Cornell Ittiuerattg ffitbrarg Sttjara, Mero fork CAPT. JAMES HOUSTON JOHNSTOJi „ . ^ ^aptain Johnston was born in Savannah, 1831 ; and died there December 8, 1910. At ith he was the oldest surviving member issars, having been for fifty-seven years on mnand. At the outbreak of the Civil War r f to the Chatham Artillery, with which c ely served until transferred to the signal o t a long life he was a faithful Confederate. tVell might the Savannah Morning News ' of him : "In the death of Capt. James H. Johnston Savaru i loses one more old landmark. Few citizens of Savannah re been more intimately and prominently bound up with the :ial and business life of the city than he was. For two rerations he was a familiar and honored member of all it was best in the various institutions of his home city, and nearly fourscore years he was respected and loved. Cap- ti Johnston was a gentleman of the South of the old school. is is a trite expression, but it means a good deal when it 1 be said truthfull y and without reserve : ^No ma n need a sk higher praise.' Sorrow caused by the passing away of :h a man is tempered by the priceless legacy of a well-spent • and an honored name." When Captain Johnston's death was announced, the flags the City Hall, the Cotton Exchange, the Hussars Armory, Chatham Artillery, and the Confederate Veterans' Hall re placed at half mast. THE JAMES VERNER SCAIFE COLLECTION CIVIL WAR LITERATURE THE GIFT OF JAMES VERNER SCAIFE CLASS OF 1S89 1919 e shows when this volume was taken. To renew this book copy the call No. and give to the librarian. HOME USE RULES QQJ ftfflUW — — „;Z'..™." ^ Ml Books sub i ect t0 RecaU All borrowers must regis- , ter in the library to borrow books for home use. * Ail books must be re- turned at end of college year for inspection and repairs. Limited books must be re- turned within the four week limit and not renewed. Students must return all books before leaving town. Officers should arrange for the return of books wanted during their absence from town. Volumes of periodicals and of pamphlets are held in the library as much as possible. For special pur- poses they are given out for a limited time. . Borrowers should not use their library privileges for the benefit of other persons. Books of special value and gift books, when the giver wishes it, are not allowed to circulate. — Readers are asked tore- port all cases of book* marked or mutilated. Do not deface books by marks and writing. Cornell University Library E559.7 .J76 Historical sketch of Jjje £gffiS&Jj&jS 3 1924 030 922 409 olin I Cornell University y Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924030922409 HISTORICAL SKETCH CHATHAM ARTILLERY ®to* (Hitttitt&mti ^fcmrjflte fat Mu&tpm&twt. CHARLES C. JONES, Jb. Lateldeut. Colonel of Artillery, C.S.A. Thus shall memort, often in dreams sublime, » Catch a glimpse of the days that are over : Thus, sighing, look through the waves of time Fob the long faded glories thet cover Moore. Albany, N. Y. : JOEL MUNSELL. 1867. S MY BROTHER MEMBERS OF THE CHATHAM AETILLEEY ; THIB HISTORICAL SKETCH of THE SERVICES BENDEEED BY THE BATTEEY DURING THE CONFEDERATE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE, I0 STUttcateb WITH SENTIMENTS Or SINOEKEST ESTEEM AND REGARD. PREFACE. The preparation of the following sketch has been a labor of love. The attachment which the writer enter- tains for his old company — the Chatham Artillery — an organization whose birth was well nigh coeval with the termination of the Revolution of 1776 — whose manhood has been demonstrated for eighty years— - whose patriotism has never been questioned — whose liberality and high-toned friendship have been ever warmly acknowledged — whose readiness and ability to respond with alacrity, intelligence, fidelity and efficiency to every duty devolved, whether amid the sunshine of peace, or the shadows of war, have always been freely admitted — whose record is untarnished, and whose every memory is pleasant, generous and heroic — is peculiar in its character, firm and abiding; and if this brief outline of the services rendered by the Battery during the memorable Confederate strug- gle for independence be kindly received by my brother members, and serve to perpetuate the lively remem- brance of those days of privations, exertion, and v i PBEPACE. dangers, cheerfully devoted to the maintenance of a cause, than which none holier ever nerved the arm of a soldier' or inspired the breast of a patriot, the object of this narrative will have been entirely accomplished. The loss of Confederate records, and of private journals kept during the recent war, is severely felt in writing a history even as partial as this. Details soon pass from the recollection, and facts which, with all their surroundings, we supposed at the time were graven with the point of a diamond upon the tablets of memory, are, after the lapse of a comparatively short period, often recalled with difficulty and uncer- tainty. Although traditions live, and the philosophy . of events survives long after the dramatis personal sleep in almost forgotten graves, specific facts, treasured up only in the memory, soon become confused, and ere long lose their authenticity. As so many of the details and statistics of the Confederate war, from the very nature of things, exist only in the personal recollections of the brave actors in that crisis of a nation's fate, and as each circumstance of this event- ful epoch is fraught with the deepest interest, it is incumbent upon all who can, while the images of the past are still distinct, to contribute in a substantial form to the records of this heroic period. Sketches and narratives — trivial in themselves considered — possess intrinsic importance, and form golden threads PREFACE. y j| from which, the fabric of a true Confederate history may one day be woven. In the following account I have endeavored to confine myself to a narrative of the services of the Battery. If occasionally — as in the case of "the isolation, bombardment, and reduction of Fort Pu- laski, or of the illustrious defenses of Fort McAl- lister, and of Battery Wagner — I have perhaps overstepped the limits which mark its individual history, I trust I will be pardoned; for the mind loves to dwell upon these gallant memories, and the record of the patriotism displayed, the valor exhibited, and the sufferings there endured, is sacred to the Confederate heart. It is an interesting fact, that at various times during the continuance of the war, the Chatham Artillery furnished from its membership to the Con- . federate and State service more than fifty commis- sioned officers. For the first time in eighty years this venera- ble and time honored Company, through the force of circumstances, ceases to exist as an active mili- tary organization ; but the spirit of patriotism, of friendship, of generosity, of valor, and of devotion to law, order and liberty which always character- ized it, still remains unchanged and unchangeable in the hearts of its surviving members; and we hope the day is not far distant, when the true men of this Battery will enjoy the privilege of reviv- yI[[ preface. ing the good old Company within the hospitable walls of Armory Hall, and of again marching by the side of our Washington guns within the con- fines of the beautiful and beloved city of Ogle- thorpe. ISTew Yoke City, December, 1866. HISTORICAL SKETCH CHATHAM ARTILLERY. CHAPTER I. The Chatham Artillery in the military service of the State of Georgia — History of the occupation of Fort Pulaski. After calm deliberation, appreciating the nature and the consequences of the act, aware of the already- avowed purposes of the Federal government toward a seceding state, and firmly relying upon the patriot- ism and devotion of a large majority of the people of Georgia, his Excellency Joseph E. Brown, adopting a bold and decided policy worthy the noble state with whose interests and honor he was then specifically charged, late in the evening of the second of January eighteen hundred and sixty-one, issued the following orders to Colonel Alexander R. Lawton then com- manding the 1st Regiment Georgia Volunteers : Head Quarters, Georgia Militia, Savannah, January 2, 1861. Colonel A. K. Lawton, Commanding 1st Regt. Georgia Vols., Savannah. Sir : In view of the fact that the government at Washington has, as we are informed upon high authority, decided on the policy of coercing a seceding state back into the Union, and it 2 10 HISTOKICAL SKETCH OF is believed now has a movement on foot to reinforce Fort Sumter, at Charleston, and to occupy with Federal troops the Southern forts, including Fort Pulaski in this state, which, if done, would give the Federal government in any contest great advantages over the people in this state; to the end, therefore, that this stronghold which commands also the entrance into Georgia, may not be occupied by any hostile force until the convention of the state of Georgia, which is to meet on the 16th instant, has decided on the policy which Georgia will adopt in this emergency, you are ordered to take possession of Fort Pulaski as by public order herewith, and to hold it against all persons, to be abandoned only under orders from me, or under compulsion by an overpowering hostile force. Immediately upon occupying the fort you will take measures to put it in a thorough state of defense as far as its means and ours will permit; and for this purpose you will advise with Captain Claghorn, Chatham Artillery, who has been charged with all matters relating to ordnance and ordnance stores, and their supply. You will further arrange with Captain Claghorn a series of day and night signals for communicating with the city of Savannah, for the purpose of calling for reinforcements, or for other necessary purposes. And you will arrange with Mr. John Cunningham, military purveyor for the time being, for the employment of one or more steam-boats, or other means of transportation by land or by water that may be necessary, and for other supplies (except for ordnance stores, for which you will call upon Capt.- Claghorn) as may be required. If circumstances should require it, the telegraph will be placed under surveillance. I think from our conversations you fully understand my views, and, relying upon your patriotism, energy and sound discretion in the execution of this important and delicate trust, I am, sir, very respectfully, Your obedient servant, Joseph E. Brown. Governor and Commander in Chief. THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. ;Q Head Quarters, Georgia Militia, _ Savannah, January 2, 1861. Colonel A. E. Lawton, Commanding 1st Regt. Georgia Vols., Savannah. Sir : The governor and commander in chief directs you to detail one hundred and twenty-five men, or more if necessary, from your command, with the suitable number of officers, includ- ing one or more medical officers, to occupy immediately, until further orders, Fort Pulaski at the mouthy of the Savannah river. Arrangements for the comfort and subsistence of the command have been made, and you will cause one of the military officers to be detailed to act as quarter master and commissary to take charge of the public stores, and issue and account for them under the regulations that will be furnished to him. Additional supplies of any kind that may become necessary from time to time, will be obtained by requisition made by the quarter master and commissary, countersigned by the command- ing officer, upon Mr. John Cunningham of Savannah who has been appointed military purveyor. Each man should carry with him a knapsack or valise con- taining a change of clothing, 1 iron spoon, 1 knife, 1 fork, 1 tin cup, 1 clothes-brush, 1 shoe-brush, box of blacking, comb and brush. It is desirable that a portion of your men should be relieved in such numbers and at such times as you may determine, to be replaced by new drafts of equal strength; care being taken that the relief be made at the fort, and that it does not exceed at any time one-half the command, that the greatest number on duty may be of those somewhat experienced in military duty. In conclusion, the commander in chief relies upon your military skill and knowledge for the discreet exercise of the service' involved in this order, for the maintenance of discipline, and for the care and accountability of the public property now in the fort, and to be sent there. The occupancy of the fort will be made under your personal direction, and you are desired to remain until proper order and 12 HISTORICAL SKETCH OP system are established. This done to your satisfaction, you will visit and inspect the fort and command as often as practicable, at least twice a week. By order of the commander in chief, Henet 0. Wayne, Adjutant General. The necessity for this prompt and manly action on the part of the executive, subsequent events soon demonstrated; and every act in the grand drama which followed, proved conclusively that this digni- fied, high-toned course had not been too early adopted on behalf of the Empire State of the South. The important events transpiring in the harbor of the sister city of Charleston, the recent overt acts and acknowledged intentions of the Federal government, the manifest tendency of events to one grand conclu- sion, the clear conception of the issues involved, and the calm resolve at every cost to maintain the dignity and the sovereignty of Georgia, the necessity for im- mediate preparations, by every means at command, to brave the war of races, and stem the political storm which had been brewing for many years, and the unanimity of feeling upon the great questions of liberty, equality, constitutional rights, property and honor at stake, combined to awaken the deepest anxiety in the public mind, and to engender among the volunteer companies of Savannah a generous rivalry, an acknowledgment of responsibility, a per- fection of organization, and a readiness for action, at once most marked and praiseworthy. For several months previous, unusual activity was observed among them. Accessions to their ranks occurred at every meeting. The closest attention was bestowed upon THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 13 drill and equipment, and the consequence was, that at this most important juncture, the 1st Eegiment Georgia Volunteers — always distinguished for its profi- ciency and the reliability of its membership — now presented the appearance and the characteristics of a body of regulars trained for the field, rather than of a volunteer organization of state militia. The presence of the governor in Savannah, and the knowledge that the early occupation of Fort Pulaski by state forces was under serious consideration, awakened the liveliest interest. Prompt was the response of the volunteer companies detailed by their colonel for the execution of tbis important order. During the long and bloody months, fraught with dangers and priyations, which marked the continu- ance of the noblest and most heroic struggle for inde- pendence ever recorded in the history of nations, Savannah has never been called upon to blush for the honor, the valor, or the patriotism of her sons. She sent them forth generously, and those who returned , came bringing their shields with them. Their blood has crimsoned the soil, and hallowed the recollections of almost every memorable battle fought in defense of the Southern Confederacy. Tbe order for the occupation of Port Pulaski was issued late on the evening of tbe second, and early on the morning of the third of January, 1861, detach- ments from the Chatham Artillery, Captain Claghorn, the Savannah Volunteer Guards, Captain Screven, and the Oglethorpe Light Infantry, Captain Bartow, num- bering about one hundred and twenty-five men, under the command of Colonel Lawton, embarked on board a steamer, and at twelve o'clock m. the same day took formal possession of Port Pulaski in the name of the state of Georgia. No resistance was encountered, as 14 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF the fort was then in local charge of simply an ordnance sergeant and one or two assistants. The following is believed to be a correct roll of the officers and members of the Chatham Artillery who were ordered to Fort Pulaski on the morning of the third of January, eighteen hundred and sixty-one : Joseph 8. Claghorn. Lieutenants. . Julian Hartridge. William M. Davidson. Sergeants. Thomas A. Maddox. Thomas A. Askew. Corporals. . . . John F. Wheaton. B. H. Hardee. J. F. Doe. Lance Corporals. . J. A. Courvoisie. J. A. Lewis. Privates. Bailey, F. W. Privates. Hertz, F. E. Cannon, Chas. Horton, H. P. Charlton, A. H. Johnston, J. M. Christian, H. R. Johnson, G. 0. Caas, M. L. Lawton, E. P. Dickson, W. G. Miller, J. Farr, J. M. Scranton, H. H. Finlayson, J. Sims, F. W. Gaudry, J. B. Tilden, B. Gray, P. Treanor, M. D. Gray, W. G. Tuffts, M. Guilmartin, L. J. Whitehead, Geo. A The battery of the Chatham Artillery, consisting of two twelve-pounder howitzers, and four six-pounder guns, all bronze, accompanied this detachment, and was at an early moment posted at the most available points in the fort. A second steamer, transporting THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 15 the baggage of the command, arrived a little later in the day. The fact of the occupation of the fort was communi- cated by Col. Lawton in the following dispatch to the governor who was still in Savannah. Fokt Pulaski, January 3, 1861. To his Excellency, J. E. Brown, Governor, etc., etc. Sir : I have the honor to report to you that the troops under my command reached Cockspur island in safety, and took formal possession of Fort Pulaski about 12 o'clock m. to-day without meeting with any obstacle. The second steamer, containing our baggage' and supplies, has not yet arrived, and we are neces- sarily in very great confusion. I am forced to write this dis- patch ore the head of a drum. On steaming down the river this morning, I ascertained with regret, that certain unauthorized persons had taken possession of the U. S. revenue cutter Dobbin, and are now exercising control over her in the waters of Georgia. However much we may applaud the sentiment which induced this act, it seems to me inconsistent with the position assumed by the commander in chief, and the authority by him conferred on me, that any such possession of property should be permitted except on pro- per authority first given. I have, therefore, felt it to be my duty to take possession of this vessel, and have her towed to Savannah to be subject to your directions in the premises. Had I been disposed to remand the cutter to the U. S. officers formerly in charge of her, it would not have been possible, as I am informed that they have left the state of Georgia. I sin- cerely regret that such embarrassing questions are presented by unauthorized persons at this critical moment. I will be pleased to learn your decision in the premises. Very respectfully, Your obedient servant, A. R. Lawton. 16 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF The following correspondence sufficiently explains itself, and the disposition made of the cutter fully justifies the statement, that in this earliest assertion of the sovereignty of the state, the conduct of the go- vernor and of those under his command was marked by a scrupulous regard for law, justice and propriety : Custom House, Collector's Office, etc. Sir : Capt. John Screven has this moment handed me your note of this date in relation to the recapture of the revenue cutter, J. C. Dobbin, in reply to which, I beg, in the name of the Federal government, to thank you, and further, to state, that I received a letter from the Hon. Philip F. Thomas, secretary of the treasury, some fifteen days ago, requesting me to direct the captain of said cutter to sail for Baltimore as soon as con- venient, and on his arrival to report the same to him (the secretary of the treasury) in writing, and await his orders; and that in obedience to said instructions, the cutter was ordered and on Saturday last prepared for sea, but was detained by unfavor- able winds until last night, when she was taken possession of by parties unknown to me. Under these circumstances, I must ask the favor of you to direct those in charge to allow her to proceed to sea in compliance with instructions from this office. I have the honor to remain, Your obedient servant, John Boston, Collector. To his Excellency Governor Joseph E. Brown, Pulaski House. Pulaski House, January 3, 1861. John Boston, Esq., Collector of the Port of Savannah. Sir : The revenue cutter, J. C. Dobbin, which was seized by some unauthorized person or persons unknown to me, has, under the order given by me to Col. Lawton, now in command of Fort Pulaski, to protect government property against injury, THE CHATHAM AKTILLERY. yj been recaptured, and is now aground near Fort Pulaski. You will please send a revenue boat and take her into custody to- night, and I will have her hauled off to-morrow morning and delivered to you at such place as you may designate. I much regret the lawless seizure of the vessel, and beg leave to assure you that I shall from time to time give such orders as will pro- tect the custom house and other property belonging to the Federal government till the action of this state is determined by the convention of her people. Very respectfully, etc., Joseph E. Brown. Pulaski House, January 3, 1861. John Boston, Collector, etc. Sir : Your note in reply to my communication of this eve- ning is received, and I have ordered the delivery of the J. C. Dobbin to her captain, with permission to proceed to sea, as you have requested. Very respectfully, etc., Joseph E. Brown. The "Washington guns — two six-pounder bronze field pieces — the pride and boast of this ancient and honorable Artillery company whose birth-day was well nigh coeval with that of the United States of America — the child of the revolution, whose first captain gave an arm to his country during the siege of Savannah, and many of whose early members had testified their devotion to the cause of liberty upon more than one of the memorable battle fields of the seven years' struggle for independence — these guns, themselves the trophies of that well fought contest, and the personal gift of the commander in chief, the immortal "Washington — were not brought into active service. The repeated discharges to which they had 3 18 HISTOEICAL SKETCH OP been subjected in a former century, physically disabled and rendered tbem unfit for field use in the present. Although their brave voices would have been lifted as willingly in defiance of .wrong and oppression then, as in former days, having done well their part, their task was over, and they were tenderly consigned to a safe and fitting repose, whence, at the proper time, they will be brought forth, a pledge of the existence of this time honored company, a bond of union in coming years, a guaranty that the spirit of both revo- lutions lives unquenched, and that although might has triumphed for the nonce, and the sword rendered its arbitrament in favor of superior numbers and the doctrines which they advocated, the eternal principles of truth and justice still survive. The service of the Chatham Artillery was_ thus coeval with the first military act of Georgia in assert-" ing her state sovereignty, and antedates the inception of the Confederate struggle for independence properly so called; although, in fact, each individual act per- formed in the respective Southern states looking towards their separation from, a union which had long before ceased to be equal in its benefits or desirable in its influences, constituted but an essential, compo- nent part of that great and heroic undertaking. Prom the morning when its first detachment — buoyant with patriotic hope, and fired with high resolves — crossed the drawbridge of Port Pulaski, to that sad day which witnessed in the surrender of the Confederate army under Gen. Joseph E. Johnston the virtual abandon- ment of the protracted, costly, and gigantic effort for liberty, this Battery was continuously in the field, at all times and in all places responding to every duty devolved upon it with a degree of intelligence, with an alacrity, and with an efficiency which attracted THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. JO, alike the notice and the commendation of its com- manding officers. 80 earnestly enlisted were the sympathies of the citizens and the citizen soldiery of Savannah in behalf of the dignity of Georgia, so eager were they to secure every advantage which looked to her protection, so alive to the true designs of the Federal government, and so fearful that any delay might prejudice the interests of the state they loved so well, that a plan was set on foot to seize Fort Pulaski, and hold it against the United States without the sanction of the constituted authorities. "This act was not conceived in a spirit of lawlessness, but was canvassed as a mea- sure conducive to the early protection of the sea board, and the security of the commercial metropolis of Georgia, and calculated to give assurance and confi- dence to those, who, convinced of the necessity of asserting a positive independence of Federal rule, hesi- tated to indulge in any overt act declarative of the resumption of her delegated rights and the assertion of her sovereignty by the state of Georgia. "Wiser counsels prevailed, however, and the contemplated movement was suspended for a few days to await the action of the governor, who was requested by tele- graph to come to Savannah at the earliest convenient moment, observe the state of feeling, and, in view of the dangers to be apprehended, act in behalf of the state in advance of the deliberations of the convention of the people soon to assemble. Governor Brown, accordingly, repaired at once to the city. A con- ference was held, and after the step had been maturely considered, orders were issued for the occupation of the fort. During the progress of the conference at the Pu- aski House on the evening of the 2d of January, 1861, 20 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF intelligence was received from a reliable source at "Washington, announcing that the policy of coercion had been adopted, and rendering quick action highly necessary. Accordingly, the following day the fort was, in obedience to the governor's directions, taken formal possession of, in the name of the state, and by her regularly constituted volunteer militia. The flag of Georgia was with due formality raised above the battlements of Fort Pulaski, and saluted. There it continued to wave in pride and beauty, guarded, honored, and beloved by the sons of Georgia, until it gracefully yielded its place to the national flag of the Confederate states, within whose ampler folds were garnered the hopes, not only of the Empire State of the South, but also of her valiant sisters who, with common hopes and kindred interests, had together solemnly resolved to imperil all in sacred defense of life, liberty, inalienable right, property and honor. The right of any people upon adequate cause to change a form of government, the right of states homogeneous in interests, feelings, institutions and destiny, to withdraw from a union into which they had originally entered voluntarily for purposes of mutual benefit, protection and equality, whenever that union ceased to subserve the purposes for which it was designed, and no longer conduced to the gene- ral welfare, was believed by Georgia to be absolute and incontrovertible; and, although the sword has physically settled the question against her, its award cannot alter the rectitude of her position, or negative a principle which partakes of the essence of liberty, and has its home in the very heart of truth. On the 18th. of January, 1861, it was unanimously resolved by the convention of the people of Georgia in Milledgeville assembled : THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 21 That this convention highly approves the energetic and patriotic conduct of Governor Brown in taking possession of Fort Pulaski by Georgia troops, and requests him to hold possession until the relations of Georgia with the Federal government be determined by this. convention. 1 The following day the ordinance to dissolve the union between the state of Georgia and other states united with her under a compact of government entitled " the Constitution of the United States of America," was adopted by the convention by a vote of 208 yeas, to 89 nays. That ordinance whereby the state of Georgia de- clared her freedom, sovereignty and independence, was couched in these simple, "dignified and compre- hensive terms : We, the people of the state of Georgia in convention as- sembled, do declare and ordain, and it is hereby declared and ordained ; That the ordinance adopted by the people of the state of Georgia in convention on the second day of January, in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred and eighty-eight, whereby the constitution of the United States of America was assented to, ratified and adopted ; and also all acts and parts of acts of the general assembly of this state, ratifying and adopting amend- ments of the said constitution, are hereby repealed, rescinded and abrogated. We do further declare and ordain that the union now sub- sisting between the state of Georgia and other states, under the name of the " United States of America," is hereby dissolved, and that the state of Georgia is in the full possession and exercise of all those rights of sovereignty which belong and ap- pertain to a free and independent state. 1 See Journal p. 26. 22 HISTORICAL SKETCH OP There is no question of the fact that the occupation of Fort Pulaski in this deliberate, manly, dignified man- ner, and in obedience to the express command of the state executive, exercised a potent influence, not only within the limits of Georgia, but also among her sister southern states. It demonstrated to friend and foe alike, that the work was begun in earnest and in the true way ; that there were cool heads to conceive, and brave hearts to execute. The state was thus, prior to the assembling of her convention, committed to the doctrine of secession. Fort Pulaski is situated on Cockspur island, in latitude thirty-two degrees two minutes north and longitude three degrees fifty-one minutes west from "Washington, at the head of Tybee roads, commanding both channels of the Savannah river. The position is a very strong one. The recent improvements in artillery and the introduction of heavy rifle guns of extended range and great power have, however, diminished its importance as an isolated work, and have clearly demonstrated the fact that in its present condition it can at any time be reduced by land bat- teries suitably armed, and located on Tybee island. The proper fortification or occupation of that island will hereafter be regarded as necessary to the exist- ence of this fortification. Cockspur is a marsh island about one mile long and half a mile wide. Fort Pulaski is a brick work of five sides or faces, including the gorge; casemated on all sides, with walls seven and a half feet thick, rising twenty-five feet above high water; mounting one tier of guns in embrasures, and one en barbette. The gor°-e is covered by an earthen work (demilune) of bold relief. The main work and demilune are both surrounded THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 23 and divided by a wet ditch. Around the main work the ditch is forty-eight feet wide ; around the demi- lune, thirty-two feet. The communication with the exterior is through the gorge into the demilune over a drawbridge, and then through one face of the demi- lune over the demilun e ditch by another drawbridge. The scarp of the demilune and the entire counter- scarp of the main work and demilune are revetted with good brick masonry. A full armament for the work would be one hundred and forty guns. 1 At the time of its occupation under the orders of Governor Brown, its armament consisted of only twenty thirty-two-pounder guns, the carriages of which were, in most instances, in bad condition and unserviceable. Dry rot had sadly invaded them. In the magazines were only a few hundred pounds of powder, and that # of a very inferior quality. Such cartridge bags as could be found, were moth-eaten and valueless. Of solid shot there was but a limited supply, and there was not a shell ready for action. Implements were scarce. Not a single gun was mounted en barbette. The quarters were destitute of furniture. Every thing was out of order. Of ordnance, quarter master, and commissary stores, there was no accumulation. The honor and the safety of Georgia were, however, at stake, the spirit of the men was admirable, and every one with alacrity and untiring zeal entered upon the great work of placing the fort in as perfect a state of defense as the limited means at command would justify. The pri- vate ordnance stores of the Chatham Artillery had been freely contributed, and in the field guns of that company, and the small arms of the garrison, chiefly 1 See Brig. Gen. Gfillmore's report. 24 HISTOKICAL SKETCH OF rested the earliest hopes of any ability to resist an effort on the part of the United States to repossess themselves of this important work. To the detachment of the Chatham Artillery were assigned, as quarters, the casemates on the left of the fort, where its members could at all times be near the heavy guns bearing upon the north channel of the Savannah river. The duties of the garrison were heavy and continuous, and immediately upon its arrival all the rules applicable to military service in the face of the enemy were announced in full force. At daylight, reveille and roll call, the morning gun, then police duty, guard mounting at half-past eight, customary inspections, during the day the men busily engaged in drilling, transporting supplies, placing ammunition, putting the guns in working order, making and filling cartridge bags t reaming out and setting fuze plugs, and generally in doing every thing which would conduce to the efficiency of the fort, mechanics at work repairing gun carriages, etc., the evening gun, and then the welcome tattoo. Sentinels were kept regularly posted, and the entire routine of guard duty was rigidly enforced. Every effort was made by the Governor, at the earliest practicable mo- ment, to supply existing deficiencies. The old powder on hand in the magazines was consumed by the Chat- ham Artillery in firing the morning and evening guns ; and, so soon as "the accumulating supply of powder warranted the expenditure, practice was had at stated periods ; all the men being carefully instructed in pointing and ranging. A commendable skill in the use of the thirty-two-pounder guns was soon acquired. The members of the Chatham Artillery, already familiar with light artillery drill, rapidly acquired the heavy artillery drill, and materially aided in the gene- THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 25 ral instruction of the garrison in this particular. The Manual of the Piece with the field guns became, during leisure hours, a favorite amusement with the infantry companies on duty at the fort. The Chatham Artillery quarters were at all times remarkable for their neatness and good order. The cuisine of the company was perfect. The strictures of the blockade and the evils of a depreciated cur- rency were then unknown. The country abounded in plenty, and supplied every comfort and luxury. The rations furnished by the state — although ample and -even liberal — were scarcely touched by the men, who preferred daintier things procured at their own expense, and lavishly sent by friends. The well fed Artilleryman, enjoying his champagne punch within the comfortable casemates, little thought of the com- ing day when even a glass of Confederate whisky could not be obtained amid the heavy dews of Florida, the miasmatic influences of James island, or the laborious marches and privations of the campaign in -the Carolinas. The mess-room of the Chatham Artil- lery was then at all times the abode of good cheer, and the home of hospitality. Garrison and visitors alike bore willing testimony to this — the colonel com- manding post, and the governor of the state included. None worked harder or more cheerfully while on duty, no one was more punctual in the performance of the allotted task — none more jovial when the drill was over — no soldier lived better than the Chatham Artilleryman. This was the gala day of service. The detachments constituting the garrison were regularly relieved at intervals of generally ten days, by new details from the 1st Volunteer Regiment of Georgia — a detach- 4 26 HISTOEICAL SKETCH OF ment from the Chatham Artillery at all times, how- ever, constituting a portion of the garrison. Thus each citizen soldier was required to perform his quantum of military service, and had still the opportunity of attending to his professional and domestic affairs. The pressure of actual war was not then upon the land, although the shadows of the gathering storm Were daily growing larger and hlacker. It was a novel and interesting sight to observe men of position and of wealth, of ease and of leisure, willingly abandoning the allurements of home, and, filled with the patriotic resolve cheerfully to do every thing which might conduce to the general welfare in this the trying period of a young nation's primal agony, in coarse flannel shirts, with arms black and greasy to the shoulder, trundling wheel barrows, cleaning . cannon, distributing ammunition, mounting, dismounting, and shifting guns, toiling for long conse- cutive hours in the performance of laborious duties — at other times, in neat uniform, with zeal and alacrity acquiring the drill — and again, with equal cheerfulness performing guard duty upon the ramparts, whether the moon beamed brightly upon the placid tide, or the bleak northeast wind came howling with drenching showers from the cold Atlantic. After the lapse of four years of privations, and struggles, and battles, and wounds, and exposures, and dangers, than which the history of wars the most gigantic in their proportions and the most hazardous in their enterprises furnishes none more remarkable, we may look back with a smile upon these early days of martial toil and training ; but the remembrance of them is manly with patriotic ardor, and redolent of that devotion to country which has in all ages been ranked second only to obedience to God. THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 27 A large force of negroes, whose labor was freely- contributed by their owners, was, at the earliest practicable moment, busily employed in cleaning out the moat and ditches of the fort (which had been to a very considerable depth filled by deposits from the tide), and in other heavy and necessary work upon Cockspur island. While a detachment of the Artillery was thus con- stantly on duty at Pulaski, the members of the com- pany in the city of Savannah were engaged, at stated hours, in the gun-room at Armory Hall, in making fuzes and in the preparation of such ordnance stores as were required not only by the field guns, but also, as far as practicable, for general use at the fort. It is a matter worthy , of record, that for several months after the occupation of Pulaski, a large proportion of the fuzes issued to that fort, was manufactured by the Chatham Artillery; and it is an interesting fact, so carefully were they prepared, that they compared favorably with those obtained at later periods