battery, threat- ening Johnson, Haskell, and Secessionville. I ordered the mounted men [to] Johnson at once, with others, [in] all 200 men; sent the com- panies First South Carolina Artillery, the Fifth Georgia Regiment, to Haskell, and am on the alert to re-enforce Secessionville. I sent a small party of cavalry to patrol the Stono above Tynes and on to Pemberton. The force from Georgia was much smaller than repre- sented, and while I would like to have sent more to the places men- tioned, your order to hold certain regiments in readiness to Johns Island prevented it. I had to send off, as it was, one of the regi- ments ordered. The enemy is signaling all around us, and it is hard to say where to look to for an attack. I was obliged to keep, with the entire concurrence of Major Echols, the bureau clerks until morning. WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Major STRTNGFELLOW, Brigadier-General. Assistant Adjutant-General Page 163 ~EAP. XLVIL] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 163 BATTERY No. 2, July 7, 18641l.0~ a. m. The enemy occupy the same position as yesterday. Their right extends about 200 yards to right of Legar6s overseers house. No enemy are on this side of either causeway. They made reconnais- sauces in barges last night in the direction of Grimballs Landing, but they were driven back. Some skirmishing in front last night. All quiet this morning. WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Brigadier- General. Maj. C. STRINGFELLOW, Assistant Adjutant- General. BATTERY No. 2, July 7, 1864. (Received 12.25 a. in., via Royalls House.) Received your dispatch. Will send the ammunition; shall the troops wait for it? Better not delay them. The troops left here four hours ago. No answer to my telegram about the gin and gun car- riage. Send the gin, for the enemy has disabled another gun car- riage in Pringle. The fire was very severe upon Pringle, but no harm done to the works; 1 man severely wounded. We hit a monitor twice with a 10-inch gun, but could not reach the vessels. I will try greater elevation with rifle guns, for they are much more effective against us than the monitors. It is very important to mount the Brooke gun. Enemy shelling at intervals still. No 10-pounder Parrott shell on the island. WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Brigadier- General. Major-General JONES. BATTERY No. 2, July 7, 186412.15 p. m. The report from the observatories is as follows: One monitor, 1 mortar hulk,2 gun-boats, 8 transports, and 2 schooners in the Stono; 2 transports and 7 schooners off Coles Island; 1 transport at Dixons Island; 1 schooner in Folly River; 2 schooners in Light-House Inlet. No change can be observed in position or in number of men in the enemys lines. Fleet off Morris Island is 4 monitors, 5 steamers, and 5 sailing vessels. At 12 in., 12 large steamers passed, going south, and 1 at 4 in the afternoon. I think 2 monitors in Stono, 1 below Battery Island. Sixteen vessels can be seen from Legareville, among them the mortar-boat and 4 gun-boats. I call particular at- tention of the major-general to the report of 13 steamers having passed south yesterday. It looks as if what was intimated by the Northern papers may be true, that Grant is fortifying and sending troops South. Firing is now heard on Johns Island, evidently Ma- jor Jenkins shelling the enemy. Enemy are shelling our works. WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Brigadier-General. Major STRINGFELLOW, Assistant Adlutant- General Page 164 164 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. BATTERY No. 2, July 7, 18647.20 p. in. I will place both the 10-inch columbiads at Pringle. The 42- pounder rifle I will place in the little work nearest Pringle, and not in No. 1. I deem it advisable to remove one of the 10-inch mortars from Fort Johnson to a hollow near Pringle, where it cannot be seen by the enemy. The enemy are shelling Pringle and our lines furiously, as well as the pickets. The Yankees are crossing small parties over the Grimball Causeway, and have intrenched on the pen- insula from Legar~s house to the causeway. They still have two lines of battle, but cannot estimate the strength, as they may string out or mass their lines without our being able to discover it. Artil- lery firing on Johns Island, and the troops are ready to move for Johns Island. Will you telegraph at once if they go before dark? WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Brigadier-General. Major STRINGFELLOW, Assistant Adjutant-General. ROYALLS HousE, July 9, 186412.55 p. in. I telegraphed Captain Feilden all that I knew of Johns Island this morning. The effect of the enemys fire when I left the front a short time ago amounted to nothing, and we had reached the wooden boats. There has been only occasional firing since I left. I will communicate with you again in a few minutes. WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Brigadier-General. Major-General JONES. ROYALLS HousE, July 9, 18642.30 p. in. (Received 3.15 p. in.) The fire of the Brooke gnu at Pringle has driven the mortar-boat out of WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Brigadier-General. Major-General JONES. BATTERY No. 2, July 9, 186410 p. in. (Received 11 p. in.) The enemy are sending fire-rafts up the river, I think, to try to burn the bridge which crosses the Stono. I think they believe it could be used to bring troops here from Johns Island, and that they will cut off our re-enforcements. Can you not send some troops here from the city? It looks as if they meant to try these lines to-night or to-morrow morning. WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Brigadier- aenerd, Major-General JONES Page 165 CHAP. XLVII.J OPERATtONS IN CHARLESTON HAR8OR, FTC. tG~i FORT JOHNSON, July 10, 186410.30 p. in., (Received 10.40 p. in.) The enemy made demonstration upon this post again to-night. They were immediately repulsed by Lieutenant-Colonel Yates and the garrison. Only three boats effected a landing; the others went back before reachin~ the shore. WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Major STRINGFELLOW. Brigadier- General. BATTERY No. 2, July 11, 18641.50 a. in. I have re-enforced Johnson and Haskell, and am keeping a bright lookout in front. Colonel Brown reports that five regiments went from Battery Island to Horse Island, and may have come back to Dixons. WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Brigadier- General. Major STRINGFELLOW, Assistant Adjutant-General. BATTERY No. 2, July 11, 18648.45 a. in. Enemy shelled onr pickets on new lines all night with two mon- itors. The vessel taken for the Atlanta now seen to be a razeed side-wheel steamer, the Pawnee, and one transport in river above Battery Island. The Legar~ overseers house was burned by the enemy last night. Have not heard from Major Manigault, coin- manding pickets. Have sent to know situation of enemy. I or- dered re-enforcements to Johnson last night before I heard of the demonstration, and went down with all the troops I could spare to re-enforce the post, or to retake it if it had been lost. The cav- alry is kept saddled near Battery Tatom, always [ready] to mount and re-enforce any assailed point, bnt it took twenty minutes to throw them into Johnson last night. I shall have to increase the garrison of Johnson permanently, but it will be at sacrifice of other posts. I will see the general to-morrow if things remain quiet, and confer about the construction of works which I think will add to our security generally on the eastern lines. WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Major STRINGFELLOW, Brigadier- General. Assistant Adjutant- General. ROYALLS HOUSE, July 11, 18644 p. in. General Robertson is mistaken; the enemy burned no stores. I was myself at Grimballs Causeway at 9 this morning, and the fire was the burning of the Legar6 overseers house and a few tar barrels during the night, to direct their mortar shelling. I telegraphed you at 7 this morning that I believed the enemy had left James Island, but it is impossible to know that from Johns Island. WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Major STRINGFELLOW, Brigadier-General. Assistant Adjutant-General Page 166 166 S. C., PLA., AND ON THE GA. COASt. LOHAP. I~LVII. HDQRS. SEVENTH MIL. DIST. OF SOUTH CAROLINA, James Island, July 23, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor to report the operations of the troops under my command for the eight days commencing on the 2d instant, during which time the enemy made several atta~cks at various points of this district, and a determined and persistent effort to reduce our Stono batteries, turn our sout;hern lines of works, and to hold the upper Stono On the morning of the 2d, at daybreak, it being low tide, the enemy threw a considerable force upon the peninsula at the south extremity of this island from Long and Dixons Islands. Driving in our cav- alry vedettes, they advanced rapidly upon the line of infantry pickets stretching from Rivers Causeway to the Stono. Here they were met with a stubborn resistance by Major Manigault, commanding, and on the left, the picket being supported by Lieutenant De Lormes sec- tion light artillery, with a detachment of siege-train artillery acting as infantry (Lieutenant Spivey), they were several times driven back with great slaughter. Unfortunately Lieutenant De Lorme, whose gallantry was conspicuous, overconfident of his ability to repulse them, delayed too long before attempting to retire his pieces, and at the fourth charge, which he was unable to resist, lost his guns, tak- ing off, however, his limbers and horses. The caissons had been left at camp. Prisoners subsequently captured admit a loss of 200 in front of these guns, and the number of ambulances and boats em- ployed transporting the wounded and dead, easily seen from our observatories, together with the number of unburied dead subse- quently found, fully confirm the statement. Our picket-line was retired within range of our batteries and established from the Stono to Secessionville. The enemy advanced to within a few hundred yards of our pickets, when they established a skirmish line and began to intrench. I had not force enough to attack them, requiring all the troops that I could collect to hold the main lines and to do the necessary picket duty in front. In order to accomplish this I had to make drafts upon the garrisons of Fort Johnson and Batteries Haskell, Tatom, & c., which, although small, were the largest that could be spared, andthen at some hazard. In this way 100 men were withdrawn from Fort Johnson. It is to be observed that troops had been noticed passing from Morris to Folly Island thQ previous day, and the exhibition of strength in my front, estimated at 3,000, induced me to belieVe that most of the troops on Morris Island had been withdrawn. Simultaneous with the advance of the enemy a large gun-boat steamed up the Stono to protect his left flank. This boat, coining in range of the guns at Battery Pringle, was made to retire. The enemy then advanced two lines of battle, with a heavy skirmish line, well to the front. I directed such guns of our batteries on the southern lines and at Secessionville as could reach to be opened upon their lines, which were retired, except the picket-line, beyond range. It is believed and was acknowledged by prisoners that this fire had a telling effect upon them. No new advance was made, and not being strong enough to attack the enemy, no further change oc- curred during the day. While these events were transpiring on the southern end of the island the enemy were intent upon an enterprise in another quarter, which would, could it have succeeded, have been attended with most serious consequences Page 167 167 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. On the morning of the 3d, at daylight, two columns of barges were observed rapidly approaching the Shell Point beach, upon which the several batteries known as Simkins are situated, and which is immediately connected with the important post and harbor defense of Fort Johnson. One column landed its men uear the end of the point, and the other and larger between Battery Simkins and Fort Johnson, which post was, simultaneously with Shell Point, fiercely assaulted. The gallant garrison, under the command of Lieutenant- Colonel Yates, received them with heroic determination, and the efficient and rapid discharges of heavy and light guns, and the un- erring fire of our musketry, soon staggered and drove them back, when, with a rapid charge upon the enemy, headed by Lieutenants Waties an(l Reynolds, First South Carolina Artillery, 140 prisoners, including 5 commissioned officers, were taken before they could make good their escape. The participants in this brilliant affair were Company G, First South Carolina Artillery, Lieutenant Waties; Company K, Captain Gaillard; detachment Company E, Lieutenant Cooper, and detach- ments Companies A and E, Second South Carolina Artillery, Lieu- tenants Halsey ai~id Raworth. These officers and Corporal Crawford, Company G, are spoken of in high terms of praise by Lieutenant- Coloiiel Yates for gallantry displayed on the occasion. Five barges fell into our hands, and it is certain that the enemys loss in killed and wounded was heavy, probably exceeding 300. Many bodies snbsequently floated ashore. On the Stono the indications began to manifest that the move- ment of the enemy on this front was not designed to draw our atten- tion from Fort Johnson, or for some sudden attack upon our lines, but that a serious and determined attack upon the Stono works was contemplated. Two monitors, the Pawnee sloop of war, several wooden gun-boats, and a number of transports filled with troops, and towing barges, also filled with troops, ascended the Stono. Legareville and other points on Johns Island were occupied, troops debarked, and it seemed apparent that the design of the enemy was to occupy Johns Island, to erect batteries to enfilade our lines, to ~ reduce Battery Pringle, and secure the Stono for a base of opera- / tions against Charleston. This belief was strengthened by the fact that this route would be identical with that of the British under Sir Henry Clinton in March, 1780, who occupied Johns Island, crossed the Stono at the present site of Fort Pemnberton, and, after securing the river for his line of supplies, moved from James Island to the mainland. The enemy commenced the day by a severe shelling of our picket- line, and by a fire upon Battery Pringle and other batteries of the southern linesupon the latter apparently for the purpose of draw- ing their fire and ascertaining the character of our guns. Believing that the enemy had withdrawn part of his forc~e in front to re-en- force Johns Island, I directed Colonel Harrison, Thirty-second Georgia Regiment, with several companies~of his regiment, to feel the enemy and endeavor to ascertain his strength, and if practicable to force him back beyond the causeway. This duty was very hand- somely performed by this gallant officer and his capital command. The enemy gave back before them and our original picket-lines were re-established. I deemed it unadvisable to press beyond the cause- way, as the enemy on the peninsula were observed to be consider Page 168 168 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. ably re-enforced from Dixons Island, and as the enemys gun-boats and land batteries controlled the peninsula, and it was of little con- sequence to us to hold it. On the 4th, euemy continued shelling our pickets heavily and bom- barded Pringle and the lines all day, and made several attacks at night upon our picket-lines near Grimballs Causeway, which were repulsed with loss. Captain Lewis, Thirty-second Georgia, com- manded our pickets at the point of assault and deserves much credit for his stout and successful resistance. Major Manigault, siege train, commanded the general picket-line. The enemy shelled our lines and pickets with mortars all night. On July 5th and 6th, the enemy maintained the show of strength on the peninsula, which, as far as could be ascertained, hadnot been diminished, and made several demonstrations up on our lines which were checked. He continued to shell our pickets and batteries with- out cessation. Several transports (some with troops) cam.e up the river and stopped at Battery and Johns Islands. On the 7th, the position of the enemy remained unchanged. Sev- eral additional transports arrived in the Stono. The fire upon our pickets continued, and the attack of the enemy with his monitors, the Pawnee, and other gun-boats ~and mortar-boats upon Battery Pringle was very heavy; but little damage, however, was done the work, and the fire was returned with evident effect. Colonel Har- rison, with his regiment, Bonauds battalion, and the Forty-seventh Georgia Regiment, were ordered to General Robertson, commanding on Johns Island. On the 8th, the position of the enemys lines remained unchanged, with exception of intrenchments near Battery Island, which indi- cated that he had weakened his force here to re-enforce Johns Island. This morning the enemy, with two monitors and his fleet of wooden gun-boats, opened a terrific fire upon Battery Pringle, which was continued for several hours without intermission, causing no serious damage to the work, but with extraordinary accuracy of fire dis- abling several guns. This fire was returned with spirit by the gar- rison. I had made arrangements for supplying heavier guns to this work, and a 7-inch Brooke gun had reached the fort, but had not beemi mounted, owing to an injury to the gin, and another (10-inch columbiad) was on its way to the work before these guns were dis- abled. The number of vessels in the Stono was now twenty-two, and being satisfied by this persistent and severe attack upon Pringle that the plans of the enemy were developed, and that he would bend all Iris efforts to the reduction of that battery in connection with his movements on Johns Island,. and that several days would probably elapse before the issue could be determined and the enterprise aban- doned; and believing it to be necessary to place at that battery the most experienced artillerists, I directed Colonel Rhett, First South Carolina Artillery, who had b~eu assigned by me, as senior officer, to the command of the Western Sub-District, to relieve the command at Pringle, already much exhausted, with companies of experienced artillerists of his command. Major Blanding, First South Carolina Artillery, with two companies of his regiment, were ordered to that duty. On this day the enemys boats directed their attention also to Battery Tynes, under command of Captain Richardson, Lucas bat- talion, who returned the fire, and at night this battery shelled the enemys position on Johns Island, as it was afterward ascertained,- with great accuracy Page 169 169 Cii~. XLVILI OPET~ATIOXS fl~ cHAt~LESTON HA1~BOR, ETC. On the morning of the 9th, the enemy again opened fire upon Bat- tery Pringle and the lines, hut the Nrooke gnu having been mounted during the night, the wooden gun and mortar-boats were made to drop lower down the river, and the monitors were by this gun and the 10-inch columbiad several times hit, and one supposed to be con- siderably damaged. Heavy musketry and artillery firing was heard on Johns Island at daybreak, and in the course of the evening troops could be seen marchiiig down to the wharf at Legarevitle and em- barking on steamers, but not leaving the wharf. This indicated an abandonment of Johns Island and a probable concentration on this island of all his troops, and I made every disposition to meet an attack. This supposition was strengthened by his sending up the river with the rising tide, just after nightfall, three fire-rafts for the purpose of destroying the bridge (unfinished) across the Stono, in- tended to connect this and Johns Island. His efforts in this were unsuccessful, as the rafts were boarded by a detachment from the Naval Battalion, under Lieutenant Smith, and brought ashore before reaching the bridge. On the morning of the 10th, several large steamer loads of troops were thrown from Johns to this island, and the embarkation of troops at Legareville continued. These demonstrations lasted only until evening, when many transports loaded with troops steamed out of the Stono and put to sea. The enemys fire was kept up until evening upon our pickets and Battery Pringle. About 8 p. in., the enemy made another barge attack upon Simkins and Fort Johnson, which was met by the same gallant garrison of the 3d instant, with the addition of Captain Le Gardeurs section of light artillery aiid a company of C. S. marines, and promptly repulsed. On the morning of the 11th, after shelling our troops all night, the enemys vessels of war steamed out of th~ Stono and our troops re- occupied the peninsula, and the cavalry vedettes were re-established. I think it unnecessary to detail the positions and movements of troops in the district and along the lines. On the 2d instant, the First Sub-District (embracing the several batteries of Fort Johnson~ under Lieutenant-Colonel Yates; Has- kell, Tatom, Ryan, & c., under Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, and Secessionville and Fort Lamar, under Lieutenant-Colonel Brown, and the First South Carolina Cavalry, Major Walker) was com- manded by Colonel Black, First South Carolina Cavalry. The Sec- ond Sub-District (embracing the Stono batteries, Major Lucas; the several batteries of the new (southern) lines, Captain Legare Major Bonands battalion Georgia Volunteers, and South Carolina siege train, Major Manigault) was commanded by Colonel Frederick, Second South Carolina Artillery. The light artillery of the district, embracing his own and Blakes battery, was commanded by Captain Wheaton, of the Chatham Artillery. The re-enforcements which reached me, and which, as circum- stances required, were withdrawn or returned, consisted of coinpa~ nies of the Thirty-second Georgia, Colonel Harrison; the command of Colonel Rhett, consisting of companies of First South Carolina Infantry, Capt. R. P. Smith, and companies of First South Carolina Artillery, Major Blanding; the Fifth Georgia Volunteers, Lieuten- ant-Colonel Iverson; the Forty-seventh Georgia Volunteers, Colonel Edwards ; the Naval Battalion, Lieutenant-Commander (Major) Dozier, C. S. Navy; the Bureau Battalion, Major Echols, chief engineer of the department, and~ Kirks and Peeples squadron Page 170 [CHAP. XLVII. 170 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. (Third South Carolina Cavalry); the German Artillery, Captain Wagener; Orleans Light Battery, Captain Le Gardeur; battalion North Carolina Volunteers, Captain McCauley. To make these fractions more available, these, with such troops as I deemed it prudent to detach from the eastern lines, were organized into two commands, under Colonels Harrison and Rhett, and occupied cer- tain positions in support of the lines. On the 7th, Colonel Harrison with his troops was ordered to Johns Island, and on the 8th, I assigned Colonel Rhett to the couiman(1 of the west lines. It affords me pleasure to testify to the gallantry and determination displayed by officers and men. The lines in advance of our batteries were shelled unremittingly for eight days and nights by monitors throwing 15-inch shells, and grape and canister by gun-boats and mortar hulks and by the enemys land batteries on Long and Dixons Islands, yet there was not the slightest demoralization or confusion produced. The troops employed on this duty, and which deserve to be particularly noticed, consisted from time to time of detachments of the Second South Carolina Artillery, iucludiug the detachnient under Captain Dickson, from Fort Johuson the First South Carolina Artillery [regulars] ; Company B, siege train; the Thirty-second Georgia, First South Carolina Cavalry, First South Carolina Infantry [regulars], and Kirks and Peeples squadrons South Carolina Cavalry, and Bonauds battalion Georgia Volunteers; and the officers commanding them were Colonel Harrison, Thirty- second Georgia; Major Manigault, siege train; Lieutenant-Colonel Bacon, Thirty-second Georgia; Major Bonaud; Major Blandiug, First South Carolina Artillery; Capt. H. Press. Smith, First South Carolina Infantry; Captains Dickson, Warley, Rivers, Witherspoon, and Buruet, First South Carolina Iiifantry; Humbert, Stallings, Kennedy, Second South Carolina Artillery; Porcher Smith, siege train, and Trezevant, First South Carolina Cavalry At the Stono batteries the officers and men behaved with gallantry under fire and deserve special mention. The officers are Major Lucas, commanding, and Major Blanding, First South Carolina Artillery; Captains Hayne and Richardson, Lucas battalion, and Rhett and King, First South Carolina Artillery; Lieutenants Ogier, Martin, Reveley, Lucas, Ford, Lucas battalion, and Stuart, First South Carolina Artillery. Lieutenant Ogier is particularly men- tioned for his gallantry. The batteries at Fort Lamar, under Lieu- tenant-Colonel Brown, and those on the southern lines, under Cap- tain Legar4, did good service during the continuance of these opera- tions, as did the light batteries under the command of Captain Wheaton. I desire to record my appreciation of the energy and vigilance dis- played by Colonel Black, commanding east lines, not only during these operations, but ever since lie has been intrusted with his im- portant command; to acknowledge the excellent discharge of his important duties by Colonel Frederick, commanding west lines, and to testify to the energy and ability which was manifested by Colonel Rhett, commanding reserve troops and subsequently west lines. I have already alluded to the services rendered by that capital officer, Colonel Harrison, and the brilliant affair of Fort Johnson sjeaks for itself of the ability of its gallant commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Yates. To the members of my staffCaptain Page, assistant ad- jutant-general; Lieutenants Cunningham, ordnance officer, an Page 171 CHAP. XLVII.] OPE1~ATIONS I1~ CHA1~LESThN IIARBO1~, ETC. 1F~1 Meade, aide-de-campI am particularly indebted for the faithful discharge of their duties, and to Surgeon Lebby, senior surgeon of district, and his corps of assistants. I estimate the loss of the enemy at not less than 700, including 141 prisoners, while our loss was 25 wounded and 10 killed and died of mortal woizinds, a list of which is appended. * I estimate the strength of the enemy to have been at least 8,000 in my front and on Johns Island, and at one time between 4,000 and 5,000 on this island. In conclusion, I trust it will not be regarded as improper in me to acknowledge and express my thanks to ~he major-general command- ing for the rapid and, under the circumstances, the extraordinary concentration of troops and unhoped-for re-enforcements placed from time to time at my disposal, and for the promptitude with which he directed my efforts to be seconded by the several staff departments. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Major STRINGFELLOW, Assistant Adjutant-General. ROYALLS HousE, October 16, 1864. The firing of yesterday and the report of the number and position of the fleet is as follows: Enemy fired 12 rifled shell at Fort John- son, slightly wounding 1 man. Swamp Angel fired 3 shots at Has- kell. Secessionville fired a few shots at the enemys working party on Long Island, causing them to cease. Four blockaders, 5 mon- itors, 5 steamers, and 6 sailing vessels off Morris Island; 1 block- ader and 4 sailing vessels less than yesterday. There are off Coles Island 4 gun-boats, 2 transports, and 10 schooners; in Light-House Inlet, 1 transport and 4 schooners; 3 transports less in Light-House Inlet than yesterday. V~. B. TA LIAFERRO, Brigadier-General. Lient. Col. T. B. Roy, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 35. Extracts from Journal of Operations in the Sereuth Military Dis trict, March 31April 29. HDQRS. SEVENTH MIL. DIST. OF SOUTH CAROLINA, James Island, March 31, 1864. Copy of the reports of observation from the posts of Fort Johnson, Battery Haskell, and Secessionville from March 31 to April 8 [291, inclusive: March 31.Lieutenant-Colonel Nelson, commanding Fort John- son, reports the firing at that post on the 30th instant as follows: Battery Cheves fired four 8-inch shells at a working party of the *Einbodied in table, p. 128 Page 172 172 S. C., FLA., AND OX TttI~ GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. enemy at the Swamp Angel; effect unknown. Battery Simkins fired 18 mortar shells and 4 columbiad shells; effect unknown. The enemy fired 16 mortar and 4 rifled shells, doing no damage. Major Campbell, commanding artillery, Section 2, reports that the troops and batteries of his command were inspected to-day by Col6nel Jones, of General Braggs staff. Nothing observed in the direction of the enemy. Colonel Graham, commanding Secessionville, reports all quiet at that post to-day. April 1. Lientenant~Colone1 Nelson, commanding Fort Johusol], reports the firing at that post as follows: Battery Cheves fired 3 8-inch shells at a working party on the Swamp Angel; effect un- known. Major Campbell, commanding artillery, Section 2, reports that nothing nunsual occurred at that post to-day. Colonel Graham, commanding Secessionville, reports all quiet at that post on the 1st instant. April 2.Lieutenant-Colonel Nelson, commanding Fort Johnson, reports the firing at that post on the 2d instant as follows: Battery ~imkins fired 1 shot at a transport; effect unknown. The enemy fired one 10-inch shell at Simkins, doing no damage. Major Camp- bell, commanding artillery, Section 2, reports that a party of the enemy at the Swamp Angel Battery were fired on three times from Haskell late in the afternoon, 1 shell striking the parapet without exploding. Another party approaching the work turned and re- treated toward Morris Island at the first fire. Colonel Graham, commanding Secessionville, reports all quiet at that post on the 2d instant. April 3.Lieutenant-Colonel Nelson, commanding Fort Johnson, reports that there was no firing from the batteries of that post to-day. Major Campbell, commanding artillery, Section 2, and Colonel Graham, report all quiet at their several posts on the 3d instant. April 4.Lieuteuant-Colonel Nelson, commanding Fort Johnson, reports that there was no firing from the batteries at that post to- day. Major Campbell, commanding artillery, Section 2, reports that nothing unusual occurred at that post to-day. Colonel Gra- hani, coummandino post to-day. Secessionville, reports that all is quiet at that April 5.Reports of the above posts for the 5th are the same as on the 4th instamit. April 6. Lieutenant-Colonel Nelson, commanding Fort Johnson, reports that there was no firing from time batteries at that post on this date. Major Campbell, commanding artillery, Section 2, reports a larger working party than usual appeared at the Swamp Angel Battery this afternoon (the 6th instant), and 4 shells were fired at theni from Haskell, which caused them to withdraw. They appeared to have opened aim embrasure on the front of the work toward Sumter. Colonel Graham, commanding Secessionville, re- ports all quiet at that post on the 6th. April 7. Lieutenant-Colonel Nelson, corn m~auding Fort Johnson, reports that there was no firm from Battery Simkins to-day. Bat- tery Cheves fired thirteen 8-inch shells at a working party of the enemy on the Swamp Angel; effect unknown. Colonel Graham, commandimig Secessionville, reports all quiet at that post to-day. April 8. Li en tenammt-Col onel N el somi, commanding Secessiomivil he, reports the firing at that post as follows: Battery Cheves fired 1 shot; ~effect unknown. No firing from Simkins. The enem Page 173 CHAP. XLVII.) OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 173 did not fire. Major Campbell, commanding artillery, Section 2, reports that about 8.30 p. m. an alarni occurred, the picket-boat off Haskell having come in and reported the enemys barges approach- ing. The proper signals were promptly made, and the troops of the post immediately ordered out and put in position, and kept on the defenses until 3 a. m. One gun (24-pounder howitzer) and one rifle by a sentinel were fired off at Tatom at a raft supposed to be a boat. Nothing further unusual occurred, except several reports of small- arms in the direction of the Secessionville bridge. Colonel Grahani, commanding SecessionvillO, reports that at about 9 oclock the officer of the day reported three rockets sent up in the direction of Battery Haskell, which being the signal that that place was threatened, the command at this post was turned out and under arms; the sev- eral guns manined. Having been notified that all was quiet at Has- kell, I dismissed the command, with directions to sleep with their accouterments on. At about 10 p. in., musketry firing was reported at the battery between the two bridges at this post, and that two boats had approached that point. Upon investigating the matter I have concluded that what was seen and fired at was nothing more than a collection of marsh grass floating about with the tide, which at the time was at its flow. Besides this, I have no operations to report at this post for the 8th instant. ~ * * * * * * * April 10.Lieutenant-Colonel Nelson, commanding Fort Johnson, reports no firing at that post on the 9th instant. Major Campbell, commanding artillery, Section 2, reports that nothing unusual oc- curred to-day. Colonel Graham, commanding at Secessionville, re- ports all quiet at that post yesterday. April 11.Lieutenant-Colonel Nelson, commanding at Fort John- son; reports the firing of yesterday as follows: Battery Cheves fired 3 shell at a working party at the Swamp Angel; effect un- known. No firing from Simkimis. The enemy did not fire, therefore no casualties to report. Majoi Campbell, commanding artillery, Section 2, reports that nothing unusual occurred at that post on yes- terday. Colonel Graham, commanding at Secessionville, reports that all was quiet yesterday at that post. April 12.Lieutenant-Colonel Nelson, connuanding Fort Johnson, reports the firing from the batteries at that post yesterday as f oh- lows: Battery Cheves fired 7 shell at a working party of the enemy at the Swamp Angel; effect unknown. Battery Simkins did not fire. The enemy fired one 10-inch columbiad shell at Simkins, doing no damage. Major Campbell, commanding artillery, Section 2, reports that yesterday the enemy mounted a gun on the Swamp Angel Battery. Haskell opened fire on them, but without effect in causing them to desist from their work. The range of fire from the gun will embrace both Sumter and Haskell. Colonel Graham, commanding Secessionville, reports all quiet at that post on yesterday. April 13.Lieutenant-Colonel Nelson, commanding at Fort John- son, reports that there was no firing from Batteries Simkins and Cheves yesterday. The enemy did not fire. Major Campbell, artil- lery, Section 2, reports that the enemy continue their work on the Swamp Angel Battery, apparently strengthening it. Nothing further observed. No casualties. Colonel Graham, commanding Secessionville, reports that all was quiet at that post yesterday. * The record entered for April 9 is identical with that of the 8th, ending with the word flow in second line above Page 174 174 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. April l4.Lientenant-Colonel Nelson, commanding Fort Johnson, reports that there was no firing from Batteries Simkins and Cheves yesterday. The enemy did not fire, therefore no casualties. Major Campbell, commanding artillery, Section 2, reports that nothing un- usual occurred at that post yesterday. Colonel Graham, command- ing Secessionville, reports all quiet at that ppst yesterday. April Ii 5.Lieutenant-Colonel Nelson, commanding Fort Johnson, reports the firing from that post yesterday as follows: Battery Cheves fired 2 shells at a working party of the enemy at the Swamp Angel; effect unknown. No firing from Battery Simkins. The enemy did not fire. Major Campbell, commanding artillery, Section 2, reports that all was quiet at that post yesterday. Colonel Gra- ham, commanding Secessionville, reports that nothing unusual oc- curredat that post yesterday. April 16.Lieutenant-Colonel Nelson, commanding, & c., reports that there was no firing from Batteries Simkins and Cheves yester- day. The enemy did not fire. Major Campbell, commanding, & c., reports that a few rounds were fired from the mortars at liaskell yesterday, in order to get the range of the Swamp Angel Battery, instructions having been given through Colonel Gaillard to use them against that work whenever it could be done to advantage. Colonel Graham, commanding, & c., reports that all was quiet at that post yesterday. April 1 7.Lieutenant-Colonel Nelson, commanding, & c., reports that there was no firing from Batteries Simkins and Cheves yester- day. The enemy fired 3 rifle shells at Cheves, doing no damage. Major Canipbell, commanding, & c., reports that nothing unusual occurred at that post on yesterday. Colonel Graham, co~iimanding, & c., reports that all was quiet at that post on yesterday. April 18.Lieutenant-Colonel Nelson, commanding, & c., reports that there was no firing from Batteries Simkins and Cheves yester- day; the enemy did not fire, therefore there are no casualties to report. Major Campbell, commanding, & c., reports that nothing unusual occurred at that post on yesterday. Colonel Graham, com- manding, & c., reports all quiet at that post on yesterday. April 19.Lieutenant-Colonel Nelson, commanding Fort Johnson, reports that all was quiet at that post yesterday. No firing from Batteries Simkins or Cheves; the enemy did not fire. Major Camp- bell, commanding artillery, Section 2, reports that nothing unusual occurred at that post on yesterday. Colonel Graham, commanding Secessionville, reports all quiet at that post on yesterday. April 20.Colonel Graham, Secessionville, reports that all was quiet at that post yesterday. Major Campbell, artillery, Section 2, reports that the enemys tents on Black Island had greatly de- creased in number; thinks also that there are not so many on Morris Island. Lieutenant-Colonel Nelson, Fort Johnson, reports that there was no firing from Batteries Simkins and Cheves yesterday; the enemy did not fire, therefore no casualties. April 21.Colonel Graham, Secessionville, reports that all was quiet at that post yesterday. Major Campbell, artillery, Section 2, reports that nothing unusual occurred at that post yesterday. Lieutenant-Colonel Nelson, Fort Johnson, reports there was no fir- ing from Batteries Simkins and Cheves yesterday; the enemy did not fire. The number of vessels off the bar as follows: Off Maffitts Channel, 1 steamer and 1 frigate; 2 monitors to the east of Battery Grew; the Ironsides and 3 monitors to the south Qf J3attery Wag Page 175 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 175 ner; at anchor and a little farther south 14 sailing vessels, appar- ently transportation and provision ships, 1 river steamer, 1 gun- boat, and 1 tug-boat; in all, Ironsides, 5 monitors, and 22 vessels. In Light-House Inlet there are 5 schooners and 2 river steamers. No alteration of tents either ~n Morris or Black Island. April 22.Colonel Graham, Secessionville, reports that all was quiet at that post yesterday. Major Campbell, artillery, Section 2, reports that nothing unusual occurred at that post yesterday. One of the mortars moved from Haskell by order of General Talia- ferro. Lieutenant-Colonel Nelson. Fort Johnson, reports that there was no firing from Batteries Simkins and Cheves yesterday; the enemy did not fire. Also during yesterday there was no change in the fleet, nor any in the number of tents on Morris and Black Isl- ands. This morning the haziness of the atmosphere is such that neither the fleet nor tents can be seen; there are about fifty more tents in view at 6.30 a. m. April 23.Colonel Graham, Secessionville, reports all quiet at that post yesterday. At about 11 oclock last night the music of a brass band on Big Folly could plainly be heard, and continued for about one hour, as if welcoming the arrival or mourning the depart- ure of some favorite command or commander. Major Campbell, artillery, Section 2, reports that yesterday the enemys tents on Black Island appeared to be again increased. The 32-pounder rifled mortar was brought to Haskell to-day, but not mounted, the plat- form not being prepared. A few rounds were fired to-day from 8-inch columbiad at Haskell at a group of men at the Swamp Angel. Lieutenant-Colonel Nelson, Fort Johnson, reports that there was no firing from Battery Simkins yesterday. Battery Chevea fired 4 shots; effect unknown. The enemy did not fire. Also reports the number of the enemys vessels off the bar as follows: The Iron- sides, 5 monitors, 2 large packet steamers, and 14 other vessels; in Li ht-House Inlet there are 8 vessels, river steamers and small sail- ing vessels. No change in the number of tents either on Morris or Black Islands. April 24.Colonel Graham, Secessionville, reports that no change has been observed at that post during the past twenty-four hours Major Campbell, artillery, Section 2, reports that nothing unusual occurred on yesterday. Lieutenant-Colonel Nelson, Fort Johnson, reports that there was no firing from Batteries Simkins and Cheves on yesterday; the enemy did not fire. Also reports the enemys fleet off the bar as follows: Off Morris Island, the Ironsides, 6 monitors, 4 gun-boats, 15 schooners, 1 river steamer, 3 tug-boats, and 1 light-ship; in Light-House Inlet, 6 schooners, 3 river steam- ers. No change in number of tents either on Morris or Black Islands. This shows an increase of 1 monitor. April 25.Colonel Graham, Secessionville, reports that nothing unusual has occurred during the past twenty-four hours. Major Campbell, artillery, Section 2, reports that nothing unusual occurred at that post on yesterday. Lieutenant-Colonel Nelson, Fort John- son, reports that there was no firing from Batteries Simkins and Cheves on yesterday; the enemy did not fire. Also reports that the weather was so hazy yesterday that no observations could be taken of the fleet and of operations on Morris Island amid Black Island. This morning the fleet can be discovered, but indistinctly; there is apparently no change since last report Page 176 176 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. April 26.Colonel Graham, Secessionville, reports nofhing un- usual has occurred at that post during the past twenty-four hours. Major Campbell, artillery, Section 2, reports that on the 25th in- stant the house on Morris Island known as Grahams was torn down by the enemy; about 8.30 in the evening two rockets were sent up from Morris Island. Lieutenant-Colonel Nelson, Fort Johnson, reports that there was no firing from Batteries Simpkins and Cheves on yesterday; the enemy did not fire. Also reports the enemys fleet off the bar as follows: Off Morris Island, 6 monitors, Iron- sides~ 26 vessels, consisting of brigs, steamers, tug- boats, and schoon- er~ No change apparently in the number of tents on Morris or Islands. April 27.Colonel Graham, Secessionville, reports that nothing of importance has occurred at that post during past twenty-four hours. Major Campbell, artillery, Section 2, reports that nothing unusual occurred on yesterday. Lieutenant-Colonel Nelson, Fort Johnson, reports that there was no firing from Batteries Simkins and Cheves yesterday; the enemy did not fire. Also reports the enefflys fleet off the bar as follows: The Ironsides, 6 monitors, 2 gun-boats, 14 schooners, 1 river steamer, 1 tug-boat, 2 blockaders; all the above lying at their usual anchorage. No change ~ioticed in the enemys encampment on Morris Island. April 28.Lieutenant-Colonel Brown, Secessionville, reports that no change of importance has been observed at that post during past twenty-four hours. Major Campbell, artillery, Section 2, reports that nothing unusual occurred on yesterday. Lieutenant-Colonel Nelson, Fort Johnson, reports that there was no firing from Batteries Simkins and Cheves on yesterday; the enemy did not fire. Also reports the enemys fleet off the bar as follows: The Ironsides, 6 monitors, 2 tug-boats, and 22 other vessels, some 8 or 10 being steamers; in Light-House Inlet, 3 river steamers and 7 vessels, principally schooners. No change in number of tents either on Morris or Black Islands. April 29. Lieut. Col. J. W. Brown, Secessionville, reports that all was quiet during the past twenty-four hours. Lieutenant-Col- onel Yates, Fort Johnson, reports~ that there was no firing from Batteries Simkins and Cheves yesterday. The enemy did not fire, therefore no casualties. No. 36. Reports of Lient. Col. Stephen Elliott, Jr., and ~Japts. Francis T. Miles, James 31. Carson, 2 homas J. China, S. II. Wilds, John C. Mitchel, Charles W. Parker, C. A. Willis, Thomas A. Huguenin, and Stephen D. Mobley, commanding Fort Sumter, of operations January 1-September 26. SUMTER, January 1, 1864. I have the honor to report that the enemy fired two shots over us at sunset yester(lay. Having done that he respectfully dropped his flag at the report of our evening gun. There are in sight this morn- ing the Ironsides, 4 monitors, 2 wooden gun-boats, 3 tugs, 2 mortar- boats, and 15 sailing vessels inside; 3 blockaders and 1 schoone Page 177 CHAP. XLVII.J OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 177 outside, and 1~ vessels in Light-House Inlet. The Wabash has shifted her position a quarter of a mile more to northward and eastward of the light-ship. I presume she dragged during the blow last night. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. SUMTER, January 2, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that the vessels in sight this morn- ing are the Ironsides, 4 monitors, 2 wooden gun-boats, 2 mortar-boats, and 14 sailing vessels inside; 3 blockaders and 2 schooners outside, and 13 vessels in Light-Honse Inlet. This is the smallest number that I have yet reported. Some parties are at work near Wagner this morning. The 8-inch columbiad was placed on the berm yes- terday afternoon; it can be removed by a flat to-night. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. SUMTER, January 3, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that Captain Adams, with 6 offi- cers and 100 men from Sixth, Nineteenth, Twenty-third, and Twen- ty-eighth Georgia, relieved Captain Butt, 6 officers, and 100 men from Georgia Volunteers. The Ironsides, 4 monitors, 2 mortar- boats, 4 wooden gun-boats (1 of which I have not seen before), 3 tugs, and 14 sailing vessels are inside the bar to-day; 11 crafts in Light-House Inlet, 3 blockaders in front, 1 three-masted, 1 tug, and 2 schooners to the northeast, and 1 large transport and 1 schooner in the offing, going southward. I think that from riggers on the blockaders and on the 2 schooners referred to there is surveying going on to the northward and eastward. I will hereafter report not only the number but the movements of vessels in sight. Large flag-staff raised at Wagner yesterday. Twenty-four-pounder shipped last night. Too much sea on the north wall for shipment of 8-inch. Will do it first calm night if flat is sent. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. SUMTER, January 4, 186412.45 p. m. SIR: I have the honor to report that the boom in front of the sea and eastern portions of the gorge faces was successfully laid last night, and that it remains in position. I think that an addition 12 R RVOL xxxv, PT Page 178 178 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. to its length of both extremities would be an improvement. While the work of laying was going on Fort Johnson fired 3 shots in this direction; fortunately no harm was done. I understand that the sentinel thought he saw and heard musketry at this post. As we had two steamers and a fleet of small boats here, the risk to prop- erty was very great. The batteries being near the telegraph office, I was able to check it before our range had been attained. I rec- ommend that Fort Johnson be no longer included among our sup- porting batteries. The distance is too great and the required adjustment of aim too nice for good results to be attained, and the probability is that the effect upon the garrison will be more injurious than upon the enemy. The difficulty is not owing to any defect in the skill of our artillerists, but belongs to the nature of the case. At 4.20 a. m. this morning the alarm signal was made by the navy guard-boat, which afterward reported two small boats and a monitor approaching. The parapet ha dib een manned, and was kept so until daylight, as the night was peculiarly favorable to an assault. No observations this morning. Weather thick. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Golonel, Commanding. Lieut. S. 0. BOYLSTON, Acting Assi8tant Adjutant-General. SUMTER, January 5, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the Ironsides, 4 monitors, 2 wooden gun-boats, 2 mortar-boats, and 15 sailing vessels inside; S steamers, 7 schooners, and 1 steam derrick in Light-House Inlet. The latter has always been there, but has not heretofore been spe- cially reported. Ships in the offing not visible; fog last night very thick. Multiplied the sentinels by 10; work going on on Morris Jsl- and, but apparently not in the way of any change. One of the crew of the guard-boat shot himself through the hand while at the wharf; injured part successfully removed by Major Rhett, surgeon in charge. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Lmeut. S. C. BOYLSTON. FORT SUMTER, January 10, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that Capt. J. B. Allston, 6 offi- cers, and 100 men, from Twenty-seventh South Carolina Volunteers, relieved Captain Hammond, 6 officers, and 100 men, from Twenty- fifth South Carolina Volunteers. The steamer left the wharf with- out a proper head of steam and began drifting with the tide below the fort. Seeing that she ran great risk of being fired into by Sul- livans Island, as well as by the enemy, I directed both the tele- graphic and 8ignal operators to call Sullivans Island. They tried for twenty ~iminutes, from 12.30 to 12.50, without success. At th Page 179 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 179 end of this time the steamer had recovered her position abreast of the fort. The night was perfectly calm and clear, and there is no possible excuse for the neglect of the sigm4. From what I have seen of the working of this corps I would respectfully suggest that efficiency would be more certainly secured if the punishment was inflicted upon the operator, who by proper attention can always insure the vigilance of the reporting sentinels. I understand that there is a want of operators for the military tele- graph line, and that many stations are supplied as Fort Sumter is, with only one officer. I would recommend that to each office one or more enlisted men may be assigned, who shall be instructed in the calls for that office, which a person of ordinary aptness for such matters could learn in a few days. In this way the attention of the office could be aroused at any time, which will not be the case if left to the wakefulness of a single person. I have had frequent opportunities of observing the working of the system since my residence at this post, and am confident that the proposed plan will answer. Three blockading steamers this morning. In other respects report same as yesterday. Ironsides kept revolving light going all night; 42-pounder was placed upon the berm yesterday evening ready for shipment. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON. FORT SUMTER, January 11, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that Lieutenant Kemper, with 38 men, relieved Captain King, 40 men, last night. There are visible this morning the Ironsides, 3 monitors (the fourth may be concealed behind the other shipping), 2 mortar-boats, 3 gun-boats, 10 sailing vessels inside, 2 steam blockaders and 4 sailing vessels outside, and 8 sailing vessels and 6 steamers in Light-House Inlet. Yesterday afternoon the 30-pounders at Gregg fired 9 shots, 7 of which struck. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,5~ ELLIOTT, JR. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. SUMTER, January 12, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that the thick weather will not permit an observation of the fleet this morning. I was unable to dis- cover the fourth monitor yesterday. A quantity of old iron was shipped by the steamer last night; a 42-pounder lies ready for ship- ment when the fiat shall be sent. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General Page 180 180 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP, XLVII. FORT SUMTER, January 13, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has occnrrred since my last report, with the exception of the unmasking of one or more light Parrott guns than have heretofore been em- ployed. They are situated at the foot of the scarp of the main work of Gregg. No observation can be made this morning. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, January 14, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that affairs continue quiet. The density of the fog affords good cause for an assault, but it would not find us unprepared. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, January 15, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that the weather will not permit an observation of the fleet this morning. Two 42-pounder guns were shipped last night. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant-(Jolonel, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. SUMTER, January 16, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that there are this morning insi& e the Ironsides, 4 monitors, S wooden gun-boats, 1 armed schooner and 1 armed bark, and 10 sailing vessels. The Wabash has given place to a small sloop of war without steam. In addition there are 6 blockaders (2 without steam), 7 steamers, and 10 schooners in Light-House Inlet. Private G. W. Dunican, Company E, Twenty-seventh South Car- olina Volunteers, died suddenly yesterday of congestion of lungs and brain; also negro from the same cause. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 181 CHAP. XLVIL] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 181 SUMTER, January 18, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that Captain Johnston, 6 officers, and 100 men, from Nineteenth, Twenty-third, and Twenty-eighth Georgia, relieved Captain Groves with the same force. Foggy this morning; no observations. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, January 21, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that I assumed command of this post last night. No change iii the fleet. Two shots (Parrotts) fired at the fort, both of which missed. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. T. MILES, Lieut. S. C. BoYLSTON, Captain, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. SUMTER, January 22, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that Captain Burgess, 5 officers, and 101 men, from Twenty-fifth South Carolina Volunteers, relieved Captain Allston, 6 officers, and 100 men, from Twenty-seventh South Carolina Volunteers. There is 1 officer wanting to make up the reg- ular detail. A steam tug was seen unusually near Fort Moultrie last night, retiring only at daylight. One shot fired yesterday, which missed. The water-boat was not down. We stand in much need of the lanterns for which requisition has already been made. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. T. MILES, Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, C~aptain, Commanding Post. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. [First indorsemenL] HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., January 22, 1864. Respectfully referred to the chief quartermaster, who will please furnish the lanterns immediately if they can be found in the city. An explanation is desired of the reasons which have prevented the execution of a previous order to this effect from these head- quarters. By command of General Beauregard: JNO. M. OTEY, Assistant Adjutant-General. [Second indorsement.3 OFFICE CHIEF Q. M., DEPT. S. CAROLINA, & C., Charleston, January 22, 1864. Respectfully referred to Major Pringle, quartermaster, for his remarks. HUTSON LEE, Chief Qitartermaster Page 182 182 8. C., PEA., AND ON TIW GA. COAST. [CHAP. XtA7II. [Third indorsement.] QUARTERMASTERS OFFICE, Charleston, January 22, 1864. Respectfully returned, through chief quartermaster. No requisi- tions made from Fort Sumter are unfilled nor have I any knowl- edge of the requisition alluded to within. MOTTE A. PRINGLE, Major and Quartermaster. [Fourth indorsement.] HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF SOUTH CAROLINA, & C., January 26, 1864. Respectfully returned. On the 6th ultimo, Lieutenant-Colonel Elliott made a request for oil lanterns, and on the 7th the following indorsement was made on his request by these headquarters: The quartermasters depart- ment will furnish with the least delay.practicable. An explana- lion is desired as to why the lanterns were not supplied. Return this paper. By command of General Beauregard: JNO. M. OTEY, Assistant Adjutant-General. [Fifth indorsement.] QUARTERMASTERS OFFICE, Charleston, January 27, 1864. Respectfully returned, through chief quartermaster, with the re- mark that on the 8th of December four oil lanterns were ordered from Messrs Adams and Damon, and taken down to Fort Sumter by Lieutenant Swinton, the receipt of which Lieutenant-Colonel Elliott acknowledges, and these lanterns I am informed are now at the fort. I have no record of any other requisitions for lanterns being made. I have, however, shipped this evening four additional lanterns, which are transferred to Capt. T. M. Barker, assistant quartermaster of Fifth Military District, upon whom all requisitions from Fort Sumter, I respectfully submit, should be made. MOTTE A. PRINGLE, Major and Quartermaster. FORT SUMTER, January 23, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that two steam tugs of the enemy were stationed off the fort during the whole night. Number of fleet as usual. Water-boat failed to come again last night. One shot fired, which missed. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. T. MILES, Uaptain, Commanding Post. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 183 CHAP. XLVIII OP~RATJONS I~ CI1ARLESTO~ ItARBo1~, ETC. t8~ FORT SUMTER, January 26, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that Captain Coihoun, 1 officer, and 40 enlisted men, from Company A, Lucas battalion, regular artillery, relieved Lieutenant Keinper, commanding, 1 officer, and 45 enlisted men last night. Number of fleet remains the same. Very respectfnlly, your obedient servant, F. T. MILES, Lient. S. C. BoYL~ToN, Captain, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. SUMTER, January 27, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that Captain Culpepper and 7 officers and 100 enlisted men, from Colqnitts brigade, relieved last night Captain Elliott, 6 officers, and 100 enlisted men, from same brigade. Two shots fired at the fort yesterday, one of which missed. Too hazy to see fleet. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. T. MILES. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, January 27, 1864. I have the honor to report my return to duty at this post. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, January 28, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that I returned to the post last night and resumed command this morning. Two 32-pounders were shipped to the city last night. Three shots were fired at the fort yesterday and two last night; all struck. During my absence the parade, from which much of the water has been removed by evapo- ration, has been in a great measure covered with brick and lime. This is an improvement for the present in~ the sanitary condition of the work. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, January 29, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that at 9 oclock last night the enemy opened on us with mortars from the middle battery, throwing by morning 123, of which 82 burst in and over the fort. Two Par Page 184 184 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. rott shots also struck. I ordered the steamer to return to the city before her cargo had been entirely discharged, as she was in evident danger. No injury was done to the work and no casualties oc- curred. The firing continues this morning from guns. The thick weather obscures the fleet. A tug was ]ying very close in at day- light this morning; I think she could have been struck by Sullivans Island guns. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. II3OYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, January 29, 1864. The fire is from three 10-inch columbiads, and a 30-pounder Par- rott is directed at the south angle, where some open arches have been recently filled from the outside, and which we suspect they have seen. Work going on as usual, and no damage done. S. ELLIOTT, JR. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, January 29, 186411 p. m. Shots fired from 10-inch columbiads, 8-inch Parrott, 6-inch Par- rott, 40 and 30 pounder Parrotts at south angle, 156; 129 hit. Mor- tar shells fired, 13; 7 hit. Damage, trifling. Casualties, 1 man wounded in ankle. S. ELLIOTT, JR. Lieutenant-Colonel, Gommanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, January 30, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that at daylight yesterday the enemy commenced his fire with a 30-pounder, a 100-pounder, a 200-pounder Parrott, and a 10-inch columbiad; 156 shots were fired, 129 of which struck. The south angle was the object of their aim; an hours work at dark repaired the injury it received. At 3p.m. the flag staff was shot down; it was first replaced upon a small and afterwards upon a larger staff by Private P. Schafer, Company A, Lucas battalion, who stood on the top of the traverse and repeatedly waved the flag in the sight of the enemy. He was assisted by Corpi. L. Bressentiam and Private Charles Banks, of the same corps, and by Mr. H. B. Middleton, of the Signal Corps, who is acting as adju- tant of the post in the absence of the regular officer. They were exposed to a rapid and accurate fire of shells. At the close of the scene Schafer, springing from a cloud of the smoke and dust of theThursting shell, stood long waving his hat in triumph. It was a most gallant deed, and the effect upon the garrison wa Page 185 CHAP. XLVIL.I OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 185 most inspiring. Thirteen mortar shells were also fired, 7 of which struck. At dark the bombardment ceased. The steamer arrived with troops, stores, lumber, and sand. Captain Morrison, with 0 officers and 100 men from Colquitts brigade, relieved Captain Johnstons detachment. Two old 32~ pounder casemate carriages were shipped to the city. The fire has been resumed this morning, but is directed mainly at the west angle. The following persons were wounded: On the night of the28th, Lieut. J. C. Logan, head, by brick, slight: 29th, Private J. H. Heffery, Company I, Twenty-third Georgia, contused back, slight. S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, January 30, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the Ironsides, 4 monitors, 2 gun- boats, 2 tugs, 14 sailing vessels inside; the Wabash and 6 block- aders outside; S steamers and 10 schooners in Light-House Inlet. Fire direct on the west angle from one 200-pounder at Gregg and one 100-pounder at the middle battery, probably the gun formerly used against the city. A garrison gin is now stationed in the ad- joining embrasure. Number of shots fired since morning, 159; hit, 138; missed, 21. West angle much cut. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- C~olonel, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant .Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, January 31, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that there was no firing last night; it was resumed this morning as usual. A heavy cargo of sand and lumber was discharged last night. A 42-pounder was placed in the northwest casemate ready to be mounted; a second, with cracked band, is half way up the slope and will be on the berm to- day for shipment to-morrow night. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, tJommanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, January 31, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that the firing was continued to-day from the 200-pounder at Gregg and from a 100-pounder in position where the gin was observed yesterday. It was directed against the southwest angle, which is a good deal cut. Much of th Page 186 186 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. FCFrAP. XLYIZ. work done on it last night still remains. Number of shots, 131 ; hit, 114; missed, 17. The fleet is unchanged, except in the absence of two blockaders. The nearest monitor was observed to have beams projecting from the sides similar to the Jronsides. No casualties. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR. Lieutenant- Colonel, Comman~ling. Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. Record of shots fired at Fort Sumter during the month of January, 1864. Date. January 10 26 27 28 29 30 31 Grand total Struck. be CS CC 0 .0 be 0 CS 0 .0 7 I 3 2 7 138 114 392 7~ 2 Missed. CS n. 44 be C~ 5) 0 CC Co ~ CS CC o 0 CS o ~ H ~ H 7 2 2 9 1 1 1 2 5 82 82 41 123 136 27 33 169 138 21 21 159 114 17 17 131 82 483 68 6 41 115 598 I !~I 41 6 Respectfully submitted. S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. FORT SUMTER, February 1, 1864. There has been no firing on the fort to-day. S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, February 1, 1864. I have the honor to report that the firing was discontinued last night. A steamer and schooner discharged full cargoes of sand. An alarm was caused by the firing of a musket to seaward of the fort. The parapet was manned very satisfactorily. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lient. ~. ~. BOYLSTON, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 187 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 18~Z FORT SUMTER, February 2, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that the enemy fired four 30- pounder Parrott shots at us yesterday, 1 of which missed, and 2 last night, which missed. Forty-two-pounder, cracked band, was placed on the berm ready for shipment to the city at 7.30 this morning. The enemy opened with two 30-pounders, and afterward with a 300- pounder and four monitors and a 100-pounder Parrott from Waguer, at a blockade-runner ashore on Sullivans Island. Several shells have exploded in her. Firing still continues. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR. Lieutenant BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, February 2, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that the enemys fire was con- tinued to-day all day upon the wreck. Several shells exploded with much effect within her. At 1 p. in., she was seen to be on fire; it afterward subsided. At 2 p. in., three tugs came up to the monitors. Soon after one of the monitors opened with three field guns from her deck. To this Sullivans Island replied, exploding some shells so near the monitor that the fragments struck her and Caused a very perceptible decrease in the activity of the held-gun detachments. The bombardment of the wreck is now slowly subsiding; her back appears to be broken. Nothing of immediate interest at this post to-day; fleet unchanged. Two of the monitors are protected from torpedo-boats by projecting beams. They did not approach nearer to Sullivans Island than 2,000 yards. Their ricochet shots failed to reach the object, and that sort of firing was after awhile abandoned. The best practice was from the three 100-pounders. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, February 3, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that 2 Parrott shots were fired at the fort yesterday which struck, and 1 last night which also struck. The firing on the wreck continued last night from 30-pounder Par- rotts at Gregg, and was resumed slowly this morning by their guns and two monitors, one of which had field pieces again on her deck. Captain Mulvaney, 6 officers, and 100 men, from Twenty-seventh South Carolina Volunteers, relieved Captain Burgess detachment from Twenty-fifth South Carolina Volunteers last night. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 188 188 s. o., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. LOHAP. XLVII. FORT SUMTER, February 4, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that 3 shots were fired at the fort yesterday morning which struck, and 3 last night, which exploded over head. A rifled 42-pounder was mounted night before last in the northwest pan-coup~. One monitor is firing 11-inch and 15- inch shells at the wreck this morning. The sea being smooth the ricochet fire is effective. The fleet consists of Ironsides, 4 monitors, 14 sailing vessels, 2 gun- boats, 1 tug inside; 10 schooners, 5 steamers in Light-House~ Inlet; S blockaders, 2 schooners, and 2 tugs outside. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR Lieutenant- Golonel, Uomman~ing. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, February 5, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that there was no firing at the fort yesterday. No change visible in the fleet this morning. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Oolonel, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, February 6, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that the 42-pounder rifle, with cracked band, was removed to the city last night by Mr. Lacoste. All quiet yesterday and last night. Weather too thick for correct observations of fleet. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- C~alonel, C~ommanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, February 7, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that Capt. II. T. Kennon, 6 offi- cers, and 100 men, from Colquitts brigade, relieved Captain Cul- peppers detachment last night. The fleet consists of the iron-dads, ~as usual, 5 tugs, and 15 sailing vessels inside; 5 blockaders and 2 schooners outside; 4 steamers, 8 schooners, and 3 steam derricks iii Light-House Inlet. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant-Colonel. Commanding. Lient. S. C. Boy L5TON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 189 Cii~. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 189 FORT SUMTER, February 9, 1864. - SIR: I have the honor to report the fleet the same as usual this morning; it is difficult to say whether there are four or five monitors. One shot fired at the fort yesterday. Lieutenant Kemper, 2 officers, and 60 men relieved Captain Colhoun last night. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant A6~jutant-General. FORT SUMTER, February 12, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that there is only one steamer in Light-House Inlet this morning. Ten schooners remain and the rest of the fleet is unchanged. The flag-staff at the middle battery was shot away by our guns last night; it has been replaced this morning. Small working parties at Gregg and Wagner. Captain Carson, 2 officers, and 50 men from Twenty-Fifth South Carolina Volunteers, and Lieutenant McJunkin, 2 officers, and 50 men from Eighteenth South Carolina Volunteers, relieved Captain Morrison, of Colquitts brigade, who was ordered to report to the brigade. General Colquitt on James Island. Forty-two-pounder rifle arrived. One shell fired yesterday; fragments struck. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, February 13, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that two self-anchoring torpedoes were cut adrift last night between this post and Fort Moultrie on the ebb tide. I directed the navy guard-boat, under the command of Midshipman Wilkins, to accompany the torpedo-boat and locate op- eration. An 8-inch rifle was mounted last night in the casemate on the northwest face next southwest of the new sally-port. Weather too hazy for observation with the glass. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, February 14, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that 3 shots were fired at the fort yesterday, all of which struck. As our flag was being lowered a single shot wa~ fired wbieh cut off the staff near the top; it wa Page 190 190 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. regarded generally as being a good shot. Steam water-boat arrived last night. Banded 32-pounder rifle shipped to the city. Weather foggy; no observation. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, February 15, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the Ironsides, 4 monitors, 4 tugs, and 15 sailing vessels inside this morning; the Wabash and 4 other blockaders outside; 3 steamers and 7 schooners in Light-House Inlet. Lieutenant Johnston, 2 officers, and 50 men came prematurely from Mount Pleasant and relieved one-half of the last detachment from Colquitts brigade; the remainder will be relieved to-night. Please state this to General Jordan so that they may receive orders. No firing on this fort yesterday. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR. Lieut. ~. ~. Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanling. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, February 16, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that no change of importance has taken place in the fleet since the last report. Captain Reddy, 2 offi- cers, and 50 men from the Twenty-first Regiment South Carolina Volunteers relieved the remainder of the detachment of Colquitts brigade, under command of Captain Kennon. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. CARSON, Lient. S. C. BoYLsToN, C~aptain, C~ommanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, February 17, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the fleet unchanged in number this morning. A working party is engaged remodeling the embras- ures at Gregg and lowering their soles, which were much disturbed by the blast from the heavy guns. Two ladies were seen on the par- apet of Wagner yesterday; they were afterwards observed to visit the Ironsides. One shell fired at flag yesterday morning; three of the fragments took effect; also considered good shot. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lient. ~. C. BOYLSTON, Lieutenant-c~olonel, c1ommanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 191 Cii~. XLVII] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 191 FORT SUMTER, February 20, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the Ironsides, 4 monitors, 4 tugs, and 15 sailing vessels inside this morning; 5 blockaders outside, and 4 river steamers and 6 schooners in Light-House Inlet. No wooden gun-boats in sight except those of dee p draught used as blockaders. A party working at the outworks of Gregg, cutting down the slopes to a lower level. A detachment of 3 officers and 50 men from Eighteenth Regiment South Carolina Volunteers relieved 50 men of the Twenty-seventh South Carolina Volunteers last night. The pro- visions of paragraph 3, Special Orders, No. 39, department head- quarters, appear to have been misnnderstoqd at the headquarters of Seventh Military District, as no relief came from that quarter last night. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lient. I. JONES, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, February 21, 1864. I have the honor to report that there are two wooden gun-boats inside this morning; in other respects the fleet remains the same ex- cept that a three-masted propeller appears to be sunk outside in about 5 fathoms of water. She lies in the direction of the buoy formerly known as the Cummings Point buoy; she is one of the heavy-draught blockaders. Six officers and 100 men from the Twenty-second South Carolina Volunteers and 3 officers and 54 men from the Holcombe Legion relieved 9 officers and 150 men from the Eighteenth South Carolina Volunteers. I must call attention to the fact that no order for nor notice of this change was extended to nie. Two shots were fired at us yesterday, both of which struck. The soles of all the embrasur~s at Gregg have been lowered and their splay very much increased, affording greater facilities for the guns to assist in defense against an attack. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lient. I. JONES, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, February 22, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the fleet unchanged this morning; all colors flying; a national salute was fired at sunrise; from the rapidity of the firing and caliber of the guns, it is almost certain that the Ironsides participated. The practice of our mortar batteries on Sullivans Island has been excellent this morning, silencing the 30- pounder at Gregg. Four Parrott shots fired yesterday; 3 struck, I mortar shell missed. Captain Fleming with 60 men relieved Lieu- tenant Keruper last night. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieut. I. JONES Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 192 192 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE CTA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. FORT SUMTER, February 23, 1864. SIR: All quiet and hazy this morning. Two shots hit yesterday. Two of enemys picket-boats approaChed within 500 yards last night. If they return to-night I will open with boat howitzer from north berm. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR. Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant A~jutant-General. FORT SUMTER, February 24, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that Captain China, 2 lieutenants, and 50 men from the Twenty-fifth relieved Captain Carsons detach- ment last night, and Captain Brown, 3 officers, and 50 men from the Twenty-seventh relieved Lieutenant Lance. Weather hazy. I omitted to mention yesterday that after the morning report was sent in on Monday the Ironsides was distinctly seen to fire two salutes, one at meridian, another at sunset. This sets at rest the question as to her armament being on board. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR. Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, February 25, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that Lieutenant Craig, Twenty- first South Carolina Volunteers, with 50 men, was relieved by Lieu- tenant Galloway, Twenty-third South Carolina Volunteers, with 50 men, last night. The morning being hazy no observation can be taken of the fleet. At 8 p. in., musketry fire was seen near the 2,500- yard buoy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. J. CHINA (Japtain, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Ao~jutant-General. FORT SUMTER, February 26, 1864. Our picket-boat, commanded by Boatswain Smith, captured Yankee picket-boat containing 1 officer and 5 men. S. ELLIOTT, JR. Colonel RHETT. FORT SUMTER, February 29, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the Ironsides. 4 monitors, 3 wooden gun-boats, 5 tugs, and 12 sailing vessels in Light-House Inlet, and 5 blockaders outside. There are several vessels and Page 193 XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 193 derrick near the sunken sloop of war. Two tugs came within half a mile of the fort last night. Fort Moultrie was notified of it and fired a few shots, npon which they retired. One shot was fired yes- terday, which missed. Very respectfully, yaur obedient servant S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, February 29, 1864. Sixteen of Captain Flemings men refuse to answer to their names when mustered; they do not refuse to do duty, but appear to think that by answering they will virtually re-enlist, which they are uii- willing to do until the decision of the Secretary of War is officially published. If there. are any orders on the subject please send them down by to-nights boat. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieut. S. C. BOYLSToN. Liemtenant-Colonel, & c. FORT SUMTER, February 29, 1864. The detachment of the Holcombe Legion left this post on the night of the 27th February for Charleston, expecting to proceed to Savannah to rejoin their command. S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant BOYLSToN, C~olonel, 6Yommandiug. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, March 1, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the Ironsides, 4 monitors, 1 gun- boat, 10 sailing vessels, 1 derrick, 6 schooners inside, and 5 tugs from blockaders outside, and 4 schooners and a steamer in Light- House Inlet. There were no shots fired at the fort yesterday. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. H. WILDS, Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Captain, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, March 2, 1864. SIR: The following omitted in yesterdays report: Three tugs came up to Cummings Point buoy and were made quickly to retire by 3 shots from Sullivans Island. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. 13 R RVOL XXXV, PT Page 194 194 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. FORT SUMTER, March 2, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the Ironsides, 4 monitors, 4 tugs, 1 gun-boat, and 11 sailing vessels inside; 7 blockaders outside; 6 schooners and 1 steamer in Light-House Inlet. Six shots were fired ~di a working party attempting to remove the Brooke gun from the crest of the sea face to the berm ; all struck; no one hnrt. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR. Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, March 3, 1864. I have the honor to report the Ironsides, 4 monitors, and 12 sailing vessels inside the bar, 4 blockaders ontside, and 6 schooners and 2 steamers in Light-House Inlet. No shots were yesterday fired. The wall gun, marked R. Rushton, and 50 rounds of ammunition were received last night. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. H. WILDS - Captain, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, March 4, 1864. I have the honor to report the fleet unchanged. Lieutenant Moody, 2 officers, and 50 men, from Twenty-third South Carolina Volunteers, relieved Lieutenant Sims with the same force from Twenty-second. Twenty-four-pounder shipped to city last night. No shots. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant-Colonel, & c. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, March 5, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the Ironsides, 4 monitors, 6 tugs, and 13 sailing vessels inside; 7 schooners, 2 steamers in Light- House Inlet, and 5 blockaders. The Brooke gun was placed upon the berm on the night of the 2d for transportation to the city. There were no shots fired at the fort yesterday. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. H. WILDS C~aptain, G~ommanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 195 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HA1~BOR, ETC. 195 FORT SUMTER, March 6, 1864. SIR: Owing to the haziness of the atmosphere no observation can be taken of the fleet. The Brooke gun and a 10-inch are lying on the berm of the sea face. Seven shots were yesterday fired at the fort, all of which struck; 1 shell wounded 2 men. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. H. WILDS, Captain, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, March 7, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the Ironsides, 4 monitors, 2 gun- boats, 13 sailing vessels, and 6 tugs inside; 7 blockaders and a schooner near Beach Inlet; a derrick and schooner at the wreck, and 3 steamers and 5 schooners in Light-House Inlet. No activity apparent on Morris Island. Captain Parker, First Artillery, Cap- tain McKerall, Twenty-fifth South Carolina Volunteers, and Captain Walter, Twenty-seventh South Carolina Volunteers, relieved de- tachments of 60, 50, and 50 men from the same corps, respectively, last night. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, ]Ilarch 8, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report no change of importance has taken place in the fleet. Lieutenant McKinney, with 50 men of the Twenty-second South Carolina Volunteers, relieved Lieutenant Able and 50 men of the same command. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. H. WILDS, Captain, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, March 9, 1864. I have the honor to report that there are S monitors inside this morning; in other respects the fleet is about the same, except that only one blockader is visible, which may be owing to their remote- ness and the thickness of the weather. Ten shells fired last night, 8 of which exploded over the fort, 1 struck the slope, and 1 passed over. Gregg opened on Sinikins this morning, who replied, together with Sullivans Island. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Acting Assistant i4djutant-General Page 196 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. FORT SUMTER, March 10, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that no correct observations have been made this morning. Two tugs are lying at the picket station and two monitors abreast of the 2,500-yard buoy. At 8 oclock two large barges floated np the channel in the direction of Mount Pleas- ant, where they will probably be recovered. The wind was too high to attempt it from this post. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, March 12, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that one monitor has just gone to the southward, leaving four. Some of the wooden vessels are pro- vided with projecting beams and chairs for defense against tor- pedoes. A mortar or the re-enforce of. a burst gun has just been carried away from Gregg. S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, March 13, 1864. SIR: There are again four monitors inside this morning. The whole infantry garrison was relieved last night. It now consists of Captain Hopkins, Twenty-seventh South Carolina, 52 men; Captain Tarrh, Twenty-first, 50 men; Captain Mazyck, Twenty-fifth, 48 men; Captain Covington, Twenty-third, 49 men; Lieutenant Vaughan, Twenty-second, 92 men. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Eieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, March 14, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report nothing unusual this morning with the exception of a number of officers and two ladies visited Gregg, placed a telescope glass on the battery for the purpose of reviewing the harbor. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gencrctl Page 197 CliAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 197 FORT SUMTER, March 15, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report all quiet this morning. Last night at 10.30 oclock several musket shots were fired in the direc- tion of the fort from the mouth of Vincents Creek. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, - Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, March 15, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that the eiiemy opened on crib- work on east angle at 10.30 a. in., firing 143 shots from two 100- pounders at middle battery; one 200-pounder and one 30-pounder Parrott at Gregg; 100 shots struck, cutting away some portion of the crib-work; 5 men were wounded; none dangerously; 1 negro dan- gerously. Firing ceased at sunset. Your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON Acting Assistaul Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, March 16, 1864. I have the honor to report that the enemy resumed their fire on the east angle this morning, but ceased after a few rounds. The fleet remains the same. The wounded yesterday were William Scar- borough, Company D, Twenty-first South Carolina Volunteers, se- vere fracture clavicle and humerus; Solomon Higgins, Chaplain Freeman, and J. F. Wilkes, slightly; 1 negro, propert of aleb Caker, severely. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, March 17, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that a wooden gun-boat and a monitor went off to the southward yesterday at 1 p. m. No further change has occurred. A 42-pounder banded and rifled gun was received last night. No further firing took place yesterday beyond the 5 shots mentioned in my morning report, 4 of which struck. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General Page 198 198 ~3. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. FORT SUMTER, March 18, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report affairs as usual. Four shots were fired yesterday from light guns; 3 struck. Your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, March 19, 1864. SIR: Nothing new this morning. Forty-two-pounder rifle was mounted on evening of 17th. S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BoYLsToN, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, March 21, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report no change in the fleet, excepting the Wabash not in sight. A working party was observed at the Swamp Angel yesterday. I communicated the fact to Colonel Yates, who opened upon them. Two shots fired at the fort; 1 missed. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. LieuL S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, March 22, 1864. I havo the Jaonor to report the fleet in the same positioii, the weather having caused no change. A forage party is to be seen this morning at the Swamp Angel. Captain Parker, with 61 men of First Regiment South Carolina Artillery, was relieved last night by Captain Mitchel, with ~0 men of the same regiment. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant-Colonel. Lient. S. C. BOYL5TON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, March 23, 1864. I have the honor to report the fleet as usual. The palisades in front of the western salient of Gregg were broken down for a space of 30 yards by the surf last night. A larger number of tents than usual appear to be on Black Island. No inj~~ry h~is been done by the gale at this post. Enemy engaged in building palisades in front of middle battery. Yours, very respectfully, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- G~olonel, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYL5TON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General Page 199 CHAP. XLVIL] OPtRATIONS IN CHARLtSTON HARBOR, ETC. 199 SUMTER, llliarch 31, 1864. The condition of affairs remains nnchanged. The enemy fired 3 shots at the fort yesterday afternoon, 2 of which struck, and 4 last night, all of which struck, The position of the fleet is unchanged. Very respectfully, your obedient servant S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Golonel, Gommanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, April 1, 1864. SIR: The only change this morning is that a new enibrasure has been made for the 300-pounder looking towards this post. Four shots fired yesterday; 3 struck. Your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYL5TON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, April 2, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report all quiet this morning. Three shots fired yesterday; all struck. The post returns have not been received. Your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, April 3, 1864. SIR: Eight shots were fired while the obstructions were being taken in before daylight this morning; 6 struck, but did no damage. No further change. Your obedient servant, ~. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, April 3, 1864. Enemy commenced firing slowly from two mortars at 5 oclock this afternoon. S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON Page 200 200 S. C., FLA., AND ON TIlE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. FORT SUMTER, April 4, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the firing Continued up to 5 a. m. There were 66 mortar and 1 Parrott shell fired at the fort, of which 57 struck. One negro killed; no injury done to the work. Very respect~nlly, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR. Lieut. S. ~. BOYLSTON, Lientenani- Colonel, Commarn4ing. Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, April 5, 1864. I have the honor to report everything is quiet this morning. The enemy are engaged, with a small working party, repairing the pal- isades at Gregg. S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieut. S. ~. BOYLSTON, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, April 6, 1864. (Received 7th.) SIR: I have the honor to report that Captain Kings company relieved Captain Mitchels last night. Captain Le Gette, of Twenty- first South Carolina; Captain Sellers, Twenty-fifth, and Captain Allston, of Twenty-seventh, relieved Captains Davis, Izlar, and Chisolni, respectively. Fourteen shots firea last night; all exploded about the fort except 3. Some slight damage was done to the pal- isades and slopes at Gregg by the high tides. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, April 7, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that a fifth monitor has ~ust entered the bar; nothing else unusual. S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. S.. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Ac~jutant-General. FORT SUMTER, April 8, 1864. SIR: Five monitors still here. The detachments from the Twenty- second and Twenty-third South Carolina Volunteers were relieved last night by troops from same corps. Your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Acting Ascistant Adjutant-General Page 201 CHAP. XLVII.I OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 201 FORT SUMTER, April 9, 1864. SIR: The number of monitors unchanged since last report. Four shots were fired at the fort yesterday; 3 struck. Your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, April 10, 18649.45 a. m. SIR: No change in the fleet and no firing since last report. Your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- C~olonel, ~Jommanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYESTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, April 13, 186411.25 a. m. SIR: I have the honor to report that a frigate, supposed to be the Wabash, has returned and resumed her former station outside the bar. There are no other changes, except that a large river steamer has joined the inside fleet. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, 6~ommanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. SUMTER, April 13, 1864. Can I fire a salute of 13 guns at 12 oclock to-day in honor of the capture of this fort? The firing will be done by the gun used for firing our evening salute. Very respectfully, your obedient servant S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- cvolonel, Commanding. General BEAUREGARD. [indorsement.] Approved. G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Commanding. FORT SUMTER, April 13, 1864. SIR: By permission of the commanding general, I fire salute at meridian. Very respectfully, your obedient servaut, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. P. S.J. P. Huger, signal corps, was killed half an hour ago by a Parrott shell Page 202 202 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. FORT SUMTER, April 14, 186411 a. m. SIR: I have the honor to report everything quiet this morning. The enemy fired at the fort during yesterday 23 shots, 3 of which missed, and during the night 12 shot, half of which passed over. Very obediently, yours, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, April 15, 186411 a. m. SIR: There is nothing unusual to report this morning. The con- dition of the fleet remains the same as at last report. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. MITCHEL, Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Captain, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, April 16, 186411.30 a. m. SIR: Three shots were fired at the fort last night; 2 have just been fired; no casualties. The condition of the fleet remains the same as the last report. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. MITCHEL, Lient. S. C. BOYLsTON. Captain, Commanding. FORT SUMTER, April 17, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that the number of shots fired at the fort since last report has been 14, of which 5 passed over. The condition of the fleet remains the same, excepting the appearance of two additional war vessels outside of the bar. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. MITCHEL, Lient. S. C. BOYLsTON, Captain, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, April 18, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the condition of affairs as un- changed this morning. The number shots fired since last report is 8, 2 of which passed over, all of them last night. J. C. MITCHEL, Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Captain, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 203 CHAP. XLVIII OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. FORT SUMTER, April 19, 186411.30 a. m. SIR: I have the honor to report everything quiet this morning. Two shots were fired last night, 1 of which missed. Nothing new among the fleet. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. 0. MITCHEL, Captain, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, April 20, 186411.10 a. m. SIR: Everything remains quiet this morning. Eight shots were fired last night, 2 of which passed over. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. MITCHEL, Captain, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, April 21, 186411 a. m. SIR: All remains quiet. The Wabash and another large war steamer not in sight this morning. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. MITCHEL, C~aptain, C~ommanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant A0ntant-General. FORT SUMTER, April 22, 186411.45 p. m. The relief sent from the Twentieth to-night was 25 men and 3 offi- cers short. In the absence of orders I have consequently detained a company of the Twenty-second, which was to have been relieved. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, April 22, 186412.40 p. m. SIR : ~There is nothing of any importance to report this morning. The enemy had a small party wo~king on the Swamp Battery yes- terday, but have left off to-day, the sentinel only being apparent. The war steamer, not in sight yesterday, has reappeared. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. MITCHEL, Captain, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 204 204 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. FORT SUMTER, April 23, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that Captain Gunter, Twentieth Regiment South Carolina Volunteers, 2 officers, 64 men, and Lieu- tenant Haltiwanger, of same regiment, 2 officers, 53 men, relieved last night Lieutenant Calhoun, Twenty-third Regiment, 2 officers, 51 men; Lieutenant Able, Twenty-second Regiment, 2 officers, 53 men; and 1 officer, 9 men of Captain Deans detachment, also of Twenty-second Regiment. The 42-pounder rifle gun found in north- east angle some time ago was dismounted and is ready for shipment. Four shots were fired at the fort during the night; all struck. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. MITCHEL, Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Captain, Commanding Post. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, April 24, 186412 m. SIR: The remainder of the Twenty-second was relieved last night by a detachment from the Twentieth South Carolina Volunteers. There is nothing of iniportance to report this morning. The sentinels at Cummings Point since yesterday are composed of the enemys negro troops. Very respectfully, yours, J. C. MITCHEL Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, C~aptain, ~Jomman~ling. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, April 25, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that an additional monitor has appeared inside the bar, and also that the monitor on picket has removed her defensive outrigging. Everything remains as quiet as usual. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. MITCHEL Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, ~iJaptain, 6Yomman~ling. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, April 26, 186410.30 a. m. SIR: I have the honor to report that I resumed command last night, relieving Captain Mitchel, who returned to the city. The defensive arrangements of the fort have during my absence made considerable progress, especially upon the sea face. There are six monitors in the harbor; in other respects no change is perceived in the disposition of the enemy, either afloat or ashore. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Lieutenant-Colonel, & c. Acting Assistant Adjutant- General Page 205 CHAP. XLV1I.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 205 FORT SUMTER, April 27, 186412 m. SIR: I have the honor to report no change in the enemys lines this morning, except that negro sentinels are on duty on Morris Island. Six shots fired last idght, which burst over the fort. Cap- tain Fleming, 1 officer, and 60 men relieved Captain King. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Golonel, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, April 28, 18645 p. m. SIR: I have the honor to report that the enemy opened on the fort at 2 p. in., firing from two 10-inch and one 13-inch mortars. Fired 51 shots, of which 28 missed. Very respectfully, your obeffient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Corn inanding. Licut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. SUMTER, April 29, 18648.30 p. m. (Via signal to Sullivans Island.) I have the honor to report 158 shots, 51 of which struck. No damage done. S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lieutenant BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, April 30, 1864. (Via signal to Sullivans Island.) Two hundred and thirteen shells fired at the fort yesterday and last night; no injury. Have you any post-return blanks? Please answer. S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BoYLsToN, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS, Fort Sumter, April 30, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that 142 shells have been fired dur- ing the day, of which 92 missed. No change has been observed in the fleet. A number of wagons were engaged hauling ammunition to the mortar battery this afternoon. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 206 206 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. HEADQUARTERS, Fort Sumter, ]Iliay 1, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that 142 shells were fired during the day yesterday, of which 92 missed. After dark 25 were fired, of which 13 missed, the fire ceasing at 8.30 p. m. At 11.45 a volley of seven mortars at least was fired from the middle battery. This number is included in the sum of 25. Captain Bateman, Sixth Georgia; Captain Keeley, Nineteenth Georgia, and Captain Grace, Twenty-seventh Georgia, each with 2 lieutenants and 30 men, relieved the same number of troops from Hagoods brigade, under the command of Captains Hammond, Clarkson, and Reddy. Much ammunition transported to mortar battery in the afternoon. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. Two volleys of 7 shells each fired to-day; one at 1 p. in., the other at 6.30 p. in. FORT SUMTER, May 2, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that two volleys of 7 shells were fired yesterday; one at 1 p. in., and two at 7 p. m. No one hurt. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, May 3, 18643 p. in. Fourteen shots fired yesterday at the fort; slow firing going on now; no damage. S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lieutenant BOYLSTON. SUMTER, May 3, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that two volleys of 7 mortar shells were fired yesterday, one at 6 a. in., the other at 12 m. One negro severely wounded. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General Page 207 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 207 SUMTER, May 4, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that 61 mortar shells were fired yesterday, of which 24 struck; and 31 last night, of which 11 struck. A portion of the shelling last night was evidently done to prevent work on the boom in front of the fort. The telegraph cable was re- united last night. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. ELLIOTT, JR., Lieutenant- Colonel, Comrnandir& g. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, May 5, 186412.59 p. m. SIR: I have the honor to report everything quiet this morning. The sentinels on Gregg are negroes. Besides the Ironsides and 6 monitors, there are only 2 war vessels inside the bar and 2 block- aders outside. Thirteen shells fired at the fort yesterday, 3 of which struck. Very respectfully, tour obedient servant, J. C. MITCHEL, Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Captain, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, May 6, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report nothing unusual this morning. Negro sentinels in the enemys batteries. A small working party engaged in hauling sods to middle battery. Very respectfully, your obedient servant J. C. MITCHEL, Gaptain, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON. FORT SUMTER, May 7, 186412.15 p. m. SIR: I have the honor to report nothing nunsual this morning. A small working party hauling sods to middle battery. Fifteen shells from mortars fired at the fort last night, of which 12 struck. Very respectfully, your obedient servant J. C. MITCHEL, Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Captain, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, May 8, 186411.30 a. m. SIR: I have the honor to report everything quiet here this morn- ing. Five Parrott shells fired at the fort about 9 oclock to-day; all struck. A detachment from First Artillery reported here last night. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. MITC~HEL, Lieut. ~. ~. BOYLSToN, Captain, Commanding Post. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 208 208 5. C., FLA., AND GIN THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. FORT SUMTER, May 9, 186411 a. m. SIR: I have the honor to report everything quiet here this morn- ing. Captain Grace, 50 men of Twenty-seventh Georgia Regiment, were sent off last night, 40 men of the First Artillery having arrived to relieve them the night previous. Another field gun was observed mounted at Gregg this morning on the parapet, between the 200- pounder and the 30-pounders. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. MITCHEL, Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Captain, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, May 9, 18641 p. m. SIR: The enemy have a gin hoisted over one of the 100-pounder guns in middle battery. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. MITCHEL, Lient. S. ~. BoYLsTON, C1aptain, Commanding Post. Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, May 9, 18646.50 p. m. Seven monitors now inside the bar. J. C. MITCHEL, Lieut. S. C. BoYLsTON, Captain, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, May 10, 186410.10 a. m. SIR: I have the honor to report there [are] seven monitors inside the bar, and for the last two days steamers have been observed visit- ing them, I suppose supplying them with ammunition. There is a small working party near the flag-staff in middle battery, and the gin mentioned yesterday is still in position, doubtless for the pur- pose of mounting a gun, as there is none to be seen under it now. Yesterday evening a volley of 6 mortar shells was fired at the fort, S of which struck. Two Parrott shells, both of which struck, were fired also. This morning 4 shots from a 10-inch columbiad in the extreme left of middle battery were fired at the east angle; 2 struck. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. MITCHEL, Captain, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, May 11, 186412.35 p. m. No firing on this post for the last twenty-four hours. Gin re- moved from over carriage on which was formerly mounted 100 Page 209 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. ~09 pounder Parrott second from our left of middle battery, arid no gnu put in its place. Field pieces removed from parapet of Battery Gregg. Fleet as usual. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain, Commanding Post. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. SUMTER, May 13, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that the enemy opened fire on the east angle of fort shortly before 9 oclock, and up to this time (10 oclock) have fired 23 shots, 20 of which struck; firing continues. The water-boat did not come down last night, and as we have only enough water to last ns the day, it is absolutely necessary that she should be sent to-night. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. W. PARKER, Captain, Commanding Post. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. SUMTER, May 13, 18641 p. m. SIR: You have already been informed of the fire opened upon the fort by the land batteries of the enemy, since which report a monitor has approached and opened upon the sea face. C. W. PARKER, Captain, ~Jommandtng Post. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, JliLay 13, 18643 p. m. No particular cause for enemys firing; seems to be premeditated. One 200-pounder and one 10-inch columbiad in Gregg, one 100- pounder and two columbiads in middle battery are firing; also two monitors. C. W. PARKER. Lient. I. JONES. SUMTER, May 13, 18648 p. m. SIR: I have the honor to report 238 shots fired from land guns, 27 of which missed; 180 monitor shots, 43 of which missed. A private of the Twentieth Regiment, who had his foot taken off by a fragment of shell, is the only man hurt. Damage trifling in interior of fort. The engineer has not yet repo~:ted on the condition of outs~ide. The fire has almost ceased. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. W. PARKER, Captain, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. 14 R RYOL XXXV, PT Page 210 21Q S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. FORT SUMTER, May 13, 18648 p. m. All quiet, except an occasional Parrott shell. Fired since 8 a. m. 33 shots, of which 9 missed. Five monitors in sight. J. C. MITCHEL, Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Captain, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. SUMTER, May 13, 186410 p. m. SIR: No particular damage done to fort; slow firin~ from mor- tars now going on. Private G. S. Burgess, Company , Twentieth Regiment, is the man wounded. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. MITCHEL, Captain, Commanding Post. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. SUMTER, May 14, 18648 a. m. I have the honor to report 2 Parrotts, three 10-inch columbiads, and seventy-four 10-inch mortar shells fired at the fort since 6 p. m. yesterday; no damage done. Shelling last night very poor; of the 74 mortar shells fired 48 struck outside. One man, Peter Moser, Company C, First South Carolina Artillery, slightly wounded. J. C. MITCHEL, Lieut. ~. C. BOYLSTON, Captain, Commanding Post, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, May 14, 186411 a. m. SIR: The fire of the enemy is at the east angle and part of the sea face near it; the monitors are firing from 15-inch, 11-inch, and, I believe, 200-pounder Parrotts; the land guns same as yesterday. The engineer in charge advises me to suggest that it would be greatly to our advantage if the fire of the enemy could be diverted by our batteries at Fort Johnson and Sullivans Island. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. MITCHEL, Lieut. ~. C. BOYLSTON, Captain, Commanding Post. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, May 14, 18645.55 p. m. None of the Twentieth Regiment now here came from Branch- ville. J. C. MITCJIEL Lieut. ~. ~. BOYLSTON, Captain, Commanding Post~ Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 211 Ciw~. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 211 FORT SUMTER, May 14, 18648 p. m. The number of shots fired at fort to-day is as follows: From mow itors, 70, of which 46 struck; Parrott guns on land, 177, of which 160 struck; columbiads, 98, of which 83 struck; mortars, 2, none struck. Total fired from 8 a. m. to 7 p. in., 347, of which 289 struck. The fire from land guns became rapid at 9 a. m. The first monitor came in at 10, the second half an hour later; the second retired at 12.30 p. in., the first at 3. Firing from guns has ceased, that from mortars commenced. One monitor was seen moving southward over the bar this afternoon; she is not one of those engaged either yes- terday or to-day. One negro slightly wounded in the leg this after- noon. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. MITCHEL, Lient. S. C. BoYLSToN, Captain, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, May 15, 186410 a. m. Have the honor to report all quiet. From 7 p. m. yesterday there have been fired 12 Parrott shot, of which 1 missed the fort; and 21 mortar shell, of which 8 missed. One negro workman killed; no one else hurt, and no damage done. Six monitors inside bar; rest of fleet as usual. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain, Corwmanding Post. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, May 16, 18649.30 a. in. From 8 a. m. yesterday to 8 this morning the e~emy has fired at this post 80 Parrott shells, of which 23 missed. No one hurt and no damage done. Fleet as yesterday, except that there are two moni- tors in front of the fort. J. C. MITCHEL, Lieutenant BOYLsTON, Captain, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, May 16, 18641 p. in. Very pretty little engagement just terminated. At 11.15 a. in., two monitors moved up and opened fire on east angle and face; Sullivans Island immediately replied, and after an hours sharp fire drove them both off. Each of them was struck several times, and one evidently seriously injured; pilot-house torn to ribbons. On leaving both showed as signal pennant colored white, red, and white. The usual slow fire from Morris Island has been resumed. No one hurt and no damage done. J. C. MITCHEL, Lient. S. C. BOYLsTON, Captain, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 212 212 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. FORT SUMTER, llfay 17, 18649.35 a. m. Since 8 a. m. yesterday there have been fired at this post 144 Par- rott shells, of which 33 missed; 22 columbiad shot, of which 3 missed, and 22 monitor shot, of which 4 missed. All the fire directed at east angle; not much further damage done. Two negroes slightly wounded. One of the monitors left last night~ but five remain. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain, Commanding Post. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. SUMTER, ]Jliay 18, 186410.30 a. m. There are six monitors in sight this morning. One of the 30- pouuder Parrotts is being removed from Gregg. There have beeu fired at this post since S a. m. yesterday 106 Parrott shells, of which 31 missed the fort. No one hurt and no (lamage. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain, Commanding Post. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, May 19, 18649.45 a. m. I have the honor to report 32 shots fired at fort since yesterday evening, 26 of which struck, all 30-pounder Parrotts. Captain Keeley, Nineteenth Georgia, 2 officers, 30 men, was relieved by Lieutenant Siddall and 48 men, Twentieth Regiment South Caro- lina Volunteers. Very respectfully, J. C. MITCHEL Captain, Commanding. Lieutenant BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjnta~nt-General. SUMTER, May 20, 18642 a. m. Enemys barges are nearly on a line with telegraph posts between here and Fort Johnson, and about one-third of distance from here. They seem still advancing. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain, Commanding Post. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON. SUMTER, May 20, 18642.40 a. m. The barges have gone back to near Gregg. J. C. MITCHEL. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON Page 213 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 213 SUMTER, May 20, 18643 a. m. Attempt to Cut the telegraph wire, I think of six of enemys barges. I fired on them with boat howitzer and they retreated, re- plying 1 shot. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain, Commanding. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. SUMTER, May 20, 1864. SIR: Six shots fired at fort since last report; 2 missed. The firing Ceased at 10 a. m. The fleet quiet; five monitors in sight. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. MITCHEL, Captain, Commanding Post. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, May 20, 1864tO a. m. SIR: I have the honor to report that six of enemys boats came between this fort and James Island, as far as the line of telegraph posts, about 1.30 a. m. When they turned to go out, I fired 4 shells at them from boat howitzer, but without hurting them. The enemy replied with 3 shots from Gregg, none of which struck. A shot was also fired from a howitzer in one of the boats, which passed over. Lieutenant Cannon, Company F, Twentieth Regiment, was wounded in the heel by a gun accidentally fired by one of his own men. The monitor on picket has removed her torpedo guard. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. MITCHEL, Captain, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. SUMTER, May 21, 18647 oclock. The enemy have just brought a 30-pounder Parrott down to Gregg, to replace, I suppose, the one removed a few days ago. J. C. MITCHEL, C~aptain, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTQN, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, May 21, 1864. SIR: Everything quiet here this morning. I am still 6 officers short; none has arrived in Lieutenant Whitridges place. Four shots from Gregg fired, 2 at the fort (1 hit) and 2 at boats near wharf (both missed). Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. MITCHEL, Captain, Commanding Post. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON Page 214 214 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CRAP. XLVII. SUMTER, Hay 22, 18642 a. m. Five of enemys barges coming up to line of telegraph posts, same p lace as night before last; more of them lying at Vincents Creek. I would prefer your opening on them. Range from Johnson about the same to second or third shoi to-day with 10-inch rifle. J. C. MITCHEL, Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Captain, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, and Colonel YATES. FORT SUMTER, Hay 22, 18649.30 a. m. SIR: Everything quiet here this morning. Enemys barges came in again last night at 2 oclock, between this fort and Shell Point, but did not come in so far as they did two nights ago. Six officers and 200 men Twentieth Regiment were relieved last night by 4 offi- cers and 150 men Thirty-second Georgia Regiment. Captain Bate- mans company could not be carried by the boats and is still here. Very respectfully, J. C. MITCHEL, Captain, Commanding. Lieut. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. SUMTER, May 25, 1864. Everything quiet here this morning. The enemy put up a flag- staff at Gregg during the night. There is a small working party engaged in sodding in the same battery. Very respectfully, J. C. MITCHEL, Captain, Commanding Post. Lient. S. C. BOYLSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, May 2~, 18649.20 a. m. Last night at 1 oclock one of the enemys barges fired a shot from a boat howitzer at the fort. At the same time they fired some small-arms at us. This was followed shortly by another, after which it pulled off in the direction of Cummings Point. I did not fire at it. There was 1 Parrott shot fired at fort this morning which struck. J. C. MITCHEL Captain, Commanding. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant- General. SUMTER, May 29, 186410 oclock. Everything quiet here this morning. Lient. H. M. Stuart re- ported last night for duty at this post. A bronze field piece mounte Page 215 CiIn. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 215 at Gregg during the night, pointing toward middle battery; two monitors at picket station. We have enough water to last until to-night; no more. Can you not have the boat fixed to-day? If not, the water must be sent in some other way. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain, Commanding. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant- General. SUMTER, June 2, 18649.30 a. m. Fifty-five mortar shells fired at fort since last report; 14 missed. Two Parrott shells fired this morning; 1 missed; nobody hurt. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant- General. SUMTER, June 2, 186411.40 a. m. A 300-pounder Parrott shell has just dismounted a 24-pounder flank casemate howitzer in an important position, breaking the iron wheels and other parts beyond our power of repair. There are two pieces of the same kind with carriages, and all lying useless at Moultrie, I understand. Cannot I have one of them? Four ne- groes slightly wounded since morning report. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain, Commanding Post. Capt. W. F. NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. SUMTER, June 2, 18648 p. m. Thirty-nine mortar shells fired at fort; 25 missed; 4 Parrott, 1 missed; 1 of these from 300-pounder. Dismounted 24-pounder how- itzer. Three negroes badly scared; none hurt. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain, Commanding. Captain NANCE. FORT SUMTER, June 3, 18649.50 a. m. Eleven Parrott shells fired at fort during the night; 4 missed. A negro on the steam-boat was severely wounded by fragment of one of them as she was approaching the fort. All quiet this morning. C. A. WILLIS, Capt., Thirty-second Georgia, Commanding Post. Captain NANCE Page 216 216 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [Cii~p. XLVII. FORT SUMTER, June 4, 18647.40 p. m. All right. Enemy recommenced mortar fire about 9 this morn- ing; fired 23 shots, of which 10 missed. J. C. MITCHEL Captain NANCE, Captain, Comman~1ing. Assistant Adjutant-General. 4 FORT SUMTER, June 5, 18649.25 a. m. Thirty-seven mortar shells fired since last report; 23 missed. Fleet as usual. Calcium light shown last night from Battery Gregg. J. C. MITCHEL Captain NANCE, Captain, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, June 5, 18648.20 p. m. Thirty-nine mortar shells fired at fort since last report; 21 missed. Also 8 Parrott shells; 1 missed. No one hurt. J. C. MITCHEL Captain NANCE, Captain, Commanling. Assistant Adjutant- General. SUMTER, June 6, 1864. No shots since last report. The Ironsides has moved out over the bar, and lies now about 6 miles off. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, June 7, 18649.30 a. m. Five Parrott shells fired at fort yesterday evening; 2 missed. The Ironsides not in sight this morning. J. C. MITCHEL Captain NANCE, C~aptain, Comman~4ing. Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, June 9, 186410.15 a. m. Everything quiet here this morning. Four shots fired at fort yes- terday evening; 2 missed. J. C. MITCHEL Captain NANCE, Captain, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant- General Page 217 21T CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. SUMTER, June 11, .186411 oclock. Quiet as usual here this morning. Two shots fired at fort last night; both struck. A small working party to be seen on Wagner. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant A~]utant-General. FORT SUMTER, June 12, 186410.20 a. m. Everything quiet here this morning. Lieutenants Videtto and Dawson, Thirty-second Georgia, were relieved last night by Lieu- tenants Cardin and Persons, same regiment. Sixteen rifle shells fired at fort yesterday; 10 struck. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain, Commanding. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, June 13, 1864. The health of the garrison is very good. Out of some 280 white troops there are only 8 on sick report; none serious, and 5 very slighily. Only 4 men have been considered sick enough during the past month to send up to city hospital, chiefly diarrhea and tonsilitis. Do you want a more extended written report? J. C. MITCHEL, Captain, & c. Captain NANCE. SUMTER, June 13, 186410.20 oclock. Everything quiet here this morning. Thirteen Parrott shots fired at fort yesterday; I struck. Also 17 shots from small rifle gun on deck of picket monitor, 2 of which struck. No boat came down last night. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain, Commanding Post. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, June 14, 186410.45 a. m. The enemy are keeping up more communication by boats among the vessels of the fleet than usual. Some slight change of position in the light pieces at Gregg; also the 30-pounder which they had firing at the Etowah is returned to its original position. A few shots from 30-pounder fired at fort this morning. J. C. MIITCHEL, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 218 218 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. FORT SUMTER, June 15, 186411 a. m. Everything as usual this morning. Five Parrott shells fired at fort yesterday; 2 missed. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain NANCE, Captain. Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, June 16, 186410 a. m. Yankees have working parties on Wagner, middle battery, and Gregg; that on Wagner quite Considerable in size. Three-masted steamer, supposed to be Canandaigna, which has been absent for some time, has reappeared. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain NANCE, Captain, Commanding Post. Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, June 17, 1864. All quiet here. Four shells fired at fort; 1 hit. Signaling be- tween fleet and Morris Island last night at 12 oclock. Working party at Gregg now. MITCHEL, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, June 17, 18649.30 p. m. Unusual number of rockets thrown up from monitors and Morris Island. Monitors fired a shot in direction of Sullivans Island; boat to be seen in mouth of Vincents Creek. J. C. MITCHEL. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, June 19, 186412.10 p. ni. Everything as usual here this morning. Ten Parrott shells fired at fort yesterday; 6 struck. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, June 20, 186411.45 a. m. All quiet to-day. Working party sodding at Gregg. Two shells fired at the fort; 1 struck. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain NANCE, Captain, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant-General Page 219 Cnip. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 219 FORT SUMTER, June 20, 18649.10 p. m. Twenty-six Parrott shots fired at fort to-day; 11 missed. The flag-staff shot away at 1.30 oclock by second shell fired, and replaced under sharp fire by Lient. C. H. Claiborne, First South Carolina Infantry [regulars], assisted by N. F. Devereaux and B. Brannon, of engineer department. ~. MITCHEL, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, June 20, 1864. It occurs to me that I did not use sufficiently strong terms in my last report in speaking of the exceeding gallantry of the men who replaced the flag to-day; it took some time to accomplish, under a rapid fire, and at the most imminent personal risk. If, as usual, it be intended to notice the act in the papers, please have stronger terms of praise used than in my previous report. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain, Commanding Post. Capt. W. F. NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General~ FORT SUMTPR, June 22, 186410.20 a. m. Fourteen shots fired at fort yesterday; 6 struck. There are six monitors inside the bar to-day. Wagons hauling to middle battery and Gregg, some with lumber, some I suppose with ammunition. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant- General. SUMTER, June 24, 186410.10 a. m. Everything quiet. Twenty-two Parrott shells fired; 7 missed; 8 mortar shells, 3 missed; all since last report. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, June 2~, 186410.30 a. m. Everything quiet here this marning. Three Parrott shots fired at fort yesterday at 3 oclock; all struck. The first cut away the flag- staff, when another with storm flag was raised in the place. A vol- ley of mortar shells (7 in number) fired in the afternoon; 5 struck or burst over fort. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 220 220 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. FORT SUMTER, June 25, 186411.20 a. m. Three-hundred-pounder Parrott from middle battery opened on south angle and teazing fire of 30-pounder on gorge wall. Working parties on Gregg and Wagner; gin up at latter. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain NANCE, Gaptain, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, June 26, 18648.30 p. m. The enemys tents on Morris Island have Considerably increased in number; our flag-staff was cut down twice to-day within two min- utes; the second time while being replaced, in the face of sharp fire, by Privates Walter Steele, of the Gist Guard Artillery, and D. E. Badger, Company I, Twentieth South Carolina Volunteers, to whose gallantry I beg leave to call attention. The last staff put up has since been splintered. The enemys staff at Battery Gregg was shot down from Fort Johnson. Private Moses Davis, Gist Guard, has been severely wounded and his leg cut off. J. C. MITCHEL, Capt. W. F. NANCE, Captain, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant-General. SUMTER, June 27, 186410.20 a. m. Thirty-four shots fired at fort yesterday; 10 missed. Flag-staff shot away twice. Private Moses Davis, Gist Guard, was struck by a fragment and died in an hour. Small working party at Wagner to-day. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, June 28, 186410 a. m. Sixteen shots fired at fort yesterday; 6 missed. Lieutenants Clai- borne and Rhett, First South Carolina Infantry [regulars], relieved by Lieutenants Quattlebaum and Stoney, of same command. Everything as usual here this morning. Wagons hauling to Gregg. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, June 29, 186411 a. m. Working parties at Gregg and middle battery. All quiet here. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain, & c. Captain NANCE, Assistant Ac~jutant-General Page 221 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 221 FORT SUMTER, July 7, 18644 p. m. The enemy continue a heavy fire on ns. Their evident intention is to destroy our boom and onr defenses against assault, as also to break through the gorge wall. In the first part of their plan they have to some extent succeeded. The fire is quite as damaging as any bombardment since the year commenced. We have no labor to repair. Cant you send me 50 more men? J. C. MITCHEL, Captain. Capt. W. F. NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS FIRST MILITARY DISTRICT, Charleston, July 7, 1864. Respectfully forwarded, for information of department. I have replied to Captain Mitchel that I have no force of laborers or soldiers to send him. R. S. RIPLEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding. FORT SUMTER, July 7, 18646. 10 p. m. Our flag has been cut down three times, and is torn to pieces. Can you not have me sent the one I made requisition for? J. C. MITCHEL, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, July 8, 186411.35 a. m. Fire of the enemy not quite so rapid as yesterday. They ceased firing about 12 oclock last night, and did not recommence until day- light. Twenty shots fired during the night; 4 missed. There is another gun of large caliber mounted at Wagner this morning. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain, Commanding. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, July 8, 18648.30 p. m. Three hundred and forty-six shots fired since daylight; 20 missed. Fire continued slowly from 30-pounder Parrotts. The smallest favors in the shape of laborers thankfully received. The monitors have been loading up, apparently with ammunition. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 222 222 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. FORT SUMTER, July 9, 1864--12 m. Fifty-two shots fired during night; 12 missed. Firing this morn- ing about as rapid as yesterday. A new rifle gun mounted at Gregg in the place of 10-inch columbiad missing for several days. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, July 9, 18649 p. m. Two hundred and seventy-three shots fired to-day; 27 missed. The gun mounted at Gregg last night is a 200-pounder. A gun mounted at middle battery to-day supposed to be a 100-pounder. Slow firing from 30-pounders now going on. J. C. MITCHEL, Gaptain, Gommanding. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, July 10, 18641.40 p. m. Seventy-six shots fired during the night; 28 missed. Private M. D. Howell, Gist Guard, slightly wounded yesterday J. C. MITCHEL, Gaptain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, July 10, 18648.05 p. m. One hundred and sixty-four shots fired at fort to-day; 17 missed; most of them from 200-pounder guns in Gregg and middle battery. The picket monitor fired 3 shots at fort just after daylight this morning; 2 missed. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain, Commanding. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, July 11, 186411.30 a. m. Thirty-seven shells fired during the night; 12 missed Firing this morning slightly more rapid than yesterday from two guns in Gregg and two in middle battery. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 223 Ciw. XLVJI.I OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 223 FORT SUMTER, July 11, 18648.40 p. m. Enemy has fired rather more rapidly to-day and on the same points. One hundred and seventy-six Parrott shots have been fired at us to-day, of which only 4 missed. Six monitors in sight (an increase of two) and a large steamer seen coming from southward this evening. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain NANCE, Captain, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, July 12, 18648 p. m. One hundred and sixty-two shells fired at fort to-day; 5 missed. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain NANCE, Captain. Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, July 12, 1864.10.40. Firing to-day from three 8-inch Parrotts, two in Gregg and one in middle battery. Shots fired during the night, 63, of which 12 missed. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain NANCE, Captain, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, July 13, 1864. Forty shots fired during night; 9 missed. Three guns in Wagner, all firing to-day; also the 200-pounders at Gregg and middle battery. The 100-pounder at middle battery I have reason to believe was burst this morning. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain NANCE, Captain. Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, July 13, 18648 p. m. Two hundred and thirty-four shots fired at fort to-day; 32 missed. Most of their shells this afternoon were loaded with incendiary com- position, which has done no damage, however. The firing has been from both Gregg and Wagner, and chiefly from 8-inch rifles; very little assistance given us by Sullivans Island; none by Fort John- son. J. C. MJTCHEL, Captain NANCE, Captain. Assistant Adjutant-General Page 224 224 S. C., FLA., AND ON TIlE CA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. FORT SUMTER, July 14, 1864. The firing this morning is from two guns in Wagner and one in middle battery; this last is the one supposed to have burst yester- day. Private Lemuel Findley, Company B, Thirty-second Georgia, slightly wounded in foot on 12th. Private B. T. Bivins, of same company, severely wounded last night by fragment of mortar shell; right leg amputated. Sixteen Parrott shots fired during night, 1 missed; also 48 mortar shells, 18 missed. J. C. MITCHEL, Gaptain, Commandtng. Captain NANcE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, July 14, 18648 p. m. Three hundred and eight shots fired at fort to-day; 29 missed. Very rapid fire during a portion of the day, and no assistance at that time from the island batteries. Afterward, when the fire had slacked considerably, Fort Johnson and Sullivans Island opened and meas- urably annoyed them, and interfered with their fire. We want those negroes badly. J. C. MITC-HEL, Captain. Captain NANcE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, July 15, 1864---10 a. m. Thirty:eight Parrott shots (7 missed), 48 mortar shells (6 fell out- side), were fired at fort last night. One negro severely wounded. Firing this morning very slow from two guns in Wagner, one in Gregg. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, July 15, 186412.30 p. m. The enemy are mounting a heavy gun in north angle of Wagner. MITCHEL, Captain NANCE, Captain. Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, July 15, 18647.30 p. m. The engineer at this post works some 80 men every night on the gorge face without any cover, and where they are infinitely more exposed to fire than those other engineers could possibly be in fixing the boom. The moon only shines now half the night. J. C. MITCHEL, Capt. W. F. NANCE, Captain, & c. Assistant Adjutant-General Page 225 Ca~. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 225 FORT SUMTER, July 15, 18648.40 p. m. Two hundred and thirty-seven shots fired at us to-day, 35 missed; also 20 mortar shells, 4 missed. Private D. Punyard, Gist Guard, struck by a fragment of shell and died in an hour this afternoon. Enemys fire directed at southwest angle part of the time to-day. Fire to-day from guns somewhat lighter in caliber. MITCHEL, Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. Captain. FORT SUMTER, July 16, 18649 p. m. One hundred and ninety shots fired to-day, 49 missed; also 11 mortar shells, 6 missed. Firing directed at south and southwest angles. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. Captain, & c. FORT SUMTER, July 16, 1864-10.45 a. m. Fire much heavier than usual last night and very annoying. One hundred and forty-seven shots fired, of which 60 were Parrott, 12 missing, and 87 mortar, 21 missing. One negro killed last night; 1 white man, Daniel Davis, of Company G, Thirty-second Georgia, mortally, and .2 others, Privates William Warren and William Car- roll of same regiment, slightly wounded. Enemys fire this morn- ing somewhat- slack at south angle. Our batteries firing remark- ably well and with good effect. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain, Commanding. Capt. W. F. NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. SUMTER, July 17, 186410.50 a. m. The enemy have put up two frame houses near middle battery; nothing unusual besides. Firing slow this morning. Wagner shooting at south angle; Gregg at southwest angle. Corpl. I. W. Heath, Company C, Thirty-second Georgia, wounded in head this morning, not dangerously. They fired 35 Parrott shots, 7 missed; 47 mortar shells, 13 missed, fired at fort dunn night. J. ~. MITCHEL, Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. Captain. FORT SUMTER, July 17, 186411.20 a. m. I forgot to mention that there were 2 negroes slightly wounded yesterday. MITCHEL, Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. Captain. 15 R RVOL Xxxv, PT Page 226 226 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. FORT SUMTER, July 17, 18649.30 p. m. One hundred and seventy-one shots (27 missed), 33 mortar shells (11 missed), fired at fort to-day. Private John Hart, Gist Guard, slight wound in thigh; several others in same company bruised at same time. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain. Oaptain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, July 18, 18642 p. m. Thirty-four Parrott shots (12 missed), and 42 mortar shells (20 missed) fired during night. Private J. H. Phillips, Company B, Thirty-second Georgia, slightly wounded in the back. Firing this morning same as yesterday, at south and southwest angles. A small house built during the night about 150 yards from Battery Gregg. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, July 18, 18642.20 p. m. A large steam transport observed in fleet to-day. MITCHEL, Captain NANCE. Captain. FORT SUMTER, July 19, 18647.30 p. m. Three hundred and twenty-two shots (68 missed) fired at fort to- day; also 126 mortar shells (53 missed). This is the heaviest fire we have been subjected to since the bombardment commenced, though a good many of the shots were only from 30-pounder Parrotis. C. C. Bedell, signal corps, slightly wounded in head. Privates D. D. Heath, Company G, Thirty-second Georgia, and J. R. Gordan, Com- pany A, same regiment, very slightly wounded. One negro slightly wounded. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, July 20, 1864. Seventy-one Parrott shots (19 missed), 175 mortar shells (53 missed) fired at fort. Private J. A. Todd, Gist Guard, wounded in head and leg, not dangerously. One negro killed; 2 severely wouiided, 5 slightly wounded. Firing from Gregg at southwest angle with 8-inch Parrotts and with mortars from middle battery this morning. J. C. MITCHEL, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 227 OH~u.. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 227 FORT SUMTER, July 21, 1864. CAPTAIN: I reported my arrival yesterday evening by telegraph. I regret to say that on my arrival I found Capt. J. C. Mitchel, First South Carolina Artillery, was dead from the wound he had received during the day. Captain Phillips, Thirty-second Georgia, the tem- porary commander, turned over the fort to me, and, after as careful inspection as could be made at night, I found the fort not seriously damaged by the present bombardment. Capt. John Johnson, engi- iieer in charge, is endeavoring to repair during the night whatever damage may be made during the day; every effort will be made to effect this purpose. The fire from rifle guns has lately been directed upon the southwest angle with considerable effect, cutting away the exterior crest, and thus making a more easy ascent with the debris which falls. The loss of material at this point has required the abandonment of the most southerly casemate on the second tier of the western face, and if it continues will require a similar abandon- ment of the corresponding casemate in the lowest tier; these case- mates are being filled up, and the only real loss will be the loss of quarters. The enemy are using some incendiary, shell upon this point, and I have been compelled to remove the ammunition from the southwest magazine for fear that some incendiary matter may be communicated by the ventilator, which cannot be filled up at present. The firing upon the gorge wall has been discontinued~ and I hope that it will soon be repaired. The boom has been broken in two places near the southeast angle, and I would earnestly urge upon you the necessity of having it repaired at the earliest possible moment. Captain Johnson thinks it necessary that about a thousand bags of sand should be sent down every night whenever it can pos- sibly be done, as if the present bombardment continues it will be required in large quantity. He desires it to be sent in bags, as it is eas!er handled. In the event of an attempt to assault the fort it will be important that the batteries on Sullivans and James Islands be apprised as soon as possible, and therefore I desire to keep a signal officer on the parapet all night, so that he may be able to communi- cate the intelligence of the enemys approach as soon as it is known to ourselves. I have only 2 signalmen here at present on duty and I cannot carry out my wishes in the above respect unless the num- ber is increased. I would therefore respectfully request that the signal force be increased to 4. The garrison appears to be in good spirits. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. A. HUGUENIN, Capt. W. F. NANCE, Captain, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, July 21, 186410.30 p. m. Two hundred and thirty-six mortar shells (37 missed), 93 Parrott shells (11 missed) fired at fort to-day. No one hurt since last re- port. HUGUENIN, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 228 228 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. FORT SUMTER, July 22, 18648 a. in... Eighteen Parrott shells fired at the fort, all of which struck; 29 mortar shells, 9 of which missed. No casualties; no damages. Quartermasters boats did not come down last night; no reason why they should not. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain, Commanding. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, July 23, 18645 a. m. Fifty-six Parrott shells fired at the fort, of which 23 missed; 4 mortar shells, 2 missed. No casualties. Considerable progress made during the night in the repair of damages. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain, Commanding. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, July 23, 1864l0.30 a. in. Enemy commenced an earth-work last night about 100 yards from Gregg and connected with it by a covered way, on which they have made considerable progress. The firing is from Gregg at southwest angle, one gun, an~ from middle battery at south angle, two guns, one of them the 10-inch Parrott. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain, Commanding. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, July 23, 1864. One hundred and eighty-eight shots from Parrott guns fired at fort to-day; 33 missed. No casualties. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, July 24, 1864. CAPTAIN: Forty-nine shots from Parrott guns fired at the fort during the night; 17 missed. No casualties. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain, Commanding. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 229 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 229 FORT SUMTER, July 24, 18647 p. m. One hundred and twelve Parrott shots fired at the fort to-day, of which 18 missed. W. T. Miller, private Gist Guard Artillery, wounded, contusion of the chest, slight. No other casualty. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain, Commanding. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, July 25, 1864. Forty-nine shots fired at fort; 17 missed. Private W. M. Graw, Company F, Thirty-second Georgia, slightly wounded. Fired with 10-inch columbiad and 100-pounder from middle battery at south angle. Mortar shelling recommenced this morning. A party to be seen at work on new earth-work near Gregg. The fleet cannot be seen, owing to the haziness of the weather. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain, Commanding. Captain NANCE. FORT SUMTER, July 25, 18647.30 p. m. Two hundred and sixty-four shells from guns fired at the fort to- day, of which 19 missed; 86 mortar shells, of which 33 missed. One negro slightly wounded; no other casualties. Fire directed upon gorge an southeast angle principally. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain, Commanding. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, July 26, 18645 a. m. Thirty-five Parrott shells fired at the fort, of which 15 missed; 58 mortar shells, of which 25 missed. John Hays, private, F Company, Thirty-second Georgia, slightly wounded in the forehead. Four negroes wounded. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain, Commanding. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, July 26, 18647 p. m. Two hundred and sixty-one Parrott shells fired at the fort to-day, of which 23 missed; 69 mortar shells, of which 35 missed. Firing directed principally at the southeast angle. One negro slightly wounded. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain, Commanding. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 230 230 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. FORT SUMTER, July 27, 18645 a. m. (Received 10.45 a. in.) Fifty-six Parrott shells fired at the fort last night, of which 24 missed; 54 mortar shells, of which 20 missed. One negro killed, 2 wounded. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain NANCE, Captain, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, July 27, 1864. It will require 40 men to make up the defjpiency of the detach- ment that arrived last night, only 72 strong, and to relieve the men of Lucass battalion. No damage done to fort last night. The water-boat was sunk at the wharf but has been repaired and will be sent up to-night. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain NANCE, Captain. Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, July 27, 18647.30 p. m. One hundred and ninety-nine shots fired at fort to-day, 16 missed; also 16 mortar shells, 6 missed. Firing has been almost entirely directed at southeast angle. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain NANCE, Captain, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, July 28, 18644 a. m. (Received 4.20 a. in.) Captain Johnson, engineer, has been severely, though not mor- tally, wounded in the head. I will send him up immediately in my boat. Have ambulance at Yennings Wharf. He recommended Lieutenant White to, fill his place. An engineer must be down to-day. T. A. HUGUENIN, General RIPLEY. Captain, Commanding. FORT SUMTER, July 28, 18645.30 a. in. Fifty-four shots fired at fort during night, 18 missed; 72 mortar shells, 22 missed. Private John Beasley, Company E, Thirty-sec- ond Georgia, killed; Capt. John Johnson, engineer in charge, wounded at 3.45 a. m. in the head, seriously, while inspecting the works. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain NANCE, Captain, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant-General Page 231 231 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATLONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. FORT SUMTER, July 29, 1864. Thirty Parrott shots fired at fort last night, 13 missed; 61 mortar shells, 30 missed. One of the 8-inch Parrotts at Gregg was missing yesterday, and the enemy are now mounting another in its place. No casualties. HUGUENIN, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, July 29, 18647 p. m. One hundred and seventy-seven shells fired at the fort to-day, of which 29 missed; 66 mortar shells, of which 24 missed. Simeon Percy, private, Company F, First South Carolina Infantry, wounded in the head. Two negroes wounded. Firing more diversi- fied. Two-hundred-pounder mounted and opened from Gregg. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain, Commanding. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, July 30, 18649. 1~ a. m. (Received 11 a. in.) Fifty-two Parrott shells fired at the fort last night, 31 missed; 64 mortar shells, 22 missed. Two negroes wounded, 1 severely. Fir- ing this morning from 10-inch Parrott at middle battery. Two 8-inch Parrotts at Gregg directed at sea face and center of gorge wall. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, July 30, 18647 p. m. One hundred and thirty-nine shots fired at fort to-day, 16 missed; 62 mortar shells, 29 missed. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, July 31, 1864. Eighty mortar shells fired at fort last night, 23 missed. No casu- alties. Lieutenant White, of the engineer department, reported last night. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 232 232 S.C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. FORT SUMTER, July 31, 18647.30 p. m. One hundred and fifteen shots at fort to-day, 19 missed; 67 mortar shells, 28 missed. Private Richard Bishop, Company F, First South Carolina Infantry, wounded, not dangerously. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain NANCE, Captain. Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, August 1, 1864. The whole number of shots fired at the fort in twenty-five days is 8,806, of which 6,976 took effect. The calibers of these shots are as follows: 10-inch, 8-inch, 6.4-inch, 4.2-inch rifled Parrotts; 13-inch and 10-inch mortars, and 10-inch columbiads. The majority of pro- jectiles was from Parrott guns. Repairs have been in proportion to damages, which may not be considered severe, when the number and kind of projectiles are considered. Respectfully submitted. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain, Commanding. [Inclosure.] Record of the number of shots fired at Fort Sumter from July 7 to July 81, 1864, inclusive. Date. Day. Night. Missed. Total. Date. Day. Night. Missed. Total. July 7 880 16 42 438 July21 281 88 57 376 8 826 40 32 898 22 214 85 137 386 9 246 49 57 852 28 155 32 50 237 10 147 25 29 201 24 94 32 35 161 11 172 51 16 239 25 298 58 92 443 12 157 31 14 202 26 272 66 102 440 13 202 45 51 298 27 193 86 62 341 14 279 73 42 394 28 144 43 78 270 15 219 114 71 404 29 190 63 106 359 16 166 62 55 283 30 156 57 68 231 17 166 44 70 280 31 135 117 107 359 18 109 93 62 264 - 19 327 174 193 694 Total 5,838 1,638 1,830 8,806 20 310 194 202 706 [First indorsement.] HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, August 5, 1864. Respectfully forwarded, for the information of the Department. The conduct of the officers and men of the garrison during this, the heaviest bombardment to which the fort has been subjected, has been all that could be desired. SAM. JONES, Major-General. [Second indorsement.] ORDNANCE OFFICE, August 13, 1864. Respectfully submitted, for the information of the Secretary of Waif. By order: JOHN BLAIR HOGE, Major and Assistant Adjutant- General Page 233 C~r. XLVIL] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 233 [Third indorsement.] AUGUST 16, 1864. Respectfully submitted, as probably interesting to the President. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary. [Fourth indorsement.] Read and returned to Secretary of War. The conduct of the gar rison is praiseworthy. J.D. [AUGUST 1, 1864.] Thirty-five Parrott shells fired at the fort last night, of which 20 missed; 65 mortar shells, of which 20 missed. One negro wounded. Do urge the necessity for sending sand and timber for eastern crib. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain, Commanding. Captain SEABROOK. FORT SUMTER, August 1, 18645.30 a. m. Ten Parrott shells fired at the fort during the night, of which 1 missed; 167 mortar shells, of which 59 missed. Private Knight, G Company, First South Carolina Infantry, slightly wounded. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain, Commanding. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, August 1, 186410.50 a. m. The 10-inch Parrott at middle battery is not to be seen this morn- ing. Gratings are to be seen over the windows of the houses at Gregg and middle battery. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, August 2, 18648.15 p. m. One hundred and twenty-six shots fired at fqrt, 9 missed; 45 mor- tar shells, 12 missed. Dr. McCauley slightly wounded, but still on duty. Negro killed. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 234 234 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. FORT SUMTER, August 3, 18647.40 p. m. Seventy-four shots fired at fort to-day, 21 missed; 1 mortar shell, missed; damage very slight. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, August 3, 18646 a. rn. Thirty-five Parrott shells fired at the fort during the night, of which 20 missed; 143 mortar shells, of which 118 missed. Two sol- diers and 1 negro slightly wounded. Can I give our exchaiziged officers a salute as they pass the fort? T. A. HUGUENIN Captain, Commaruling. Captain NANCE. FORT SUMTER, August 8, 18647.20 p. m. Fifty-six Parrott shots fired at the fort to-day, of which 2 missed; 9 mortar shells, 3 missed. No casualties. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant- General. T. A. HUGUENIN. FORT SUMTER, August 9, 18647 p. m. Fifty-eight Parrott shots fired to-day. Private J. M. Head, Coin- panyR, Thirty-second Georgia, wounded in foot. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain NANCE, Captain. Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, August 10, 18647.30 p. in. One hundred and fifteen shots fired to-day, 2 missed; 57 mortar shells, 15 missed. No casualties. The negro force reduced consider- ably; more absolutely necessary. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain. FORT SUMTER, August 11, 186411 p. m. Eighty-nine shots fired at fort, 9 missed; 75 mortar shells, 20 missed. No casualties. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 235 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 235 FORT SUMTER, August 12, 18649 a. m. Fifty-four Parrott shells fired at fort last night, 11 missed; 65 mortar shells, 12 missed. Two negroes wounded. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, August 12, 1864. Fifty-seven shots fired at fort to-day, 20 missed; 42 mortar shells, 20 missed. One negro badly scorched by the evening gun. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, August 13, 1864. Forty-one Parrott shells fired at fort last night, 16 missed; 39 mortar shells, 12 missed. No casualties. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, August 13, 18647.30 p. m. One hundred and fifty-six shots fired at fort to-day, 37 missed; about 24 of these were 30-pounder shots from Swamp Angel, which opened about 11 a. m. Very few of them struck; damage no more thaii usual. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, August 14, 186412 m. One hundred and fourteen mortar shells fired at fort last night, 19 missed; 51 shells from Swamp Battery, 29 missed. Private Thomas Ellington, Company I, Thirty-second Georgia, wounded. Two negroes wounded; 1 of them dangerously. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, August 14, 18647.35. Fifty-nine shots fired at fort to-day; all struck; 24 mortar shells, 10 missed. HUGUENIN, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 236 236 S. C., FIX., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. FORT SUMTER, August 15, 18649.30 a. m. Twenty-eight shots from Swamp Battery, 25 missed; 49 mortar shells, 13 missed. No casualties. Firing this morning slow. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, August 15, 1864. Forty shots fired at fort to-day, 2 missed; 42 mortar shells, 15 missed. Work going on at Swamp Battery and on the left of mid- dle battery. Eight-inch at Gregg burst. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, August 16, 186411 a. m. Forty-two Parrott shells fired at the fort during the night, of which 22 struck; 58 mortar shells, of which 33 struck. Private Compton, F Company, First South Carolina Infantry, wounded. T. A. HUGUENIN Captain NANCE, Captain, Cornman~ling. Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, August 18, 18647.20 p. m. Sixteen Parrott shells fired at the fort to-day, of which 11 missed; 56 mortar shells, of which 11 missed. Two hundred-pounder Parrott on the right of Wagner cannot be seen; suppose it has been brought to Gregg. S. D. MOBLEY Captain, Comman~ling. Captain SEABROOK, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, August 20, 186411 a. m. Twenty-six Parrott shells fired at the fort last night, of which 14 hit; 51 mortar shells, of which 31 hit. Private Abernathy, Company H, Thirty-second Georgia, slightly wounded. Enemy working by details at Gregg. T. A. HUGUENIN Captain, Comman~ling. Captain SEABROOK, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 237 237 OILAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR~ ETC. FORT SUMTER, August 20, 1864. A side-wheel steamer has just towed a new monitor from the North inside the bar. Large working parties at Gregg; a few shots would be advisable. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain, Commanding. Captain SEABROOK. FORT SUMTER, August 20, 1864. Nine Parrott shells fired at the fort to-day, of which 8 missed; 51 mortar shells, of which 11 missed. No casualties. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain, Commanding. Captain SEABROOK, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, August 22, 186411.20 a. m. Thirty-four Parrott shells have been fired during the night, 9 of which missed; 42 mortar shells, 6 of which missed. No casualties. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain, Commanding. Capt. -E. M. SEABROOK, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, August 23, 186410.13 a. m. The enemy fired 20 Parrott shells last night, 14 of which missed; also 23 columbiad shells, 11 missed. One negro wounded. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain, Commanding. Captain SEABROOK, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, August 23, 1864. Thirty-six Parrott shells have been fired at the fort to-day, 22 of which missed; also 61 columbiad shells, 5 of which missed. One negro wounded. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain, Commanding. Captain SEABROOK, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, August 25, 186411.30 a. m. Five Parrott shells fired at the fort last night, of which 4 missed; 27 columbiad shells, of which 5 missed. Private D. W. Hay, First South Carolina Infantry, wounded severely; 3 negroes wounded. Enemy did not do any work last night on account of the firing. No damages can be noticed at Gregg or middle battery. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain, & c., Commanding. Captain SEABROOK, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 238 238 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. FORT SUMTER, August 2.5, 1864. Thirty columbiad shells fired at fort to-day, of which 28 hit; 19 Parrott shells, of which 3 hit. No casualties. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain SEABROOK Gaptain, Commanding. Acting Assista~t Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, August 26, 186410 a. m. Thirty-five columbiad shells fired at the fort last night, of which 16 missed; 18 Parrott shells, of which 9 missed. Two negroes killed, and 2 negroes wounded. Special Orders, No. 3, May 26, 1864, is the order by which Shetly and Miller were detailed. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain SEABROOK Captain, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, August 27, 18649.26 a. m. Eight Parrott shells fired at the fort last night, of which 5 missed; 27 columbiad shells, of which 2 missed. No casualties. T. A. HUGUENJN, Capt. E. M. SEABROOK, Captain, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, August 27, 1864. You will please send me down pay and muster rolls enough for two companies. Eleven Parrott shells fired at the fort to-day, all of which missed; 35 columbiads, of which 3 missed. No casualties. HUGUENIN, Captain. Captain SEABROOK, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, August 28, 18642.25 p. m. Eighteen Parrott shots were fired at the fort last night, of which 17 missed; 32 columbiads, of which 5 missed. One negro wounded. T. A. HUGUEN IN, Capt. E. M. SEABROOK, Captain, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.. FORT SUMTER, August 28, 18649.15 p. m. The enemy floated a torpedo down from direction of Johnson, which exploded near our wharf; no damage as far as ascertained yet. I think the enemy have our pass-word. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain, Commanding. Brigadier-General RIPCEY Page 239 239 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. [Indorsement.] Captain Tucker has been asked to change the pass-word, and Col- onel Rhett notified to caution his sentinels and pickets. NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, August 29, 1864. Twenty-one Parrotts fired at the fort to-day, of whfch 15 missed; 40 columbiads, of which 9 missed. No casualties. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain, Commanding. Capt. W. F. NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, August 30, 186411.30 a. m. Ten Parrott shells fired at the fort last night, none of which struck; 29 columbiads, of which 7 missed. Two negroes killed. T. A. HUGUEN IN, Captain, Commanding. Capt. W. F. NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, August 30, 1864. Twenty Parrott shells fired at the fort to-day, of which 10 missed; 38 columbiads, of which 9 missed. No casualties. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain, Commanding. Capt. W. F. NANCE. FORT SUMTER, August 31, 1864. Four Parrott shells fired at the fort last night, of which 3 missed; 31 ~olumbiads, none of which missed; 1 mortar, which missed. No casualties. T. A. HUGUENIN, Capt. W. F. NANCE, Captain, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant-General. p FORT SUMTER, August 31, 18647.10 p. m. Fourteen Parrott shots fired at the fort to-day, of which 7 missed; 27 mortar, of which 8 missed. One negro wounded. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain, Commanding. Capt. W. F. NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 240 240 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. FORT SUMTER, September 1, 18644 a. m. The enemy again attempted to blow up the fort with a torpedo, but failed. The torpedo exploded about 300 yards off the east angle. HUGUENIN, Capt. W. F. NANCE, Captain. Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, September 1, 1864. Four shots from guns fired at fort last night, 2 missed; 25 mor- tar shells, 9 missed. No casualties. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain NANCE. Captain, Commanding. FORT SUMTER, September 1, 1864. Thirty Parrott shells fired at fort to-day, 12 missed; 16 mortar shells, 8 missed. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, September 2, 18649 a. m. Thirty-three Parrott shells fired at fort last night, 11 missed. No casualties. Working party at Gregg. T. A. HUGUENIN Captain NANCE, Captain, Commancling. Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, September 2, 18647.30 p. m. Forty Parrott shells fired at fort to-day, 15 missed. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, September 3, 1864-9 a. m. Thirty-one Parrott shells fired at fort last night, 10 missed. One negro killed. Firing slow this morning. T. A. HUGUENJN, Captain NANCE, Captain, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant-General Page 241 C~. XLVIL] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 241 FORT SUMTER, September 4, 18641.50 p. m. Thirty-five Parrott shells fired at fort last night, S missed. The whole detachment of Thirty-second Georgia was relieved last night by 5 officers, 190 men, under Captain Phillips; 120 negroes also arrived and relieved those here. Please send me down to-night some blanks for company morning reports and some for tn-monthly return. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, September 7, 18641 p. m. Twenty-eight Parrott shells fired at fort last night, 7 missed. No casualties. Working party at Gregg and at palisades between middle battery and Wagner. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain NANCE, Captain, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, September 8, 186410.15 a. m. Twenty-eight Parrott shells fired at fort, 8 missed. No casualties. Working party on left of Gregg. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain, Commanding. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, September 8, 18646.50. The stockade noticed between Wagner and middle battery appears to be a four-sided prison having 4 sentinels on each face. The sen- tinels can be distinctly seen. Twenty-five Parrott shells fired at the fort to-day, of which 8 missed. No casualties. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain NANCE, Captain, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, September ii, 1864. One hundred and forty Parrott shells fired at the fort to-day, of which 28 missed. No casualties. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain NANCE, Captain, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant- GeneraL. 16 R RYOL XXXV, PT Page 242 242 S. C., FLA., AND ON lifE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. FORT SUMTER, September 12, 1864. All qniet here this morning. Large working party at Gregg. There have been five monitors in the fleet for several days. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain, Commanding. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, September 13, 186411 a. m. All quiet here this morning. HUGUENIN, Captain, Commanding. Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant- General. FORT SUMTER, Septemb& r 13, 186411.30 a. m. Enemy very busy with large working party, wagons, & c., at Gregg. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain, Commanding. Captain NANCE. FORT SUMTER, September 16, 186411.30 a. m. Thirty-seven shots fired at the fort, of which 7 missed; 29 Parrott shells struck the fort 1 mortar hit. Private J. C. Ray, Company I, Second Georgia, wounded severely in leg. Two negroes killed and 3 wounded. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain, Commanding. C~ptain SEABROOK Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, September 17, 1864. Enemy keeps up a brisk fire with small-arms in answer to ours. Eight men of Fjrst South Carolina Infantry reported last night. Can I go to Mount Pleasant to-morrow? T. A. HUGUENIN, C~aptain, Commanding. Captain SEABROOK Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, September 17, 18646.40 p. in. The Yankees have done no work to-day at Gregg because of our sharpshooters. Forty-four shots fired to-day at fort (18 missed), mostly from small rifle guns. No casualties. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain, Commanding. Captain SEABROOK Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 243 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 243 FORT SUMTER, September 19, 186412.45 p. m. Fifteen shots from Swamp Angel last night; all missed. Enemy have thrown up Covered way Connecting Gregg with the sand hills. T. A. HUGIJENIN, Captain SEABROOK, Captain, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, September 20, 1864. Thirteen shots from Swamp Angel since last report; 1 struck flat at the wharf, but did not sink her. There is a new stockade being put up on the left of Gregg. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain SEABROOK, Captain, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjatant-General. FORT SUMTER, September 21, 18647 p. m. Seventy shots have been fired at fort in last twenty-four hours; 56 hit. No casualties since last report. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain SEABROOK, Captain, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, September 22, 1864. Fifteen Parrott shells fired at the fort to-day, of which 9 missed. No casualties. A rifled gun mounted in Gregg bearing upon us; I think 200-pounder. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain SEABROOK, Captain, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. FORT SUMTER, September 26, 186410.30 a. m. The enemy have mounted another 200-pounder in Gregg bearing upon Sumter. All quiet this morning. T. A. HUGUENIN, Capt. E. M. SEABROOK, Captain, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 37. I?eports of Capt. John Johnson, C. S. Engineers, of operations July 1926. FORT SUMTER, July 20, 18647 p. m. MAJOR: I have the honor to report on events and operations in my (lepartment during the 19th and 20th instant: Tuesday, July 19.Unusually heavy mortar and small Parrott shelling; heavy Parrotts as usual opened on the southwest angle; Page 244 244 S. C., FLA.~ AND ON THE GA. COAST. [OITAP. XLVIL few during the day fired at the south angle and the north wall. A mortar shell (13-inch) struck immediately over the sally-port case- mate arch near the northwest angle. The effect was visibly to jar the arch; the filling over it is 7 feet. I have begun a centering for the arch aud shall, besides, add to filling. This and the adjacent arches bear evidence of much wear and tear, being cracked in vari- ous directions by previous bombardments. Day fire: Parrott, 322, of which 68 missed; mortar, 126, of which 53 missed. Night fire: Parrott, 71, of which 19 missed; mortar, 175, of which 55 missed. Total, 694, of which 195 missed. It will thus be seen that the firing of these twenty-four hours has been the heaviest yet. The night fire was particularly annoying to the working parties, and dimin- ished the amount of repair I had hoped to effect. The casualties for the same period of twenty-four hours were as follows: Mr. Bedell, of signal corps, slightly wounded while signaling on the western berm; 2 enlisted men slightly wounded; 1 negro killed and 2 severely wounded; 5 negroes slightly wounded; total, 1 killed and 10 Wounded. Wednesday, 20th.The firing began as usual at an early hour, upon the southwest angle, from the two 8-inch Parrotts at Battery Gregg, and has been particularly destructive, carrying away large masses of brick from scarp and sand from slope of angle just over the stone re-enforced buttress. This still remains in large part un- hurt, but the fire has begun to take effect upon the mass above it, and about noon to-day obliged us to fill rapidly the small gallery leading to window in old shell-room at the south end of second tier, west quarters. The gallery was filled before penetration occurred, and to-night I shall complete a more extensive and substantial fill- ing, retained with heavy timber revetting, and this I expect will resist for a long time. The west end of the heavy parapet over stairway has been shot away, and the adjacent howitzer platform I fear lost to us. I expect hereafter the piece will have to be fired from the top of the parapet, and consequently more withdrawn from the line of a raking fire along the gorge slope. There has been no firing of consequence to-day upon any other p art of the fort. The mortar shelling has made some holes but no damage, the shells chiefly burst- ing over the west berm and wharf. The boom requires immediate repair and will, I hope, now have it. The transportation in small boats, some of which are occasionally struck and sunk at the wharf, is entirely inadequate to the wants of the fort in sand and general material. A regular supply of at least 1,000 bags every night is considered to be very necessary under such a severe bombardment. I am also in want of lumber, which was to have been brought down last night. It becomes my sad duty to record the death to-day of the commanding officer, Capt. John C. Mitchel, an accomplished officer and high-toned gentleman. He had gone up to the lookout sentinel on the rampart at southwest angle and was observing the effect of the firing, when he was struck and mortally wounded by a fragment of mortar shell hitting him below the left hip and caus- ing his death at 5 p. in., being four hours from the time he was wounded. Day firing: Parrott, 161 (24 missed); mortar, 274 (101 missed); total, 435 (125 missed). JNO JOHNSON, Captain, Engineer in Charge. Maj. W. H. ECHOLS, Chief Engineer, South Carolina Page 245 CHAP. XLVu~ OPERATIONS iN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 245 FORT SUMTER, July 23, 18648 p. m. MAJOR: I have the honor to report progress of bombardment and operations in engineer department from the evening of 20th instant to the present: Capt. T. A. Huguenin, First South Carolina Infantry, assumed command on arriving at the fort, 8 p. in., 20th instant. At his re- quest I accompanied him over the work and indicated the plans of defense. Two of the quartermasters barges were sunk at the wharf by fragments of mortar shells. Night firing: Parrott, 61, of which 18 missed; mortar, 210, of which 59 missed; total, 271, of which 77 missed. Working parties engaged on repairs of south and south- west angles; they also completed the filling within heavy revetment at the south end of second tier west casemates. No casualties. Thursday, July 21 (fifteenth day).Parrott fire slackened to-day ou southwest angle; 1 negro killed about 8 a. m. Day fire: Parrott, 93, of which 11 missed; mortar, 236, of which 37 missed; total, 329, of which 48 missed. Shelling light during the night, the hands be- ing able to work to some advantage. No casualties. Night fire: Parrott, 18, of which none missed; mortar, 29, of which 9 missed; total, 47, of which 9 missed. Friday, 22d (sixteenth day).Fire opened as usual upon southwest angle. The old crack from top to bottom of scarp-wall at embra- sure next north of position in southwest angle has been plainly increased by the late battering in reverse; also the pier arch, between the two lower tier casemates in same angle, used now for commissary stores, has begun to crack in consequence of the out- ward thrust upon the scarp-wall. This pier arch is well centered, but the rapid growth of the cracks, one along the crown and extending upward and transversely Into the casemate arch of either side, as well as another at the skew-back of the outer pier, indicate plainly the progress of demolition without and the necessity of speedily filling these chambers. Moreover, should the battering of this angle be long kept up, the filling of these lower casemates will not arrest a probable falling outwardly of the scarp-wall on both sides of the p ostern, which may lead to a disastrous loss of material from top to ~bottom of the present tc(wering southwest angle. I do not give this up, by any means, but if the existing deficiencies in supply of sand and lumber by quartermasters department are suffered to continue I do not think I can be answerable for this any more than the weak points in the sea front. I shall endeavor to build a small section of crib-work, reaching from the stone buttress around and across the postern to the embrasure of the telegraph casemate; thus, if not bracing, at least ready to catch and sustain the cracked scarp. It will be necessary to raise the crib at least 10 feet above the berm to make it effective toward the end in view, and also to close the postern permanently, but this last, since the opening of the sally-port at the wharf, is not at all necessary to either the comfort or safety of the garrison; indeed, it would be one less opening to guard. The mortar shelling has done no injury to the fort, although requiring diligent repairs and filling of holes. The bat- tering and shelling of the southwest and southeast angles has largely reduced the material bulk of the same, but repairs have in the case of the former so far arrested anything like breaching, and of the latter have kept up the command and infantry cover, while the gradual filling of the magazines below will effectually add to the strength of this almost indestructible angle. Day fire: Parrott Page 246 246 S. (IX, FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. CHAP. XLVII. 152, of which 16 missed; mortar, 174, of which 96 missed; total, 326, of which 112 missed. Night fire: Parrott, 56, of which 23 missed; mortar, 4, of which 2 missed; total, 60, of which 25 missed. Re- ceived 18 more slaves to-night. The total working force is now 160 strong. Lieutenant Izard and Mr. Mathewes, of engineer depart- ment, reported for duty to-night. No casualties. Saturday, 23d (seventeenth day).A small sand battery has been erected in front of the frame building to the enemys right and rear of Battery Gregg. It is suspected of mounting 30-pounder Par- rotts. Fire to-day resumed upon the southwest and southeast an- gles. Day fire: Parrott, 188, of which 33 missed; mortar, none. No casualties. Began filling com[missary] casemate. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. JOHNSON, Captain, Engineer in Charge. Maj. W. H. EcHoLs, Chief Engineer, South Carolina. FORT SUMTER, July 26, 18648 p. m. MAJOR: I have the honor to report for the nights of 23d, 24th, 25th, and day of 26th instant: Night fire: Parrott (30-pounder), 49, of which 17 missed. No casualties. Working force engaged all night on southwest and southeast angles. A small invoice of sand received. Sunday, July 24 (eighteenth day).Garrison details put to work filling lower casemate in southwest angle next to magazine. The arch and crest of wall over Major Blandings former quarters in right center of gorge were brought down without any harm by a chance Parrott shell this forenoon. The masses fell on heavy log- covered roof of block-house used for negro quarters, and add to its security. The crest at this point still remains some 25 feet above parade. Day fire: Parrott, 112, of which 18 missed. One enlisted man wounded. Night fire: Parrott, 53, of which 16 missed. The enemy seemed to have run out of mortar shells. The invoice of materials received by barges at night was very fair, but might have been much better had the steam-boat approached the wharf, as she could have done without risk to-night. The working force was en- gaged on repairs of southeast angle and north wall, also filling the southeast magazines. The garrison details to-day continued filling commissary casemate. Monday, July 25 (nineteenth day).Mortars recommenced, also two 10-inch columbiads; firing from middle battery upon the south- east angle with a 100-pounder Parrott. The effect of these last upon the angle to-day showed itself in a splintering and slight dis- location of the timber ceiling of the most easterly of the two maga- zines. The ceiling would probably have yielded and let down the whole mass above but for the heavy shoring truss I had put under it last winter. Some additional studs and braces were placed before daylight, and the filling continued. The garrison detail works now in two reliefs, three hours each, 40 men at a time, usually from 12 to 3 and from 3 to 6 p. m. The negroes work from 7 p. m. to 5 a. m. Since the fire has been slackened on the southwest angle there has been no more work done on exterior slope of the same, but th Page 247 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 247 filling Of Commissary casemate is Continued regularly every day by the garrison detail. A very good supply of materials by barges. Day firing: Parrott, 264, in which 19 missed; mortar, 86, in which 33 missed. Night firing: Parrott, 35, in which 15 missed; mortar, 58. in which 25 missed. Total, 443, in which 92 missed. One en- listed man and 5 negroes wounded. Tuesday, July 26 (twentieth day).Heavy firing to-day upon the southeast angle, with sometimes the 300-pounder Parrott. The parapet entirely carried away, and position of howitzer quite plowed up. I hope to restore the latter to-night, but for a parapet, as long as the bombardment continues, we shall now have to depend on heavy blocks and sand-bags, placed after dark and taken in before day. For five successive days they have swept away by noon the work it took all the previous night to reconstruct. The heavy fire to-day also told on the little second tier (bomb-proof), formed by blindage logs inside of mess-rooms. The wall was penetrated near the upper end of logs, and through a breach not visible to enemy the sand had been running so as to nearly fill up the empty quar- ters. I shall do nothing but let the debris fill up the cavity, which is only of triangular section, about 8 feet height and base and 20 feet length. The ceiling of south magazines stood the fire to-day with- out any more signs of straining. Day firing: Parrott, 261, of which 23 missed; mortar, 96, of which 35 missed; total, 330, of which 58 missed. The enemys small new battery, on his right of Battery Gregg, has been connected with it by a covered way. Except one 30- pounder, which fired from it three days ago, there have been no developments of its armament. Lieutenant Izar d, after remaining two days, returned to the city on sick leave. Mr. Mathewes is sup- plying his place. Mr. Devereux, one of my superintendents, is sick and gone to hospital in city. The carpenters have begun the crib- work on exterior of southwest angle, and have revetted solidly the commissary casemate in same vicinity. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. JOHNSON, Captain, Engineer in Charge. Maj. W. H. ECHOLS, Chief Engineer, South Carolina. No. 38. Reports of Col. Alfred Rhett, First South Carolina Artillery, com- manding Fifth Military District, & c., of operations June 2-Sep- tem,ber 20. [For number of shots fired at the city of Charleston by the bat- teries on Morris Island from November 16, 1863, to March 4, 1864, see Vol. XXVIII, Part I, p. 686.] HEADQUARTERS, Sullivans Island, June 10, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that nothing of any impor- tance occurred in this command during the past ten days, with th Page 248 248 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. exception of a desultory fire from the enemys batteries on Morris Island, to which we replied with 12 mortar shells from Battery Rut- ledge. The enemys fire was as follows: Jane 2.Nine shots were fired at Fort Moultrie. June 3.Sixteen mortar shells were fired at Fort Moultrie. June 6.Nineteen mortar shells, 10 Parrott, three 10-inch oolum- biad were fired at Sullivans Island. June 8.One Parrott shell fired at Fort Moultrie. June 9.Six 10-inch columbiad shells fired at Fort Moultrie. On the 7th the steamer Fox safely entered the harbor. On the 6th the Ironsides sailed north. Three 32-pounder rifle shots were fired from Moultrie, and one 8-inch rifle bolt and 1 can- ister from Battery Beauregard for practice, during the past ten days. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ALFRED RHETT, Colonel, Commanding. Capt. WILLIAM F. NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS Sullivans Island, June 20, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit report of current events for the past ten days: June 10.The engineer boat was stolen by 2 men from Company C and 2 men from Company D, and with it deserted to the enemy. June 13.Fifteen monitor shots at Fort Moultrie and several at Batteries Rutledge and Beauregard. June 15.Seven shots at Fort Moultrie. June 16.Six shots at Fort Moultrie. Two rounds were fired from all the guns and mortars in this command. June 17.Twenty shots were fired at Fort Moultrie, five 10-pounder Parrott shells from deck of monitor at these headquarters. At about 9 p. m. a shot was fired from a monitor on picket; almost simulta- neously 2 rockets were thrown up from same monitor, which was answered by 1 from Battery Wagner. Three blue lights were also observed from monitor, and shortly after a gun or guns were heard in a northeasterly direction; several colored lights were dis- played. Lieut. Iredell Jones, First South Carolina Artillery, with 22 men, thoroughly scouted Long Island and reported all quiet. June 18.A steam tug approaching the monitor on picket was fired at from Fort Moultrie (5 shots), when she retired. June 19.One 12-pounder English rifled and banded gun arrived and sent to Battery Marshall. Two 10-inch columbiads have been dismounted at Battery Marion and removed to another position for remounting. One 7-inch Brooke gun has been mounte a ttery Marion. Brooke gun platform has been relaid. Work done in last ten days: Platform relaid in vacant chamber, Battery Marion; merlon erected to shield gun in Marion from fire of Morris Island batteries; sodding cr6maill~re line at Battery Mar- shall. Force of negroes employed in past ten days about 53 per day; all negroes discharged except 5 on June 18; laid out about 200 yard Page 249 CHix~. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN ChARLESTON hARBOR, ETC. 249 of palisade work in front of Fort Moultrie and Battery Rutledge; took up mortar platform on Battery Rutledge; built two well curbs for wells in chamber intended for 12k-inch Blakely gun. Very respectfully, your obedient servant ALFRED RIIETT, Colonel, Commanding. Capt. W. F. NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS, Sullivans Island, July 20, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the nonor to forward diary of events during the last ten days: July 12.Steamer Fox went aground on Drunken Dick Shoal, but floated off and returned to the city at 1.40 a. m. July 14.Companies B and D, First South Carolina Artillery, re- turned from James Island. July 15.Three shots fired at Sullivans Island; 54 mortar shells were fired from here at Morris Island. July 16.At 6 a. m. our batteries opened a heavy fire from mor- tars and columbiads on Morris Island, almost completely silencing their fire; 35 shots fired at Sullivans Island. July 16.Twenty-five columbiad shells and 71 mortar shells fired at Morris Island. July 17.One hundred and fifty-eight mortar shells fired at Mor- ris Island. July 19.Three shells fired at Sullivans Island. On 16th and 19th July two cabins were erected on Morris Island. Accompanying, engineers report. * Very respectfully, your obedient servant ALFRED RHETT, Colonel, Commanding. Capt. W. F. NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST SuB-DISTRIcT, Sullivans Island, S. C., July 31, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to forward the following report of events for the past ten days: July 20.One shot fired from Beauregard Battery at steam-tug plying in that vicinity. July 21.Three sh~ts fired from Beauregard Battery at a steam- ~uly 22.Three shots fired from Battery Rutledge at monitor on picket in front of that battery. Four shots fired from Bat~teries Bee and Marion at monitor. Steamer Fox passed out at 11.40 p. m. Two shots fired from Fort Moultrie at monitor. July 24.Steamer attempted to run the blockade but was driven off at 11.40 p. m. July 25.Steamers Druid and Prince Albert went out at 9.45 p.m. * Not found Page 250 250 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. July 26.Four shots fired at Moultrie from Morris Island. Com- pany G, First South Carolina Infantry, 73 men arid 3 officers, went from Moultrie to Sumter at 9 p. m. Gist Guard, Lientenant Boag commanding, assigned to duty in place of Company G. Sullivans Island opened slowly with mortars from Batteries Bee and Marion, throwing 31 shells; the enemy replied, firing 4 shots. July 28.Four shots fired at the island. Small steamer came within 3,000 yards of Battery Marshall and lowered small boat to take soundings, apparently. Before a gun could be trailed she left. Much communication between Folly Inlet and fleet. One officer and 40 men of Company F, First South Carolina Infantry, went to Sumter. July 29.About 10.30 a gun appeared above the parapet at Bat- tery Gregg. Sullivans Island opened briskly upon it and it was at once removed. The fire was kept up all day from columbiads and mortars, and during the night up to 1 a. m. with mortars. Eleven shots were fired at Battery Bee; 287 shots were fired from the island. July 31.The engineer has been employed throwing up and sod- ding covered way between Beauregard and Battery Rutledge, re- pairing mortar platforms in Battery Marion, and one columbiad platform in Battery Rutledge. Lieutenant White relieved and gone to Sumter on 30th. Very respectfully, your obedient servant (in the absence of Col. Alfred Rhett), IREDELL JONES, amp. Capt. W. F. NANCE, Acting Aide-de-G Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. FIRST SUB-DISTRICT, FIRST MIL. DIST., Sullivans Island, August 20, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of events for the past ten days: August 10.Thirty-nine shells fired at Morris Island from Sulli- vans Island; 1 shell thrown at Battery Marion from Morris Island at 3.30 a. m. August 11.One shot fired at Prince Albert wreck 11.30 a. m. Enemy kept up slow fire during day. August 12.Enemy fired 44 shots at Sullivans Island; 33 shots fired at the enemy from Sullivans Island. August 13.Enemy fired 5 shots at Sullivans Island; 12 shots fired at enemys tug-boat. One steamer ran the blockade and came in the harbor at 1.30 a. m. August 14.Twenty shots fired at Sullivans Island from Morris Island. August 15.One 10-inch columbiad arrived at 1 a. m. to-day and was landed. Flag-of-truce boat was communicated with off Bat- tery Marshall, bearing communications from Commodore Dahlgren to General Jones. August 16.Two shots fired from Morris Island at Sullivans Island. The 10-inch columbiad that arrived on the 15th mounted. August 17.Ninety-five shots fired at Sullivans Island by the enemy; 95 shots fired at Morris Island from Sullivans Island; 1 Page 251 Ca~. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON IIAitBOR, ETC. 251 shots were fired from rifled mortar, out of which 5 burst well. Sergt. E. P. Williams, of First South Carolina Infantry, severely wounded last night at 9 p. in., and 1 ambulance horse was so severely injured as to render killing him1necessary. Twenty-six shots were fired from the 12-pounder rifled, 8 of which failed to take the groove, and 6 burst in the muzzle. Three 6-pounder iron field guns ar- rived. August 18.Three shots fired at Sullivans Island. August 19.Twelve shots fired by enemy from Morris Island at Fort Moultrie. The injured 10-inch columbiad has been shipped. Engineer worlc.The force on the island have finished the battery at west end of cove, all except sodding it, which is now being done; also, that the battery for Blakely gun is in course of construction and well under way. They have also finished relaying the mortar platforms and nearly completed the sodding of inclosure to Battery Beauregard and covered way between the latter and Battery Rut- ledge; platforms along covered way completed. Very respectfully, your obedient servant ALFRED RHETT, Colonel, Commanding. Capt. W. F. NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST SUB-DISTRICT, Sullivans island, August 30, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of events during the last ten days: August 20.Fourteen shells fired at this island. About 8.30 p. m. small-arms were fired from Fort Sumter, also from picket-boat between Gregg and Fort Sumter. The triple-banded Brooke gnn was dismounted, and with its carriage and chassis removed from the chamber. August 21.Lieutenant De Saussure, with detachment of Com- pany I, First South Carolina Artillery, left for Battery Ramsay. August 22.Seven shots were fired at this island. August 23.Forty-six shots fired at this island. Steamer Fox went to sea. August 24.One hundred and twenty shots fired at this island. Steamers Druid and Syren went to sea. A gale passed over Battery Marshall, blowing down company quarters and lookout; 1 man, Company B, First South Carolina Infantry, killed, and 3 slightly wounded. Steamer General Whiting grounded in front of Fort Moultrie, but succeeded in getting off in a short time, returning to the city. One hundred and fifty-five shots were fired at Morris Island. August 25.Ten shots fired at this island. Heavy salute fired from fleet at sunrise and sunset. Sergeant Anderson, Company C, First Artillery, killed by a shell. The carriage and chassis of the triple-banded Brooke gun arrived. August 26.One shot fired at the island. August 27.Sixty-five shots fired at this island; 21 shells fired at Morris Island from 12-pounder rifle; 2 shells missed the grooves; 20 mortar shells fired from this island Page 252 252 S. C., FLA., A~D ON TILE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. August 28.Twenty-two shots fired at this island. At about 9 p. m. a rocket was thrown up from main, opposite Battery Marshall. August 29.Twelve shots fired from 12-pounder rifled. One mule (Government) killed. At 8.15 p. m. musketry firing was heard on the southeast angle of Fort Sumter, followed shortly afterward by heavy explosion between that place and Battery Bee, supposed to be that of a torpedo. Fort Sumter signaled attention to signals. Ten shots fired at this island; 24 shots fired at Morris Island. August 30.Three bales cotton found on the beach by some men of Company I, First South Carolina Artillery. Seventy-four shots fired at Sullivans Island; 57 shots fired from Sullivans Island. Flag-of-truce boat went out from Sullivans Island at 6 and returned at 8.30 p. in.; 3 shots were fired at her from Morris Island batteries; a fragment of shell struck the boat, but did no damage. A steamer run in and went up to the city at 1.15 a. m. August 31.Three shots fired at Sullivans Island from Morris Island; 2 shots fired from Sullivans Island at Morris Island. Steamer attempting to run in got aground and sunk 4 miles from Battery Marshall. Engineer department has completed the battery for triple-banded Brooke gun and removed 1 mortar from one part of Battery Rut- ledge to the extreme right of same battery. They have also been assisting in cutting sods and sodding, and commenced a traverse and magazine in half bastion of Beauregard Battery. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ALFRED RIIETT, Capt. W. F. NANCE, Colonel, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST SUB-DISTRICT, Sullivans Island, September 10, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to forward the following report of events for the past ten days: September 1.The enemy signaled from nearest monitor all night with rockets and lights. Two shots were fired from the fleet. September 2.A steamer ran safely in at 1 a. m. Triple-banded Brooke gun mounted in first subdivision. Septern~ber 3.At 10.30 a. m. a steamer went down the harbor with a flag of truce, and was met by one from the fleet, and returned to the city at 1.30 p. m. At 8.30 p. m. the steamer General Whiting went out. Failing to show any signal, she was fired into by the picket on the beach, when she displayed the proper lights. She is sup- posed to have been discovered by a barge lying about 1,000 yards in front of Battery Rutledge, as the barge fired 2 volleys of miis- ketry and threw up rockets as she was passing. A steamer ran the blockade at 12.30 a. m. September 4.Three men of Company H, First South Carolina Artillery, deserted; supposed to have gone to Rabun County, Ga. September 5.A drummer boy of First South Carolina Infantry accidentally drowned. The steamer Druid run in and anchored off Battery Rutledge for some time, waiting for a light to be placed on the grillage in front of Fort Moultrie previous to passing in. Sh Page 253 Ca~p. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 253 was soon discovered by a barge lying off Battery Rutledge, which by firing musketry and signaling soon directed the enemy to her position. The batteries opened fire upon her, firing 39 shots at her. She passed in safety at 12.30 a. m. September 6.The enemy fired 15 shots at Moultrie and 2 at Bat- tery Bee. At 12 m. the picket monitor showed signals and threw up 4 rockets. September 7.Rockets were thrown up and signal lights displayed by the fleet during the entire night. Six shots were fired from Bat- tery Marshall in practice. About 600 prisoners marched in stockade between Wagner and middle battery. September 8.The enemy fired 10 shots at the island. At 8 p. m. the right 7.inch Brooke gun in first subdivision was dismounted with its carriage preparatory to being mounted again on the carriage taken from the colunibiad. A few rounds of musketry were fired from barges off Morris Island at 9.30 p. m. September 9.The steamers Syren and Fox passed out at 1 a. in.; the Syren passed out safe, the F ox discovered. One hundred and twenty-seven shots fired at Sullivans Island, and 51 shots fired from Sullivans Island. Ten-inch gun will be mounted to-night. Another~ monitor came in to.day. There are inside the bar 5 monitors, 6 steamers, 3 transports, 3 schooners, and 4 three-masted vessels; outside, 5 gun-boats. Engineer work.The engineer force has been engaged in com- pleting magazine and traverse at Beauregard Battery. Battery for triple-banded gun completed; they have also been working on bomb-proof at Battery Marshall and the West Point Battery at cove; they have also been cutting timber to complete obstructions in front of batteries. Very respectfully, your obedient servant ALFRED RHETT, Colonel, Commanding. About 4 p. in., 40 sailors were seen going to Gregg. ALFRED RIIETT, Colonel, Commanding. Capt. W. F. NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST SUB-DISTRICT, Sullivans Island, September 20, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to forward the following report for the last ten days: September 10.Six shots fired at Moultrie. At 4 a. in., 8 or 10 musket shots were fired near the buoy, 1,300 yards from Fort Sumter. The 10-inch columbiad and Brooke gun were both mounted last night in the first subdivision. Two shots were fired at a tug- boat at 12 p. m. A gun-boat fired on Battery Marshall one hour fired in all 75 shots. The fire was returned with 15 shots. September 11.Battery Marshall fired 16 shots in practice this morning. Much signaling and a rocket from monitor during the night Page 254 254 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. September 12.Eight shots were fired at Sullivans Island. At 7.15 p. m. signal lights were displayed from picket monitor. Lieut. T. M. S. Rhett was painfully wounded by a fragment of shell. September 13.Three shots were fired at Sullivans Island. At daylight 2 shots were fired at picket monitor, which ran in nearer than usual. September 14.Fifteen shots were fired at Fort Moultrie. At 5 a. m. six gun-boats opened fire upon Battery Marshall. The latter returned the fire vigorously until 6.15 a. m. Three shots were fired from second subdivision at a tug-boat. The S-inch gun at Battery Marion was dismounted and taken to the cove. September 15.A large number of signal lights and rockets dis- played by fleet. September 16.One shot fired from Battery Rutledge at tug-boat; 43 shots fired at Morris Island to annoy working parties. September 17.Two blockaders came much nearer than usual last night, lying very near the buoy that marks southern bank of Maf- fitts Channel. September 18.The 8-inch gun was mounted in first subdivision. September 19.Considerable firing reported in the direction of Stono at 7 a. m. A few musket shots were fired near Battery Gregg at 8.30 p. m. Eight-inch gun supplied with ammunition sufficient. Engineer work.The force for the last ten days has been em- ployed principally at Battery Marshall on bomb-proofs and in throw- ing forward the battery of 12-pounders; also in repairing the two- gun battery, No. 4, and other works; in sodding Beauregard, Ma- rion, and battery at cove. A traverse has also been thrown up to pro- tect guard at bridge, and getting out stuff for obstructions in front of works. There are now 190 laborers, besides carters and a few others, to keep the camp in order and carry on the business in the department on this island. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, IREDELL JONES, A. A. D. C. (for and in absence of Col. Alfred Rhett). Capt. W. F. NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 39. Report of Cot. George P. Harrison, Jr., Thirty-second Georgia In- fantry, commanding brigade, of action at Burdens Causeway, Johns island. H~ADQUARTER5 ADVANCED FORCEs, Johns Island, S. C., July 10, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the assault upon the enemys works on the morning of the 9th instant: Having been ordered by Brigadier-General Robertson to assault the enemy in his intrenchments at daylight with my brigade, con- sisting of the Thirty-second Georgia Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Bacon commanding; the Forty-seventh Georgia Regiment Colonel Edwards commanding. and Bonauds battalion, Major Bonaud coin Page 255 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 255 manding, I moved it forward at 2 a. m. about 1~ miles from its biv- ouac of the night before, and formed line of battle immediately in front of a hedge held by our troops, and about 700 or 800 yards from the enemys works across an open field. Having thrown forward a line of skirmishers covering my entire front, at the dawn of day I ordered the whole line to advance to the assault, the Thirty-second Georgia being on the right, the Forty-seventh on the left, and Bo- nauds battalion in the center, the Thirty-second and Bonauds being separated by a hedge road running perpendicularly to our line and toward the works of the enemy. Having advanced about 350 yards, my skirmishers came upon the pickets of the enemy, who fired upon us and hastily retreated. With a loud cheer from the whole line my skirmishers dashed off in pursuit, closely followed by the main body. A rapid fire was at once opened upon us by the enemy behind his works, and as we moved onward it became more accurate and deadly until within about 250 yards of their intrenchments, when it became plainly vis- ible that the enemy were in strong force and ready for us. Volley after volley, linked as it were by scattering reports, were poured into our advancing ranks, and musket-balls swept the field in reck- less profusion, mowing down many of our brave and gallant men; but my line pressed steadily on, never at any time showing the least sign of wavering. Our advance was bloodily contested along the whole line until within a few paces of the enemys works, and in some places till our men mounted the parapet, when he gave way, leaving his works in our possession. Our loss would have been much greater up to this time but for the dense smoke from the enemys fire, which from the peculiar state of the atmosphere did not rise, but hid us from the sight of the foe. It was so thick that in places a man could not be seen five paces. Feeling satisfied that the enemy was much stronger in numbers than ourselves, and having been i~.formed of the strength of the ground immediately in our front, I halted my line upon the cap- tured works and opened a rapid fire upon the retreating foe, with con- siderable effect, the exact amount of which it is difficult to estimate, as the enemy carried off his wounded with him, and probably a por- tion of his dead, the dense woods affording him this facility with little risk. Having gained the entire front line of the enemys works, and Major Jenkins having come to my assistance with the First Georgia Regulars, a detachment of Thirty-second Georgia Regiment, and a portion of the Fourth Georgia Cavalry (dis- mounted), which had been held in reserve, I immediately threw for- ward two companies of Thirty-second Georgia, under Major Holland, of same regiment, and three companies of Forty-seventh Georgia and Bonauds battalion together, under Major Cone, of Forty-sev- enth Georgia, with instructions ~o press the enemy closely and dis- cover his next position, which was found to be behind another line of works just beyond a creek, passable for artillery only by a narrow bridge, which the enemy tore up as he fell back. About this time I received instructions from Brigadier-General Robertson not to assault the enemy further, but to hold the ground already taken. This I did, keeping my skirmishers well up to the enemy and exchanging a rapid fire with him during the morning and at intervals during the afternoon. Toward evening the firing ceased, and under the cover of night the enemy withdrew from ou Page 256 256 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CH~. XLVII. front and fell back to his gun-boats, leaving considerable quarter- master, commissary, and ordnance stores in our possession. My whole brigade displayed great coolness and bravery, and too much cannot be said in commendation of both officers and men. Inclosed find list of casualties.* Very respectfully, GEG. P. HARRISON, JR., Colonel Thirty-second Georgia Infy. Regt., Comdg., & c. Capt. T. HENRY JOHNSTON, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 40. Reports of Cot. John L. Black, First South Carolina Cavalry, of attack on Fort Johnson and Battery Simkins and operations Sep- tember 1018. ROYALLS, July 10, 1864. The e~~y are attacking Haskell. J. L. BLACK Major STRINGFELLOW. Colonel, Commanding. ROYALLs, July 10, 18649.30 p. m. The enemy have been repulsed and Fort Johnson re-enforced. The report of Haskell being attacked was a mistake. It was Sim- kins. J. L. BLACK Major STRINGFELLOW. Colonel, Commam~iing. ROYALLS HOUSE, September 10, 1864. No change in enemys fleet since last report. Off Coles Island, i gun-boat, 1 transport, and 8 schooners; in Folly River, 1 schooner; in Light-House Inlet, 3 transports. The monitor that lay off south- ern end of Morris Island yesterday cannot be seen this morning. Twenty-eight mortar and 24 columbiad shells were fired at Schooner Creek battery from Fort Johnson; effect not known. Enemy fired 4~5 rifle shells and 6 mortar shells at Simkins and Fort Johnson, doing no damage. J. L. BLACK Colonel, Commanling. Major STRINGFELLOW, Assistant Adjutant-General. ROYALLS, September 11, 186411.30 a. m. Reports from observatories this morning and the firing of yester- day is as follows, viz: Five monitors, 8 steamers, 7 sailing vessels, *Not found Page 257 C~. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 257 and 9 blockaders off Morris Island; 1 transport in Light-House Inlet; 2 gun-boats, 1 transport, and 5 schooners off Coles Island. No change in enemys camps since last report. Sixteen mortar and 16 colum- biad shells were fired froim Simkins at Schooner Creek battery; effect unknown. Enemy fired 28 rifle shells at Simkins and Fort Johnson Battery, killing Private Sessions, Company K, First South Carolina Artillery, and wounding 1 man slightly in Bonauds bat- talion. J. L. BLACK, Colonel, Commanding. Maj. C. S. STRINGFELLOW, A. A. G. ROYALLS HousE, September 12, 18641 p. m. The reports of firing and observations are as follows: Five moni- tors, 9 steamers, 7 sailing vessels, 1 schooner, and 9 blockaders off Morris Island; 2 steamers and 1 schooner in Light-House Inlet; 2 gun-boats, 1 transport, and 5 schooners off Coles Isla;nd; I schooner in Folly River. One transport and 1 schooner left Coles Island bound southward, and 1 came in from north; no troops observed on board. No change observed in enemys camps since last report. Fifteen mortar and 16 columbiad shells were fired from Simkins at Schooner Creek battery; effect unknown. Enemy fired 22 rifle shells at Simkins, doing no damage. P. N. PAGE, A8st. Adjt. Gen. (in absence of Colonel Black). Major STRINGFELLOW, A. A. G. ROYALLS, September 12, 18649 p. m. The enemy landed this afternoon about 150 men on south end of Morris Island, who were marched to Wagner; also a transport came in from the south, going toward Morris Island, apparently loaded with troops. It was, however, too dark to see where she stopped. The enemy fired a number of shots at working party at No. 5, new line, to-day. All quiet on west line. J. L. BLACK, Golonel, 61ommandiug. Maj. C. S. STRINGEELLOW, A. A. G. ROYALLS HousE, September 14, 186410.50 a. m. Reports from observatories state the enemys fleet to consist of S monitors, 8 steamers, 5 sailing vessels, and 7 blockaders off Morris Island; 4 transports and 2 schooners in Light- Honse Inlet; 2 gnu- boats, 1 transport, and 5 schooners off Coles Island; 1 schooner in Folly River. No change in enemys encampments. Four mortar and 5 columbiad shells were fired from Simkins at Schooner Creek battery; effect unknown. Enemy fired 12 rifle shells at Simkins and Fort Johnson, doing no damage. J. L. BLACK, Colonel, Commanding. Maj. CHARLES S. STRJNGFELLOW, A. A. U. 17 H HVOL XXXV, PT Page 258 258 S. C., FLA.~ AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CRAP. XLVII. ROYALLS HOUSE, September 16, 1864. There are this morning 4 monitors, 5 steamers, 7 sailing vessels, and 7 blockaders off Morris Island; in Light-House Inlet, 1 trans- port and 3 schooners; off Coles Island, 1 gun-boat, 1 transport, and 7 schooners; in Folly River, 1 transport and ii schooner. The work on Long Island b.attery has increased some since last night. No firing from any of the batteries of this command yesterday. The enemy fired 12 rifle shells at Simkins and Fort Johnson, and 10 shots from Wagner at Haskell, doing no damage. J. L. BLACK Golonel, C~ommanding. Major STRINGFELLOW, Assistant Adjutant-General. ROYALLS, September 18, 186412.40. Major Cone, commanding at Secessionville, reports that 400 men landed on south end of Morris Island at 10 oclock this morning. They came from south end of Big Folly Island. J. L. BLACK Colonel, Commanding. Captain FEILDEN, Assistant Adjutant-General. ROYALLS) September 18, 18616.20 p. m. Colonel Frederick reports that the enemy have torn up all the bridges between this island and battery and Dixons Island. Only ten tents to be seen on Horse Island. J. L. BLACK, Colonel, Commanding. Capt. H. W. FEILDEN, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 41. Reports qf Col. Charles H. Simonton, Twenty-fifth South Carolina Infantry, of operations April 8 and 15 and May 13. HEADQUARTERS FIRST LINES, James Island, April 9, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that upon receiving the in- structions last night of the brigadier-general commanding I caused all the gnus at Pringle and Tynes to be manned, and sent another company of infantry to the former. The pickets on the Stono were increased, and a continued line established from the marsh in front of Pringle to the lower end of Grimballs field, on the Stono. No moxement of the enemy on the river or on the picket front could be observed. I ask leave, respectfully, to express my full concurrence in the opinion of th~ ab~oluto necessity for omo works between Pringl Page 259 Crx~. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 259 and Tynes, from my experience last night. If a determined enemy had landed a thousand men in barges, with gun-boats within sup- porting distance, it would have been extremely difficult to have held these two batteries, and still more difficult to have dislodged them after the batteries were siienced. We had but a single regiment of infantry within reach, and that weakened by a heavy detail for picket duty. Take in connection with this the distance between Tynes and Pringle, at any point of which boats can land, and it will readily be seen how our present defenseless Condition at this part of the line is calcnlated to make one feel uneasy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. SIMONTON, Colonel, Commanding. Capt. P. N. PAGE, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS WEST LINES, James Island, April 15, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that this afternoon, about 4.30 p. in., a two-mast gnu-boat came up the Stono as far as Legar6s place, on Johns Island, about 3-i- miles from Pringle, and opened fire on our picket-line. At the same time a force, estimated between 100 and 200 of infantry, crossed over from Horse Island to Battery Island, and advanced to the causeway leading to James Island, nearly up to the broken bridge. Also at the same time the enemy opened with a sort of rocket, throwing an iron projectile about 2 feet long, filled with powder and intended to explode. These came from Dixons Island, but not from the battery. They fired a very short tilne; when the firing ceased the gun-boat went back. The enemy left Battery Island and destroyed the bridge leading to Horse Island behind them. Our pickets did not leave their posts, and the enemy did not come in collision with any of them at the range of small- arms. While the gun-boat was up the river she fired 5 shots at Pringle. The first shot struck in the river about 200 yards above the battery; the second about the same distance to the left, on the laud; the third in the river just below the bridge; the fourth fell short about a mile, and the fifth passed directly over the battery, falL ing in the field in rear. No one was hurt, and all is quiet. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. SIMONTON, Colonel, Commanding. Capt. P. N. PAGE, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS WEST LINES, James Island, 71/lay 13, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that this morning about sun- rise a party of 15 of the enemy landed at the extreme point of the peninsula running to the left of Legar~s house and nearly opposite Long Island. After landing they at once captured Corporal Moore~r, Second South Carolina Artillery, and 4 men, who were there on post, and who apparently made no resistance. After Capturing these men tho enemy returned to Lone Island, A ~mahi picket is kept at thi Page 260 260 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. point during the day, but there must have been very gross negli- gence on their part leading to their capture. There was no negli- gence on the part of the officers in charge of the picket. Very respectfully, C. H. SIMONTON Colonel, Commanding. Capt. P. N. PAGE, Assistant Adjutant-General. [Indorsement.] HDQRS. SEVENTH MIL. DIST. OF SOUTH CAROLINA, May 13, 1864. Respectfully forwarded. The post at which these men were captured is a very important one and very near the enemy. It is strengthened at. night, and this unfortunate capture occurred after sunrise, when the supports were withdrawn and it was a mere vedette. The men must have either been all asleep or willing to be captured, as they could have either driven off the boat or have effected their escape. Colonel Simonton says that had they been infantry he is sure they could not have been surprised. As i~ is, having no infantry in the Second Sub-Division, and none to send there, we have to rely for all duties upon inex- perienced men. WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Brigadier-General. No. 42. Reports of Lieut. C~ol. Joseph A. Yates, First South Carolina Artil- lery, of assault and at/ac/c on Fort Johnson and Battery Simkins. ROYALL S HousE, July 3, 18649. 30 a. Hi. (Received 9.45.) CAPTAIN: In absence of Colonel Black, commanding, I am in- strutted and have- the honor to forward, without remarks, the fol- lowing report of Lieutenant-Colonel Yates, commanding at Fort Johnson: There was no firing from any of the batteries of this command yesterday; the enemy did not fire. The enemys fleet off Morris Island is as follows: Five monitors and 9 sailing vessels; in Light-House Inlet, 3 schooners. The commander of the expcdition (Colonel Hoyt, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Regiment) says the expedition was about 500 or 600 strong, but the adjutant, who i~ mortally wounded, says they were 1,000 strong; his statement is credited by most the prisoners. I have the honor to report the capture of 140 prisoners, including 5 commissioned officers, including some wounded; also, 5 barges, 114 stand of small-arms with accouter- ments. Enemys loss in killed and wounded cannot be estimated, as most of the wounded were taken off; we will be able to tell better at low tide. Our loss very small. The expedition was composed of men of army, advanced in two columns, barges about twenty-eight in number, one column around Gregg, and one down Schooner Creek; as far as ascertained they numbered 1,000 strong. The expedition was formed at south end Morris Island; the prisoners have left for Charleston. The enemy brought implements for intrenching, also rations. J. II. PRINGLE, Lieutenant and Assistant Inspector-General. - Captain FEILDEN, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 261 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 261 FORT JOHNSON, July 10, 186411.b5 p. m. The enemy immediately after dark (he expected no doubt to find us not on the alert) made an attempt to take Battery Simkins, but we opened immediately upon them, heavily, with artillery and in- fantry, driving them back. Three of their boats effected a landing, but finding the balance of the expedition could not stan& up to it they took to their boats and made off. We are all right and ready for them. J. A. YATES, Lieutenant- ~3~olonel, Commanding. Captain WARWICK. ADDENDA. CHARLESTON, S. C., July 3, 1864. Lieut. Col. J. A. YATES, Comdg., Fort Johnson: I most cordially thank you and your command for the gallant and complete repulse of the enemy this morning. I suspect the capture of Fort Johnson was one of the chief objects of the enemys move- ments. Thanks to you and your command for so effectually disap- pointing them. SAM. JONES, Major- General. No. 43. Report of Lieut. Col. J. Weisman Brown, Second South Carolina Artillery, of skirmish on Pine Island. HEADQUARTERS, Secessionrille, May 11, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor of making the following report of the operations at this post for the past twenty-four hours: Sixteen of the enemy appeared on Pine Island yesterday morning and immediately went to work cutting an opening in the trees about the center of the island. Two smooth-bore 32-pounders on the southern front were opened on them. After firing a few rounds, the fire was returned from Folly and Morris Islands, from a two- gun battery on Long Island, which has been heretofore masked, and from a little island in front of Campbells house. This new battery on Long Island is situated just east of a work which has been no- ticed there for some time on the extreme west end. The enemy fired about 130 shots during the day. We expended twenty-eight 32- pounder round shell, and eleven 32-pounder rifled shell, and one 8-inch round shell. At 10 p. in., two rockets were thrown up on our southern front, apparently on Big Folly Island, immediately followed by a single gun from the new battery on Long Island. At 3 a. in., they opened from two batteries, one considerably to the left of where they unmasked the battery yesterday, and directly behind where the opening was cut & n Pine Island. The firing ceased between 4 and ~5 a. in.. having thrown 44 shots. I did not reply, as very few came into the post; after the fifth or sixth shots nearly all fell to the left of us in the direction of Battery Haskell. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. WELSMAN BROWN, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Lient. J. C. REYNOLDS, Adjutant Page 262 262 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. [Indorsement.] IIDQRS. SEVENTH MIL. DIsT. OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Miay 11, 1864. Respectfully forwarded, for the information of the major-general commanding. The shells of the enemy ilid no damage, but it is to be noticed that they fell within the new lines (southern lines) as far up, I have been informed, as Battery No. 3. It is well also to observe that two new encampments are reported on Folly Island. WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Brigadier- General. No. 44. Report of Lieut. Col. 0. ill. Dantzler. Twenty-first South Garolina Infantry, of destruction of U. S. steamer Housatonic. HEADQUARTERS BATTERY MARSHALL, Sullivans Island, February 19, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the hoirnr to report that the torpedo-boat stationed at this post went out on the night of the 17th instant (Wednesday) and has not yet retnrned. The signals agreed upon to be given in case the boat wished a light to be exposed at this post as a guide for its return were observed and answered. An earlier re- port would have been made of this matter, but the officer of the day for yesterday was under the impression that the boat had returned, and so informed me. As soon as I became apprised of the fact I sent a telegram to Captain Nance, assistant adjutant-general, notify- ing him of it. Very respectfully, 0. M. DANTZLER, Lieutenant- Colonel. Lient. JOHN A. WILSON, Acting Assistant A6~]utant- General. [Indorsement.] FEBRUARY 20, 1864. As soon as its fate shall have been ascertained pay a proper tribute to the gallantry and patriotism of its crew and officers. G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Commanding. No. 45. Report of Lient. Gol. John G. Pressley, Twenty-fifth South Garolina Infantry, of operations April 15. CAMP TWENTY-FIFTH SOUTH CAROLINA VOLUNTEERS, April 15, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I reported this afternoon when at the front the movements of the enemy, but will now give the colonel command- ing a more detailed statement of occurrences: About 4 p. in., about 75 or 100 men made their appearance on Horse Island (the next one below Battery Island). They brough Page 263 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 263 plank, laid them on the old bridge, and crossed. They were after- ward re-enforced by another party of abont the same size. A two- inasted schooner-rigged gnn-boat moved slowly up and opened fire. At the same time a party stationed on the end of Dixons Island toward Battery Island commenced firing rockets of two sizes, the larger being about 3 and the smaller about l~ inches in diameter. The gun-boat and rockets crossed their fire from the James Island end of the Battery Island causeway up to a point about 250 or 300 yards in the field, having to me very much the appearance of a design to cover the advance of their troops. The force on Battery Island advanced to about midway of that island, where the main body stopped, sending from 30 to 50 men as far as the causeway, and an officer with a small party came up to where the bridge on that causeway (now destroyed) once stood. They kept their troops thus disposed till the gunboat moved slowly up the river to a point by the course of the stream about half a mile above Battery Island, but still maintaining very much the same line of fire. She then moved slowly down, and when passing Battery Island the land forces retired, taking up the planks from the bridge to Horse Island behind them. There were no casualties among our pickets. I did not i~tire them, with the exception of the advance post, which was withdrawn about 50 yards for shelter. I established, however, an advanced post on one of the small islands on the right of the causeway in the bushes, to observe the enemy if they should attempt to cross by leaving the can seway to their left. I will send to-morrow morning one of the larger rockets, to be forwarded, if deemed advisable, to headquarters. Very respectfully, your obedient servant JNO. G. PRESSLEY, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Picket-Line. Lieut. ~G. H. MOFFETT, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. [Indorsement.] Respectfully forwarded. The enemy have n~ battery on that part of Dixons Island from which the rockets came; none of the projec tiles was known to explode. ~. H. SIMONTON, Colonel, Commwnding. No. 46. Report of Maj. R. A. Wayne, First Georgia Regulars, of skirmish on Johns Island. IN THE FIELD, Johns Island, July 10, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report: On the 7th instant, 5 p. in., my command, composed of the First Regiment Georgia Regulars, Companies C, G, and K, Thirty-second Georgia Volunteers, and detachments of Companies A, B, F, and I, Second South Carolina Cavalry (dismounted), inclusive of six pieces of artillery, was attacked by the enemy. On my left a heav Page 264 264 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP, XLVII. line of skirmishers was repulsed twice. On my right, which was guarded by the detachments of the Second Sonth Carolina Cavalry (40 in number), the enemy advanced the Twenty-sixth U. S. Regiment (colored), forcing them to retire several hnndred yards after desper- ate resistance. Re-enforcing with Company G, Thirty-second Geor- gia Volnnteers, and Companies F, G, and M, First Georgia Regu- lars, they were (Iriven back in confusion. Being re-enforced by the One hundred and fifty-seventh New York Regiment (white), they again advanced and were handsomely repulsed. They made two other efforts, with like result. The artillery, Captain Parker com- manding, was used with much effect. The detachment of the Sec- ond South Carolina Cavalry being on the right suffered severely, and held their ground gallantly till forced to retire before superior numbers, their loss being 40 per cent. It would be invidious to discriminate where all acted so gallantly. My couriersPrivates Roper and White, of Company I, Second South Carolina Cavalry deserve particular notice for efficiency on the field. My loss was 8 killed and 18 wounded. The enemy left their dead and several of their wounded in our hands and their loss was heavy. At 6.30 p. m. everything was again quiet. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. A. WAYNE, Captain JOHNSTON, Major, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 47. Report of Maj. William & Basin ger, Eighteenth Battalion Georgia Infantry, of operations May 13-16. HEADQUARTERS Sullivans Island, May 17, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report, for the information of the brigadier-general commanding district, the operations of the artil- lery at the west end of this island on the 13th, 14th, and 16th instant: On the 13th, two of the enemys monitors, names unknown, ap- parently new vessels, moved up the harbor at about 11 a. m. and began a heavy fire on the angle made by the east and northeast faces of Sumter. The batteries on Morris Island co-operated vigor- ously with the monitors. The fire continued with greater or less rapidity through the day. About fifty 10-inch shot were fired at the monitors from Fort Moultrie and Batteries Rutledge and Beaure- gard, a number of which took effect; but the vessels occupied a posi- tion which was not within the field of fire of most of our guns, and too remote from those which would bear to encourage the expenditure of much ammunition. Our fire was therefore slow and soon dis- continued. At dusk the monitors retired. The Morris Island bat- teries maintained a slow fire all night. At the same hour on the 14th instant, the monitors returned to the attack, taking a position rather nearer Fort Sumter, and also to the batteries on this island. The Morris Island batteries co-operated as on the day before. Having a better opportunity to injure th Page 265 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHAIThESTON HAHBOI~ ETC. 265 vessels, our fire was much heavier. The guus bearing on them were served rapidly, especially after noon, and at the same time a heavy fire from all our mortar batteries and guns bearing on Morris Tsland was opened on the enemy there. Our batteries on James Island also kept up a simultaneous fire on the land batteries of the enemy. The result was that the activity of those batteries sensibly diminished, and at times ceased altogether. The operations of the monitors were also materially interrupted. They were hit repeatedly, and finding themselves compelled to avoid our shot by moving to and fro continually, which greatly impaired the accuracy of their own aim at Fort Sumter, they finally abandoned their attack for the day and moved off at an early hour. On the 16th, the attack was renewed at the same hour. During the night of the 14th and 15th, arrangements had been made to enable us to command the position usually occupied by the monitors with several more of our heavy guns, by opening new embrasures through the merlons thrown up in front of them. The enemy, probably having sustained no injury before, came up quite audaciously on this day, approaching even nearer than on the 14th instant. Our fire was extremely rapid from four 10-inch guns, one 11-inch, one 7-inch Brooke, and one 10-inch, rifled and banded, and it was as accu- rate as rapid. I do not think it could be surpassed. Out of 92 shots, 35 were palpable hits, some of them hard. One of the vessels had the roof of her pilot-house knocked partly off, and the smoke- stacks of both were repeatedly pierced. Some shots struck at or near the base of the turret; others apparently between wind and water. In an hour and a half both vessels retired, and have not since renewed their attempt. The Morris Island batteries all along maintained a slow but steady fire on Sumter. The monitors did not on either occasion reply to the batteries on this island. The Morris Island batteries fired at Fort Moultrie on the 14th, thrice with 10-inch columbiads, once with 200-pounder Parrott, but without effect. I cannot but consider the action of the 16th as clearly indicating the ability of our heavy guns to cope with the iron vessels of the enemy. On the 14th, they were very uhcomfortable. But their withdrawal on the 16th was a complete acknowledgment of their unwillingness to encounter us for any length of time. It was im- possible, of course, to know the exact amount and character of the injuries they received. But the slowness of their fire and their early escape from ours made it certain that it was more than they could safely endure. At all events they must have considered the risk disproportionate to the mischief they hoped to accomplish by renewing their bombardment of Fort Sumter. All the batteries at the west end of the island were engaged more or less according to the distance and the location of their guns, and at all a high degree of skill was exhibited. For particulars as to the guns used, & c., I beg leave to refer to the report* of Captain Huguenin, in immediate command of these batteries, herewith forwarded. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. S. BASINGER, Major, Commanding. Capt. E. M. S~AR~GOK, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. *See p. 271 Page 266 266 S. C., PtA., AND ON TIlE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. No. 48. Reports of ]Lfaj. John Jenkins, Third Sonth Carolina Carairy, of operations Jnty 310 and the bnrning of Legareville. JOHNS ISLAND, Jnly 14, 1864. CAPTAIN: In obedience to orders from Brigadier-General Robert- son the following report of the operations of my command dnring the recent movements of the enemy on Johns Island is respectfully snbmitted: The enemy on the 3d instant landed three regiments, with a few cavalry, on Seabrook Island; also a body of infantry, with some artillery, at Legar~s Point place and Legareville, and a third body of troops at Rockville. Capt. E. L. Parker, then commanding on Johns Island, having no force to resist their advance, judiciously withdrew his troops, a mere picket of about 80 monuted men, to Curtis, and scouted the island in his front, and placed a piece of artillery to cover the crossing from Wadmalaw. The enemy rebnilt the bridge over the Hanlover and crossed their troops and wagon train from Seabrook to Johns Island, and advanced np to the Cocked Hat, where they encamped and formed line of battle. Qn the 4th, they marched down the Kiawah River road to the Stono side of the island, concentrating their forces for their advance np the river road. Having made a personal reconnaissance to the Hanlover and ascertained definitely this move, I sent a scouting party down the Stono River road to learn the position and strength of the enemy. This party ~nconntered their advance at McElhanys on the morn, ing of the 5th, and were fired into, W. Godfrey, of the Stono Scouts- being shot severely in the foot, bnt escaped and bronght me intelli- gence that the enemy were advancing in very heavy force. I im- mediately ordered all the cavalry except a few vedettes to that side of the island to confront and check, or at least retard, their advance. I had that morning been re-enforced by the First Georgia Regnlar Regiment, Major Wayne~ abont 230 men. My force being insuf- ficient to beat the enemy back, I marched with the troops and a Na- poleon gun, of the Marion, and a howitzer, of Charles battery, down the Bohicket and Edendale roads to get in rear of the enemy, with the hope of alarming them for their commnnications, and thns induc- ing a withdrawal, which I had not force to compel by a direct at- tack in front. We attacked and routed a body of troops (colored), killing 2 of them, at Huntscums Corner, and advanced to attack their force at Ropers and the Aberpoolie, when I received information that the enemy ~n overwhelming numbers were steadily driving our cavalry, who were too feeble to offer effective resistance to them, and that they had advanced to Gervais. Upon this information of their rapid progress we countermarched 11 miles to get in their front, and took position at Grimballs Waterloo place. On the morning of the 6th, enemy threw forward his skirmishers, who approached to within 400 yards of our line, but were dispersed and driven back in confusion by a few rounds of canister and shell, which did some execution among them. On the 7th, they took possession of some buildings in Gervais field with their sharpshooters, who were very annoying, but whom we finally succeeded in dislodging and silencing. The enemy for th Page 267 267 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN ChARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. first time brought forward artillery, and a sharp engagement ensued between their and our artillery, the two guns of the Marion, under Lieutenant Murdoch, two howitzers, Charles battery, under com- mand of Lieutenant Logan, making excellent practice, all under the supervision of Captain Parker. At 11 a. in., the firing had ceased, and everything being quiet at 3 p. in., i left for Charleston to see General Jones, who General Robertson informed me had been endeavoring unsuccessfully to communicate with me by signals. During my absence the enemy attacked and succeeded in tnrning our extreme right by a flank movement, but the cavalry (dis- mounted), under command of Captain Clark, Second South Carolina Regiment, made a most determined and desperate resistance, his company of 21 men present losing 13 men7 killed and 6 wounded. He was ably seconded by Captain Dean, of same regiment, who with 13 men charged the enemy on their left flank, throwing them into confusion. A gun of the Marion, judiciously posted, ren- dered much assistance in repelling thQ enemy or holding him in check until our right was re-enforced by companies from the First and Thirty-second Georgia Regiments, drawn from portion of our line which ~yas not engaged and led to the assistance of Major Wayne, commanding in my absence, who displayed alike correct judgment and cool courage and skill in handling his troops, and handsomely repulsed the enemy with loss in repeated assaults upon our line. One of the Parrott guns of the Washington Artillery, Lieutenant Horsey commanding, was particularly effective, being advanced in front of our line and enfilading the assaulting party of the enemy. Our officers and men exhibited steadiness and unflinch- ing firmness. Major Wayn& s report of the action renders anything beyond this general reference on my part superfluous. On the 8th, General Robertson arrived and took command. Re- enforcements came up. He determined to attack .the enemy and drive him from the island. At 2 oclock on the morning of the 9th, I was ordered by General Robertson to direct Colonel Harrison, of the Thirty-second Georgia, to advance upon the enemy and carry his lines, unless lie encoun- tered too severe a fire of artillery, in which event he was to with- draw and not sacrifice his men. I was ordered by the general to take command of the second or supporting line, consisting of three companies Thirty-second Georgia Regiment, First Regiment Georgia Regulars, Major Wayne, and detachment Fourth Georgia Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Harris, to act as circumstances might require. Colonel Harrison at 3.30 a. m. moved forward his line of battle, fornied parallel with the enemys breast-works. His attacking force consisted of seven companies of his own regiment, which formed his right wing, and Bonauds battalion and the Forty-seventh Georgia Regiment, Colonel Edwards, which formed his left wing. His line of battle extended about 400 yards in length, preceded by a line of skirmishers of double that front and 300 yards in advance. The Stono River road, with hedges on both sides of it, cut his line of battle in two. Colonel Harrison, being unacquainted with the ground and position of the enemy, desired me to suggest the plan of attack, and I submitted twoeither to mass his troops on the right of the road and carry the enemys left, merely attacking his right with skirmishers (if this attack on enemys left succeeded his right would be isolated, as his right was in front of a creek running in his rea Page 268 268 S. C., PLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [OTIAP. XLVII. up to the road and said to be impassable), or, second, to form his line of battle on both sides of the road and pierce their center. The latter was preferred and adopted. I was then directed to hold the line occupied by our troops (between Gervais and Grimballs), in order that if Colonel Harrison was repulsed and pursued by the en- emy we might be in position with fresh troops to cover his retreat and check their pursuit. Colonel Harrison then ordered the charge, and his line moved steadily -and sternly across the field, met and drove in the enemys skirmishers, and advanced upon their breast- works. His skirmishers, encountering a fearfully heavy fire, were checked until re-enforced by his line of battle, when the onward movement was resumed under a storm of bullets. In the mistiness of the morning, the smoke resting upon the oround I was unable to see his troops, and supposing from the con- b tinuance of the rapid fire on both sides that Colonel Harrison had encountered too heavy a force intrenched for him to carry their works without assistance, and that his men, held at bay, would be decimated and perhaps eventually driven back, to insure success I ordered the advance of the entire reserve to his support. The left wing of my line, commanded by Captain Fort, not coming forward immediately (whether from not promptly receiving the order or other cause), I moved forward without waiting for it with our right wing, consisting of detachment of Fourth Georgia Cavalry (dis- mounted), commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Harris, and the First Regiment Georgia Regulars, commanded by Major Wayne, the right of our attacking force appearing to me to be in need of instant help. But while our line advanced steadily and rapidly under a severe fire, which they had to endure with loss, without returning, for our men in front, before we reached Colonel Harrison, that gal- lant officer and the splendid troops under him, bravely led by their officers, had swept the enemys lines and his skirmishers pushed be- yond. Here he paused and the enemy brought up his reserves and his artillery and destroyed the bridge across the head of creek, and, sweeping the front of our new line (taken from them) with canister and shrapnel, advanced their skirmishers, who became sharply en- gaged with ours almost throughout the day. At night the enemy quietly withdrew to the protection of their gun-boats, and next day embarked their forces, burning their com- missary stores ashore. List of casualties in my command having been furnished by im- mediate commanders, a recapitulation is unnecessary. Respectfully submitted. JOHN JENKiNS. Captain JOHNSTON, Afc~or. Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. JOHNS ISLAND, August 21, 1864. Last night at 9 oclock I burnt Legareville. The buildings were at almost the same instant set on fire and were in a few minutes a sheet of flames. The battery on Horse Island fired a farewell shot into the picket house before we had left. After a considerable time the battery and gun-boat renewed their fire, throwing their shell into the village and up the peninsula upon which Legarevill Page 269 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN ChARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. 269 stood to Bryans place, a distance of 3 miles. Some 15 or 20 shots were fired, from which we sustained no injury. When the determi- nation to destroy the village was announced the Stono Scouts, owners of property on the place, volunteered to aid the detachment from Captain Clarks company ordered for the purpose, 16 such members applying the torches to their own dwellings. To-day, after sixteen months duty on this outpost, I turn over the command to Captain Parker, and report to my regiment with regret that my last official act on the island should have been, under an imperative sense of duty, to recommend the destruction of the property of our own people (most of them my relatives and friends), and assisting with my own hands in applying the torch to their dwellings. I am only reconciled by reflection that the property had served useful ends to the enemy, who were removing it for their accommodation to the islands in their possession, and it would have been in any event lost to the owners. Five schooners, 2 brigs, and 1 gun-boat in the Stono and Folly Rivers; 1 gun-boat in the North Edisto River. JOHN JENKINS, Major, Commanding. Capt. H. W. FEILDEN, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 49. Reports of Lieut. Col. Del. Kemper, C. S. Artillery, of operations July 7-9. HDQRS. SECOND AND SIXTH MILITARY DISTRICTS, OFFICE OF CHIEF OF ARTILLERY, Adams Run, July 16, 1864. CAPTAIN: Proceeding to Johns Island on the 7th instant, under orders to examine the position of affairs and to report to the briga- dier-general commanding, I reached the position occupied by our troops, a line extending across and at right angle to the river road, about 11. mile below Stevens, just previous to and therefore in time to participate in the affair of that (Thursday) evening. I found the artillery disposed as follows: Two 10-pounder Parrotts of Walters battery, under Lieutenant Horsey; two 12-pounder howitzers of Charles battery, under Lieutenant Logan, and one 12-pounder Na- poleon, of Parkers battery, under Lieutenant Lowudes, in front with the thin line of infantry. One 12-pounder Napoleon, of Park- ers battery, under Lieutenant Murdoch, was 400 yards in rear of the center, and the remaining two pieces (12-pounder Napoleons) of that battery, under Lieutenant Wilkins, were near Curtis, guarding the Bohicket River and Wadmalaw Island roads. The enemy deliv- ered a feeble assault on our right. At 5.15 p. m. our infantry on that flank were doubled back at right angles to the front, but stub- bornly maintained their last position. Lieutenant Horsey, having run one of his 10-pounder Parrotts out in the front of our center, fired a few shots therefrom into the flanking column. Lieutenant Murdoch also opened on them with good effect, and the cavalry attacked them in flank and rear. These causes induced them to retire in confusion Page 270 270 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. A desultory fire was kept up from the other pieces against the enemy whenever he became visible. Our line on the right was at once rec- tified, and in a few minutes there was nothing but desultory firing, and by 6 p. m. that also ceased. I started at 6.30 p. m to return to Adams Run, but meeting General Robertson at Church Flats reported to him there and accompanied him. to Stevens next morning. The occurrences of the following day, as far as the artillery is concerned, will be detailed in another report. My thanks are due to Sergeant Seabrook for zeal and coolness in performance of duty. I have the honor to be, captain, your obedient servant, DEL. KEMPER, Lieutenant-Colonel of Artillery. Captain JOHNSTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. Number of rounds expended in action from 6th to 9th, inclusive: 10-pounder Parrott: Shell 164 Canister 19 12-pounder Napoleon: Shell 73 Canister 6 Solid shot 21 12-pounder howitzers: Shell -... 221 Canister 33 Total number of rounds (458 shell, 58 canister, and 21 solid shot) 537 HDQRS. SECOND AND SIXTH MILITARY DISTRICTS, OFFICE OF CHIEF OF ARTILLERY, Adams Run, July 16, 1864. CAPTAIN: Daybreak on Saturday, 9th instant, found the artillery on Johns Island, consisting of Parkers four 12-pounder Napoleons, Walters two 10-pounder Parrotts and two 12-pounder Napoleons, and Charles two 12-pounder howitzers, disposed as follows, viz: All the pieces distributed at convenient intervals along the line of in- fantry, except Walters two Napoleons, under Lieutenant Salvo, which were placed near Curtis to guard our flank and rear. By General Robertsons orders the infantry moved forward at dawn and easily drove the enemy from his front line of works. I then ad- vanced two pieces of artillery (a 12-pounder Napoleon of Parkers battery, under Lieutenant Wilkins, and a 12-pounder howitzer of Charles battery, under Lieutenant Logan) and put them in position to cover Burdens Causeway. The musketry fire of the enemy, however, being very heavy, induced Colonel Harrison to withdraw Lieutenant Wilkins (who was nearest the causeway and in the road) about 100 yards toward the rear, the determintttion of the general not to advance farther in the face of such overwhelming odds ren- dering the proservation of the causeway of no moment. A few rounds were fired from Lieutenant Murdochs Napoleons, on our left, and 1 shell tried from thG Parrott8 in the center, which, burstin Page 271 271 CHAP. XLVII.] OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, ETC. before it had cleared our own lines, warned against its repetition. The limited use made of the artillery ou this occasiou must be as- cribed to the singularly unfavorable nature of the ground. Private Clements deserves thauks for zealous performance of duty. The list of casualties hereto appended shows ~ wounded, of whom 1 (Private Lynch, of Walters battery) has since died. Six horses were disabled, 4 killed. Officers and men all displayed the most commendable coolness and enthusiasm. Very respectfully, captain, your obedient servant, DEL. KEMPER, Lieutenant-Colonel of Artillery. Captain JOHNSTON, A. A. A. G. No. 50. Reports of Capt. Thomas A. Huguenin, First South Carolina In fantry (Regulars), of operations May 1316. HEADQUARTERS ARTILLERY, West End Sullivans island, May 16, 1864. LIEUTENANT: Pursuant to instructions I have the honor to make the following consolidated report of the events at the batteries of this command on the 13th and 14th and 16th instant: From Battery Bee there were fired ten 10-inch columbiad shells at Gregg on the 14th, and four 11-inch solid shot at the monitors on the 16th, 1 taking effect. No firing from this battery on the 13th. From Battery Marion, May 14, ninety-two 10-inch mortar shells. May 16, 11 hollow shot from Brooke gun, 4 taking effect; seven 10- inch columbiad solid shot, 3 taking effect. No firing from this bat- tery on the 13th. From Fort Moultrie, May 13, three 10-inch solid shot. May 14, nine 8-inch in hollow from 8-inch columbiad, rifled; two 10-inch in solid shot 10-inch columbiad. May 16, twenty-two 10-inch in solid shot 10-inch coluinbiad, 13 takiug effect. From Battery Rutledge, May 13, thirty-eight 10-inch columbiad shot, 8 taking effect; seven 10-inch rifled shot, 9 taking effect. May 14, thirty-one 10-inch columbiad, 11 taking effect; thirty-three 10- inch mortar shells on Morris Island. May 16, thirty-four 10-inch columbiad, 13 effective; two 10-inch columbiad, rifled, 9 effective. From Battery Beauregard there were fired on the 13th, 14th, and 16th, 37 solid shots and 2 shells. The monitors were struck on the 13th once, on the 14th twice, and on the 16th once. Respectfully submitted. T. A. HUGUENIN, Captain, Commanding. Lient. E. P. STARR, A. A. A. G. HEADQUARTERS ARTILLERY, West End Sullivans Thland, May 16, 1864. LIEUTENANT: In obedience to instructions I have the honor to make the following report of the firing from my command this morning: About 11 a. in., two monitors steamed up to within 1,800 yards of PQrt Moultri~ a d anchored abreast of each other. The ~un~ o Page 272 272 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. Moultrie, Rutledge, Beauregard, Marion, and Bee which Could bear were opened upon them, firing as rapidly as was consistent with ac- curacy. The battery commanders report the following as the number of shots fired and the number which struck. It will be seen from this report that the two 10-inch columbiads in Moultrie, under command of Lieutenant Minott, fired 22 shots, of which 13 took effect, which, considering the distance, I do not think has ever been surpassed. I witnessed the firing and am happy in saying that it is worthy of commendation. One of the monitors had the knob on the top of the pilot-house smashed into pieces. It will be seen that the 7-inch Brooke gun hit 4 times. I noticed one to be a very severe blow on the side of the turret. The enemy did not return our fire, but after firing a few shots at Sumter returned to the fleet about one hour and a half after the commencement of the action: From Fort Moultrie, twenty-two 10-inch columbiad shots, 13 effective. From Battery Bee, four 11-inch Dahlgren, 1 effective. From Battery Rutledge, thirty-four 10-inch columbiad, 13 effective; two 10-inch rifled columbiad, not effective. From Battery Marion, eleven 7-inch Brooke gun, 4 effective; seven 10-inch columbiad, 3 effective. From Battery Beauregard, three 8-inch rifled, 1 effective; seven 10-inch columbiad, not effective. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. A. HUGUENIN Lieut. E. P. STARR, Captain, Comman~tinq. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. JANUARY 7, 1864.Affair on Waccamaw Neck, S. C. RJJPOI9~TS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. James H. Trapier, C. S. Army. No. 2.Maj. William P. White, Twenty-first Battalion Georgia Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. James H Trapier, C. S. Army. HDQRS. FOURTH MIL. DIsT. OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Georgetown, January 8, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report the capture of 4 officers and 20 men belonging to one of the enemys blockading vessels on this coast, under the following circumstances: The steamer Dan, from Bermuda, in attempting to run the blockade into Wilmington was dis- covered and chased off. Finding escape impossible she was beached at about 12 m. yesterday, on the Waccamaw Beach, at a point some 12 or 15 miles north of Georgetown entrance. Her officers and crew and her passengers were all landed in safety, the steamer having been first fired. The enemy, in attempting to reach her in barges, encountered a very rough sea and their barges were capsized. Three of their men were drowned; the remainder succeeded in reaching the shore and soon after stirrendered to Maj. William P. White, I officer and I man, without flung a shot, though with arms in their hands Page 273 CHAP. XLVII.] AFFAIR AT BAYOU GRAND, FLA. 273 I shall send these prisoners to Kingstree on Monday next, and respectfully request that they be met there by a detachment from Charleston in order that my men may return immediately. I re- quire the services of them all. I am, general, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, J. H. TRAPIER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff. No.2. Report of Maj. William P. White, Twenty-first Battalion Georgia Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS CAMP TRAPIER, Waccamaw Forces, January 26, 1864. CAPTAIN: In conformity to General Orders, No. 128, Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, paragraph 1, I feel it a duty incumbent on me, as well as a pleasure, to notice ~he meritorious conduct of Junior Second Lieut. Thomas Young and Private Lemuel Robertson, both of Company C, Twenty-first Georgia Cavalry Bat- talion, who gallantly charged upon 25 Abolitionists on Dnbardu Beach, Waccamaw, S. C., on the 7th instant, armed with cutlasses and pistols, and aided in compelling them to lay down their arms and surrender when there was no supporting forces within three- quarters of a mile of the parties. To my surprise, instead of one volley at least, the whole party, commanded by a lientenant of the U. S. Navy, obeyed the summons, were taken prisoners, and were delivered up to your order. Very respectfully, yours, WM. P. WHITE, iIa.jor, Comdg. Twenty-first Georgia Cay. Battalion. Capt. WILLIAM GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General. JANUARY 25, 1864.Affair at Bayou Grand, Fla. Report of Brig. Gen. Alexander Asboth, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF PENSACOLA, Barrancas, Fla., January 27, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit, in connection with my re- port of January 10, No. 20, in regard to rebel movements in my neighborhood, the following additional information: Off Mobile the gun-boat Tennessee is not vet over the bar~ the small steamer Boston, with two guns and f3rty bales of cotton, is ready to run the blockade for Havana. The garrison at Mobile was increased with five regiments of infantry from Montgomery. There are in all now eight regiments, 500 to 700 strong each. Port Morgan is garrisoned at present by 1,000 men; Fort Grant by 300. The rebel force at Pollard is 1,200, employed toward Milton and on the railroad toward Mobile. The cavalry that were stationed between the Blackwater aud Escambia have been ordered to Mobile and thQir 1~8 R 1~~YOL xxxv, PT Page 274 9 274 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. places supplied by a small force, 120 infantry and a detail of 16 mounted men, to arrest deserters and conscripts. Two companies of cavalry at Camp Withers, this side of Bonsecours Bay, are still there, and two new companies at the head of Choctawhatchee Bay, but this detachment could be taken with their horses and arms very easily if a small steamer could be placed at my disposal. The expe- dition on the small naval steamer Bloomer (reported in No. 20) was not able to reach the head of the bay, as the Bloomer was retained by commander at East Pass, and the schooner Champion taken by him and his men, making the co-operation of our men impracticable. Notwithstanding these difficulties and disappointments, there are already there 157 men enlisted in the Florid a regiments, besides those who entered the [Fourteenth] New York Cavalry and the Seventh Vermont Infantry. Being entirely without fresh beef, I started day before yesterday a party of infantry and cavalry across the Bayou Grand. Twenty men of the [Fourteenth] New York Cavalry fell in, 4 miles from the bayou, with a scouting party of rebel cavalry, and sncceeded, by a spirited charge, to capture 10 of them, with horses and arms; our loss, 1 horse. The gallant Colonel Holbrook was in command of the small expedition. Copies of special orders relative to it are respectfully inclosed. Rebel papers state that an expedition of 12,000 men started from New Orleans to make a land attack upon Mobile, and I beg to refer to my several reports relative to the necessity of cutting off railroad communication between Mobile and. Montgomery. The re-enforce- ments predicted are already passing into Mobile from Johnstons (formerly Braggs) army, and I would therefore most respectfully request that the small steamers and the combined brigade be ordered here, thus enabling me to destroy at once the Mobile and Montgoin- ery Railroad communication, and facilitate and insure the success of the Union force moving by land upon Mobile. I am, very respectfully, general, your obedient servant, ASBOTH, Brigadier-General. Brig. Gen. CHARLES P. STONE, Chief of Staff. FEBRUARY 522, 1864.The Florida Expedition. SUNZNKLAIRY 0113 TIlE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. Feb. 7, 1864.Occupation of Jacksonville by Union forces. 8, 1864.Skirmish at Ten-Mile Run, near Camp Finegan. 10, 1864.Skirmish at Barbers Ford. 11, 1864.Skirmish at Lake City. 14, 1864.Skirmish at Gainesville. 20, 1864.Engagement at Olustee, or Ocean Pond. REPORTS. No. 1.Maj. Gen. Quincy A. Gillmore, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the South. No. 2.Brig. Gen. Truman Seymour, U. S. Army, commanding District of Florida. No. 3.Surg. Adolph Majer, U.S. Army, of engagement at Olustee. No. 4.Col. William B. Barton, Forty-eighth New York Infantry, commanding brigade, of engagement at Olustee Page 275 CHAP. XLVII.] THE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. 275 No. 5.Col. Joseph P. Hawley, Seventh Connecticut Infantry, commanding bri- gade, of engagement at Olustee. No. 6.Capt. Benjamin F. Skinner, Seventh Connecticut Infantry, of engagement at Olustee. No. 7.Capt. Charles C. Mills, Seventh Connecticut~ Infantry, of engagement at Olustee. No. 8.Col. Joseph C. Abbott, Seventh New Hampshire Infantry, of engagement at Olustee. No. 9.Capt. Romanzo C. Bailey, Eighth U. S. Colored Infantry, of engagement at Olustee. No. 10.Lieut. Elijah Lewis, Eighth U. S. Colored Infantry, of engagement at Olustee. No. 11.Lieut. Andrew F. Ely, Eighth U. S. Colored Infantry, of engagement at Olustee. No. 12.Col. Edward N. Hallowell, Fifty-fourth Massachutetts Infantry, of engage- ment at Olustee. No. 13.Capt. Loomis L. Langdon, Battery M, First U. S. Artillery, of engagement at Olustee. No. 14.Lieut. John R. Myrick, Battery E, Third U. S. Artillery, of engagement at Olustee. No. 15.Lient. Henry H. Metcalf, Company C, Third Rhode Island Artillery, of en- gagement at Olustee. No. 16.General G. T. Beauregard, C. S. Army, commanding Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. No. 17.Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan, C. S. Army, commanding District of East Florida. No. 18.-Lieut. M. B. Grant, C. S. Engineers, of engagement at Olustee. No. 19.Lient. T. E. Buckman, Ordnance Officer, of engagement at Olustee. No. 20.Brig. Gen. Alfred H. Colquitt, C. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, of engagement at Olustee. No. 21.Capt. John F. Wheaton, Chatham Artillery, of engagement at Olustee. No. 22.Capt. Robert H. Gamble, Leon Light Artillery, of engagement at Olustee. No 23.Capt. Joseph L. Dunham, Company A, Milton Light Artillery, of opera- tions February 8-9. No. 24.Lieut. Drury Rambo, Company A, Milton Light Artillery, of engagement at Olustee. No. 25. -Col. George P. Harrison, jr., Thirty-second Georgia Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of engagement at Olustee. No. 26.Capt. John M. Guerard, Georgia Artillery, of engagement at Olustee. No. 27.Col. Caraway Smith, commanding Cavalry Brigade, of engagement at Olustee. No. 1. Report of Maj. Gem. Quiney A. Gillmore, U. S. Army, command ing Department of the South. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Hilton Head, S. C., November 9, 186~. ADJUTANT-GENERAL OF THE ARMY, Washington, D. C.: SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith a CO~~ of my original report to the General-in-Chief of operations in Florida in Febrnary, 1864, prior to and Comprising the battle of Olnstee. All important documents having any direct bearing on the subject, including Brig Page 276 276 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. adier-General Seymours report of that battle, are attached in the form of appendices. These are lettered from A to 5, inclusive, and are deemed necessary to a thorough comprehension of those opera- tions. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Q. A. GJLLMORE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., ]Iliarch 7, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit herewith copies of certain letters and telegraphic dispatches which comprise the instructions given to Brig. Gen. T. Seymour, relative to operations in Florida prior to the fight at Olustee on the 20th ultimo. A brief narrative of events connected with the recent occupation of Florida, west of the Saint Johns River, will not be out of place. Under date of December 22, 1863, I was authorized by you to undertake such operations in my department as I might deem best, suggesting conference with Admiral Dahlgren, & c. * On January 14, 1864, I wrote you that unless it would interfere with the views of the War Department I should occupy the west bank of the Saint Johns River, in Florida, very soon, and establish small depots there, preparatory to an advance west at an early day. On January 15, I wrote to the Secretary of War that I had in contemplation the occupation of Florida, on the west bank of the Saint Johns River, at a very early day. Under date of January 22, you informed me that in regard to my proposed operations in Florida the Secretary replied that the matter had been left entirely to my judgment and discretion, with the means at my command, and that, as the object of the proposed expedition had not been explained, it was impossible for you to judge of its advantages or practicability. On January 31, I wrote informing you that the objects to be ob- tained by the operations were, first, to procure an outlet for cotton, lumber, timber, & c.; second, to cut oft one of the enemys sources of commissary supplies; third, to obtain recruits for my colored regiments; fourth, to inaugurate measures for the speedy restora- tion of Florida to her allegiance, in accordance with instructions which I had received from the President by the hand of Maj. John Hay, .assistant adjutant-general. (See Appendix A.) On February 5, I directed General Seymour (see Appendix G), whose command was already embarked, to go to Jacksonville, Fla., effect a landing there, and push forward his mounted force to Bald- win, 20 miles from Jacksonville, the junction of the two railroads from Jacksonville and Fernandina. A portion of the command reached Baldwin on the 9th, at which point I joined it on the even- ing of the same day. At that time the enemy had no force in East Florida, except the scattered fragments of General Finegans com- mand. We had taken all of his artillery. On the 10th, a portion of our forces were sent toward Sanderson, and I returned to Jacksonville. Telegraphic communication was established between Jacksonville and Baldwin on the 11th. On that day I telegraphed to General Seymour (see Appendix J) not to risk a repulse in advancing on Lake City, but to hold Sanderson unless there were reasons for fall- * See Vol. XXVIII, Part II, p. 134 Page 277 CHAP. XLVII.) THE PLOI~IDA EXPEDITION. 277 ing back which I did not know, and also (see Appendix K), in case his advance met with serious opposition, to concentrate at Sanderson. and the South Fork of the Saint Marys, and, if necessary, to bring back Colonel Henry (commanding the mounted force) to the latter place. (For General Seymours reply see Appendix L.) On the 12th, General Seymour informed me from Sanderson (see Appendix M) that he should fall back to the South Fork of the Saint Marys as soon as Colonel Henry, whom he had ordered back from the front, had returned. On the same day I telegraphed to General Seymour (dispatch, see Appendix N) that I wanted his command at and beyond Baldwin concentrated at Baldwin without delay, for reasons which I gave him. (For reply see Appendix 0.) General Seymour joined me at Jacksonville on the 14th, the main body of his command being at that time at Baldwin as directed. He had, however, sent Colonel Henry toward the left to capture some railroad trains at Gainesville, on the Fernandina and Cedar Keys Railroad. After arranging with General Seymour for the construction of certain defenses at Jacksonville, Baldwin, and the South Fork of the Saint Marys, I started for Hilton Head on the 15th, leaving behind me Captain Reese, of the Engineers, to give the necessary instruc- tions for the defenses referred to. I considered it well understood at that time between General Seymour and myself that no advance would be made without further instructions from me, nor until the defenses were well advanced. On the 18th, I was greatly surprised at receiving a letter from General Seymour, dated the 17th (see Appendix P), stating that he intended to advance without supplies in order to destroy the railroad near the Suwannee River, 100 miles from Jacksonville. I at once dispatched General Turner (my chief of staff) to Jacksonville to stop the movement. He was the bearer of a letter to General Sey- mou r (see Appendix Q). Upon arriving at Jacksonville, after con- siderable delay, due to the inclemency of the weather, he learned that General Seymour was engaged with the enemy in front, near Olustee. When I left Jacksonville on the 15th instant I was entirely satisfied with the success of our operations up to that time. I briefly communicated to you my plans with regard to Florida in my letter of February 13, from which I extract as follows, viz: General Seymours advance has been within 4 miles of Lake City, but as his in- structions were not to risk a repulse or make an attack when there was a prospect of incurring much loss, he has taken up a position at Baldwin, the junction of the railroad from Jacksonville with the one from Fernandina. He holds also the cross- ing of the Saint Marys South Fork, about 12 miles west of Baldwin. I intend to construct small works capable of resisting a coup de main at Jacksonville, Baldwin, Palatka, and perhaps one or two other important points so strong that 200 or 800 men will be sufficient at each point. Twenty-five hundred men, in addition to the two regiments that have been permanently stationed in this State (one at Saint Augustine and one at Fernandina), ought to be ample in Florida. The artillery captured here will suffice for such defensive works as may be deemed necessary. I desire to see the lumber and turpentine trade on the Saint Johns River revived by loyal men, and for that purpose, and to give assurance that our occupation of this river is intended to be permanent, I have written to the Secretary of the Treasury recommending that the port of Jacksonville be declared open. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Q. A. GILLMORE. 3lctjor-General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief Page 278 2~8 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. APPENDIX A. EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, January 13, 1864. Major-General GILLMORE: I understand an effort is being made by some worthy gentlemen to reconstruct a loyal State government in Florida. Florida is in your department, and it is not unlikely that you may be there in person. I have given Mr. Hay a commission of major and sent him to you with some blank books and other blanks to aid in the reconstruction. He will explain as to the manner of using the blanks, and also my general views on the subject. It is desirable for all to co-operate; but if irreconcilable differences of opinion shall arise, you are master. I wish the thing done in the most speedy way possible, so that when done it will be within the range of the late proclamation on the subject. The detail labor, of course, ~Till have to be done by others, but I shall be greatly obliged if you will give it such general supervision as you can find convenient with your more strictly military duties. Yours, very truly, A. LINCOLN. APPENDIX B. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., January 14, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief, & c.: SIR: Unless it will interfere with the views of the War Depart- ment, I shall occupy the west bank of the Saint Johns River, in Florida, very soon, and establish small depots there preparatory to an advance west at an early day. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Q. A. GILLMORE, Major- General, Commanding. APPENDIX C. FOLLY ISLAND, January 15, 1864. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: Mv DEAR SIR: I wrote by last mail to Major Foster, and also to the General-in-Chief, requestiug that the new colored regiments formed and being formed in the North be sent to this department. I gave no reason why these troops were wanted, but I take occasion to inform you that I have in contemplation the occupation of Flor- ida on the west bank of the Saint Johns River, at a very early day, and I want these new regiments to garrison the posts from which I draw the troops for the expedition. Moreover, I am obliged to mount some of my very best infantry, as my entire cavalry force is less than 300 effective men. My plan in a great measure depends upon my getting these new colored regiments, which Colonel Little- field informs me it is your intention to send here. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Q. A. GILLMORE, Major- General Page 279 OnAP. XLVII.] THE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. 279 APPENDIX D. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, D. C., January 22, 1864. Major-General GILLMORE, Department of the South: GENERAL: Your confidential letter to the Secretary of War was duly submitted. As the wants of the Department of the Gulf are much more pressing than yours, a part of the colored regiments have been sent there. In regard to your proposed operations in Florida, the Secretary replied that the matter had been left entirely to your judgment and discretion, with the means at your command. As the object of the expedition has not been explained, it is impossible to judge here of its advantages or practicability. If it is expected to give an outlet for cotton, or open a favorable field for the enlistment of colored troops, the advantages may be sufficient to justify the expense in money and troops. But simply as military operations I attach very little importance to such expeditions. If successful they merely absorb our troops in garrisons to occupy the places, but have little or no influence upon the progress of the war. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. APPENDIX E. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, January 31, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chif, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: In reply to your letter of the 22d instant I beg leave to state that the objects and advantages to be secured by the occu- pation of that portion of Florida within my reach, viz, the richest portions between the Suwannee and the Saint Johns Rivers, are: First. To procure an outlet for cotton, lumber, timber, turpentine, and the other products of that State. Second. To cut off one of the enemys sources of commissary supplies. He now draws largely upon the herds of Florida for his beef, and is making preparations to take up a portion of the Fernandina and Saint Marks Railroad for the purpose of connecting the road from Jacksonville to Talla- hassee with Thomasville, on the Savannah, Albany and Gulf Rail- road, and perhaps with Albany, on the Southwestern Railroad. Third. To obtain recruits for my colored regiments. Fourth. To inaugurate measures for the speedy restoration of Florida to her allegiance, in accordance with instructions which I have received from the President by the hands of Maj. John Hay, assistant adjutant-general. I am expected to accomplish these objects with the means at my command. The only requisitions which I have made in excess of my ordinary wants to enable me to accomplish this work speedily are for 1,500 horses and 1,500 sets horse equipments, to enable me to mount some infantry. If the filling of these requisitions will occa- sion any embarrassment to the departments of snpply they can be reduced 30 per cent. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Q. A. GILLMORE, Major- General, Commanding Page 280 280 S. C., FLA~, ANT) ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. APPENDIX F. HEADQUARTERS, Hilton Head, February 4, 18648 p. m. Brigadier-General SEYMOUR, Commanding, Hilton Head, & c.: You will embark without delay the following regiments and bat- teries of your command, upon transports that the chief quartermaster has been directed to furnish you, viz: Colonel Bartons brigade, comprising Seventh Connecticut and Seventh New Hampshire IRegi- ments Volunteer Infantry, and (temporarily) the Eighth Regiment U. S. Colored Troops; Montgomerys brigade, comprising Second South Carolina Volunteers (colored), Third U. S. Volunteers (col- ored), Fifty-fourth Massachusetts (colored) Volunteers; Henrys mounted brigade, comprising Fortieth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry and the Independent Battalion Massachusetts Cavalry; Langdons light battery (four pieces), Elders horse bat- tery (four pieces), one section of James Rhode Island battery (two pieces). The men will carry six days rations, three of which should be cooked. They will also carry knapsacks, haversacks, and blank- ets, and not less than 60 rounds of ammunition per man, leaving the rest to follow. The camp equipage will be left behind, packed up, in charge of 1 commissioned officer from each regiment and 2 enlisted men from each company. You will take two wagons for each foot regiment and one wagon for each mounted company, and six days forage for animals, if possible. You will see that no females accom- pany your command, and will give strict orders that none shall fol- low except regularly appointed laundresses, who will be allowed to accompany the baggage of their respective commands. Only a small quantity of medical supplies need be taken. The medical director has been ordered to furnish ambulances, and the hospital steamer Cosmopolitan, with a full supply of medical stores, will, it is expected, follow the command in a few hours. Additional instruc- tions will be given before your command has all embarked. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Q. A. GILLMORE, Major- General, Gommanding. APPENDIX G. HEADQUARTERS, Dillon Head, February 5, 18649 p. m. Brig. Gen. T. SEYMOUR: GENERAL: You will start your command so as, if possible, to get the bulk of it to sea before daybreak. Steamers that have tows should be started as soon as they are ready. The whole are to ren- dezvous at the month of the Saiiit Johns River by daybreak day after to-morrow morning, the 7th instant. I expect to be there in person in that time, but should I fail from any cause you are ex- pected to pass the bar on the Sunday mornings high tide, ascend the river to Jacksonville, effect a landing with your commaiid, and push forward a mounted force as far as Baldwin, at the junction of the two railroads. The army transport Harriet A. Weed has been ordered forward to buoy out the Saint Johns channel, and there await orders. It is not expected that the enemy have any stron Page 281 CnxP. XLVII.] THE FLOTUDA EXPEDITION. 281 force to oppose your landing. I have sent instructions to Colonel Guss, commanding at Fernaudina, to have the railroad tracks on both roads beyond Baldwin torn up in several places after the train comes in to Jacksonville to-morrow, and to keep the tracks obstructed throughout Saturday night. The object of a prompt advance on Baldwin and, if possible, beyond, is to get possession of a train if one has been brought in by the enemy. The enemy are known to have a small force of infantry and a battery between Jacksonville and Baldwin. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Q. A. GILLMORE, ]Ifojor- General, Commanding. P. 8.I have assigned you a number of signal officers with organ ized parties. Q. A. GILLMORE, Major- General, Commanding. APPENDIX H. BALDWIN, FLA., February 9, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLEcK, General-in-Chief: SIR: I have the honor to report that a portion of my command, nuder Brig. Gen. T. Seymour, convoyed by the gun-boat Norwich, Captain Meriam, ascended the Saint Johns River on the 7th in- stant, and landed at Jacksonville on the afternoon of that day. The advance, under Col. Guy V. Henry, comprising the Fortieth Massachusetts Infantry, the Independent Battalion Massachusetts Cavalry, under Major Stevens, and Elders horse battery (B, First Artillery), pushed forward into the interior on the night of the 8th; passed by the enemy, drawn up in line of battle at Camp Finegan, 7 miles from Jacksonville; surprised and captured a battery, 3 miles in rear of the camp, about midnight, and reached this place about sunrise this morning. At our approach the ~enemy abandoned and sunk the steamer Saint Marys and burned 270 bales of cotton a few miles above Jackson- ville. We have taken, without loss of a man, over 100 prisoners, 8 pieces of excellent field artillery, in serviceable condition and well supplied with ammunition, and other valuable property to a large amount. I shall have a train of cars running on the road from Jacksonville in three or four days. The command will advance to-morrow morning. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Q. A. GILLMORE, Major- General, Commanding. APPENDIX I. BALDWIN, February 11, 18647 a. m. Major-General GILLMORE: SIR: Colonel Henry was at Sanderson at 6 oclock last night. He was opposed at Saint Marys South Fork by about 150 men (infan- try), and had some 25 killed and wounded, inflicting but slight los Page 282 282 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CH~. XLVII. upon the enemy, who disappeared in the woods unmolested. He is pushing on toward Lake City this morning as far as he can with safety. The One hundred and fifteenth is at Saint Marys South Fork, and the Forty-seventh, Forty-eighth New York, Seventh New Hampshire, and two guns are en route fro~m here. We shall be at Sanderson to-night. The stores at Sanderson were destroyed by the enemy. I am convinced that a movement upon Lake City is not, in the present condition of transportation, admissible, and indeed that what has been said of the desire of Florida to come back now is a delusion. The backbone of rebeldom is not here, and Florida will not cast its lot until more important successes elsewhere are assured. I believe I have good ground for this faith, and as much has been done here already, and handsome trophies can be shown of success, I would advise that the force be withdrawn at once from the in- terior, that Jacksonville alone be held, and that Palatka be also held, which will permit as many Union people, & c., to come in as will join us voluntarily. This movement is in opposition to sound strategy, and is not directed, I understand, by General Halleck, who would doubtless have not advised it. Many more men than you -have here now will be required to support its operation, which has not beemi matured, as should have been done. As far as I can learn yet, Lake City will be defended by more artillery and infantry than I have with me. To be thwarted, defeated, will be a sad termina- tion to a project, brilliant thus far, but for which you could not answer, in case of mishap, to your military superiors, and Stickney and others have misinformed you. The Union cause would have been far more benefited by Jeff. Davis having removed this railroad to Virginia than by any trivial and non-strategic success you may meet, because victories must be decisive elsewhere before Florida can be won back by hearty devotion. By all means, therefore, fall back to Jacksonville, which you are now bound to hold, but can hold with a small force, and use the Saint Johns as a base for your operations into the middle of the State by detachnients of cavalry, instead of frittering away the infantry of your department in such an operation as this. I believe I am not alone in these views. My movements forward will therefore be entirely dependent upon what I can ascertain to-day of the ability of the force concentrated at Lake City to defend it, and I shall not risk much at that point. An immediate answer is requested, which I shall be glad to receive to-night, and I regret being compelled to go beyond the Saint Marys South Fork with my infantry, only to return, but shall certainly do so if my information is confirmed by to-days intelligence from the front. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T~ SEYMOUR, Brigadier- General. Commanding. APPENDIX J. JACKSONVILLE, FLA., February 11, 1864. General SEYMOUR, Beyond Baldwin: Eight companies of the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts have been or- dered to Baldwin. Dont risk a repulse in advancing on Lake City, but hold Sanderson unless there are reasons for falling back whic Page 283 CHAP. XLVIII TIlE FLORIDA EXPEDiTION. 283 I dont know. Please inform me how your command is distributed between here and the South Fork of the Saiut Marys. Please re- port by telegraph froift Baldwin frequently. GJLLMORE, General. APPENDIX K. JACKSONVILLE, February 11, 186410 p. in. General SEYMOUR (By courier from Baldwin): If your adva.nce meets serious opposition concentrate at Sander- son and the South Fork of the Saint Marys and, if necessary, bring back Henry to the latter place. GJLLMORE, General. APPENDIX L. BALDWIN, February 11, 1864. Major-General GILLMORE: Your telegram just received. Command left for Sanderson. No news from Henry. Tilghman is at Baldwin. Two companies of Tilghmau here. Fribley at Picketts. No negroes came in, or any- body else. I will keep you advised promptly. This is the place to fortify. T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier- General. APPENDIX M. SANDERSON, February 12, 18647 a. m. Major-General GILLMORE: I last night ordered Colonel Henry to fall back to this point. I am destroying all public property here and shall go back to South Fork Saint Marys as soon as Henry returns. I have not heard from him since last night, when he was 7 miles this side of Lake City. I hope he will be in this morning. I am sending a regiment out to meet him. Sanderson cannot be fortified to advantage. I would advise sending Fribleys regiment to Palatka and to make it a point to hold permanently. T. SEYMOUR. APPENDIX N. JACKSONVILLE, February 12, 1864. General SEYMOUR (By courier from Baldwin): I want your command at and beyond Baldwin concentrated at Baldwin without delay. I have information of a mounted force that may trouble your right flank by fording the Saint Marys River. Wh& n we landed here they were 80 miles from Baldwin, on the Albany and Gulf Railroad. You should have scouts well ou Page 284 2~4 S. C.~ PtA., AND ON TIlE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. on your front and right flank. I have sent word to Colonel Tilgh- man to be on the alert. I think Fribley had better move forward and join you, but you must judge. The locosinotive has not arrived yet. GILLMORE, General. APPENDIX 0. SANDERSON, February 13, 1864. General GILLMORE: GENERAL: To leave the South Fork of the Saint Marys will make it impossible for us to advance again. I have no apprehension of the force you mention. If you can push a part of Guss force to Kings Ferry, supported by gun-boats, there need be no danger from anything but annoyance. Henry will go where I have already men- tioned. I would like to see you at Baldwin if you can come up. All goes well here, and there are several operations of importance that can be effected, upon which I should like to consult you. T. SEYMOUR. APPENDIX P. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OP FLORIDA, February 17, 1864. General GILLMORE: GENERAL: The excessive and unexpected delays experienced with the locomotive, which will not be ready for two days yet, if at all, have compelled me to remain where my command could be fed; not enough supplies could be accumulated to permit me to execute my intentions of moving to Suwannee River. But now I propose to go without supplies, even if compelled to retrace my steps to procure them, and with the object of destroying the railroad near the Suwannee that there will be no danger of carrying away any portion of the track. All troops are therefore being moved up to Bar- bers, and probably by the time you receive this I shall be in motion in advance of that point. That a force may not be brought from Savannah, Ga., to interfere with my movements, it is desirable that a display be made in the Savannah River, and I therefore urge that upon the reception of this such naval forces, transports, sailing ves- sels, & c., a& can be so devoted may rendezvous near Pulaski, and that the iron-dads in Wassaw push up with as much activity as they can exert. I look upon this as of great importance, and shall rely upon it as a demonstration in my favor. There is reason to believe that Gen~ral Hardee is in Lake City now, possibly in command, and with some force at his disposal, but nothing is visible this side of Sanderson. Saddles, & c., for mounting the Seventh New Hamp- shire as rapidly as possible are needed here, and I shall send a portion of that regiment to this point as soon as it can be spared subsequent to my advance. I have sent for the Twenty-fourth Massachusetts entire to come to this point; the Tenth Connecticut (eight companies) to remain at Saint Augustine, two companies to go to Picolata. I shall not occupy Palatka or Magnolia at this moment; when I do portions of the Twenty-fourth Massachusetts will be sent from Jacksonville. The Fifty-fifth Massachusetts wil Page 285 CHAP. XLVII.] THE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. 285 remain here for the present or until the Twenty-fourth relieves it. The Second South Carolina and Third U. S. Colored Troops are at Camp Shaw (late Finegan) for instruction and organization. The First North Carolina will be left at Baldwin, detaching three com- panies to Barbers. Colonel Barton will have the Forty-seventh, Forty-eighth, and One hundred and fifteenth; Colonel Hawley will have the Seventh Connecticut, Seventh New Hampshire, and Eighth U. S. Colored Troops; Colonel Montgomery the Third United States and the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts; Colonel Henry the cavalry and Elders battery; Captain Hamilton the artillery. As soon as possible Metcalfs section will be sent back; at present I should like to use it. Colonel Guss is ordered to keep six companies in motion from Fernandina constantly, and at least five days out of seven (every seven) toward and beyond Camp Cooper. Nothing appears to have been done upon the locomotive while at Fernan- dma, so it is reported to me. The prompt use of a locomotive and of a printing press with this movement were of the most vital importance, and will continue so to be. I trust both will soon be economized. And I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier- General, Commanding. APPENDIX Q. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., February 18, 1864. Brig. Gen. T. SEYMOUR, Gommanding District of Florida, & c.: I am just in receipt of your two letters of the 16th and one of the 17th, and am very umuch surprisQd at the tone of the latter and the character of your plans as therein stated. You say that by the time your letter. of the 17th should reach these headquarters your forces would be in motion beyond Barbers, moving toward the Sn- wannee River, and that you shall rely on my making a display upon the Savannah River, with naval forces, transports, sailing vessels, and with iron-dads up from Wassaw, & c., as a demonstration in your favor, which you look upon as of great importance. All this is upon the presumption that the demonstration can and will be made; although contingent not only upon my power and dispo- sition to do so, but upon the consent of Admiral Dahlgren, with whom I cannot communicate in less than two days. You must have forgotten my last instructions, which were for the present to hold Baldwin and the Saint Marys South Fork, as your outposts to the westward of Jacksonville, and to occupy Palatka, Magnolia, on the Saint Johns. Your project distinctly and avowedly ignores these operations and substitutes a plan which not only involves your com- mand in a distant movement, without provisions, far beyond a point from which you once withdrew on account of precisely the same necessity, but presupposes a simultaneous demonstration of great importance to you elsewhere, over which you have no control, and which requires the co-operation of the navy. It is impossible for me to determine what your views ahre with respect to Florida mat- ters, and this is the reason why I have endeavored to make mine known to you so fully. Fr6m your letter of th~ 11th justant, fromp Page 286 286 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. Baldwin (a very singular letter, by the way, and which you did not modify or refer to at all when you afterward saw me), I extract as follows: I am convinced that a movement upon Lake City is not, in the present condition of transportation, advisable, and, indeed, what has been said of the desire of Flor- ida to come back now is a delusion. * * * This movement is in opposition to sound strategy, & c. And again: The Union cause would have been far more benefited by Jeff. Davis having re- moved this railroad to Virginia than by any trivial and non-strategic success you may meet. * * * By all means, therefore, fall back to Jacksonville. So much from your letter of the 11th; and yet, five (six) days later, y~~ proposed to push forward without instructions and without pro- visions, with a view to destroying the railroad, which you say it would have been better for Jeff. Davis to have got; and further- more, you say in your letter of the 16th: There is hut little doubt in my mind that the people of the State, kindly treated by us, will soon be ready to return to the Union; they are heartily tired of the war. As may be supposed, I am very much confused by these conflict- ing views, and am thrown into doubt as to whether my intentions with regard to Florida matters are fully understood by you. I will therefore reaunounce them briefly: First, I desire to bring Florida into the Union under the Presidents proclamation of December 8, 1863; as accessory to the above, I desire, second, to revive the trade on the Saint Johns River; third, to recruit my colored regiments and organize a regiment of Florida white troops; fourth, to cut off in part the enemys supplies drawn from Florida. After you had with- drawn your advance, it was arranged between us, at a personal in- terview, that the places to be permanently held for the present would be the south prong of the Saint Marys, Baldwin, Jacksonville, Magnolia, and Palatka, and that Henrys mounted force should be kept moving as circumstances might justify or require. This is my plan of present operations. A raid to tear up the railroad west of Lake City will be of service, but I have no intention to occupy now that part of the State. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Q. A. GILLMORE Major- General, Commanding. APPENDIX R. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, Fla., February 22, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. W. TURNER, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I am in receipt of a communication from the major- general commanding the department, of the 18th instant, but I do not think it advisable at present to enter fully into a consideration of the points therein referred to, so much have the events of the last few days modified the condition of affairs under my command. On the morning of February 20, I moved from Barbers, with all the disposable force at my control, with the intentioh of meeting th Page 287 287 CHAP. XLV1I.] THE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. enemy (supposed to be from 4,000 to 5,000 strong, according to the best information I could obtain) at or near Lake City, and of then pnshing the monnted force to the Suwannee River, to destroy if possi- ble the railroad bridge at that stream. On the afternoon of the 20th, within 3 miles of Olustee, I came upon the enemy, intrenched, and after a severe action decided to retire, leaving upon the field five guns, and not a few dead and wounded. Of course the object of the movement was entirely frustrated, and from all that I could learn the enemy was in largely superior force and was intending to ad- vance upon the position at Barbers, and was only delayed by the belief that this movement of mine was in progress. And so greatly superior iu force is the enemy that the position at Barbers against him would be entirely insecure, as the left flank could be readily turned so that an action would have been with our backs on the Saint Marys.. This post is accordingly evacuated. The sanie ob- jections apply to Baldwin with equal strength. EVerything was removed from that place, and Colonel Henry was directed to remain as a rear guard, and he has doubtless fallen back to-night to Mc- Girts Creek. The infantry is behind Six-Mile Creek, on the Kings road, and the Cedar Creek, on the Lake City road. How long it will remain there depends upon the movement of the enemy and my judgment as to the necessity of a less extensive and more easily de- fended position. In reply, partly, to the letter from the major-general command- ing, of the 18th, I must add that my movements have been entirely and fully in accordance with my views of the designs expressed to me by him, modified as I have a right to modify them by a personal presence and command. I opposed a permanent occupa- tion of Lake City, as the major-general desired, because it could not be supplied with the (to this movement) utterly worthless rail- road transportation at my command, and I therefore recommended the permanent holding of the South Fork of the Saint Marys; but, of course, I expected to advance from this last point whenever and wherever it might seem proper, and as the provisions were ac- cumulated at Barbers for the sufficient tinie, I saw no reason why I should not carry out the major-generals expressed desirethat is, to push on to the Suwannee, and, by cutting that bridge, hinder any strong occupation of West Florida by the enemy. I have stated the result. I did not consider that I was committing any violation of the general plan of operations, nor do I believe so now. If the troops are under my command and are expected to be active against the enemy, I presume the major-general commanding has sufficient confidence in my judgment to leave such points somewhat to my decision. If I am in error I shall doubtless be informed. I must also add that, under the present aspect of affairs, I do not consider it proper to occupy Magnolia or Palatka, which modification of the plan agreed upon between Major-General Gillmore and myself will, I trust, be approved by him. And there are not a few of the details of the in- structions of February 19, relative to the construction of defensive works at the South Fork of the Saint Marys, at Baldwin, and at Jacksonville, that I think are incorrect, or rather should be modi- fied, and I earnestly request that some latitude may be allowed me in such matters, and that I be not so bound by instructions concerning matters that can be perfectly originated and carried out here, by the proper officers, that I must be placed in the unpleasant position of disobeying theni outright, or of doing what my experience and jud Page 288 288 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. ment tell me clearly is not to be approved by the posture of affairs. And I am sure that I desire no more than is naturally to be claimed by any officer of my rank and experience. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier- General. APPENDIX S. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, Fla., March 25, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that on February 20, at 6 a. in., I left my position on the South Fork of the Saint Marys (Bar- bers plantation) with the intention of advancing on Lake City, and, if successful, of destroying the railroad communication between East and West Florida at the Suwannee River, such being the gen- eral plan of operations upon which the occupation and~ control of East Florida had been founded. The command consisted of Col. G. V. Henrys mounted brigade (two squadrons Independent Bat- talion Massachusetts Cavalry, Major Stevens; the Fortieth Regi- ment Massachusetts Volunteers, and Elders Horse Battery B, First U. S. Artillery, four guns), Col. J. R. Hawleys brigade (Seventh Connecticut, Captain Skinner; Seventh New Hampshire, Col. J. C. Abbott; Eighth U. S. Colored Troops, Col. C. W. Fribley), Col. W. B. Bartons brigade (Forty-seventh New York, Col. H. Moore; Forty-eighth New York, Maj. W. B. Coan; One hundred and fif- teenth New York, Col. S. Sammon), and Colonel Montgomerys brigade (Fifty-fourth Massachusetts, Col. E. N. Hallowell; First North Carolina Volunteers. Lient. Col. W. N. Reed), with Hamil; tons Light Battery E, Third U. S. Artillery, six guns, and Lang- dons Battery M, First U. S. Artillery, six guns (comprising a section of James Rhode Island Battery, under Lieutenant Metcalf).. The entire force near 5,500 officers and men and sixteen guns. Accurate information, it was believed, as to the enemys strength had been obtained, and the excellent character of the troops under my command forbade any doubt as to the propriety of a conflict on equal terms. After a march of 15 miles, and about 3 p. in., Colonel Henrys cavalry came upon the enemys infantry pickets somewhat to the east of Olustee. A couple of companies from the Seventh Connecticut soon drove them back upon their supports, which opened fire. Captain Elder felt them with his guns, the remainder of the Seventh Connecticut was handsomely deployed forward, and under this display the enemys position in line of battle was clearly developed. The ground was favorable for the movement of troops, being firm and even, and although covered with pine timber was de- void of underbrush. My intention was to engage the enemy in front with the artillery, supported by a regiment on either flank, while a brigade should be moved to t~ie right so as to fall upon the pro- longation of his line. The Seventh New Hampshire was accord- ingly thrown forward to the right, and the Eighth U. S. Colored Troops to the left, and Hamiltons and Langdons batteries were brought up alongside of Elders. The Seventh Connecticut had been energetically and successfully engaged in its work of driving in the enemys skirmishers; it was now withdrawn from before our infantry. The Seventh New Hampshire, an old regiment, armed in part with, the Spencer rifle) had scarcely deployed and felt th Page 289 CHAP. XLVII.] TILE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. 289 enemys fire before it broke in confusion, and the most strenuous efforts of Colonel Hawley and its own colonel, assisted by Lieu~ tenant-Colonel Hall, of my staff, could not reform or rally it, and this regiment counted as nothing during the remainder of the engagement. The Eighth U. S. Colored Troops formed promptly in position, lead by the gallant young Fribley, but he soon fell~ and these men also, losing the stimulus of his commaud~ gave way in disorder. The enemy closed up after these yielding regiments, and brought a close fire upon the artillery, which, nevertheless; was worked by its admirable officers with perfect tehacity and coolness~ Au unremitting fire Xva~ maintained upon the ene~nys iufautry~ with the very best effect. Bartons brigades close at hand, was noW formed on the ground occupied by the Seventh New Hampshire; ~nd the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts had replaced the Eighth U. S~ Colored Troops and ~ rapid fire was opened, the influence of which Wa~ sOon visible. The left of the enemys line was forced backward, ~nd in the hope of still effecting my original intention, the First North Carolina was brought up to the right of Bartons brigade by Lieutenant-Colonel Reed in the most brilliant manner. The entirw force was now hotly engaged save the cavalry. Colonel Henry watched the flanks and prevented on the left a movement of the enemys cavalry that threatened trouble. But the disparity in numbers was too great and the defense too obstinate to permit of decisive results. The struggle continued until dusk, and ended with cheers of defiance, and finding it hopeless, under existing circumstances, to advance farther, the troops were withdrawn in perfect order to Sanderson and then to the Saint Marys, Colonel Henrys cavalry, supported by the Seventh Connecticut, serving as rear guard. From loss of horses alone, I was compelled to leave six~ uns on the field, and a small portion of the badly wounded were left in the power of the enemy from insufficient means to remove them. The losses had been heavy, particularly among superior officers. Colonel Fribley, a young man of high promise, had died in the full performance of his duty, nobly encouraging his men to theirs. Lieutenant-Colonel Reed was mortally wounded while managing his regiment with conspicuous skill, and his major (Bogle) was severely hurt. Colonel Moore, of the Forty-seventh, and Colonel Sammon, One hundred and fifteenth New York, were both wounded, and Col- onel Sammon, although badly disabled, remained with his command until it left the field. Captain Yandeveer, of the One hundred and fifteenth New York, an officer justly held in high esteem, lost his lifeone of the greatest misfortunes of the day. A losing battle receives little praise, but officers and men, never- theless, often display soldierly qualities far beyond those that are brought out by success. The conduct of Colonel Bartons brigade was glorious, and I cannot too highly commend the pertinacity with which it held to its work. Its commander deserves greatly. Col- onels Hawley and Montgomery, also commanding brigades, con- ducted their troops with great personal intelligence and valor. Besides Colonels Moore and Sammon should be mentioned Major Coan, Forty-eighth New York; Captain Skinner, Seventh Con- necticut, and Colonel Hallowell, Fifty-fourth Massachusetts, as meriting more than usual praise for their excellent conduct. Col- onel Henry kept his cavalry in constant activity, watching and neutralizing that of the enemy, and by important and gallant 19 R n-vo~ xxxv, PT Page 290 290 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. services before and after, as well as during the battle, was eminently nsefnl. I desire to recommend him to yon as a highly deserving officer. The artillery, as might have been expected, performed its part with great honor; guns were never better served, or nnder more trying circnmstances. Exposed greatly to sharpshooters this force suffered correspondingly. Captain Hamilton (chief of artil- lery), badly wonnded, refused to qnit the field, and with admirable coolness and fortitude continued his duties, and I must place on record here that this officer, well known to us as one of the most deserving and valuable of our service, should, as a mere act of jus- tice, be advanced to a brigadier-generalship. Captains Langdon and Elder also deserve the most decided approbation. Lieutenants Myrick, Third Artillery, and McCrea, First Artillery, severely wounded, exhibited courage and devotion of the highest order. The officers of my staff performed their duties to my unqualified satis- faction. Lieutenant-Colonel Hall, provost-marshal-general of the department, was very efficient, and I am much indebted to him and to Major Eddy, Forty-eighth New York, assistant inspector-general, for constant and valuable aid. Lieutenant Michie, U. S. Engineers, was always ready, always brave, always skillful. My personal aides, Lieut. C. N. Jackson and Lieutenant Bradshaw, were conspicu- ously active, and both are to be commended for energy and courage. Captain Dana, of the Signal Corps, wns of great assistance to me, and to Surgeon Majer, for careful attention to his duties as medical director, on behalf of the wounded, I desire to express especial gratitude. To the reports of subordinate commanders, herewith inclosed, I must necessarily refer for mention of my other gallant officers whose conduct should not be overlooked or forgotten. The colored troops behaved creditablythe Fifty-fourth Massa- chusetts and First North Carolina like veteran~. It was not in their conduct that can be found the chief cause of failure, but in the unanticipated yielding of a white regiment from which there was every reason to expect noble service, and at a moment when every- thing depended upon its firmness. The misfortune arose, doubtless, from this regiment having lately been filled with conscripts and sub- stitutes, of a very inferior class. The issue, so finely drawn that the battle was nearly equal to its very close, the enemys losses as heavy as my own, ground firmly held to the last, the admirable temper of the command all indicate that but for the disparity arising from the causes indicated, this might fairly have been a victory. Respectfully, general, your most obedient servant, T. SEYMOUR Brigadier- General, U. S. Volunteers, Comman~1ing. Brig. Gen. J. W. TURNER, Chief of Staff. flndorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Hilton Head, S. C., November 1, 1865. In the foregoing report of Brigadier-General Seymour ~he says he moved forward on February 20 With the intention of advancing on Lake City, and, if successful, of destroying the railroad communications between East and West Florida at the Suwannee River, such being the general plan of operations upon. which the occupation and control of East Florida had been founded Page 291 291 CHAP. XLVII.] THE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. In reference to the above statement I will say that General Sey- mour was never intrusted, and it never was my intention to intrust him with the execution of any general plan in Florida. I confided to him the objects I had in view in occupying East Florida, and the salient features of the plan by which I proposed to secure those objects. But he was never authorized to advance beyond the South Fork of the Saint Marys River in my absence. On the contrary, he had plain and explicit instructions with regard to what was expected and required of him, and the ill-judged advance beyond the South Fork of the Saint Marys River was in direct disregard of those in- structions, and the disastrous battle of Olustee its legitimate fruit. General Seymour says, But the disparity in numbers was too great, and the defense too obstinate to permit of decisive results at the battle of Olustee. We now know since the close of the war that there was no disparity in numbers, and we knew at the time that the results were a decisive defeat upon the field of battle and the frustrationas well by loss of men as by loss of prestigeof a well and carefully digested plan of campaign.. General Finegan, who was in command of the enemys forces, told two members of my staff (Capt. D. S. Leslie, One hundred and fourth U. S. Colored Troops, and Capt. Henry Seton, Fifty-fourth New York) that he had only about 5,000 men at that battle. General Seymour had 5,500 men. Our losses were 1,800 men in killed, wounded, and miss- ing, 39 horses, and 6 pieces of artillery. Indeed, our forces appear to have been surprised into fighting, or attempting to fight, an offen- sive battle, in which the component parts of the command were beaten in detail. The enemy did not fight behind intrenchments or any kind of defenses. Q. A. GILLMORE, Major- General of Volunteers, Commanding. ADDENDA. HILTON HEAD, S. C., February 23, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief, U. S. Army: GENERAL: The enemy have thrown so large a force into Florida that I judge it to be inexpedient to attempt to do more at the pres- ent time than hold the line of the Saint Johns River. The pres- ence of so large a force as General Seymour represents the enemy to have in his front shows the importance he attaches to Florida as a source of supply. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Q. A. GILLMORE, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., February 26, 1884. Maj. Gemi. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have news from Jacksonville up to the evening of the 24th. The enemy at that time was at Baldwin. General Sey- mour has been re-enforced and can take care of himself. From th Page 292 292 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CIiAP. XLVTI Olustee fight the number of killed, severely wounded, and missin: will reach as high as 700. There are several hundred slighti: wounded. I have had no official returns yet, but will forward therr when obtained. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Q. A. GJLLMORE, Major- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, WASHINGTON, March 3, 1864. General-in-Chief, U. S. Army: SIR: I am instructed by the Joint Committee on the Conduct aw Expenditures of the War to forward to you a copy of a resolutiov passed by the Senate yesterday (the copy is inclosed herewith), an to request that you will forward to this committee, as soon as con venient, such information as there may be in your possession upon the subject-matter of the resolution. I remain, yours, respectfully, B. F. WADE, Chairman, & c. [Inclosure.] IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES, March 2, 1864. On motion by Mr. Hendricks: Resolved, That the Joint Coinutittee on the Conduct of the Wa be directed to inquire into the causes of and circumstances attend ing the recent military expeditiou into Florida, with whom the ex pedition originated, for what purposes it was undertaken, and wha were its results; and that the committee be instructed to report a as early a day as practicable. J. W. FORNEY, Secretary. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C., April 5, 1864. SIR: Iu reply to your inquiry for information in respect to th recent military expedition in Florida, I have the honor to repot that on the 15th day of December, 1863, in a dispatch addressed t( the General-in-Chief, Major-General Gillihore submitted t he follow ing proposition: With the forces now at my disposal, I would respectfully suggest one of tw operations, viz: * * * * * * * Second. Operate in Florida and recover all the most valuable portion of tha State, cut off a rich source of the enemys supplies, and increase the number of m colored troops. I will not go into detail. On the 22d of December, the General-in-Chief replied: I am authorized by the Secretary of War to say that you are at liberty to under take such operations in your department as you may deem best, making secure th positions you already hold in front of Charleston Page 293 AP. XLVII.) 293 THE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. On the 14th of January, 1864, General Gilimore, in a confidential ispatch of that date, informed the General-in-Chief :* On the 15th of January, in a confidential letter of that date to the ocretary of War, in relation to colored troops, General Gillmore t On the 22d of January, the General-in-Chief replied as follows On the 31st of January, in a dispatch of that date to the General- i-Chief, Major-General Gillmore submitted the following reply: On the 5th of February, General Gillmore communicated to the eneral-in-Chief that he would Start for Florida this evening with a force under Brigadier-General Seymour, mposed of infantry, cavalry, and artillery. On the 9th of February, General Gillmore communicated to Gen- ral ilalleck the result of his operations down to that date, as fol- :11 And again, on the 13th of February, in the following communi- ;ation: JACKSONVILLE, FLA February 13,1864. NIaj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Eihiefr SIR: I beg leave to state that the military operations in this State that may be necessary to further the objects for which I came here, as set forth in a former let- er to you, promise to be of no great magnitude. General Seymours advance has been ~vithin 4 miles of Lake City; but as his in- tructions were not to risk a repulse, or make an attack when there was a prospect )f incurring much loss, he has taken up a position at Baldwin, the junction of the ajiroad from Jacksonville with the one from Fernandina. He holds also the cross- ng of the Saint Marys South Fork, about 12 miles west of Baldwin. I intend to construct small works, capable of resisting a coup de main, at Jackson- ville, Baldwin, Palatka, and perhaps one or two other important points, so strong hat 200 or 300 men will be sufficient at each point. Twenty-five hundred men, n addition to the two regiments that have been permanently stationed in this State one at Saint Augustine and one at Fernandina), ought to be ample in Florida. The artillery captured here will suffice for such defensive works as may be leemed necessary. I desire to see the lumber and turpentine trade on the Saint Johns River revived by loyal men, and for that purpose, and to give assurance that our occupation of this river is intended to be permanent, I have written to the Secretary of the Treas- ury recommending that the port of Jacksonville be declared open. The communi- cation is herewith inclosed. I shall return to Hilton Head to-morrow, leaving General Seymour in command in Florida for the present. Palatka will be occupied by our forces in a day or two. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Q. A. GILLMORE, Major-General. FEBRUARY 14. P. S.I open this letter to add that General Seymour was at Sanderson yester- day. I have dispatched a mounted force to Gainesville, on the Fernandina and Cedar Keys Road, to try and capture a train of cars. I inclose a printed circular for your information, from the chief commissary C. S. Army. Q. A. GILLMORE, Major-General, Gommanding. * See Appendix B, p. 278. ~ See Appendix C, p. 278. ~ See Appendix D, p. 279. ~See Appendix B, p. 279. I See Appendix H, p. 281 Page 294 294 ~. 0., FLA., AND ON IVHB titA. OOAST LOHAP. XLVII. On the 22d of February, General Gilimore communicated to the General-in-Chief the result of the battle of Olustee, so far as it was then known: HILTON HEAD, S. C., February 22, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I am in receipt of dispatches from my chief of staff, Brigadier-General Turner, at Jacksonville; and from Brigadier-Gen- eral Seymour~ at Baldwin, up to yesterday. From these I learn that General Sey- mour had a spirited fight with the enemy on the 20th at Olustee. From Capt. John Hamilton, U. S. Artillery, who has just arrived here from the scene of action (slightly wounded in the arm), I learn that General Seymour made the attack; that it was soon ascertained that the enemy was present in superior force, and that after an engagement, lasting between two and three hours, our forces withdrew from the fight in good order. The loss on both sides was quite severe. Some of our wounded fell in the hands of the enemy. He also got five pieces of artillery as an offset to the eight pieces which he lost when we first advanced. Yesterday Seymour was at Baldwin, slowly retiring and sending his wounded to Jacksonville. General Turner writes yesterday that the wounded, so far as he can learn, are all in the cars coming in. Locomotive just put in order. I inclose herewith the last dispatch that he had received from General Seymour. The force before him was from General Johnstons army. Captain Hamilton thinks our loss in killed, wounded, and missing will be as high as 600 or 800. The medical officers inform me that all the wounds, with very few exceptions, were made by small-arms, and that a very large proportion of them were slight. Colonel Fribley, Eighth United States (colored), was killed. In a few days I will furnish you with copies of instructions under which General Seymour was acting. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Q. A. GILLMORE, Major-General, Commanding. P. 5.Olustee is about 50 miles west of Jacksonville. On the 7th of March, General Gilimore communicated his official report, a copy of which is herewith submitted. * The foregoing corn p rises all the information in the possession of this Department in relation to the military operations in iRlorida re- ferred to in your note. But it may be p roper to add that the mili- tary operations projected by General Gill more, being communicated to the President, they presented in his judgment a favorable occa- sion for carrying into effect the measures of amnesty declared in his annual message. With that view his private secretary was sent to General Gillmore, with the forms, registers, and certificates pre- pared for persons returning to their allegiance in the loyal States, and with instructions, the nature of which is exhibited in the fol- lowing lettert of the President to General Gillinore, the generals reply, and the order, No. 16, issued by General Gillmore, in pur- suance of these instructions. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C. To His Excellency THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: DEAR SIR: I have the honor to report that the blank books and other blanks, to be used in the initiatory steps for the restoration of the State of Florida to her loyalty, have been received by Major Hay, and lie has been ordered to enter upon the special duties assigned to him without delay. *See p. 276. t See Appendix A, p. 278 Page 295 CHAP. XLVII.1 THE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. ~95 From the general tenor of your instructions to me, contained in the letter brought b~r Major Hay, and from conversations with that officer, I am led to the impression that no additional directions will be given to me upon this subject, and that I am expected to initiate, guide, and control such measures as may be necessary under the Presidential proclamation of December 8, 1863, to restore the State of Florida to its allegiance. The plan now being pursued by General Banks in Louisiana impresses me very favorably, and can dohbtless in its principal features be both easily and speedily applied in Florida. If there are any further instructions for me I respectfully request that they may be communicated to me as early.. as possible. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Q. A. GILLMORE, Major-Genera.l, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERs, HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 16. $ Hilton Head, S. C., J~anuary 31, 1864. In accordance with the provisions of the Presidential proclamation of pardon and amnesty, given at Washington on the 8th day of December, in the year of our Lord 1863, and in pursuance of instructions received from the President of the United States, Maj. John Hay, assistant adjutant-general, will proceed to Fernan- dma, Ha., and other convenient points in that State, for the purpose of exterfding to the citizens of the State of Florida an opportunity to avail themselves of the benefits of that proclamation by offering for their signature the oath of allegiance therein prescribed, and by issuing to all those subscribing to said oath certificates entitling them to the benefits of the proclamation. Fugitive citizens of the State of Florida within the limits of this department will have an opportunity to subscribe to the same oath and secure certificates in the office of the post commander at Hilton Head, S. C. By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: ED. W. SMITH. Assistant Adjutant-General. No other order or instructions than the foregoing in relation to the snbject of yonr inquiry are on file in this Department or within my knowledge. Your obedient servant, EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. No. 2. Reports of Brig. Gen. Truman Seymour, U. S. Army, Command ing District of Florida. * HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, Fla., February 17, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that, with the advance of the forces nnder my command, Jacksonville was occupied on the 7th instant, opposed by only a picket of the enemy, which fired upon the General Hunter and mortally wounded 1 man on that transport. A company of the Massachusetts Independent Battahon of Cavalry, under Captain Morrill, disembarked with great prompt- ness, and pnrsned the fragments of this picket for several miles. On the 8th instant, at 4 p. in., believing that the enemy would make a stand with some force of cavalry and artillery, known t& be at Camp Finegan, 8 miles froni this place, the command was moved forward, Col. G. V. Henry, Fortieth Massachusetts, commanding * See also Appendices 1, L, M, R, and 5, pp. 281, 283, 286, 288 Page 296 tOHAP. ~j~(Fff the n~onn~~j f& rce; Major Stevens battalion Mas aehusetts Cav~ aJry,a~d the Fortieth. Massachusetts Mounted Thf~nt17, and Gaptai~ I~lder~s battery, First Artillery,, forming the extreme right, Coloiw.J ~artons brigade the center; and Colonel Hawleys the left. Colonel Henry came first in centact with the enemys line at Camp Finegan,~ abont 8 o5~lock~ and rode it dawn rb- several miles and captnring ~5 field guu~ w~4Ih e-~ Wagon, and forge complete, and 3 1~. 11i4 ~he eonsiderable quantity of tra~~~ ~~te~ Camp equipage. Colonel Henry wa~ d~ at the iUtersc~ti~ ~ ~l~) ~ reac~eA oijjl~ w. battle drsuing for ~~ssons, battery camp was found a ial, of clothing, and of ..~nce immediately to Baldwin, .~nd Central Railroads, which was ~ruary 9. One field gun with caisson ~1es of cotton, 83 barrels of turpentine, ~~itities of provisions, forage, and supplies, gout $500,000. At Johnsons Station over a thou- rosin fell into our hands. ~1g to advance, at the South Fork of the Saint Marys, Bar- .dntation, the passage across the stream was disputed by companies of cavalry,d ismo unted, and occupying a very strong position, but it was energetically forced by Colonel Henry, with a loss of 3 killed and 10 wounded, and a greater loss to the enemy, who was completely disorganized. Arriving at Sanderson, 10 miles beyond Barbers, it was found that the enemy had fired a store- house filled with forage, and a large amount of rosin and turpentine was also destroyed. Pursuing vigorously toward Lake City a strong force of the enemy was found in position, with which an hours severe skirmishing was had, but infantry coming to the attack of Colonel Henry, he withdrew and encamped a few miles distant. The infantry column was, of course, compelled to move more slowly, and advanced to Sanderson, 45 miles from Jacksonville, when it found itself so short of subsistence and transportation that it could not advance, and Colonel Henry was ordered to return. I cannot commend too highly the brilliant success of this advance, for which great credit is due to Colonel Henry and his command, and I earnestly recommend him to your attention as a most deserv- ing and energetic officer. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. J. W. TURNER, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, Fla., February 17, 1864. GENERAL: I have to report that on the 13th instant a command of Fortieth Massachusetts Volunteers, consisting of details from com- panies C, G, and H, under Capt. G. E. Marshall, of that regiment, left Sanderson for Gainesville, Fla., which point was reached on the morning of the 14th. Immense stores of cotton, of turpentine and rosin, sugar, tobacco, and supplies of all kinds, were captured. In accordance with instructions given to Captain Marshall, no private property was destroyed or molested. The public subsistence stores were distributed among the inhabitants, who were sufferin Page 297 OHAP. XLVII.~ THE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. 297 for want ~4 i~hem. Probably $1,000,000 wot~h of property fell into our hands, but it could not be removed at~ii ut was not considered advisable to destroy it. On the evening of the 14th, Captain M~rslia1is force, being posted behind bales of cotton, in a favorable Jp%C~{ition, was attacked by two companies of cavalry under Captaiuu~Dickison, who were repulsed with loss of several men and of tIUe rna~ority of their horses. Gainesville was held by this small force for fifty-six hours, and Captain Marshall, having acc mpiished his mission, returned to this place this morning, the VZth. The excellent example of courage and good conduct shown by this command has had the best possible effect in correcting the misrepre- sentations that have been inculcated by the enemy, aud will greatly stimulate the action of those who are friendly to us. Captain Marshall has conducted himself in the noblest manner, and he and his men are worthy of my highest commendation. Very ~respectfully, your obedient servant, T. SEYMOUR Gen. ~. W. TURNER, Brigadier- General, Gommanding. Chief of Staff. ADDENDA. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA,. No. 5. Jacksonville, Fla., February 1~ 864~~ The brigadier-general commanding heartily congrah~tes hii~ command on the brilliant success which has attended all thei1? m~.o~- ments thus far into Florida. Three flags, 8 guns, witl1~ eaissons, battery wagons, and forge, many wagons and horses~ amli mitwh sub- sistence stores and clothing, besides large amounts of ~@tton, turpen- tine, and rosin, property valued at over $l,500,0O~, is the fruit of their success. To Col. G. V. Henry and his command, the battalion of Massa- chusetts Cavalry, under Major Stevens; the Fortieth Massachusetts Mounted Infantry, and Captain Elder, First U. S. Artillery, and his battery, this achievement is principally due; and the brigadier- general commanding especially desires to praise Capt. George E. Marshall, Fortieth Massachusetts Mounted JnfanLry, and his smalli command of 50 men, who captured and held Gainesville for fifty-six1 hours, receiving and repulsing an attack from more than double their numbers, and after fulfilling his mission successfully returning to the designated place of rendezvous. These deeds will be among those remembered by us with the~ greatest pleasure and honor, and the command may emulate, but.. can hardly expect to surpass them. By order of Brig. Gen. T. Seymour; R. M. HALL. Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gern~iix~ GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT O1~ FLORID~A,. No. 13. Jacksonville, Fla., March 10, l864~ The brigadier-general commanding recurs with great satisfaction to the conduct of his troops in their late battle, and desires to convey to them in the most public manner his full appreciation of their steadfast courage on that well-contested field Page 298 298 S. C., PtA., AND ON THE OA. COAS~P. tOHAP. XLVII. Against superior numbers, holding a position chosen by them- selves, you were all but successful. For four hours you stood face to face with the enemy, and when the battle endedand it ceased only with nightyou sent him cheers of defiance. In your repulse there was perhaps misfortune, but neither disaster nor disgrace, and every officer and soldier may forever remember with just pride that he fought at Olustee. By order of Brig. Gen. T. Seymour: R. M. HALL, Acting A8sistant Adjutant-General. Return of easualtien in the engagement near Olustee, Fla., February 20, 1864, commanded by Brig. Gen. T. Seymour, U. S. Volunteers. Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total casnalties. .3 Regiments. ce ~ c/ S cSC5 .5 ~ be ~ ce . ,.. ,- be be~ a a a a a a,.. a a a a be be S ~ 0 ~ 0 Col. William B. Bartons brigade: 115th New York Volunteers 2 27 4 204 1 58 7 289 296 47th New York Volunteers 3 27 4 193 .... 86 7 306 313 48th New York Volnnteers 1 16 1 153 ... 44 2 213 215 824 .... col. Joseph R. Hawleys brigade: 7th connecticut Volunteers 1 4 . 42 .... 22 1 68 69 ... 7th New Hampshire Volunteers 1 16 7 64 .... 120 8 200 208 8th U. 5. colored Troops 1 48 8 180 1 72 10 300 310 587 Col. 1. Montgomerys command: 1st North carolina Volunteers (col 2 20 8 123 .... 77 10 220 230 ored). ~thMassachusettsVolunteers. ... 13 3 62.... 8 3 83 86 Col. Guy V. Henrys command: 40th Massachusetts Mounted Infantry 2 1 28 . 5 1 35 36 34 Battery B, 1st U. 5. Horse Artillery 3 1 12 1 15 16 12 Independent Battalion Massachusetts 5 5 5 9 Cavalry. 57 Capt. John Hamiltons command BatteryE,3dU.5.Artillerya 11 4 18 6 4 35 39 34 BatteryM,lstlJ.S.Artillery .. 4 1 21 6 1 31 32 28 Battery C, 3d Rhode Island Artillery .. .. I .... 