Diary of Josephine Shaw Lowell: April 15, 1862

A year since Lincoln's Proclamation, in which he says that the object of the 75,000 men was to repossess the forts of the United States, and today we hear of the unconditional surrender of Pulaski, one of the strongest, and the defense of Savannah. Yorktown is still untaken and we hear nothing of the Merrimac, except reported bursting of shells, running ashores, etc., etc., none of which are probably true. I heard today of Wendell's promotion to a captaincy. He told me in Boston that he only wanted to be captain for the sake of leading the men in battle, and now he will soon have his wish. Poor Mother is very low spirited and of course must be, for Rob is in continual danger, as his Regiment is acting as skirmishers, scouts, etc. She was speaking yesterday of not being able to do anything “until she had heard.” I suppose it is to hear that Rob is shot.

SOURCE: William Rhinelander Stewart, The Philanthropic Work of Josephine Shaw Lowell, p. 24-5

New York, May 17 [1862].

The steamer Atlantic, from Port Royal 14th, has arrived.  Among the passengers is Gen. Gilmore, who commanded at the reduction of Fort Pulaski.

The Steamer Planter had arrived at Charleston, run away with a contraband pilot and crew.

The Great Eastern is below.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, May 19, 1862, p. 1

General Robert E. Lee to Col. G. W. Custis Lee, February 23, 1862

SAVANNAH, 23d February, 1862.

My Dear Son:

I have received your letter of the 12th and am glad you have returned safely from the Rappahannock. I hope your visit was satisfactory. I am sorry your arrangement for sending on Richmond failed, and especially for the trouble he occasioned everybody. He is a troublesome fellow and dislikes to associate with strange horses. He expresses it more in words than acts, and if firmly treated becomes quiet at last. I know his propensity to squeal on such occasions and can imagine how unacceptable he made himself to strangers. I carried him in the car with all our horses to and from western Virginia without accident or harm. He might as well wait now, and I hope you can make him useful to you. The expense of hiring a man and car to get him to me would not be indemnified by the use to me. I have two horses. Col. W. has been here, as you may have learned, and I should judge from his manner everything was agreeable to him. He took his departure two days since, and I sent by him an afghan or robe, knit for me by Miss "Tattie" Clinch, which is too pretty to have in camp. I desired him to give it to you and I wish you would send it to your mother or put it away somewhere, and ask her to keep it for me. I have heard of Mary's return from Norfolk, and I hope she is now with her mother. In these times of trouble I am always anxious about those away from me. The victories of the enemy increase and consequently the necessity of increased energy and activity on our part. Our men do not seem to realize this, and the same supineness and carelessness of their duty continue. If it will have the effect of arousing them and imparting an earnestness and boldness to their work, it will be beneficial to us. If not we shall be overrun for a time, and must make up our minds to great suffering. Here the enemy seems to be slowly making his way to the Savannah River through the creeks and marshes, and his shells now interrupt its navigation. We have nothing that floats that can contend with him, and it is grating to see his progress unopposed by any resistance we can make. The communication with Fort Pulaski is cut. That may in time be reduced, but I am constructing batteries at Fort Jackson which, if our men will fight, will give him trouble to get to the city. His batteries are so numerous and strong that I know they are hard to resist, but if we have the time and guns they ought if vulnerable to be beaten off. Their barges and reconnoitering boats are even clad with iron, so that our musket and rifle balls are harmless. The work progresses slowly and it is with the utmost difficulty that it is pushed ahead. I had until lately supposed Charleston would have been first attacked, but now it seems they are concentrating here. We are stronger in C. than here. The creeks that intersect the marshes through with the waters of Port Royal Harbor to the north and Warsaw Sound on the south are a great element of weakness, and indeed the facilities the arms or branches of these waters afford for approach and investment in all directions make it one of the hardest places to defend I ever saw, against light draft boats. The tide rises seven and eight feet, so it is easy to propel their boats over the mud. This will be plain to you who know the topography of the place. Your friends here are all well and frequently inquire after you. Mrs. Wm. H. Stiles has come down, since Mrs. Lord's return to her children. I now hear that Mr. Lord is released on parole in Baltimore. I do not know if it is true. Remember me to all friends, my dear son, and give much love to your mother, Fitzhugh, and all the girls. I hope you will be able to attend to the business matters without distress to yourself or neglect of your duty. All must be sacrificed to the country. May God protect you and shield you from all harm.

Your devoted father,

R. E. LEE.

COL. G. W. CUSTIS LEE.

SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters of Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 161-2

General Robert E. Lee to Mary Custis Lee, February 8, 1862

Savannah, Georgia, February 8, 1862.

I wrote you the day I left Coosawhatchie. I have been here ever since endeavoring to push forward the works for the defense of the city. Guns are scarce as well as ammunition. I shall have to bring up batteries from the coast, I fear, to provide for this city. Our enemies are trying to work their way through the creeks and soft marshes along the interior of the coast, which communicate with the sounds and sea, through which the Savannah flows, and thus avoid the entrance to the river, commanded by Fort Pulaski. Their boats require only seven feet of water to float them, and the tide rises seven feet, so that at high water they can work their way and rest on the mud at low tide. I hope, however, we shall be able to stop them, and my daily prayer to the Giver of all victory is to enable us to do so. We must make up our minds to meet with reverses and overcome them. But the contest must be long, and the whole country has to go through much suffering. It is necessary we should be humble and taught to be less boastful, less selfish, and more devoted to right and justice to all the world.

SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters of Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 158-9

The War News

Ft. Pulaski thoroughly Invested.

The Committee on Lake Defences Ready to Report.

SOUTHERN SECESSIONISTS IN CANADA.

Flag-Officer Goldsboro Supposed to be at Work.

Prospect of a Battle in Missouri.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 4, 1862, p. 1

From Washington

NEW YORK, Feb. 3.

The Tribune’s special stated that letters continue to be received from eminent bankers, favoring the “legal tender bill.”  There is no reason to believe that Gen. Butler was assured before he left Washington that he should have a Major General’s commission as well as the title.  He will land several brigades at a point on the Southern coast not now occupied by Union soldiers.  The capture will be more important than any yet made.

Secretary Stanton insisted that Butler should have what he wanted, although McClellan disapproved of it.

Fort Pulaski is now thoroughly invested.  Gen. Sherman has daily repots of all that is done there, and will take the place when he chooses to attack.

Time’s Dispatch

A movement is making here by members of Congress from the West and Northwest, headed by Frank Blair and Mr. Arnold to have Gen. Sigel made a Major General, and it will probably be successful.