from the best Confederate arsenals. Being the only thoroughly equipped artillery com- pany at that time within the limits of Georgia, and there having existed for nearly three-quarters of a century a peculiar pride of organization which in- duced both officers and men in time of peace to familiarize themselves with at least the most important details connected with the drill and general economy of the Battery, and simple ordnance duties, it came to pass that at the inception of our revolution, through the exertions of this company, many valuable supplies were furnished which could not at the time be either elsewhere or immediately obtained. ' To Capt. Claghorn, then commanding the company, especial credit is due for the energy, intelligence, and 28 HISTOEICAL SKETCH OF patriotism with which he devoted his time, attention, and means to the company, its instruction and equip- ment, and to the performance of other duties most valuable to the state. The activity of the gun room and of the yard at Armory Hall, during this period, will he long remem- bered. The cartridge bags for the heavy guns at the fort, and for this Field Battery, were most of them furnished at the fair hands of the daughters of Savannah, who, from the very, inception of our difficulties, freely contributed their smiles, their precious words of en- couragement, their sacred prayers, and their actual labors to cheer and sustain the cause of truth and independence. The record of the patriotism, the heroic sufferings, the noble acts of the women of the Confederate revolution, is the brightest and the holiest in the annals of this world's history. In the darkest hours of that protracted struggle how sublime their influence and example ! The pre- sence of their sympathy and of their aid, the potency of their prayers and of their sacrifices, the voice of their patriotism and of their devotion, the eloquence of their tears and of their smiles, were priceless in the inspiration they brought, and more effective than an army with banners. " The maid who binds her warrior's sash, And smiling, all her pain dissembles, . The while beneath the drooping lash One starry tear-drop hangs and trembles ; Though heaven alone records that tear And fame shall never know her story, Her heart has shed a drop as dear As ever dewed the field of glory. THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 29 The wife who girds her husband's sword, ' Mid little ones who weep and wonder, And bravely speaks the cheering word, E'en though her heart be rent asunder; Doomed nightly in her dreams to hear The bolts of war around him rattle, Has shed as sacred blood as e'er "Was poured upon the plain of battle. The mother who conceals her grief While to her breast her son she presses, Then breathes a few brave words and brief, Kissing the patriot brow she blesses, With no one but her secret God To know the pain that weighs upon her, Sheds holy blood as e'er that God Keceived on freedom's field of honor." On the 18th of February Mr. Davis was inaugu- rated at Montgomery, Alabama, as president of the Confederacy; and on the 3d of March General Beaure- gard assumed the command at Charleston. On the 7th of March the convention of Georgia, ■which had up to this time been holding its sessions at Milledgeville, assembled at Savannah, where com- munication with the country at large was more direct, and where tbe urgent wants and dangers of the coast could be more narjowly ascertained and provided for. Five days afterwards an invitation was extended to and accepted by the convention to visit and inspect Fort Pulaski. The record of that excursion has been preserved in the public journals of the day, and so favorably impressed were the governor and tbe mem- bers of the convention with the zeal, the good order, 30 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF the discipline, and the proficiency of the garrison, that the following resolutions were soon after adopted by that body : Resolved: That the volunteer soldiers from the city of Savannah have exhibited their patriotism in the prompt, patient and efficient manner in which they have discharged their duty in garrisoning Fort Pulaski, and deserve the gratitude of their fellow citizens. Resolved : That the thanks of the people of Georgia are hereby tendered to the various officers and their respective commands, who, in the hour of anticipated danger and invasion, promptly placed themselves under the command of the governor for the purpose of protecting and defending the honor and interest of the state. Although by ordinance passed by the convention on the 20th of March, the control of all military operations in the state having reference to, or connec- tion with questions between this state or any of the Confederate states of America and powers foreign .to them, and the arms and munitions of war acquired from the United States, as well as the use and occu- pancy of all forts, arsenals, navy-yards, custom-houses, and other public sites, were solemnly transferred to the government of the Confederate States of America, some time elapsed before the Confederacy practically availed itself of the provisions of this, transfer ; and, during the interim, the burden of garrisoning the important post at Cockspur, and of supplying its deficiencies, devolved upon the chief magistrate of Georgia, who, with singular industry and ability, endeavored by every means at his command to respond to the repeated calls made upon the manhood and the resources of the state. THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 31 The two regiments of regulars which the governor was authorized by the convention to raise, having been rapidly recruited, were in the month of April distributed at Tybee island, at Forts Pulaski and Jackson, and in Savannah, thereby to a great degree relieving the volunteer companies of Savannah, which up to this time had constituted the sole garrison of Fort Pulaski. On the 23d of March the governor had been empowered and instructed to tender these regiments to the Confederate States as a component part of the provisional army. On the 1st of May, the Chatham Artillery cele- brated, with interesting ceremonies, its seventy-fifth anniversary. An oration, commemorative of its his- tory from its earliest organization, was pronounced by Charles C. Jones, Jr., then first lieutenant of the company. A Confederate flag was presented, on behalf of the wives and daughters of the non-commis- sioned officers of the company, by Lieut. Hartridge, and received on behalf of the company by Capt. Clag- horn. A salute of eight guns was fired in honor of the day. The parade was the largest ever made in the history of the company. Fully impressed with the momentous issues of the present, and firmly resolved to respond cheerfully and manfully to the new and important duties which would soon devolve upon them as citizen soldiers, the active members of this Battery determined, at the earliest call, to volun- teer in the service of the new born Confederacy. As the proceedings of this day have been perpetuated in substantial form, it is unnecessary now to dwell upon them. Suffice it to say that the fires kindled upon the patriotic altar then erected, burned brightly through after years of gloom, of privation, and of danger ; and the beautiful flag then'received — at once 32 HISTORICAL SKETCH OP the symbol of woman's devotion, and the ensign of a nation's honor — full high advanced through the darkest trials, proved ever a cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night, pointing the way to noble action and heroic endurance. THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 33 CHAPTER II. The Chatham Artillery mustered into the service, of the Con- federate States — Removal of the Company from Port Pulaski to Camp Claghorn on the Isle of Hope — Its equipment as a Light Battery. Erom the 1st of May until the 31st of July, 1861, comparatively little active service was rendered by the company. On the day last mentioned the Chat- ham Artillery was, in its own Armory yard, duly mustered into the service of the Confederate states by William S. Rockwell, Lieut. Colonel of the 1st Vo- lunteer Regiment of Georgia, mustering officer. The company was received as a unit under its state organ- ization, the commissioned officers presenting them- selves under the commissions which they held from the governor. The following were the commissioned officers : Joseph S. Claghorn, Captain. Charles C. Jones, Jr., senior 1st Lieutenant. Julian Hartridge, junior " " William M. Davidson, senior 2d " Bernardino S. Sanchez, junior " " It is with sincere regret that I am unable to present a roll of the individual members of the company, who, on this occasion, enlisted in the service of the Con- federate states. This much, however, can be stated, that one captain, four lieutenants, six sergeants, four corporals, two musicians,- and thirty-one privates — aggregate, forty-eight — were then mustered into Con- 5 * 34 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF federate service. The very next day the company was put under orders and went to Fort PuiasM. This term of service, thus commenced, was coextensive with the Confederate struggle for independence. The Chatham Artillery was mustered into Confederate service for twelve months, with the distinct under- standing, however, had with Brig. Gen. Lawton, then commanding the military district, and who, in the absence of specific instructions from the scarcely organized war department of the Confederate states, was endeavoring to organize forces for the defense of the coast for the longest terms and upon the most advantageous basis possible in the novel and unsettled condition of affairs, that if he received any company for a period less than the term specified, the Chatham Artillery should, if so disposed, be entitled to the benefit of the change, and have its term of service reduced pro tanto. No one at this time realized the gigantic proportions which the impending war was destined to assume, or appreciated even approxima- tively its probable duration. It was generally believed that it would be a partial and a short war. The triumph of the Confederacy was regarded as certain, and the object of this stipulation was to provide for the contingency — which, it was thought, would very likely occur — of a cessation of hostilities within a twelve-month. In that event, these citizen soldiers who had laid aside many and weighty obligations at home, not in a thoughtless spirit of wild adventure, but in obedience to a clear conception of most sacred duty, did not desire to find themselves in time of peace constituting a portion of the standing army of the Confederacy. Upon its return to Port Pulaski the company entered earnestly upon the performance of garrison THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 35 duty. Blockading vessels were daily in sight. Most important events had transpired in Virginia and else- where. The plot was thickening on every hand. Rumors were rife of an expedition on foot to recapture the fort, whose armament was still very defective. The greatest difficulty was encountered in the effort to procure guns of suitable calibre. It was therefore all important that the battery in position, and the garrison should be kept in the best possible condition. By the middle of September the armament of the fort had been increased by the, addition of one twenty- four-pounder and three eight-inch Columbiad guns in casemates, and two eight-inch, and five ten-inch Columbiads en barbette. Ordnance stores had been accumulated. The garrison had been well instructed in the heavy artillery drill. The light field guns of the company no longer subserved the important purposes which they answered upon the first occupa- tion of the fort — when they were almost the only pieces available for its 'immediate defense. The Chatham Artillery was essentially a light artillery company, having in its possession a light battery con- sisting of two twelve-pounder howitzers and four six- pounder guns, limbers and caissons complete, and also the requisite sets of harness in fair order. For the time being its members had acted as heavy artillerists, but as such they could now be conveniently spared from the garrison of the fort, and it was highly import- ant that there should be well organized mounted artillery for the defense of the coast. Under these circumstances the question of a change from heavy to light artillery duty was earnestly considered in the company, and zealously advocated by its officers. The great desideratum was a sufficient number of good battery horses. So limited was the supply of 36 HISTORICAL SKETCH OP quarter master funds in the hands of the Confederate officers, and in such an imperfect condition all the monetary arrangements of the Confederacy at this period, that General Lawton, while anxious for the change, did not feel authorized, in the absence of express instructions from the war department, to issue the necessary orders for the purchase of the requisite number of battery animals upon the faith of the Confederate government. Virginia was at this moment monopolizing the energies of the newly formed Confederacy. Nobly had that state — the mother of statesmen, soldiers and heroes — bared her bosom in the sacred cause. Against her were hurled almost the accumulated energies of the United States, and it required the concentrated manhood and sub- stance of the country to respond to the emergency, and stay the surging waves of oppression as they dashed against her historic borders, and broke over her ancient and renowned plains. It was accord- ingly deemed advisable to apply to the governor of Georgia — who had already contributed so largely of the means of the empire state of the south to the support of the Confederacy — for authority to purchase on the faith of the state the battery amimals needed. Lieut. C. C. Jones, Jr. who had not yet joined the Battery — his term of service as mayor of the city of Savannah not having expired — was requested to proceed to Milledgeville and lay this matter before the governor. "With this object in view, he conferred with his Excellency Joseph E. Brown, in Atlanta — the interests of the state having called him temporarily away from the capital — and was authorized by the governor to contract on the faith of the state for the purchase of eighty horses for the equipment of the company as a light battery. Pending the purchase, THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 37 however, the Confederate government, upon the repeated request of General Lawton, agreed to assume the expense of equipping the Battery, and directed General Lawton to issue such orders and furnish such supplies as should be found necessary to place the company in the field as an efficient mounted battery. Major S. J. Smith, quarter master, was at once ordered to procure and turn over to Captain Claghorn eighty serviceable battery horses. Upon this determination to change the character of their service, the members of the Chatham Artil- lery at the special instance of General Lawton,"who, under the pressure of circumstances, had intermedi- ately accepted several companies for a period less than a year, and who was therefore bound under the agree- ment made with the company at the time of its enlistment to reduce its term of service pro tanto, and in consideration of the heavy expense which would be necessarily incurred by the government in equipping the Battery, appreciating too, the important fact that the- young Confederacy at that moment needed in the tented field, and was likely to require for many months to come, the strong arms and loyal hearts of all her sons who could be summoned to her defense, readily consented to waive any right which they had to a reduction of the original term of service. The efl'ectof this action on the part of the company, trivial as.it may now appear, was most salutary. The war had already assumed gigantic proportions. Its thunders had been heard in Charleston Harbor, at Great Bethe], at Bull Bun, at Manassas, at Oak Hill, and elsewhere. The entire north, full of resources and of men, had assumed a determined front. It was . each day becoming more and more certain that the liberty and national independence, so dear to every 3S HISTORICAL SKETCH OF Confederate heart, could only be secured at the expense of sacrifices the most enormous, and after months, perhaps years of bloody toil and death. The first blush of the soldier's life was fading away, to be suc- ceeded by a realization of the stern privations to be endured, and the exacting duties to be performed. Home, with all the holy joys which live nowhere else save within those hallowed precincts, must be, for the while, virtually abandoned, and chosen pursuits dis- continued. Other companies were claiming the bene- fit of short terms of enlistment, and some were eagerly returning, at least for a season, to the freedom and the pleasures . of civil life. Enlistments at this period may. be said to have been, in a great degree, voluntary, and serious apprehensions were entertained for the safety of the coast on account of the limited number of troops assembled for its defense. With unanimity most praiseworthy, and a readi- ness most commendable, abandoning all expectation of an early release from service, turning away from the allurements of home, realizing the obligations of ' country in her hour of extreme peril as far superior to all private or personal considerations, and respond- ing cheerfully to the wish of the commanding general, the Chatham Artillery — the child of the first revolu- tion — true to the principles, objects and aims which originally called it into being, remained a willing volunteer military organization in the service of the Confederacy. Let the recollection of this patriotic action on the part of this company, in an hour of doubt and of distraction, be perpetuated to its honor, and serve as an example worthy of imitation. Preliminary arrangements for its removal having been accomplished, the company was transported on board the steamer Ida from Fort Pulaski to Camp THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 39 Claghorn, on the Isle of Hope, on the 28th of Septem- ber, 1861. From this date commences its history as a Confederate Light Battery. The attractions of this encampment will be long remembered by every one, whether soldier or civilian ; and the pleasures there enjoyed will be forgotten only when the heart proves oblivious of those impressions which are formed by the beautiful in nature, and the true in friendship. On the day of this change of location the morning report showed .only thirty-four " aggregate present." Immediately every exertion was used to equip the Battery for the field in the shortest practicable space of time, and in the best possible manner. Horses were furnished rapidly, and were, immediately upon their arrival in camp, thoroughly trained. Suitable stables were constructed. The encampment was pro- perly located, and everything done which could con- duce to the comfort of the men and the good order of the battery. Every one was in earnest, and under the guidance, direction and instruction of Capt. Claghorn, who was unremitting in his exertions, boundless in his zeal, and careful in all his plans and regulations, the Battery was soon mounted, the horses, drivers, and cannoneers thoroughly drilled, requisite ordnance stores secured, and all things put in readiness for efficient field service. "Within two months the com- pany was recruited up to one hundred and seven, and on the 31st of December the morning report showed an " aggregate present and absent " of one hundred and twenty-one men. No change had occurred in the armament of the company, with the exception of the addition of a steel rifle Blakely gun, throwing a conical projectile of nearly twelve pounds in weight. This assignment 40 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF was made by Brig. Gen. Lawton commanding, and was intended as a special mark of the esteem in which the Battery was held by him, and as a reward of merit for the proficiency and skill which it had already attained. It was turned over to the Battery on the 24th of December, 1861, and in compliment to the gallant commodore, whose memory, so cherished by the brave and the good of many nations, is peculiarly dear to Georgians, was called the Tattnall gun. On the 17th of September the steam ship Bermuda safely ran the blockade and arrived at Savannah, bringing a most valuable cargo direct from Liverpool, consisting in part of eighteen rifle cannon, seven thousand Enfield rifles, percussion caps, ammunition, blankets, army shoes, etc., etc. On board this vessel was brought the Tattnall gun. It was an excellent field piece, and was held in especial esteem by the company. At the distance of a mile and an eighth, a target 4X6 .feet was struck twice out of five shots fired from this gun. It continued for many months in the possession of the company, and was present at the battle of Seces- sion ville. "When the armament of the Battery was changed, it passed out of the hands of the company, and becoming disabled in action, was abandoned by Wagner's German Artillery, upon the retreat from Bryan county, while retiring within the Confederate lines on the old Darien and Savannah road upon the advance of Gen. Sherman's army, just before the investment of Savannah. The text-book used and rigidly observed in the drill and conduct of the Battery, was the Instruction for Field Artillery prepared by a board of United States Artillery officers, consisting of Brevet Major French, Capt. Barry and Brevet Major Hunt. Schools of THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 41 instruction were regularly had. Commissioned and non-commissioned officers and men, alike betook them- selves with earnest zeal to the acquisition of their respective duties, and it is not an exaggeration to say, that before the yellow jessamine had ceased to mingle its perfumes with the early spring flowers, the com- pany was thoroughly conversant with pointing and ranging, with the manual of the piece, with the mechanical manoeuvres, and with the schools of the soldier, the driver, the piece and the battery. While in state service, and for a long time subse- quent, the uniform worn consisted of the undress or fatigue uniform of the company; see section ninth of the eighth rule for the government of the Chatham Artillery, adopted at a meeting of the corps held at the Armory on the fifteenth of February, 1860. I quote from that section : The fatigue uniform of the company shall consist of a blue cloth frock-coat, single breasted, standing collar," with a row of nine buttons in front, the coat to be perfectly plain, with six buttons (three on a side), on the skirt behind at equal distances from the waist to the bottom of the skirt ; three small buttons on or at each cuff, the buttons to be gib convex artillery buttons. The coats of the commissioned officers to be distinguished by shoulder straps, such as are used in the United States artillery service. Chevrons to be worn by commissioned and non-com- missioned officers. No service bars. The fatigue cap shall be the navy cap, blue cloth, with a wreath of gold or gilt embroidery in front, with the letters C. A. in the wreath, and the figures 1786 between the points of the wreath, and below the letters C. A. This cap, however, proving ill adapted to active service in the field on account of the small degree of protection which it .afforded, was soon exchanged for 42 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF a comfortable black felt hat. The rich pantaloon with its broad scarlet stripe was also laid aside for one of dark grey, with red cord inserted in the outer seam. Sabres and Colt's navy revolvers were issued to the company, and were worn for several months by all of the men except the drivers. These, however, were afterwards turned in, and the men instructed to rely solely upon their guns. The commissioned officers and sergeants of course retained their side arms. Experience has fully demonstrated the fact, that it is unwise to encumber cannoneers with sabres, or to permit them to carry pistols. It is well ascertained that the most efficient service rendered by a light battery is when the enemy has approached within canister range. Every moment then is worth an age, and every discharge is big with momentous conse- quences. Just at this crisis, under the excitement of the moment, and yielding to the natural impulse of personal protection, artillerists, especially when unac- customed to the duties growing out of hotly contested engagements, if armed with pistols, will draw and use them. This at once terminates the efficiency of the battery, whose firing, in resisting a charge, should be manfully sustained to the last degree, and even to the very mouths of the cannon. Everything, therefore, which calls off the attention of the men from their guns, and tends to interrupt that sole and absolute reliance which they should repose in their appropriate weapons, ought to be mercilessly excluded. It was not until these fatigue suits were fairly worn out, that the company appeared in the uniform pre- scribed by the Confederate regulations. The issue of clothing to troops in Confederate service was, from the nature of the case, very tardy; and those first in the field — composed as they were in great mea- THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 43 sure of the volunteer military organizations already in existence and in commission — appeared in their accustomed uniforms. It is a matter of history in Georgia, and, if our information is correct, within the limits of all the states struggling for independence, that there was not a single company, or battalion, or regiment of the United States army, which, in an organized capacity, espoused the Confederate cause. Brave officers there were who resigned their commissions in the army and navy and bared their breasts in behalf of southern freedom. To their skill, bravery, and abilities, the Confederacy owes a debt of gratitude, which, although it can never be recognized in a national capacity, will be ardently acknowledged by the stout hearts which have swelled to noble deeds of valor under their leadership, and honorably transmitted for the recognition of true lovers of liberty and disinterested patriotism. The entire file of the standing army of the United States was opposed in an organized capacity to the Confederacy at the very inception of this momentous contest. The appointments of Camp Claghorn were perfect in every particular. The captain of the corps in whose honor it was called, with the liberality charac- teristic of him as a gentleman, placed everything at his delightful summer retreat at the disposal of his command. The consequence was, that every conve- nience was enjoyed for hospital purposes, for the preservation of quarter master and commissary stores, the erection of stables, kitchens, and artificer's' shops, and the proper and pleasant location of the entire encampment. The snow white tents, with their neat floors and comfortable camp-cots, contrasted charm- 44 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF ingly with the grand old oaks and beautiful cedars which threw their protecting shadows above and around. The adjacent river proved a never failing source of amusement to the old guard. Abundant supplies of fish .rewarded the easy toil of the members off duty, and the piscatorial success of Tom F., will conse- crate him for all time in the history of this period, as our fisherman, primus inter pares. I can see him now, seated upon the outer bench of the bath-house, the soft southeast wind wooing the swelling tide, the sinking sun forgetting his noon-tide wrath, and flood- ing the wide-extended marshes and the low-lying islands with a subdued, light, as, with the patient skill of a modern Sir Isaac, he secured the finest fish of the river. I can still note the quiet smile of satisfaction with which he exhibits to his admiring comrades the result of his afternoon's sport, and remember the expressions of sincere pleasure with which he makes them the happy sharers in the good fortune of the hour. The stables for the battery animals, with their neat stalls well drained and newly sanded, with harness- racks and blacksmith shop hard by, were always kept in the best possible condition under the admi- rable management of Stable Sergeant D., familiarly known as the Old Commodore. And who will forget the quarter master's depart- ment, or rather Quarter Master Sergeant G., a three hundred pounder, if an ounce, the very impersonation of good cheer, and at all times gay and light of beart as a genuine Frenchman fresh from the vine-clad hills of la belle France f "We have seen him scores of tinies at the door of his sanctum, consecrated by the presence of sundry barrels of bacon, mess-beef, flour, grist, THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 45 molasses, et id omne genus, coatless and vestless, the sleeves of his generous merino well rolled back, his rubicund face and most comfortable figure expressive of every good nature and every good living, as at early morning he- dealt out with unerring judgment upon his cracked government scales, to Secesh Mess, to Sprouts Mess, to Live Oak Mess, to Dixie Mess, to Jeff Davis Mess, to Bartow Mess, to Beauregard Mess, to Confederate Mess, to Rebel Mess, to Our Mess, the weekly allowance of commissary stores, with sundry valuable recipes as to the best method of preparing rye-coffee so that it could not be distinguished from true Java, and many fatherly suggestions with refer- ence to the most economical modes of using half rations of sugar, soap, candles and salt. A few hours later, and you find him, his labors for the day all done, in front of his tent shaded by the wide-spreading cedar, emitting ceaseless volumes of smoke from his ever faithful companion, a genuine red-clay pipe with a full grown Indian titi stem, sur- rounded by every one off duty, telling the last joke of the season, discussing the recent war news, and then when every other topic was exhausted, giving a de- tailed account of how the fire occurred at the fort, and finally with a long drawn sigh, as the conversation flagged, wishing that the war was over, and all back again in Savannah. Ready for anything except a foot race, enjoying everything except gymnastic exercises, and afraid of nothing, Old Quarter, one of the marked members of the Battery, will not soon be forgotten. Philoso- phers of antiquity failed to pronounce who was the happiest of men. The problem might have been solved had they spent a day at Camp Claghorn. Old Hetterick too, with his sweet bugle ! How often 4Q HISTOKICAL SKETCH OF at tattoo have its silvery notes, mingling in soft cadence with the gentle ripple of the swelling tide, in perfect unison with the whispers of the evening winds as they lingered amid the beautiful trees silvered all over by the rays of a full-orbed moon, filled the air with thoughts of alternate joy and sadness, love and pleasure, peace and war. IsTow an aria, now a ballad, now a lively waltz, now a soul-stirring march, and now strains so soft and pensive, that they seemed the voice of a young mother in her first sorrow. Police regulations were rigidly observed, and all prescribed inspections never omitted. The camp of the Chatham Artillery was pronounced by every one a model camp, a compliment none the less deserved, whether paid by the casual visitor, the inspecting officer, the general in command, or the fair ladies who frequently, as the shadows of evening were mirroring upon the placid surface of the river the noble oaks which adorned its banks, would lend to the hour and the scene attractions which they alone can impart. The drill ground, of the company, located on the shell road leading from the Isle of Hope to Savannah, and known as Pritchard's old field, was distant from the camp some three miles. The proficiency of the Battery in field evolutions attracted the notice, and received the commendations of many reviewing officers. General Robert E. Lee, " the noblest Roman of them all," while in command of this department, has himself in person reviewed this Battery, carefully inspected its drill, and pronounced it inferior to none in the Confederate service. Com- mendation from one so noble, so truthful, and so capable, should be prized among the peculiar memo- ries of this time honored company. To have formed THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 47 at any time a portion of the command of this illustri- ous hero, and to have merited his approbation, is a distinction to be treasured with pride and self-gratu- lation. Visitors were often present at this drill ground to witness the evolutions of the Battery, and exchange words of friendship and sometimes of love, with ac- quaintances and chosen companions. The drill of the Battery was constant. Nothing was permitted to interrupt it either in park or in the field. He alone can appreciate the care and labor necessary to place a light battery properly in the field, who has himself reduced to suitable drill and discipline one hundred untrained horses, and half that number of drivers who at first knew no difference between a countermarch and a right reverse. It was a distinguishing feature of this battery that the drivers were enlisted as such, and were exclusively charged with the care and management of the battery animals. The cannoneers thus relieved from all duties of this character, were the better enabled to perfect themselves in the manual of the piece, the mechanical manoeuvres, and the Various exercises con- stituting the drill of a field battery. The company always manifested a choice in the selection of its membership, and the following method was adopted. The name of the applicant, who was vouched for by at least two members of the company, was brought forward at an assemblage of the corps convened for that purpose. If he received four-fiftns of the votes cast, he was declared elected ; otherwise he was rejected. This rule preserved the character of the company, and acted as a safe-guard. The consequence was, that its members were always men of character and of reliability. 48 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF In fact, the composition of this Battery was ever of a remarkable character, and was admirably sustained throughout the entire war. On account of its old and cherished associations, associations which brought into closest sympathy with it the good and the brave of more than two generations; because of the distin- guished reputation which it had ever maintained, and the confidence reposed in it as the most ancient volun- teer organization in the country, it was never a difficult matter to keep its ranks recruited up to the maximum, and from the most desirable material. For many months the following was the daily rou- tine of duty at Camp Claghorn : drill at the manual of the piece in park, at 7 a. m., for one hour; battery drill from 9 A. m. to 1p.m.; at 4 p. m., drill in parkin the mechanical manoeuvres, and sabre exercise ; target practice at 5 p. m. The principal targets were located, one on Burnt Pot island, six hundred and twelve yards distant from - the park, and the other lower down the river, on the open marsh, at a remove of about a mile and an eighth from the bluff upon which the encampment was situated. All the fuzes used were manufactured by the com- pany. Such was the accuracy attained in shell prac- tice, that those projectiles were exploded at pleasure at almost any designated spot within a thousand yards. The face of the first target was completely riddled by fragments of shells from the howitzers, while our six- pounder guns, true to their aim, often sent their solid shots ricochetting clear across Burnt Pot island, and the marsh beyond, until they finally impinged upon and buried themselves in the yielding soil of Skidaway island. The accuracy of fire and the extended range of the Tattnall gun have already been noticed. THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 49 The esprit de corps characteristic of the Chatham Artillery, the general good will and friendship existing among the members, the alacrity and the accuracy which peculiarized the discharge of all the duties devolved, the ever present desire to excel in every particular, and the general neatness, comfort and good order, united in constituting this a marked battery; Comprising in its membership men of position, of influence and of property, men of individual pride and of true patriotism, who had left the endear- ments of home and the profits of private occupations simply with a view to the honorable discharge of those obligations which are due by true citizen soldiers when the nearest and dearest political rights are attacked, country threatened, and national honor and national repose imperiled by a powerful and unre- lenting foe — obligations, which, in all their sanctity, can be appreciated only by patriots accustomed to the air of freedom, and by brave men with hearts to feel and arms to redress the wrongs inflicted — men too of intelligence, sensibly alive to the duties of the social relations, and standing in striking, contrast to the ordi- nary food for armies — with the memories of seventy- five eventful years upon its head, and consecrated by associations which reminded of "Washington, of La Fayette, of Jackson and a host of worthies who gave to the past assurance of its greatness, and to the present ensamples worthy of all imitation, it is no wonder that this organization secured for itself a name and a respect at once peculiar and most enviable. To the volunteer who has parted with the attrac- tions of home and chosen calling in obedience to the voice of his country, who has sought the field not with a view to temporary support, or as a theatre for wild adventure, who is eager, not only in name, but 7 50 HISTOEICAL SKETCH OF by actual deed, and that of peril, to testify his earnest devotion to the cause he has espoused, to the support of principles dearer than life, the tedium of camp life, relieved by no change of scene or the excitements of actual conflict, very soon becomes oppressive. Nothing but a realizing sense of the fact that he is in very deed discharging an important duty, can at all reconcile him to his status of apparent inactivity, especially while others, brothers in the same heroic struggle, are elsewhere winning praises and reaping the rewards of valor upon the field of battle. Often did the stout hearts of the Chatham artillery- men yearn for orders which would take them from the peaceful shades of Camp Claghorn to the post of hard- ship and of danger. Again and again did they crave the privilege of testifying, amid the blood and carnage of the front, their devotion to the cause of the Con- federacy, and of winning new honors for their battery. When General Lawton was ordered to Virginia, the company petitioned to be allowed to accompany his brigade. Special application was made by the gene- ral to be permitted to include this eflicient battery in his command, but the response was, the Chatham Artillery must be reserved for the present for coast defense. On the 30th of October the first hostile guns were heard at the encampment of the Battery. On that day launches from a blockading vessel attempted to set fire to a schooner which had stranded near the Confederate battery on the north point of Warsaw island. The battery, at that time garrisoned by the Republican Blues of Savannah, opened fire upon them. The enemy replied, and for a while quite an animated little engagement ensued, which was termi- nated by the withdrawal of the Federals without THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 51 accomplishing their purpose. This little affair is memorable as being the first passage of arms on the coast of Georgia. Twelve days after, this battery was abandoned and its armament and ordnance stores were safely trans- ferred to Skidaway island. The original line for the defense of the sea-coast of Georgia contemplated the construction of small earth-works at every ship-channel entrance from Tybee island to Fernandina; briefly thus, a small battery on Tybee island as an outpost to Fort Pulaski, a small battery on Warsaw island as an advanced work to the Skidaway island batteries, at Ossabaw no defense exterior to the battery on Green island, then Fort McAllister near the mouth of the Great Ogeechee river, a small battery on the north point of St. Catharine's island, and so on to the south end of Cumberland island. The armament intended for these batteries consisted of from three to five guns each, chiefly thirty-two-pounders. Such outer de- fenses were of course far too weak to repel any formid- able attack, and were mainly designed to quiet the fears of the planters on the coast, who were apprehen- sive of the approach of small vessels and marauding parties sent to annoy and disorganize their estates. These small outer batteries were held but a short time ; their isolated positions, feeble armaments, and unfinished condition, rendering them untenable in the event of a serious demonstration. On the 18th of February, 1862, the batteries erected on St. Simons and Jekyl islands for the defense of Brunswick were abandoned, and their armaments successfully removed. Thus the coast defenses of Georgia were narrowed to the protection of Savannah, the commercial metropolis of the state. 