5 6 6 77 3 Total 11 192 42 1,110 2 504 55 1806 1861 1,861 120 a Detachment Enfans Perdus attached. T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, lila., February 2~5, 1864. No. 3. Report of Surg. Adolph Majer, U. S. Army, of engagement at Olustee. OFFICE CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER, DIST. OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, lila.., February 24, 1864. SIR: It becomes my duty to report to-day the result of the engage- ment between our forces (under the command of Brig. Gen. T. Se Page 299 O~AP. XLVIII 1?HE FtO1Ut~A I~XPEDITI0fl. 299 mour) and the enemy, occurring at a place known as Olustee, Fla., and distant from Jacksonville some 45 or 50 miles in a westerly direction, under the following circumstances: On the evening of February 19, the general commanding ordered his command to be in readiness, with several days cooked rations, for a forward movement from Barbers Station, 32 miles from Jack- sonville, on the Florida Central Railroad. At daybreak, February 20, the command took its line of march on the road to Sanderson, with its cavalry brigade and Elders bat- tery (under the command of Colonel Henry) in the advance. Pass- ing Sanderson, the general commanding was informed that we should meet the enemy in force (as the information would have it, 15,000 strong) some miles this side of Lake City; but no reliance was placed on such dubious information in regard to strength as well as position. About 5 miles farther on our advance reported some 60 or 70 skirmishers of the enemy falling slowly back, on the north side of the railroad, toward Lake City. A short distance from that point our cavalry force, together with one company of the Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, reported that it was suspected that the en- emy was directly in front. The general commanding gave the order to halt and directed shells to be thrown through~ the pine barren as feelers. Hardly had the second shell departed when a compliment in the form of solid shot fell directly in front of the staff, a second one following closely on the first, and a third one passing in close proximity over our heads. No time was to be lost to bring our guns into battery, and to throw companies of the Seventh Connecticut Volunteers out as skirmishers on our right. The iiifantry line of battle was in cool promptness formed of the brigades, commanded, respectively, by Colonels Barton, Forty-eighth New York Vol- unteers, Hawley, Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, and Montgomery, Second South Carolina Volunteers. Soon our artillery fire became hotter and hotter and the musketry incessant. Looking about for a convenient ambulance depot, I rode on our right toward a couple of log houses, the only ones within miles, but found on arriving that these houses were so much exposed that while inspecting them I was in imminent danger in the midst of heavy and light missiles; and while the topographical condition hardly offered a slight undulation of soil, there was no protection for a depot than the even extension of the pine barrens. About 200 yards in the rear of our left, observing a cluster of pine trees, I directed our ambulances (twelve in number) to be drawn up in line, the surgeons preparing their instruments and appliances, to be in readiness. While the roar of artillery and the musketry fire con- tinued without intermission, our wounded men began to arrive, part walking, some on litters,, and others in open ambulance wagons, as it were, first in single drops, then trickling, after a while in a steady stream, increasing from a single row to a double and treble, and, finally into a mass. In a half hour from the commencement, stray shots passing through the tall pines, and, breaking them off at the trunk like canes, admonished us to remove the depot farther to the rear, when within I mile we drew our ambulances up behind a small stream and guarded in front by miry ground, thus securing a sufficiency of water, yet not of suitable protection against missiles from rifled guns. For three hours, without a seconds intermission, had the battle been raging, when we heard from the front, three lusty cheers and the firing ceased abruptly. Our troops fell bac Page 300 300 S. C., PLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. (CHAP. XLVII. about 1 mile, and II received an order to bring our wounded as far to the rear as we could reach with our limited transportation. Am- bulan~es, caissons, army wagons, litters, single horses, carts, in short, every conceivable mode of carrying was made use of to secure the large number of our wounded, and with a readiness which de- serves high commendation did every one busy himself to execute the order. There was no depression of spirits manifested, and the morale of the command expressed the brave determination in the words, We will give it back to them. Our troops fell back to Barbers Station under the protection of our cavalry brigade, which, during the battle, was quietly drawn up in the rear of our right and left. While passing Sanderson I sent the following telegrams: Surgeon in charge of field hospital at Barbers Station: A large number of wounded. Prepare coffee, tea, and beef soup. Post Surgeon SMITH, Jacksonville: Send immediately a train of cars with bales of hay, lint, bandages, and stimu- lants. Call on Sanitary Commission. Dn. A. MAJER. We reached Barbers Station at 12 midnight, and while, unhap- pily, some 40 cases of wounded had to be left at the ambulance depot near the battle-field under the charge of Asst. Surg. C. A. Devendorf, Forty-eighth New York Volunteers, and 23 more at Sanderson (badly wounded), two companies of cavalry were dis- mounted, thus saving an addition of 80 men. We had now to take care of and forward by cars and wagons some 860 wounded, 215 of which were at once delivered to the hospital ship Cosmopolitan, awaiting at the wharf at Jacksonville. A list of this first shipment will be forwarded by the surgeon in charge of that steamer. A list of the wounded admitted to hospital at Jacksonville from the sur- geon in charge (William A. Smith, Forty-seventh New York Volun- teers), I have the honor to transmit, together with a list* of all the casualties, as gathered from the surgeons in charge of brigades. I now beg leave to add the following remarks: The expedition into Florida and its occupation we believe to be not a sanguinary one. No one expected, at least, a resistance so bold and stubborn, because no concentration by the enemy of 12,000 or 15,000 men was deemed possible; and our hospital preparations at the post, as well as in the field, had up to the time of the engagement remained a mere con- solidated regimental affair in supplies. When under these circum- stances the comparatively large number of cases have been well cared for, I feel it to be my duty to be thankful to the aid and assist- ance of the ever-ready and assiduous agent of the U. S. Sanitary Com- mission, Mr. A. B. Day, and to the untfring exertions of our worthy colleague, Surg. William A. Smith, in charge of hospital. Under no ordinary circumstances should I have departed from the rule of not makilig requisition on the commission, and unless such an emer- gency had arisen in which our wants were urgent and large. Again, the very limited number of ambulances could not, inside the depart- ment, have been increased; therefore, transportation on army wag- ons and caissons could not well have been avoided; yet, in spite of these deficielices, will any contribution to the surgical history of the * Embodied in table, p. 298 Page 301 CHAP. XLV1I.] THE FLORIDA EXPEDITJON. 301 war speak but favorably of the manner in which the medical officers bore themselves, to the credit of their profession and administration? True, such could not have been the case were the character of the wounds in the majority grave; but, happily, the number of slight cases is large, showing for the most part wounds of the lower ex- tremities, with but few cases of operations. Five hundred at least will be able for duty in less than four weeks, and our loss therefore will be merely temporary. We have to regret the many casualties among officers, and the fact that we could not recover all our wounded, in spite of an effort made to do so, by requesting this privi- lege under a if ag of truce. I made this proposition to the general commanding, and while he entertained the opinion that they ought to be well taken care of by the enemy, the general finally yielded to the request, which unfortunately has been refused by omir opponents. Meanwhile, the number of our wounded retained at this post has been decreased to 165 by transfer of cases by hospital ship Cosmo- politan and transport steamers Dictator and Delaware, the hospital steamer making two trips within one week to Hilton Head and Beaufort, S. C. It is, perhaps, not out of place to recommend that no general hos- pitals, above those already existing, be established, and especially that the general hospital at Jacksonville may merely be conducted as a receiving depot, whence to forward to the above hospitals, add- ing thereto Saint Augustine, Fla. The remoteness from the main depot of supplies of the department, with all its annoying and de- laying circumstances, and the readiness with which the returning empty transports can be employed for transportation of sick and wounded, prompts me to come to this conclusion; and while the in- terior of Florida, in regard to healthfulness among a large command, is yet to be tested, there presents itself at the convalescent hospital at Saint Augustine a hospital arrangement which, when completed, will meet all demands of sanitary law, with no heavy expenses. Should the army of occupation advance toward Middle F orida, there will be an easy and quick communication with the delightful seaside of the old Spanish colony. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ADOLPH MAJER, Surg., U. S. Vols., Chief Medical Officer, Dist. of Eta. Surg. EBEN SWIFT, Medical Director. No. 4. Report of Got. William B. Barton, Forty-eighth New York Infan try, commanding brigade, of engagement at Olustee. HEADQUARTERS BARTONS BRIGADE, Jacksonville, Eta., February 27, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submpit the following report of the part taken by my command in the engagement of the 20th instant, 8 miles beyond Sanderson, near Olustee Lake: When the enemnys pickets were first encountered, which was at 2 p. m. precisely, my brigade was second in the general column. and Page 302 302 s. c., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. the firing had continued not to exceed twenty minutes when I was ordered to move forward. This I did in line of battle, taking a posilion on the right of the line (just vacated by the retreat of two regiments of another brigade), and at once became hotly engaged. The enemys fire was both of musketry and artillery, and was ex- tremely intense and galling. It was soon apparent that we were greatly outnumbered, and Were facing a foe well skilled in taking advantage of every cover, and disposed to turn to the best account his superior numbers and posi- tion. His fire was rapid, accurate, and well sustained, and for a long time we were sore yp ressed, but the indomitable and unflinch- ing courage of my men and officers at length prevailed, and after nearly four hours of the hardest fighting, the enemys left was forced back, and he was content to permit us to retire; which we did, by direction of the commanding general, between 6 and 7 oclock, in admirable order, notwithstanding our heavy losses, and with not a single round of ammunition remaining. At this time I was charged by Brigadier-General Seymour with the conduct of the retreat of all the forces. We at first retired by alternate battalions, covered by the Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, deployed as skirmishers, in our rear, they, in turn, being covered by the cavalry, mounted infantry, and Elders Horse Battery B, [First] U. S. Artillery, all under Col. G. V. Henry, Fortieth Massachusetts Mounted Infantry. When at a suffi- cient distance from the enemy, the troops were moved in brigades by the flank on parallel lines, and kept well in hand ready for such formations as defense from any attack might require. The enemy were, however, too badly punished to feel disposed to molest us. The fire during a great portion of the time we were en g aged was both direct on our front and oblique on our flanks. The enemy formed three distinct lines of battle against us, constantly bringing up fresh troops, and finally attacking in close column by division. All their efforts against us were, however, frustrated, and in their last attempt their loss must have been immense. I do not think that I am vainglorious in saying that the conduct of my command cannot be too highly spoken of. They knew, for I had been so informed by the commaiiding general; that everything depended on their good behavior, and for four hours, without shelter, did they stand in line of battle, receiving from an enemy greatly superior in number, and well sheltered by rifle-pits, breast-works, & c., all he had to give in the way of punishment. Where all did so well it is difficult to particularize, but I feel it to be a duty, as it is a pleasure, to especially commend Col. Simeon Sammon, One hundred and fifteenth New York Volunteers; Col. Henry Moore, Forty-seventh New York Volunteers (both severely wounded), and Maj. W. B. Coan, commanding Forty-eighth New York Volunteers. Adjt. Joseph Taylor, Forty-eighth New York Volunteers, and Adjutant Sanford, One hundred and fifteenth New York Volunteers, were also conspicuous for coolness and ~allantry. The officers of my staff performed their duties with zea, energy, and ability. I am particularly indebted to Capt. N. A. Elfwing, Forty-eighth New York Volunteers, actimig assistant inspector-~en- eral (wounded in shoulder); Lieut. Frank J. Magee, Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, acting aide-de-camp; Lieut. F. D. Barnum, One hundred and fifteenth New York Volunteers, acting aide-de- camp Page 303 0KM. XLVII.] THE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. Accompanying this report is a list* of my killed, wounded, and missing, which I regret to say is very large, amounting to 811 offi- cers and men. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WILLIAM B. BARTON, Colonel Forty-eighth New York Vols., Comdg. Brigade. Capt. P. R. CHADWICK, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 5. Report ~f Gol. Joseph 1?. Hawley, Seventh Gonnecticut Infantry, commanding brigade, of engagement at Olustee. HEADQUARTERS HAWLEYS BRIGA~DE, Jacksonville, Fla., February 26, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report concerning the part taken l~y the forces under my command in the battle fought at Olustee on the 20th instant. On the morning of the 20th, at Barbers Ford, my brigade con- siste(1 of the Seventh New Hampshire, Col. Joseph C. Abbott, numbering Thout 30 officers and 675 men; the Eighth U. S. Colored Infantry, Col. Charles W. Fribley, 21 officers and 554 men, and the Seventh Connecticut, Capt. Benjamin F. Skinner, 10 officers and 365 men; aggregate, 61 officers and 1,594 men. Deducting wagoners, hospital attendants, & c., and men broken down on the march, per- haps 1,500 men went into the battle. We had ten days supply of hard bread, and about three days of coffee and sugar. The Seventh Connecticut and half of the Seventh New Hampshire carried Spencer carbines, the remainder Springfield or Bridesburg rifles. Colonel Henrys command of mounted men led the column. ~Iy brigade followed, Captain Hamiltons light battery; Company E, Third U. S. Artillery, taking the road, and the regiments mov- ing by the flank abreast thereof, the Seventh New Hampshire and Seventh Connecticut on the right of the road, the Eighth U. S. Colored Infantry on the left. Before reaching Sanderson, by Gen- eral Seymours order, the Seventh Coniiecticnt took the road and kept about one-half a mile ahead of us. Two or 3 miles beyond Sanderson we caine up with Colonel Henrys command, apparently arranged for a bivouac. The rebels beginning to annoy our vedettes the general sent for a company, and soon for the whole of the Seventh Connecticut, to throw out skirmishers and move westward. Colonel Henrys corn- mand soon followed them, and in a few minutes my brigade moved on also. After going 2 or 3 miles, occasionally hearing a few shots, several discharges of artillery were heard and we quickened our pace. I directed the Eighth U. S. Colored Infantry, which was abreast of the Seventh New Hampshire on the railroad on the left, to leave that, change direction to the right, and come nearer the highway. The general commanding sent me orders to get into action quickly. Taking the Seventh New Hampshire, and leaving the Eighth to go in on the left of a pond or swamp, near which was a portion of our artillery, we hurried on, the Seventh New Hamp. * Embodied in table, p. 298. 30 Page 304 304 ~.m, PLA ~ AND ON ~ ~A. ~i3~ikt. (CHAP. XLVII shire movi~ ~by the flank, 1d~ ~ f~$jjj~ 1L~u~ ~13radshaw mdi cated tk~ ieral directiv~i ~J~Ie,~riAi I s~ TA~iienant Van Keurer for defln4~ orders. Pi~i~i~g a littletfoP~. right again to clear open jf~%~lid, I had Vhe Jitkb~Iinent broti~h4 into column by company, and closed eu k~S~ ~ the tenth ~W~pany. The enemys fire began t~ be feit~, tw~t w~y severely, ~ut it Was increasing as we ap proack~idL We imdt Th~ skirmisher f the Seventh Connecticut falling back, fiThing, beP~ie the enein~y~. ~who showed, I judge, two battalions in line, II distim~1y ordered ~ Seventh New Hampshire to deploy on the eighth Vompany, W~~iich would have brought the left of the line near ~the Iond. 5~body must have misunderstood the order, for a ~po$ion of ~V3 regiment was goin~ wrong, when myself and ~tah ~and CQk~ft~~~ Abbott repeated it vigorously, but vainly~ 411 ~e4n- iblaime ~ organization was lost in a few moment~ save with abon~ one c~D- pany, which faced the enemy and opened fires The re Aer constantly drifted back, sniferin from the fire Whict moments decision and energy wonk~ have che~cked~ if no~ ~Xppressed. Most of the officers went back with their men, t~yi~ig t( rally them. The brave co1or~-bearev, Sergt~ tho~mis H. Simii~ton Company B, obeyed every word or i~gn~i, sand ~on~etimes ~a6ed tIn enemy alone. Though wourixkd-. beca~ied the c6h5i~s to the end o the battle. Lieut. G~r~~e W.. yior, ~on3pan~ B, acting adjutan of the regiment~ w~ ~& k~1~ tu~id iiicessantly active, and I sorro~ to record that tate1~ii~i ~ ~Vion he fell fatally wounded in the head Lieut& ~wt Vain kenren, of my staff, asked a cavalry officer tA dep1o~ ihis ~o~n~any and stop the fugitives, and the latter prompti- Colonel Abbott obtained a similar favor and gathere( ~O of his men on the right of the field, where they kept n Z$i l1i\V~L~r ~re until they heard the order to retreat. ~e~orting the break to the general, I hastened back, and after ~shc~ attempt to rally the scattered men, I met the colors and bu~lem ~o~t the Seventh Connecticut, and the officers soon all ~athered t ~ei ~with their reserves and skirmishers. They had been ~Aotly engage a very considerable time alone, and had an opportunity, which I b lieve they improved, to do good service. Co~onel Bartons brigad was j~rst now engaged, and moving the Seventh Connecticut to ~o~i~ion a little to the left and in rear of his left, I sent for ti reserved ammunition, a portion of the battalion being entirely e:- ~austed, and the others having a limited supply. Had they gor as they were, they would very soon have been compelled to fall bac~ As soon as the supply arrived, I moved the battalion forward on tI left of Bartons brigade, which was slowly and stubbornly retirin The Eighth U. S. Colored Infantry, moving up on the left, went in~ line and found itself in a very hot fight.The regiment is new at was never before in battle, and I deem it creditable to both office and men that they endured so long, and to the best of their abili returned a fire which killed and wounded over half their number. Colonel Fribley died on the field, and the only other field offic present, Major Burritt, was severely wounded. They fell back, a were rallied on the edge of the field by the next in rank, Capt. C. Bailey. Three color-bearers and 5 of the color guard were kill or wounded. The Seventh Connecticut, having been brought to the positio above described, soon opened fire, with guide sights at 600 [yarcb upon a rebel column andd isordered and checked it. I kept th Page 305 CHAP. XLVIL] THE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. 305 lying down quiet for a time, oniy a few of the men firing at single rebels or small groups. Colonel Montgomerys brigade had come up. The Fifty-fourth Massachusetts, Colonel Hallowell, went into action on our left. The First North Carolina, Lieutenant-Colonel Reed, on our right, between us and Bartons retiring brigade, went up into the field, halting and firing fiercely, with its right well for- ward, so as to form an angle of perhaps 120 degrees with the line of the Fifty-fourth, with full space for us between. Just before they went up, the Seventh Connecticut advanced again a short distance and, lying down, opened fire for a short time, with guide sights at 400 yards, upon the enemy fairly in view. I had before this sent Lieutenant Van Keuren to the general to say that we seemed to be crowding the enemys left, and to ask for orders, and about this time an aide caine to say that the general wished me to fall back, as the enemy were only feinting on our right, and were preparing to flank us in force. I repeated what I had said to Lieutenant Van Keuren, and waited, permitting only such firing as seemed to be necessary and useful. Captain Skinner held foot until the forces on our right and left had fallen back, when he went back in line a short distance, halted, and faced the enemy a short time, and then moved by the right of companies to the rear some distancQ to a new line of battle, where, under my orders, he halted and came into line on the left of a light battery (which I do not know) and with a body of cavalry on his left. The firing here was chiefly by artillery. After the battery went to the rear, we foil owed it to another line. H ere all joined in the loud and defiant cheers which, started by the general, rang along the whole line of our army, and showed that though defeated we were not routed nor broken iii spirit. We then moved to the field hospital, where we made a longer halt. Just before this, Colonel Abbott reported to me, bringing a large portion of his command to his colors, Captain Bailey also coming up with the Eighth U. S. Colored Infantry. The general ordered them to continue their retreat. Not long after, he detailed the Seventh Con- necticut to cover their retreat, by deploying across the rear of all the infantry. At Sanderson I placed the Seventh New Hampshire and the Eighth U. S. Colored Infantry in line north of the hamlet to check any advance in that direction. After the stragglers and wounded had been started, by the generals orders I guarded the train, marching those two regiments by the flank and by the side of the wagons and ambulances to Baldwin, where we bivouacked on the ground we left eighteen hours before, having marched about 32 miles, and having been about three hours in battle. The Seventh Connecticut arrived an hour or two later, having marched without rest 16 miles after the battle, with a large porfion of its men de- ployed as skirmishers. On the morning of the 21st, my brigade was ordered to follow the wagon train, with Colonel Montgomerys brigade following me and under my command. We had gone half a mile when the Seventh Connecticut was again detached as a rear guard. It covered the rear, the mounted command of Colonel Henry excepted, to Baldwin, and when all other forces on foot ~left, remained over night there with Colonel Henry, on picket and fatigue, and, after loading cars, pushed some a portion of the way, leaving Baldwin at 9 a. ni. on the 22d. From Baldwin I went on to McGirts Creek, where the command bivouacked for the night in a good position. The train and Colonel 20 ~ RYOL xxxv, PT Page 306 306 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP XLVII. Bartons command passed through, and Colonel Montgomery took the First North Carolina on to Camp Finegan. At 7 oclock the iiext morning, with the Seventh New Hampshire, Eighth U. S. Colored Infantry, and Fifty-fourth Massachusetts, I started eastward. The general detached the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts to remain for a time at Ten-Mile Station, and by his orders I went with the other two regiments to Six-Mile Creek, on the Kings road, on grand guard. The loss of the brigade in the battle was: The Seventh New Hamp- shire, 208; Eighth U. S. Colored Infantry, 310; Seventh Connecticut, 69; aggregate killed, wounded, and missing, 587, about 37~ per cent. Colonel Abbott did all in his power to rally his command after that regiment, which has proved its valor on other fields, so strangely broke, and its loss proves that, though not in good order, it did not go away from danger. I have already referred to the death of the brave Lieutenant Taylor. Colonel Fribley, of the Eighth U. S. Colored Infantry, a gallant and capable officer, fell mortally wounded while in the fearless dis- charge of his duty, and died on the field. It was a great loss to the regiment and the service. Major Burritt, of the same regiment, was severely wounded while bravely at work. The command devolved upon Capt. R. C. Bailey, who has since discharged his new duties with zeal and discretion. Oapt. B. F. Skinner, who commanded the battalion of the Seventh Connecticut (a large portion of the regiment being absent on veteran furlough), was on the sick list when the regiment took the field, but he performed his laborious duties with the energy and fearless bravery that have always characterized him, and his battalion re- ceived the hearty commendation of the general at the close of the fight. It is greatly regretted that he has felt compelled, by ill health, to quit the service. Lieutenant Dempsey, of that regiment, a faith- ful, patriotic man, was killed early in the action. My staff, First Lieut. E. Lewis Moore, Seventh Connecticut Vol- unteers, actimig assistant adjutant-general; First Lieut. John Van Keuren, Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, acting assistant inspector- general, and Second Lieut. Heber J. Davis, Seventh New Hamp- shire, accompanied me closely, were mindful of every opportunity for careful service, and certainly no officers in similar positions ever did better. Lieutenant Davis received a minie-ball in his neck in the midst of the engagement. When an opportunity offered he had the ball quickly extracted and continue on uty. Dr. W. W. Brown, surgeon Seventh New Hampshire, senior medical officer, and Lient. W. T. Seward, Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, brigade quartermaster and commissary, performed their duties admirably. Their labors on the 20th, and for two or three days after, were ex- cessive and exhausting. Private Vintoii, Company K, Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, mounted orderly, had his horse twice shot, and finally killed, but he soon found another and continued on duty. I send herewith reports of the regimental commanders. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPHR. HAWLEY, colonel Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, (7iomdg. Brigade. Capt. P. R. CHADWICK, Assistant Adjutant- General, District of Florida Page 307 CHAP. XLVII.] THE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. 307 No. 6. Report of Capt. Benjamin F. Skinner, Seventh Connecticut Infantrlj, of engagement at Olustee. HDQRS. SEVENTH REGIMENT CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, Six-Mile Creek, Kings Road, Eta., February 25, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to make the followiiig report, for the information of the colonel commanding, of the part my com- mand took in the engagement at Olustee, Fla., on the 20th instant: My command consisted of detachments from ten companies, coin- prising the Seventh Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, consolidated and divided into four companies, as follows: Coin p anies A and G, commanded by Capt.C. C. Mills, assisted by Second Lient. Charles A. Wood, composed the first company; Companies F, D, and I, com- manded by First Lieut. Jeremiah Townsend and Second Lieut. John B. Young, composed the second company; Companies E and H, com- manded by First Lieut. Robert Dempsey, composed the third com- pany; Companies B, C, and H, commanded by Capt. John Thomp- son and Second Lieut. Raphael Gilbert, composed the fourth company; Snrg. George C. Jarvis, Second Lient. John J. Hutclmin- son, acting adjutant, SecOnd Lieut. W. H. Augur, acting regimental quartermaster, amounting in all to 10 commissioned officers and 365 enlisted men. The regiment left Barbers Ford at 7 oclock on the morning of the 20th, in connection with the rest of Colonel Hawleys brigade, which moved in four distinct columns, the Seventh Connecticut forming the second column from the right and on the right of the road, in this order, for about 5 miles, when I was ordered by Colonel Hawley to march my command into the road and in advance of the brigade; afterward, by direction of General Seymour, I held my regiment about half a mile in advance until we arrived at a station (name unknown), perhaps 3 miles beyond Sanderson, when I was directed by General Seymour to send forward two companies as skirmishers. I immediately ordered the first two companies, under Captain Mills and Lieutenant Townsend, to move forward, which were deployed on the left of the railroad, the second company form- ing a reserve for the left of the line. I was also directed by the same authority to throw one company forward upon the right of the railroad as skirmishers, and follow with the remainder of my force within supporting distance. Our advance soon came up with the enemys advance guard and exchanged a few shots with them, when they retreated, firing occasionally as they went. We followed them in this way about 3 miles, when, after firing a few shots from our advance battery, Captain Elders, the enemy replied with a battery of three or four guns, when I was directed by General Seymour to go forward with the rest of my command and, if possible, secure the enemys battery. I moved the remainder of my command for- ward immediately, in double-quick time, upon the right of the rail- road for about 300 yards, when we came up with my line of skir- mishers. I immediately directed the remainder of the third company, which had been held in reserve, to deploy as skirmishers and move up to the support of the advanced line. I also deployed the fourth company with the same directions, the enemy having made a flank nmovemcnt in order to mass his advance on our right~ Captain Mill Page 308 308 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CRAP. XLVII. followed, moving a portion of his command across and to the right of the railroad, the whole forming a very strong line of skirmishers 300 or 400 yards in length. I immediately pushed the line forward as fast as possible, paying particular attention to the enemys batteries, the strength of which had developed itself upon the left of our line to the right of the railroad. After moving up 200 or 300 yards I fonnd the enemy drawn np in line to receive us and in position to snpport their battery, the enemy here showing a front of five regi- ments, flanked on the right and left by cavalry, which made occa- sional demonstrations upon our flanks, bnt were easily turned back in disorder. After a few moments attention from onr seven-shooters, sup- posing that support was close at hand, I pushed forward, firing rapidly as I went, which caused the enemy to give ground to us, I should judge, 200 yards, in some confusion, but firing as they with- drew. Here I discovered that the enemy were intrenched and delivered well-directed volleys of musketry. I found also that my ammunition was very nearly expended (some of my men being entirely out), there was no support in sight, I had already pushed so far in the enemys center that my line formed a semicircle, and that I was receiving the enemys fire from three sides. At this juncture I determined to withdraw and save my command, which was done at the proper time, for had I remained there five minutes longer my whole command would have been swallowed up in the enemys advance. My men withdrew rapidly. Those who had ammunition fired as they withdrew and divided to the right and left in order to unmask the Seventh Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers, who approached. After I had withdrawn about 400 yards, I directed my course to- ward our regiments right, where I found that portion of my com- mand which had gone to the right. Some were entang]ed with a portion of the New Hampshire Volunteers, whom I withdrew as soon as possible, and moved by the flank to the left, where I found Lieu- tenant and Acting Adjutant Hutchinson, who had rallied about 100 men around the colors. I was soon found by Captain Mills and Lieu- tenant Townsend with most of their commands. I reorganized the regiment there, and by direction of Colonel Hawley the men lay down to await a supply of ammunition, which had been sent for and was accordingly furnished. We afterward moved-forward to fill a gap in the line occasioned by the advance of a regiment upon each side of us. Here the enemy appeared about 600 yards in front of us and a little to the left. By direction of Colonel Hawley our guide sights were raised to 600 yards, when we opened fire by file, which broke up the enemys column and checked his advance. We re- mained in this position, occasionally firing or permitting a portion of the men to fire as the enemy showed himself, until by (hirection from the same amthority we moved to the rear about 100 yards. Our forces on the right and left, being on the retreat, then faced about, and putting the guide sights at 400 yards opened aii affective fire for a few minutes. SOon after this the engagement closed, though we took position in line two or three times. I was directed by Colonel Hawley to report to Colonel Barton, of the Forty-eighth Regiment New York Volunteers, which I accordingly did, and by his direction deployed 125 of my men as rear guard for the army (which had now left the field), making a line of nearly half a mile in length, a body of our cavalry being behind me. I occupied this relative position and marched in this manner until I rQached B Page 309 TIlE FLORIDA EXPEDJTIO1~. 309 hers Ford, for a distance of about 18 miles from the battle-field, when I marched my command onto the same ground that it had occupied before leaving Barbers Ford the morning before, my men having marched a distance of 36 miles, 18 of which was marched without rest and over bad ground; many swamps, ditches, pickets, and fences intervened to obstruct my march. Arriving here about 3 oclock in the morning of the 21st, I re- mained here until about 9 a. in., when I was directed by Colonel Hawley to move with the brigade, my position being upon the left of the rSeventh] New Hampshire Volunteers. I moved in this way about three-quarters of a mile on the road to Baldwin, when I was directed by the same authority to go back to Barbers Ford and report to Colonel Barton, who ordered me to deploy my men in the same manner as the night before as a rear guard. I moved in the manner directed until we reached Baldwin, when I recalled my skir- mishers, by permission of Colonel Barton, and marched my men inside of the town for the purpose of securing the knapsacks which belonged to my command, the same having been left there under guard. This (lone, I was directed by General Seymour to remain in Baldwin over night (all others except mounted men having con- tinued the retreat), and to throw out a line of pickets to cover our rear. Colonel Henry soon came into town with his command, and ordered a detail from my command to load the cars, which caine in abowt 3 oclock the next morning. He afterward ordered me to send off half of my command with the train. I also, by his direc- tion, scattered turpentine and rosin around in the railroad building preparatory to burning the same. Colonel Henry directed me to march with the rest of my command to Jacksonville, and go by way of the railroad. Finding, between Baldwin and Ten-Mile Sta- tion, three cars which belonged to the train which left Baldwin in the morning, one of which had 400 boxes of hard bread, Captain Mills pushed them about 3 miles with a portion of my command, having volunteered for the purpose. Arriving at Ten-Mile Station, I found the two companies which I had sent off in the morning. After resting there half an hour, I resumed my march, arriving in Jacksonville about 7 oclock, having marched 20 miles, and, by direction of General Seymour, I encamped in front of the redoubt. Next morning, by direction of the same authority, I moved for- ward about 600 yards and to the right across the railroad, where I remained until the next day or two, when, by order of General Seymour, I joined the brigade on Kings road, on Six-Mile Creek. Of my command I can only speak in the highest terms, both offi- cers and men exhibiting the utmost coolness, bravery, and patience; in fact, it was a feature to be noticed and praised that when called to perform arduous duties it was done with a cheerfulness really remarkable. Inclosed you will find a list of casualties. * I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. SKINNER, Captain, Seventh Connecticut Vols., #Jomdg. Regiment. Lieut. E. LEWIS MOORE, Acting Assistant AcUntant- General. * Embodied in table, p. 298 Page 310 ~1o ~. C., VItA., AN~D ON ThE (1~A. COA~1X No. 7. Report of Gapt. Charles U Mills, Seventh Connecticut Infantry, of engagement at Olustee. CAMP BATTALION SEVENTH CONNECTICUT VOLS., Kings Road, Six-Mile Creek, February 25, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that at or near Olustee at 1.30 of the 20th day of February, 1864, being so instructed, having moved forward the first two companies of the battalion, and having received additional instructions from Brig. Gen. T. Seymour to deploy as skirmishers such a portion of my command as I deemed necessary, I caused the first company to be deployed, holding the second company under Lieutenant Townsend as reserve. The line of skirmishers advanced from Olustee between 3 and 4 miles, occa- sionally discovering a large force of cavalry, which continued to retreat by lines in front of us occasionally for a few moments, threatening our flanks, and then precipitately retreating. During the first half mile of the advance of skirmishers our right was ex- tended by the deployment of 30 men under Lieutenant Dempsey. The advance of our line of skirmishers commenced to be very much impeded at about 3~ miles from Olustee. At a distance of 4 miles its advance was entirely checked, all the left of the line being thrown into a swamp and exposed to a galling fire from the enemys right. From this position the right was advanced a few rods, the ground being more open and passable, and then ordered to lie down, main- taining all the while a lively fire. In this position, with an occasional slight advance, our ammunition was nearly all expended, and our line gra(lually withdrew, being charged upon by a regiment of the enemy. In our advance and retreat the general deportment of the men was such that it is difficult for me to single out those deserving of especial praise. I would, however, recommend First Sergt. William H. Haynes, of G; Sergt. D. D. Keys, of A; Acting Corpls. H. P. Bosworth and William H. Johnson, of G; Privates Harris, of A, and Gosson, of G. One man, of G Company, deserves censure, Private Thomas Wal- let (substitute) having fallen to the rear without orders. He re- ceived a saber cut on the head from one of the Massachusetts cav- alry. The company having reformed with the battalion, I can but simply say I believe they performed their duty well. CHAS. C. MILLS, Captain, First Company, Battalion Seventh Conn. Vols. Capt. B. F. SKINNER, Commanding Battalion. No. 8. Report of Col. Joseph C. Abbott, Seventh New Hampshire Infantry, of engagement at Olustee. HDQRS. SEVENTH NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS, Jacksonville, Fla., February 27, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor respectfully to submit the following report of the part which my regiment took in the engagement near Olustee on the 20th instant: The regiment formed at daylight of the 20th, and, constituting th Page 311 CHAP. XLVII.) 311 TILE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. right of Hawleys brigade, advanced from Barbers plantation, on the road toward Sanderson. The head of the column passed Sander- son about 12 in., and when about 3 miles beyond that place the first picket firing was heard between our skirmishers and those of the enemy. The enemys skirmishers retired, and the column continued to advance for about 3 miles more, when it came upon the main force of the enemy at a point about 3 miles east of Olustee. My regiment was moving by the left flank and remained in that order until we were under the fire of the enemy. The regiment was then brought by company into line and closed in mass. The order was then given by myself to deploy upon the first company and the deployment commenced. At this moment I was informed by yourself that the deployment was not as you intended, and I at once commanded, Halt; front!, but the fire of the enemy had now become very severe, and in the attempt to bring the regiment again into column confusion ensued, followed by faltering on the part of some of the men, and finally in almost a complete break. About 100 of the regi- ment remained upon the ground occupied by the column and the remainder fell back a short distance, when with some other officers I succeeded in rallying a part of them, bringing them into some- thing like order, and again advancing. I continued during the engagement to hold a position a little to the right of that on which my column stood when it was ordered to deploy, and opposed as judiciously as I was able to do what appeared to me to be an attempt of the enemy to flank our right. When it was apparent to me that our line was falling back, I gradually withdrew. It is proper to state, perhaps, that becoming separated from the com- mander of the brigade in the attempt to rally the battalion, I there- after received no orders until the close of the engagement. My loss in officers was 1 killed and 7 wounded. George W. Tay- lor, first lieutenant and acting adjutant, fell late in the action, hav- ing been distinguished throughout for coolness and courage, as he is now lamented by all the regiment who esteem a true soldier. My lose in enlisted men was 14 killed and 97 wounded, and my total loss of officers and men in killed, wounded, and missing was 209. A list* of casualties is herewith inclosed. I am, colonel, very respectfully, JOSEPH C. ABBOTT, Colonel Seventh New Hampshire Volunteers. Col. JOSEPH R. HAWLEY, Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, Comdg. Brigade. No. 9. Reports of Capt. Romanzo U Bailey, Eighth U. S. Colored in fantry, ~f engagement at Olustee. HDQRS. EIGHTH REGIMENT U. S. COLORED TROOPS, February 24, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken in the late battle of Olustee, Fla., on the 20th instant, by the Eighth Regiment U. S. Colored Troops, Col. Charles W. Fribley commanding: After leaving the railroad along which we had been advancing until within about 1,000 yards of the enemy, Colonel Fribley re * Omitted Page 312 812 S. C., FLA., A~D ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. ceived orders to put his regiment in, ivhen we were ordered to change direction to the left, moving now in double-quick time by the right flank on a line nearly parallel with the railroad and about 300 yards to its right. We were soon under fire of the enemy, when our line of battle was formed under a terrific fire of musketry at short range, we apparently being opposed by the entire left wing of the enenfy, who very soon poured in a deadly fire on our left flank, which was unprotected wholly. Colonel Fribley now ordered the regiment to fall back slowly, which we did, firii~ig as we retired, being unable to withstand so disastrous a fire. The order had just reached me on the extreme right when the colonel fell mortally wounded. The command now devolved on Major Burritt, who soon received two wounds and retired from the field, the regiment at this time engagiug the enemy with steadiness, and holding the ground for some time iiear Hamiltons battery, which we were try- ing to save. We here lost 3 color-sergeants and S of the color guard while attempting to save one gun, but we were driven back, leaving the gun and, as I afterward learned, the color beside it during the excitement. I now learned that I w~s in conimand of the regiment, and seeing that a regiment at least of the enemy was moving down the railroad to again attack our left, and knowing that our ammunition was exhausted, I took the responsibility to withdraw the regiment from the field, moving by the right flank, slowly and in good order, passing in the rear of the Fifty-fourth Regiment Colored Troops (Massa- chusetts), where we remained until the retreat commenced, when we with the Seventh New Hampshire Regiment guarded the wagon train into Barbers. The regiment went into the engagement with 21 oflicers and 544 men. Our losses were as follows: Officers killed, 1; wounded and missing, 1; wounded, 8; total, 10. Enlisted men killed, 65; wounded and missing, 49; missing, 15; wounded, 204; total, 333. Total killed, wounded, and missing, 343. Having taken command of the regiment at a late period of the engagement I cannot give as accurate a report as I might under other circumstances, but the above is, I be ieve, a true report of everything that came to my notice during the battle, and in con- clusion permit me to say that both officers and men did their duty to the extent of their ability. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. C. BAILEY, Gap! am, (Jorndg. Eighth Regiment U. S. Colored Troops. Lieut. E. L. MOORE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTH U. S. COLORED TROOPS, Jacksonville, Fla., March 10, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following statement in relation to the loss of the national color of the Eighth Regiment U. S. Col- ored Troops, at the battle of Olustee, Fla., on the 20th ultimo: I will call your attention to the fact that I was, at the time the color was lost, in command of my company on the right of the regi- ment, which post I kept until, noticing that the color company wa Page 313 CHAP. XLVII.) THE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. 313 nearly annihilated, both officers being disabled also, I went with the few men that I had left (about 20) to its assistance, observing only the regimental color, which I ordered to fall back with my men, and did not at the time notice that the national color was gone. Having learned at this time that I was in command of the regiment, I made every effort to bring the men off the field (our ammunition being exhausted) in order, they having been driven back from the battery where the color in qnestion was lost, as I learned from Lieut. E. Lewis, Company F, of this regiment, whose statement I inclose, with the signatnres of those officers who were present at the time. I will here state that of 43 men of the color company who went into the action 30 were killed, wounded, and missing, losing 5 of the color~ gnard and 3 sergeants, who at different times seized the colors while attempting to save the battery, beside which they were planted by Lientenant Lewis, who left them to stop the horses belonging to the battery, which he did, and delivered them to one of the drivers, when he was compelled to fall back, leaving the color with the gun. I believe the above to be a correct statement of the facts as far as I am acquainted with them, and hope that no stigma will be at- tached to our regiment for what was, I believe, the unavoidable loss of our colors. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. C. BAILEY, Gaptain, Oomdg Eighth Regiment U. S. (Jolored Troops. Lieut. R. M. HALL, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 10. Report of Lieut. Elijcth Lewis, Eighth U. S. Colored Infantry, of en~ gageihent at Olustee. HDQRS. EI~nTH REGIMENT U. S. COLORED TROOPS, March 10, 1864. SIR: In pursuance to verbal orders from regimental headquar- ters, I have the honor to make the following report in reference to the loss of the colors of our regiment at the battle of Ocean Pond, Fla., February 20, 1864: After the colonel was killed an order to fall back was given by Major Burritt, who was immediately after wounded and carried off the field. The enemys fire at this time was very severe, and my company, having had a large number killed and wounded, fell back in considerable confusion. In the retrograde movement we did not move directly to the rear, but obliquely to our right, thus pass- ing near where the colors were. My attention was directed to a flag lying on the ground. I picked it up; it was our national color. An officer of the battery now rode up and said, in words as nearly as I can recollect, Dont leave that battery; bring your flag and rally the men around it. I carried the colors up to tbe gun, when Lieu- tenant Norton, of Company K, said, Dont carry that flag; give it to one of the men, and help form some kind of a line. Lieut. A. F. Ely also caine to assist in collecting the men together. At this time the horses attached to a limber of one of the guns, having n Page 314 314 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVIL one to control them, started to the rear, breaking through the small number I was endeavoring to rally. I caught the near leader bSr the bridle and succeeded, with the help of some of our men, in stop- ping them. They were then taken in charge by one of the drivers of the battery. The fire from the enemy now became so destructive we could not keep our men in line. We were in disorder and falling back when Captain Bailey (on whom the command of the regiment now devolved) came and gave the order for us to retire. In conclusion, I ~would beg leave to state that both officers of the color company were severely wounded, that two color-sergeants were killed and another wounded, and half the color guard wounded or killed. I do not know on whom the responsibility of losing the col- ors should properly rest. We had two stand of colors belonging to the regiment; I was misled by seeing one of them being carried out, thinking both were there. I do not know whether these facts are stated in the consecutive order in which they happened, but they are as nearly corfect as it was possible for me to remember amid the excitement and confusion of that sanguinary day. Respectfully, your obedient servant, E. LEWIS, First Lieutenant. Eighth Regiment U. s. colored Troops. Lient. J. E. RICHARDSON, Adjutant Eighth U. S. Colored Troops. No. 11. Report of Lieut. Andrew F. Ely, Eighth U. s. colored Infantry, of engagement at Olustee. JACKSONvILLE, FLA., March 10, 1864. SIR: In obedience to orders trom regimental headquarters, I have the honor to submit the following statement in regard to the loss of our national colors at Olustee, Fla., February 2~J, 1864: I was near Lieutenant Lewis when he picked up the colors and saw him carry them toward the battery on our left. I called to the men to rally around the colors and save the battery. Lieutenant Norton also attempted to rally those on my left. We succeeded in bringing up a fragment of the regiment within a few yards of the battery, when the horses of one of the guns came rushing onto our little line, throwing us into some confusion. I think at this time Lieutenant Lewis gave the colors to one of the men. I saw him strike one of the horses with his sword, and in conjunction with some others sieze the horses by the bits to stop theni. He did not get the colors again, and we commenced falling back obliquely to the right in obedience to an order from Capt. R. C. Bailey, then commanding the regiment. I saw a corporal carrying our battle- flag, and supposing they had the other, paid no further attention to the matter. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. F ELY Second Lieutenant, Eighth U. S. Colored ~Zroops. Lieutenant RICHARDSON, Adjutant Eighth U. S. Colored Troops Page 315 No. 12. Report of Got. Edward N. Hallowell, Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Infantry, of engagement at Olustee. HDQRS. FIFTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS, Jacksonville, Eta., March 1, 1864. LIEUTENANT: At 8.30 oclock on the morning of February 20, 1864, the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers left Barbers with its col- onel, lieutenant-colonel, 113 line officers, and about 480 enlisted men, the rest of the regiment having been detailed for other duty. It marched in charge of wagon train to Olustee, at which place the train was stopped and the regiment moved forward at the double-quick about 2 miles, where it was formed in line between the railroad and dirt road, under a sharp fire from the enemy. In this formation it advanced some 200 yards through a swamp, driving the enemy from some guns, and checking the advance of a column of the enemys infantry. After firing about 20,000 cartridges, the men of the regi- ment were ordered to retreat by Col. James Montgomery, command- ing brigade. A new line was formed on the right of the dirt road, where the regiment staid till after dark, when it was ordered; through Colonel Barton, to march back to Barbers, where it arrived one hour after midnight. Their loss in officers was 3 woundedCapt. R. H. L. Jewett, First Lient. H. W. Littlefield, and First Lieut. E. G. Tomlinsonin en- listed men, killed, 13; wounded, 6?~ missing, 8; total, 87. The State color three times fell and each time was caught up by another corporal. Sergt. Stephen A. Swails, acting sergeant-ma ~or, deserves special praise for his coolness, bravery, and efficiency dur- ing the action; he received a severe but not mortal wound in the head. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. N. HALLOWELL, Colonel Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers. Lient. R. M. HALL, Acting Asgistant Adjutant-General. No. 13. Report of Capt. Loomis L. Lan gdon, Battery M, First U. S. Artil lery, of engagement at Olustee. HEADQUARTERS ARTILLERY BRIGADE, Jacksonville, Eta., March 25, 1864. SIR: Pursuant to instructions, I have the honor to report the action of the artillery under my command at the late battle of Olustee, Fla., February 20, 1864: On the morning of February 20, General Seymours command, of which my own was a portion, left Barbers Ford, near Saint Marys River, en route for Lake City. My own immediate command con- sisted of my battery (M, First Artillery), four light 12-pounder brass guns, and a section of Captain James Third Rhode Island Volun- teer Artillery, under Lieutenant Metcalf, in all six guns. I wa Page 316 ~16 S. C., VIA., AND ON 1~H~ ~A. COAST. LOHAP. XLVII. attached to Bartons brigade, and about the center of the column. As we neared Olustee, Barton having heard some firing in front, and noticing its increase, threw out a regiment on the left and two on the right. We then, after a short halt, moved on in three paral- lel lines, the regiment, by the flank and the battery in column of pieces. Quite or nearly an hour had been occupied by different halts, and not much ground gone over by us, who were not in ad- vance. During all this the firing occurred with fewer intervals and more force after the first shots until we moved on the la~t time, when it had become a continuous but not very loud rattle of mus- ketry. I was soon met by an aide, who brought orders for me to come up at once, and a few minutes afterward I received another order to come up as quickly as possible. I started out at a trot, leaving the infantry to which I was attached, and coming behind the line of battle near where Hamiltons caissons stood, and I think one of his sections not engaged. Here seeing the geneval in com- mand, his staff, and Hamilton, the chief of artillery, I waited for further orders. After forming line, nearly perpendicularly to the line of battle, pieces in front and prepared to move in any direction, I waited there some five or ten minutes, when an aide came to me and said I was wanted, or help was wanted, on the left; in addition, as nearly as I can remember, he added, We are threatened there ; or, We are threatened there and unsupported. Go on the left. Moving to the left then and some L50 yards to the rear of and ob- liquely to the line of battle, I was overtaken by another aide who told me to send one section off to the right. I detached Lieut. Tully McCrea, whose section was the nearest, and asking the aide- de-camp to point out the way to McCrea, I moved on with the other four guns; this was done without halting, his section merely wheel- ing out of line. I saw McCrea no more until the line was ordered to retire. I came into battery by wheeling the sections to the right, having Metcalfs section on my left. My position was about 100 or Th0 yards to the left, and quite as much to the rear of Elders battery. The latter was the extreme left of the line then in my front; at least, there was nothing that presented the appearance of a regiment in line. I have been in- formed that the Seventh New Hampshire and the Eighth U. S. Colored were posted on my left. I did see a crowd of men firing wildly in my front, but without order or judgment. I saw what I believed to be Elders battery on my right and front, and on his right other guns and a line of men, firm and cool, firing as if on pa- rade, and out of this line men dropping singly and in groups, wounded and dying. From my position not an enemy could be seen, though the balls came occasionally with such force as to indi- cate their immediate vicinity. They must have fired from the grass and trees. A line of smoke in front was my only guide. I fired a few rounds, but was not satisfied, for I could see no result, as I was firing high to reach their reserves. There being noth- ing visible in front, I limbered to the left and moved farther to the left, about 100 yards. Here the same difficulties presented them- selvesthe trees too thick to obtain a chance to fire, and my men and horses falling from an invisible foe. In my first position, before firing at all, I lost 2 or :3 men, how badly hurt I do not know. In my second position I had but a few minutes to wait before the en- emy seemed to have suddenly discovered me, for the balls came now rapidly and evidently directed at us, and though I fired double can. Page 317 CHAP. XLVIII THE FLORIDA EXPEDITiON. 317 ister, in fact, everything I could get at, the men and horses went down fast. My men acted as well as men could; and now occurred an incideut which, for my two gnus, materially changed the face of affairs. A caisson of my battery, through the stupidity of the drivers or fright of the horses, passed the guns and wheeled to the left, directly between me and the enemy. Out of the 18 men who should have been with the guns I had about 8 left. The drivers of the caisson, becoming an immediate target for the enemy, soon left the horses. They were sent back, and 2 retreated. One re- mained and succeeded in starting the caisson, but it got fastened by a tree, and the man came back, stating it was impossible to get it out alone. There was no one to help him, and the caisson was left, but at that instant the leaders broke away and came among us. Metcalf had meanwhile limbered up and moved to the rear; this wa~ without orders from me. I learned afterward that Elder, see- ing what he then thought my dangerous position, had advised him to leave. My position I now realized was serious; the caisson that prevented my firing directly to the front, and which had oc- casioned so much trouble, was abandoned, and orders given to limber up. One limber now got caught in a tree, a horse went down and was ordered to be cut out; then another was struck, then 2 drivers, 1 helping while he was bleeding to death. It was then I looked back to my left and saw a cavalry force marching toward our rear. At first I thought it was a portion of the Fortieth Massachusetts retiring from the left and front, but seeing a company of Stevens~ cavalry moving from the rear toward them with sabers drawn, I turned a gun on the advancing enemy, and Metcalf from the rear did the same. This was the first fair shooting I had had as yet. They broke; at all events disappeared. Just at that mo- ment a sudden and alarming increase of the firing, culminating apparently in one point, near where Hamilton and McCrea were on my right, attracted my attention. The musketry firing had now increased to one loud, continuous peal, amid which was heard the rapid cracking of the guns. But this roar and this cannonade, as I said, all at once increased, and suddenly at one point. I saw in this an advance of the enemya rush to break our center; and though, on account of the smoke, the trees, and the leaves, I could see no foe, I turned my two guns to the right and fired as rapidly as possi- ble obliquely across and in front of our forces, particularly the bat- tery nearest me. All thought of limbering up was now abandoned. I felt that the whole energies of the command was directed to repel that one blow. The firing now reached its height, and our men, firm and collected, we could see filling up the gaps. The enemy was checked. I felt that if I had withdrawn the gans at that instant that the infantry on my right would fall back with them, and in this firmness and this obstinacy I felt reassured that I would find time to get some of my people, who had been sent to the rear with the caissons, to come to my aid with the limbers of the latter, and continue the firing or help off the guns. I had now about 7 men untouched. The next thought was to get to the general, who, at that instant, I saw near me, and report. The balls now coming so fast and the men being struck every instant, I reluctantly gave the order to retire and reported to the general. I asked for men and was answered that I could not have them; all were engaged. I had no thought but that the ground would be reoccupied in a few minutes, when with fresh ni~n I Wol4ld regain my pieces. The line COfl Page 318 318 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. (CHAP. XLVIL menced retiring in good order, just after I spoke to the general, and then I met one of McCreas guns coming off, with some men carry- ing him, wounded in both legs. He, too, had lost a gun, and him- self and others were wounded in attempting to get it off. As regards my support there was no appearance of an organization of our people on niy left or immediate front. I saw a number of men of colored regiments in groups of from 2 up to 10, very much ex- cited and huddling behind my caissons, and some of them firing through and over the battery. I saw 2 officers with them, but only for an instant. One of them tried to wave them on with his sword; ~5 or 6 followed him about ten steps and then all retreated. The color bearer, a large, powerful man, with a blue regimental flag, remained on the left of my guns, where Metcalf had been and near my piece; he stood there manfully and bravely to the last; and with but 2 or 3 companions, sometimes entirely alone; what became of him I ani unable to say. I saw many wounded colored soldiers appearing suddenly in front and on myil eft, without muskets, and it appeared as if they had been lying down and taken the first opportunity to get to the rear. Some of the infantry, while facing the enemy and firing wildly, did not show fear, nor did I see any of them absolutely run off, but groups of them huddled together and did nothing, and many were in this position shot, while they seemed unconscious that they were hit. I desired them to take to the trees with a hope that I would thus in a measure draw off the fire of the enemy. It is my impression that this por- tion of the regiment had been broken, and retreated from the front before I came up, and the appearance of my caissons reassured them and brought them again up to the flag. At the time I drew off, and when I could fire no longer, I saw a large body of the enemy in front advancing slowly and waving their hats and shouting. They halted, apparently, but did not charge the guns. This was the Nineteenth and Twenty-eighth Georgia, as stated by their own pa- pers. They contented themselves with shooting at a distance every man who appeared near the guns. I take this occasionand it is one of the redeeming features of the whole affairto speak of the good conduct of First Sergeant Bach, Sergeant Lane, and particularly of Sergeant Sweetman (badly wounded), Corporal McChesney (wounded), and Corporals Kins- man and Delany. I cannot mention all the privates engaged, but I have no reason to believe that any one of them acted otherwise than well. I lost 28 horses killed, principally at the pieces, 11 wounded, and 11 men killed on the field, and 23 wounded, besides Lient. Tully McCrea, of whose gallantry the general was a nearer witness than myself. I would take this occasion to recommend to the favorable notice of the general, Dr. J. H. Janeway, whose ambulance was twice re- moved to the rear to get it out of fire. He took charge of the whole artillery wounded, and putting the two ambulances together, and assisted by his junior, Assistant Surgeon Hillary, he was assiduous in his duties. To his watchful care we owe much in the safety of the wounded officers, and on his arrival at Jacksonville he quickly established a hospital, and thus collected and cared for the wounded that he had not dispatched to Hilton Head. That I unavoidably lost my guns, and that the enemy estimate their capture as being greater than that of a regiment, is my onl Page 319 CHAP. XLVII.] THE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. 319 excuse for the length of this report. Had I had a victory to record a few lines would have been sufficient, but when one is unfortunate his report becomes an explanation. I iliclose Lieutenant Metcalfs report to me. I lost 3 guns of my 4, 2 caissons, and 2 limbers. Respectfully submitted. L. L. LANGDON, Captain, First Artillery, Commanding Battery Mi. Lient. R. M. HALL, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 14. Report of Lient. John R. illyriclc, Battery E, Third U. S. Artillery, of engagement at Olustee. HILTON HEAD, S. C., February 24, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report to the general commanding that, pursuant to directions received from Capt. John Hamilton, Third U. S. Artillery, as he was about leaving the field near Olustee, on the 20th instant, wounded, I endeavored (Lieutenants Eddy and Dodge, Third Rhode Island Heavy Artillery, having left the field, wounded) to withdraw the four pieces of Light Company E, Third U. S. Artil- lery, which had been placed on the left and in advance ~of Captain Elders battery of the First U. S. Artillery. I succeeded in getting two pieces with caissons to the rear (some of the horses of the re- maining two pieces were already lying dead in harness), and as soon as cut loose the limbers were brought near their pieces, but to no purpose, as from the well-directed fire of the enemy, which was con- centrated upon us (the Eighth U. S. Colored, which was the only regiment near the battery, having withdrawn), horses, drivers, and cannoneers fell either dead or wounded in one pile across the trails of the pieces. I received at the same time a wound in my foot, my horse wounded five times and left upon the field. I would here call the attention of the commanding general to the behavior of Corpl. A. Barnard, who, after gallantly fighting his piece, fell dead while endeavoring to get it away. Finding the horses and men belonging to the two pieces either killed or wounded, I withdrew from the position myself, the whole line at the time retiring, the Eighth U. S. Colored having previously done so, and Elders battery, as well as Colonel Henrys regiment, in the act. I am confident that had I old men in the place of the at- tached Enfans Perdus (who took the opportunity to go to the rear when the first two pieces were sent off) I could have got the pieces away. I can pay no higher tribute of praise to those old soldiers of the battery than to say that they stood by me in my endeavors to save the guns until they were either killed or wounded. When I retired I found Elders battery had occupied a new position, and the remain- ing section of Light Company E, Third U. S. Artillery, under Lieu- tenant Irwin, Third Rhode Island Volunteer Heavy Artillery, at- tached for duty, who was fighting it nobly, on Elders left. I changed the position of the section to the right flank to avoid a marsh in rea Page 320 320 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. of the left, and continued retiring in line with Elder~s battery until nearly dark, when my wound compelled me to again turn over the section to Lieutenant Irwin and go to the rear. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. R. MYRICK, First Lieutenant, Third Artillery. Capt. P. R. CHADWICK. Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 15. Report of Lieut. Henry H. Metcalf, Company C, Third Rhode Island Artillery, of engagement at Olustee. HDQRS. LIGHT Co. C, THIRD RHODE ISLAND ARTY. Jacksonville, Eta., March 7, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report, in compliance with instructions from headquarters District of Florida, Department of the South, the part my command, a section of Light Company C, Third Rhode Island Artillery, took at the battle of Olustee, February 20, 1864. I arrived at the battle-field at 3 p. in., and was immediately or- dered into position on the left of Light Company M, First U. S. Artillery. My position was then changed to the left, bringing my section on the extreme left. I immediately opened on the enemys cavalry with 3~ and 4 second shells, with an occasional round of canister at their infantry in front. The enemy were within 50 yards of my guns and advancing and my gunners and horses falling rap- idly, when I received a suggestion from Captain Elder, Light Com- pany B, First U. S. Artillery, to retire. One of my pieces was sent to the rear to act as reserve with the caissons, all the horses and gunners being disabled and killed. During the rest of the action I received my orders from Captain Elder, Light Company B, First U. S. Artillery. My last charge was double canister at 100 yards, and I then received orders to retreat. My men behaved so well that it would be impossible to notice any individual case of gallantry. My loss was 6 men wounded. 1 man killed, and 7 horses disabled and killed, being in actioIi nearly four hours. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant HENRY H. METCALF First Lieutenant Co. C~, Third Rhode Island Artillery. Capt.~ L. L. LANGDON, Chief of Artillery, District of Florida. No. 16. Reports of General G. T. Beauregard, C. S. Army, commanding Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. CHARLESTON, S. C., February 22, 1864i p. ni. General Finegan met enemy in full force under General Seymour at or near Olustee, Fla., and defeated him with great loss on the 20th iiist~nt. H~ holds posses~ior~ of the field of battle, with killed and Page 321 CHAP. XLVII.I THE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. 321 wounded of the enemy, with five pieces of artillery and large num- ber of small-arms. Number of prisoners not yet known, but being brought in constantly. His cavalry is in pursuit. Our loss about 250 killed and wounded, including many brave officers and men, whom we mourn. G. T. BEAUREGARD. General SAMUEL COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va. CHARLESTON, S. C., February 23, 18642.15 p. m. Latest report from General Finegan gives no particulars of victory at Ocean Pond, except that he has taken all enemys artillery, some 500 or 600 stand of small-arms already collected, and that roads for 3 miles are strewed with enemys dead and wounded. He reports General Gillmore at Jacksonville. Enemy said to be 10,000 strong. Our force not half that number at time of battle, all re-enforcements sent not having then reached him. G. T. BEAUREGARD. General SAMUEL COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va. HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, ~AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., March 25, 1864. GENERAL: In transmitting detailed reports of recent operations in East Florida I have to accompany them, for the information of the War Department, with the following: The officer in observation at Foot Point of the enemys fleet in the waters of Port Royal and Broad River having reported on the after- noon of January 14 that some thirty-five vessels, including an iron- clad from Hilton Head, had gone to sea in the fog of the day before, and probably with troops, as it was observed to be more quiet on the adjacent islands (less drumming and firing of small-arms) than usual, I gave Major-General Gilmer, at Savannah, immediate notifi- cation of the fact, with instructions to keep strict watch in the direc- tion of Wassaw Sound and the Ossabaw. At the same time orders were given to the proper staff officers to hold means of transporta- tion by rail in readiness on the Charleston and Savannah Railroad. An increase of the tents of the enemy on Tybee Island was also observed and reported. On January 16, I repaired in person to Savannah, in which quarter I apprehended some operations might be looked for. I remained in the District of Georgia, inspecting the troops and works, until Feb- ruary 3, when, there being no indication of any movement of the enemy in that direction, I returned to Charleston, leaving with Major-General Gilmer orders to hold the Sixty-fourth Georgia Vol- unteers, the First Florida Battalion, and a light battery in readiness to be sent to Florida at short notice. On February ~ (received 8th), Brigadier-General Finegan reported by telegraph that five gun-boats and two transports of the enemy had made their appearance in the Saint Johns, within 5 miles of Jacksonville, and on the next day announced the arrival at Jackson- 21 R RYOL XXXV, PT Page 322 322 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. yule of eighteen vessels (gun-boats and transports), the landing of the enemy (presumed in large force), and an immediate advance on the night of February 7. General Gilmer was at once directed to put in motion (to report to General Finegan) all the troops he had been previously ordered to hold in readiness for such an emergency. General Gardner,~ commanding in Middle Florida, was telegraphed to send to the imperiled quarter, with all possible celerity, every soldier he could spare. Colquitts brigade was ordered from James Island to Savannah with a light battery. General Finegan was ad- vised of what was done, and instructed to do what he could with his means to hold the enemy at bay, and to prevent the capture of slaves; and at the same time I reported to you this hostile move- ment and my intention to repel it, as far as practicable, with infantry to be withdrawn from Charleston and Savannah, but requested, in consequence of the very recent discharge of some 5,000 South Caro- lina militia, that other troops should be sent to take their place and avoid danger to Charleston and Savannah. Scarcely had Colquitts brigade begun to move when the enemy, in anticipation, doubtless, of my attempt to re-enforce Finegan, made a strong demonstration on Johns Island. Though assured of the purpose of this movement, it assumed, however, so serious a form as to compel me to divert temporarily General Colquitt and three and a half regiments of his brigade to re-enforce General Wise, then confronted by at least two brigades of the enemy (about 4,500 strong), pushed forward in advance of the haulover or bridge- way between Johns and Seabrook Islands; and, in addition, sev- eral regiments of infantry were detached from Sullivans and James Islands, to be in readiness for the development of the enemys pur- poses. On the night of the 11th ultimo, I ordered all our batteries bearing on Morris Island to open a heavy simultaneous fire on that position, as if a cover for an assault, and with the hope of forcing the enen~y to withdraw from Johns Island to the protection of his own works. This stratagem seems to have produced the desired effect, or assisted to make him abandon the movement on Johns Island and withdraw hastily before daybreak, thus releasing and enabling Colquitts com- mand to reach General Finegan in time to meet and defeat the en- emy at Ocean Pond, some 13 miles in advance of Lake City. In the meanwhile other troops (fast as the means of railroad trans- portation would enable me) had been dispatched to the theater of war from the works around Charleston and Savannah and the posi- tions covering the Savannah Railroad. This was done, indeed, to a hazardous degree; but, as I informed the honorable Secretary of War by telegraph the 9th ultimo, I regarded it as imperative to at- tempt to secure the subsistence resources of Florida. General Fine- gan was also apprised of these re-enforcements on February 11, and instructed to maneuver mean time to check or delay the enemy, but to avoid close quarters and unnecessary loss of men. While these re-enforcements were en route the enemy again attempted to delay them by a movement, with show of force, against Whitemarsh Island, near Savannah, and it became a measure of proper precau- tion to halt at Savannah two of the regiments on their way to Gen- eral Finegan for the development of the enemys plans, one of which regiments, indeed, I felt it but Frudent to detain there to the present Page 323 CHAP. XLVIII THE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. 323 The want of adequate rolling stock on the Georgia and Florida railroads, and the existence of the gap of some 26 miles between the two roads, subjected the concentration of my forces to a delay which deprived my efforts to that end of full effect. The absence of General Hill making it injudicious for me to leave this State, I directed Brigadier-General Taliaferro to proceed to Florida and assume the command, he being an officer in whose ability, field ex- perience, and judgment I had high confidence, not knowing at the time that Brig. Gen. William M. Gardner, commanding in Middle Florida, his senior, had returned from sick-leave, and was fit for field servicQ, and had gone to General Finegans headquarters with the troops of his district. Apprised of this, II directed General Gardner, on the 21st ultimo, to assume command and organize for a vigorous offensive movement preliminary to the arrival of General Taliaferro; but subsequently the victory at Ocean Pond having taken place, in which it was supposed General Gardner, though not in immediate command, had taken an active part, I directed that officer to assume the chief command, and dividing his forces into divisions, to assign General Taliaferro to one of them; soon after which, however, I was advised by the War Department of the as- signment of Maj. Gen. J. Patton Anderson to the command of the forces in the State of Florida. General D. H. Hill having arrived at these headquarters on the 28th ultimo, I left for Florida the same evening. Although that officer was unwilling, for personal reasons, to assume the duty at once I had desired to intrust to him (the immediate command of the troops in the State of South Carolina), he promised to repair to any point threatened or attacked by the enemy and give the officer there in command the benefit of his experience and assistance. On the 2d instant, I reached Camp Milton, General Gardners head- quarters, in rear of McGirts Creek, 12 or 13 miles distant from Jacksonville, where I found our troops in position. The day pre- ceding our advanced pickets had been thrown forward to Cedar Creek, within 6 or 7 miles of Jacksonville. On the 3d, Maj. Gen. J. Patton Anderson also arrived at Camp Milton, and assumed command on the 6th instant of the forces, now about 8,000 effectives, of all arms. In the mean time it had been ascertained from reliable sources that the enemy occupied Jackson- ville with at least 12,000 men; that the position, naturally strong, had been much strengthened since the battle of the 20th ultimo, and that four or five gun-boats in the Saint Johns effectually com- manded the approaches to the place. Under these circumstances it was determined not to attempt to carry the position by assault, as in effect instructed by your telegram of the 4th instant. Everything indicates that the rout of the enemy at Ocean Pond, or Olustee, was complete; nevertheless, the fruits of the victory were comparatively insignificant, and mainly because of the ineffi- ciency of the officer commanding the cavalry at the time, in conse- quence of whose lack of energy and capacity for the service no serious attempt was made to pursue with his command, while the exhaustion of the infantry, so gallantly and effectively handled and engaged, and our want of subsistence supplies and ammunition, made an immediate pursuit by them impracticable. Unless our present forces should be considerably increased and amply supplied with means fQr a regular siege of Jacksonville, ~ur operations in that quarter must be confined to the defensivethat i; to prevent Page 324 324 .8. 0., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII ing the penetration of the enemy into the interior, either on the line toward Lake City or into the. lower portion of the State, to which ~nd a position has been selected on the Saint Johns a few miles above Jacksonville for a battery of one rifled 32-pounder, three rifled 30-pounder, one 20-pounder, and one 10-pounder Parrotts, and two 8-inch siege howitzers, by which, with torpedoes in the river, it is expected transports at least can be obstructed from passing with troops beyond Jacksonville. Cavalry pickets have been also estab- lished for the protection of the railroad to Cedar Keys from injury by raiding expeditions set on foot from the west bank of the Saint Johns. I have for the present organized the forces under General Ander- son into three brigades, commanded, respectively, by Brigadier- Generals Finegan and Colquitt and Col. George P. Harrison, jr., three meritorious officers, the last two of whom have won promo- tion by their active participation in the combat of the 20th ultimo, at which it is proper to say Brigadier-General Colquitt commanded on the immediate field ~of battle. He has seen much service, like- wise, in the Army of Northern Virginia. The cavalry has also been organized into a brigade under Col. Robert H. Anderson. The four light batteries of four pieces each were placed nuder command of Lieut. Col. Charles C. Jones, and two batteries of siege guns (six pieces) present on the field under Maj. George L. Buist. It is hoped this arrangement will enhance the efficiency of the troops, who are in fine spirits and good condi- tion. Too much praise cannot be awarded to the brave officers and men who encountered and defeated twice their number at Ocean Pond, and I commend them to the notice of the Government. They are in all respects worthy comrades of those who on other fields have done honor to Southern manhood. Respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Commanding. General SAMUEL COOPER, Adjt. and lnsp. Gem., C. S. Army, Richmond, Va. No. 17. Reports of Brig. Gem. Joseph Fine gan, C. S. Army, commanding District of East Florida. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EAST FLORIDA, Lake (Jity, February 13, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that the command of Lieu- tenant-Colonel McCormick, which was charged upon by the enemy and dispersed at Camp Finegan, on the night of the 8th instant, has nearly all reached this place. I think that the enemy have not cap- tured more than 5 or 6 of our men. Two officers are missingCap- tain Eichelberger and Lieutenant Barcowho were sick at the time, and are supposed to be in the enemys hands. The camp and garrl- son equipage of the command, with very few stores, were lost. The garrison oscaped in the darkness of the night Page 325 CHAP. XLVII.1 TIlE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. 325 I learn from an abolition prisoner, captured on the night in ques- tion, that the enemy moved upon Camp Finegan with the following forces: One hundred and fifteenth New York, Colonel Sammon (this regiment was captured at Harpers Ferry); Forty. eighth New York, Colonel Barton; Forty-seventh New York, colonels name not known; Fifty-sixth New York, colonels name not known; Pennsylvania Negro regiment; Fortieth Massachusetts Mounted Infantry, and 10 pieces of artillery. This force, after dispersing the small command at Camp Finegan, moved rapidly on to Bald- win and occupied that place on Tuesday morning, the 9th instant. On Wednesday they moved as far as the Little Saint Marys, when they were met by Major Harrison with two companies of cavalry, who were marcbing from Camp Cooper (near Fernandina) to this place, and being unaware of the force of the enemy, gave them battle at a strong position. The enemys loss at this point, as reported by a woman, whom they have permitted to come through their lines, was 15 killed and 30 wounded. We lost 2 killed and 2 wounded, the latter in the enemys hands. The enemys wounded are at a hospital at Barbers place, which they have established for their reception. This is near the Little Saint Marys. The enemy advanced immediately and occupied Sanderson, our troops burn- ing 1,500 bushels of corn, the only stores left at that place. There had been a large amount of commissary and quartermaster stores at that point, but they had all been removed, with the exception of the corn, on the preceding day. The enemy remained one night at Sanderson, and on the following morning moved upon this place, arriving at my hastily constructed works at 10 a. in., evidently confident of entering the place without much difficulty. They advanced only their mounted infantry and four pieces of artillery to attack this place, leaving their infantry at Baldwin and on the Lit- tle Saint Marys. Citizens who live upon the road over which they passed agree in representing the force that marched on this place at 1,400 mounted men and four pieces of artillery. Their artillery was not used. As I suggested in my letter of the 10th instant, the plan of the enemy was to advance so rapidly as to prevent the concentration of my scattered command or such re-enforcements as might reach me. Fortunately, however, a part of the troops from Middle Florida ar- rived, and with one or two companies collected together, amounting in all to 491 infantry and 110 cavalry, with two pieces of artillery, the further progress of the enemy was prevented. I have thus given you a hasty sketch of operations since the enemy made his landing at Jacksonville. He has captured no stores, taken but few prisoners, and we have lost but 2 men killed and 2 wounded. We lost at Camp Finegan 2 pieces of artillery of Captain Dun- hams battery, and 3 pieces of Captain Abells battery. This expedition is really formidable, and, organized as it is with so large a force of cavalry or mounted infantry, threatens disastrous results, unless checked at once by a sufficient force. The enemy is fortifying Baldwin, and also, I understand, a position on the Little Saint Marys. I should have more cavalry to prevent their superior mounted force from making raids into the rich counties of Alachua and Marion, and not only running off the negroes by the Saint Johns River, but destroying the large amounts of sugar and sirup which has not yet been sent to market. The supply of beef from the pen- insula will of course be suspended until the enemy is driven out Page 326 ~26 S. 0., fl1JA.~ AND ON TUE GA. COAST. LCHAP. XLVII. Jam intrenched at the Olustee to-night and have about 1,800 in- fantry, 450 cavalry, and two batteries, and one section of artillery. It is hardly prudent to move forward against so large a cavalry force, who can operate by forced marches in the night on my line of communication and perhaps cut me off from Middle Florida, by making a detour through the country and a sudden descent on the bridge over the Suwannee, at Columbus, where I have but 30 men. 1 have no doubt that the commanding general appreciates the sit- uation of affairs in this district and will make such provision for its defense as the means at his command will allow. It is evident, how- ever, that with the large and well-appointed force of the enemy, piloted by traitors familiar with every portion of the country, and knowing the position and strength of my command, the whole dis- trict will be ruined unless timely re-enforcements are sent forward. General Seymour is said to be in command of the abolition expe- dition. I will act cautiously until the plans of the enemy are more fully developed. Their cavalry and artillery are at this time at Sander- son, some 10 miles from Olustee, and their infantry about 5 miles in their rear. They give me credit for a much larger force than I have. At Lake City they skirmished heavily with my forces for several hours till they discovered my works and artillery, when they with- drew and retreated to Sanderson. I was not, of course, in a position to follow. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH FINEGAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff. [Indorsement] HDQR5. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., February 21, 18(34. Respectfully forwarded, for the information of the War Depart- ment. All available troops have been dispatched from Georgia, Mid- dle Florida, and South Carolina to the assistance of Brigadier- General Finegan, in view of the importance of the resources of that section and of the apparent opportunity of striking the enemy an effective blow. There will soon be concentrated there about 8,000 men of all arms of the service, including at least 1,800 cav- alry. Brigadier-General Taliaferro has been sent to assume coin- inand for the present and organize the troops into three brigades of infantry, with the cavalry and infantry embodied, respectively, under proper officers. Brigadier-General Gardner, I have just learned by telegraph, has repaired to Lake City from Middle Florida, and I have directed him to assume command until the arrival of Brigadier-General Talia- ferro, who has my verbal and written instructions as to line of operations. Had I been confident of Brigadier-General Gardners physical ability for the field (an active command), as I have great confidence in his soldierly qualities, I should have ordered him to the spot at once, but he had but recently been in Augusta for a surgical operation, and I feared he was unequal physically to the place Page 327 dITAP. XLVII.j THE FLO1~IDA I~XPEbFtI0N. I shall in a few days hasten to the scene, and hope to be able to take the offensive at once. A rigid investigation shall be made into the circumstances nnder which the command of Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick was surprised and dispersed and their guns captnred. G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Commanding. TALLAHASSEE, FLA., February 21, 1864. (Received 22d.) To the PRESIDENT: Have jnst received the following dispatch from General Finegan, dated yesterday: I met the enemy in full force to-day, under General Seymour, and defeated him with great loss. I captured 5 pieces of artillery; hold possession of the battle- field and the killed and wounded of the enemy. My cavalry are in pursuit. I dont know precisely the number of prisoners, as they are being brought in con- stantly. My whole loss will not, I think, exceed 250 killed and wounded. Among them I mourn the loss of many brave officers and men. I understand General Finegan also captured many small-arms. JNO. MILTON, Governor. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EAST FLORIDA, Sander8on, February 23, 1864. GENERAL: I had the honor to report by telegraph that the enemy had abandoned his position at Barbers place, on the Little Saint Marys River. I pressed forward my cavalry force last night in the direction of Baldwin. I have received no report from them yet, but think that the enemy has abandoned Baldwin and retired to Jack- sonville. The enemy destroyed the railroad at this place for about three-quarters of a mile, burning a portion of the iron. This delays my movements one day. I occupy Barbers place this morning with my infantry, and my cavalry are in the vicinity of Baldwin. From all that I can learn the enemy suffered severely in the late engage- ment and are greatly demoralized. The reports of brigade and regi- mental commanders are not yet in. 1 will forward my report as soon as those are received. I have several hundred of the enemys wounded, white and black. I am unable to state the exact number at present, as the ambulances were still engaged in removing them from the field when I left Ocean Pond yesterday morning. Great credit is due Brigadier-General Colquitt, Colonel Harrison, and the officers and men of their several commands for their dis- tinguished bravery in the late engagement against superior numbers. I will take pleasure in bringing the names of the officers more par- ticularly to the notic& of the commanding general in my detailed report. Colonel Anderson, with the Fifth Georgia Cavalry, has not yet arrived. If I had had a sufficient cavalry force I could have cap- tured a very large number of the enemy, as their rout was com- plete. I respectfully request that a full supply of ammunition for this command be forwarded as soon as possible. The ordnanc Page 328 328 s. c., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. office has urged it forward for several days, but it has not yet arrived. Not a single man of my command was captured by the enemy, so far as I can learn. I have forwarded 150 prisoners (not wounded) to Major-General Gilmer, with a request that he would dispose of them as the com- manding general may direct. Among them are 3 negroes. What shall I do with the large number of the enemys wounded in my hands? Many of these are negroes. I have one major, of the First North Carolina (negro) Regiment, and some other officers. A com- plete list will be forwarded as soon as it can be prepared. The returns will show that I will have more wounded than I at first supposed. The list will probably reach between 600 and 700, 300 or 400 of whom will be fit for duty in a few weeks, being but slight flesh wounds. I think that we encountered nearly the entire force of the enemy in this district. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH FINEGAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff, Charleston, S. C. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EAST FLORIDA, Baldwin, February 25, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that my command occupied this place yesterday, the enemy having retreated to Jacksonville, burning the warehouse containing his stores. Before leaving they threw into a small pond at this place 120 boxes of ammunition. My ordnance officer has recovered the balls, the powder, of course, be- ing destroyed. Everything indicates a hasty flight on the part of the enemy. My cavalry are in front, with orders to proceed to the vicinity of Jacksonville and watch their movements. The abolitionists will either reorganize on a much larger scale and come out again, or retire to some other field. They had brought a locomotive around from Fernandina to Jacksonville, with the inten- tion of using it on the roads that cross at this point. I will have at this position two railroads for the supply of my command. Colonel Anderson, with the Fifth Georgia Cavalry, has not yet arrived. If he had been the victory would have been much more complete. All that I wanted was an efficient cavalry force to have captured a large number of the enemy. Brigadier-General Gardner informed me from Tallahassee that he had been ordered by the commanding general to take command of the troops operating in this district. I replied that it would give me pleasure to serve under General Gardner or any other superior officer whom the commanding general might assign to The com- mand, as soon as he should arrive in the district and assume the responsibility of the movements and supply of the troops, but that in the mean time the interests of the service required that I should com- mand until my successor arrived. A copy of this letter I had the honor to forward yesterday, for the information of the commanding general. I submitted it to Colonel Harris and Major Lay, of the commanding generals staff, and they both concurred in the propriety of my decision Page 329 CHAP. XLVII.] THE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. 329 The fact is, no officer residing at Tallahassee or Quincy can intel- ligently control an army in this portion of the State with an active enemy in front. I trnst that my action in this matter will meet the approval of the commanding general. I have acted in the manner which I considered best calculated to promote the good of the serv- ice. It is not for me to question the reason that induced the com- manding general to order General Gardner to contrQl the movements of the troops in East Florida from his headquarters in Tallahassee or Quincy, after the enemy had been signally defeated and driven back to Jacksonville, and perhaps oi~ board of his transports. As soon as a superior officer arrives in this district I will cheerfully turn over the command and render him every assistance in my power. The enemy are being watched at Jacksonville, and I will report their movements to-morrow or the next day. As soon as Colonel Anderson arrives a cavalry force will be sent toward Palatka to pre- vent raids in that direction General Seymour sent a flag of truce yesterday from Jacksonville, with a letter, which, with a copy of my reply, I herewith inclose. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, JOSEPH FINEGAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff. [Indorsements.] HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., March 4, 1864. Respectfully forwarded, for the information of the War Depart- ment. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff. (In absence of General Beauregard.) ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, March 14, 1864. Respectfully submitted to the Adjutant and Inspector General. Please refer to the remarks of General Finegan in regard to Gen- eral Gardner. SAML. W. MELTON, Major and Assistant Adjutant-General. [Inclosure No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, Fla., February 23, 1864. To the general commanding the Confederate Forces, Florida: SIR: In view of the inconveniences to which the wounded prison- ers in your hands since the action of the 2Oth,~near Olustee, Fla., may be unavoidably subjected, I have the honor to propose that they may be paroled and delivered within my lines as soon as possible, and Capt. G. S. Dana, of my staff, the bearer of this com- munication, is authorized to make such arrangements therefor as may be convenient, and a horse-car or ambulance will be sent for the wounded at such times as may be designated, should this pro- posal be acceded to Page 330 330 S. C., PTA., AIND OIN THE GA. COAST. (CHAP. XLVII. The body of Col. C. W. Fribley was left upon the field at Olustee. If there have been any means of identifying his person, I reqnest that his grave may be so marked that at some futnre day his family may be able to remove his remains. And I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier-General, U. S. Army. [Inclosure No. 2.1 HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EAST FLORIDA Brig. Gen T. SEYMOUR, Baldwin, Fla., February 24, 1864. Commanding U. S. Forces, Jacksonville: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 23d instant, proposing that the wounded pris- oners left by you on the field of battle at Ocean Pond, on the 20th instant, be paroled and sent within your lines, and requesting that if the body of Col. C. W. Fribley, left on the ground, could be identi- fied, his grave might be so marked that his family at some future day may be able to remove his remains. In reply I have to state that the wounded prisoners have been sent forward and properly taken care of, to await the future action of my Government with reference to an exchange of prisoners. I regret to say that the body of Colonel Fribley has not been identified. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH FJNEGAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT o~ EAST FLORIDA, In the Field, 12 miles from Jacksonville, February 26, 1864. GENERAL: For the information of the commanding general I have Uhe honor to report that on the evening of February 7 the enemy landed at Jacksonville, from eighteen transports and gun-boats, a large force of cavalry, artillery, and infantry, which was largely augmented by arrivals on the 8th instant. On the receipt of this intelligence I immediately notified Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick, commanding an effective force of near 350 men, of all arms, at Camp Finegan, to guard against a surprise, advising him that I would join the command as soon as I had issued the neces~ry orders for collect- ing my widely scattered troops and dispatched tekgrams and letters for re-enforcements. On the night of the 8th instant, the enemy advanced from Jack- sonville with great rapidity in three heavy columns, cavalry in the advance, artillery and infantry fi4lowing, under command of Briga- dier-General Seymour. They approached Camp Finegan as the command there were in the act of retiring. Their largely superior numbers deterred Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick, commanding, from attacking them, and in the darkness of the night he withdrew his command with caution and address and joined me at Camp Beauregard, near Ocean Pond, on the Obzistee, on the 13th instant. The enemy with celerity pressed on to Baldwin, capturing on their way S guns of Companies A and B, Milton Light Artillery, whic Page 331 ~q~1 t~HAP. XLVIII had been ordered to BaIdwin~ Reached Baldwin at daylight on the 9th instant. Remaining a short time, they continued on to Barbers the same night. At this point they were met on the 10th instant by two companies of cavalry under Maj. Robert Harrison; Second Florida Cavalry, whom I had ordered to join me, and who, with much gallantry, checked their progress for several hours at the Saint Marys Crossing, with but small loss to us and a considerable loss to the enemy. On the 9th instant, I removed all the Government storQs from Sanderson, except 1,500 bushels corn, which was burned under my orders On the 10th, the enemy reached Sanderson. On the 11th instant, they were within 3 miles of Lake City. Here I had hastily collected, principally from the District of Middle Florida, a small force of 490 infantry, 110 cavalry, and two pieces of artillery. On the night of the 10th, I placed this force in a favorable position, 2~ miles from Lake City, in the direction of the enemy. At 9.30 the enemy ad- vanced upon us with a force estimated to be 1,400 mounted infantry and five pieces of artillery. Here they opened upon us, fighting as infantry, and skirmished heavily with my advance line. Discover- ing my position and its strength, and probably presuming my foNe larger than it was, they retreated to Sanderson, thence to Barbers, on the east bank of the Saint Marys, where they constructed field- works and concentrated their whole force for a final movement on Lake City. In the mean time I used every possible effort to gather re-enforce- ments, and on the 13th, moved to Ocean Pond, on Olustee, 13 miles from Lake City,and occupied the only strong position between Lake City and Barbers. Here I Iliad field-works thrown up, and for sev- eral days, with a force less than 2,000 strong, awaited the enemys advance. In this time my command was increased by the arrival of re-en- forcements, and I. organized the command as follows: The Sixth, Nineteenth, Twenty-third, Twenty-seventh, and Twenty-eighth Georgia Regiments Infantry and Sixth Florida Battalion Infantry, as the First Brigade, under the command of Brigadier-General Colquitt, with the Chatham Artillery (four guns) attached. The Thirty-second Georgia Volunteers, First Georgia Regulars, Sixty- fonrth Georgia Volunteers, First Florida Battalion, and Bonauds battalion, as the Second Brigade, under command of Col. George P. Harrison, Thirty-second Georgia Volunteers, with Guerards light battery attached, the Florida Light Artillery being held in reserve. I assigned Col. R. B. Thomas, C. S. Army, to duty as chief of artil- lery, and organized the cavalry into a biigade, under the command of CoL Caraway Smith, Second Florida Cavalry, my whole effective force being as follows: Infantry, 4,600; cavalry, less than 600; artillery, 3 batteriestwelve guns. On the 20th instant, the enemy advanced in three columns, since ascertained to have been twelve regiments of infantry (nine of white troops and three of black), estimated at 8,000, and some artillery (number of guns unknown), and 1,400 cavalry. At 12 in., the enemy were within 3 miles of my position. I ordered the cavalry, under Col. C. Smith, Second Florida Cavalry, supported by the Sixty- fourth Georgia, Colonel Evans commanding, and two companies of the Thirty-second Georgia, to advance and skirmish with the enemy and draw them to our works. The remaining force was place Page 332 332 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. under arms and prepared for action. Apprehending that the enemy was too cautions to approach our~works, I ordered Brigadier-Gen- eral Colquitt, commanding First Brigade, to advance with three of his regiments and a section of Gambles artillery, and assume com- mand of the entire force then ordered to the front and feel the enemy by skirmishing, and if he was not in too heavy force to press him heavily. I had previously instructed Colonel Smith command- ing cavalry, to fall back as our infantry advanced and protect their flanks. This movement was predicated on the information that the enemy had only three regiments of infantry, with some cavalry and artillery. Perceiving that in this movement the force nuder Briga- dier-General Colquitts command might become too heavily engaged to withdraw without a large supporting force, and intending that if the enemy should prove to be in not too great strength to engage them, I ordered in quick succession, within the space of an hour, the whole command to advance to the front as a supporting force, and myself went upon the field. These re-enforcements were pushed rapidly forward, and, as I anticipated, reached the field at the mo- ment when the line was most heavily pressed, and at a time when their presence gave confidence to our men and discouragement to the enemy. I directed Lieutenant-Colonel Hopkins, commanding First Florida Battalion, and Major Bonaud, commanding Bonauds b~ttalion, to fall into line on the left in the direction of the enemys heaviest fir- ing. After I had ordered these re-enforcements, and they were some distance on the way to the front, and while I was myself on the way to the front, I received from Brigadier-General Colquitt, commanding in the front, a request for the re-enforcements which had aheady been ordered. The engagement became general very soon after its commence- ment. The enemy were found in heavy force, their infantry drawn up in three supporting lines, their artillery in position, cavalry on their flanks and rear. I ordered Brigadier-General Colquitt to press them with vigor, which he did with much judgment and gallantry. They contested the ground stubbornly, and the battle lasted for four and a half hours. At the end of this time, the enemys lines having been broken and reformed several times, and two fine Napoleon and three 10-pounder Parrott guns and one set of colors captured from them, they gave way entirely, and were closely pressed for 3 miles until night-fall. I directed Brigadier-General Colquitt to continue the pursuit, intending to occupy Sanderson that night; but in def- erence to his, suggestion of the fatigue of the troops, the absence of rations, and the disadvantages of the pursuit in the dark, and in con- sequence of a report from an advanced cavalry picket that the en- emy had halted for the night and taken a position (which was sub- sequently ascertained to be incorrect), I withdrew the order. During the continuance of the battle, also after the enemy had given way, I sent repeated orders to Colonel Smith, commanding cavalry, to press the enemy on his flanks and to continue in the pursuit. But through some misapprehension these orders failed to be executed by him, and only two small companies on the ]1eft, and these but for a short distance, followed the enemy. The enemy retreated that night, hastily and in some confusion, to Sanderson, leaving a large number of their killed and wounded in our possession on the field. Their loss in killed, both officers and men, was large. Four hundred and eighteen of their wounded wer Page 333 CH~. XLVII.] THE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. 333 removed by us from tim field, and 400, or near that number, of their killed were bnried by ns; also nearly 200 prisoners were captnred; several officers of high rank were killed and others severely wounded. Their loss cannot be less than 2,000 or 2,500 men, 5 superior guns, 1 set of colors captnred, and 1,600 stand of arms; also 130,000 rounds cartridges (damaged by having been thrown into water), as appears by the report of the ordnance officer, herewith inclosed. The victory was complete and the enemy retired in rapid retreat, evacuating in quick succession Barbers and Baldwin, and falling back on Jacksonville. The enemys forces were under command of Brig. Gen. T. Seymour, who was present on the field. The conduct of Brigadier-General Colquitt entitles him to high commendation. He exhibited ability in the formation of his line and gallantry in his advance on the enemy. I have also to speak most favorably of Col. George P. Harrison, commanding Second Brigade, who exhibited in the engagement all the qualities of a capable and efficient officer. Col. R. B. Thomas, as chief of artil- lery, likewise rendered efficient service on the field. Colonel Evans, commanding Sixty-fourth Georgia Volunteers, and Col. Duncan L. Clinch, commanding Fourth Georgia Cavalry, were wounded while bravely performing their duty. Lieutenant-Colonel Barrow, Sixty- fourth Georgia Volunteers, and Captain Cannon, commanding, and Lieutenant Dancy, of the First Georgia Regulars; also Lieutenant Holland, commanding detachment from conscript camp, all officers of high promise, were killed. Among the killed and wounded were many other officers and men who had distinguished themselves on other fields, for a detailed state- ment of whom, and for instances of individual merit, I refer to the reports of the brigade commanders. Our loss in the engagement was 93 killed and 841 wounded, a large proportion very slightly. In the opening of the engagement the cavalry, under command of Colonel Smith, skirmished with the enemy with spirit and retired to the flanks in obedience to their orders. On the 22d instant, having repaired the railroad so as to secure my supplies, I advanced the command to Sanderson, pushing the cav- alry rapidly in the direction of the enemy, and from Sanderson to Barbers, and thence to Baldwin and to this place, 12 miles from Jacksonville, where my further progress was arrested by orders from Brigadier-General Gardner, who had been directed to assume command, by whom I was here for the first time officially notified that the command had been transferred. My efforts and those of my officers for the organization and concentration of a force ade- quate to meet the enemys superior numbers, and to check them in their rapid advance, were incessant and arduous. I have the grati- fication of reportipg to the conimauding general that while I con- tinued in command they were successful. I transfer the army to my successor well supplied with forage and subsistence, well organ- ized and armed, and deficient only in ordnance stores, for which timely requisitions were made, and which are now on their way. Respectfully submitted. JOSEPH FINEGAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff, Charleston, S. C Page 334 334 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. [First indorsement.] HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Camp Milton, March 7, 1864. Respectfully referred to Brig. Gen. W. M. Gardner, for his re- marks relative to ordering the pursuit stopped on 22d instant at MeGirts Creek, on assuming command of the army. G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Commanding Department. [Second indorsement.] NEAR MCGIRTS CREEK, March 7, 1864. Brigadier-General Finegan did not reach McGirts Creek with the troops under his command until the night of the 26th ultimo. Hav- ing been placed in command, I felt I would be held responsible for any disaster that might befall the army. I halted the army on McGirts Creek (a strong position) on the night of the 26th ultimo, in order that I muight become acquainted with the state of things in front, and because I considered. the moment for reaping the fruits of the signal success of the 20th ultimo had been allowed to escape, and the enemy had been allowed time not only to reorganize his defeated forces, but to receive re-enforcements and to stren~themm the strong position at Jacksonville, where his gun-boats could be used against us, but mor~ especially because of my utter want of confidence in the brigadier-general commanding to handle an army on the field of battle, as nianifested under my own eye at the battle of Olustee. Likewise the short supply of animnunition made it advisable to await further supplies before risking another engagement, which engage- ment would have been to attack the enemy in his intrenched posi- tion around Jacksonville. W. M. GARDNER, Brigadier-General. [Inclosure No. 1.] TALLAHASSEE, February 22, 1864. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH FINEGAN, Commanding, & c.: The following telegram from department headquarters is for- warded for your information: CHARLESTON, February 21, 1864. General W. M. GARDNER, Lake City, Fla.: The general did not know the state of your leg, and consequently your ability to take the field, or he would have ordered you to assume command in East Florida at once. Hence he ordered General Taliaferro there; but please assume command until that officer should arrive, and organize fast as possible for offensive. Three regiments of infantry and two of cavalry are en route. Then turn command over to General Taliaferro, who has the generals instructions in full. The general com- manding will be on the ground in a short time. THOS. JORDAN, Chief of Staff. The brigadier-general commanding, through courtesy and feelings of delicacy, does not desire to interfere with your views further than to stop offensive movements until the re-enforcements now en route reach you. He therefore directs you to take a strong position on the west bank of the Saint Marys, provided the enemy have fallen back behind that river. You must have the river thoroughly pick- eted with cavalry above and below your position, and select ~t suit Page 335 CHAP. XLVII. I THE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. 335 able point at any convenient distance on your right flank for cross- ing your force and making a flank movement when directed. Con- struct works for artillery to command and defend this crossing. Maj. G. W. Scott is appointed chief of the vedettes, and will be furnished with a detachment of 150 Dicked men, including 8 com- missioned officers, for the purpose of watching the movements of the enemy and giving correct information. In event the enemy is on this side of the Saint Marfs in force you are to. act entirely on the defensive, and if strongly threatened to fall back on your intrenchments at Ocean Pond. Acknowledge receipt of this and keep General Gardner informed at this point of all movements. J. L. CROSS, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Indorsement.] MARCH 6, 1864. Brigadier-General Finegan stated on the morning of the 27th ultimo that he never received this communication. J. L. CROSS, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS, Tallahassee, February 23, 1864. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH FINEGAN, Gommanding, & C.: GENERAL: I have sent you by telegraph a message from depart- ment headquarters, handed to me after leaving Lake City for this place, directing me to assume command of the forces now operating in East Florida until the arrival of General Taliaferro, who has been ordered to that command. I feel extreme delicacy in assuming com- mand over an officer whose forces have gained so recently such sig- nal success over the enemy, but the receipt of the telegram from the general commanding the department necessarily imposes upon me some responsibility for the future movement of our forces. I can~ not but think that the moment for reaping the full benefit of your success has passed. The enemy has doubtless taken advantage of the interval since the battle of the 20th instant to reorganize his de- feated forces, and he may not only have strongly intrenched himself, but may be receiving re-enforcements. In view of the fact that heavy re-enforcements, both of infantry and cavalry, are now en route and may soon be expected to arrive, it appears more prudent to act on the defensive for the present; but if, through Maj. G. W. Scott, appointed chief of the vedettes, or any other reliable informa- tion, you are convinced that no considerable body of the enemy are occupying a strong position between the Saint Marys and Jackson- ville, you will be authorized to cross that river with the main body of your forces, provided measures are taken to secure your safe retreat across the river if it should be found necessary to do so. Keep me advised by telegram of what is transpiring. Should General Talia- ferro not arrive in a few days I will return to the front. Very respectfully, your obedient servant W. M. GARDNER, Brigadier-General, Gommauding Page 336 336 S. C., FLA., AND ON TILE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. [Inclosure No. 3.] HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EAST FLORIDA, Camp (Jolquitt, February 24, 1864. Brig. Gen. W. M. GARDNER, Gomdg. District of Middle Florida, Quincy: GENERAL: Your letter of the 23d instant, informing me that you had received a telegram from the commanding general directing you to assume command of the forces operating in East Florida until the arrival of General Taliaferro, who has been ordered to the command, has been received. It will give me great pleasure to serve under either yourself, General Taliaferro, or any other superior officer whom the commanding general may assign to the command whenever he shall arrive in this district and assume the responsibilities of the movements and the supply of the troops. In the mean time the interests of the service require that I should continue to conduct the movements of this army till the arrival of my successor. It is proper to state that my advanced force is occu- py[ing] Baldwin, and my whole force will be there to-day. The enemy are in Jacksonville, and perhaps on board their transports. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH FINEGAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS BRIGADE, ]Ilarch 18, 1864. Maj. HENRY BRYAN, Assistant Adjutant-General: MAJOR: In reply to your letter of 12th instant, I have the honor to say that my official report of the advance of the enemy mentions th~it five guns of Companies A and B, Milton Light Artillery, were captured. Four of these guns were captured at Picketts house, on their way from Camp Finegan to Baldwin, and one at Baldwin, as appears by Captain Abells report, herewith inclosed. In Captain Dunhams section there were 8 new horses purchased by the quartermasters department to supply the places of horses con- demned by a board of officers. The disease among the artillery horses referred to by Captain Abell had been treated by the best farriers in the country. A board of officers, composed of C6lonel Thomas, Major Routh, and Captain Stewart, made a report on the nature of the disease among the artillery horses, which was sent to Major Mayo, at department headquarters, and Captain Fairbanks, assistant quartermaster, was ordered by the transportation depart- ment to inspect them, which was done. The chief quartermaster had orders to purchase horses to supply the place of the diseased ones, but orders were received about that time that none but officers of the transportation department could purchase or impress artillery horses. Captain Abell was under orders when the enemy arrived to remove his horses to Lake City for treatment. The horses for the section of Captain Dunhams battery were in good order, as they had been under treatment for eight or ten weeks at Lake City, and had just returned to Camp Finegan before the invasion by the enemy. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH FINEGAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding Brigade Page 337 CHAP. XLVII.] THE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. 33T [Inclosure.] DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Camp Milton, March 18, 1864. COLONEL: In compliance with your order of this date I have the honor to submit the following report: In the retreat from Camp Finegan on February 8, I lost at the Twelve-Mile Station, 4 miles above the camp, two 3-inch iron rifled guns, and at Baldwin one 3-inch iron rifled gun. I can also state that Captain Dunham lost at the Twelve-Mile Station two 6-pounder bronze guns. I will further state that the condition of my horses was bad, and that when ordered to move my battery in i~etreat I was compelled to leave one of my caissons, forge, and battery wagon, in consequence of their condition, resulting from the effects of a disease prevailing among the battery horses at the time and the want of long forage. I have the hon~or to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. F. ABELL, Captain, Comdg. Co. B, Milton Light Arty. Col. R. B. THOMAS, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. A DDENDA. Casualties in the Confederate forces at Olustee. [Compiled from nominal lists.] Killed. Wounded. Missing. Command. bo 0- o ~ Colquitts brigade: 6th Florida Battalion al 8 4 69 82 Chathani Artillery 3 3 6th Georgia bl 54 61 19th Georgia ci 7 7 81 96 23d Georgia 2 4 62 70 27th Georgia ~ 8 59 74 28th Georgia 20 6 79 95 Gambles battery 2 ..., 3 5 Total Harrisons brigade: 1st Florida Battalion 2d Florida Battalion h~J 1st Georgia Regulars 32d Georgia 64th Georgia Guerards battery Total Grand total 3 40 31 410 2 486 3 47 50 dl 11 2 93 2 109 ci 2 1 24 28 15 6 143 164 ff2 15 9 79 2 107 2I 2 4 46 18 388 4 460 7 86 49 798f...... 6 946 a Lieut. Thomas J. Hill. b Lieutenant Coombs. c Adjutant Johnson. ci Lieut. W. W. Holland (of a Florida com e Capt. H. A. Cannon. pany, attached). f Lieut. Col. James Barrow and Lieut. P. A. Wailer mortally wounde~1. 22 R RVOL Xxxv, PT Page 338 338 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XI,VH. JOINT RESOLUTIO.N of thanks to General Finegan and the officers and men of his command. Resolved by the Congress of the Confederate States of America, That the thanks of Congress are due, and are hereby tendered,, to Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan and the officers and men of his com- mand, for the skill and gallantry displayed in achieving the signal victory of Ocean Pond, Fla., on the 20th of February last. TH. S. BOCOCK, Speaker of the House of Representatives. R. M. T. HUNTER, President pro tempore of the Senate. Approved May 17, 1864. JEFFERSON DAVIS. CHARLESTON, S. C., February 22, 1864. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH FINEGAN, Commanding, & c., Lake City, Fla.: I congratulate you and your brave officers on your brilliant vic- tory over the enemy on the 20th instant. Your country will be cheered by this timely success, and I trust it is but the earnest of heavier and crushing blows which shall destroy our enemy on the soil of Florida. G. T. BEAUREGARD. No. 18. Report of Lient. 31. B. Grant, C~ S. Engineers, of engagement at Olustee. C. S. ENGINEERS OFFICE, Savannah, April 27, 1864. COLONEL: In obedience to your instructions, I have the honor to submit the following report upon the battle of Ocean Pond, fought February 20, near Ocean Pond, on the line of the Florida, Atlantic and Gulf Railroad, in Coli,imbia County, Fla., between the Confeder- ate forces nuder Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan and the Federal forces under Brigadier-General Seymour: Having~h een ordered to report to General Finegan, I left Savan- nah on February 15 and arrived at Olustee Station on the evening of the 17th, where I found our army encamped on a line extending from Ocean Pond, on the left, to the large cypress pond, on the right, as designated in the accompanying sketch* on the line A B. Gen- eral Finegan had selected this position as the only one which fur- nished in itself any natural advantages for defense, and upon a thorough reconnaissance of the country on the following day I be- came satisfied that the selection was a good one, this being the only point offering any advantages whatever between Lake City and the south prong of the Saint Marys River, which latter place being at that time in possession of the enemy, who had established them- selves along the line of this creep preparatory to an advance. I would here remark that the country along the line of railroad from the Suwannee River east is exceedingly low and flat, with but few streams, and those of so insigniflc~nt a character as to be of but * To appeal- in the Atlas Page 339 Oa& r. XLVII.] THE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. 339 little assistance to a defense or obstacle to an advance; in fact, the only natural features which could be taken advantage of for pur- poses of defense are the bays and ponds which are to be found to a greater or less degree throughout this entire section of country. Upon my arrival I found there had been no engineer officer in Geii- eral Finegans command, and consequently no organization of that department. I found no laboring force or tools, and I proceeded at once, by authority of General Finegan, to impress the required negroes and to collect such tools as might be procured from the sur- rounding plantations. Previous to the arrival of M~jor Clarke, Corps of Engineers, on the evening of the 18th, I had determined to make an intrenched camp of Olustee, with the view to a further advance of our forces also as a depot of supplies and position upon which to retire, should it become necessary, and had made my plans accordingly. By his direction, however, I laid out that portion of the line only as repre- ~ented on sketch. Oh the 19th instant, I commenced work upon this line with a detail of soldiers. This force was necessarily small and inadequate, owing to the want of tools, having at that time only one dozen axes and two dozen suades. Previous ~to my arrival two small works had been thrown up as d~signated ou sketch at C and D, under direction of Major Bonaud, Second Florida Battalion [Twenty-eighth Georgia]. The parapet to these works was 6 feet wide, composed of logs covered with earth, and having a relief of about 4 feet 6 inches. The left of the line as laid out rested upon Ocean Pond, a sheet of water some 4 miles long by 2 to 2~- miles wide, this furnishing a secure protection on the left. In front of this line and to the left of the railroad an open pond, averaging 250 yards in width, extended to within 300 yards of Ocean Pond. This ground was entirely impracticable, adding greatly to the strength of this portion of the line. To the right of the railroad, and at an average distance of 400 yards in advance of our line, there extended a thick bay, impassable except within 200 yards on the right of the railroad. This bay continued, as seen in sketch, to right of line with but -one crossing at the road between bay and pond. Intervening between this bay and our line was an open field over which the enemy would have Lo advance in approach- ing the works. The right of the line, though not so well covered as the left, was still very much strengthened by the large pond which continued some 2 miles on the right, for which distance it was only practicable for infantry at a few points, and these crossings exceedingly difficult. This line of works, had they been completed, would have proven very strong against a direct attack, but was liable to the same difficulty which presents itself in the occupation of any position in this country, viz, the practicability of turning it i)y a detour of a few miles. While working upon this line and pre- paring for a defense at Olustee, the battle was most unexpectedly brought on 2+ miles in advance of the position selected, under the following circumstances: Early on the morning of the 20th, the enemy left their position on Saint Marys River and advanced in forcevariously estimated at from 9,000 to 12,000one column by the railroad and the other by the Lake City and Jacksonville road, the distance from Saint Marys River to Olustee being about 19 or 20 miles. Only a short time previous the enemys cavalry penetrated th~ country as far a~ L~k Page 340 340 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [01L41. XLVII. City, neai which place a skirmish took place between them and the few scattered troops which General Finegan then had at his disposal. Their cavalry doubtless reported that we had no troops, and it was owing to this fact, I suppose, that their main advance was conducted so rapidly, and being under the impression, which they certainly were, that they would meet with but little opposition6 Fortunately, however, for our cause General Beauregard, knowing their designs, had, in the interim between their cavalry raid and main advance, collected at Olustee an army of 4,000 veterans. On the morning of the 20th, General Finegan having received information of the eneuiys advance, ~e Sixty-fourth Georgia Regi- ment was ordered to the front to reconnoiter their position, and, if possible, discover their force. The Sixty-fourth took up a position at the crossing of the Lake City road with the railroad, 2~ miles from Olustee, and were soon engaged with the enemy, who had advanced to this point in three columns, having formed a third column after crossing the branch where the roads fork. They were now drawn up in line of battle. It becoming necessary to re-enforce the Sixty-fourth, General Alfred H. Colquitt took the field, and bringing up the Sixth, Twenty-eighth, and Nineteenth Georgia Regiments, with two pieces of Gambles battery, deployed these four regiments in line of battle and fairly opened the fight. (See second position on sketch.) This was 3 oclock in the afternoon. Colonel (acting brigadier-general) Harrison having now arrived with the Thirty-second Georgia, First Georgia Regulars, and Sixth Florida, our line of battle was reformed, with the addition of Wheatons battery (four pieces), and advanced, driving the enemy from their first position and occupying the third position, as repre- sented on sketch. The horses in Gambles battery having become disabled and unmanageable, his battery was obliged to retire. While our forces were in this position the enemy attempted a flank movement on our left, in which they failed from want of a knowl- edge of the ground, for, becoming entangled in the large bay on our left, they were forced to retire without accomplishing their object. In the meanwhile our forces on the right drove in their left and captured the five guns (as shown in sketch), our forces now occupy- ing the fourth position. At this point, our entire line having ex- hausted their ammunition, and the Twenty-seventh Georgia, First Florida, and Bonauds battalion having come up, were placed in front to hold the enemy in check while a new supply of ammuni- tion was being distributed, which having been accomplished our entire line advanced, driving the eneniy before them. Just as our forces were assuming their fourth position one section of Guerards battery came up and took position on the left of Wheatons, the other section having already been stationed on the right, the battle having lasted three hours, and every inch of ground having been hotly contested from the road crossing to this point. The battle-field was confined entirely to the open pine woods, with the exception of the pond and old field, as represented on sketch. At the latter place the fighting was very severe. At one time the enemy attempted to mass their troops here, and were driven off, as I understand from Colonel Harrison, by the Sixth and Thirty-sec- ond Georgia Regiments, who, by us order, took up a position on their right, gaining a destructive flank fire on them. Our forces pur~u~cl the ~iemy fo~ ~ dist~tu~e of ~ miles to the branch, when Page 341 CiIAP. XLVIII TtIIE PLORIPA I~XI]~DITJO~. 341 night coming on, they were obliged to abandon the pursuit. Our cavalry operated on the flanks of the enemy during the engage- ment, but did not pursue them beyond a few miles, which is to be regretted, as it is probable that in the disorganized and demoralized condition of the enemy we might have captured a large proportion of their troops, if not destroyed their army. The infantry fire during the whole engagement was continuous, and on our side very effective. The artillery fire on both sides, judging from the marks upon the trees, was entirely too high, and did comparatively little damage. Our men sheltered themselves behind the trees, as was evident from the number who were wounded in the arms and hands, thus gaining considerable advantage over the enemy, who used the trees to a less extent. This fight occurred upon ground which furnished a fair field to both parties, and no advantage to either. The advantage of the enemy upon this occasion consisted in the superiority of numbers and equipment. Their force was, at the lowest estimate, twice that of ours. As usual with the enemy, they posted their negro regi- ments on their left and in front, where they were slain by hundreds, and upon retiring left their dead and wounded negroes uncared for, carrying off only the whites, which accounts for the fact that upon the first part of, the battle-field nearly all the dead found were negroes. This victory, like many others, was mainly due to the snperior fighting qualities of our troops, their determination and unflinching valor. So far as I was able to learn there was no preconceived plan of battle or combined movement of our troops after General Col- qnitt put them in position on the field. To General Colquitt and Colonel Harrison, who commanded on the left, am I mainly indebted for much valuable information in reference to the positions and movements of our troops, which aided me much in arranging my sketch, as also in the account of the battle. The entire plan of battle on our part, as represented on sketch, is compiled from my own observation in part, and from careful inquiry among the principal officers engaged in the fight, and may be relied on as accurate. The topography of the ground is taken from a per- sonal reconnaissance by myself, and is correct. I was upon the bat- tle-field during the last hour of the fight, having been engaged upon the works at Olustee during the first portion. Major Clarke having been on the battle-field during the engagement, and thus being con- versant with its details from personal observation, regards this sketch as correct as possible, considering that no regular survey was made of the ground. Mr. G. W. Killen, assistant engineer, who accompanied me to Florida, rendered efficient and faithful service. Upon the fourth day after the battle our forces advanced to San- derson, where you found us upon your arrival. I found it necessary to a thorough explanation and understand- ing of my sketch to describe, in ~so far as I have done, the principal. positions and movements of our regiments and battalions. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. B. GRANT, Lieutenant, Corps of Eng~tneers. Col. D. B. HARRIS, Chief Engineer, Dept. of S. Carolina, Georgia, and Fla Page 342 S. C., PtA., AND ON ThE ~A. COAST. tCHAP. XLVII. No. 19. Reports of Lieut. T. E. Buckman, Ordnance Officer, of engagement at Olustee. HEADQUARTERS FORCES IN FLORIDA, Saint Marys, February 24, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following summary report of ordnance and ordnance stores captured from the enemy in the late battle at Ocean Pond Pieces of artillery: 12-pounder Napoleons 10-pounder Parrotts Total Small-arms, various calibers 1 600 Rounds of small-arm ammunition 130; 000 The latter i~nserviceable by being thrown in the water by the enemy. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, T. E. BUCKMAN, Lieutenant and Ordnance Officer. Brigadier-General FINEGAN, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FORCES IN FLORIDA, Ordnance Office, March 4, 1864. I have the honor to make the following report, for the information of the commanding general, of the ordnance and ordnance stores captured at the late battle near Ocean Pond, and also of the present armament of the infantry and cavalry troops of this command: Ordnance and ordnance stores gathered from the field and on the line of the enemys retreat Napoleon guns 3 Ten-pounder Parrott guns; 2 Small-arms 1,600 Accouterments, sets (estimated) 400 Small-arm ammunition (rounds) 130,000 The guns were disposed of as follows: To Captain Wheaton, Chatham Artillery, Napoleons 2 To Captain Gamble, Florida artillery, Napoleons .. . 1 To Captain Guerard, Georgia artillery, 10-pounder Parrotts 2 Three-fourths of the small-arms are serviceable and of good kind and quality, an(l as fast as cleaned and put-in order are being ex- changed with the troops for the less effective arms, and according to the kind of ammunition I am best able to obtain. The accouter- ments are mostly fit for service and on hand with the exception of some few issues. A correct account of the number of each kind and caliber of arms and condition for service will be furnished in a day or two, as soon as the assorting is completed. The enemy destroyed the small-arm ammunition, in a measure, by throwing it into the water, but the percussion caps have been as Page 343 OHAP. XLVII.J THE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. ~43 sorted from it with as little delay as possible, and dried, and are serviceable. The balls and damaged powder are being sent to the ordnance officer at Savannah. The infantry are fully armed with good arms, with a very few exceptions that will be supplied to-morrow. The cavalry are also armed as far as I have been able to receive returns, although some are inferior. These will be changed as early as practicable. I have the honor to be, very respectfully T. E. BUCKMAN, Lieutenant and Chief of Ordnance. Maj. J. L. CROSS, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 20. Report of Brig. Gen. Alfred H. Colquitt, C. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, of engagement at Olustee. BALDWIN, FLA., February 26, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following account of the engagement of the 20th instant, near Ocean Pond: Intelligence having been received of the approach of the enemy, 1 was instructed to take three regiments of my own brigade, with a section of Gambles artillery, and proceed to the front and assume command of all the forces which had preceded me, consisting of two regiments of cavalry, under command of Colonel Smith; the Sixty- fonrth Georgia Regiment, and two companies of the Thirty-second Georgia Regiment. Subsequently other troops were sent forward, and I was directed to call for such re-enforcements as might be needed. About 2 miles from Olustee Station I found the enemy advancing rapidly and our cavalry retiring before them. I threw forward a party of skirmishers and hastily formed line of battle under a brisk fire from the enemys advance, The Nineteenth Georgia was placed on the right and the Twenty-eighth Georgia on the left, with a sec- tion of Captain Gambles artillery in the center. The Sixty-fourth Georgia and the two companies of the Thirty-second Georgia were formed on the left of the Twenty-eighth, and the Sixth Georgia Regiment was sent still farther to the left to prevent a flank move- ment of the enemy in that direction. Instructions were sent to Col- onel Smith, commanding cavalry, to place his regin~nts on the ex- treme flanks and to guard against any movement of the enemy from either side. The line of infantry was then ordered to advance, which was gal- lantly done, the enemy contesting the ground and giving way slowly. Perceiving that the enemy were in strong force, I sent back for re-enforcements and a fresh supply of ammunition. The Sixth Florida Battalion and Twenty-third Georgia Regiment soon arrived for my support. The Sixth Florida Battalion was formed on the right of the Nineteenth Georgia and in such position as to come in on the left flank of the enemy. The Twenty-third Georgia ~v as put on the left of the Sixty-fourth Georgia. Colonel Harrison, coming up with the Thirty-second and First Georgia Regulars~ too Page 344 344 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. position on the left, between the Twenty-third and Sixth Georgia Regiments, and was instructed to assume the general direction of the left of the line. The section of Gambles artillery in the center having been dis- abled by the loss of horses and injury to limber, Captain Wheaton, who had early arrived upon the field with the Chatham Artillery and had taken position on the right, was ordered to the center to relieve Captain Gamble. This battery moved forward and took position under a heavy fire, and continued to advance with the line of infantry until the close of the action. Toward night, when Cap- tain Wheatons ammunition was almost expended, a section of Guerards battery, of Harrisons brigade, under Lieutenant Gignil- hat, moved up and opened fire on the enemy, furnishing Captain Wheaton with part of his ammunition. After our line had advanced about one-quarter of a mile the en- gagement became general and the ground was stubbornly contested. With two batteries of artillery immediately in our front and a long line of infantry strongly supported, the enemy stood their ground for some time, until the Sixth Florida Battalion, on the right flank, and all the troops in front pressing steadily forward, compelled them to fall back and leave five pieces of artillery in our possession. At this time, our ammunition beginning to fail, I ordered the com- manding officers to halt their regiments and hold their respective positions until a fresh supply could be brought from the ordnance wagons, which, after much delay, had arrived upon the field. Major Bonauds battalion came upon the field, followed soon after by ~he Twenty-seventh Georgia Regiment and the First Florida Battalion. These troops were put in position near the center of the line and a little in advance, to hold the enemy in check until the other commands could be supplied with cartridges. As soon as this was accomplished I ordered a general advance, at the same time send- ing instructions to Colonel Harrison to move the Sixth and Thirty~ second Georgia Regiments around on the right flank of the enemy. The Twenty-seventh Georgia Regiment, under Colonel Zachry, pushing forward with great vigor upon the center, and the whole line moving as directed, the enemy gave way in confusion. We continued the pursuit for several miles, when night put an end to the conflict. Instructions were given to the cavalry to follow close up on the enemy and seize every opportunity to strike a favorable b ow The results of the engagement in the killed, wounded, and prison- ers of the enemy and our ~wn loss will be found in the reports ren- dered directly to you. The gallanti~ and steady courage of officers and men during this engagement are beyond all praise. For more than four hours they struggled with unflinching firmness against superior numbers until they drove them in confusion and panic to seek safety in flight. Col. George P. Harrison, who commanded on the left, displayed skill, coolness, and gallantry. The commanding officers of the vari- ous regiments did their duty nobly. Colonel Evans, commanding Sixty-fourth Georgia, and Captain Crawford, commanding Twenty- eigh~th Georgia, both gallant officers, were wounded. Lieutenant- Colonel Barrow, of Sixty-fourth Georgia, a brave and gallant offi- cer, received a fatal shot while gallantly attempting to rally his men. Captain Wheaton and the officers and men of his battery are enti- tled to special commendation for their courage, coolness, and effi Page 345 CHAP. XLVIII TILE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. 345 ciency. Captain Grattan, assistant adjutant-general; Lieutenant Colquitt, aide-de-camp; Major Ely and Lieutenant Estill, of my staff, were active and conspicuous in every part of the field. My thanks are due to Lieutenant Thomson, Second Florida IRegiment, and Mr. Sterling Turner, volunteer aids, for their gallant services. The names of those in the ranks entitled to be particularly men- tioned may be furnished in a subsequent report. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. H. COLQUJTT, Captain CALL, Brigadier-General. As8istant Adjutant-General. No. 21. Report of Gapt. John F. Wheaton, Chatharn Artillery, of engage ment at Olustee. HEADQUARTERS CHATHAM ARTILLERY, Sanderson, February 22, 11864. COLONEL: In obedience to your order of this date I have the honor to report that my battery entered the action on the 20th instant with 80 men, rank and file, at 2.20 p. in., taking position on the right of the line. After firing 20 rounds at the enemys batteries, was ordered to advance and take position in rear of the center of our lines, where we opened with shell, firing 50 rounds, when [we] again advanced and directed our fire against the enemys batteries, with good effect. As the enemy retired we were again ordered to the front, and took position in the rear of the marsh, directly in rear of the center of our lines, directing our fire on all parts of the enemys lines and batteries until he was forced from his position and fled from the field. The battery was constantly engaged from the commencement to the close of the action, and expended nearly all its ammunition, except its canister. My men conducted themselves in a highly satisfactory manner and fought with great spirit. First Lient. Samuel B. Palmer was very efficient, and handled his section with good judgment aiid skill. I was also much indebted to Sergt. Maj. James Miller, who (in ab- sence of the commissioned officers attached to the battery) had charge of the left section and managed it in an admirable manner. All my non-commissioned officers and men were prompt and efficient and performed their respective duties in gallant style. I had during the action 3 men slightly wounded, neither of whom left the field until the action closed. We had 1 horse killed and 3 wounded. During the night I took from the field 1 of the enemys 12-pounder guns, with 2 caissons, 200 rounds of shot, shell, and spherical case-shot. I have for duty to-day 111 men, rank and file. I now have 230 rounds of ammunition in my chests, exclusive of canister. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant JNO. F. WHEATON, Col. R. B. THOMAS, Captain, Commanding Chatham Artillery. Chief of Artillery Page 346 [CHAP. XLVIL 340 S. C., PLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. No. 22. Report of Capt. Robert H Gamble, Leon Light Artillery, of engage ment at Olustee. CAMP BEAUREGARD, February 22, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that in the action of the 20th instant 77 enlisted men, with all the officers of the company, were engaged. The total number of casualties were as follows: Killed, Gun Corpl. Craven Atkinson and Private M. B. Smith, 2; wounded, Privates B. Bishop, in hand, slight; A. C. McCants, struck by frag- ment of shell (since returned to duty), and J. B. Lynn, struck by spent ball (since returned to duty), 3; Privates J. D. Sauls and William Bishop were injured by gun carriage. I desire to commend specially for their coolness during the entire engagement Sergt. R. F. Phillips, Corpis. J. R. Lewis and A. W. Mason, Privates James Lee, A. D. Cone, Thomas Neary, Dennis OConner, A. M. May, J. J. Smith, and Brickle. Lieutenants Dyke and Gamble, chiefs of sections, and Lieut. J. N. Whitner, chief of the line caissons, rendered all the assistance in their power in hand- ling the guns. First Sergt. F. B. Papy was also active in the dis- charge of his duty. Two battery horses~were killed and 7 wounded. These accidents among the horses threw several teams into confusion, during which two limbers were badly injured. The trail of the 12-pounder how- itzer was crushed during the action by the recoil of the gun, but firing was continued from the piece until the broken end of the trail was so deeply imbedded in the earth as to render the gun no longer serviceable, when it was carried off the field. Number of enlisted men now present for duty, 93. Very respectfully, ROBT. II. GAMBLE, Gaptairt, Comdg. Battery F, Leon Light Artillery. Col. R. B. THOMAS, Chief of Artillery. No. 23. Report of flYapt. Joseph L. Dunham, Company A, Milton Light Artillery, of operations February 8-9. HDQRS. COMPANY A, MILTON LIGHT ARTILLERY, Lake City, Fla., March 18, 1864. COLONEL: In accordance with your orders, under date of the 14th instant, I have the honor to report the following facts in connection with the loss of five pieces of artillery, of which two 6-pounder bronze guns belonged to Company A, Milton Light Artillery, and two 3-inch rifled pieces to Conipany B, Milton Light Artillery, captured by the enemy at station near Picketts, on the Florida, Atlantic and Gulf Railroad, besides one 3-inch rifled gun, Company B, Milton Light Artillery, captured at Baldwin: During the night and the next day, after the arrival of the enemy in force at Jacksonville (February 7) was known, I directed Lieu- tenant Bates, commanding company, to move the Government property and personal baggage of the men to the railroad depot a Page 347 Picketts, 4 Aijies above camp, as I deemed it the safest point in the event of an early raid on our camp, and one at which the cars would most likely stop to take on baggage. About twilight on the evening of the 8th of February, though not on duty, in consequence of seri- ous indisposition of ~ months duration, I received a verbal order from Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick, commanding the forces at Camp Finegan, to move my section of artillery immediately to the rear; that the enemy was approaching and near Miles Prices house, some one-half mile distant. I promptly communicated the order to the lieutenant commanding the section, and as the horses were already harnessed and hitched, no time was lost in moving. On my arrival at the drill-ground near the camp, where I had followed the section, I found Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick had formed a line of battle on the west side of drill-ground with cavalry and infantry, when I was ordered to halt the artillery and form on left of line; but as three of the pieces had passed the field only one was placed in position on the left of the line. As soon as the order could be sent to the lieutenant the other three pieces were halted in the road, one-fourth mile distant, and the caissons ordered to pass to Picketts Station. Lieutenant Bates then rode back to where the line was formed, when Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick ordered him to move on in the direction of Baldwin, but he was informed that all the baggage and Government property were at Picketts Station; that the cars had failed to take it, when the colonel ordered him to stop at that point. On the arrival of the battery at Picketts, I directed the lieutenant to halt the battery, unhitch, and wait until the cav- alry and infantry arrived. After remaining some time, the men (except the guard) were allowed to go to sleep. About 11 to 11.30 oclock at night I was aroused by a sergeant of Company B, Milton Light Artillery. riding rapidly through the camp and crying at the top of his voice, Save yourselves if you can; the enemy is right upon you! I immediately arose and ordered the men to take horses and mules and escape the best they could, but before we could get away from the camp the tramping of horses and the wheels of the artillery carriages were distinctly heard, and after riding a short distance, the soQud of the bugle. My command fled, both on foot and horseback, in the direction of Baldwin, the enemy capturing only 5 men, 4 horses, 6 mules, and 3 wagons, besides the 2 pieces of artillery. Captain Abells loss, Company B, Milton Light Artillery, was 13 men, 19 horses, 16 mules and 3 colts, 1 battery wagon and forge, 2 wagons, and 2 pieces of artillery. I am informed that 1 piece of artillery, Company B, was captured at Baldwin for want of trans- portation. I cannot conclude this report without giving expression to the opinion that if the cars had taken the baggage and Government property, which had been hauled out to Picketts several hours before the usual train time, as the conductor promised, that the four pieces of artillery would not have been captured at that sta- tion, but there would have been ample time to have marched far beyond the enemys pursuit by daylight the next mornin~,. All of which is respectfu]4 submitted. J. L. DUNHAM, Gaptain Company A, Milton L4,vht Artillery. Col. R. B. THOMAS, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 348 348 S. C., I~iA., AM~ O~ THI~ ~A. COAST. LOHAP. XLVII. [Indorsement.] It does not appear that Colonel McCormick sent any information of the advance of the enemy npon this company. H. B., Assista~t Adjutant-General. No. 24. Report of Lieut. Drury Rambo, Company A, Milton Light Artil lery, of engagement at Olustee. SANDERSON, EAST FLA., February 23, 1864.. About 1 oclock of the 20th instant, I received orders to move the 30-pounder Parrott gnu, monnted npon a railroad fiat-car, down the railroad until I should meet with orders. A locomotive being fur- nished I immediately ordered the gnn detachment aboard, consist- ing of 13 privates and the gunner; proceeded until I received orders from Brigadier-General Finegan to retire the locomotive and piece. After remaining about half an hour I dispatched a courier to Briga- dier-General Colquitt ({o whom I had orders to report), stating that I was on hand ready and awaited his orders. From my position I deemed it very injudicious to open fire with my piece, for the thick forest of pines that intervened, and, in fact, in which our infantry was, the cutting down of limbs and trees, I believed that as much injury would result to us as good. The courier soon returned with orders that my piece could not be used, and to take it and the loco- motive farther to the rear. About two hours after, when the enemy were giving way, I received orders to throw a few shells as nearly among them as possible. Three rounds were fired, with unknown effect. None of the detachment were injured. Five spokes of the right wheel of the gun carriage are injured, caused, I presume, by the sudden deflection of the trail in recoiling. All of which is respectfully submitted. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. RAMBO, Lieutenant, Commanding Parrott Gun. Col. R. B. THOMAS Chief of Artillery. No. 25. Report of Cot. George P. Harrison, Jr., Thirty-second Georgia Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of engagement at Olus- tee. HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, ARMY~OF EAST FLORIDA, In the Field, near Sanderson, Fla., February 22, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of my command in the engagement with the abolitionists near Ocean Pond on the 20th instant: By direction of Brigadier-General Finegan this brigade, consist- ing of the Thirty-second Georgia Volunteers, Maj. W. T. Hollan Page 349 C& 1~. XLVII.] THE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. 349 commanding; First Georgia Regulars, Capt. II. A. Cannon com- manding; Sixty-fourth Georgia Volunteers, Col. J. W. Evans com- manding; First Florida Battalion, Lieut. Col. C. F. Hopkins com- manding; Bonauds battalion, Maj. A. Bonaud commanding, and Guerards light battery, Capt. John M. Guerard commanding, was drawn up in line of battle behind the intrenchinents near Olustee Station about 10 a. in. About 12 ni., pursuant to instructions, I sent forward the Sixty- fourth Georgia Volunteers, under Colonel Evans, and two companies (H and E) of Thirty-second Georgia Regiment, under Captain Mobley, to meet the enemy, then reported 3 miles in our front, with orders to engage them lightly and fall back, with a view to draw them to our works. About one hour and a half later I advanced to the front with the remainder of my comniand (except First Florida Battalion) and Sixth Georgia Regiment (Colquitts brigade), and one section of Guerards battery, for the purpose of supporting Brigadier-General Colquitt, who was now in advance with a portion of his brigade and that portion of mine sent out at 12 in. I had advanced about a mile to the front when I received a message from General Colquitt to move up rapidly. I had scarcely put my com- mand in the double-quick when the report of artillery in my front indicated that the fight had opened. Quickening our pace we moved on until within a few hundred yards of the place where the road we were upon crossed the railroad. Here I halted for a moment but observing General Colquitt forming his line, and seeing the eIlemy5 position across the railroad, who was then sweeping the front of my column with a battery in position near the cross-roads, I moved to the left in double-quick, crossed the railroad, and formed line of battle upon the left of that just established by General Colquitt. About this time the engagement became general. In a few mo- ments I was informed by one of General Colquitts staff that I was in proper position. Being now at long range (300 yards) I ad- vanced in conjunction with the right of the line to within about 200 yards of the enemy, who stubbornly stood their ground. In about this position the field was hotly contested by both parties for about an hour, when the enemy gave way slowly before the close pressure of our gallant men (it was during this, while riding with my staff down the line from the left toward the center, that my ordnance officer, Lieut. R. F. Dancy, was instantly killed, aiid my aide-de-camp, Lieut. Horace P. Clark, and one of my couriers had their horses shot under them); but soon a new line of the en- emy appeared and our advance was checked. His resistance now seemed more stubborn than before for more than twenty minutes, when the enemy sullenly gave back a little, apparently to seek a bet- ter position, but still held us at bay. Yow the results of the day seemed doubtful. It was whispered down the line, particularly in the Sixth and Thirty-second Georgia Regiments, that our ammuni- tion was failing and no ordnance train in sight. This I immediately reported to General Colquitt, who urged thai~ we hold our ground, stating that ammunition would certainly reach us directly. This, I am proud to say, was heroically complied with by my command, many of them for fifteen or twenty minutes standing their ground without a round of ammunition. Seeing the critical position of affairs, I dismounted myself, placed one of my staff whose horse had been disabled upon mine, who, together with the remainder of my staff a~d couriers, was employed in conveying ammunition from Page 350 350 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. LOHAP. XLVII. train of cars some half mile or more distant. It was in the dis- charge of this duty that Lieut. George M. Blount, my acting assist- ant adjutant-general, was shot from his horse, but not seriously wounded. By several trips they succeeded in supplying sufficient ammunition to our line to enable the reopening of a rapid and effective fire, before which the enemy had commenced to retire slowly, still keeping up their fire upon us, when the First Florida Battalion, under command of Lieut. Col. C. F. Hopkins, and a sec- tion of Guerards battery, under Lieut. W. Robert Gignilliat, ar- rived from the iutrenchments. I at once ordered the former to the support of the Sixty-fourth Georgia Regiment, whose ammunition was nearly all exhausted, and the latter to take position and open fire near the left center. These re-enforcements, together with some that arrived upon the right, served to embolden our men and intimidate the enemy, for their retreat now became more hurried and their fire less rapid and effective. Under instructions from General Colquitt I now threw forward the Sixth and Thirty-second Georgia Regiments (the extreme left of our line) to flank the enemy upon their right, which movement succeeded admirably, for soon their right was exposed to a cross-fire, which told upon their ranks with fine effect. A general advance of our line now drove the enemy, who retreated, at first sullenly, but now precipitately, before our victorious arms for some miles, when night came on, and by order of General Colquitt we ceased firing and our line halted. During the engagement the detachment of Thirty-second Georgia (Companies H and E, Captain Mobley commanding) won for itself much honor in charging and capturing three pieces of the enemys artillery. While refraining from a mention of the individual bear- ing of officers~belonging to commands of my brigade, for the reason that all greatly distinguished themselves, I take pleasure in report- ing the intrepid commander of Sixth Georgia Regiment (General Colquitts brigade), Colonel Lofton, for meritorious services with my command throughout the action. Corporal Buchanan, Com- pany E, Sixty-fourth Georgia Regiment, and Sergt. Thomas Battle, Company C, First Georgia Regulars (color-bearer), deserve mention for conspicuous bravery and daring. I would ask particular attention to the gallantry of Capt. E. L. Guerard, acting brigade quartermaster. His services, together with the gallantry and promptness of Lieut. Horace P. Clark, my aide- de-camp, was of the greatest importance during the whol e engage- ment, and particularly after the remainder of my staff had gallantly fallen and been borne from the field. My entire command behaved with a degree of coolness and bravery worthy of emulation. The following-named officers were killed and wounded, gallantly discharging their duties: Thirty-second Georgia Volunteers, Major Holland commanding: Capt. W. D. Coruwell, Company A, wounded in shoulder; Lieut. R. J. Butler, Company B, wounded in abdomen, mortally; Lieut. W. T. Moody, Company C, wounded in knee, severely; Lient. W. L. Jenkins, Company E, wounded in shoulder, slightly; Lient. J. H. Pittman, Company F, wounded in leg, severely; Lieut. Morris Dawson, Company G, wounded in head, slightly. First Georgia Regulars, Capt. A. A. F. Hill commanding: Capt. H. A. Cannon, commanding when killed; Licut. P. H, Morel, wounded in arm, slightly Page 351 0 OH~. XLVII.I THE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. 851: Sixty-fourth Georgia Volunteers, Capt. C. S. Jenkins command- ing: Col. J. W. Evans, in right thigh, severely; Lieut. Col. James Barrow killed; Maj. Walt& r H. Weems wounded in left leg, severely; Capt. R. W. Craven, Company A, wounded in head, slightly; Lieut. J. S. Thrasher, Company A, wounded in thigh, severely; Lieut. M. L. Raines, Company C, wounded in thigh, severely; Capt. J. K. Redd, Company F, wounded in head, slightl ; Lieut. T. M. Beasley, Coin- pany F, wounded in left arm, slight?Ty; Capt. R. A. Brown, Com- pany H, wounded in leg, slightly; Lient. P. A. Waller, Company H, wounded in neck and head, mortally; Lient. J. F. Burch, Company I, wounded in wrist, slightly. First Florida Battalion Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Hopkins commanding: Lient. Col. C. F. Hopkins wounded in arm and thigh, slightly; Lieut. S. K. Collins, Company E, wounded in face, slightly; Lieut. Theophilus Williams, Company F, wounded in breast, slightly. Bonauds Battalion Georgia Volunteers: Lieut. J. W. Hall, Com- pany D, wounded, slightly; Lient. Cader Pierce, Company G, wounded, slightly; Lieut. W. W. Holland, volunteer company, Florida, killed. See inclosed report of casualties. * Respectfully submitted. GEO. P. HARRISON, JR., colonel Thirty-second Georgia Infantry, Commanding Second Brigade, Army of East Florida. Capt. W. CALL, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 26. Report of Capt. John ilL Guerard, Georgia Artillery, of engage ment at Olustee. HEADQUARTERS GUERARDS LIGHT ARTILLERY, Cramp in the Field, February 22, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that this command tarried into the engagement of 20th instant 67 rank and fil~ and 2 com- missioned [officers], and that it met with no casualties. The num- ber present for duty is 87. My battery went into the action by sections. The left section was first ordered forward and went under my own command. It was assigned a position by Brigadier-General Colquitt on the extreme right of the line, with orders not to fire unless the enemy advanced. It marched forward in the prolongation of the line as the latter was advanced, being constantly exposed to a severe fire, which it was not permitted to return. Lieutenant Lewis was with me in the sec- tion. The officers and men present with it behaved with commend- able coolness under the trying circumstances mentioned. The right section, under the command of Lieutenant Gignilliat, entered the field at a later period. It was posted in the center of the line and was fortunate enough to take position at the crisis of the engagement. The section of the Chatham Artillery which first Embodied in table, p. 337 Page 352 352 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. took position had exhausted its ammunition and was enabled to maintain its fire only by a supply from, the Chests of my section. Lieutenant Gignilliat, though for the first time exposed to fire, managed his section with skill and coolness. He reports that the conduct of his non-commissioned officers and men was deserving of praise. I am, colonel, with great respect, JOHN M. GUERARD, Captain, Commanding. Col. R. B. THOMAS, Chief of Light Artillery. No. 27. Report of Col. Caraway Smith, commanding Cavalry Brigade, of engagement at Olustee. HDQRS. CAVALRY BRIGADE, DIST. OF EAST FLORIDA, February 24, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Cavalry Brigade in the late engagement near Ocean Pond on the 20th instant: On the morning of the 20th, it being reported that the enemy were advancing from the direction of Sanderson, I received orders from the brigadier-general commanding to advance and meet them for the purpose of ascertaining their position and number. I accord- ingly moved out with all the cavalry force then available, which consisted of 250 men of the Fourth Georgia Cavalry (Colonel Clinch commanding) and of 202 men of the Second Florida Cavalry (Lieu- tenant-Colonel McCormick commanding). I discovered the enemy about 4 miles distant from our encampment, occupying in force the second crossing of the railroad from Olustee. I immediately reported the fact to you and directed Colonel Clinch to advance a body of skirmishers from his regiment to attack the enemys pickets, which lie did promptly, and was pushing the attack earnestly when they were met by a much larger force from the enemy, which compelled them to retire to their horses. This they did in good order. The en- emy then moved forward with his whole force, skirmishing on our rear, which we resisted with our rear guard, keeping him in cTheck, while the cavalry retired in line and in perfect order. This skir- mishing was kept up until we reached the first crossing of the rail- road from Olustee. There I found our infantry and artillery under the command of Brigadier-General Colquitt, from whom I received orders to dispose the cavalry on the right and left wings of our army to prevent any flank movement of the enemy. I accordingly or- dered Colonel Clinch to occupy the left withhis regiment, and Lieutenant~Colonel McCormick, with the Second Florida Cavalry, to take position on the right. Early in the action Colonel Clinch received a severe wound in the leg, which m~ade it necessary for him to retire from the field, and the command of his regiment then devolved upon Captain Brown, who kept an efficient guard on the left flank while Lieutenant-Col- onel McCormick protected the right. On two occasions I discovered that the enemy was attempting to cross the railroad on the right of our infantry, evidently for the purpose of turning that wing, when I directed Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick to dismount a portion o Page 353 CHAP. XLVII.] THE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. 353 his regiment and drive them back, which he did effectually. Thus by the vigilauce of the cavalry ou the right aud left the enemy was prevented from deploying his large force so as to turn either flank. The Fifth Florida CavaThy Battalion (Maj. G. W. Scott command- ing) was not brought upon the field until late in the evening, in con- sequence of the jaded condition of the men and horses from hard service for the twenty-four hours preceding. He, however, joined with Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick on the right about the middle of the contest and rendered him prompt assistance. The fight terminating at night, and our infantry lines not being perceptible to me through the woods, and the face of the country being cut up by swamps, making it very favorable for ambushimig under the cover of night, I deemed it unadvisable to press forward with the whole cavalry force until further information could be had of the position of affairs. In addition to this, after the order to move forward was being executed another order was received to the effect that we were getting under the fire of our umen, and also that I should beware of an ambush. I attached the more importance to this order because it had already been discovered that a large body of the enemys cavalry were resting on the opposite side of a swamp from us. The cavalry, however, as soon as possible followed up the enemy and gathered a number of prisoners, amonuting to about 150. In addition to this several prisouers were taken by Lieutenant- Colonel McCormick aud Major Scott while protecting the right flank. I have to report that Colonel Clinch and 3 men of the Fourth Georgia Cavalry were wounded. One of the wounded men is miss- ing, and supposed now to be dead. It is due to the companies of Captains Stephens and Maxwell, of the Second Florida Cavalry, to state that the conduct of the men and officers, while acting as the rear guard of the cavalry as we were falling back before the enemy, was highly satisfactory. They be- haved with the coolness and deliberation of veterans. I have the honor to be, captain, your obedient ser vant, CARAWAY SMITH, Colonel, Commanding Cavalry Brigade. Capt. W. CALL, Assistant Adjutant- General. ADDENDA. HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Camp Milton, Fla., March 7, 1864. Maj. JOHN F. LAY, inspector of C~avalry, & c.: MAJOR: I am instructed by the general commanding to inform you that the report of Col. Caraway Smith of the operations of the Cavalry Brigade during the engagement at Ocean Pomid and pursuit the same evening is not satisfactory, and to direct you to make in- quiries in regard to the same, and report if the orders of superior officers were carried out by Colonel Smith, and if his command took such share in the attack on the enemy as could reasonably be ex- pected under those orders. I am instructed to communicate to you, for your attention, the following extracts from official reports: First. From Brigadier-General Finegans, in regard to the open- ing of the engagement: I ordered Brigadier-General Colquitt to advance with three of his regiments and assume command of the entire force th .n ordered to the front. * * * * * * / 23 R RYOL XXXV, PT Page 354 354 S. C., ~FLA.~ AND ON THE GSA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. During the continuance of the battle, also after the enemy had given way, I sent repeated orders to Colonel Smith, commanding cavalry, to press the enemy on his flanks and to continue in the pursuit; but through some misapprehension these or- ders failed to be executed by him, and only two small companies on the left, and these but for a short distance, followed the enemy. Second. From Brigadier-General Colquitts report, which, having given an account of the fight, states: We continued the pursuit for several miles, when night put an end to the conflict. Instructions were given to the cavalry to follow close upon the enemy and seize every opportunity to strike a favorable blow. Third. Col. Caraway Smiths report, which, after summing up the fight (and which does not show that the cavalry made any positive attack after the fight began), states: Thus by the vigilance of the cavalry on the right and left the enemy was pre- vented from deploying his large force so as to turn either flank. The Fifth Florida Cavalry Battalion was not brought upon the field until late in the evening, in cons~- quence of the jaded condition of the men and horses. * * * * * * * The fighting terminating at night, and our infantry lines not being perceptible to me through the woods, and the face of the country being cut up by swamps, mak- ing it very favorable for ambushing under cover of night, I deemed it unadvisable to press forward with the whole cavalry until further information could be had of the position of affairs. In addition to this, after the order to move forward was being executed another order was received to the effect that we were getting under the fire of our men, and also that I should beware of an ambush. I attached the more importance to this order because it had already been discovered that a large body of the enemys cavalry were resting on the opposite side of a swamp from us. The commanding general also directs that you will inquire who gave Colonel Smith the order that he was getting under the fire of our own men and to beware of an ambush; also, ~how it was that our infantry lines were not perceptible to Colonel Smith at the ter- mination of the fight, although a large body of the enemys cavalry were discovered resting on the opposite side of a swamp. It is a matter of some surprise to the commanding general, which you will endeavor to explain, that the 202 men of the Second Florida Cavalry should have escaped without a casualty, none being men- tioned in the report; also, that out of the whole cavalry only 1 offi- cer and 3 privates were wounded. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY BRYAN, Major and Assistant Adjutant-General. P. S.The commanding general desires that you will also inves- tigate the following extract from General Finegans report: And in consequence of a report from our advance cavalry picket that the enemy had halted for the night and taken a position (which was subsequently ascertained to be incorrect), I withdrew the order. Very respectfully, & c., HENRY BRYAN, Assistant Adjutant-General. TALLAHASSEE, FLA., March 20, 1864. Maj. JOHN F. LAY Assistant Inspector-General: MAJOR: Understanding from the official reports of the late battle of Ocean Pond that impressions had been formed prejudicial to m Page 355 CH~.P. XLVII.] THE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. 355 conduct as an officer, I respectfully ask for a court of inquiry for an investigation of the same. I would have made this request at an earlier date if I had been informed of the facts. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CARAWAY SMITH, Colonel Second Florida Cavalry. [Indorsement.] CAMP MILTON, FLA., March 28, 1864. Respectfully forwarded, with the recommendation that a court of inquiry be awarded, and that it convene at or near these headquar- ters at the earliest practicable day. JNO. F. LAY, Major and Assistant Inspector- General. HEADQUARTERS SUB-DISTRICT No. 1, FLORIDA, Tallahassee, March 21, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- munication of the 18th instant, calling my attention to my indorse- ment upon an application of Col. Caraway Smith, Second Florida Cavalry, to be restored to the command of his regiment. I make the following statement, which I hope may prove satisfactory to the general commanding: My connection with the army now operating in East Florida may be said to have only commenced after my arrival at Baldwin on the 26th nltimo, and I only got to the actual front the next day. This was several days after the engagement of Olustee. It was during and immediately subsequent to this battle that Colonel Smith is said to have been delinquent in the discharge of his duties. When I assumed command ofthe forces to which he was attached, and dur- ing the short time I was in command, no complaint was lodged against Colonel Smith by the then commander of the forces in the field; but, on the contrary, he was still retained in command of all the cavalry, except a detachmert under Maj. G. W. Scott. I there- fore ignored all camp rumors as far as my official action was con- cerned. Upon assuming command I did not find the cavalry in a satisfactory condition. Colonel Smith could not give prompt and reliable information as to the points occupied by his detachments, nor of the actual nnmber of serviceable men of his command. Col- onel Smith professes to be able to account for this by statements that detachments were being constantly sent out without orders passing through him. In any event I was much relieved, upon the arrival [of] Colonel Anderson, by Colonel Smiths application to be relieved from duty with the forces in East Florida, in consequence of his having been snperseded by that officer, his junior. From all I could see and learn during the few days I was in command I should have hesitated to order Colonel Smith to the rear until I was fully satisfied it was my duty to bring him before a military tribunal of some sort. It was, and is still, my opinion that Colonel Smith should be brought before some conrt to investigate his alleged neglect of duty or incompetency, or be returned to his regiment. My indorsement upon his application was made in entire ignorance that any investigation was pending in his case. Had I known that such was the fact I should have forwarded the paper without re- mark Page 356 356 5. 0., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. I may add, in conclusion, that my opinion, expressed verbally to the general Commanding, is still unchanged. In indorsing Colonel Smiths application, not knowing that an investigation was to be had, I acted as I should wish my commanding officer to act by me. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. M. GARDNER Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. J. F. LAY, Assistant Inspector- General, Tallahassee, Fla. FEBRUARY 9, 1864,Skirmish near Point Washington, Fla. Report of Lieut. Col. David B. PecA, Seventh Vermont Infantry. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTH VERMONT VOLUNTEERS, Camp Roberts, Barraricas, Fla., Febrnary 17, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report respecting the capture of Lieut. George Ross, Company B, Seventh Vermont Volunteers, with a portion of his company, based upon the state-, ments of First Sergt. E. B. Hendry, Company B: On the 8th instant, an expedition consisting of Captain Galloway, with 14 men, and Lieutenant Ross, Company B, Seventh Vermont Volunteers, with 17 men of his company, left the camp at Point Washington for the purpose of capturing Floyds company (rebel infantry) stationed at Cedar Bluff, about 40 miles up the Choctaw- hatchee River, on the east bank. A rebel picket of S men was simr- rounded and captnred within 6 miles of the rebel camp. Our troops surrounded Floyds camp at 10 p. in., and demanded the surrender. Two lieutenants and 50 men were in camp, and all surrendered without resistance. A sentinel was placed over the rebel officers but was taken off by Captain Galloway, and both of theni made their escape during the night. Our troops left the camp at 4 a. in., February 9, with the prison- ers, arms, ammunition, and four mule teams. When about 15 miles from Floyds camp on their return, and while stopping for dinner at noon, a force of about 100 rebel cavalry ebarged upon them, and after a little firing on both sides succeeded in capturing Captain Galloway and 5 refugees, and Lieutenant Ross with 11 of his men. First Sergeant Hendry, Corporal Cooley, and Privates Daniels, Por- ter, and Pitts, of Company B, Seventh Vermont Volunteers, suc- ceeded in making their escape and returned to Point Washington in company with 9 refugees, arriving at 11 oclock the next day. The remainder of the company, in charge of First Sergeant Hendry, left Point Washington February 11, stopped two days at East Pass, and arrived at Barrancas, Fla., February 16. The following is a list * of the captured men belonging to the Seventh Vermont Regiment. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. B. PECK, Lientenant-Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Lient. E. T. SPRAGUE, Acting Assistant Adjntant- General. * Nominal list of prisoners omitted Page 357 CHAP. XLVIII EXPEDITION UP NASSAU RIVER, FLA. 35,7 FEBRUARY 910, 1864.Expedition from Fernandina up Nassau River, Fla. Report of Capt. De Wilt C. Lewis, Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry. FERNANDINA, FLA., February 11, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of an expedi- tion np Nassan River, of which a detachment of the Ninety-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers under my command formed a part: We embarked and sailed from this place at 10.30 a. m. for Nassau, by the way of Amelia River, February 9, accompanied by detach- ments of sailors from U. S. brig of war Perry and gun-boat Para, commanded by Lieutenant Hanford, of the U. S. Navy. At Station bridge, on the railroad, we discovered a party of the enemy, con- sisting of 3 mounted men, who were driven out of sight by the firing of a shell at them. At 2.30 p. in., we entered Nassau River, and proceeded up that stream to Nassau Mills, some 25 or 30 miles, meeting on our way but two posts uf the enemys pickets, who retired on our approaching them. One was stationed at Coopers Bluff and the other at the Jacksonville road. We arrived at the mills about 5 oclock in the afternoon, shelling the woods on our way up on both sides of the river, and were met at the mills by two ladies with a flag of truce, who reported themselves as being the only persons on the island at the time, one of them being the wife of a gentleman by the name of Holmes, the owner of a Thrge steam saw-mill that was in the course of erection at the commencement of. the war. We sent a boat and took them on board as a precaution against treachery, and again moved up the river some 4 miles far- ther, taking the distance by the channel of the river, which is very crooked, and came to anchor about 8 oclock in the evening, the night being very dark. We immediately threw out pickets some 300 yards in advance of the vessel. As soon as the tide commenced running out a large amount of timber floated down, supposed to have been cut loose above by the enemy for the purpose of injuring the steamer, as a number of signal lights were seen on each side of the river above the vessel. At daylight on the morning of the 10th, the anchor was hoisted and we dropped down below the new mill about half a mile and landed the ladies. At 10.30 the detachment of the Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, commanded by Captain Savage, appeared in sight, some 2 miles from us across the marsh; sent a boat to com- municate with them and bring them on board. In the meanwhile had the boat run close inshore and landed to examine the condition of saw-mill; found the old one in bad order, but the new one nearly ready for running, with an engine of some 50-horse power, with five tubular boilers, set furnaces, and everything complete except steam connections between engine and boilers. The gearing of the mill appears to be complete with exception of belting, a part of which is there. There are two sets of frames for gang and two for circular saws. The ways for drawing logs on the mill are laid, and the gear- ing for that purpose appears to be ready for use. I think timber can be sawed 60 feet in length, and there is a large quantity of it in the water before and above the mill. All the sawed lumber has been destroyed by the enemy. The old mill is some 300 yards above the new one. We found in the channel of the river about 2 fathom Page 358 ~58 ~. C., lilA., Ant) O~ TTTli~ GA. COASt tOHAP. XLVII. of water. Vessels drawing 6 feet can get up as high as the mills at low water. After taking Captain Savage and party on board we started on our return, and arrived at this place in the evening. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DE WITT CLINTON LEWIS, Captain, Ninety-seventh Pa. Voi\s., Comdg. Detachment. Col. HENRY R. Guss, Commanding Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers. FEBRUARY 10, 1864.Capture of Camp Cooper, Fla. Report of 3faj. Galusha Pennypacicer, Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry. FERNANDINA, FLA., February 11, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to your orders and written instructions furnished me, I made an incursion upon Camp Cooper, on the Tnainland, on the night of the 9th of February instant. My command consisted of 290 men, composed of detachments from Companies A, B, D, E, G, H, I, and K of the Ninety-seventh Penn- sylvania Volunteers. On the afternoon of the 9th, I marched the force as far as the draw- bridge, where we remained secreted until dark. We then crossed the river in a scow provided for the purpose. The whcle force was safely landed on the mainland about 8.30 oclock. We advanced along the railroad until within a short distance of the trestle-work, about 4 miles from the drawbridge, where we struck off to the left, through a large pine woods. Traversing a road through these woods for several miles, we again came to the railroad and crossed it about 1 mile this side of Lofton bridge. We then proceeded along what is called Hartz road until we had passed through Lofton Swamp, the headwaters of Lofton Creek, where I ordered a halt, and sent out a reconnoitering party in addition to my advance guard, to ex- amine the country. This was about 3 a. m. The scouts soon re- turned and reported that Camp Cooper lay a little to the right of this road, about 1 mile in advance. I moved the battalion silently and cautiously up, and formed it on the north and west of the camp. At the first dawn I ordered a charge, at which the men swept impet- uously through the camp, but found it almost entirely deserted. We captured 2 prisoners and 3 horses. From the prisoners I learned that the enemy had marched on the 8th instant to Camp Finegan, in the vicinity of Jacksonville, with three companies of cavalry, their entire force. The camp had been commanded by Major Harrison, and was large and well located. The prisoners had been left behind to have an oversight over the camp. They report that they had no thought of an attack from this quarter. The public property consisted of a little inferior subsist- ence stores and a small quantity of clothing, all of which I destroyed. The quarters of the officers and men, as well as the stables, were principally rude shanties, but quite comfortable. I caused them all to be burned. After halting an hour I commenced the return march by the route which I came, reaching the drawbridge at 2 p. m. On the return I dispatched two companies under the command of Capt. J. M. C Page 359 XLVII.] EXPEDITION TO WOODSTOCK, ETC., FLA. 359 Savage, to communicaP3 with the steamer Island City, near Nassau Mills, which was accomplished successfully. I also sent a small party to Clarks picket station, but nothing was found there except a few head of cattle in an inclosure. I am informed by my guides that the distance from the drawbridge to Camp Cooper by the route traveled is about 17 miles. The road was a succession of swamp and forest. The railroad is in an undis- turbed condition, much of the timber, however, slowly rotting away. The soldiers marched well, and without straggling. My thanks are due to all my officers and men fdr the alacrity and faithfulness with which they performed their duty. One man (a substitute) of Company I is reported missing to-day. He is proba- bly a deserter. I would make especial mention of Adjt. Henry W. Carruthers for the valuable assistance he rendered me throughout. I am greatly indebted to my guides for the manner in which they discharged their duty in a very dark night. They all (especially Mr. Grissom) appeared perfectly familiar with the country, and their assistance was indispensable. Prince and Charles were the colored guides. Had the expedition been undertaken at an earlier day, I conceive that under the same circumstances it would have been a perfect success. Submitting the foregoing for your information, I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. PENNYPACKER, Major Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania Vols., Comdg. Col. HENRY R. Guss, Comdg. U. S. Forces, Fernandina, Fla. FEBRUARY 15-23, 1864.Expedition from Fernandina to Woodstock and Kings Ferry Mills, Fla. Report of JiIaj. Galusha Pennypacker, Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry. * FERNANDINA, FLA., February 23, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part borne by my command, consisting of a det~achment of the Ninety-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, in an expedi- tion to Woodstock and Kings Ferry Mills, Fla., for the purpose of procuring lumber for military use: In accordance with oral instructions received from yourself, and written instructions from Maj. T. B. Brooks, aide-de-camp on the staff of General Gillmore, I left this post with my command, con- sisting of 300 men, on the steamer Island City, at 2 oclock on the morning of the 15th instant. We disembarked at Clarks, on the Amelia River, opposite this place, about half an hour before day- light, and immediately took up our line of march for Woodstock Mills, on the Saint Marys River, distant by the route we traveled some 33 miles from the point of disembarkation. The march was made in good order, with flankers and an advanced guard well out, and without straggling. Persons living along the road who might have given information of our approach were made to march with the column until it arrived at its destination, which was * For reports of Acting Masters S. N. Freeman and E. G. Furber, U. S. Navy, see Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy, December 5, 1804 Page 360 360 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. reached at sunset. The dis~tance traveled being very considerable, and the roads unusually difficult, the men became somewhat jaded and footsore, but the rapidity of the march was not thereby materially lessened. When within 2 miles of the mills, in accord- ance with my instructions, I sent forward 20 men under Lieu- tenant Casgriff, to surprise and capture the picket-post supposed to be at that place and prevent the lumber from being fired. No post was there, however, and the lumber was found undisturbed. I learned that orders had been given to the enemys picket, for- merly stationed there, to burn this property on the approach of any Federal force. My instructions anticipated this design and caused me, therefore, to make a rapid march. Upon my arrival I threw out pickets, established guards where I thought necessary for the protection of private property, and bivouacked my com- mand. On the following morning we commenced building rafts of the lumber found at Woodstock, said to belong to the estate of Mr. Edwin Alberti, deceased. On the afternoon of the same day (Feb- ruary 16) Major Brooks arrived at the post with several transports and the U. S. naval schooner Para. He having been intrusted with the command of the expedition, I accordingly reported to him for duty, and he assumed command of the entire force. He relin- quished this command to me on the 20th instant and returned to Fernandina. A large amount of lumber (some of it very valuable) was sent daily to this place from both Woodstock and Kings Ferry Mills. The property taken at the latter place is said to have be- longed to one Mr. Germond, residing near by. I am unable to give the exact quantity obtained. Major Brooks will be able to furnish the requisite information on this point. On the 22d instant (yesterday), I was ordered to return with the whole force with all possible dispatch to Fernandina. The troops were immediately embarked on the steamers Island City and Har- riet A. Weed, the latter vessel taking in tow the Para. The rafts (four in number) that had been constructed at the mills and had not been towed down were cast adrift, in order that they might float down with the tide to Fernandina. We reached this post to-day without having sustained any injury during our absence except the wounding, slightly, of 2 men belonging to Company B, Captain Savage, yesterday, while that company was making a reconnais- sance on the Georgia side of the Saint Marys River. I wish to return my thanks to First Lieut. James T. Skiles, adju- tant, and Dr. William C. Morrison, assistant surgeon, of the bat- talion; to Acting Master E. G. Furber, commanding U. S. naval schooner Para (for the valuable assistance rendered me by him), and to the masters of the transports Island City and Harriet A. Weed. Two deserters, 4 refugees, and about 25 negroes came inside our lines at the mills. I forwarded them to your post, reporting them to the provost-marshal. It affords me much gratification to be enabled to speak in a most favorable manner of the conduct of both officers and men under my command during our absence. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. PENNYPACKER, Mqjor Ninety-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania I7ols. Col. HENRY R. Guss, Commanding U. S. Forces, Fernandina, Fla Page 361 OHM. XLVII.] SKIRMISH AT WHITEMARSH ISLAND, GA. 361 FEBRUARY 22, 1864.Skirmish at Whitemarsh Island, Ga. Report of Brig. Gen. Raleigh E. Coiston, C. S. Ar~ny. HEADQUARTERS COLSTONS BRIGADE, Februa~y 28, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the affair which took place on Whitemarsh Island on Monday, the 22d instant: About 10.30 a. in., I received a dispatch from Lieutenant-Colonel Pritchard, commanding Fort Bartow and Oatland and Whitemarsh Islands, informing me that the enemy had landed in force upon Whitemarsh Island and were engaging our artillery. This dispatch must have [been] very much delayed by the difficulty of crossing the river, for I found that the enemys landing had taken place about two hours before. I immediately ordered the First Georgia Regiment of Volunteers to march forthwith from Savannah to Fort Bartow, and repaired at once to the scene of action with my staff. I also ordered a detachment of 40 cavalry from Major Andersons command, on Isle of Hope, to repair to Fort Bartow. Upon my arrival I received information through prisoners captured that the enemy had advanced in four transports, besides a party in barges or surf-boats. Their force was stated at four full regiments and six pieces of artillery. The entire force at my disposal on the island was about 250 men and two pieces of artillery of Maxwells battery. The configuration of the island made it extremely hazardous for so small a force to advance beyond the tongue of land which forms the end of the island next to Oatland, and the means of transporting re-enforcements to the island or of retreating in case of necessity were very incomplete and slow, consisting only of a ferry-boat. The very small force which I had, consisting only of 125 men in line of battle (the rest being on picket or thrown out as skirmishers), were drawn up across the tongue of land, this being the only posi- tion where they could be safe against a flank attack, for just be- yond the island suddenly widens to a breadth of 2 miles. In the mean time the enemy were shelling the island from their gun-boats near the Gibson house, and also from below Turners Rocks. A portion of my infantry had been sent to reconnoiter the enemys position and observe their movements. While awaiting their report I consulted about the position with the brigadier-gen- eral commanding the district, and received from him the order, in case the enemy should advance in overwhelming force, to evacuate the islands in time to avoid losing men or guns. Fort Bartow wonld then be ready to open fire and make Oatland and a portion of White- marsh untenable for the enemy. Very soon after receiving this order a prisoner captured by one of our reconnoitering parties gave the information that the enemy were re-embarking in great haste at the Gibson house. I immedi- ately ordered the First Georgia Regiment (five small companies, numbering altogether about 175 men) and Maxwells section of artil- lery to advance in pursuit, but before they could have reached the Gibson house the enemy were out of sight. Up to the moment of their leaving they continued to shell the island vigorously I ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Pritchard to forward to my head- quarters a full report of the affair, accompanied by the reports of his subordinates. From these reports and the information derive Page 362 362 s. c., FLA., AND ON TIlE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. from the prisoners and other sources I am enabled to submit the following statement: About 8 oclock on Monday morning the enemy advanced toward Whitemarsh Island in two parties. One consisted of eleven surf- boats, each carrying 20 men, and passed over the fiats at high tide. The morning being hazy, and the high grass of the marsh covering them, they were enabled to effect a landing without being s~en about 100 yards below the picket at Fleetwoods, and immediately advanced upon that picket, which fired upon them. The picket, consisting only of 3 men and 1 non-commissioned officer, immediately retreated upon the Oatland bridge, closely pursued by the enemy, who also drove in the sentinels at the bridge. Some 20 of the enemy dashed across the bridge toward the battery. Lieutenant Richardson, com- manding section of artillery, was informed by the reteeating picket of the advance of the enemy and immediately opened fire of canis- ter upon them, driving them back very rapidly to the cover of the woods. One lieutenant and 2 privates of the Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers surrendered themselves rather than recross the bridge under fire of our artillery. The rest of this party kept up a fire of skirmishers upon the artillery, by which we lost 1 man and 1 horse killed. Lieutenant Richardson finally drove them off by a fire of shell. They then advanced toward the picket at Gibsons house, composed of a detachment of the Fifty-seventh Regiment Georgia Volunteers, under the command of Captain Tucker. About the same time that the party landed below the Fleetwood picket the lookout at the Gibson house reported three steamers crowded with men at the point of Wilmington Island and coming up. Captain Tucker immediately sent a courier to Captain Turner, at Turners Rocks, to inform him of the fact, and disposed his men to resist the enemys approach, who were then landing. Just then the force of the enemy which had been driven back from the bridge advanced upon the rear of Captain Tuckers position and were for some time believed to be a re-enforcement, but becoming convinced of the contrary, Captain Tucker ordered his men to fire upon them. About half of them did so. The enemy replied, and Captain Tuckers men broke in wild confusion. Notwithstanding the most earnest efforts of Captain Tucker and his officers, it was impossible to rally them until they reached the main road and effected a junction with the picket from Turners Rocks, under Lieutenant Readick, which had been ordered by Captain Turner to concentrate with the other pickets at the cross-roads. At the first information received by him, Colonel Pritchard had ordered that portion of the Fifty-seventh Regiment at their camp near Fort Bartow to cross over, and had formed them in line of bat- tle. He now ordered Captain Turner to take his company and ad- vance to the Gibson house and reconnoiter the enemy. Captain Turner found them there in force and fired upon them. The main force at the landing returned Captain Turners fire briskly. At the same time the boats commenced shelling vigorously. Before re- enforcements could be brought imp the enemy re-embarked and dis- appeared, leaving behind them a number of haversacks, canteens, blankets, and clothing, some of them saturated with blood, and three excellent surf-boats with oars. The enemy were piloted by 2 negroes whom the prisoners de- scribed so accurately that their identity is well established. Thes& Page 363 CHAP. XLVII.] SKIRMISh AT WHITEMARSII ISLAKI), GA. ~63 negroes know every creek and marsh, and one of them guided the boat party over the marsh so as to avoid our pickets entirely, while the other piloted the steamers. Their purpose was to seize the bridge leading to Oatland, and th~is to cut off all the forces and negroes on the island. In this they signally failed. Although several hundred negroes were working on the fortifications on the island, not a single one was taken. There is no doubt that the en~emy lost several men killed or wounded, but they carried them off with them. We took 4 pris.- oners, 1 of them a lieutenant. Our loss was 1 killed in Richardsons section of artillery, 1 slightly wounded, and 11 captured. Seven of the latter belong to an Irish company, from which many desertions have lately taken place, and from the position of this company it is more than proba- ble that these men went to the enemy voluntarily. It will appear from this report that the pickets were not surprised by the enemy; that at Fleetwoods fired upon the enemy and re- treated, being entirely too weak to do otherwise. The detachment of the Fifty-seventh at the Gibson house behaved very badly. Their officers deserve credit for their personal conduct, and are deeply mortified at the behavior of their men. Lieutenant-Colonel Pritchard, who has command of the island, acted with promptness and judgment, but his force was too weak to allow him to do more than observe the movements of the enemy. Captain Turner also deserves mention for the judicious measures which he took to save any portion of our force toward Turners Rocks from being cut off and for his efficiency in reconnoitering the enemy. Lieutenant Richardson, commanding section of Maxwells battery, deserves great credit for the rapidity