Herald’s Dispatch

The select committee on the defence and fortifications of the great lakes and rivers are prepared to make a report.  They will recommend the erection of such fortifications at Mackinaw as will make it the Gibraltar, as it is nearly the key of our Northwestern frontier.  Their report will provide also for the establishment of a naval depot and National armory upon Lake Michigan, probably at or near Chicago, and that preparations to be immediately made for the accumulation of the necessary arms and munitions to arm the whole of the American vessels engaged in the commerce of the northern lakes.

It is estimated that there are in this trade 1,200 American vessels to 300 British and 15,000 American sailors to 3,000 British.  It is represented by the committee that the majority of the population of the loyal States is west of the Alleghany mountains; that the line of lake coast exceeds the whole length of our Atlantic coast, and that our commerce on the lakes is greater than our whole foreign trade.  To complete the defences and render communications with all parts of the Northwest secure form interruption by a foreign foe, it will also be recommended that a military railroad shall be immediately constructed from the mouth of the Menomonie River or Badenouquet, on Lake Michigan, to Marquette, on Lake Superior, and that a ship canal shall be built from Chicago to the Mississippi River.  It is said that these recommendations have the approval of Gen. McClellan.  The report will probably be made on Tuesday.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2

It is known that a number of Southern secessionists are in Canada, whose business is to collect money from sympathizing friends, and to forward and received dispatches from Europe, and place them in such secret channels that they may reach their ultimate destination.  It is not likely that such proceedings will be much longer continued.

Lieut. Col. Sir P. Windham, late commanding 2d brigade of the Italian army, has been appointed Colonel of the Michigan regiment of Lancers.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3

So vast an army has been martialed in this District, that no proper arrangements have been made for even a decent interment of those who die in our hospitals. – This matter is under consideration, and will receive the immediate attention of Congress.

The result of the examination recently instituted by telegraph interests shows that the number of messages transmitted over the lines during the past year was 2,800,000, yielding a total revenue of $15,220,000.  Should Congress in the next tax bill impose 3 cents on each message, a little over $84,000 would be realized from that source, or 5½ per cent. on the aggregate amount of business.

The following communication has been received at the Navy Department from Capt. John Marston, dated U. S. steamer Roanoke, Hampton Roads, Feb. 1st:

“I have the honor to report to you the arrival, during the past night of the bark Gemsbock, from Beaufort, N. C.  Capt. Coventry informs me that on Tuesday, 28th, he heard heavy firing in the rear of Beaufort, but he has no conjecture from when it proceeded.

“Capt. Coventry also reports that on Thursday, 30th Jan., at 9 o’clock in the morning, while off Roanoke Inlet, he heard heavy firing in the direction of Roanoke Island, which leaves no doubt in my mind that flag officer Goldsborough is at work.”

Representatives of the telegraphic interests now here, have suggested to the committee of ways and means their readiness to pay a tax on their messages and thus contribute to the support of the government.

The chairman of the ways and means committee, Mr. Stevens, will endeavor to bring the House to a vote on the Treasury bill on Thursday.

Representative Hooper’s speech to-day, was listened to with marked attention, it being considered a clear exposition of the views of the Treasury Department on the financial question.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 4, 1862, p. 1

The New York papers publish statements . . .

. . . that a new channel entering the Savannah river has been discovered by which Fort Pulaski can be avoided and the city captured without much difficulty.  It would have been better to have taken the town than to have told us how it might have been done.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 3

Special to New York Papers

(Times Special.)

WASHINGTON, April 8. – Gen. T. W. Sherman just relieved by Gen. Hunter, arrived here to-day from Port Royal and reported himself at the War Department.  He expresses the opinion that before this Fort Pulaski has been attacked and has no doubts of its final capture.

A General who arrived here from Port Royal yesterday says several contrabands who came within our lines a few days since and reported that they were direct from Charleston, and that the people of that city were fearing an attack from our forces, and complained bitterly that nearly all their troops were in Virginia, and in the west.

Maj. S. W. Crawford was nominated by the President to-day, to the Senate as Brigadier General of Volunteers.

The Times correspondent writes from Liverpool Point, April 8th, that several Virginians belonging to Falworth, Fredericksburg, and Stafford, have come over to Liverpool Point.  They say that the reconnoissance created the most intense excitement at Fredericksburg.  Every vehicle capable of transporting goods was bro’t into requisition; while whole families left for Richmond, leaving everything behind them.  Orders were given by Gen. Walker, commandant at Fredericksburg, for all his available force to leave immediately for Brookstown, along the line of the railroad, and repel the advance of the invaders.  They also report a battle having been fought between 500 Texas cavalry and Sickles’ entire forces, just before entering Stafford; they put down Sickles’ loss at 350 and their own as only 13.  The effective force of the rebels between Fredericksburg and Acquia Creek is less than four thousand; beyond Fredericksburg to Richmond, probably ten thousand including a few batteries of artillery.

There was no scarcity of provisions.

Confederate bonds can be bought for 5 cents on the dollar.  Shin plasters issued by banks and private parties are of more value, commanding a hundred dollars in specie for every thousand dollars.

It is said to be the intention of the Confederate Government to abandon Virginia unless the people of the State render more aid of men and money.

Gen Wigfall commands a brigade five miles from Fredericksburg.  He has had a serious misunderstanding with the General commanding Holla, and has accordingly forwarded to Richmond his resignation.

All men supposed to be for the Union are relieved of their property with impunity, and no redress can be had.  In consequence of this most Union men are very quiet.

During the embarking of our troops from Liverpool Point a large number of Maryland slave holders lined the shore on horseback, said to be looking for lost slaves.

No slaves from Maryland or Virginia were allowed to go on board our transports.  Some few negroes were taken as servants.  There were about 800 female slaves left at Liverpool Point and Mulatto Woman Creek without any protection.  Some of the slave owners threaten to make trouble.

(Special to World.)

WASHINGTON, April 9. – The World’s correspondence at Warrenton brings the following to-day:

The advance forces are now resting on the Rappahannock, our pickets extending to that stream.  The railroad is now in running order to Cedar Run, within two miles of Warrenton Junction and thirteen miles from the Rappahannock River.  It will take several days to complete the bridge over Cedar Run, as the recent storm has swollen all the streams very much. – Neither Bull nor Cedar Run can be forded at present, and no troops can move except by rail.

The cavalry pickets extend some distance south-east of Brentsville, and skirmishes with the rebel scouts are of daily occurrence.

As the army proceeds south the country begins to present fewer of the ravages of the enemy, though in no vicinity has there yet been discovered sufficient supplies to support either the men or horses for more than one day.