52 HISTOEICAL SKETCH OF The original line for the defense of Savannah em- braced a battery at Red Bluff, thence Fort Pulaski, and, extending along "Wilmington, Skidaway and G-reen islands, included Fort McAllister, thus pro- tecting the entrance to the Savannah, "Warsaw and Great Ogeechee rivers. There was also an inner line of water batteries commencing at Fort Jackson, and including Fort Bartow, and the works at Caustons Bluff, on Whitmarsh island, at Greenwich, Thunder- bolt, Isle of Hope, Beulah and Rose-Dew. The battery on Skidaway island was abandoned in March, 1862, and its guns were retired to reinforce Thunderbolt battery. The battery on Green island was dismantled about the same time, and its armament transferred to Beulah. In addition to these a line of formidable field works, armed with siege guns, was subsequently erected for the defense of the city ; the left of which rested on the Savannah river at Fort Boggs, thence extending south and west in semi-circular form and completely surrounding the city at distances varying from one to two and a quarter miles. That line terminated at the low grounds of the Springfield plantation near Laurel Grove Cemetery. Historically interesting as would be a specific account of the posi- tion, armaments and uses of these respective batteries, as well as of the western lines erected for the protec- tion of the city against the advance of the Federal army under General Sherman, and of the batteries of the Savannah river, the object of this sketch will not permit much more than a general allusion to their existence. On the 7th of November, 1861, the following me- morandum was entered upon the guard report : 9.25 a. m., heavy cannonading heard in the direction of Port Royal, continuing incessantly until 11.15 a. m. 5 when THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 53 there appeared to be an intermission of some six minutes. 11.21 A. m., cannonading recommenced, and continued until 12.10 p. m., when another cessation of ten minutes occurred, after which it recommenced, continuing until 1.25 p. m. At 1.35 p. m., the cannon- ading was again heard, continuing at intervals until 2.10 p. m., when it ceased." Well do I remember that day. The morning was clear and beautiful. A swelling tide nearly at the full was leisurely rolling in, aided by a light breeze from the northeast. The temperature was delight- ful, and the atmosphere unusually translucent and transmissive. The first gun which rent the still air was followed by others in rapid succession, which made the glasses and the window frames in the ofiicers' quarters rattle. We left our seats at the breakfast table, from which we were just rising for guard mounting, and hastened to the bluff in front of the house. The shore was alive with men from the camp, attracted by the continuous reports of heavy guns as they came borne upon the waters with a distinctness which told but too plainly the terrific character of the cannonading. We at once conjectured that we were listening to the long anticipated attack upon the Port Royal batteries. Most of us, never before having heard heavy cannonading, possessed no standard of com- parison; but to our ears the present bombardment seemed, as it certainly was, most unusual and severe. The discharges could be distinctly counted, and at times three per second were accurately noted. Never shall I forget the expressions of regret which were heard on every side that we were not present to lend a helping hand to our brothers in arms of a sister state, in this the hour of extreme 54 HISTORICAL SKETCH OP peril. Impressed with the belief, based upon the statements which had again and again been reiterated, that the Confederate batteries, Forts Walker and Beaur?gard were powerful, and amply able to resist the attack of any fleet the enemy might send against them, we confidently anticipated a successful issue, and construed the cessation of firing into a repulse of the Federal vessels of war. Subsequent events disclosed, to our extreme regret and disap- pointment, how erroneous had been our calculations. This reverse was a sad one for the Confederate cause, opening up as it did the sea-coast of South Carolina to a very great extent, and securing to the enemy the possession of a magnificent harbor afford- ing every advantage for an extensive and thoroughly protected naval depot. It also seriously interrupted the planting operations of the sea-coast, demoralizing the negroes on theneighboringislands, and engendering among the planters generally a feeling of insecurity. It also assured to the enemy an ample theatre for antislavery operations, offering a safe retreat for every negro who deserted from his owner. It also established a firm base for those future operations which culminated in the reduction of Fort Pulaski and Morris island. The experience of this day demonstrated the fact that guns in open earth-works, crowded together within narrow limits and unprotected by traverses, could not long withstand a heavy bombardment from well served floating batteries at short ranges. The art of war, as evidenced by the construction of these land batteries, was in its infancy. Had such a battery as Fort McAllister been erected upon the spot occu- pied by Fort Walker — which could easily have been done — or had the guns in that work been distributed THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 55 along the shore and thoroughly protected by traverses, the probabilities are that this proud fleet would have retired from the contest shattered and discomfited. The military lesson taught by this defeat — dearly bought as it was — the history of subsequent fortifica- tions erected for the defense of the coast, clearly demonstrates was not forgotten. 1861, November 27th. — A picket of three men from the battery was this day stationed at Montmollin's point. As the movements of the enemy on the coast increased, one section of the battery was permanently located there, and another at the north end of Skida- way long bridge. This disposition occurred upon the evacuation by our forces of Skidaway and Green islands. The Isle of Hope thus became the outer island actually garrisoned and held by Confederate troops ; although Skidaway island was, for a long time after its abandonment, scouted at regular intervals. Exposed as it was to the approach of the enemy's gun boats and barges by the way of Warsaw and Green island sounds, it was necessary that the immediate passages should be carefully guarded. To our battery was this duty mainly assigned. It is a matter worthy of remembrance that the Chatham Artillery for months occupied this advanced position without in- fantry supports within convenient distances. The rules which are ordinarily observed in posting light batteries were, on more than one occasion, disregarded in the operations of the late war. Necessity, and the scarcity of troops devolved in many instances duties novel in their character and onerous in their execution. So long as Skidaway and Green islands remained in the possession of Confederate troops, the protection of the Skidaway bridge continued to be a matter 5Q HISTORICAL SKETCH OP of prime importance, as its destruction would have en- tailed an almost absolute isolation of our forces, preventing the facile transmission of quarter master, ordnance and commissary stores, and interrupting the retreat in the event of a reverse. 1 Hence one section of the battery was kept constantly on duty there. It was relieved when those islands were evacuated and the bridge was partially consumed by military order. During this period, upon almost every page of the guard report appear memoranda of firings heard in various directions along the coast. The enemy had acquired possession of Tybee island, of "Warsaw, Ossabaw, St. Catharine's and other islands. His gun boats moved at will in the inlets, and daily increased in numbers. Our battery was in full hearing of their guns, and within the sound of all the Confederate batteries erected for the defense of the city of Savannah. 1861, December 23d.— The Battery this day, fully manned and ready for action, marched from Camp Claghorn to Skidaway island to assist in repelling a threatened attack from Federal war vessels in "Warsaw sound, which, approaching very near our batteries, had fired upon the gun-boats of Commodore Tattnall convoying the steamer Fingal out to sea. Finding that she could not proceed on her voyage in the face of such opposition, that vessel, abandoning her enterprise, anchored under the guns of our batteries, and the next day returned to Savannah. Nearly eighteen months afterwards this vessel 1 There was one other bridge from Long island to the main extend- ing across the marsh, hut it was hastily constructed, unstable in its character, and liable to be swept away by the high tides. THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY, 57 which had intermediately been converted into an iron clad called the Atlanta, armed with a battery of four guns — two of which, seven-inch Brook rifles, were mounted on bow and stern pivots, and the other two six-inch rifles mounted in broadside, the seven- inch guns being so arranged as to work either as broadside or as bow and stern guns — with a crew con- sisting of some twenty-one officers and one hundred and twenty-four men, fully furnished with all neces- sary stores, and under the command of Captain "Webb of the Confederate navy, steamed down the same river, and in full view of the then abandoned batteries on SMdaway island, gallantly engaged the Federal iron clads Weehawken and ISTahant, which were lying in Warsaw sound awaiting her coming. "When within six hundred yards of the former she ran aground, but was quickly backed off, and boldly holding her course again got aground, and in this unfortunate condition — from which the most strenu- ous efforts to relieve her proved fruitless — commenced the action. Unable to bring her guns to bear with any degree of accuracy upon the Weehawken (which approached within very short range, and choosing her positions opened fire with her fifteen-inch guns,) after receiving four shots which knocked off the pilot house, drove in a port stopper, otherwise seriously damaged the armor and wood backing, and wounded sixteen men — among them two out of the three pilots on board — Captain Webb was forced to surrender. The action lasted only about sixteen minutes. The loss of the Atlanta was severely felt. Every effort had been used, and every means at command em- ployed to make her a formidable vessel, and it was confidently hoped that a bright and useful career awaited her. With her early and unexpected capture 58 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF these expectations perished, and the Confederate navy continued in these waters to exist scarcely more than an organization in name. "We bivouacked that night upon the island near camp Skidaway, where the 4th Georgia battalion was posted, and within a half mile of our batteries, reaching our camping ground after dark, and parking our guns in an old field surrounded by a pine thicket, of whose shelter we were unable, however, to avail ourselves in consequence of recent heavy rains which rendered the ground very soft and wet. ' It was pronounced the coldest night of the season, but soon bright fires were blazing, and hot coffee and capital jokes were freely circulating among the jovial messes assembled around the burning logs. In the morning the caps and hair of the men were covered with hoar- frost, while in some instances the water in their can- teens had frozen. As a striking illustration of the degree of cold which characterized this still, clear December night, the fact will be remembered that our worthy quarter master sergeant, who, after a hearty supper laced with sundry cups of hot coffee, with his accustomed regard for everything comfortable, spent the night in the transportation wagon with two bales of eastern hay, one on either side as chosen bedfellows, found in the early morning that even his heavy beaver overcoat and jolly person had failed to keep the water in his canteen, which he had not taken off, above the freez- ing point. The demonstrations of the enemy the previous afternoon induced the belief that upon the full tide of the morning an attack would be made upon our fixed batteries. "With this anticipation we passed the night, but the morning sun disclosed the fact that the Fede- THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 59 ral gun-boats had retired and resumed their former anchorage at the mouth of Romney marsh, and in "Warsaw sound. Under these circumstances there appearing to be no probability that the enemy would either test the range of our heavy guns' or attempt a landing at any other point on the island, the Chatham Artillery in obedience to orders returned to its perma- nent camp on the Isle of Hope. Three days after- wards the enemy's fleet again congregating in force and threatening our Slridaway batteries, the Chatham Artillery 'a second time marched over and was posted within supporting distance of those batteries. As on the former occasion, however, the vessels retired with- out engaging our batteries, and our guns returned to park without firing a shot. The bivouac of the 23d is remarkable as the first in the history of the company during the present war. The close of the year found the Chatham Artillery still at Camp Claghorn, delightfully posted in a beauti- ful, healthy location, carefully drilling each day, with seven field guns thoroughly equipped and ready for efficient field service, and with an aggregate present and absent of one hundred and twenty-five. The year 1862 was memorable in the history of the Confederate struggle for independence. It opened with a fearful train of disasters, following in rapid succession, and involving in their consequences an immense loss of territory and of men. The north, recovering with surprising elasticity from the reverses which had befallen the Federal arms, and exhibiting resources unusual and gigantic in their character, had aroused herself for a renewal of the contest with an energy and an elaborate preparation which threatened an overthrow of the Confederacy. The activity, the concentration of armies and the accumulation of the 60 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF materials of war which were observable elsewhere, were apparent also on the coast of Georgia. Addi- tional troops were landed on Tybee and npon Warsaw islands, and the inlets were filled with vessels of war and transports. The enterprise was already inaugu- rated which looked to the isolation and eventual reduction of Fort Pulaski. Recent events rendered necessary a contraction of the Confederate lines, and the further concentration of our forces. Accordingly about the middle of March orders were issued for the evacuation of Skidaway and Green islands. This was accomplished, and the armaments of the respective fixed batteries erected for their defense were success- fully retired in the immediate presence of the enemy, who were either ignorant of the movement or un- willing to hazard an interruption. The Skidaway batteries were three in number, immediately connected by covered ways. The middle battery mounted five thirty-two-pounder- guns, and one forty-two-pounder in the angle, all of them elevated six feet above the surface of the ground, and in embrasure. The parapet had a superior slope of twenty-one feet. There was a gallery or covered way in rear of the chambers, and by this means communication was had from one to the other through the magazines and bomb-proofs. The magazines and bomb-proofs were protected by twenty feet of earth. Each bomb-proof contained a well. The guns in each of the batteries were well protected by traverses. The advanced battery, nearest the sound, was armed with one forty-two-pounder and one thirty-two- pounder-gun.- Both of these guns covered the ap- proach from "Warsaw sound, and also furnished an effective cross-fire to the middle battery. The third or water battery was intended specially to command THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 61 "Whiting's point on Wilmington island, should the enemy land and endeavor to erect a battery there with a view to enfilading the middle battery. Its guns would also have proved of great service in case the enemy attempted the passage of the other batteries. Its armament consisted of one eight-inch Dahlgren gun and one six-inch rifle gun. At the time of their abandonment, these batteries were garrisoned by the. Coast Rifles, Capt. Pritchard ; the City Light Guard, Capt. Levy; and the Bartow Artillery, Capt. Bertody. On the 8th of March orders were received from Gen. Lawton to dismantle these batteries. On the 9th the labor of removing the guns and ordnance stores was commenced. By the 14th the work was completed, and every gun and implement successfully retired in flats to Thunderbolt battery. During .these operations twenty-seven sail of the enemy were within sight, some of them within long range of the batteries. Every precaution was observed to conceal the move- ment. As each gun was dismounted a dummy was at once placed in position and carefully covered with a tarpaulin. It was not until the 25th that the enemy in all probability definitely ascertained the fact of the evacuation. The battery on Green island consisted of an in- closed work, situated on the water's edge, at the extremity of the highland towards Ossabaw sound, and was designed to prevent the ascent of the enemy's vessels up the Vernon and Great Ogeechee rivers. It entirely commanded the former, but the channel of the latter being distant some two miles and a third was but imperfectly controlled by the best guns in the fort. This battery was designed by Captain, after- wards Major W. H. Echols of the C. S. Engineers. Its enciente was three rectilinear faces, the flanks termi- 62 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF nating in circular bastions from which ran two straight lines or curtains meeting in a point in the rear. The armament consisted of one one-hundred-pounder rifle gun, one ten-inch Columbiad, two eight-inch Colum- biads, one forty-two-pounder, and five thirty-two- pounder guns. Subsequently a smaller work was constructed higher up the shore, about four hundred yards from the main work, and connected ' with it by a covered way. This was a battery of the simplest formation with but a plain front on the river, having merlons at the flanks, and traverses between the guns. Three thirty-two-pounder guns were removed from the main work, called Fort Screven, and placed in position in the additional work. In each bastion of Fort Screven, and in each traverse of the smaller work there was a bomb-proof. The Savannah Volunteer Guards Battalion, under command of Major Screven, garrisoned these batteries from September, 1861, to March 1st, 1862, when it was relieved by two companies of Col. Lamar's bat- talion, Georgia Volunteers, at that time stationed at Beulah. Simultaneously with orders for the evacuation of Skidaway island directions were given to dismantle and abandon the fortifications on Green island. This was successfully accomplished, most of the guns and ordnance stores being transferred to Beulah battery on the Vernon river. Skidaway and Green islands were abandoned in consequence of a change in the line of defense adopted by the department commander, Major General Pemberton. Experience had fully demon- strated the impracticability of holding the outer islands, as at first contemplated and attempted. It was there- fore resolved to abandon all the islands and confine the lines of dfefense to the main land. With the lights of subsequent events before us, it is THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 63 now evident that the general adoption of this policy at an earlier day would have materially conduced to the more efficient conduct of the Confederate cause. Without a navy, with but limited means of transporta- tion, sadly deficient in guns of suitable calibre and range, with but a comparatively small number of troops in the field to cope with the gathering hosts of the enemy recruited at will at home and abroad, suffering from the effects of a blockade each day becoming more effectual, and without the requisite manufactories at home, it was an impolitic effort to attempt the control and defense of these outer islands and advanced lines — in themselves of secondary im- portance — whose abandonment would have liberated garrisons and avoided the expenditure of stores greatly needed for active and more momentous opera- tions elsewhere. The lack of concentration, and the failure to inaugu- rate offensive measures in the early portion of the war, when we were more nearly a match for the United States than at any subsequent period, placed the Confederate cause at a disadvantage from which the most heroic struggles and prolonged efforts failed to relieve it. The art of war, on the coast of Georgia as well as elsewhere, was learned only after a vast and useless expenditure of labor, treasure and valuable time. March 25, 1862. — The enemy this day at half-past one p. m., landed a detachment from their gun-boats and set fire to our abandoned batteries on SMdaway island. Shells were fired at the picket there stationed, but without effect. A Federal flag was hoisted upon Miller's house, which, previous to the evacuation, had been used by our troops as a hospital. The reports of the guns and the explosions of the shells were dis- 64 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF tinctly heard and seen at the camp of the Chatham Artillery, distant less than three miles " as the crow flies." The Battery was at once put in motion for the scene of anticipated conflict; but the arrival of a courier announced the fact that the enemy had re- tired. The flag, which had been left flying from Miller's house, was taken down and brought over to General Mercer's head quarters, then on the Isle of Hope, and the house burned. 1862, April 2d, 3 o'clock a. m. — A courier from Skidaway island reported the enemy landing in force at the abandoned batteries, and also at Adams' point. A section of the Chatham Artillery was at once sent forward and posted at the foot of the bridge across Skidaway narrows, connecting Skidaway and Long islands. The other two sections were halted at the Long bridge connecting Long island with the Isle of Hope. In this position, where we were pre- pared to dispute the passage of the enemy, we were instructed to await further orders. A few hours afterwards it was ascertained that the Federals did not purpose a serious demonstration, and that they had been engaged simply in a reconnoissance. The Battery was thereupon returned to its park, much to the disappointment of the men who confi- dently anticipated that the long desired brush with the enemy was at hand. We record these incidents in the history of the company at this period — trivial although they may now be regarded, and unim- portant in their results — ■ to show the constant alarms and the condition of readiness at any moment to meet the foe. It will be remembered that to the Chatham Artil- i lery were now entrusted the protection of Skidaway bridge, the defense of Montmollin's point, the duty THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. @5 of moving to the relief of the Beulah and Thunder- holt batteries, and of checking the enemy should they attempt an advance across Skidaway island. For a long time it was believed, in the event of a demonstration against Savannah by land, that the advance would occur by the way of Skidaway island. After the abandonment of our batteries there, the enemy seemed fairly invited to the effort. The pre- sence of the large fleet of gun-boats, steamers, and transports in "Warsaw sound, and the extensive encampments upon "Warsaw island tended to confirm this impression; but the sequel showed that the demonstrations in this vicinity were only feints intended to distract our attention and keep our forces at home, while hostile operations were vigorously pressed elsewhere. 66 HISTORICAL SKETCH OP CHAPTER III. Isolation, bombardment, and reduction of Fort Pulaski. Ten minutes past eight o'clock on the morning of the tenth of April, 1862, the first gun was heard which betokened the commencement of the memo- rable and disastrous bombardment of Fort Pulaski. Almost a year had elapsed since the reduction of Fort Sumter in Charleston harbor, when the flag of the United States, which had so long floated in pride from its ramparts, went down in smoke and ruin before the rising glories of the stars and bars of the new born Confederacy. A little more than five months before, and at almost the same hour in the morning, we had listened with anxious hearts to the terrific cannonading which silenced our batteries at Port Royal. The winter was gone, and spring with genial smiles and soft influences had given to every tree its most attractive foliage, to every flower its sweetest per- fumes, to the sky its purest tints, and to the ambient air its gentlest impulses. Everything in nature was arrayed in living green, and redolent of life and beauty. Even the low-lying marsbes had shaken oft' the dull gray of winter, and were rejoicing in new life and vigor imparted by the swelling tide, and the clear sunbeams shedding their warmth and light over all. The scene was so tranquil, so full of nature and that serenity characteristic of her happiest hours, it was of THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. Qf all things most difficult to realize that the iron wheels of the chariot of war were thundering at our gates, and the lawless passions of men conspiring against the peace of their fellows, and the harmony of nature. Yet thus it was. Prom our encampment we could distinctly note the explosions of the shells, hear the reports of the guns, and frequently recognize whether they were directed at or- from the fort. Eor the first hour the firing from the Federal batteries appeared to be slow and uncertain, their mortar shells exploding too high and at unequal distances. So soon, however, as the range had been obtained, the firing became more rapid and effective. The* horizon was flecked with white clouds, apparently springing out of nothing, at first mere points in space, then gradually expanding and growing less distinct, until finally mingling with the circumambient air they floated gently away and were, lost to sight. It was difficult at this remove to realize the fact that these innocent looking little white puffs, so evanescent in their character, had any con- nection with the death-dealing projectiles hurled with terrible effect from the iron-bound throats of hoarse Parrott guns, and hoarser Columbiads and mortars. The bombardment during "the day continued without intermission, although the reports were less audible as the sun reached and lingered near the meridian. In the afternoon some df us rode over to Skidaway island and remained until nearly sunset, watching the progress of the bombardment from . the top of the traverse of the lower battery. "With the aid of a field glass everything could be distinctly seen. The smoke of the guns from the batteries on either side rose in heavy white volumes, now almost hiding the fort from view, and now lining the low-lying shores of Tybee island. No signs of breaching could be perceived in the 68 HISTORICAL SKETCH OP walls of the fort looking in our direction. Everything seemed to be in good working order, and we did not for one moment contemplate a speedy reduction of one of the strongest defenses on the Confederate coast. A constant explosion of shells above and around the fort gave token of the dangers which environed the heroic garrison. Several war-vessels were lying in the vici- nity, or leisurely moving about, but they did not appear to be taking an active part in the engagement. Some- times eight reports could be counted in a minute, and the firing increased in rapidity as the declining sun neared the western horizon. During the night the firing continued at regular intervals, and the flashes of the bursting mortar shells were plainly visible from Camp Claghorn. "With the light of the morning the bombardment was renewed with redoubled energy, continuing until two o'clock p. m., when it ceased. This silence — ominous of disaster and mortification to ourselves — gave birth in our minds only to the belief that the Federals had been compelled to discontinue their efforts to reduce our cherished fort. ISTever for one moment did we conjecture that its stout walls had yieldgd, or its garrison surrendered. To the members of the Chat- ham Artillery Fort Pulaski was peculiarly dear. We were of the first to occupy it, when, under the orders of Governor Brown, it was deemed proper to take possession of it in the name of the state of Georgia. We had contributed months of cheerful labor in mounting its guns, in placing its armament in proper position, in preparing fuzes, filling shells, throwing up traverses, in training its guns and in perfecting our- selves, and in assisting in drilling the members of other companies composing its garrison in the manual of the respective, pieces constituting its battery. We THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 69 had spent days of toil and nights of watching within its walls. Hours of pleasure and of mirth had been enjoyed within its hospitable casemates. "We had marked it growing in strength day by day, until we came to believe that it was invincible by almost any force that could be sent against it. But a few months had elapsed since we were a component part of the garrison, to whom were committed its sacred defense and the honor of our arms. No wonder then that the progress of the bombardment was observed by the Chatham . Artillery with a peculiar interest. No wonder the members of this company looked forward with confidence to a successful issue, No marvel that the unexpected and early surrender of the fort affected them most sensibly. The first intelligence of that sad and disastrous fact was not credited in our camp. At the time of the surrender of Fort Pulaski, its armament consisted of 5 ten-inch Columbiads unchambered. 9 eight-inch " " 3 forty-two-pounder guns. 20 thirty-two-pounder guns. 2 -twenty-four-pounder Blakely rifle guns. 1 twenty-four-pounder iron howitzer. 2 twelve-pounder bronze howitzers. 2 twelve-inch iron mortars. 3 ten-inch sea-coast mortars. 1 six-pounder gun. Total, forty-eight guns of all calibres. Of these, the following bore upon the Federal batteries on Tybee island : In Barbette. 5 eight-inch Columbiads. 4 ten-inch " 70 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF 1 twenty-four-pounder Blakely rifle gun. 2 ten-inch sea-coast mortars. In Casemate. 1 eight-inch Columbiad. 4 thirty-two-pounder guns. In Batteries outside the Fort. 1 ten-inch sea-coast mortar. 2 twelve-inch sea-coast mortars. Making a total of twenty pieces. Of these, however^ sufficient elevation to reach Tybee island could not be secured with the eight-inch Co- lumbiad in casemate. Only a few shots were fired from it, and these falling short, the use of this gun was discontinued during the progress of the bombard- ment. Opposed to the fort, and located upon Tybee island, were eleven Federal batteries, named and armed as follows : 1. Battery Stanton; 3,400 yards distant, mounting three heavy thirteen-inch mortars. 2. Battery Grant ; 3,200 yards distant, mounting three heavy thirteen-inch mortars. 3. Battery Lyon ; 3,100 yards distant, mounting three ten- inch Columbiads. 4. Battery Lincoln; 3,045 yards distant, mounting three eight-inch Columbiads. 5. Battery Burnside; 2,750 yards distant, mounting one thirteen-inch mortar. 6. Battery Sherman ; 2,650 yards distant, mounting three thirteen-inch mortars. 7. Battery Halleck; 2,400 yards distant, mounting two thirteen-inch mortars. 8. Battery Scott; distant 1,740 yards, mounting three ten- inch and one eight-inch Columbiads. PiiHiatcd Ijjr I) Tail) — ; , Tlatt-H. I Bis BATTERY STANTqN 3 HEAVY 13 '!" MORTARS Tauacxi 1861 17,120 ".Fired. 255 SHELLS. GRANT 3 ' „ • „ „ " „ 282 LYON 3 10 . COLUMBIADS „ .. 15.059 „ 32 1 LINCOLN 3 8 , .. 184* 9240 „ 428 BURNSIDE t 13 , MORTAR „ 1861 17 120 „ 155 SHERMAN 3 .. .. .. . ., 232 HALLEOK i .... .. ... ,. 220 *. {■*. 10 ) ■ ',. 2 03 Shots w , SCOTT 1° lu - [COLUMBIADS ;/'\ jjlg !'l 4-8F°-" . •, /I33 „ • JAMES j.' ■ |~E G£ " C* Rni A G E.' 1.1 16 SHELLS 5 30 pD.PARROTT ) /1.I01 (J50 SHOTS ■2 8+PP 11 .■} j i0r ' SMELLS M'CLELLAN) JAMES' V SEA COAST" "V [190 SHOTS . | 2 6*P»" f 380 " 116 SHELLS . 4 10 in MORTARS 1861 1852. ....,:.;!{,.■; ... ,588 ..„ .*Kf ■■'$?' ,...::■ h o «,** "--■'■'■:: ■ -... p ° , * «f */ ^--— "" ■ JTyteeZifktV&o. rr b -e E , ^ - §£0^?f m a p *'?? i ^: : ^':; ; ;'" : '.' ^^^2-— ''^ Sluming th.erosilioTio£th.e BATTERIES. USED BY THE U.S.. FORCES ,: ^ ,,- i, ,- . IN THE REDUCTION OF ^^S^W^'1- ^ FORT P U LAS K ! . jtrasui 192 Broadway 3ST- T THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 71 9. Battery Sigel ; distant 1,670 yards, mounting one forty- eight-pounder James rifle gun, and five thirty-pounder Par- rott guns, on siege carriages. 10. Battery McClellan, distant 1,650 yards, mounting two eighty-four-pounder, and two sixty-four-pounder James guns. 11. Battery Totten, 1,650 yards distant, mounting four ten- inch mortars. Making in all thirty-six pieces. These batteries 1 were distributed along a front of 2,550 yards, and were well protected. A moment's reflection will show how unequal the conflict between the fort and these detached batteries. On the one hand the fire was distracted by a series of works, some of them well masked, all admirably protected, extending along a line of nearly a mile and a half; while on the other hand; there was an absolute con- centration against a single fortification, with perpen- dicular walls twenty-five feet high, its entire outlines looming up in bold relief. On the one side the resources of an immense country and of the world were at command to furnish any additional supplies of men and materials of war ; on the other, there was but a small garrison,' a limited supply of everything, and absolute isolation. On the one hand, there were stout sand parapets — low-lying and difficult to be struck — guns carefully embrasured, and an abund- ance of' men and materials to repair any injuries inflicted. On the other, there was the fort, whose walls of masonry were never designed to resist the momentum and the penetration of such projectiles as were hurled that day, standing solitary . and alone, 'For the accompanying map showing the respective locations and lines of fire of these Federal batteries, I am indebted to the Official Report of Brig. Gen. Gillmore. 72 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF without the means of repair at command. On the Federal side there was a concentration of heavy guns and mortars far exceeding in power the batteries of the fort. Under such circumstances, and without a solitary ray of hope of relief or assistance, the fall of Fort Pulaski became a mere question of time. Its reduction was virtually accomplished when its isola- tion was consummated on the 22d of February. The removal of the obstructions which had been placed by the Confederates in "Wall's cut — an artificial channel connecting New and Wright rivers — afforded the gun-boats of the enemy the means of entering the Savannah river in rear of Port Pulaski, without en- countering the fire of its batteries, and of covering the Federal working parties employed in the erection of investing batteries at Venus's point, and on the north end of Bird's island. Confederate batteries should have been posted for the protection of the obstructions in "Wall's cut, if, after the evacuation of Tybee island any necessity existed for the further retention of Fort Pulaski. Once before in the history of Savannah, did the use by the enemy of this unguarded passage prove disastrous to the hopes of brave men contending for the possession of home, and- the enjoyment of liberty. On the evening of the 16th of September, . 1779, Col. Maitland arrived at Dawfuskie island, and found the Savannah river in the possession of the French. Embarrassed, and not knowing how to effect a desired junction with Provost in Savannah (the city being at the time invested by the French forces under Count D'Estaing, and the American army under G-en. Lin- coln, and a demand having been made upon the English garrison for surrender), he chanced upon some negro fishermen familiar with the creeks and THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY.- 73 marshes, who informed him of the passage through Wall's cut. The tide and the dense fog favored the execution of his plans, and he was thus enabled, avail- ing himself of this route", unperceived by the French, to reach the city of Savannah with his troops on the ensuing afternoon. The acquisition of this formidable reenforcement, under the leadership of such a brave and experienced officer, greatly encouraged the dis- pirited garrison, and furnished the means of successful resistance to the combined attack which was gallantly made by the allied forces a few days afterwards. 