Contents of this Document:
This document details this historic events and conditions in
Charleston 135 years prior to the War at Flood Tide Civil War
Weekend in Charleston, SC.
Contents of this Document:
It was a season of great expectations for both the North and the South. The Confederacy was preparing to campaign into the North after its victory at Chancellorsville in Virginia. Vicksburg had held out against the Federal Army under Grant and Sherman since before Christmas. The attempt by the Ironclad fleet to take Charleston on April 7 had ended in failure. Resistance to the draft and continuation of the war in the North was strong and growing. The federal blockade was still far less than completely effective and the South's crash industrialization program to produce war material was providing regular supplies and material for its armies.
The North had different reasons to hope for victory in Charleston
and elsewhere. Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation had rallied
international support for the Northern cause. It now had a veteran
army twice the size of that of the Confederacy. The North's capacity
for industrial development and production was being brought to
bear on the South. After two years, it had drawn even with the
South's early lead built on fighting in its own territory with
a highly motivated army and population. The north now had the
military structure, equipment and motivation to capitalize on
its size and industrial capacity.
In Charleston, the blockade runner Ruby grounded in lighthouse inlet while trying to evade the Federal Navy and was reported wrecked in the Charleston Mercury of June 12. The federal batteries on Folly Island fired upon the wreck to frustrate Confederate Salvage operations on June 11 & 12.
On June 12, Federal Maj. General David Hunter, a controversial figure, was replaced by Gen. Quincy Gilmore. Gilmore had earned his reputation by the reduction of Ft. Pulaskie at Savannah by using huge rifled cannon to breach the huge brick fort's walls. Now with even larger guns available, he would begin preparations to pound Morris Island's Confederate Fortifications, Ft. Sumter and the City of Charleston into submission. Opposing him was Confederate General P.T.G. Bueregard, exiled to Charleston after conflicts with Jefferson Davis. Bueregard was also interested in large artillery and technologically oriented tactics such as steam powered torpedo rams. A new federal naval cammander, John A. Dahlgren will take over from Admeral Samual Dupont on July 6. Dahlgren'r prewar career focused on the development of large scale ordinance.
The General Confederate Military Situation at Charleston is
on these dates in 1863 is set out in the official military reports of officer's serving here.
HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA,
Charleston, S.C., June 15, 1863.
GENERAL: Your letter of the 10th was duly received, and partially answered by my telegram of the 13th instant. (+) It is now my place to reply by mail at some length.
I am advised in the letter in question, that "Northern papers report the reduction of Hunter's forces by sending troops to the Gulf," in which event I am instructed to proceed to Mobile" with such force as I can properly withdraw from my defensive line," to resist an attack, if one should be designed on that place; but if the purpose of the enemy be to send his re-enforcements to the Mississippi, I am to "go on and co-operate with General Johnston in that quarter."
While I shall be glad to contribute my mite to the defense of any part of the Confederate States, and assuredly, must be solicitous for the defense of Mobile and the Mississippi Valley, yet, with my view of the situation in this quarter, repeatedly expressed, I cannot now properly withdraw, without a direct order, more than a regiment of cavalry from this department.
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| Gen. P. T. G. Beauregard |
Thus it will be seen the force in the department is already at the minimum necessary to hold the works around Charleston and Savannah, constantly menaced by the proximity of the enemy's iron-clads. The garrison of no work in the harbor can't be withdrawn or diminished as they are all necessary links in the chain of defense. Reduce the command on James Island, and the enemy may readily penetrate, by such a coup de main as was attempted last year, at the weakened point. James Island would then fall, and, despite our harbor defenses, the city of Charleston would be thrown open to bombardment. It is not safe to leave less than a regiment of infantry on Morris Island, which, if once carried by the enemy, would expose Fort Sumter to be taken in reverse and demolished.
The defective lines of defense adopted and constructed on James Island, after the unfortunate abandonment last year of Cole's Island, have made a force of about 11,000 men essential to guard and hold that island against a serious land attack, whereas had Cole's Island (at the mouth of the Stono) been held, 2,500 men would not only have defended James Island, but the enemy would have been excluded from the Stono, and unable to occupy and fortify Folly Island and threaten Morris Island, as is now the case.
Late Northern papers say Admiral DuPont has been relieved in command of the fleet on this coast by Admiral Foote, an officer whose operations in the west evinced much activity and an enterprising spirit. And even were considerable reductions made in the enemy s forces, the valuable coast districts would still be left a prey to such destructive raids as devastated the Combahee some days ago. Thus far, however, I can see no evidences of reduction. General Hunter was at Hilton Head on the 8th instant. His troops hold the same positions as heretofore, and apparently in the same force--a brigade on Folly, one on Seabrook's Island, and the balance on the islands about Port Royal. One of the monitors is at Hilton Head, and five are still in the North Edisto. Nor has the number of their gunboats or transports diminished, or at any time recently been increased, as must have been the case had a material removal of troops taken place.
While, therefore, I could not on my own responsibility further deplete the force in this department, of course I shall promptly carry out any orders which the War Department may deem it proper to give. As for myself, my earnest desire is to be useful to the utmost extent of my capacities, in any position or command to which it may please the President to assign me, but if left to my own personal preferences, I would desire service in the field, for which I consider myself best fitted by my taste and studies.