The reports of the enemy’s position are indefinite and uncertain.  Contrabands and refugees from Fauquier and Culpepper say that the rebel army have dwindled greatly in its proportions, and that it is retreating upon Richmond as fast as possible, leaving nothing but scouts and guerrillas in its rear to watch our movements.  It would seem from this that the rebels are not reinforcing Magruder, and intend to make a stand this side of Richmond.

(Tribune’s Dispatch.)

It is understood that the Department of the South, of which Gen. Hunter has been put in command, will be thoroughly re-organized.  Gen. Sherman will be followed North by his Brigadier Generals Wright and Viele; but it is unknown who will fill the place they vacate.

It is also believed that Gen. Hunter will rightfully treat South Carolina and Georgia as rebels, and not as sovereign States.

The Senate to-day ratified two treaties, the commercial treaty with the Ottoman Porte, and the Mexican extradition treaty, negotiated by Minister Corwin.

The former, which is extremely liberal in its provisions, provides for its continuance for 50 years.  One stipulation of the latter is to the effect that the frontier States, the respective parties shall deliver up persons for whose surrender application is made without delay and expense of an appeal to Washington or the City of Mexico, elicited much discussion, and finally passed by barely one more than the constitutional majority, 27 to 13.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 3

Rebel News via Norfolk

BALTIMORE, April 2. – The following intelligence is from the special correspondent at Fort Monroe, of the Baltimore American:

The number of rebels in Fort Pulaski, as reported by deserters is five hundred.

Two German regiments at Fort Pulaski, had revolted and were in custody.

Gen. Sherman’s mortars and siege guns were so stationed that the guns of the Fort cold not reach them.

The rebels have withdrawn all their troops from the coast and abandoned their earth works, previously removing their cannon to Savannah.

The city of Savannah, however, is understood to be very strongly fortified, and all the approaches to it.  The force there is variously estimated, by refugees, at from twenty to fifty thousand men, probably 20,000, is more nearly correct.

A great despondency existed among the people and troops at Charleston.  The fall of Newbern created the greatest consternation.  The fire-eaters ridiculed the North Carolina troops, charging them with cowardice.

The shop keepers and bankers in Charleston had refused to receive North Carolina money, and there being two North Carolina regiments there at the time, a revolt was the consequence, and the shops were broken open, and the troops helped themselves.  These regiments refused to serve any longer, and were allowed to return home.

No information of the abandonment of Pensacola by the rebels has yet been received, but it was generally believed that our troops had crossed over from Santa Rosa Island and occupied the place.

The latest advices received from Norfolk by the underground railroad leaves no room to doubt that the Merrimac was thoroughly repaired and in commission and ready for another expedition against the wooden walls of the federal navy and river transports lying in the Roads. – The delay of the Merrimac in towing out is believed to be that she is waiting for ammunition for the heavy guns that have been placed on board her, and also for some infernal machines being constructed by bombasto Mallory.

The rebel steamers Jamestown and Yorktown were also getting strengthened and more thoroughly clad with iron to accompany the Merrimac.  There is also a rumor that two other steamers are being clad with iron at Richmond to join in the expedition.

As to the loss of life on the Merrimac in her conflict with the Monitor, we have now what is claimed to be positive information.  One of the recently arrived contrabands states that he was a nurse in the general hospital in Norfolk, and that before his departure he helped to shroud 32 of the crew of the Merrimac, and that both commander Buchanan and Lieut. Meyer are dead.  There are still a number of the wounded surviving.

The contraband also states that the last two shots of the Monitor were represented to be the only ones that seriously injured the Merrimac; those were thrown under her hold at the moment she attempted to run the Monitor down.

The military stationed at Norfolk from the Gulf States have been very severe on the Virginians.  Since their defeat at Roanoke Island even the Richmond Blues, the very pink of chivalry, have fallen in public estimation too.  All award bravery to Jennings Wise, but his father has so fallen in public estimation that he is proclaimed in Norfolk as a coward and poltroon.  In his escape from Nags Head he rode thirty miles on horse back, notwithstanding he had previously reported himself too ill to remain at Roanoke Island, at the head of his command.  Wise and Floyd now rank as the fleet footed.  My informant says that Wise would be hooted if he were to appear in the streets of Norfolk or Richmond.  He has retired to his farm in Princess Ann county.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 3

From Port Royal

A letter to the Baltimore American, dated at Port Royal on the 15th instant, says:

“A large quantity of heavy siege guns and mortars and shells and ammunition have been shipped from Hilton Head to Tybee Island within the past few days.  We may expect warm work in a short time.  On Thursday, March 13th, Commodore Tatnall attempted to pass the batteries on Bird’s Island and Jones’ Island with a large fleet containing supplies of wood and water for Fort Pulaski, but he was driven back.  It is only a question of time as to the surrender of Fort Pulaski.  It cannot hold out much longer.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 1

Washington Items

LATER FROM ISLAND NO. 10.

WASHINGTON, March 24. – Col. Segur, representative from the Accomac district arrived here this morning confirming the intelligence about the privateer Nashville and Fort Macon being destroyed by the rebels.

Gen. Scott is here aiding the war Department by his advice.

Senator Lane of Indiana has received advices from Indiana of the formation of ten regiments of Indianians.

The Republican states that the President has removed Gen. Denver from the command of the Department of Kansas.

The entire national debt is now four hundred million dollars.

WASHINGTON, March 24. – Col. Van Amburg of the New York 22d Regiment, has been appointed Military Governor at Alexandria, Va.  Gen. Montgomery becoming Military Governor of Annapolis.

Letters from Port Royal declare the investment of Fort Pulaski complete.  Tatnal, with his flotilla carrying supplies of wood and water have been driven back.  It is believed the garrison will soon be forced to surrender.

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was fully opened to-day for passengers and freight.

An immense quantity of bids, plans, specifications and models of iron-clad vessels have already been received at the Navy Department, for the sea-board and Western States.  One from Ericsoon for a vessel similar to the Monitor but 300 feet in length.

Secretary Welles has, in the name of the President, sent a letter of thanks to Lieut. Worden, in which he says the action of the Monitor with two guns, engaging a powerful armed steamer of at least eight guns, and repulsing her, has elicited general admiration and received the applause of the whole country.  He thanks him and commends him for the heroism displayed and the great service rendered, and adds, in the action on the 10th, the performance, power, and capacity of the Monitor must effect a radical changes in Naval warfare.