1 Just previous to the investment of the fort, Com- modore Tattnall, with his little fleet, had, in the face of the gun-boats of the enemy, and under their fire, effected the passage of the Savannah river, and thrown into the fort a six months' supply of provisions ; a characteristic episode in the life of tbis great and noble man, whose conspicuous valor, intrepidity, and acknowledged abilities had so long reflected honor upon the American navy, and won for it the highest consideration wherever his name and services were mentioned — whose devotion to the state which gave him birth, in the hour of .her extreme peril — whose self-sacrifice, whose exalted bigh-toned action, whose enlarged experience, whose qualities of the head and of the heart, and whose every distinguishing trait have won for- him a home in the hearts of his admir- ing countrymen, and a record in the bistory of his times which neither the lapse of years nor the for- tunes of the hour can desecrate or impair. Even now Epaminondas the renowned leader of the Thebans, with his single garment, is wealthier and far more illustrious tban the king of the Persians witb his 1 See MoCall's History of Georgia, vol. ii, p. 255. 10 74 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF abundant gold, the tribute of unholy spoils and oppression. The investment of Fort Pulaski was accomplished upon the erection and location of the following Fede- ral batteries, viz : Battery Yulcan at Yenus's point, mounting six guns — Battery Hamilton on the upper end of Bird's island, mounting six guns — a battery on the lower end of Long island, and a battery of three guns on Decent island, subsequently transferred to an old hulk anchored in Lazaretto creek at the conflu- ence of Oyster creek. As has been already stated, its absolute blockade may be dated on the 22d of February. In this isolation of the fort most material assistance had been rendered by a formidable fleet of gun-boats, against whose operations no adequate resistance could be offered on the part of the Con- federates. From this period until the afternoon of the 9th of April, the forces of the enemy were busily engaged in the erection of the eleven batteries on Tybee island established against Fort Pulaski. They worked at night, in silence, carefully screening fromview their labors, and at no time causing any sudden alteration in the outline of the landscape. The garrison of the fort was also actively employed in protecting the barbette guns with traverses, in securing the inner defenses of the fort, and in doing everything in their power which might conduce to the proper defense of the fortification. It was known that the enemy was erecting batteries against the fort on Tybee island, but their precise extent and location were not defi- nitely ascertained, so carefully concealed from view were the Federal operations. ISTot for a moment was it believed that the walls could be breached, or the fort rendered untenable by any fire which might be THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 75 brought to bear from guns located on Tybee island. 1 Such an achievement had never, in the history of artil- ery, been accomplished by breaching batteries. Novel results, however, were soon to be attained with the aid of rifle guns, and conical shot, and percussion shells, for the anticipation of which the military mind had not been prepared- by the accepted lessons of former days. Three or four days previous to the commencement of the bombardment, something like the inception of a small battery was observed on the lower end of the Little Marsh island immediately above Cockspur island. A boat party consisting of some twelve men under charge of ■ Lieutenants Hop- kins and Hussey, sent to reconnoitre, found a mortar at this point which the enemy were about placing in position. Unable to bring it away, the mortar was. spiked and thrown into the Savannah river by this detachment, and the implements found with it, and as many of the shells as could be transported in the boats, were conveyed to Fort Pulaski. Such of the shells as could not be removed were thrown into the river. During the bombardment the Federals had a mortar at this point. It was probably the same which had been thus temporarily disabled. Its fire, intended to take the barbette fire of the fort in reverse, proved, however, entirely innocuous, and the shells captured on the occasion alluded to, were expended upon the enemy during the subsequent bombardment. On the evening of the 9th, everything being in readiness on the Federal side to open fire, just after sunrise on the morning of the 10th of April, 1862, Major General David Hunter commanding this United 1 This opinion was freely expressed "by Gen. Robert E. Lee, and by other officers whose j udgment and experience inspired every confidence. 76 HISTOHICAL SKETCH OP States department, dispatched Lieut. J. H. Wilson of the United States Topographical Engineers in an open boat to Fort Pulaski, bearing a flag of truce, and the following summons to surrender : Head Quarters, Department of the South, Tybee Island, Go,., April 10, 1862. To the Commanding Officer, Fort Pulaski. Sir : I hereby demand of you the immediate surrender and restoration of Fort Pulaski to the authority and possession of the United States. This demand is made with a view to avoiding, if possible, the effusion of blood which must result from the bombardment and attack bow in readiness to be opened. The number, calibre, and completeness of the batteries sur- rounding you, leave no doubt as to what must result in case of refusal ; and as the defense, however obstinate, must eventually succumb to the assailing force at my disposal, it is hoped you will see fit to avert the useless waste of life. This communication will be carried to you under a flag of truce by Lieut. J. H. Wilson, United States army, who is authorized to wait any period not exceeding thirty minutes from delivery, for your answer. I have the honor to be sir, Your most obedient servant, David Hunter. Major General Commanding. . To this demand, the following laconic and brave response was returned by Colonel Olmstead command- ing Fort Pulaski : Head Quarters, Fort Pulaski, April 10, 1862: Major General David Hunter, Commanding on Tybee island. Sir : I have to acknowledge receipt of your communication of this date, demanding the unconditional surrender of Fort Pulaski. THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 77 In reply I can only say, that I am here to defend the Fort not to surrender it. I have honor to be, very respectfully Your obedient servant, Chas. H. Olmstead, Colonel, First Volunteer Regiment of Georgia, Com'g Post. Upon the receipt of this reply by the Federal com- mander, orders were immediately issued for the commencement of the bombardment. The first shell was fired from Battery Halleck at a quarter-past eight o'clock, and soon all the Federal batteries were engaged. A few minutes after, the fort replied, and the action then became general. As the official report of Col. Olmstead furnishes a concise history of the engagement, and should be perpetuated as a most valuable record of this memora- ble bombardment, it is herewith presented in extenso : MrLLEDGBVELLB, Georgia, October 1, 1862. Captain George A. Mercer, A. A. General, District of Georgia. Captain : Immediately after the fall of Fort Pulaski, and while a prisoner of war at Port Royal, I wrote an official report of the engagement, and received from the Federal authorities a promise that it should be sent with other letters to the Confederate lines. Since my return to the south I find that no such report has been received, and I have therefore the honor of again presenting a detailed account of the operations resulting in the fall of the fort. Early in the month of February our line of communication with Savannah, which had been threatened for two or three weeks, was completely broken, the enemy having succeeded in getting between us and the city by means of a channel known as Mud river. At the point where this channel joins the Savannah, he placed two heavy batteries, one on the north side of the main river, commanding the north channel, the other 7,8 HISTOEICAL SKETCH OP upon a marshy island in the middle of the stream, bearing upon the south channel, thus blockading both passages to the fort, and cutting us off effectually from all prospect of receiv- ing relief of any kind from the city. I should add that Mud river is beyond the range of the guns of the fort. Fortunately our supply of provisions was good, an extra quantity having been sent down to us on the first intimation of danger ; so we had nothing to fear on that score. Then, too , the whole garrison had been hard at work for two months in following the directions of General K. E. Lee for the interior defense of the fort. All the casemate doors were protected by blinds of heavy timber — the colonnade in front of the officers' quarters and kitchens torn down, and a traverse of timber and earth substituted — the parade cut up in trenches to catch falling shells, and a traverse and splinter proofs erected at every available point on. the rampart, so that we were well pro- tected against shells ; and, as experienced engineers had de- clared it to be impracticable to breach our walls from Tybee island (the nearest point of which is more than double the greatest breaching distance heretofore known, from the fort), • I felt fully able to resist any attack that could be made against us. Up to the second week in March we could not see that the enemy on Tybee was making any demonstration towards us, but at that time I began to notice certain changes in the sand hills about two miles from the fort, and my pickets reported almost nightly the noise of wagons and workmen at King's Point, 1,700 yards distant. At this last place, however, we could see nothing whatever ; all the work being done at night, and behind a natural parapet or range of sand hills, running parallel with the beach, which completely hid everything from us until a few days before the bombardment, when we opened fire upon a small party of men who showed themselves accidentally. They retired, and we saw no more of working parties. I did not fire in the direction of the noise at night for various reasons. In the first place our supply of powder, though enough to resist an ordinary naval attack, was far from being- THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 79 sufficient for the prolonged siege I thought before us, and there was no possible chance of getting another pound from any quarter. Again, it would" have been but blind work firing out into the darkness without being able to observe the effect of our shots, and at a mark completely hidden from us even in day-light ; sound being the only thing to guide our aim. At an early hour on the morning of the 10th of April, a formal demand was made upon me by Major Gen. Hunter for. the surrender of the fort to the forces under his command. I could give him but one answer. The officer who brought the demand returned to Tybee, and at 8 o'clock precisely the firing commenced from the enemy's lower batteries. Then battery after battery took it up, until the whole line had opened ; the fort answering slowly at first, but with more rapidity as the gunners acquired the range of the different batteries. The firing of the enemy was almost entirely concentrated on the pan cowpS at the southeast angle of the fort, and it soon became evident to my mind that three of their batteries alone were doing all the work. These three batteries are marked Batteries McClellan, Sigel, and Scott in the small plan annexed to this report. They mounted ten heavy rifled guns (Janies and Parrott), and four Columbiads, and were so completely masked, that during the most of the first day our men could aim only at the puffs of smoke, there being nothing else to indicate the position of the guns. About four hours after the action commenced, all of our casemate guns (thirty-two-pounders), at the southeast angle and adjacent to it, were dismounted and useless, and a little later in the day our two Columbiadsrcn barbette immediately above, were in the same condition. The firing on both sides continued steadily until dark, when it ceased. I had then an opportunity of ascertaining the amount of damage done to the fort. The southeast angle was in a lamentable condition. The whole wall from the crest of the parapet to the moat was flaked away to the depth of from two to four feet, and as the wall between the arches was originally only about five feet in thickness, weakeried too by ventilating flues above the embrasures, it 80 HISTORICAL SKETCH OP needed but one glance to convince me that a few hours more of such a fire would make a formidable breach. The interior of the fort was also much injured. A't eleven o'clock the enemy began a desultory fire which was kept up during the whole night, probably with a view to prevent the garrison from rest- ing, no other end being attained. At six a. M., on the 11th, the firing again became general, and even more rapid than on the previous day. By ten o'clock a large breach was made in the pan coupS, which every shot served to enlarge. At noon the wall of another casemate yielded, and then a new danger sprang upon us. The pro- jectiles from the rifle batteries were passing clear through the breach, sweeping across the parade, and striking against the traverses which protected the north magazine. These traverses were two in number — -one of brick immediately covering the magazine door — the other of timber and earth protecting a passage way to the magazine, and to a quarter master's store- room. Through this last two or three shells had burst, and their fragments found their way to the quarter master's room only ten or twelve feet from where the magazine door stood . open, and the brick-work of the other traverse had been struck repeatedly. Our condition was now as follows : All but two of the case- mate guns bearing upon Tybee were dismounted ; but two of the barbette guns were left that could be brought to bear upon the batteries doing us most injury : the outer wall of two casemates bad been entirely shot away, and the two adjoining ones were in a crumbling condition ; the moat was bridged over by the ruins of the "wall ; most of our traverses had been riddled by shot, and some of them were no longer serviceable ; the range of officers' quarters and kitchens was badly damaged, and the north magazine was in hourly danger of explosion — our communications being so completely cut off that there was no ground for even the shadow of a hope of relief, while for the same reason no line of retreat was left us. Under these circumstances I considered the fort as no longer tenable, and believing the lives of the garrison to be my THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 81 next care, I gave the necessary orders for a surrender, having first conferred with my' officers and found them, like myself, impressed with the conviction of the utter hopelessness of a longer struggle. At half past two o'clock p. M. the white flag was displayed. Firing ceased immediately, and shortly after Brigadier General Q. A. Grillmore — the immediate commander of the troops on Tybee — came over to arrange with me concerning the terms of surrender. These were far from generous, yet illiberal as they were, I have here to record formally and officially a com- plete breach of faith on the part of the Federals. Article 3d (as will be seen by the ariginals annexed) distinctly pro- vided that the sick and wounded, under charge of the hospital steward of the garrison, were to be sent up under a flag of truce to the Confederate lines. Months afterwards we heard of these poor fellows at Hilton Head, where some had died, and with one or two exceptions they were all subsequently taken to New York and kept as prisoners with the rest of the garrison until a general exchange was effected. Our loss was wonderfully small — but four men being danger- ously wounded, while some thirteen or fourteen received slight wounds and contusions from flying splinters, etc. This I attri- bute to the good protection afforded the men by blindages and other interior works, and to the fact that the heaviest fire of the enemy was concentrated upon the southeast angle, even when all of our guns in that quarter had been rendered useless. My officers and men all behaved most gallantly, fighting after the hope of a successful resistance had left them, with, if possi- ble, more determination than before. It is impossible for me to mention each individual instance of bravery. I can only say that the garrison was all that any commander could wish. It is my pride to have had such men under me. In conclusion, reviewing the whole action, two facts stand out prominently ; 1st, that the walls of an old style fortification could not stand against the new rifle projectiles, and 2d, that the arches of the same fort were able to resist the heaviest vertical fire. Several thirteen-inch mortar shells fell directly 11 82 HISTOEICAL SKETCH OP upon the ramparts from an immense height, without penetrating beyond the covering of dirt. The three batteries above mentioned did all the injury, and to them alone may be attributed the fall of Fort Pulaski. Very respectfully Your obedient servant, Chas. H. Olmstead, Col. 1st Vol. Eeg. of Georgia. General Q. A. Gillmore the immediate Federal commander on Tybee island, upon the display of the white flag, came over to Cockspur island and was met at the south wharf by Captain F. "WVSims of the Oglethorpe Light Infantry, who conducted him to Fort Pulaski where the following terms of capitula- tion were finally agreed upon between Colonel Olm- stead and himself: Article 1. The fort, armament and garrison to be surren- dered at once to the forces of the United States. Art. 2. The officers and men of the garrison to be allowed to take with them all their private effects, such as clothing, bedding, books, etc. This not to include private weapons. Art. 3. The sick and wounded, under charge of the hospital steward of the garrison, to be sent up under a flag of truce to the Confederate lines ; and at the same time the men to be allowed to send up any letters they may desire, subject to the inspection of a Federal officer. Signed the eleventh day of April, 1862, at Fort Pulaski, Cockspur island, Ga. Chas. H. Olmstead, Col. First Vol. Regt. of Ga., Com'g Fort Pulaski. Q. A. Gillmore, Brig. Gen. Vols., Com'g U. S. forces, Tybee island, Ga. THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. g3 The garrison surrendered numbered about three hundred and sixty-five men and twenty-four officers, and was composed of the following companies : The German Yolunteers, Capt. Jno. H. Stegin. The Washington Volunteers, Capt Jno. McMahon. The Wise Guards, Capt. M. J. McMullen. The Oglethorpe Light Infantry, Co. B, Capt. F. W. Sims. The Montgomery Guards, Capt. L. J. Guilmartin. The following constituted the field and staff: Col. Charles H. Olmstead, Commanding post. Maj. John Foley. Adjutant, M. H. Hopkins. Quarter Master, Robert Erwin. Commissary, Robert D. Walker.. Surgeon, J. T. McFarland. Sergeant Major, Robert H. Lewis. Quarter Master Sergeant, Wm. C. Crawford. Ordnance Sergeant, Harvey Lewis. Quarter Master's Clerk, Edward D. Hopkins. Commissary Clerk, E. W. Drummond. All these companies belonged to the First Vo- lunteer Regiment of Savannah, with the exception of the Wise Guards, which was attached to the 25th Georgia. The Reverend Father, Peter Whelan, was also in the fort during the bombardment and at the time of its capture, and by his calm courage and pious ministrations confirmed the hearts and endeared himself to the affections of the entire garrison. A number of colored servants were at the time in attend- ance upon the officers of the fort That Fort PulasM was gallantly defended is a fact admitted even by the enemy. Its fall must be attri- buted primarily to the evacuation of Tybee island, 84 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF which was at one time occupied by the Confederate forces. By the 1st Georgia Regulars, Colonel C. J. "Williams, an open sand battery had been constructed — withoutbomb-proof, magazine or traverses — mounting two eight-inch Columbiads, and located near the north point of the island not far from the martello- tower. This battery was abandoned, and the guns removed three days after the fall of Port Royal. Two hundred yards in rear of this battery were stationed a six- pounder field gun in charge of a detachment of the Irish Volunteers, Capt. J. B. Read, and four twelve- pounder mountain howitzers composing the armament of the Forest City Rangers, Captain (afterwards Co- lonel) C. H. "Way. The first troops who occupied Tybee island were ordered there by Col. C. H. 'Williams, then command- ing at Fort Pulaski, on the 13th day of April, 1861, and consisted of two companies of his regiment (the 1st Georgia Regulars), under the command of Major (afterwards Brigadier General), Wm. Duncan Smith. Subsequently his entire regiment garrisoned the island, until it was ordered to Virginia on the 17th of July, 1861. It was then relieved by the following companies of the 1st Volunteer Regiment of Georgia, Col. (after- wards Brig. Gen.) H. W. Mercer commanding, viz : the Republican Blues, Capt. Jno. W. Anderson ; the Forest City Rangers, Capt. C. H. Way; the Irish Volunteers, Capt. J. B. Read ; the City Light Guards, Capt. S. T. Levy ; and the Telfair Irish Greys, Capt. Wm. H. "Wylly. About the first of August the 25th Georgia Volunteers, Col. (afterwards Brigadier Gene- ral), C. C. "Wilson commanding, was formed, and ordered to report for duty to Col. Mercer on Tybee island. Other companies of the 1st Volunteer Regi- ment of Georgia constituted a portion of the garrison THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 85 of this island during its occupation by the Confederate troops, viz : the Savannah Volunteer Guards, Capt. Jno. Screven; the German Volunteers, Capt. Jno. H. Stegin; andthePhoenixBAfl.es, Capt. Geo. A. Gordon ; but their terms of service were of short duration^ and they were assigned to other posts. This island was held by Confederate troops from about the 13th day of April, to the 13th day of No- vember, 1861. Its evacuation was suggested and hastened by the fall of Port Eoyal; this disaster rendering the position of the garrison insecure, and liable at any time to capture or isolation by the passage of the enemy's gun-boats through Scull creek and Wright river into the Savannah river. In fact, upon the capture of Port Royal the enemy displayed a lack of enterprise which must be regarded as sur- prising. Had the advantage there gained been pressed, the entire coast of Georgia, with its every strong-hold, would doubtless have been forced to a surrender. The two eight-inch Columbiads were dismounted by the Forest City Rangers, and were transported to Fort Pulaski where they were subse- quently placed in position. Thus upon the evacuation of Tybee island the approach by the sea was thrown wide open, and the enemy enabled, unopposed, to consummate the erec- tion of those land batteries designed for the reduction of Port Pulaski. The subsequent operations of the Federals in the Savannah river — a brief history of which has already been presented — resulted in the entire isolation of the fort. Its retention therefore by our forces was, under any circumstances, a mere question of time, the duration of which, under the most favorable auspices, was to be measured by the supplies on hand. Relief was impossible, retreat gg HISTOKICAL SKETCH OP impracticable. "When therefore the bombardment commenced, it could be resisted not in the hope of ultimate success, but only so far as might be neces- sary to vindicate the honor of the Confederate flag, and demonstrate the valor of the good and true men to whom, in this lonely and trying position, the sacred duty of its defense was entrusted. Impartial history will pronounce the conduct of the garrison of Fort Pulaski during this memorable siege and reduction, brave, deliberate, and worthy of all commendation. By the nearly three thousand solid shot and shells fired from the ten and thirteen-inch mortars, and the eight and ten-inch Columbiads, but little material damage was done to the fort. To the novel and unexpected effect of the conical shot and percussion shells fired from the James and Parrott rifle guns are due the breaching of the walls, the partial demolition of the fortification, and the accomplishment of those results which so soon rendered it untenable. The proximate cause of the surrender was the imminent danger of the explosion of the north magazine. As, however, the concentration of the enemy's fire, and the cause of this peculiar danger to the north maga- zine have been fully explained in Col. Olmstead's oflicial report, it is only necessary to allude to them here. If the communications of the fort with the Confederate lines had been uninterrupted, or if there had been any reasonable hope of their reestablish- ment, strenuous efforts might have been made to avert this peril by shifting the powder from this magazine, or throwing it into the moat, hazardous as the enterprise must have proved under the bursting shells of the Tybee batteries. Had there been the slightest prospect of relief, Port Pulaski, as in the case of Port Sumter, might have been persistently held THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 37 until, in its very ruins, it became a stronger work for defensive purposes than when its defiant walls towered in all their symmetry and perpendicularity. Had there been a single avenue of retreat, this iron storm might have been still longer braved by the gallant garrison, until the crumbling walls of the fortification whose honor and defense were so near their hearts had filled the moat, and no casemate afforded a friendly protection; and then, when the last ray of hope had died out in the gloom of the conflict, that garrison might have been retired from the disabled fort, a train laid to its magazines and fired, and not one brick left upon another to greet the eye of the invader as he gazed upon his barren victory. But, in the absence of all these, in the abso- lute isolation of the position, so soon as it became evident that the fort could no longer successfully withstand the disintegrating influences of the rifle batteries, that one of its magazines was liable to an explosion which would have involved the annihilation of the entire garrison, and that a further resistance would only protract, not alter the result, it became the duty of the commanding officer, even at the sacri- fice of personal pride and the love of glory, to provide for the lives of the brave men under his command. This Col. Olmstead did,, and the wisdom and the humanity of his course will be the more surely ap- proved, the more carefully they are considered. With the siege and reduction of Fort Pulaski a new era was inaugurated in the construction and arma- ment of breaching batteries. It is not within the objects of this sketch to enter upon an analysis of the military lessons taught by this memorable event. A bare allusion to three of them, which have been already recorded, may not be deemed irrelevant. gg HISTORICAL SKETCH OP 1st. That with heavy rifle guns the practicability of breaching the best constructed brick scarp with satis- factory rapidity at a distance of from 2,300 to 2,500 yards, admits of but very little, doubt; that had the enemy possessed the knowledge of their power — as demonstrated by this bombardment — previous to its inception, the eight weeks of laborious preparation for the reduction of Fort Pulaski could have been cur- tailed to one week, as heavy mortars and Columbiads would have been omitted from the armament of the batteries as unsuitable for breaching at long ranges. 2d. That the minimum distance — say from nine hundred to one thousand yards — at which land batteries have heretofore been considered practically harmless against exposed masonry, must be at least trebled, now that rifled guns have to be provided against. 3d. That mortars are unreliable for the reduction of a good casemated work of small area. 1 The siege and reduction of Fort Pulaski will be ever regarded as an epoch not only in the history of this war, but also in tracing the practical development of the science of artillery. The impulse which the results there obtained gave to the manufacture of heavy rifled ordnance, and suitable projectiles, was strikingly illustrated during the subsequent operations of the Federals in Charleston harbor, and at other points during the remaining years of the Confederate struggle for independence. "Unfortunately for us, we had neither the means nor the facilities for profiting largely by this dearly bought experience. "We cannot conclude this hurried sketch of the isolation, bombardment, and surrender of Fort Pulaski 1 See report of Brig. Gen. Gillmore, IT. S. A. THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. §9 without commemorating an incident of personal dar- ing than which, under the circumstances, nothing could have "been more illustrious. During the severest portion of the second day's bombardment, about eleven o'clock in the forenoon, while the enemy's solid shots were battering the walls, and their shells were bursting above, within, and around the fort scattering their fragments everywhere, the halyards of the garrison flag which floated from the staff planted upon the parapet just over the sally- port, were carried away by a hostile projectile, and the flag fell. Lieutenant Christopher Hussey of the Montgomery Guards (Capt. G-uilmartin), and private John Latham of the "Washington Volunteers (Capt. McMahon), immediately sprang upon the parapet — swept at all points by deadly missiles — and, freeing the flag from its fallen and entangled position, bravely bore it to the northeastern angle of the fort, where, rigging a temporary flag-staff on a gun-carriage, they soon again unfolded in proud defiance, amid the smoke and din and dangers of the conflict, the stars and bars of the young Confederacy in whose support they had freely pledged and fearlessly sustained their manliest de- votion. Edward de Almeyda, the gallant standard-bearer of Portugal, in the battle between Ferdinand and Alfonso lost first his right arm, and then his left in the defense of the royal colors, and finally held them firmly between his teeth until he was cut down by his assailants. In the naval attack upon Fort Moultrie, during the hottest part of the contest, the flag-staff was severed by a cannon ball and the colors fell in the 12 90 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF ditch outside of the work. Leaping through one of the embrasures Jasper caught up that symbol of a young nation's honor, that emblem of its dearest hopes, and, lashing it to a sponge-staff, mounted the parapet where he held it waving proud defiance to the thundering broadsides of the enemy until another stafl' could be procured and placed in position. A few years later, at tbe siege of Savannah, this same brave sergeant while in the act of planting the colors, which Mrs. Elliott had presented to Colonel Moultrie's regiment, upon the English redoubt on the Ebenezer road, received a mortal wound, and fell in the ditch. "When a retreat of the combined French and Ameri- can assaulting columns was sounded, summoning his well-nigh exhausted energies for the effort, he suc- ceeded in bearing those colors from the field. " Tell Mrs. Elliott," said he, as the last life-drops were ebbing fast from his manly breast, " that I lost my life supporting the colors which she presented to our regiment." In that shock of arms between Harald Hardrada, and Harold, the brave sea king planting his land- waster in the midst, and gathering his trustiest Norsemen in a death ring around it, chanting his war songs to the last, perished in defense of that banner. The devotion of Codrus, the silence of Lesena/the constancy of Regulus and the self-sacrifice of the Chevalier d'Assas have all been perpetuated in story and song; and when the heroic memories of this momentous struggle for Confederate independence are garnered up, and the valiant deeds recorded of those, who in their persons and acts illustrated the virtues of the truly brave under circumstances of peculiar peril, and in the hour of supreme danger freely THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 9 \ exposed themselves in defense of the national emblem, let the recollection of this illustrious incident upon the parapet of Fort Pulaski be perpetuated upon the historic page, and the names of these two courageous men be inscribed upon the roll of honor. 92 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF CHAPTER IV. Service of the Battery at various points -within the limits of the Mili- tary District of Georgia. One Section on James island. Battle of Secessionville. After the fall of Fort Pulaski the Confederate lines were still further contracted by the withdrawal of the pickets from Skidaway island, and the removal of the troops on the Isle of Hope to the main. In obedience to an order from Brig. G-en. H. ~W. Mercer command- ing, the Chatham Artillery on the 23d of April, 1862, marched from Camp Claghorn, and formed a new encampment on the main, in an old field near Ferger- son's Place, distant a little more than a mile from Bethesda. Present and absent, 152. We left our beautiful encampment on the Isle of Hope, with its many pleasures and comforts, its growing memories and its happy hours, with un- feigned regret. The change from its delightful shades to the bare old field — smitten by the warm sun, and frequented by fleas innumerable — was as marked as it was distasteful. In honor of one of Georgia's most gallant sons, who had recently attracted to himself the admiring gaze of the entire Confederacy for the distin- guished part which he sustained at the memorable battle of Shiloh, our new encampment was called Camp Hardee. The only peculiarity worthy of note connected with this camp, was its proximity to Bethesda, and its Orphan House, an eleemosynary institution rendered THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 93 famous by the charities of the Countess of Huntington and the eloquence of Whitefield. Over the deserted old field in which our tents were pitched and our battery parked, not a single tree cast its grateful sha- dow. A solitary live oak stump, converted almost into iron by age and the influences of the changing seasons, stood just in rear of the southern line of tents ; a dead mockery of an ancient grove of noble trees whose majestic forms, in years long since num- bered with the past, towered in strength and beauty above this now deserted spot. But a few paces from where our guns were parked were seen the traces of a lone Indian mound, almost level with the surround- ing plain, in silence and in sadness giving mournful evidence of the former existence of a race whose memory is perpetuated by only a few scattered or- ganic remains fast yielding to the disintegrating influences of the winds and storms of the relentless years which have elapsed since they were expelled from their homes on this low-lying coast. For six weeks the Chatham Artillery remained encamped at this spot, occupying an isolated position, the monotony of the scene and the term of service interrupted by naught save the daily routine of camp duties, and field drills. Even this place soon assumed an air of comparative comfort. Cook shops and mess arbors were erected by the men. Pleasant shelters were constructed in front of the tents. The dense margin of myrtles towards the creek was cut down and cleared away, so that the cool sea breeze each afternoon, could, without interruption, diffuse its refreshing influences over all. Wells were dug, stables and harness sheds built, and even the pestiferous fleas expelled by the liberal Use of myrtle and wild mint profusely scattered under the floorings of the tents. 