I shall observe closely the movements of the enemy at Hilton Head, with a view to ascertaining whether any material reduction of his force has taken or is taking place, which will be promptly reported for the information of the War Department.
I shall also ask Major-General Maury to keep me advised of the movements of the enemy in his front, and of the means of defense at his disposition, and shall communicate with General Johnston.
I beg to inquire whether, if I go to Mobile, it will form a part of my present department, or will I be relieved from this command and fall under the orders of General Johnston?
I repeat, my chief desire is to be useful, and, if desired by the War Department, I will cheerfully repair at once, temporarily, to Mobile, examine the works and means of defense there, and advise with General Maury touching them.
I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant,
T. BEAUREGARD,
Federal General Gilmore reported his taking command of the Federal Army at Charleston from the Federal Base on Hilton Head.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
Hilton Head, S.C., June 12, 1863.
Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.:
SIR: I have the honor to report my arrival here yesterday.
Major-General Hunter relinquished, and I assumed, command yesterday.
I have conversed freely with Major Duane and with several navy officers in reference to the recent attack on the forts in Charleston Harbor, and the present condition of affairs in that direction.
The concurrent testimony is that the defenses on Morris Island have undergone a material change within the last three weeks, much to the advantage of the enemy.
I shall visit that vicinity to-morrow, and make a full report by next steamer.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Q. A. GILLMORE,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
The Following Day General Gilmore traveled to Charleston to examine the Charleston Defenses and Federal Forces there.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
Hilton Head, Port Royal, S.C., June 15, 1863.
Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.:
SIR: I have made a reconnaissance of Morris Island and its surroundings next to Folly and James Islands. General Vogdes is in command on Folly Island. All his arrangements thus far have been defensive. He will openly continue in that attitude; but I have directed him to plant behind the sand-hills on the north end of Folly Island (secretly and without being seen by the enemy) batteries that will be able to dismount, in one hour, all the enemy's guns on the south end of Morris Island.
The enemy are constructing a causeway from James to Morris Island across the marsh. I look upon this as unimportant as against any sudden attempt to get a lodgment on Morris island, as success would place the causeway under our control.
I have not fully sounded the navy as to the co-operation that may be expected from them in getting upon Morris Island. Probably nothing will be done by them offensively until the arrival of Admiral Foote.
Colonel Montgomery, with 1,500 colored troops and some artillery, now occupies Saint Simon's Island, and will be directed to make raids from that point, and occupy the enemy in that direction. He will be able, I think, to keep many, if not all, of the Georgia troops in that quarter.
As nearly as I can ascertain, there are about Charleston, for its defense, some 10,000 or 12,000 troops (mostly South Carolina militia), and there are about an equal number of Georgia militia available for the defense of Savannah. Major Duane started north in the Arago yesterday.
The day after my arrival here, General Saxton applied to be relieved from the command of troops, which was done.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Q. A. GILLMORE,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
The Federal and Confederate armies were both building batteries on the respective sides of lighthouse inlest between Confederate held Morris Island and Federally Held Folly Island.
HDQRS. FIRST MIL. DIST., DEPT. OF S.C., GA., AND FLA.,
Charleston, S.C., June 12, 1863.
GENERAL: The enemy having advanced light guns to Little Folly Island yesterday to shell the wreck of the steamer Ruby, now ashore at Light-House Inlet in accordance with directions Captain Mitchel, commanding the batteries on the south of Morris Island, opened fire, silencing them at the second shot.
This morning I gave directions for him to open fire in case he observed any indications for work on Little Folly on the part of the enemy, and this afternoon about 5 o'clock, seeing parties apparently at work, he commenced shelling. About 50 men left Little Folly for the main island. The enemy replied from his batteries on Big Folly and his light guns, while his gunboats came up the creek northwest of the island and shelled the pickets at Oyster Point.
No damage has been done to our troops or batteries. Another mortar will be in position to-night, and Captain Mitchel has directions to prevent any nearer approach of the enemy, if necessary with all his guns.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. S. RIPLEY,
Brigadier-General.
HDQRS. FIRST MIL. DIST., DEPT. OF S.C., GA., AND FLA,
Charleston, S.C. June 14, 1863.
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that yesterday afternoon, the enemy having appeared to be at work on Little Folly Island, Lieutenant-Colonel Yates opened fire upon them, shelling them for about three-quarters of an hour, putting a stop to their operations, which <ar20_320> appeared to be erecting a shelter of batteries near the inlet. A close watch has been directed to be kept up and their work to be stopped whenever attempted.
It is intended to throw an epaulement across the island to cover the camps and depots from such attempts as the enemy can make.
The main magazine for the detached batteries is completed, and the artillery principally supplied with ammunition.
It may be necessary to change the position of one of the guns now in battery, as from the points at which the enemy appeared to be working two or three of our batteries can be enfiladed. I have directed Lieutenant Colonel Yates to make the necessary arrangements.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. S. RIPLEY,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN,
Chief of Staff.