Representative Arnold introduced a bill to-day to make freedom national and slavery sectional.  It prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude in all territories now existing or hereafter to be formed or acquired in any way, in all places purchased or to be purchased by the U. S. for dock yards, arsenals, vessels on the high seas or national highways outside of State jurisdiction, and in all places where the National Government has exclusive jurisdiction and power.  Slaves in such places are declared to be free and may assert their freedom at any time thereafter, on the principle “once free always free.”

The House sent the Segur case to the Committee on Elections to-day.

Gen. Strong and Col. Munson, of the Tenth Indiana, were to-day confirmed Brigadier Generals.

The following nominations for Brigadier Generals were sent into the Senate to-day: Col. Dodge, 4th Iowa; Col. Canby, Commanding in New Mexico, and Major Weisel, Sixth U. S. Infantry, Kentucky.

Mr. Wickliffe introduced a bill to-day placing public lands and the proceeds of sales thereof, surveyed or unsurveyed, to the payment of the public debt.

Capt. Summers, of the Steamer Lake Erie No. 2, left Island No. 10 at 11 o’clock Sunday evening, and reports that about 10 o’clock a bright light was discovered in the direction of the Island.  It was thought by officers of the Erie that it proceeded from burning transports ignited by bursting shells from the mortars. – Nothing confirmatory of this report has been received at headquarters.  The river is rising rapidly.

On board Steamer D. F. Wilson,

Off Island No. 10,

March 24, 9 o’clock P.M.

Everything is quiet at Island No. 10.  The mortars continue firing all day and night at intervals of every half hour, mostly concentrated upon the upper battery which is now fairly silenced.  This battery has not replied for two days.  Only one gun can be seen in position and that is probably a [goll]*.  The batteries on the main shore and the Island are also mysteriously silent.  Their encampments grow smaller day by day and transports still continue flying about apparently carrying away troops.

The river is still rising rapidly and everything is overflowed.  The rebels are drowned out of some of their batteries, and are attempting to erect new ones, but the well directed fire of our mortars prevents them.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 4.  *In the Indiana Messenger, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Wednesday, March 26, 1862, p. 3, the Portland Daily Advertiser, Portland, Maine, Tuesday, March 25, 1862 and the New York Times, New York, New York, March 25, 1862 all give this word as “Quaker.”

The Situation Near Savannah – Arrangement Of The Forces – From Whom Brunswick Was Taken

The long talked of expedition against Savannah still “hangs fire,” but I will venture to assure the impatient portion of the community that the “blow will be struck” when – everything is ready, and not before.  Meanwhile Pulaski is “cut off” – isolated – “left out in the cold,” and will doubtless soon fall.  Reconnoissances are made daily, and the intricate windings of creeks, cuts and straits that fringe the islands on each side of Savannah, are fast being sought out.  Gen. Wright with his brigade, consisting of the 4th New Hampshire, 7th Connecticut, 9th Maine, and 97th Pennsylvania regiments are still in the neighborhood of Tybee, having returned from an expedition to Brunswick, Ga.

Quite an amusing story is told in connection with the affair at Brunswick.  It seems that the gunboats, after reconnoitering a while in front of the rebel fortifications, got into “posish,” and were about to “let slip the dogs,” when they discovered a boat push off from the shore at the fort, and make directly for the gunboat, upon nearing which it was found to contain a couple of “contrabands,” who commenced yelling “Hold on, Massa Yankee, don’t fire, der sogers all gone Serwerner,”  “dase leff me all alone.”  And sure enough they had gone, and the anticipated sport was “nipped.”

Gen. Viele is in command of a force on Dawfuskie Island, and is erecting fortifications there.  The forces on Hilton Head Island, consisting of the Massachusetts cavalry, 3d Rhode Island artillery, 2nd New Hampshire, 8th Maine, 6th Connecticut, 28th Massachusetts, and 45th Pennsylvania regiments are under command of Col. E. Q. Fellows of the 3d New Hampshire regiment.  Col. Fellows seems to have won the entire confidence of Gen. Sherman, who has seen fit to assign him to this responsible situation. – By the way, Col. F. is currently talked of as the next Brigadier from New Hampshire.  He is a soldier, and he is capable.

The steamship Mississippi, having on board Gen. Butler and Staff, the 31st Massachusetts regiment and part of the 13th Maine, Col. Neal Dow, put into this port and hauled up at Seabrook for repairs, having run aground on “Frying Pan” Shoals, off Cape Fear.  The damage was quite severe, a hole being stove in her bottom, causing a leak which had it not been an iron boat with several compartments, must have sunk her with all on board.  She will be speedily repaired and on her way to Ship Island.  Gen. Butler and Staff attended a grand review at Beaufort yesterday by invitation of Gen. Sherman.

The 3d New Hampshire regiment has been selected by Gen. Sherman to do some important service.  They are to embark to-day, under command of Lieut. Col. John H. Jackson, who “saw service” in the Mexican war, and will doubtless render a good account of himself and the regiment on this expedition.

The contrabands are getting organized into “gangs,” in view of the opening of the “spring’s work,” and under the direction of government agents will soon commence cultivating cotton, corn, sweet potatoes, &c. – Port Royal Cor. Of Boston Journal, 7th.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 22, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Mary Boykin Chesnut: Tuesday, April 15, 1862

Prescott is too clever ever to be a bore; that was proved to-day, for he stayed two hours; as usual, Mr. Chesnut said “four.”  Trescott was very surly; calls himself ex-Secretary of State of the United States; now, nothing in particular of South Carolina or the Confederate States. Then he yawned, “What a bore this war is. I wish it was ended, one way or another.”  He speaks of going across the border and taking service in Mexico. “Rubbish, not much Mexico for you,” I answered. Another patriot came then and averred, “I will take my family back to town, that we may all surrender together. I gave it up early in the spring.”  Prescott made a face behind backs, and said: “Lache!”

The enemy have flanked Beauregard at Nashville. There is grief enough for Albert Sidney Johnston now; we begin to see what we have lost. We were pushing them into the river when General Johnston was wounded. Beauregard was lying in his tent, at the rear, in a green sickness — melancholy — but no matter what the name of the malady. He was too slow to move, and lost all the advantage gained by our dead hero.¹  Without him there is no head to our Western army. Pulaski has fallen. What more is there to fall?

Mrs. Middleton: “How did you settle Molly's little difficulty with Mrs. McMahan, that ‘piece of her mind’ that Molly gave our landlady?”  "Oh, paid our way out of it, of course, and I apologized for Molly!”