94 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF Locate it where you might, the members of the Chat- ham Artillery would always, with becoming pride, and with, the care and attention characteristic of true gentlemen, see to it that their camp was distinguished above all others by comfort, neatness and cleanliness. Our battery drills at this time were had in a field just in front of Mrs. Huguenin's house, distant from camp some two miles. April 30th. — During the night of this day we lost a battery horse from disease. This was the first animal which had died since the battery was mounted ; and the fact is mentioned in confirmation of the statement made in the earlier portion of this sketch, that peculiar care and attention were always bestowed upon the battery animals, and that the regulations for general stable police and management were rigidly enforced. May 1st, 1862, the seventy-sixth anniversary of the company — a day whose annual recurrence had been always hailed with pride, and celebrated with becom- ing festivities in the history of the Chatham Artillery — was commemorated by the erection of a fine staff for our battery flag, which was run up and saluted with one gun. The scarcity of powder prevented us from indulging in the customary salute. May 17th. — A reorganization of the company under the provisions of the conscript act was this day per- fected, and with the following results : Captain. Joseph S. Claghorn, reelected. Senior 1st Lieutenant. Charles C. Jones, Jr., " " Junior " " John F. Wheaton, elected. Senior 2d " Thomas A. Askew, " Junior " " Samuel B. Palmer, " Junior First Lieutenant Julian Hartridge having, prior to the reorganization, been elected a member of THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 95 the Confederate congress from the first congressional district, had tendered his resignation as an officer of the Battery that he might enter upon the duties of his new position. Senior Second Lieutenant William M. Davidson declined a reelection on account of ill health. On the night of the 8th of June a section of the Battery, consisting of the Blakely rifle gun and a twelve-pounder bronze howitzer, with full detachments, and everything complete, under command of Senior Second Lieutenant Thomas A. Askew, in obedience to orders, took up the line of march for James island, South Carolina. At the time this order was received, the captain of the Battery was absent on sick leave, and the senior first lieutenant was also absent on detached service. As this was the first occasion in the history of the company during the war that it was called upon to serve beyond the limits of Georgia, and as this section was the first to encounter the fire of the enemy, it may not be deemed uninteresting or inappropriate to record the names of those constituting the respective detachments. As already stated, the section was under the com- mand of Lieutenant Askew. The rifle gun was under the charge of First Ser- geant George A. Whitehead. To this gun was as- signed the following detachment, viz : Corporal Miller, Privates Baker, Bilbo, Cole, Crabtree, Demund, Henderson, Theus, Wade and Wylly, and Drivers Heary, Kelly, Kenney and Ma- nion, senior. Accompanying the twelve-pounder howitzer, in charge of third Sergeant James Miller, was the follow- ing detachment, viz : Corporal Lathrop, Privates Garden, Harmon, Ken- gg HISTORICAL SKETCH OP nedy, Lancaster, Morse, O'Byrne, Richardson, Saussy, (0. H.), Toole and Walker, and Drivers Burke, Coleman, Malone (David) and Smith ("Wesley). This section proceeded by rail to Charleston, was halted at the rail road depot, and thence marched at once to James island, taking position with the Con- federate troops there assembled to oppose the advance of the Federals who had effected a landing on that island from the Stono river and were moving upon Charleston. The Confederate lines at that time extended from Fort Pemberton on the Stono river, to Redoubt number one on the outer shore of James island, in rear of Secessionville. That line consisted of a series of detached field works — mutually sup- porting each other — and armed with siege pieces. That portion of the island in advance of this line being to a certain extent debatable ground, was narrowly watched by our pickets. By rapidly con- centrating their forces, and by the unexpected landing at Grimball's point on the Stono, the Federals hoped to find the Confederate forces unprepared, and confidently believed that they would be able to reach the city of Charleston. The want of enterprise on their part, however, and the resistance offered by the comparatively few Confederate troops then on the island, afforded the opportunity for concentration ; and when the effort was actually made by the Fede- rals to xapture Charleston, it resulted in a signal and disastrous failure. With the skirmishes which ante- dated the battle of Secessionville, and the movements made to check the advance of the enemy, this section of the Battery was, after its arrival, fully identified. Some five hundred yards south of the once pleasant and hospitable village of Secessionville, on a narrow tongue of land formed by two creeks, was located THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 97 Battery Lamar, constituting the most advanced work on the left of the line held by the Confederates. It was a simple earth-work, substantially constructed, completely occupying the narrow strip of land, and flanked on each side by creeks and impracticable marshes. It consisted of a plain face looking south in the direction of Battery island and G-rimbaH's point, with an obtuse angle on either flank. The distance to the Stono river is about two miles. The armament of the battery was barely adequate. Subsequently, it will be remembered, when this battery was made the left of the Confederate new lines on James island, it was greatly strengthened, and its armament increased. From the front of Battery Lamar the high ground stretches out fan-shaped to the Stono river. For almost two weeks preceding the memorable battle of Secessionville this battery had been constantly en- gaged at long range with the Federal batteries, and in checking the advance of the enemy. On the morning of the 16th of June the Confede- rate pickets in-front of Battery Lamar were driven in before the rapidly advancing assaulting column of the enemy, over three thousand strong, under command of G-en. Stevens. The battery was well nigh taken by surprise ; its garrison, few in numbers and worn out by the incessant fatigues of the preceding fort- night, being generally asleep. ,A discharge of grape, however, at close range, from the eighkinch Colum- biad pointed by the gallant Col. J. GL Lamar in person, and a capital shot from the twenty-four- pounder rifle gun, caused such confusion in ±he head of the charging column that time was afforded to get the infantry supports to the battery in position. A few discharges of canister, and the infantry fire soon drove the enemy bleeding and discomfited from the 13 gg HISTORICAL SKETCH OF front of the battery. With commendable gallantry did the Federals advance a second and a third time to the assault, in both instances, however, being com- pelled to quit the field leaving it strewn with the dead and the dying. Abandoning the direct attack upon the front of the work, the enemy made a flank move- ment on the right of the battery, and securing a position on the other side of the marsh, and within easy range, poured a well directed, heavy and enfilad- ing musketry fire into the battery which well nigh compelled the cannoneers to abandon their guns, and for the time almost put an end to the engagement. Just at this critical moment, however, Lieut. Col. McEnery, commanding the brave 4th Louisiana Bat- talion, arrived on the scene of action, and, with the watchword " Eemember Butler " upon the lips of his men, restored the fortunes of the day. This flank movement being checked by the Confederate troops rapidly concentrating for the support of Battery Lamar, the enemy sullenly retired, bleeding and defeated at every point, under cover of his gun-boats in the Stono which opened a spiteful but innocuous fire. The section of the Chatham Artillery moved up with the supporting columns of our troops and with them united in pressing the enemy-back. ISTot many days after this signal and bloody defeat, the Federals wholly abandoned their enterprise and evacuated the island. The section was then ordered to rejoin the battery, which it did on the morning of of the 8th of July — men and battery animals all well, and everything in order. In February, 1862, Gen. Robert E. Lee, who had for some months been in command of the department of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, was ordered to Richmond to assume a more extended and import- THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 99 ant command. The district of Georgia (at this time consisting of two sub-districts, the lower under the command of Brig. Gen. H. W. Mercer, and the upper under the command of Brig. Gen. "W. D. Smith), was commanded by Brig. Gen. A. R. Lawton. Immediately after the battle of Seven Pines Gen. Lawton was ordered to prepare five thousand men to move to Richmond on shortest notice. His telegraphic reply was, " My men to the number designated are - ready to march at once, and I earnestly request that I may be ordered to Virginia with them." His appli- cation was granted. This magnificent brigade, con- sisting of the 13th, 26th, 31st, 38th, 60th and 61st. Georgia Regiments, was transported as rapidly as the rail road facilities would permit. It numbered 5,700 men, and a better brigade never, in the history of this war, appeared on the field of battle. "Upon his arrival at Petersburg Gen. Lawton was ■ ordered to report with his command to Gen. Stonewall Jackson in the valley, and reached him just in time to move rapidly to the attack upon Gen. McClellan's flank at Cold Harbor on the 27th of June, 1862, which resulted in the complete rout of the immense Federal army con- centrated for the capture of the Confederate capital. For the first time in its history as an organization, this brigade went into action in this important battle, and there won for itself a reputation, which, in each succeeding conflict to the last days of the Confederate struggle, grew brighter and more illustrious. It was commanded by Gen. Lawton in person in the battles of Cold Harbor, Malvern Hill, Cedar Mountain, and on the first day of the second Manassas. On that day Gen. Ewell lost his leg, and Gen. Lawton was ordered to the command of his division consisting of his bri- gade and three others, and led it into action on the 100 HISTORICAL SKETCH OP second and third days of the second Manassas. He continued in command of this division at the battle of Chantilly, at the capture of Harper's Ferry, and at Sharpsburg where he was borne from the field seriously wounded. This brigade afterwards sustained a conspicuous part in the memorable battle of Fre- dericksburg in December, 1862, where the gallant adjutant general of the brigade, Captain E. P. Lawton, late a member of the Chatham Artillery, fell covered with honor, and lamented by his brave companions in arms. "With that battle closed the campaign of 1862, one of the most illustrious in the annals of this gigantic war. As an evidence of the heroic and terrible service performed by this brigade, it is a matter of historic record that between the 27th of June and the 13th of December, 1862, over twenty-two hundred men of its number were killed and wounded in action ! After Gen. Lawton was disabled, Gen. John B. Gordon was assigned to the command of this brigade, and both commander and command, in this heroic struggle for independence, passed nobly on from one field of glory to another. Promoted to the command of a division in the spring of 1864 near the Wilder- ness, for conspicuous gallantry, this brave and honored son of Georgia was succeeded in the command by General C. A. Evans (formerly colonel of the 31st Georgia), who retained the command of the brigade until the surrender of the army under General Lee, which virtually terminated the war. Upon the departure of Gen. Lawton — who, from the very first moment, when, by the occupation of Fort Pulaski Georgia asserted her independence of Fede- ral rule and the resumption of her state sovereignty, all through the early days of the Confederacy, had, THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 101 with zeal and ability, honestly and patriotically devoted his every time and energy to the defense of Georgia, to the accumulation of men and materials, and to the creation of an army just at a period of the greatest doubt, uncertainty and scarcity, and under circumstances peculiarly trying — the command of the district of Georgia devolved upon Brig. Gen. H. "W". Mercer, a lineal descendant of the heroic Mercer of revolutionary memory, who, in the darkest hour of his country's hopes — that country a young and feeble nation struggling against fearful odds for its primal deliverance from kingly rule — fell mortally wounded while leading the van at the battle of Princeton. The cause of the present was not less sacred to truth and liberty than that which had given honor and inspiration to the past; and the worthy son of this honored grandsire from the very inception of our difficulties devoted himself to the best interests of his home and country with a manliness, an intelligence, an earnestness, a singleness of purpose and a purity of action, which alike commanded the respect, and secured the esteem of all who were brought within the sphere of his influence. At the commencement of the war General Mercer was an honorary member of the Chatham Artillery, having joined that company as an active member in 1836. The troops at this time remaining within the limits of the military district of Georgia, as nearly as can now be remembered, embraced the following organi- zations : Infantry. 25th Kegiment Georgia Volunteers, Col. C. C. Wilson. 29th Regiment Georgia Volunteers, Col. Wm. J. Young. 30th Regiment Georgia Volunteers, Col. D. J. Bailey. J02 HISTOEICAL SKETCH OF 54th Regiment Georgia Volunteers, Col. C. H. Way. 10th Georgia Battalion, Maj. J. E. Rylander. 13th Georgia Battalion, Maj. Geo. A. Gordon. 18th Georgia Battalion, Maj. Jno. Screven. Co. A, Irish Jasper Greens, Capt. M. J. Ford. Co B, Irish Jasper Greens, Capt. D. O'Connor. Coast Rifles, Capt. Screven Turner. City Light Guard, Capt. S. Yates Levy. Republican Blues, Capt. Jno. W. Anderson. Emmet Rifles, Capt. A. Bonaud. Tattnall Guards, Capt. A. C. Davenport. Irish Volunteers, Capt. J. M. Doherty. Artillery. The Chatham Artillery, Light Battery, Capt. J. S. Claghorn. The Columbus Artillery, Light Battery, Capt. J. S. Croft The Chestatee Artillery, Light Battery, Capt. T. H. Bomar. The Jo. Thompson Artillery, Light Battery, Capt. C. R. Hanleiter. Co. D, 1st Georgia Regulars, Light Battery, Capt. Jacob Read. Co. A, Oglethorpe Siege Artillery, Capt. Jno. Lama. Co. B, Oglethorpe Siege Artillery, Capt. J. F. Oliver. Cavalry. 2d Georgia Battalion, Lieut. Col. Edward Bird. Hardwick Mounted Rifles, Capt. J. L. McAllister. Liberty Independent Troop, Capt. W. L. Walthour. Liberty Guards, Capt. W. Hughes. Lamar Rangers, Capt. W. Brailsford. Mcintosh Guard, Capt. 0. C. Hopkins. Banks Partizan Rangers, Capt. W. H. Banks. Randolph Partizan Rangers, Capt. E. C. Anderson, Jr. In obedience to an order from Brig. G-en. Mercer, on the 10th of June the Chatham Artillery — whose aggregate present and absent at this time was one THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. JQ3 hundred and fifty-seven — left Camp Hardee and marched to Causton's Bluff, a little more than four miles from the city of Savannah. This new encamp- ment of the company, in honor of the now sainted hero whose sword then gleamed brightest in the Confederate array, and whose brilliant military record furnished examples of conceptions the most startling, endurance the most surprising, action the most remarkable, courage the most wonderful, piety the most unquestioned, devotion to country and liberty the most loyal, and achievements the most important, was called Camp Stonewall Jackson. The Battery was here parked just to the right of what was afterwards Fort Bartow, upon St. Augus- tine creek — a. convenient location to repulse any attempt of the enemy to move upon Savannah by the way of Wilmington, "Whitmarsh, and Oatland islands. The following is a complete roll of the Chatham Artillery during the month of June, 1862 : Captain Joseph S. Claghorn. Senior 1st Lieutenant Charles C. Jones, Jr. Junior 1st Lieutenant John F. Wheaton. Senior 2d Lieutenant Thomas A. Askew. Junior 2d Lieutenant Samuel B. Palmer. 1st Sergeant George A. Whitehead, Sergeant Major. 2d Sergeant John A. Lewis. 3d Sergeant James Miller. 4th Sergeant Alexander T. Gray. 5th Sergeant John W. Heidt. 6th Sergeant John Le C. Harden. 7th Sergeant Manuel Molina. 8th Sergeant James M. Hull. 1st Corporal Eobert C. Feagin. 2d Corporal Edward S. Lathrop. 3d Corporal James W. McDonald. 104 HISTORICAL SKETCH OP 4th Corporal Edward F. Neufville. 5th Corporal R. B. King. 6th Corporal George H. Waring. 7th Corporal J. W. McNish. Privates. Abrahams, J. M. Baker, W. E. Q. Baynard, J. S. Bilbo, John. Bliss, Lewis.' Bowman, J. H. Brown, N. B. Butler, J. F. Cash, W. J. Callahan, Daniel. Cevor, Charles. Charlton, Robt. M. Clarke, G. B. Cole, James. Cooke, W. R. Corey, Wm. B. Crabtree, J. B. Crawford, R. A. Davis, J. M. Deitz, J. G. Demund, J. H. Doe, J. F. Dumas, H. B. Drummond, E. W. Elliott, R. H. Farr, J. M. Farr, T. C. Freeman, G. C. Garden, F. A. Gaudry, J. B. Gignilliat, W. R. Goodwin, C. R. Gordon, A. H. Privates. Gray, W. G. Hackett, E. L. Harden, W. D. Harmon, R. F. Henderson, E. F. Hendry, G. N. Hoist, C. M. Howard, W. J. Hunter, B. M. Jaudon, W. A. Johnson, E. C. JoBnston, Geo. H., Jr Johnston, J. H. Jones, S. Kennedy, R. M. C. Lampe, M. C. Lancaster, J. S. F. Law, S. S. Lyon, J. H. Magill, J. W. Mallette, P. H. Marshall, T. B. McAlpin, J. W. Miller, T. R. Mitchell, S. W. Morel, C. T. Morse, A. E. Myers, F. Mills, E. Norwood, W. G. O'Bryne, J. L. Patten, W. C. Philips, C. THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 105 Privates. Pond, T. G. Richardson, J., Jr. Robert, C. Rossignol, L. H. Saddler, W. D. Saussy, J. R. Saussy, G. H. Silva, A. W. Silva, J. S. Simpson, J. M. Smith, H., Jr. Artificer. Holt, A. Drivers. Burke, J. Browne, W. Burns, Michl. Broderick, R. Callahan, M. Cashin, P. Christman, J. Clarke, J. Coleman, J. Conroy, J. Cooper, J. Craven, W. Dunn, T. Egan, M. Garrett, C. Gillespie, T. Golden, J. Haggerty, M. Heery, J. Hughes, J. Kelly, M. Kenney, T. Lammon, W. H. Privates. Stibbs, H. Sollie, F. 0. Theus, T. N. Tenbroeck, J. B. Toole, A. V. Turner, G. Wade, W. Walker, W. A. Ward, H. T. West, A. M. Wylly, W. D. Artificer. MoLane, H. Drivers. Leary, J. Lynch, C. Maguire, J. C. MacAvaddy, M. McTygue, J. McVeigh, T. Malone, David. Malone, Patrick. Manion, J., Jr. Manion, J., Snr. Miller, J. - Molloy, P. Myler, W. O'Brien, P., Jr. O'Brien, P., Snr. O'Brien, M. Rafferty, J. Siney, P. Slammon, M. Smith, W. Tearney, J. Tomlinson, A. Williamson, J. July 26th, 1862. — This day eighteen members of the company were discharged under the operation of the conscript act of the Confederate states, which, among other provisions, authorized the president of the Confederate states to call out and place in the military service for three years — unless the war should 14 106 HISTORICAL SKETCH OP sooner end — all white men, residents of the Confede- racy, between the ages of eighteen and thirty-five not legally exempt from military service; and ex- tended the term of enlistment of all those soldiers in the field between the ages specified, to three years from the date of their original enlistment, unless the war was sooner' terminated. Congress, in the passage of this act, added but another to the long series of blunders which charac- terized its short-sighted legislation. Such were the evil influences of the act, to such an extent did its practical operation weaken the armies of the Con- federacy — already far too small to cope with the accumulating hosts which the enemy from without its own vast territory and from the floating population of the world was sending to the field — that an order was issued by the secretary of war directing that all enlisted men, who under the provisions of this act would be entitled to a discharge on the 16th of July, 1862, should be retained in service for ninety days longer. This order, although in contravention of the legislation of the Confederate congress, was based upon the necessities of the country, which at that moment needed in the tented field every man capable of bearingjmns who could possibly be spared from other and important duties, and demanded a willing obedience from all who had the good of the nation at heart, and held the success of our arms and the triumph of our cause at such an eventful epoch superior to the claims of personal ease and private interests. The term of enlistment of the members of the Chatham Artillery did not expire until August 1st, 1862. In their anxiety, however, to avail them- selves of the provisions of this act, and to obtain the discharge from service therein provided, some of THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY.' 1Q7 the members of the company, exempt under the terms of the act, employed counsel to sue out writs of habeas corpus. A conflict between the civil and military authorities seemed inevitable. The order of the war department was imperative, and if enforced would render practi- cally inoperative any process of the courts. Gen. Mercer was at first inclined, looking to the good of the service, to hold the applicants and disregard any judicial action in the premises. Pending, however, the decision of the habeas corpus cases, Lieut. Jones, who had been detailed for that purpose, returned from Camp Randolph, near Calhoun, Georgia, with thirty- eight conscripts — a number more than sufficient to supply the places of all members of the battery over thirty-five and under eighteen years of age who would be entitled to a discharge under the operation of the conscript act. Upon proper representation of this fact the applicants were discharged, and the antici- pated conflict between the military authorities and the civil courts was avoided. The exemption from military service thus procured was of short duration; for congress perceiving its error, and appreciating more fully the wants of the army, by subsequent legislation placed these exempts in the field where of right they belonged. The company cheerfully acquiesced in the conscript act, and realized the fact that it was in for the war. As the summer months progressed, this locality proved exceedingly unhealthy. Situated as was the camp in the vicinity of the rice fields, low grounds, and brackish marshes of the Savannah river, and therefore in the midst of a truly malarial region, the men suffered so generally and so severely from fevers, that at one time there were scarcely cannoneers 108 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF enough in camp to perform guard duty, or drivers to attend to stable duties. Several deaths occurred, and the removal of the company became a matter of necessity. Accordingly, on the 7th of August, by permission of the brigadier general commanding, the Battery marched to White bluff and there went into perma- nent camp. The change was most grateful. ¥e were again remanded to the pleasures and the com- forts of the salt water and pure sea air ; but the seeds of disease still lingered in the systems of not a few of the men, and, in many instances, months elapsed before the malarial poisons imbibed at Camp Jackson were thoroughly eradicated. Our tents were pitched in a beautiful pine grove, within sight of the river and the wide-spreading salt marshes over which the cool sea breezes came each afternoon with their health-bringing influences. Stables, black-smith and harness shops, cook houses and cabins were soon constructed, and the encamp- ment with all its comforts and conveniences presented the appearance of a model camp, well-nigh equalling the attractions and the pleasures of Camp Claghorn. This camp was known as Camp Ashby — a token of respect to the memory of the gallant cavalry colonel whose early and dashing exploits invested his name almost with that attractive romance which gave dignity and honor to the most chivalrous passages at arms upon which the student of the past delights to linger. The Battery numbered, aggregate present and absent, one hundred and sixty-five men. The battery animals had been carefully trained and were in beautiful order. All the appointments of the battery were excellent. Nothing was wanting except guns of THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 109 greater power. Such was the proficiency of the drill of the cannoneers, that there was nothing in the schools of the soldier, the piece, and the battery, which could not be promptly, accurately, and hand- somely executed. Strict and constant attention was bestowed upon both park and field drills. Upon a small field adjacent to the encampment the parade was formed each Sabbath morning for inspection and review, while the regular battery drills were conducted in an open field, well suited to the purpose, just opposite the "White Bluff church on the Yernon shell road. On the 14th of October, First Lieut. C. C. Jones, Jr. was commissioned as lieutenant colonel of artillery and ordered to report for duty to Brig. Gen. Mercer, by whom he was announced as chief of artillery, and ordered to the command of the light batteries in the military district of Georgia. On the 12th of December, Captain Joseph S. Claghorn resigned the command of the company, and subsequently accepted the appointment of lieu- tenant colonel, and ordnance officer upon the staff of Major Gen. Gustavus W. Smith, commanding the Georgia militia, and the state forces. Too much credit cannot be awarded to Captain Claghorn for the industry, care, and ability which he had evinced in placing this light battery in the field, and in bringing it up to its present standard of drill, discipline, and general excellence. His patriotic labors in behalf of his company — the interest which he ever manifested in its welfare — the intelligence with which he discharged every duty devolving upon him — the happy influence which he exerted over his men — the pride which he at all times cherished in his "battery — and the zeal he exhibited in promoting HO HISTORICAL SKETCH OF its every advantage will be always remembered with peculiar pleasure in the history of the Chatham Artillery. The vacancies thus caused were filled by the pro- motion of Junior First Lieutenant John F. Wheaton to the captaincy, of Senior Second Lieutenant Thomas A. Askew to the senior first lieutenancy, of Junior Second Lieutenant Samuel B. Palmer to the junior first lieutenancy, and by the election of Sergeant Major George A. Whitehead to the senior second lieuten- ancy, and of Sergeant George 1ST. Hendry to the junior second lieutenancy. These officers retained their respective positions in the battery to the close of the war. During the most of his subsequent term of service, Lieut. "Whitehead was on detached duty as adjutant of the light batteries in the military district of Georgia. On the 24th of October the Battery marched to Coffee bluff to resist a threatened landing by the enemy. After firing a few shots, however, the Fede- ral gun-boats retired. The Battalion of the Savannah Volunteer Guards, the 4th Louisiana Battalion, and Captain Bead's Battery of Light Artillery were also concentrated at this point. [Nothing of peculiar interest marks the history of the company during the remainder of the year. The morning report for the 31st of December, 1862, shows an aggregate present and absent of one hundred and forty-six men. On the 8th of January, 1863, the light batteries sta- tioned in the vicinity of Savannah were assembled upon the city commons in rear of the jail by Lieut. Colonel Jones commanding, for parade, inspection, and review by Brig. Gen. Mercer commanding the THE CHATHAM AETILLERY. HI military district of Georgia. This was the first time in the history of Georgia that a battalion of light artillery was ever concentrated and manoeuvred within her borders. About four hundred men, three hundred battery animals, and twenty-six field pieces were pre- sent upon this parade ; and the fact is worthy of com- memoration, that during the entire inspection, review and subsequent parade there was not the slightest de- rangementin the movements of the respective batteries. To the Chatham Artillery, by common consent, was awarded the highest commendation for its military appearance, accuracy of drill and general proficiency. •The companies assembled on this occasion were the Chatham Artillery, Capt. Wheaton ; the Terrel Artil- lery, Capt. Dawson (Lieut. Brooks commanding) ; the Regular Light Battery, Capt. Bead (Lieut. Guerard commanding); the Columbus Artillery, Capt. Croft, and the Chestate'e Artillery, Capt. Bomar (Lieut. Hendricks commanding). During this year, and until the Battery was ordered to James island, it was, in conjunction with the other light batteries in the district, regularly drilled by the lieutenant colonel commanding in the battalion drill for light artillery prepared by Major Robert Anderson of the United States army. These drills were pecu- liarly interesting, and were conducted with great spirit. The effect was most salutary, and the gene- rous rivalry thus engendered was productive of good among the respective batteries concentrated for the defense of Savannah. The fact should be here noted, that during the continuance of the entire war the light artillery companies of the military district of Georgia were marked by a proficiency in drill, and a general excellence of equipment which distinguished them above others in the department. 222 HISTOBICAL SKETCH OF CHAPTEE V. Two sections of tie Battery on the Great Ogeeohee River. History of the naval attacks upon Fort McAllister, and of its final capture "by assault. On the 30th of January, 1863, Lieut. "Whitehead with two detachments from the Battery in charge of a three and a half-inch Blakely gun, and a twelve- pounder rifled gun, was ordered to take post on the Great Ogeechee river within supporting dis- tance of Fort McAllister. On the same day Lieut. Askew with a section of twelve-pounder howitzers, and two detachments, numbering in the aggregate twenty-seven men, marched to Kings Bridge on the Great Ogeechee river, and there remained for the protection of that important communication, with instructions to dispute vigorously the advance of the enemy in case they forced the passage of the river in front of Fort McAllister. Three days before the fort had been severely bom- barded by the enemy, and there was every indication that the attack would be renewed at an early moment and with greater determination. Light field works had been thrown up at the most advantageous points along the banks of the river between the fort and the rail road crossing of the Great Ogeechee swamp and river, with a view to impeding, and if possible, suc- cessfully resisting their ascent of the river in case the Federal gun-boats should pass the battery at Genesis point. Behind these, ramps and platforms had been THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. H3 arranged for light artillery. To tlie specific duty of occupying these positions in case the emergency arose, the section of the battery under the command of Lieut. Whitehead was assigned, with general orders, in the event of a renewal of the naval attack upon the fort, to keep in its vicinity, and be prepared to advance rapidly to repulse any attempted landing from the vessels. Sergeants Garden and Mitehel accompanied this section as chiefs of pieces, and Corporals Walker and Baker as gunners. One hundred and twenty-five rounds of ammunition were carried to the piece, and the entire equipment of the section was complete. The first position selected and occupied during the memorable bombardment of the .1st of February, was some three-quarters of a mile above the fort in full view of the operations of that historic engagement. The name of Fort McAllister will ever remain famous in the martial annals of Georgia, and history will delight to dwell with peculiar pride and satisfac- tion upon the valor which defended and the patriotism which glowed within its walls. Although the chang- ing seasons have already spread the mantle of decay above its desolated magazines, and wild flowers are blooming in its vacant chambers, the memories which it has so nobly given to the great cause of right and liberty will survive, and be ardently cherished so long as truth has an advocate or heroism an admirer. This fort constituted the right of the exterior line of defenses designed and held for the protection of Savannah. Situated on the lowest high ground on the right bank of the Great Ogeechee river, at Genesis point, it effectually commanded the channel of that river, and afforded ample security against any ordi- nary naval force intended for the destruction of the 15 H4 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF rail road bridge, and the disorganization of the im- portant rice plantations in the neighborhood. From the time of its construction. — which was coeval with our earliest coast defenses — to the day of its capture on the 13th of December, 1864, it subserved purposes most conducive to the general welfare, and on vari- ous occasions gallantly repulsed repeated and well directed naval attacks by the enemy. No name is more proudly remembered on our coast than that of this small earth-work near the mouth of the Great Ogee- chee. The first attack sustained by this fort occurred on the 29th of June, 1862. It was then in an unfinished condition, with an armament of only one forty-two- pounder, and five thirty-two-poundej guns. Its garri- son consisted of the DeKalb riflemen, under the command of Capt. Alfred L. Hartridge. Four Fede- ral gun-boats — one a side wheel steamer, and the other three, propellers — armed with eleven-inch Dahl- gren and rifle guns, composed the attacking fleet. Over seven hundred shots were fired by the enemy, and the action continued for two hours and a quarter. The Confederates replied slowly and carefully, using their guns only when the vessels ventured within range. For the most part the bombardment was maintained at a distance beyond the reach of the battery of the fort, the rifle guns of the enemy giving them under such circumstances a decided advantage. One of the Federal vessels was struck. The quarters in the fort were considerably damaged, .and the forty- two-pounder gun was disabled during the engage- ment. Only two men of the garrison were wounded. Fort McAllister was on this occasion deliberately and ably defended, and the enemy here encountered a re- pulse which was but the prelude to others more signal. THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. ^5 On the 2d of November of the same year, Capt A. Bonaud, while, in an open boat engaged in reconnoitering the exact position of the Federal fleet, and when within some twelve hundred yards of one of the vessels, was discovered. The enemy at once opened fire upon him, and dispatched two barges in pursuit. This pursuit was maintained until the barges were drawn under the fire of the fort, before which they retreated precipitately. One of the gun-boats approached and bombarded the fort at long range for some time, but without causing any injury. On this occasion the garrison consisted of the Emmett Rifles. Seventeen days afterwards, two gun-boats and one mortar boat commenced shelling Fort McAllister at 8 o'clock, A. M., and continued the bombardment until three o'clock in the afternoon, throwing several hundred projectiles. They kept studiously beyond the range of the guns of the battery, only at intervals venturing near enough to draw the fire of the fort, and at no time approaching within a mile. Twelve shots only were fired from the fort, one of which took effect upon the foremost vessel. Three men of the garrison — at that time consisting of the Republican Blues, and the Emmett Rifles — were wounded. Lieut. Oeorge W. Anderson was in command. The battery of the fort had previously been increased by the addi- tion of an eight-inch Columbiad. On the morning of the 27th of January, 1863, the Federal iron-clad Montauk, accompanied by the gun- boats "Wissehicken, Seneca and Dawn, the mortar schooner 0. P. "Williams, and the tug Daffodil, ad- vanced up the river, and at half-past seven o'clock opened fire upon the fort. The Montauk, armed with one fifteen-inch, and one eleven-inch Dahlgren HQ HISTORICAL SKETCH OF gun, took up a position nearly abreast of the battery and in close proximity to the obstructions extending across tbe river in front of the fort. For five tours and a half, assisted by tbe otber vessels at longer range, did she burl ber enormous projectiles against tbe sand parapet, and explode tbem within tbe parade of this heroic little fort, whose heaviest guns, although handled with skill and determination, were powerless against ber thick iron-sides and heavily plated turret. Despite this formidable demonstration and tbe enormous expenditure of shot and shell on the part of the enemy, the damage done to the fort was repaired before morning, and not a single casualty occurred among the members of the garrison. Major John B. Gallie commanded tbe fort during this bom- bardment, and the guns principally used in replying to tbe enemy were the eigbt-inch Columbiad, and a rifle thirty-two-pounder gun which had been recently added to tbe battery. Tbe men, one and all, as on previous and subsequent occasions, exhibited in the* discharge of every duty devolved upon tbem a delibera- tion and a courage wortby of every commendation. To this bombardment remarkable historical interest attaches, because, on this occasion, a fifteen-inch gun was first used in the effort to reduce a shore battery ; and the ability of properly constructed sand parapets to resist tbe effect of novel projectiles, far surpassing in weight and power all others heretofore known, was fairly demonstrated. To tbe honor of this little fort, and to the praise of its heroic defenders let these facts be recorded and perpetuated. As at Fort Pulaski the problem of tbe reduction of masonry walls at unusual ranges by rifle guns was solved to the surprise of many, and in contradiction of accepted theories, so at Genesis point tbe value of THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY." H7 sand parapets was fully substantiated in the face, of guns of novel calibre and power. Tbus upon the coast of Georgia two military lessons were first learned, the value of which proved of prime importance in the subsequent conduct of the war, lessons which caused, and must continue to render necessary most essential modifications in the construc- tion of permanent fortifications and the erection of coast defenses. The result of this iron-clad attack upon Port McAl- lister greatly encouraged the spirit of its gallant defenders, and diminished the confidence of the enemy in the abilities of their vaunted vessels. Not satisfied, however, with the experiment, morti- fied at the results of their repeated attacks, and resolved upon the reduction of this heroic fort, the enemy about balf-past seven o'clock on Sabbath morn- ing, the first of February, renewed the attack, and for some six hours directed against Fort McAllister a fierce and terrific bombardment. The thunders of those hostile guns strangely marred the stillness of the holy day, and with harsh discord invaded even the sanctuaries of the living God. Fervently did the prayers of the assembled worshippers within the respective churches in the city of Savannah ascend on that day to the God of battles in behalf of fathers, husbands, and brothers who were gallantly passing through this fearful ordeal. Those prayers were an- swered, and the enemy for the fifth time was compelled to retire from the contest, vanquished and discomfited. In this bombardment the iron-clad Montauk was assisted by four gun-boats and one mortar boat. The following dispatches, sent by Col. Robert An- derson to Gen. Mercer at Savannah during the pro- gress of the engagement, contain in a few words its 118 HISTORICAL SKETCH OP history, and truthfully express the conduct and the determination of the brave men to whom were en- trusted the defense of this important position and the honor of the Confederate flag : "Wats Station, Feb. 1, 8.10 a. m. A Yankee iron-clad is anchored about two hundred yards from the obstructions. Four gun-boats and one mortar boat are opposite to, and two miles from the battery. The firing is very rapid. Major Grallie has just been killed, and one of the men buried in the sand. Our parapet in front of the eight-inch gun is entirely demol- ished, though the detachment is still at the gun. One of our thirty-two-pounders is disabled. "We will hold the battery to the last extremity, and blow it up before we will surrender. The attack is severe, but the men are in fine spirits. 8.30 a.m. — The fog deceived me as to the distance. In- stead of being two hundred yards from the obstructions, the iron-clad is between a quarter and a half mile from them. 9.20 a. m. — The iron-clad has been struck several time's, and is slowly falling down the river, though she is still within a thousand yards of the battery. The battery has received no further damage. The garrison is in fine spirits, and everything working beau- tifully. Two more men have been slightly wounded. 1 P. M. — The garrison, after a most gallant and determined resistance, have driven off the enemy. The behavior of the officers and men was noble. The damage to the works can be repaired in about two hours. Our loss is : Major G-allie killed, and seven privates wounded — none seriously. Early in the action Major G-allie commanding the fort was wounded by a shell, and upon its explosion almost buried in the sand. Gallantly refusing to THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. H9 retire from the post of danger, he continued passing from gun to gun, encouraging his men and directing the fire of the battery. Not long afterwards, while in the chamber of one of the thirty-two-pounder guns, the piece was struck by a fifteen-inch shell, and by its left trunnion Major G-allie was hit in the head and instantly killed. Upon his death the command devolved upon Captain George "W. Anderson. In the language of one of the public journals: With one gun disabled, their beloved commander gone, and another gun exposed to the open fire of the enemy, victory on the part of the assailants seems but a question of time ; but the command has devolved upon one who has never learned the lesson of surrendering. For five hours the fort, thus exposed, was subjected to a continued and heavy bombardment not only from the iron-clad — throwing immense fifteen-inch and eleven- inch shells and solid shot, and at times grape — but also from the gun-boats and mortar-boat, which, at a distance beyond the reach of our guns, with their rifled cannon threw projectile after projectile within the very parade of the fort. The service of the guns in the fort was deliberate ; no excitement, no idle waste of ammunition, each piece being well aimed, and the solid shot from the eight-inch Columbiad and the forty- two-pounder gun again and again striking full against the turret of the Monitor. It is a fact worthy of note — one which should be carefully preserved in the historical recollections of this war — that on the present occasion was used for the 1 first time in actual combat a fifteen-inch gun. A proper appreciation of the immense weight and force of the projectile hurled from this enormous engine of war, casemated too in an iron turret whose sides are twelve inches in thickness, supported by an eleven-inch 1 This was not the first, "but the second time that a fifteen-inch gun had been employed in the effort to reduce a shore battery. The first time it was used in this manner, was during the bombardment of Fort McAllister, on the 27th of January, five days before. 