SOUTH END MORRIS ISLAND,
June 12, 1863- 11.45 p.m.
Capt. W. F. NANCE,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
Observing symptoms of work on Little Folly Island this morning, I commenced shelling slowly. About 50 men are reported by our pickets as having left Little for Big Folly Island. Gunboats came up the creek and shelled our pickets on Oyster Point. They also fired from Big Folly, I replying slowly.
J. C. MITCHEL,
Captain, Commanding.
SECESSIONVILLE, June 12, 1863.
Capt. W. F. NANCE,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
A gunboat has run up Folly River, back of Folly Island, and is firing at our batteries on Morris Island, with what effect I cannot observe.
CHARLES H. SIMONTON,
Colonel, Commanding.
SECESSIONVILLE, June 12, 1863.
Captain NANCE:
No changes on the Stono front. The steamer in Folly River continued firing until after sunset. She has returned to her position in Stono Bay.
CHARLES H. SIMONTON,
Colonel, Commanding.
HDQRS. DEPT. SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA,
Charleston, S.C., June 13, 1863.
Respectfully referred to the War Department.
I beg to suggest that as this marine torpedo ram is in charge of our Engineer Department, and intended for the defense of this harbor, in connection with its fortifications, it is just and proper the Engineer Department should furnish the necessary means for its completion. I have, in consequence, given orders to that effect.
G. T. BEAUREGARD,
General, Commanding.
The General's request was denied by Confederate Secretary of War Sedden
In the Mercury
Excerpts from Charleston, South Carolina's daily newspaper, the
Charleston Mercury, Robert Barnwell Rhett, Jr. Editor. The Mercury
is most famout for its "Union is Dissolved" December
20, 1860 secession edition.
Friday, June 12, 1863
Nassau News- Loss of Steamer Ruby- The steamers Anitocia, Captain Thayer, and Racoon, Captian Harris, arrived at the Port Thursday Morning from Nassau. They both have on board valuable assorted cargoes. Left at Nassau steamers Margaret and Jessie, Calypso, Bat, Arabian and others. The Marharet and Jessie on their passage out from this port, was chased by two yankee gunboats, and was fired on and pursued so hotly that she was compelled to run into one of the Bahama Keys for safety. One of the Yankee balls passed into or near her boiler, but Captian Wilson, with his unflagging pluck and perseverance kept his ship agoing until he got her into a safe place. He afterwards ran into Nassau successfully.
We regret to say that the steamer Ruby, Capt. Peat, from
Nassau got ashore of Folly Island breakers, near this bar on Wednesday
Night. A large portion of her cargo was thrown overboard, and
everything possible done to get her off, but without success.
The yankees of Folly Island having discovered her early Thursday,
opened on her from a battery. Captian Peat was then compelled
to set her on fire and abandon her. She afterward blew up. While
Captian Peat and his crew were coming ashore of Morris Island,
they were shot at by the Yankees with Cannon and small arms and
the balls kept dropping around them in every direction.
List of passengers on the steamer Anatocia, arrived from Nassau June 11th. J.T. Andrews, Charles Sirabam. W.H. Post, R.B. Fullenwendee, Wm. Hone, J.W. Horton, Montrose A. Pallen, Dixon A. Allison, W.H. Ewin, H. L. Chickester and L. H. Coxatter.
Drugs, Medicine, Liquors & c.
By Wilbur and Son
THIS DAY, the 12 instant at our sales rooms, corner of State and
Chalmers Street, at half past 10:00 o'clock will be sold.
10 Barrels Tanners Oil
17 Barrels Lampblack
2 cases old whisky
2 cases Holland gin
also
In invoice of medicines,
consisting in part of
3 kegs carbonate soda
2 barrels spirits of turpentine
1 Surgical Adjuster, a fine instrument for surgeons in the field
and on ship, also a book with it.
One galvanic battery
Conditions Cash June 12
Saturday: June 13, 1863
The heavy firing heard last evening was an artillery
engagement between a Yankee gunboat in Little Folly River and
the Yankee Batteries on Folly Island with our batteries on the
Southern end of Morris Island. Up to a late hour no intelligence
had reached Headquarters as to the result of the firing.
Fire- About 11 o'clock last night a fire broke out in the old sash factory at the foot of Calhoun Street, North Side. Owing to the inflammable character of the building, the fire made rapid headway, but the firemen were soon upon the ground and succeeded in confining the flames to the building in which they originated . The sash factory, we learn, was empty at the time and its destruction is supposed to have been the work of an incendiary. The property formerly belonged to Mr. R.C. Smith, but had recently been purchased by Messers. John Frasier & Co.
The Steamer Thistle- News has reached this city that the steamer Cherokee (Formerly the Thistle) which was captured by the Yankees near this port, has arrived in Boston. She was taken by the Yankee gunboat Canidagua after being chased from 8 o'clock at night until 4 next morning and was lost in consequence of the inferior character of her coal and the quantity of smoke it sent forth. The officers and crew were sent to Port Royal, and after being detained a week, were forwarded to New York. One sick passenger who was in the Thistle was allowed to go to Boston in her.