Gladden, the hero of the Palmettos in Mexico, is killed. Shiloh has been a dreadful blow to us. Last winter Stephen, my brother, had it in his power to do such a nice thing for Colonel Gladden. In the dark he heard his name, also that he had to walk twenty-five miles in Alabama mud or go on an ammunition wagon. So he introduced himself as a South Carolinian to Colonel Gladden, whom he knew only by reputation as colonel of the Palmetto regiment in the Mexican war. And they drove him in his carriage comfortably to where he wanted to go — a night drive of fifty miles for Stephen, for he had the return trip, too. I would rather live in Siberia, worse still, in Sahara, than live in a country surrendered to Yankees.

The Carolinian says the conscription bill passed by Congress is fatal to our liberties as a people. Let us be a people “certain and sure,” as poor Tom B. said, and then talk of rebelling against our home government.

Sat up all night.  Read Eothen straight through, our old Wiley and Putnam edition that we bought in London in 1845. How could I sleep? The power they are bringing to bear against our country is tremendous. Its weight may be irresistible — I dare not think of that, however.

¹ The battle of Shiloh, or Pittsburg Landing, in Tennessee, eighty-eight miles east of Memphis, had been fought on April 6 and 7, 1862. The Federals were commanded by General Grant who, on the second day, was reenforced by General Buell. The Confederates were commanded by Albert Sidney Johnston on the first day, when Johnston was killed, and on the second day by General Beauregard.

SOURCE: Mary Boykin Chesnut, Edited by Isabella D. Martin and Myrta Lockett Avary, A Diary From Dixie, p. 155-7

From Washington

WASHINGTON, April 9.

About two weeks ago Com. Foote, in telegraphing the Navy Department, said Gen. Pope intended to make a transverse movement which would astonish the secesh on Island No. 10.  Fulfillment of this prediction is already known to the country.

Times’ Dispatch.

WASHINGTON April 9.

Gen. T. W. Sherman, just relieved by Gen. Hunter, arrived here to-day from Port Royal, and reported himself to the War department.  He expresses the opinion that before this Fort Pulaski has been attacked, and has no doubt of its final capture.

A gentleman, who arrived here from Port Royal yesterday, says several contrabands, who came within our lines a few days since reported that they were direct from Charleston, and that the people of that city were dreading an attack from our forces, and complained bitterly that nearly all their troops are in Virginia and the West.

Maj. S. W. Crawford was nominated by the President to-day to the Senate as Brigadier General of volunteers.

The Times correspondent writes from Liverpool Point, April 8, that several Virginians belonging to Falmouth, Fredericksburg and Stafford have come over to Liverpool Point.  The say that the reconnoisance made to Stafford Court House created the most intense excitement at Fredericksburg. – Every vehicle capable for transporting goods was brought into requisition.  Whole families left fro Richmond, leaving everything behind them.

Orders were given by Gen. Walker, commandant at Fredericksburg, for all his available force to leave for Brooks’ Station immediately, to defend the line of RR. and repel the advance of the invaders.  It also has a report of a battle fought between 500 Texas cavalry and Sickles’ entire forces, just before entering Stafford.  They put down Sickles’ loss at 350, and their own as only 13.

The effective force of the rebels between Fredericksburg and Aquia Creek is less than 4,000; beyond Fredericksburg to Richmond, probably 10,000, including a few batteries of artillery.

There was no scarcity of provisions. – Confederate bonds can be bought for five cents on a dollar.  Shinplasters issued by banks and private parties are of more value commanding $100 in specie for ever $1,000.

It is said to be the intention of the Confederate government to abandon Virginia unless the people of the State render more aid of men and money.

Gen. Wigfall commands a brigade five miles from Fredericksburg.  He has had a serious misunderstanding with the general commanding, Holmes, and has accordingly forwarded to Richmond his resignation.

All men suspected to be for the Union are robbed of property with impunity, and no redress can be had.  In consequence of this most Union men are very quiet.

During the embarkation of our troops from Liverpool Point, a large number of Maryland slaveholders lined the shore on horseback, said to be looking for lost slaves.  No slaves from Maryland or Virginia were allowed to go aboard our transports.  Some free negroes were taken as servants.  There were about 800 fugitive slaves left at Liverpool Point and Mattawoman Creek, without any protection.  Slave owners threaten to make trouble.

WASHINGTON, April 9.

Mr. Johnson recommends the passage of Senator Morrill’s bill, and the adoption of the policy of placing in the hands of the President the necessary power to accept loans of money from the several States for the public defence, as therein proposed.

Among the modes of defense contemplated is the use of railway and floating ball-proof batteries, in addition to the ordinary system of fortification.  His report is the result of careful examination of the matters in question, including a long list of documents based on a thorough acquaintance with the physical geography and topographical features of the country.

Jas. S. Pike, minister to the Netherlands, in transmitting to the State Department a copy of the tariff and revenue system of that country, concludes his dispatch as follows:  It will be observed that there is no direct tax on personal property or on incomes, as such taxes are believed to stand in the way of industrial and commercial development, and to operate to expel capital.  The decisive successes of the Federal Government in Tennessee have produced their natural effect on this side of the water.  When Charleston and Savannah shall have fallen, and our gunboats traversed the Mississippi, all interest in the affairs of the Confederates will cease in Europe.

The Senate was several hours in executive session to-day.  It confirmed several military appointments of low grade and Saml. E. Brown, of Ohio, to be attorney of the territory of Colorado.

World’s Dispatch.

The World’s correspondent at Warrenton brings the following to-day:  The advanced forces are now resting on the Rappahannock, our pickets are extending to that stream.  The railroad is now in running order to Cedar Run, within two miles of Warrenton, thirteen miles from the Rappahannock.  It will take several days to complete the bridge over Cedar Run, inasmuch as the recent storm has swollen, all the streams very much.  Neither Bull nor Cedar Runs can be forded at present, and no troops can move except by railroad.

The cavalry pickets extend some distance southeast of Brentsville, and skirmishes with the rebel scouts are of daily occurrence.

As the army proceeds south the country presents fewer of the ravages of the enemy, though in no locality has there yet been covered sufficient supplies to support men or horses for more than one day.

The reports of the enemy’s position are indefinite and uncertain.

Contrabands and refugees from Fauquier and Culpepper say that the rebel army has dwindled greatly in its proportions, and that it is retreating upon Richmond as rapidly as possible, leaving nothing but scouts and guerillas in its rear to watch our movements.  It would seem from this that the rebels are not reinforcing Magruder and intend to make a stand this side of Richmond.

Tribune’s Dispatch.

It is understood the Department of the South, of which Gen. Hunter has been put in command, will be thoroughly reorganized.