120 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF gun, will best enable us to realize the dangers which, surrounded the garrison behind the open sand parapets of Fort McAllister, and, to some extent at least, sufficiently to admire the heroism which prompted them in such an exposed position hour after hour to stand to their guns, and without the slightest fear maintain the unequal contest. Both of the flags, which were flying from the bow and stern of this iron monster, were entirely shot away by the well directed aim of our guns, and although one of them fell full upon the deck of that vessel, not an officer or man on board was found brave enough to come forth from his secure retreat within the iron turret, and lift from their trailing, fallen position those stars and stripes, once the symbol of a great people's honor — now the national emblem of the Abolition hosts — a flag which never trailed so long as Southern hearts swelled in honor of the liberties it was designed to pro- tect, so long as Southern arms were nerved in its defense. Contemplate for one moment the contrast here presented by the opposing forces : on the one hand you see the Abolition troops, encircled by all the invulnerability which Yankee in- genuity is so apt to contrive for the protection of human life, skulking behind and within their iron-casemated turret, and not daring to expose themselves even for one moment to the fire of the fort, to lift from its fallen, prostrate position that flag which they profess so much to admire and love, a flag which they worship with more reverence than the Grod of truth, jus- tice and honor. On the other hand, in open view, you have the brave garrison of that little fort — firm as a rock — undaunted amid the hail- storm of shot, shell and grape which for hours burst above and around them — exposed to every danger, yet recking none with more than Spartan heroism maintaining the defense of their position, and illustrating in examples of living light the true man- hood of southern soldiery armed in the holy cause of a nation's honor, of personal right, and of common justice. Does the picture suggest no idea of a difference of races ? Are we not reminded of the fact that the present is but another illustration of the truth that the Almighty has, in his own provi- THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. J 21 denoe caused two separate and distinct races — distinct in feature, in, language, in conceptions of honor, and of courage — to spring up on this continent, who can no more be again united than can the pure bright waves that dance along our coast be made to mingle in unison with the nauseous oils of a Nantucket whale ship? But even the famous iron-clad cannot longer withstand the repeated and well directed fire of Fort McAllister. Her turret ceases to revolve, and this behemoth slowly drops down the stream, far out of the reach of the guns of our battery, where she has lain ever since, loth to renew the conflict. Thus has the experiment with the famed iron-clads been made, and it is a proud satisfaction to reflect that to Georgia belongs the honor of successfully demonstrating the fact that, by the blessing of God, an open sand battery, supported by her brave sons, can withstand a bombardment by a first class iron-clad, armed with enormous fifteen-inch guns. The lesson of the past gives re- newed assurance of the future. The death of Major G-allie was a source of especial sorrow to the Chatham Artillery, of which company he was an honorary member at the time. For many years his associations with that company had been of the closest character, and his attachment for, and his interest in that organization were the most cordial and abiding. He had successively filled every office in the gift of his admiring Chatham Artillerymen, to whom the recollection of his many virtues, and of his heroic death will ever remain peculiarly precious. The following tribute to his memory, penned by a friend a few days after his lamented fall — if here repeated — will not be deemed out of place by those who knew and esteemed bim while in life, and who will delight to perpetuate the remembrance of the true friend, the valuable citizen, the upright man, and the pure patriot : 16 122 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF The late Major John B. Gallie, who was killed in the per- formance of duty as commandant of Genesis Point Battery when it was attacked by the enemy on Sunday last, was born at Dor- noch, Scotland, on the 1st day of July, 1806, and was conse- quently fifty-six years and seven months old at his death. At the age of sixteen, being possessed of a good constitution, a useful education, and correct habits and principles inculcated both by precept and example, he determined to seek his fortunes in the western hemisphere. Actuated no doubt by the choice of location made by the agricultural population of his native country, who were inhumanly banished en masse by the Countess, afterwards the Duchess of Sutherland, he arrived in Nova Scotia, and remained in the British North American provinces for upwards of seven years. Afterwards he spent a year in New Orleans, but for upwards of thirty years he has been a resident of this city, during which he was engaged in various pursuits, having been for a long period treasurer of the iron steam boat company, and was at the time of his death a partner in the firm of J. K. Wilder & Gallie, of this city. Formerly he was inter- ested to a considerable extent in the shipping and steamers of this port, as well as internal improvements, and was ever ready to hold out a helping hand to public enterprises calculated to benefit this city. He always evinced a strong partiality for military life, and was for many years a member of the Chatham Artillery, in which he served in all grades from the lowest to the highest. When it became evident that a separation was about to take place between the north and south, he was mainly instrumental in getting up the Savannah Artillery, a fine body of men, who elected him their commander; but, unfortunately he did not remain long at its head, and the company was disbanded. He then raised and commanded a battalion of artillery in the ser- vice of the state, which was disbanded by the operation of the conscript law of April last, and he had almost succeeded in rais- ing a battalion for Confederate service, when orders were issued from the adjutant general's office at Richmond which prevented his doing so. Through the recommendation of Brig. Gen. THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 123 Mercer, he was appointed major m the Confederate service, and was immediately assigned to the command of the post in the defense of which he yielded up his life. The deceased was so long and favorably known in this commu- nity that panegyric is useless ; but it was only by the very few to whom he gave his entire confidence that his sterling worth could be properly appreciated. Whenever he was in doubt, he never failed to take counsel of them, after which his determi- nation was taken and he was immovable, and always did what he believed to be right. He was a fond husband and father, an indulgent master, a true friend, and kind and obliging to all. A pure patriot, a brave man, and a sincere but unostentatious Christian, he has laid down his life for his adopted country, and has gone, accompanied by the grief of his heart-broken and much bereaved family, and the sincere sorrow of this entire community, " where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest." This signal victory was made the subject of the following congratulatory general orders by General Beauregard commanding the department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Head Quarters, Department of S. C, Ga. and Fla., Charleston, 8. C, Febuary 6th, 1863. GENERAL ORDERS, No. 33. The commanding general announces to the forces, with satis- faction and pride, the results of the recent encounter of our battery at Genesis Point, Georgia, with an iron-clad of the monitor class — results only alloyed by the life-blood of the gallant commander, the late Major John B. Gallie. For hours the most formidable vessel of her class hurled missiles of the heaviest calibre ever used in modern warfare at the weak parapet of the battery, which was almost demolished ; but, standing at their guns as became men fighting for homes, for honor, and for independence, the garrison replied with such effect as to cripple and beat back their adversary, although clad ^24' HISTORICAL SKETCH OF in impenetrable armor, and armed with fifteen and eleven-inch guns, supported by mortar boats, whose practice was of uncom- mon precision. The thanks of the country are due to this intrepid garrison, who have thus shown what brave men may withstand and accomplish, despite apparent odds. Fort McAllister will be inscribed on the flags of all the troops engaged in the defense of the battery. By command of General Beauregard. Signed Thomas Jordan, Chief of Staff. The section of the Chatham Artillery under the command of Lieut. Whitehead — although present in the immediate neighborhood — took no active part in the engagement, there existing no necessity for the use of field guns. At this time the other section of the battery, Lieut. Askew commanding, was stationed on the Great Ogeechee near the crossing of the Atlantic and Gulf rail road. On the 28th of February the Nashville, in attempting to pass down the Great Ogeechee in order to run the blockade with a cargo of some seven hundred bales of cotton, besides a considerable quantity of resin and tobacco, got aground on a sand bar about a mile dis- tant from Fort McAllister. Seeing her situation, the Montauk moved up to within three-quarters of a mile of the Nashville, and after firing a number of shots, finally succeeded with her shells in igniting that vessel and totally destroying her. The fort opened upon the iron-clad, but failed to drive her away or to cause any apparent damage. This fire was returned by three wooden gun-boats and by a mortar boat, at long range. No casualties occurred on the Confederate side. After the destruction of the Nashville, the Federal vessels retired to their anchorage below the fort. At THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 125 the time of her loss, the name of this vessel had been changed to the Rattlesnake. Letters of marque had been obtained for her, and she carried a battery con- sisting of one thirty-two-pounder, and one twenty- four-pounder gun. During this attack upon the Nash- ville, one of the torpedoes in the Great Ogeechee which had been placed in position below the fort, was exploded by the Montauk while passing over it. It is believed that this vessel was injured by the explo- sion, as it took no active part in the subsequent bombardment of the fort a few days afterwards. The seventh, and by far the most powerful attack upon Fort McAllister, was made on the 3d of March. Chagrined at their former defeats, the enemy appeared resolved on this occasion to compass the destruction of this heroic and already famous battery, and accord- ingly concentrated for its annihilation the following formidable fleet : The Passaic — a monitor — commander Drayton, armed with one fifteen-inch, and one eleven-inch Dahlgren gun. The Patapsco — a monitor — commander Ammen, carrying one fifteen-inch Dahlgren, and one two-hun- dred-pounder Parrott. The Montauk — a monitor — commander "Wbrden, with a battery of one fifteen-inch and one eleven-inch Dahlgren. The Nahant — a monitor — commander Downs, armed with one fifteen-inch and one eleven-inch Dahlgren. The Peira, Captain Tarbox, and two other thirteen- inch mortar schooners. To complete the list, the gun-boats "Wissahickon, Down, Sebago, Seneca and Flambeau, were present, and together with the Montauk constituted a reserve. 226 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF Against this array the fort could oppose only its former guns, strengthened by the addition of a ten- inch Columbiad. The Federals evidently contem- plated a successful issue, as General Seymour was present and had troops on steam boats ready to land and take possession of the fort so soon as the brave defenders should be driven from their guns by the terrible storm of enormous projectiles soon to burst in awful grandeur above, around, and within the limited confines of this small earth-work. The bombardment was commenced about forty minutes after eight o'clock, a. m., by the mortar boats stationed nearly two miles belowthe fort, and beyond the range of its guns. So soon as this fire had been fairly opened, the monitor fleet slowly advanced toward the fort, the Passaic taking the lead, the Patapsco and the Nahant following. "While coming into position the Confederates opened upon the Passaic with ten-inch solid shot, and repeatedly struck her. So soon as the iron-clads had selected an anchorage, the engagement became general, and was continued with but slight intermission until half-past four o'clock, p. m., when the monitors retired — the mortar boats keeping up the bombardment until day-break the next morning. It was the design of the enemy to renew the attack on the morning of the 4th, but when, upon examination, it was discovered that all the damages sustained by the sand parapets of the fort had been, during the night, fully repaired, and that Port McAllister was to all appearances as prepared for the conflict as it was when the first gun had been fired, the Federal com- mander recognizing his inability to reduce the work, or to strike terror into the hearts of the heroic garrison, retired his fleet and abandoned the effort ; thus accord- ing to the brave defenders of Fort McAllister a most THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 1 27 signal and crowning victory — a victory which takes rank with the proud achievements of this memorable war — a triumph which will be always mentioned in the history of this eventful period with especial pride — a triumph which settled the question of the ability of properly constructed sand batteries to withstand pro- longed and formidable bombardment from the most powerful iron-clads in the Federal navy. It is admitted by the enemy that the Passaic was struck thirty-one times, and once by a ten-inch solid shot within three inches of her port-hole. The Ka- hant and Patapsco were also frequently hit. Early in the action it was ascertained by the Confederates that the projectiles from the guns of the fort were too light to penetrate the armor of the iron-clads, or to cause material injury to them ; accordingly the revo- lutions of the turrets were narrowly watched, and, as a general rule, our guns were fired only when there was a chance of entering the open ports. In the fort everything was characterized by deliberation, and consummate bravery. The following spirited account of this historic en- gagement is borrowed from the Savannah Republican of the 11th of March, 1863. It contains some trivial 'errors as to the names and armaments of the Federal vessels engaged, which the reader will readily correct : This remarkable engagement is deserving a more extended notice than it has heretofore received at the hands of the press. That one of the most terrible conflicts of the revolution should be disposed of in a few lines of telegraphic report, embracing only its result, is not just to the noble and heroic spirits who on that memorable occasion defended successfully the soil of Georgia against an armament, which, in force and terror, is without a parallel. The brigadier general commanding the department has, in part, supplied the omission by his compli- 228 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF mentary order to be found on the second page of this paper. There are other facts though, embracing the entire details of the engagement, which should be put on record as part of the history of this unnatural and sanguinary war. True it was a bloodless battle so far as our forces were concerned — the only life lost in the fort being that of a pet torn cat — yet it was not because our men were not exposed to death, or fighting for hours with his terrible shafts flying all around them. An omnipotent arm above shielded them from harm. During a recent visit to the fort we acquainted ourselves with a number of interesting facts regarding the battle, a few of which we will give to the reader. It will be recollected that the engagement took place on Tuesday, the 3d of March, instant. Including the attack on the Nashville, in which the fort became involved, it was the seventh attempt of the enemy to carry the position. That the reader may better understand the position of affairs, we would state that Fort McAllister is situated on the right bank of the Ogeechee, and occupies the farthest point of mainland jutting out into the marsh. The river flows straight from a point about a mile above the fort to a distance of about a mile and a half below, where it makes abend and runs almost south and behind a point of wood, thence onward to Ossabaw sound and the ocean. During the afternoon of Monday, three iron moni- tors — the Montauk, the second supposed from the descriptions in the New York papers to be the Passaic, and the third the Wee-, hawken 1 — steamed up from behind the point of wood, rounded the bend, and came up to within a short distance of the fort ; the Montauk about a thousand yards off, and the other two in the rear, some- hundred and fifty yards from each other. Here they anchored in line of battle for the next day, and the night was passed in quiet, both sides no doubt busy with pre- parations for the dreadful work of the morrow. Around the 1 The iron-clads designated were the Passaic, the Patapsco and the Nahant. 2 Should be the Passaic. THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. ^29 point and a little over two miles distant, lay three mortar schooners and an old steamer, which also took part in the fight and kept up a rapid fire throughout. Such was the force and such the disposition of the enemy. Our battery remained as in the former fight, except that it had been reinforced with a ten-inch Columbiad. Another part of our force on the day, which should not be overlooked, was a detachment of the Hardwick Mounted Rifles, Capt. McAllister, under command of Lieut. E. A. Blarbee. It consisted of Sergeant Hayman, and Privates Proctor, Wyatt, Harper and Cobb. These men went up the river and crossed over the marsh by night to a point about two hundred and fifty yards from the Montauk, 1 and in full rifle range, where they dug out a rifle pit in the mud and remained the greater part of the fight, it is believed not without important success, as will- be seen hereafter. Thus stood matters up to a quarter to nine o'clock Tuesday morning, when our troops, wearied with waiting on the enemy, opened on the Montauk 1 with the rifle gun. The eight-inch Columbiad, forty-two-pounder, and ten-inch Columbiad followed suit, in the order in which they are named, all directing their fire on the Montauk. 1 At nine o'clock the Montauk i fired her first gun, and was followed by her associates in rapid suc- cession. Thus commenced the firing on both sides, and the deadly strife was kept up steadily for seven and a half hours without the slightest intermission. Considering the strength of the combatants respectively, and the immense weight of metal thrown, in terrific grandeur there has been nothing like it since the commencement of the war ; indeed, history furnishes no parallel. It is estimated that the enemy threw some two hundred and fifty shot and shell at the fort, amounting to some sixty or seventy tons of the most formidable missiles ever in- vented for the destruction of human life. Only think of eleven and fifteen-inch round shot, and rifle shells eight inches in diameter and seventeen inches in length, screaming along their 1 Should be Passaic. 17 230 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF destructive way like so many fiery demons, plunging into the earth- works of Fort McAllister to the depth of eight or ten feet, or exploding with a voice of thunder and the jar of an earthquake for more than seven mortal hours, over, around, and in the midst of our undaunted little band of patriots ! Firm and unterrified they stood to their guns through it all, and at the close, with a defiant shot and a shout of victory saluted the retiring foe. Such a fire was never directed against mortal man before, and they came out not only unscathed, but triumphant from the fiery ordeal. About midday an eleven-inch shell struck the upright post of the eight-inch Columbiad and shivered the entire carriage to atoms ; the gun was consequently lost to us for the remainder of the day. The main traverse wheel of the forty-two-pounder was carried away by a shot, and replaced within twenty minutes in the midst of a terrific fire. Private Carroll Hanson, of the Emmett Rifles, distinguished himself by passing out into the yard of the fort in the direct line of the enemy's fire, where it appeared impossible for life to exist, and returning by the same route with a wheel for the disabled gun. One of the thirty-two's — which battery was gallantly served throughout the fight by a detachment of sharp-shooters, under command of Lieut. Herman — met with a similar accident, but the fire was maintained during the entire engagement. These guns were greatly exposed, and required the sternest kind of nerves to man them. About a quarter-past four o'clock, p. m., a shot from our forty- two-pounder struck the body of the Montauk. 1 A volume of steam was seen to issue from her side, and her turret refused to revolve. She immediately weighed anchor, turned her bow down stream, and retired from the fight. The fort gave her a parting salute as she rounded, to which she replied by two random shots, one of which went up the river and the other across 'the marsh — as much as to say to her troublesome cus- tomer : If I can't whip you, goto the d — 1. The fort fired the first and the last shot. In a few minutes the other tfro rams turned 1 Should be Passaic. THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 131 about and followed their file leader, which, on making the bend below was taken in tow by a steamer, as if in a damaged condi- tion. Thus ended the fight, with the exception of a slow but con- tinued fire, which was kept up from the mortar boats from behind the point of woods throughout the night, in order to prevent repairs on the fort. It, however, did little or no damage, nor did it cause a suspension of the work for a moment. The garrison being pretty well worn out by the labors of the day, Major Schaaff 's battalion of sharp-shooters volunteered to make the necessary repairs. Though under fire, these brave men con- tinued their work throughout the night, and at day-light the dismounted Columbiad was again in position, all the breaches repaired, and the fort in complete order for another trial of strength with her formidable antagonists. At dawn the men were again at their guns, but hour after hour passed and no enemy hove in sight. The Yankees had received their fill and concluded to let us alone. But to revert to Lieut. Elarbee and his adventurous little band, who had taken their position under cover of the marsh within rifle shot of the enemy's rams. It was one of extreme peril, being not only exposed to a raking fire from the gun-boats, should they be discovered, but also in a direct line with the fire from the fort. During the fight, an officer made his appearance on the deck of the Montauk 1 with glass in hand, and presented the long wished for target. A Maynard rifle slug soon went whizzing by his ears, which startled and caused him to right about, when a second slug apparently took effect on his person, as with both hands raised he caught hold of the turret for sup- port, and immediately clambered or was dragged in at a port- hole. It is believed that the officer was killed. The display on the Montauk ' the day following, and the funeral on Ossa- baw, Friday, gave strength to the opinion. As soon as this shot was fired, the Montauk i turned her guns upon the marsh and literally raked it with grape shot. The 1 Should be Passaic. 132 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF riflemen, however, succeeded in changing their base in time to avoid the missiles of the enemy. Not one of them was hurt. Too much credit cannot be bestowed on this daring act of a few brave men. Of the damage done to the garrison we have already given a full account, and can only repeat that it was confined to the wounding of one man — Thomas W. Rape, Emmett Rifles — in the knee, and another — William S. Owens, of the same com- pany — slightly in the face. James Mims, of Co. D, 1st Geor- gia Battalion of Sharp-shooters, had his leg broken and his ankle crushed by the fall of a piece of timber while remounting the Columbiad after the fight. All, we learn, are doing well. Con- siderable havoc was made in the sand banks in the fort, and the quarters of the men were almost entirely demolished. The officers' quarters received two or three shots, but suffered no material damage. Inside the fort, and to the rear and left of it for half a mile, the earth was dug up into immense pits and fur- rows by the enemy's shell and shot — a large quantity of which has been gathered up and will be returned to the Yankees in a different form should the occasion offer. It is almost incredible that our troops should have remained under such a fire for so long a time, and not one of them have been killed or seriously wounded. Indeed, their safety would seem to throw suspicion on the whole account of the fight. But it is all true, and why it is so cannot be accounted for on any principle of natural law. The escape was miraculous, and can only be ascribed to that All Seeing Eye that watches over the actions of men, and that Omnipotent Arm which is ever stretched out to uphold the right and shield from harm the cause of the just and oppressed. We might name a number of extraordinary incidents which occurred during the progress of the bombard- ment that baffle human reason and irresistibly turn the eye of the inquirer up to Him with whom all things' are possible. A few will suffice : The eleven-inch shell which shivered the carriage of the eight-inch Columbiad to atoms, exploded in the gun chamber in the midst of eight or ten men, and not one of them was injured. THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 133 A fragment the size of a man's head passed between Lieut. Dixon and number 1, of the gun detachment, who were within twenty inches of each other, and sank deep into the traverse without doing a particle of harm. A shell fell and exploded in the pit of the rifle gun, where a number were serving, and but a single fragment was left on the floor, yet no one was hurt. Several officers were lying in the door of the hospital, and four or five others standing around outside and not ten feet distant, when a fifteen-inch shell struck the bank, rolled down to the very door-sill and exploded. All were burnt with the powder, but not one was touched by the fragments of iron. Where they went to — who can tell ? This imperfect narrative has already attained to an unreason- able length, but it would hardly be just to close it without some special notice of the gallant spirits who were engaged in the fight. Where all acted so bravely and so well it would be wrong to discriminate, and we shall simply give the positions of the lead- ing actors, that their names may become a part of the record. Capt. Anderson of the Blues, as on a former trying occasion, was in command of the work, managed everything with good judgment and perfect coolness, and moved about from point to point wherever duty called him, without the first indication of fear. Capt. Nicoll of the Emmett Rifles, was present through- out the fight, and shrank from no post where his services were needed. We should not forget, too, the indefatigable Capt. McAllister of the Mounted Rifles, who has charge of the picket force of the coast, and whose watchful eye is hardly ever off the foe, day or night, and on whose information and advice most of our movements in that quarter are directed. He is ever on hand in a fight, and never fails to render essential service to the garrison. His men acted as couriers in the late fight, and were compelled to pass down the line of the enemy's fire when- ever they entered the fort; but not one was known to flinch from his perilous duty. Of the guns already alluded to, the eight-inch Colum- biad — which somehow is a favorite mark of the enemy — was 234 HISTORICAL SKETCH OP commanded, as before, by the fearless. Lieut. Dixon, assisted by Sergeant Flood^who, by the way, was quite sick in the hospital, but left his bed to take part in the fight. The rifle gun was commanded by Corporal Robert Smith of the Blues, assisted by a squad from that company. The forty-two-pounder was in charge of Lieut. Quinn of the Blues, Sergeant Frazier assisting. The ten-inch Columbiad fell to the lot of Lieut. Rockwell of the Emmett rifles, and was served with great efficiency by Ser- geant Cav&nagh and his squad. The gallant Lieut. Willis, who distinguished himself by his skill and bravery in a former fight, was, to the regret of all, confined to his bed and unable to take part in the engagement. The mortar battery, as in former engagements, was effectively served by Capt. Martin, with a detachment of his light artil- lerymen. They kept up a regular fire and threw their shells with a precision that would have done credit to veteran gunners. All these gallant men stood firmly by their guns throughout the terrible conflict. Though often enveloped in smoke, and choked with clouds of flying sand, they fought to the last like heroes, and under the discouraging reflection that the cowardly foe, unlike themselves, were encased in impenetrable steel and secure from harm. Yet, a great work was before them — the iron-clad ships of the enemy were on trial, a test that was des- tined to affect most seriously the fortunes of the war — and they went to their work and stuck to it with as much resolution as if ten thousand of the foe were arrayed in open field before them. They whipped the fight, and taught the world a lesson in war which was unknown to it before, and indeed regarded as impos- sible. Let every Confederate soldier take courage from the glorious achievements of the noble Georgians at G-enesis point. The last forlorn hope of the enemy has been driven back, leaving him to invent new plans to overcome and subdue the south. Of Fort McAllister, itself, and its builders, we should say a word before closing. It is a monument to the professional skill and personal energy of Capt. McCrady, the engineer-in-chief of THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 1 35 the district; and to him and his no less energetic assistant, Capt. James McAlpin, the executor of the plan,' is due a large share of the honors won on that day. This brilliant victory drew from the brigadier general commanding the military district of Georgia, the following congratulatory order : Head Quarters, District Ga., Savannah, March 3, 1863. GENERAL ORDERS, No. 21. In calling the attention of the troops in this district to the successful repulse on the 3d inst. of three turreted iron-clad gun-boats and three mortar, boats by Fort McAllister, the briga- dier general commanding again returns his hearty thanks to the brave garrison, and expresses the confident hope that their heroic example will be followed by all under his command. For eight hours these formidable vessels, throwing'fifteen-inch hol- low shot and shell, thirteen-inch shell, eleven-inch solid shot, and eight-inch rifle projectiles — a combination of formidable missiles never before concentrated upon a single battery — hurled an iron hail upon the fort ; but the brave gunners, with the cool eflicient spirit of disciplined soldiers, and with the intrepid hearts of freemen battling in a just cause, stood undaunted at their posts, and proved to the world that the most formidable vessels and guns that modern ingenuity has been able to produce, are powerless against an earth-work, manned by patriots to whom honor and liberty are dearer than life. Believing that the repulse of these vessels, with but slight injury to the battery or garrison, marks a new era in the his- tory of the war, the fact is published with proud satisfaction for the information and encouragement of all. Captain Robert Martin, of Martin's Light Battery, who com- manded the mortar during the engagement, and dropped one of his shells directly upon the deck of the Montauk,! deserves, 1 Should "be Passaic. 136 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF with his detachment, to share all the praise awarded to the immediate garrison. The vigilance and activity of Capt. J. L. McAllister, and his free exposure to all danger, merit particular mention. His brave marksmen, who lay in the open marsh within rifle range of the gun-boats, are commended to the notice of the troops in this district. The brigadier general commanding desires also to commend especially the gallant conduct of the First Battalion Georgia Sharp-shooters, officers and men. This corps, honorably dis- tinguished for its discipline and drill, manned one of the guns of the battery throughout the fight; and during the ensuing night, under a severe and constant fire from the mortar boats, fearlessly repaired all the damage done to the fort, and ren- dered it by morning better prepared than ever to resist the foe. The surgeons who volunteered their services and were pre- sent during the fight, the chief engineer, Capt. John McCrady, and his Assistant, James W. McAlpin, to whose zeal and effi- cient labors the repeated repulses of the abolition vessels are largely due, deserve honorable mention. As a testimonial to the brave garrison, the commanding general will be solicited to direct that " Fort McAllister, March 3d, 1863," be inscribed upon their flags. By command Brigadier General Mercer. Geo. A. Meb,ceii, A. A. G. The general commanding the department of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, in the following gene- ral orders complimented the brave defenders of Fort McAllister, and commended their courage and skill to the emulation of their brothers in arms : Head Qttabters, Deft, of S. C, Ga. and Ela., Charleston, S. C, March 18th, 1863. GENERAL ORDERS, No. 42. The commanding general has again a pleasant duty to dis- charge — to commend to the notice of the country, and the THE CHATHAM AETILLERT. 137 emulation of his officers and men the intrepid conduct of the garrison of Fort McAllister, and the skill of the officers engaged on the 3d of March, 1863. Three .iron-mailed vessels of the monitor species, armed with the heaviest ordnance used in modern warfare, and furnished with every appliance that an ingenious, mechanical people could invent, for more than seven hours, assisted hy two mortar schooners, concentrated an uninterrupted storm of shot and shell upon the brave inflexible men of Port McAllister, whose coolness has added even to the credit won by officers and men on the previous attack by the enemy. The colors of all troops engaged will be inscribed with, " Fort McAllister, 3d March, 1863." By command of Gren. Beauregard. . Thomas Jordan, Chief of Staff. Never again during the continuance of the Con- federate struggle for independence did .the enemy- venture upon another naval attack upon this battery. So far as the vaunted iron-clads and mortar boats and gun-boats were concerned, it proved itself an over- match for all that had been sent against it. Upon seven different occasions were the Federals, in all their pride and pomp, repulsed before its bermuda-covered parapets; and it lived on, the pride of the district, the guardian of valuable interests upon the fertile banks of the beautiful Ogeechee, and the conspicuous witness of the valor of Georgia troops armed in the holy cause of truth, justice and national honor. In . December, 1864, when the Confederate flag, which had for more than three years floated so proudly from its ramparts, went down amid the smoke and the carnage of the assault of den. Hazen's division, Fort McAllister was not surrendered. It was overrun and captured by overwhelming numbes, the shock of 18 }gg HISTORICAL SKETCH OP whose onset the combined and heroic efforts of its feehle and isolated garrison were powerless to with- stand. Subsequent to the engagement of the 3d of March the fort was most materially strengthened, especially in its rear defenses. Upon its improvement the best engineering skill of the district was bestowed. Its armament was essentially increased, so that late in the fall of 1864 its battery consisted of one ten-inch mortar, three ten-inch Columbiads, one eight-inch Columbiad, one forty-two-pounder gun, one thirty- two-pounder gun, rifled, four thirty-two-pounder guns, smooth-bore, one twenty-four-pounder howitzer, two twelve-pounder mountain howitzers, two twelve- pounder Napoleon guns, and six six-pounder bronze field guns, with a competent supply of ammunition. The mission of this, work was the defense of the Great Ogeechee river, and to that end its guns had been posted, and its general arrangements made. It was never intended to resist a serious or protracted land attack, although the field guns were designed to operate against surprise parties who might attempt to carry the fort by assault. By the morning of the 11th of December, 1864, the Federal army under the command of Maj. Gen. Sherman, consisting of some sixty thousand infantry, fifty-five hundred cavalry and a full proportion of artillery, fat with the spoliations of Georgia, had completely enveloped the western lines erected for the defense of the city of Savannah extending- from the Savannah river at Williamson's plantation, to the bridge of the Atlantic and Gulf rail road across the little Ogeechee. Such was the strength of the Con- federate line, and so judiciously was it located, that the enemy feared the experiment of an assault, and THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 139 sought an outlet to the sea and communication with an expectant fleet by an avenue other than the Savannah river. In consequence of the withdrawal of the small infantry force which for several days had been contest- ing the advance of the enemy on the right bank of the Great Ogeechee river, and by the retreat of the Confederate cavalry in the direction of Liberty county, Eort McAllister was left in an absolutely isolated position, and without the least possible chance of support or relief from any quarter. 1 Even after the most complete concentration of all the available Con- federate forces upon the western defenses around Savannah, the morning report failed to show ten thousand men for duty in the trenches. Along that extended line there was in fact but a bare skirmish line, strengthened at important intervals. It being absolutely necessary to the existence of the Federal army that communication with the coast should be established by the shortest route, and in the speediest manner, and it being deemed the part of prudence not to attempt to remove the lion in the 1 In anticipation of the early isolation of the fort, and in view of the fact that neither relief for nor practical communication with that post could be had so soon as Gen. Sherman's army fully enveloped the western lines of Savannah, on the morning of the 8th of December 1,000 pounds of hacon, 2,250 pounds of hard bread, and other rations in proportion — amounting in all to thirty-two days' rations for 200 men — were issued from Savannah and safely conveyed to the fort. Extra supplies, consisting of 40 gallons of whiskey, 40 gallons of molasses, 50 pounds of candles, and some soap and salt were issued and received at the same time. On the 9th, fifteen days' rations were added to the above, so that the fort was amply provided for any period during which it was possible for our forces to maintain its possession. Fort McAllister was doomed the very moment Sherman's army appeared before the city of Savannah, and the capture of its small garrison depended entirely upon the will of the enemy. 240 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF path, it was resolved to carry Fort McAllister, and thus open up the Great Ogeechee to the fleet which had so often and in vain essayed its ascent. Accordingly the second division of the fifteenth corps under command of Brig. Gen. Hazen, consist- ing of nine regiments, was, on the morning of the 13th of December put in motion for the accomplish- ment of this important object. Crossing the Great Ogeechee at King's bridge, this force arrived in the vicinity of the fort about one o'clock in the after- noon. For the following account of the assault and capture of Fort McAllister I am indebted to Major George "W. Anderson, then commanding, whose name is inti- mately and honorably connected with the defense of this heroic earth-work : Hearing incidentally that the Confederate forces on the Cannouchee had evacuated that position and retired across the Great Ogeechee,. and learning that a large column of the enemy was approaching in the direction of Fort McAllister, I imme- diately detached a scouting party under command of Second Lieutenant T. O'Neal, of Clinch's Light Battery, to watch them and acquaint me with their movements. This was absolutely necessary, as the cavalry previously stationed in Bryan county had been withdrawn, and I was thus thrown upon my own resources for all information relating to the strength and designs of the enemy. On the morning of the 12th of December, 1864, I accompanied Lieutenant O'Neal on a scout, and found the enemy advancing in force from King's bridge. We were hotly pursued by their cavalry, and had barely time to burn the barns of Messrs. Thomas C. Arnold and William Patterson, which were filled with rice. The steam-tug Columbus — lying about three miles above the fort — was also burned. Early the next morning one of my pickets— stationed at the head of the causeway west of the fort — was captured by the enemy, to whom he imparted the THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY.' \$.\ fact that the causeway was studded with torpedoes, in time to prevent their explosion. He also acquainted them with the strength of the garrison, and the armament of the fort, and the hest approaches to it. About eight o'clock, a. M., desultory firing commenced between the skirmishers of the enemy and my sharp-shooters. At ten o'clock the fight became general, the opposing forces extending from the river entirely around to the marsh on the east. The day before, the enemy had established a battery of Parrott guns on the opposite side of the river — distant from the fort a mile and a half — which fired upon us at regular intervals during that day and the ensuing night. ' Receiving from head quarters neither orders nor responses to my telegraphic dispatches, I determined under the circumstances, and notwithstanding the great disparity of numbers between the garrison and the attack- ing forces, to defend the fort to the last extremity. The guns being en barbette, the detachments serving them were greatly exposed to the fire of the enemy's sharp-shooters. To such an extent was this the case, that in one instance, out of a detach- ment of eight men, three were killed and three more wounded. The Federal skirmish line was very heavy, and the fire so close and rapid that it was at times impossible to work our guns. My sharp-shooters did all in their power, but were entirely too few to suppress this galling fire upon the artillerists. In view of the large force of the enemy — consisting of nine regiments, whose aggregate strength was estimated between 3,500 and 4,000 muskets, and possessing the ability to increase it at any time should it become necessary — and recollecting the feeble- ness of the garrison of the fort, numbering only 150 effective men, it was evident, cut off from all support, and with no possible hope of reenforcements from any quarter, that holding the fort was simply a question of time. There was but one alternative, death or captivity. Captain Thomas S. White, »*»'■. .■•••'•"••.■.•:•.•.'■.••.■.••;••••-•■'• :-,-/ s '»«s? '*v .." ••''was sent out as a support for the cavalry. Soon after mid-day Gen. Colquitt received a written order from Gen. Finegan to take the 6th and 28th Georgia Regiments, the 6th Florida Battalion and two guns of Gamble's Florida Battery, and proceed to the front, and drive the enemy's cavalry from the rail road which they were reported to be tearing up at a point some distance below Olustee. We had not started from the station before Gen. Colquitt received another order directing Col. Harrison to report to him with the 32d Georgia and the 1st Georgia Regu- lars of his command. Capt. Wheaton's Battery (the Chatham Artillery), and the 23d Georgia Regiment of Colquitt's Brigade were at the same time ordered to the front. Gen. Colquitt moved forward at once with the first detaehment which was just 180 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF ready, and ordered the other commands to follow on rapidly so soon as they could be formed. After marching about four miles from Olustee we perceived the 64th Georgia Regiment drawn up in a square, just in rear of the point where the wagon road crosses the rail road. Gen. Colquitt galloped ahead, and inquiring the condition of affairs, was informed by Lieut. Col. Barrow that our cavalry were retiring before the enemy. Looking through the trees he could see a column on each side of the road moving in rapid retreat, and could hear the firing of the enemy as they fol- lowed on behind. Gen. Colquitt then ordered Col. Evans to form his regiment in line of battle on the left of the road. Ordering up the section of Gamble's Battery he instructed it to take a position at the crossing, and directed Col. Neal com- manding the 19th Georgia to form immediately on the right of the guns. The 6th and 28th Georgia Kegiments were formed on the left of the 64th, and a staff officer was dispatched to the cavalry directing it to form on the flanks. Accordingly Col. Smith moved to the right flank with his regiment, and Col. Clinch to the left with his. The front being thus cleared, a regiment of the enemy's cavalry which had been dismounted — and which as skirmishers had been following our cavalry very closely — now pushing forward, saw our troops in the act of forming line of battle, and commenced a very brisk fire upon us. Being armed with long range Spencer rifles,, their fire was very effective, and threw some of our troops into considerable confusion. Lieut. Col. Barrow of the 64th Georgia was killed, and Col. Evans and Major of the same regiment were both wounded. That regiment being thus left without a field officer, and having never before been in action, became somewhat broken, but the coolness of the 28th Georgia restored these men to confidence, and many of them rallied and fought through the action. Captain Gamble's men being raw troops were considerably excited by the suddenness with which they had been thrown into action. Gen. Colquitt finding that the enemy were in strong force — and in fact seeing their dark lines of infantry THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. Jgl forming in the distance — sent back a staff officer to hasten forward the rest of his troops, and to request reenforcements from Gen. Finegan. While we had been thus forming our line of battle the enemy had been forming theirs. They soon opened upon us with a battery of six guns, and the musketry fire became very brisk. The 6th Florida Battalion, under the command of Major Byrd, coming up at this juncture, was ordered to take position on the right of the 19th Georgia, and the men moved to their place under a severe fire with perfect steadiness, notwithstanding the fact that it was the first time they had ever been engaged. Our line now advanced steadily upon the enemy who had been firing at long range. The Chatham Artillery coming up, was ordered to take position in the centre, one gun of Gamble's section having been disabled by a shot from the enemy, and the horses and men of the other not being in a condition to move. Under. the direction 1 of Capt. Wheaton, the men of his battery managed their pieces with great coolness and effect. Col. Har- rison's detachment arriving on the ground, he was instructed to form on the left of the road, and the 6th Georgia was moved by the flank to the left to give front for the formation of the 32d Georgia, the 23d Georgia, and the 1st Georgia Begulars. While this change was being made, Gen. Colquitt sent orders to the officers commanding the cavalry to press upon the enemy's flanks, while he charged them in front. Col. Smith dismounted his men and moved them out as skirmishers, but being badly armed and poorly drilled, they failed to attack with effect. Col. Clinch attempted a movement on horse, but becoming involved in a marsh was prevented from accomplish- ing anything of moment. About this time Gen. Colquitt received another written order from Gen. Finegan sending forward all the troops at Olustee except two guns of Gamble's Battery, and a small battalion, and assigning Gen. Colquitt to the command of the whole. A member of Gen. Finegan's staff, Capt. Tucker, also rode up and stated that Gen. Finegan desired Gen. Colquitt, if hard pressed, to fall back to the works at Olustee station. Gen. Colquitt — 132 HISTOEICAL SKETCH OP aware of the great danger which would be incurred in attempting such a movement under existing circumstances, and reposing every confidence in his troops, who were fighting with a steadi- ness never excelled — ordered a general charge. With a shout which rose far above the roll of the musketry and the thunders of the artillery, our men dashed upon the enemy. Their line was soon broken, and five of their six guns in position immediately in our front were captured. The enemy were now virtually routed. Our line, which had been some- what broken in the charge, was reformed to press on, when it was ascertained that our ammunition was almost exhausted. We had been unable to take our ammunition wagons to Flo- rida, and the ordnance officer at Olustee had been instructed to send ammunition down by the rail road in the event of any action, which we hardly anticipated when leaving the station. Soon after the commencement of the engagement, however, Gen. Colquitt had dispatched his ordnance officer to hasten up the supply; but owing to the disordered condition of things there, the cars were delayed for some time, and we were compelled to remain for half an hour in front of an enemy three times our numerical strength, without a supply of ammunition. The situation was indeed a very critical one, and nothing but the calm courage of our men enabled us to hold our ground. A line of skirmishers was sent forward, supplied with what cartridges were left, and with such as could be found in the boxes of the dead Federals, of whom — happily for us — there was quite a number lying upon the portion of the field now occupied by us. The artillery, reenforced by a section of Capt. Guerard's Battery under Lieut. Gignilliat, kept up a very steady and effective fire, and in a great measure assisted in holding the enemy in check. At length, after a period of intense suspense, the expected car arrived, and "never was bread more eagerly snatched by starving wretches than were the cartridges seized by the men as the boxes were broken open along the line. Just as the ammunition-car arrived, Bonaud's Battalion reached the scene of action, and was moved at once to the skirmish line directly in front of our centre, where it sustained THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. \ g3 a very heavy fire while our men were being supplied with ammunition. Col. Zachry now arrived on the field with the 27th Georgia and the 2d Florida Battalion, and took the posi- tion in line vacated by the 6th and 32d Georgia Regiments, which were moved to the left by a circuit to come in upon the enemy's right flank which rested behind a fence in rear of a small cabin in the woods. The Federals, encouraged by our inaction, had formed a double line of battle, with a strong force of negro troops upon their left front. They had also put in motion a body of reen- forcements, which had just arrived on the ground, to make an attack upon our left flank. By this time our troops were again prepared for* action, and Gen. Colquitt ordered the whole line to press forward in front, while the 6th and 32d Georgia Regi- ments came in upon the right flank of the enemy. For a while the firing was very rapid, and the position then occupied by the enemy could, after the engagement was over, be distinctly traced by the dead left upon the field. Col. Zachry with his fresh troops was moving on with great determination just as the 6th and 32d Georgia closed in upon the enemy's flank, which soon began to waver, and gradually giving back, the whole line was broken, and our men rushed forward to follow up the rout which now became complete. After following on for several miles, darkness overtook us, and we were ordered to halt. Immediately upon the commencement of the rout Gen. Colquitt had ordered the cavalry to the front in pursuit, but they did not proceed far beyond the point where the infantry halted, when the officer in command returned and reported that the enemy had gone into camp and appeared to be in good order. The officer stated that he had himself gone near enough to see the troops, and to hear the commands as they were halted and ordered to stack arms. By this time' Gen. Finegan had arrived in front, and assumed command. He now directed GeD. Colquitt to leave one regiment in front as an advanced guard, and to march the rest of his troops back to camp at Olustee station. We did not commence the pursuit of the enemy until late the next day, or the morning of the day sub- 134 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF sequent. The Federals had been completely routed, and did not pause in their precipitate retreat until safe under the shelter of their gun-boats at Jacksonville. Nothing but our inaction and the inefficiency of our cavalry saved the entire Federal army from capture. At Baldwin they destroyed a large amount of ordnance and other stores, because, in their* haste, they were unable to carry them off. I am well assured that G-en. Colquitt had no anticipation of a serious engagement until after the commencement of the fight, and I believe that Gen. Finegan had no information of the advance of any infantry force. All the movements upon the field were directed by Gen. Colquitt. The enemy seemed as much surprised as we were at the pre- cipitation of the engagement. ' They were on the march to Tallahassee, and did not expect to meet any infantry force before reaching Lake City — at least so the prisoners reported. I take it that the engagement was a mutual surprise, upon per- fectly fair and open ground. Except in numbers it was the fairest battle I saw or heard of during the whole war. Col. Harrison, after arriving upon the field, was instructed to take charge of the left wing of our forces, which he did ; and, in the discharge of the duties devolved upon him, gained the con- fidence and respect of the troops under his command by his bearing in the fight. It does not become me to particularize officers, but I cannot forbear expressing my admiration of the conduct of Col. Zachry of the 27th Georgia, Col. Neal of the 19th Georgia, Major Banning of the 28th Georgia, and Capt. Wheaton of the Chatham Artillery. Capt. Wheaton has kindly furnished the following account of the part borne by his Battery during this important engagement : At twelve o'clock m. on the 20th of February, 1864, one section of our Battery was ordered to the front in company THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. Jg5 with the 6th Georgia Regiment. As we proceeded, we were joined by the 32d Georgia and the 1st Georgia Regulars. After we had advanced about two miles, we were greeted by a shot from one of the enemy's rifle field pieces, which, passing over our heads, killed a private of the 32d Georgia directly in our rear. This was the first shot fired from the Federal artillery. At this moment a courier from Gen. Colquitt arrived with orders for me to move my Battery out of the road, and to report in person to him. This I did, and received instructions from the general to post my guns one hundred yards to the right of Gamble's Battery. At this time there was some artillery and musketry firing from the enemy, but it had not become general. Our troops were resting upon the ground, the left of the line termi- nating near the rail road track. Gamble's Battery was in the rear of the infantry, its left about thirty feet from the dirt road which crossed the rail road diagonally some fifty yards in front. My orders were to occupy the position designated, and to open fire so soon as we came into battery (the enemy could then be seen about a thousand yards distant), and to advance or retire with the infantry, keeping my Battery dressed on Gamble's Battery. Gen. Colquitt said to me, " Captain, use your own judgment in directing your fire, unless otherwise ordered. I expect a good report from your Battery. Be sure and keep your men well in hand.'' My reply was, " General, I will do my best." I then galloped to my command and we moved immediately to the point specified. As we were coming into battery, the infantry were forming line of battle. Gamble's Battery fired the first shot. "We opened at once, directing our fire at the enemy's infantry. The firing on both sides had now become general. After firing some five or six rounds from each piece, finding that the infantry had advanced and was still advancing, I thought it time to move my section further to the front. Look- ing to" the left to see where Gamble's Battery was, I discovered that it was in great confusion. The horses had become unman- ageable, and some of them were running down the road to the rear at the top of their speed, with the limbers and without drivers. That battery had ceased firing. At that moment 24 286 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF I was ordered to occupy a position directly in front of where Gamble's Battery had been posted, and to keep my Battery as near the centre of the infantry line as practicable, moving to the front as the infantry advanced. Limbering up we moved at a brisk trot to the point designated, and opened fire rapidly. Here there was hard fighting, and for some time it was difficult to say which side had the advantage. The enemy had sixteen pieces of artillery engaged. On our side, our section was the only artillery then in action. Thinking it time to have our other section ordered up, as Gen. Colquitt was near by, I sent a courier to him and requested permission to send for it. The request was granted. The infantry fight- ing here was magnificent. Nothing could withstand it. The enemy held on for a time, but finally gave way, and we advanced some two hundred yards. Here the enemy again resisted stub- bornly. Their batteries were only about five hundred yards distant. Gen. Colquitt came in person to our section and ordered me to concentrate its fire upon one of the Federal batteries on our right, and to keep it on that battery as long as I could do so with safety to our infantry who had been directed to advance and take the battery. I directed First Sergeant Miller (I had no commissioned officer with me, Lieut. Palmer being with the other section at Olustee station, and Lieutenants Askew and Hendry being absent on leave), to superintend personally the fuzing of the shells. We soon got the range, and did good execution. The infantry advanced, and in a short time captured two of the Federal guns. On this part of the line the enemy gave way badly, but in the centre and on our left they were still offering a vigorous resistance. Similar attention was paid to their artillery on another portion of the line. The infantry charged, and the enemy retreated at all points, leaving three more of their pieces in our possession. We advanced rapidly, unlimbered and fired a few shots, and then advancing again went into battery at the last position which we occupied until the close of the engagement. Here reenforcements reached the enemy, and it was all that we could do to hold our own. Just then our left section arrived on the field. It did not come a THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. Xg7 minute too soon. The right section had expended nearly all its ammunition except canister, which we had not used because the ground was so thickly wooded. We could discover no favorable results from the few rounds which had been fired, while the effect of solid shot and shells was very apparent. The Infantry had also expended the ammunition from their cartridge boxes, and from some unexplained cause the ordnance wagons irere not at hand. This was a trying season. The infantry icted nobly, but on the right was forced to give back a little. \.t this time our Battery was as far in advance as any part of he line, and rendered efficient service. Our fire was directed igainst such portions of the enemy's line as appeared to be caus- rig most damage. Sometimes it was concentrated on one given >oint, and again it was distributed as circumstances seemed to ender it advisable. Here Gen. Colquitt rode up to the Battery and ordered me to etire^my guns a little. I replied, " General, I think we can lold on five minutes. By that time the ordnance wagons may ie up, which will change the aspect of affairs." He replied, bat he was afraid we would lose our pieces. I answered that F he would allow me, I would take the risk ; that I could rely pon my men. The general responded, " Very well, but be are and save your guns." Soon after, the 27th Georgia and ionaud's Battalion were announced as coming up. The ammu- ition arrived at nearly the same time. This encouraged us all, nd the fighting on our part was renewed with vigor. I shall ever forget this moment. The annals of the war do not record ay more heroic fighting than was done by the 27th Georgia, hat regiment moved like a wall of fire, and every inch it lined, it held. Bonaud's Battalion also acted nobly. In fact, .1 the troops showed the right metal. The contest was despe- tte, and for some time the result was doubtful. At length the lemy's left began to waver. As they were making a strenu- is effort to keep their left centre up to the mark, a solid Lot from one of our pieces cut down a large tree which fell rectry in their midst. From the confusion thus caused, that irtion of the line — severely pressed as it was by our advanc- 138 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF ing infantry — never recovered. In a conversation which I had with a Federal officer, since the termination of the war, who was present on this occasion, he remarked that in his judgment the falling of that tree just at that particular juncture decided the fate of the day on the left of their line. On the enemy's right, a regiment of mounted infantry and a battery of horse artillery united with the infantry in the effort to retrieve what had been lost on the left, and there were some instances of gallantry on the part of Federal officers which could scarcely be excelled. A section of Capt. Guerard's Battery, under the command of Lieut. Gignilliat, arrived upon the field, and by direction of Gen. Colquitt was posted immediately upon our left. It came most' opportunely, as we had expended all of our solid shot and shells. We fired seventy rounds from Lieut. Gignilliat's chests. By this time the enemy had given way at all points,. and the field was won. We limbered up and went in pursuit, but did not get another shot. The command was halted about twilight, and we were ordered to collect such of the enemy's artillery as was left on the field, and to return with it to our bivouac at Olustee station. We took back three of the five captured pieces. A large number of our men were engaged all night and the day following in gathering ammunition and artillery stores from the field, and in taking care of the wounded. The Battery lbst not a single man, killed, and those who were wounded, were not seriously wounded. The pieces and gun carriages, limbers and caissons were frequently struck. There were many narrow escapes, and that no member of the com- pany was killed appears an absolute miracle. In the absence of specific returns, it is difficult to present an entirely reliable statement of the aggre- gate losses sustained in this action. The Confederate forces engaged did not number more than forty- six hundred men of all arms. This is not only a liberal but an outside estimate. Federal correspond- ents admit that five thousand men were brought into THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 189 action on their side. It is believed from the indica- tions of the field, the report of prisoners, and other facts connected with the history of the invasion, that this estimate is too small by perhaps fifteen hundred men. In the matter of field artillery the enemy held vastly the preponderance, both as to the number and calibre of the pieces engaged. Early in the action Gamble's section became disabled and withdrew. Wheaton's right section was the only artillery then on the field on the Confederate side. It was subsequently reenforced by the left section, and toward the heel of the engagement, one section of Guerard's Battery came into action. While, therefore, the Confederate's had nominally eight guns in action, in reality "Whea- ton's right section was the only artillery- actively engaged during the entire battle, and for some time was the only Confederate artillery on the field. Six- teen pieces of Federal artillery were in battery during the continuance of the combat. From the most authentic sources of information, the Confederate losses may be stated at ninety-five killed, and eight hundred and thirty wounded. Large numbers of the latter were so slightly wounded that they returned to duty in a very short time, and others did not leave their commands at all. Nearly four hundred Federals were left dead upon the field, and we captured about an equal number, most of whom were severely wounded. It is admitted by the enemy that over five hundred of their wounded were sent off by transports from Jacksonville, and the aggregate loss sustained in the battle of Olustee has been stated, by at least one of the Federal letter writers, to have been not less than nineteen hundred. It would pro- bably be not an over estimate to record it at two thousand. . Certain it is, that the effect of this disas- 190 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF trous defeat was emphatically to put an end to all Federal operations in Florida, and to hurl back in fear and rapid retreat the remnant of a proud invading army, confident of success, within the range of the gun-boats whose batteries had so recently protected its landing. As material trophies of the conflict, the Confede- rates captured three twelve-pounder Napoleon guns of Langdon's Battery, 1st U. S. Artillery, two ten- pounder Parrott rifles of Hamilton's Battery, 3d U. S. Artillery, more than three thousand stand of small arms — among them, nearly two hundred Spen- cer rifles — a large amount of ammunition, and some quarter master's stores. To the Chatham Artillery — as a mark of the com- manding general's appreciation of their gallant and efficient conductduring the engagement — was assigned a section of the captured twelve-pounder Napoleon guns. These guns with their battle-scarred carriages the company retained with feelings of special pride, as a component part of their battery during the remainder of the war. They were .finally surrendered at Greensboro, -North Carolina, in April, 1865, upon the occasion of the surrender of the army of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston. The Chatham Artillery went into the engagement with an aggregate present of one hundred and eleven men, as appears by the morning report, and the conduct of officers and men during the entire action was such as to elicit the universal commendation of their copatriots in arms. 1 In the history of this time 'After the engagement, as the Battery was returning from the vic- torious field, it was lustily cheered again and again by the men of Colquitt's Brigade, than whom Georgia never sent braver or truer sons to battle. THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 1Q1 honored organization the memories of this illustrious day will be cherished with emotions of peculiar pride ; and as often as its heroic incidents are recounted, so often will the heart be lifted up in gratitude to the God of battles, for the broad mantle of His protection with which on that day He covered the heads of the brave men of this Battery. The legitimate fruits of this victory — which should have been nothing less than the capture of the entire Federal force — were not reaped on account of the inefficiency of the cavalry. Had the enemy been at all pressed during their precipitate retreat upon Jack- sonville, immediate and unconditional surrender would have been yielded. Their own accounts prove this, and their surprise was that they were permitted to escape. The entire line of march from Olustee battle- field to Jacksonville was filled with the evidences of the most abandoned flight. The true hero* of the battle of Ocean pond, or Olustee station, was Brig. Gen. Colquitt. 1 The second day after the engagement, the following congratulatory orders were issued : Head Quarters, District E, Florida, February 22, 1864 GENERAL ORDER No. . . I. Tie brigadier general commanding thanks the officers and men of this command for their bravery and admirable conduct in the engagement with the enemy at Ocean pond on the 20th inst. The signal victory which their valor achieved, will be of great service to their country. To the courage of the men of 1 For the accompanying excellent sketch of the battle field of Ocean pond, I am indebted to Lieut. Miller B. Grant, of the Confederate States Engineer Corps, whose name, and skill, and indefatigable labors will always be honorably associated with the proud memories of the Florida campaign. 192 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF Georgia and Florida is this victory due, and to their states will its results more especially enure. II. The brigadier general commanding acknowledges the distinguished services of Brig. Gen. A. H. Colquitt command- ing in the front, to whom much of the success of the battle is due, and of Col. George P. Harrison, commanding 2d brigade, both of whom conducted themselves with the highest degree of courage and ability. III. The brigadier general commanding also returns his thanks to Brig. Gen. Gardner, commanding Dist. Mid. Fla. and the officers of his staff, for their presence and assistance during the engagement. IV. The conduct of both officers and men will be noticed in, detail in the report of the brigadier general commanding to department head quarters. By order of Brig. Gen. Finegan, W. Call, A. A. G. The Chatham Artillery moved on with the army of East Florida in its advance towards Jacksonville, and formed a component part of it until the 19th of April. It having been ascertained that reenforcements were arriving in Jacksonville, and that the approaches to that village were guarded both by Federal gun-boats and land batteries, it was resolved to keep the enemy closely invested and await future developments. Ac- cordingly the general encampment of the Confederate forces was located along the line of McGirts creek, some nine miles below Baldwin in the direction of Jacksonville, and immediately upon the rail road. This encampment was subsequently protected by the' construction of substantial defensive works, and received the name of Camp Milton. On the morning of the 1st of March, a detachment from the army — of which the Chatham Artillery formed a component part — under the command of Col. Zachry, was sent THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 19 3 forward to drive in the advanced guards of the enemy and establish our picket line several miles in advance of the position then occupied, thus putting a greater space between the two armies, and materially conduc- ing to the security of our own. Before this advance the enemy's pickets and advanced guards retreated. In this they were very materially influenced by several well directed shots from Wheaton's Battery. Our forces pressed on, passing Camp Finegan and encoun- tering no serious opposition until they reached a small creek beyond. In crossing this, the enemy, consider- ably reenforced, inflicted a loss upon us of ten killed and twenty or thirty wounded. Here the Chatham Artillery shelled the enemy heavily, and the crossing was effected under the cover of this fire, the enemy again continuing their retreat. Our lines having been sufficiently advanced, the detachment returned to Camp Milton. With the cavalry well in advance, the army rested quietly at Camp Milton, and the Federals — confined within the limits of Jacksonville and its vicinity — busied themselves rather with matters looking to their personal safety, than with preparations for a renewal of their boasted march through Florida. An expedi- tion was sent up the St. John's, but it eventuated only in an early recall, and the loss of two of the steam transports engaged, which were blown up by our tor- pedoes. The Federals lingered about Jacksonville for some time, but the memories of the bloody defeat at Ocean Pond were too recent to permit the hazard of a second engagement, and they eventually entirely abandoned the hope of rendering Florida loyal, and returned their forces to the Carolina coast. Without entering upon a detailed account of the duties per- formed by the Chatham Artillery while stationed at 25 194 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF Camp Milton, we may state in general terms that the Battery was parked with the rest of the. artillery of the army — numbering some twenty pieces — nnder the command of Lieut. Colonel C. C. Jones, Jr., chief of artillery, and that it cheerfully and efficiently re- sponded to every obligation devolved upon it, whether upon picket duty in front with the cavalry, in the con- struction of temporary fortifications for the protection of Camp Milton, or in the performance of the general duties of the camp and the drill. THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. I95 CHAPTER VIII. Return to James Island. Affair of the 2d of July, etc. On the 19th of April, 1864, the Chatham Artillery left Camp Milton, and marching across the country via Trader's hill, took the cars of the Atlantic and Gulf rail road at Station Number 9, and thence pro- ceeding via Savannah, reached James island on the 30th. Here the company was associated with Capt. Blake's Battery in a temporary battalion under the command of Capt. "Wheaton, the senior officer. The services performed by the company during the summer were arduous and unceasing. Half the Battery was upon guard or picket duty every night. A great deal of courier duty was demanded of the company on account of the want of cavalry and the paucity of troops generally on the island.- Skirmishes with the enemy were not infrequent. Alluding to the condition and engagements of his Battery, Captain Wheaton writes under date of May 31st, 1864 : Our duties here are severe. We furnish an average of twenty-four men daily as guards at head quarters, at the signal station, at Dill's bluff bridge, at the ordnance and commissary depots, and as mounted couriers at the different posts on the island. Besides, we send a section to Fort Johnson every night on picket duty. These details, in connection with our camp guard, embrace the whole company. Men who come off guard in the morning, go on picket in the evening; and with all this I have never known the men more cheerful, or apparently better 29Q HISTORICAL SKETCH OF satisfied. They appreciate the fact that the duty is necessary, and perform it willingly. We are located about one hundred yards below the camp we occupied last season, on the ground immediately south of the road leading from our old camp to Artillery cross roads; and notwithstanding our hard duty, are more comfortable in every particular than at any time since we left White bluff. The men are in snug cabins; we have a good stable for our horses, harness racks, and a guard house and forage house, all complete. We have about one hundred and thirty men in camp. The general health is good. It is unusual to have more than seven on the sick list at one time, and often we do not have more than two or three. In all re- spects I consider the company in fully as good condition as at any time during the war. Our horses — except the few we use on courier duty — have improved, and are now in fine work- ing order. Capt. Blake's company is camped with us, and we do the duty in common, furnishing thirty-eight men daily for guard duty outside of our camp, and sending a section to Fort Johnson, and another section to a point known as River's cause- way on picket every night. There is not to my knowledge, at present, an infantry soldier on the island. Frederick's Regiment of Heavy Artillery, and Manigault's three siege artillery companies are doing duty as infantry. We have also about three hundred and fifty dis- mounted cavalry, portions of two regiments recently returned from Virginia to be remounted. A part of the 1st Regiment Regular Artillery is on duty at Fort Johnson, and the Lucas Battalion is stationed on the Stono. You will easily see from your knowledge of our long lines, that we have plenty of employ- ment for every man. The enemy has made two demonstrations on the lower and western part of the island recently, driving in our pickets, but gaining no permanent advantage. They retired as soon as our forces were concentrated. In an emergency we muster quite a respectable little army. We recently had twelve companies of firemen from Charleston, all armed, two com- panies of cadets from the Citadel academy, and various volun- teer organizations. We can make a good fight, with chances THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. I97 for success in an open field ; and with the advantages of our fortifications I think we can hold at bay any force the enemy probably can bring against us. The Federals continue to shell the city, but cause little damage. They also shell the works on this island daily, but without effect. 