Gen. Sherman will be followed North by his Brigadier Generals, Wright and Viele, but it is unknown who will fill the places they vacate.  It is also believed Gen. Hunter will rightfully treat South Carolina and Georgia as rebel and not as sovereign States.

The Senate to-day ratified two treaties; the commercial treaty with the Ottoman Ports, and the Mexican extradition treaty, negotiated by Minister Corwin – the former, which is extremely liberal in its provisions, provides for its continuance for fifty years.  One stipulation of the latter, to the effect that local authorities of the frontier States and respective parties, shall deliver up persons for whose surrender application is made without delay and expense of an appeal to Washington or the City of Mexico, elicited much discussion, and finally passed by barely one more than the constitutional majority – 27 to 13.

The latest news received from Cherry Stone, reports everything quiet in the vicinity of Fort Monroe.  A strong wind was blowing, and the sea running very high.

The Freeman’s Journal is, by order of the P. O. Department, readmitted to the mails, dating from this week.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 11, 1862, p. 1

Southern News

BALTIMORE, April 2.

The following intelligence is from the special correspondent at Fort Monroe of the Baltimore American: The number of rebels in Fort Pulaski, as reported by deserters, is 500.  Two German companies there had revolted and were in irons.  Sherman’s mortars and siege guns were so stationed that the guns of the fort could not reach them.  The rebels have withdrawn all their troops from the coast, and abandoned their earth works, previously removing all their cannon to Savannah.  The city of Savannah, however is understood to be very strongly fortified, and all the approaches to it.  The forces there is variously estimated by refugees at 20,000 to 50,000; probably 20,000 is more nearly correct.

Great despondency existed among the troops and people at Charleston, the fall of Newberne created the greatest consternation.  The fire-eaters ridiculed the North Carolina troops, charging them with cowardice.  The shopkeepers and bankers in Charleston had also refused to receive North Carolina money, and there being two N. C. regiments there at the time, a revolt was the consequence, and the shops were broken open and the troops helped themselves.

Three regiments refused to serve any longer, and were allowed to return home.

No direct information of the abandonment of Pensacola by the rebels has yet been received; but it was generally believed that our troops had crossed over from Santa Rosa Island and approached the place.

The latest advices received from Norfolk by the underground RR., leave no room to doubt that the Merrimac was thoroughly repaired, and in commission and ready for another expedition against the wooden walls of the Federal navy and river transports lying in the roads.

The delay of the Merrimac in coming out is belived to be that she is waiting for ammunition for the heavy guns that have been placed on board of her, and also for some infernal machies that are being constructed by Bobbust and Mallory.

The rebel steamers Jamestown and Yorktown were also getting strengthened and more thoroughly clad with iron, to accompany the Merrimac.

There is also a rumor that two other steamers are being clad with iron at Richmond, to join in the expedition.

As to the loss of life on the Merrimac, in her conflict with the Monitor, we have now what is claimed to be positive information.

One of the recently arrived contrabands states that he was a nurse in the general hospital at Norfolk and that until the time of his departure he had helped to shroud 32 of the crew of the Merrimac, and that both commander Buchanan and Lt. Mayer were dead.  There were still a number of wounded surviving.  The contraband also states that two shots of the Monitor were represented to be the only ones that seriously injured the Merrimac.  Shots were thrown under her shield at the moment she attempted to run the Monitor down.

The military from the Gulf States, stationed at Norfolk, have been very severe on the chivalry ever since their defeat at Roanoke Island.  Even the Richmond Blues, the very pinks of chivalry, have fallen in public estimation.  All award bravery to O. Jennings Wise, but his father has so fallen in the public estimation, that he is proclaimed, in Norfolk, a coward and poltroon.  In his escape from Nags Head, he rode thirty miles on horse back, notwithstanding he had previously reported himself too ill to remain at Roanoke Island, at the head of his command.  Wise and Floyd now rank as fleet-footed.  My informant says that Wise would be hooted, if he were to appear in the streets of Norfolk or Richmond.  He has retired to his farm in Princess Ann county.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 4, 1862, p. 1

Southern News

FORT MONROE, Feb. 27.

A flag of truce to-day took over fifty people to Craney Island.

We have the following Southern news:

A meeting of the cotton and tobacco planters took place at Richmond on Wednesday evening, to take into consideration the voluntary destruction of the cotton and tobacco crops, in view of the fact that the efforts of the enemy were mainly directed towards robbing the South of the accumulation of these two great staples.  A number of speeches were made, and a committee was appointed to prepare business for an adjourned meeting this evening.

In Congress, on Wednesday, Senator Sims of Ky., offered some resolutions, declaring that the people of the Confederate states will to the last extremity maintain and defend their right to self government and the government established by them, and to this end will pledge their last man and last dollar for the prosecution of the war until their independence is acknowledged; and will submit to any sacrifice and endure any trial, however severe, and firmly relying on the justice of their cause and humbly trusting in the Providence of God, will maintain their position before the world and high heaven, while they have a voice to raise or  an arm to defend.  The resolutions were referred to the committee on military affairs.

A resolution was offered providing for compensation by the government, for cotton and tobacco burned to prevent their falling into the hands of the United States.

The Raleigh Register, of the 26^th inst., says that two men were brought to this city on Monday as prisoners, on a charge of having piloted the Yankees to Roanoke Island.  They were committed to jail.

The same paper in an editorial begins by saying that it would be criminal as well as idle to deny that the present state is the most gloomy period that the South has witnessed since the commencement of the war, and goes on in an earnest manner to call on the people to stand by their country, and fight to the last.

All the prisoners taken at Roanoke have been released on parole.  Quite a number of them arrived at Raleigh on Monday, and they state that one hundred and fifty were left at Weldon, to come on Tuesday.

Five regiments of volunteers for the war are wanted to fill up the quota of North Carolina, and Gov. Clark has issued a proclamation appealing to the patriotism of the citizens of the State to fill up these regiments.

The Norfolk Day Book of yesterday has the following telegraph:

RICHMOND, Feb. 26.

The Lynchburg Republican has a special dispatch from Bristol, Tenn., stating that the enemy occupied Nashville on Sunday.

The number of confederate prisoners taken at fort Donelson is about 7,000.  The number killed was 500, and wounded 1500.  The admitted loss of the Federals is from 6,000 to 10,000 killed and wounded.  Gen. Floyd has saved all his command, except the 20^th Mississippi regiment and the Grays and Jackson’s battery, which were taken.

RICHMOND, Feb. 27.

Schleiss’s new and extensive cotton and woolen factory was burnt on Tuesday night.  The loss is heavy.  The cotton factories at Columbus and Augusta have temporarily suspended, in consequence of material injury to their canals by the recent freshet.

AUGUSTA, Feb. 26.

The Savannah Republican, of this morning, says that the communications with Fort Pulaski has been effectually closed by the Federals who have erected three batteries of heavy guns.

MEMPHIS, Feb. 24.

Our latest advices from Nashville state that the federal troops have not yet occupied the city.

The scouts of Gen. Buell’s army have appeared at the north side of the Cumberland river and it is supposed their appearance is preparatory to an early advance of the main column.

Generals Price and McCullough [sic] are both preparing for battle.  The former is at the side of Fayetteville and the latter is at Boston Mountain with a force of cavalry.

It is reported that 9 federal gunboats were seen on Sunday at Mayfield and 15 transports.  No immediate action was expected.

MEMPHIS, Feb. 25.

Late advices from Knoxville, State that the Confederates at Cumberland Gap expect an early engagement.  The Federals are frequently in sight.

LYNCHBURG, Feb. 25.

A portion of the bridge which connected the island on which the south side depot is situated with the north Virginia and Tennessee R. R. depot, was destroyed yesterday, by coals falling from the locomotive.  Two spans were burnt, which will prevent the running of the south side cars into the city.

NEW YORK, Feb, 27.

The Post publishes extracts of a letter from Richmond, dated, over a month since, from a person still a resident of the South and with excellent opportunities of knowledge.  He says the rebel army on paper is 400,000, but in the field not quite 200,000, and part of them indifferently armed.  He says the rebel army on the whole line of the Potomac is only about 69,000, and thinks the Southern troops whose term of enlistment expires on the 1^st of May, will not reenlist if they can possibly avoid it.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 1, 1862, p. 1

Fort Pulaski after the Bombardment

Correspondence of the New Haven Palladium.

FORT PULASKI, Monday, May 4.

It is now more [than] three weeks since Pulaski was taken.  During the time which has intervened our men aided by one company of the Third Rhode Island have been busily employed in clearing away the rubbish which they themselves caused, carting new brick and preparing the crumbled walls for a speedy rebuilding.  The wooden dwellings in the vicinity of the fort, some of which were badly riddled by erring shots, have been repaired by our carpenters, and now serve for quartering troops, for hospitals, bakeries, &c.  A large dock connected with us by means of a plank road affords an excellent place for landing supplies from vessels thereby obviating the mud and water process that had to be resorted to in our previous location.  Around the interior of the fort were blindages – huge sticks of timber, measuring from twelve to sixteen inches square and thirty feet in length, and in number about seventeen hundred.  These were leaned against the wall at an angle of about 45 degrees.  By this artificial process the inmates hoped to baffle the effects of our shell, but all their plans were unavailing.  The James projectile and the mortar shells were driven through them as easily as though they were but paste.  These have all been pulled down and dragged outside of the demilune.  Deep ditches which were dug to counter act the effect of bursting shell have been filled in, heavy embankments and traverses thrown up for protection have been leveled off – all improvements like these, not only give us more room for evolutions but also add to the general appearance of our new home, remove the spirit of desolation and ruin that seemed to pervade every work and corner when we entered here.

It is no uncommon thing for the workmen on the outer walls to find the conical Parrott shell imbedded in solid brick masonry to a depth of five feet – I mean of course the unexploded ones, that failed on account of the percussion cap on the cone not igniting.

The work of rebuilding is under the superintendence of Lieut. O’Rourke, of the regular army.  It is not intended ever to replace what is undone as brick forts hereafter will be among the things that were.  Simply patch it up so as to make it tenantable and leave it in that condition.

A few days subsequent to the surrender of the place, the water in the moat was drawn off and our men busied themselves for days at intervals, in dragging for and fishing up articles of personal property, and likewise arms, equipments, &c., which the rebels instead of honorably surrendering them had thrown into the mud.  A package of some eighty letters, which, when found, were lying in close proximity to a daguerreotype of some Southern miss, were unfortunately so water soaked as to be illegible, and consequently no “secrets” betrayed to Yankee curiosity.  Huge bowie knives, probably fashioned with the intention of making our hair stand on end at the mere sight of them were consigned to a like watery grave while muskets, rifles, bayonets, swords, &c., were found in rich abundance.

What spare time the men get between hours of drill or labor, they amuse themselves in a variety of ways – fishing, hunting fowl on the land, and crocodiles on the river.  One of the latter was killed a few days since, which measured nine feet from tip to tip.

Prof. Starkweather is here with his balloon, the Washington, and will make an ascension to-morrow, wind and weather permitting. – The balloon is to be inflated moved to a steamboat, and taken up the river as far as practicable, so that whoever accompanies him will have a fair chance of seeing the sights in Savannah, in advance of us, who are obliged to wait  a time with patience until the train is ready to move forward.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 1

From Port Royal

NEW YORK, May 17 – The steamer Atlantic from Port Royal the 14^th has arrived.  Among the passengers are Gen. Gilmore, who commanded at the reduction of Fort Pulaski.

The steamer Planter has arrived from Charleston runaway with by a contraband pilot and crew.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 4

Cairo Budget

CAIRO, May 7. – Capt. Hazell, of the Second Ohio, has arrived her on sick furlough. Neither himself, Capt. McKinney, nor Lieut. Dial were taken prisoners at Pulaski, as was reported. By an arrival from Fort Henry, we learn that it is probably that not less than 200 of the Curtis Horse were captured in the recent skirmish with Clay King’s band. The affair occurred about 12 miles west of Fort Heisman [sic] on the opposite shore from Fort Henry. It does not appear that any of the union men were killed, but those who were not captured made good their escape. A strong force has been sent out from the fort in pursuit of the guerrillas, and it was thought that the band, with their prisoners, would be taken to-day. Gov. Yates and party have not yet been permitted to land at Pittsburg. Gen. Halleck was notified that they were at the landing, and desired to go ashore. The General pertinently replied that he had old women enough there. The river is falling rapidly here, and is now several feet below the top of the levee. The I. C. track is out of water and is being replaced. It will be in running order by the first of next week. Another arrival from below to-night brings no news of Mr. Bodeman of the Chicago Tribune. A party of women who were set adrift in a flat boat some days ago by the [Provost] Marshal of Cairo, have found their way back here, and were today taken into custody again. They will be shipped off North by railroad. The rumor of the evacuation of Corinth and its occupation by our forces, is repeated by every arrival of deserters. There is no doubt that Beauregard while holding his forces in line of battle, is gradually falling back on Grand Junction. He seeks to avoid a general battle though frequently offered him by Gen. Halleck. The opinion gains ground that there will be no general engagement between the two armies at or near their present position. A force of 1500 rebels is reported to be concentrated near New Madrid. They are thought to be preparing for a demonstration on the half deserted down. Our forces at Island No. 10 and Tiptonville are amply sufficient to drive the guerrillas away. A Citizen of Jackson, Mississippi, who formerly resided in Pennsylvania, reached here to-day from the South. He fled his Southern home to escape the conscription act which he represents as being rigidly enforced throughout the South. No one is spared. Merchants, bankers, mechanics and planters are all alike being forced into the ranks. In Mississippi there are two camps of instruction, one at Grenada and the other at Jackson. The conscripts are sent to these camps, where they remain until they are deemed fit for service. My informant passed through Grand Junction on Saturday last, and came by the Mobile & Ohio Railroad as far as Newton, where he proceeded on foot to Hickman. He says there were few troops at grand junction and none at Jackson, Tennessee. Most of the troops at the former place had been marched to Pocahontas, on the Memphis & Charleston Railroad, nearly midway between Corinth and Grand Junction. The head quarters of Gen. Beauregard are located at Pocahontas, and not far from the 75,000 troops are concentrated around him. This information confirms the report of the evacuation of Corinth. My informant also confirms the report of the arrival of Federal gunboats off Vicksburgh. Lovell’s army was at latest accounts at Patchapaho, on the New Orleans & Jackson Railroad, about fifty miles north of New Orleans.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 10, 1862, p. 3

The Fall of Fort Pulaski

(From the Savannah Republican, April 28.)

Corporal Law arrived in the Fort, in company with the signal man, whom he went to pilot, at five o’clock Friday morning – the day of the surrender. He remained inside the works during the whole time of the bombardment on that day, and left as the flag was lowered, making his way to the South wharf as the enemy’s steamer was approaching the North landing. When the bombardment commenced on Thursday none of the enemy’s batteries on Tybee were visible, except from the smoke, which pointed out the different localities to our garrison. The shot and shell from the fort soon removed all obstacles of trees and sand, when all were discernible. There were four in number – two mortar, one rifle, and one parrot gun, the last mentioned being a short distance above the chimneys, opposite to King’s Landing. They all bore chiefly on the Southeast angel of the fort.

The firing of the enemy on Thursday was not so effective as to create any apprehension that the work would fall. The enemy were obtaining the range of their guns for the operations of the night and the day following. Most of their shells fell outside the fort, tearing up the earth in every direction. The yard of the V, or demiloon, on the west side, was plowed up as if dug into pits, by the shell which went over the fort. Still a large breach was made in the wall and the rifled guns poured shot and shell thro’ it, utterly demolishing the bomb-proof timbers and damaging the officers’ quarters. The north east casements were all in which the garrison could bunk with any security whatever, through Thursday night, though but little sleep was enjoyed, as the enemy threw twelve shells every hour into the fort until daylight. These facts were obtained from the officers of the garrison.

Corporal Law witnessed the whole of Friday’s fight for himself, mingling freely with the garrison throughout the terrible scene. It is impossible to give his account on paper. The firing on both sides was equally rapid and destructive as far as could be ascertained. On the part of the enemy, one mortar battery was completely silenced a portion of the rifle battery, and seven out of the ten guns of the Parrott battery dismounted. One mortar had been planted on the northwest corner of the Cockspur on the night of Wednesday, but this was silenced early in the fight and seven kegs of powder captured.

At the close of the fight all the parapet guns were dismounted except three – two 10 inch columbiads known as “Beauregard” and “Jeff. Davis,” but one of which bore on the island, and a rifle cannon. Every casemate gun in the southeast section of the fort, from No. 7 to 13, including all that could be brought to bear on the enemy’s batteries except one, were dismounted, and the casemate walls breached in almost every instance to the top of the arch, say between five and six feet in width. The moat outside was so filled with brick and mortar that one could have passed over dry shod. The officers’ quarters were torn to pieces, the bombproof timbers scattered in every direction over the yard, and the gates to the entrance knocked off. The parapet walls on the Tybee side were all gone, in many paces down to the level of the earth on the casemates. The protection to the magazine in the northwest angle of the fort had all been shot away, the entire corner of the magazine next the passage way was shot off, and the powder exposed, while three shots had actually penetrated the chamber; of this Corporal Law is positive, for he examined it for himself before leaving.

Such was the condition of affairs when Col. Olmstead called a council of officers in a casemate, and without a dissenting voice, they all acquiesced in the necessity of a capitulation, in order to save the garrison from utter destruction by an explosion, which was momentarily threatened. Accordingly, at 2 o’clock P. M. the men were called from the guns and the flag lowered.

Early in the day Col. Olmstead had no doubt of his ability to silence every battery on the Island, and to this end he determined, when night came, and the enemy’s fire was slackened, to change the position of all his heavy guns, so as bring them to bear on the enemy. As the day progressed, however, his situation became desperate, and he was forced to yield under the circumstances stated.

Corporal Law witnessed the whole fight of Friday, and says a braver and more determined garrison are not to be found in the annals of history. Every man did his duty with alacrity, and there being few guns that bore on the enemy, there was a continued contest as to who should man them. When volunteers were called for to perform any laborious duty there was a rush of men from every company in the fort. All did their duty and did it fearlessly, throughout the engagement, and to the very moment of the capitulation. Among the last guns fired were those of the parapet, and the men stood there exposed to a storm of iron hail to the last. All this,, our informant says, Col. Olmstead and his officers will verify when they have an opportunity of being heard.

Corporal Law saw the wounded. A member of the Wise Guards had one leg shot off, and the other badly crushed. One Oglethorpe lost an arm, and had the other badly shattered, and shoulder badly damaged – thinks he could not have survived. Another Oglethorpe lost a hand. A member of another company not recollected, lost a foot. He intended getting a list of names and particulars to bring up at night, not anticipating so early a surrender. – Sergeant-Major Lewis told him none of the Savannah boys were seriously hurt. Col. Olmstead also told him he would send up a report of the day’s operations, but the enemy’s movements toward the fort were so rapid, after the flag was lowered, he being under no obligation to remain, not being a member of the garrison, he had no time to wait for it, and then made his escape.

It may be considered strange that, under the circumstances, no more damage was sustained by the garrison. It is a mystery, but not incredible, after the experience of Moultrie and Sumter.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 10, 1862, p. 2