1 Captain "Wheaton thus describes the part sustained by the Chatham Artillery in the early part of July : On the morning of the 2d of July the enemy rushed on us in considerable force, driving in our advanced pickets and cap- turing a section of Capt. Blake's guns on picket at Eiver's causeway. Lieut. DeLorme, who was in command of the section, fought his guns admirably, and would probably have saved them, but for the desertion of a wbeel driver who, at a most critical moment, sprang from his horse and fled to the enemy. At the same time Lieut. DeLorme's horse was shot from under him, and some confusion was thereby created. He was obliged to leave his pieces, but brought off his limbers and horses. It is proper to state that the men Lieut. DeLorme had with him as 1 At half-past one o'clock on the morning of the 2d of June, 1864, a boat expedition under the command of Lieut. Pelot, of the Confederate states navy, after a desperate hand to hand conflict of some fifteen minutes, succeeded in hoarding and capturing the United States steamer Water Witch in Ossabaw sound. This vessel formed one of the blockading squadron on the coast of Georgia, and at the time of her capture was armed with a battery of four guns. Her crew consisted of eighty-two men. The attacking party numbered eighty, in seven barges. This gallant exploit, which should be specially remembered among the daring achievements of this heroic period, was accomplished at the cost of the life blood of the brave young commander, who was the first to gain the deck of the Water Witch, and there fell, shot through the heart, while with his own hand contending most valiantly with the enemy. In this engagement the Confederates lost six killed and twelve wounded. The enemy's loss consisted of two killed and fifteen wounded, among the latter, Lieut. Pendergrast commanding. Eighty Federal prisoners were captured with the steamer, her battery, and entire equipment. ^98 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF cannoneers on this occasion, were chiefly recruits fresh from the conscript camp, who had not been with the company long enough to be thoroughly instructed in their duties. His only mistake — if he did commit a mistake — was that he did not retire his section a moment sooner. His only support consisted of fifteen men from the South Carolina siege train acting as infantry. All that could be done was done, but it was impossible for this small force to drive back three full regiments of infantry advancing in three separate columns. From prisoners, subse- quently captured, we learned that between ninety and one hundred of the enemy were killed and wounded in front of Lieut. DeLorme's section. Fourteen of their dead were lying unburied when the enemy retired across this causeway the Sunday following. At the same time that this attack was made at River's causeway, the enemy pushed forward a force at Grimball's causeway and drove our pickets across. While retaining possession of that causeway, they deployed two other columns to the right and left of the causeway, crossed the marsh, and forced back our reserves. At this juncture our Battery was ordered to the front to support our pickets, and check the advance of the enemy. We started from Battery Number 2, near the church, down the Grimball road, and moving rapidly soon took a position in rear of our skirmish line, and opening upon the enemy in a short time brought them to a halt. They had no artillery with them, but several rocket batteries ; which, however, produced no effect other than fright- ening horses. We* held our position here all day, firing as often as the Federals showed themselves, and shelling their lines. We soon silenced their rocket batteries and their in- fantry fire, and were only annoyed by their sharp-shooters. Thus passed the first day, and I will add the hottest day in point of temperature I ever experienced. The sun was terrible, and we had to take its rays in full force. During the day the enemy had but one gun-boat in the Stono. It kept up a con- tinual shelling from morning until evening, without, however, causing any damage. Soon after dark Gen. Taliaferro, fearing that the enemy might by a sudden dash capture our Battery, THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. \ 99 ordered it within the lines. The entire infantry force which could be spared from the guns along the lines, did not on this day exceed three hundred men. Saturday night a portion of the 32d Georgia arrived, and the garrisons at the fixed batteries on the island were literally robbed so that we could muster an available, movable infantry force of some six hundred men. With this force the general decided, if possible, to drive the enemy across the marsh back upon the peninsula which they had been occupying, and from which their recent advance had been made. The column moved before daylight under com- mand of Col. Harrison, with She section of Blake's Battery and one section of our Battery. As the ground between the two causeways was impracticable for the movements of artil- lery, we selected positions whence we could cover, as far as possible, the field of operations. The infantry deployed and swept in line of battle over the space recently occupied by the enemy ; but they had evacuated in the night, and our picket line was reestablished on this side of the marsh. This was also a terribly hot day. A number of men were sun-struck, and others so affected by the heat that they fainted. The enemy had, during the day, two monitors, the Pawnee, and six, gun- boats in the Stono, and such a shelling as they gave us it has never been my fortune to undergo. They did not discover us until about nine o'clock in the morning, and then they opened all their broadsides upon us with solid shot, shell and grape ; and I can assure you they made it warm for us. My orders were to support Col. Harrison and to fire on the enemy wher- ever seen. We endured this shelling for two hours, when hearing nothing from Col. Harrison, and seeing nothing of the enemy, I decided to send our caissons to the rear. This drew off a portion of the fire of the Federal fleet, but still it was main- tained very heavily. At twelve o'clock we were ordered to retire. # * * ***** From this time until the enemy evacuated the island, we kept a portion of our pieces in position behind the lines, with our horses harnessed. This, continued for the space of ten days. We were continuously on duty ; now at night on picket 200 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF duty in front, and now in reserve behind the lines, ready to move at a moment's notice. On the eleventh day we returned to camp. The exposure, want of sleep, and intense heat caused a great deal of sickness among the men. ******** The powerful accumulations of Federal forces in Virginia and in Northern Georgia had necessitated the strongest possible concentration of Confederate troops and materials of war in their respective 'fronts to oppose their devastating advance. For this purpose every soldier who could possibly be spared from other quarters was ordered to one or the other of these vital points. The consequence was that James island, in common with other localities along the coast, was well nigh stripped of its defenders. Under such cir- cumstances the advantage of the new line on James island — the right of which rested on the Stono river at Battery Pringle, and the left on Battery Lamar near Secessionville, these extremes being connected by inter- " mediate detached field works of more than usual strength, well armed, mutually supporting each other, and united by curtains affording ample protection for infantry, and with ramps for field artillery at con- venient distances — shortening as it did the defensive line, and rejecting that portion of the island most accessible to the approach of the enemy, and con- sequently demanding a much smaller number of men for its defense than the old lines required, was most apparent. There can be no question of the fact, that the knowledge of the existence and the strength of this new line deterred the enemy from an advance which would otherwise have been fairly provoked by the meagreness of the forces to whom for months was confided the defense of James island. THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 201 During this summer, Capt. "WTieaton being in com- mand of the battalion formed as before stated, the immediate command of the Battery devolved upon Senior First Lieutenant Thomas A. Askew. About the 1st of September a section of the Chatham Artil- lery under the command of Lieut. Palmer was ordered to the Race course near the city of Charleston to assist in guarding the Federal prisoners there confined. It remained on this duty until those prisoners were sent to Florence. To add to the disagreeable nature of this duty, the yellow fever made its appearance among the troops and in the city of Charleston ; but the same kind Providence which had hitherto watched over, and in a marked manner preserved their lives in sea- sons of peculiar peril and exposure, on this occasion also mercifully shielded the members of this detach- ment from the fatal influences of the pestilence. Lieut. Hendry was also on duty with this section while upon this detached service. On the 5th of December the Battery was relieved from duty on James island, and ordered to occupy the field works at the Combahee river ferry covering the approach to Green Pond station on the Charleston and Savannah rail road. The change was a very pleasant one to the men. The rations issued on James island had of late been so meagre in quantity, and of such an inferior quality, that they were barely sufficient to satisfy the cravings of hunger. There was nothing in them to provoke an appetite. A little sorghum syrup, some musty corn meal, and blue beef once a week, comprised the sum total of the rations issued. Forage for horses also had long since ceased to be adequate. Here, however, we 'found a region abounding in poultry, pork, beef, rice, and sweet potatoes. Wild ducks congregated in great numbers 26 202 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF in the vicinity of the encampment, and were readily killed. Many planters were removing their negroes to safer localities, and their generous stores were, in many instances, freely bestowed upon the mem- bers of the Battery. To Mr. Walter Blake, to Mr. Lowndes, and to others, the company was indebted for special favors. Anticipating the early advent of Gen. Sherman's army on the coast — alive to the importance of open- ing in advance, if possible, an avenue of facile com- munication between it and an expectant fleet — and anxious to prevent the rapid concentration, upon an emergency, of the garrisons of Savannah and Charles- ton, by occupying the Charleston and Savannah rail road — the only direct and rapid means of commu- nication between the two cities — the Federals were assembling their forces at several points in consider- able numbers, and making frequent and formidable demonstrations along the coast of South Carolina. On the 30th of November, Major Gen. G. W. Smith, of the Georgia state forces, had, a few miles from Grahamville, administered to the enemy a most bloody and signal defeat, saving the road from threatened destruction, and securing the only feasible avenue of retreat for the garrison of Savannah, upon which city Gen. Sherman was rapidly closing, although it was even then regarded as uncertain what precise objective point on the coast he had in view. Foiled in this effort to reach the Charleston and Savannah rail road, the Federals still hovered along the coast, endeavoring to effect permanent lodgments wherever there seemed a likelihood of achieving the object of their wishes. The few Confederate troops who could be spared for the protection of the road, were kept constantly on the alert, and moved from THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 203 station to station as the danger of its threatened destruction grew imminent. On the 15th of December the left section of the Battery — Lieut. Askew commanding — was ordered to Old Pocotaligo. 1 The contemplated attack upon the enemy on the Tullifinny having been abandoned, on the 18th this section was posted on the road lead- ing to the landing on that river, where it remained until noon of the next day, when it was ordered to 'New Pocotaligo. Having occupied several positions in the vicinity of Old Pocotaligo during the ensuing few days, and the enemy failing to advance as was ex- pected, the section was relieved from duty and directed to rejoin the Battery at Battery Means, which it did on the 23d. One section remained at Battery Means, and the other at Chisholmville until the last of the month, when the entire company was directed to return to its former camp on James island, which it reached on the morning of the 5th of January, 1865. Two days afterwards the following special orders were issued from department head quarters : Head Quarters, Department S. C, Geo. and Fla. SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 6. I. All men in excess of an effective total of sixty (60) men in the four-gun batteries of light artillery in this department, will be armed and drilled as infantry. They will be placed in special charge of an officer selected from the Battery, and will 1 The Chatham Artillery, although most desirous of doing so, were not permitted the privilege of sharing in the immediate defense of the city of Savannah. In the judgment of the commanding general circum- stances rendered it necessary that this Battery should remain where it was, on the line of the Charleston and Savannah rail road. Although not present upon the western lines, its services during the siege were important in keeping open the only available line of retreat for the garrison when the evacuation of the city became a military necessity. 204 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF habitually march with, and constitute a supporting force for their respective batteries. When the batteries of a battalion are united, the several infantry supports above provided for may be united, and will constitute a support for the battalion. By command of Lieut. Gen. Wm. J. Hardee. In pursuance of the foregoing order, and to carry the same into effect — having secured the requisite number of Enfield rifles — Captain "Wheaton issued the following orders : Head Quakteks Wheaton's Light Battery, Camp Colquitt, James Island, January 15, 1865. In obedience to special order No. 6 from department head quarters, the following will constitute the order of detachments and infantry support in this Battery, viz : Cannoneers. 1st Detachment. — Sergeant Gray; Corporals Crabtree, and Wylly; Privates Bowman, Charlton, Clark, Lyon, McDonald, Morse, and Theus. 2d Detachment. — Sergeant Garden ; Corporals Baker, and 0' Byrne; Privates Baynard, Cooke, Corbin, Hodges, Miller, Mclntyre, and Washburn. 3d Detachment.— Sergeant Harden ; Corporals Walker, and Morel ; Privates Dunn, Hudson, Le Conte, Saussy, Stubbs, Silva, A. W., and Walker. 4th Detachment. — ■ Sergeant Mitchell ; Corporals Mallett, and Turner; Privates Champion, Farr, George, Joiner, M. Lampe, McCrary, Jones, F. P., and Thompson. Drivers. 1st Detachment. — Privates Johnson, Lynch, McAvady, Tiernay, Manion, Jr., and Kenny. 2d Detachment. — Privates Broderick, Coleman, Leary, McVeigh, Malone, D., and Thompson. 3d Detachment. — Privates Haggerty, O'Brien, M., Slammon, Spence, Atkinson, and Myler. THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 205 4th Detachment. — Privates Hughes, Hayes, Kelly, William- son, Lodkey, and Dreesen. Litter Bearers. Privates Veal, John Wilkes, Arera, and J. R. Farr. n Battery Wagon and Forge Drivers. Privates J. E. Jones, Manion, Snr., Lamon, Golden, Mclntyre, and Taggle. Supernumeraries. Privates W. J. Jones, Young, and O'Neil. Cooks. Privates P. O'Brien, Sumner, Morris, and McArthy. Infantry Support. Privates MoNish, Baker, W. S. Clark, Dreese, Freeborn, Gilleland, Griffin, A. W. Hannon, Jacob Joiner, Joseph Joiner, Jaudon, Krenson, Kennickle, Lovel, Mongin, Minton, Wm. Miller, Makin, Patot, Perry, Remshart, John N. Silva, Sykes, J. J. Wilkes, and Williams. Private T. W. McNish is hereby appointed drill sergeant of the infantry support, and will act as first sergeant of that force. He will be respected and obeyed accordingly. Hereafter, in case of temporary absence or sickness of any regular driver, the driver whose horses are stabled opposite, will attend to the horses of the absent man. In cases of emergency, or on the march, extra duty men and artificers will attend to teams, or drive, or perform any other duty that may be necessary. By order of John F. Wheaton, Captain Commanding. 206 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF CHAPTER IX. The Chatham Artillery during the campaign in the Carolinas, and at the surrender of the Confederate forces unde,r Gen. Joseph E. Johnston. By the middle of January, Gen. Sherman had put his army in motion from Savannah for its march of plunder, house burning and desolation through the Carolinas. Gen. Hood's army had well nigh suffered total annihilation in the recent Tennessee campaign; and its shattered, wounded remnants were slowly retiring to unite under Gen. Joseph E. Johnston in one last struggle for the Confederacy. Gen. Lee, sore pressed in Virginia, could not spare a single man from the defense of the national capital. He needed tens of thousands more to enable him to cope, at least with the show of numerical equality, with the gathering hosts, which, as the locusts of Egypt, were swarming beneath the banners of Gen. Grant. The fall of Eort Fisher, and the subsequent opening up by Gen. Sconeld of facile communication between Wilmington and Goldsboro — the objective of Gen. Sherman — resulted from the inability of depleted Confederate garrisons to cope successfully with the overwhelming numbers concentrated against them. Gen. Hardee, 1 with his eighteen thousand Confede- 1 At a conference held on the 2d day of February, 1865, at Green's Cut station on the Augusta and Waynesboro rail road, in Burke THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 207 rate troops at detached points along the Carolina coast and elsewhere, composed in large measure of county, Georgia, at which Gen. Beauregard, Lieut. Gen. Hardee, Maj. Gen. D. H. Hill and Maj. Gen. G. W. Smith were present, the follow- ing was the estimated strength of the forces in and about Augusta, and in the state of South Carolina, which it was thought could be relied on as effective to resist the advance of Gen. Sherman : Gen. Hardee's Regular Infantry, P. A. C. S., 8,000 Militia and Reserves, . . 3,000 11,000 Light Artillery, . . . 2,000 Butler's Division, one-half only now available, 1,500 3,500 Total under command of Gen. Hardee in South Carolina, 14,500 Maj. Gen. Smith's Georgia Militia, . . . 1,200 Colonel Browne's Georgia Reserves, . . . 250 1,450 Lieut. Gen. Lee's Corps, . ( Only about H of ) 4,000 " " Cheatham's Corps, -1 which were reported V 3,000 " " Stewart's Corps, ( for active duty. ) 3,000 10,000 Artillery, Army of Tennessee, 800 Gen. Wheeler's Cavalry, 6,700 Recapitulation. Total Infantry, 22,450 Light Artillery, 2,800 Cavalry, mounted and dismounted, . . 8,200 Grand Total, 33,450 Cheatham's and Stewart's corps had not arrived. The head of Cheat- ham's corps was expected to arrive in Augusta on the 4th or 5th inst., and the head of Stewart's on the 10th or 11th. In view of Sherman's present position, his manifest advance towards Branchville from Pocotaligo and Coosawhatchie, the weakness of our forces, and the expected arrival of the reenforcements above referred to, it was deemed inadvisable to concentrate our forces at Branchville and there offer battle. During the pending negotiations for peace it was thought of the highest importance to hold Charleston and Augusta as long as it was humanly possible. Moreover, it being in violation of all maxims of the military art to adopt a place as a point of concentration which it was possible that the enemy with a, largely superior force could reach before our columns could arrive, it was therefore con- cluded : 208 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF reserves and state forces recently brought into, and unaccustomed to the hardships of actual service, and of 1st. That the line of the Combahee should be held as long as prac- ticable, resisting the enemy strongly at all points. 2d. Should the enemy penetrate this line or turn it in force, Gen- Hardee should retire with his forces • — covering his rear with about five hundred cavalry — towards Charleston, resisting the advance of the enemy in that direction vigorously, behind every available creek, river or swamp, whilst Wheeler, dividing his forces temporarily, should fall back with the main portion in the direction of Columbia, check- ing the enemy's advance should he follow, and hold the line of the Congaree until reenforcements could arrive ; the other portion of his cavalry to fall back towards Augusta, covering that place. 3d. Should the enemy follow Hardee and indicate an attack on Charleston, and whenever it should become evident that a longer defense was impracticable, Gen. Hardee should abandon the place, and, removing all valuable stores, hasten to form a junction with the forces of Gen. Beauregard who would cover Columbia and take up the Con- garee as a line of defense. 4th. That the infantry now on the line of Brier creek (about twenty- five miles south of Augusta at the nearest point), should be removed as soon as the stores were brought back, and take up a new position along Spirit creek, about fifteen miles nearer, which should be fortified. A four-gun battery with embrasures and heavy traverses was to be placed on the Savannah river near the mouth of Spirit creek, and a similar one at Sand-bar ferry ; both batteries to be aided by torpedoes in the river. 5th. It was held in contemplation to send Lee's corps to Branchville, and, in the event of the happening of the contingency alluded to in the 2d and 3d resolutions, Maj . Gen. Stevenson commanding that corps should retire towards the Congaree protected by the cavalry, where he would watch and guard its crossings until the arrival of Generals Beauregard and Hardee. , It was estimated by Gen. Hardee that 20,000 men at least would be required for the proper defense of Charleston during the period of twenty days, there being in that city an accumulation of supplies for that space of time only. The enemy moving with a certain number of days' rations for all his troops, with the hope of soon establishing a base of supplies, in reality had no lines of communication which could be cut or threat- ened ; his overwhelming force enabling him to pass into the interior of the country like an ordinary movable column. THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 209 artillerists drawn from fixed batteries, who for the first time were taking the field as infantry — was incapable of offering effectual resistance to the advance of the converging columns of Howard and Slocum, each more than three times as large as any force he could at any point concentrate in opposition. Full four years of gigantic war under the most unfavorable circumstances, and of ceaseless conflict with over- whelming odds, had well nigh consumed the manhood and the substantial resources of the isolated and bleeding Confederacy. Cut off from all communica- tion with the outside world, with no resources save such as were developed within her own confines, pressed on all sides, with her lines of internal com- munication sadly deranged, with a depreciated cur- rency, and an army poorly clad, badly fed, and without pay, it was impossible longer to stem the torrent of invasion with any good hope of ultimate success. Sherman's march through the Carolinas was fore- shadowed in his march through Georgia — in each instance accomplished with ease, because there was not in the country a Confederate force strong enough to materially retard his progress. Charleston 1 fell without a blow through the sheer force of circum- stances, and that gallant city whose heroic resistance had defied the fiercest assaults of an attacking enemy through long years of danger and suffering — whose advanced works, Sumter and "Wagner, had given to history memories of valor which will live with the recollections of Leyden, and Malta, and Saragossa, and Crema — abandoned of her defenders, was surren- 'As early as the 27th. of December, 1864, Lieut. Gen. Hardee had been directed by Gen. Beauregard commanding the military division of the west, silently and cautiously to make all necessary preparations for the evacuation of this city, and the withdrawal of the garrisons of 27 210 HISTORICAL SKETCH OP dered by her mayor to a lieutenant colonel of infantry, commanding a negro regiment ! The knightly blade of the noble Hampton was the various worts erected for its defense, so soon as the contemplated emergency should arise. That order' was subsequently repeated in the following terms : Charleston, S. C, December 31, 1864, Lieut. Gen. W. J. Hardee commanding Dept. of S. C, Geo., and Fla., Charleston, S. C. General : I inclose herewith a copy of a telegram received to-day from the President, relieving me at my request of the general command of the departments of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. My pre- sence is absolutely required at this moment at Montgomery and with the army of Tennessee, and I am unable to inform you when I will be able to return in this direction. The interruption of rail road commu- nication might render it impracticable to get back in time to be of assistance to you should you require my aid suddenly. The telegram of the President not being explicit as to the status of Augusta, I have requested that it should be included in your department, as you now have under you the whole of Wheeler's cavalry and nearly all the available forces of Georgia, which are also required by you for the defense of South Carolina. The defense of this city is so intimately connected with that of the western portion of this state, that you will consider it within the limits of your department until further orders from the war department. I have already given you all the verbal instructions possible for the defense of Charleston and this state. The answer of the war depart- ment, not yet received, to my telegram of the 27th inst., will determine whether, in the event of evacuating this city, you will retire towards Georgia or North Carolina as a base. The first is your natural base, but should you have reason to expect large reenforcements from the latter state, you should, of course, retire in that direction. You will apply to the defense of Charleston the same principle applied to that of Savannah ; that is, defend it as long as compatible with the safety of your forces. Having no reason at present to expect succor from an army of relief, you must save your troops for the ■ defense of South Carolina and Georgia. The fall of Charleston would necessarily.be a terrible blow to the Confederacy, but its fall with the loss of its brave garrison would be still more fatal to our cause. You will, however, make all the preparations THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 211 powerless to save his beautiful home — the capital of his state — from the hand of the plunderer and the torch of the incendiary. necessary for the possible evacuation of the city, and " clear your decks for action." Should it not take place, the trouble and expense of transportation will amount to little ; but should you be compelled to evacuate the city when unprepared, the loss of public property would be incalculable. All the cotton in the city should be removed ; and if any be in the city at the time of its evacuation, it must be destroyed. As already instructed, you should organize all your troops for the field, collecting sufficient transportation, ammunition and provisions for an active campaign. Tou must have depots of provisions and forage at several points in the interior of the state. Columbia would be a very suitable point — Florence also, if you expect to move in the direction of North Carolina. Augusta, Mayfield and Milledgeville must be depots for future operations. Your defensive lines from the Savannah river would be as already explained to you. 1. The Combahee and Salkehatchie to Barnwell Court House, and thence to the Savannah river. 2. The Oshepoo and Salkehatchie to Barnwell Court House ; and thence to the Savannah river. 3. Edisto to Branchville, thence across towards Barnwell Court House. 4. Edisto and Caw-Caw Swamp or Rantowl's creek. 5. Edisto and Ashley. Wheeler's cavalry must protect your front towards Savannah river, and your right flank from Barnwell Court House towards Augusta. At least the larger portion of his cavalry must be south of that river to watch the movements and check the progress of any force moving towards Augusta, or the interior of Georgia, until the rest of the cavalry and other forces could be sent to give battle to the enemy. Please keep -General Cobb and myself advised of, your movements, and -those of the enemy, that we may give you in time any assistance in our power. Hoping that you may be successful in holding Charles- ton and repelling any advance of the enemy, I remain, Respectfully Your Obedient Servant, G. T. BEAtrftEGAED, General. 212 HISTORICAL SKETCH OP The combined forces of Hampton, Wheeler and Butler could only skirmish heavily with the advancing Federal columns. They could not check them, and the battle of Bentonville clearly demonstrated alike the valor and the weakness of Gen. Johnston's army. "We may not now pause to follow in the footsteps of that invading army, or to chronicle the incidents of the campaign. Its desolating scars are still upon the land. The scenes of license, and plunder, and confla- gration, and anguish, and death which it engendered, will not soon be forgotten. The damning record will live in all its deformity, known, read and abhorred of all men who have hearts to love the good, and con- temn the evil. The following is a diary of the movements of the Battery during the Carolina campaign : On the 2d of February, 1865, the Chatham Artillery was ordered to Branchville, and reached that point on the 4th. The next day it proceeded by rail to Orange- burg. Two days afterwards it marched by dirt road for Columbia, with orders to report to Gen. Hampton ; and arriving there at ten o'clock A. m., on the 10th, encamped on the Congaree river in the vicinity of the city. The Battery was now assigned to duty with Butler's division of Hampton's cavalry. On the 15th the Battery moved across the Congaree, and taking a position at Granby's, shelled the Federal camps all night. At day-dawn it retired to a hill about three hundred yards in rear of that position ; and, as the enemy commenced moving, opened fire upon their columns and continued this for two hours. Without an infantry support for the most of the time, and in this isolated position, the Chatham Artillery during this day contested the advance of the enemy, enduring a heavy fire from infantry and artillery. THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 213 Three men, viz: Corporal O'Byrne, and Privates Lovell and Tierney were wounded, and the Battery lost several horses killed and wounded. To the resistance here encountered, and the severe shelling sustained at the hands of the Chatham Artil- lery at this point, Gen. Sherman alludes in his official report. On the 17th the Battery received orders to move above Columbia, and occupying the bank of the river near the Saluda factory, to contest the crossing of the enemy. While on the march towards Columbia in the execution of this order, the fact was ascertained that the city was already in the possession of the advanced guards of the enemy, and, at the same time, Capt. Wheaton was notified that his Battery had been cut off', and that avoiding Columbia he must make his way, as rapidly and as best he eould, and join Butler's division of cavalry at Kenyon's mills that night, if practicable. After a forced march of about twenty-seven miles within sight and hearing of the enemy, and by unfre- quented roads, the Battery succeeded in circumventing the city; and, eluding the pursuit of the Federals, reached Butler's division at Kenyon's mills at ten o'clock p. m., having lost ten men captured by the enemy during the day. For several succeeding days the Battery skirmished with the enemy, checking the Federal advance as far as practicable. February 20th. — Marched through Winnsboro, and halted for the night at G-ladden's grove. February 21st. — Retreated to Cloud's, and the next day, having forded the Catawba river at Land's ford, camped for the night on the opposite bank of the river. On the 23d the Battery was ordered to Char- 214 HISTORICAL SKETCH OP lotte, North Carolina, which village was reached on the morning of the 24th. There it remained in camp until the sixth of March. Information having been received of the evacuation of Fayetteville by the Confederate forces, the Chatham Artillery was directed to proceed to Smithfield. The recent rains had rendered the roads almost impassable. Men and animals floundered hour after hour in the mud and clay, and the wheels of the gun carriages sank down to their hubs. The Yadkin was so high that it could not be forded. A crazy .flat was secured, however, and in this the Battery was safely transported piece- meal across. Upon the banks of this stream the company halted for twenty-four hours to shoe the battery animals, and make certain necessary repairs. The Haw was forded without accident, and Chapel hill reached on the 16th. Here, for the time being, the fatigues and the privations of the march were forgotten amid the hospitalities and attentions of the citizens of this pleasant village. The kind ladies, with their own fair hands, and sweet words of welcome and encouragement, generously dispensed the most abundant supplies. Every haversack was filled to overflowing with choicest viands, and the weary sol- diers were sent on their way rejoicing, refreshed and invigorated. Amid the many depressing recollec- tions of tbis gloomy campaign, the memory of the smiles, the cheering words, and the generosity of the ladies of Chapel hill lingers still in the grateful hearts of Chatham Artillerymen — a verdant oasis, redolent of richest perfumes, in the midst of a dreary waste. Raleigh was reached on the 18th at noon. The Battery there rested during the 19th, and on the 21st, when within six miles of Smithfield, received orders to return to Raleigh. At this place the Battery THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 215 remained until the 28th, when it proceeded in the direction of Hillsboro, and encamped in that vicinity on the 29th. In obedience to orders from Gen. Beauregard the Chatham Artillery there reported to Col. Gonzales to be inspected and placed on the best possible footing for active service. Of thirty light batteries there concentrated — the most of them being unfit for field service — ten were to be chosen, and furnished at the expense of the others, with the best battery animals and equipments. Of these ten the Chatham Artillery was selected as one. It remained in the vicinity of Hillsboro until the sixth of April. It was a most difficult matter at this point to secure either rations for the men, or forage for the battery animals. The country for miles around was scoured for corn, and there was but one mill in the neighborhood where this could be ground. At times that mill could not run on account of the high water, and then the corn was issued to the men, who were compelled to shell and parch it in their camp fires as the only means of subsistence. Of meat, there was but little, and often none at all. From the quarter master and commis- sary departments no supplies could be procured. Having received fifteen fresh horses, and having turned in the battery wagon, the company marched under orders to report to Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, then at Smithfield. Passing through Denham, Mor- risville, Raleigh and Clayton, on the 10th of April the Battery reported at Smithfield, and was by Gen. Johnston assigned to duty with Loring's division of Stewart's Corps. It was subsequently placed in a battalion with Parker's Battery, under command of the senior captain. The Confederate army was then retiring in the direction of Greensboro, and the Battery 216 HISTORICAL SKETCH OP retreated with Loring's division, crossing the Neuse and the Haw, and arriving at camp within five miles of Greensboro on the 16th. During the armistice the Battery remained at this point. On the retreat some ten battery animals had perished for lack of forage, and here great difficulty was experienced in procuring even a limited amount of corn,fodder and peas. The country was scoured for twenty-five miles round for forage. A spirit of dissatisfaction prevailed in the army in anticipation of its early surrender; and numerous desertions occurred, accompanied by constant thefts of the transportation and artillery animals. A strong guard was. posted for the protection of the battery animals belonging to the Chatham Artillery, and in honor of the vigilance and the patriotism of this company be it remembered that during these darkest days of impending ruin, of privations, and of horrid suspense, there occurred not a single desertion from its ranks, or the loss of a battery animal. In anticipation of a renewal of hostilities the Confederate army was put in motion on the morning of the 26th, and while upon the march, some four miles from the village of Greensboro, the news of the surrender of the Confederate forces under Gen. Johnston was received. The column halted, and the Battery was parked. The terms of capitulation specified in the first agree- ment of the 18th of April l had been disapproved at 1 That agreement — in perfect accord with President Lincoln's policy at that time so far as it was known by, and had been communicated to his generals and the public generally — read as follows : " Memorandum or basis of agreement made this 18th day of April A. D. 1865, near Durham's station in the state of North Carolina, by and between Gen. Joseph E. Johnston commanding the Confederate THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 217 "Washington, and the following were mutually adopted by Generals Johnston and Sherman as a final basis of. surrender : army, andMaj. Gen. W. T. Sherman commanding the army of the United States, both present. " I. The contending armies now in the field to maintain the status quo until notice is given by the commanding general of any one to his opponent, and reasonable time, say forty-eight hours, allowed. " H. The Confederate armies now in existence to be disbanded, and conducted to their several state capitals, there to deposit their arms and public property in the state arsenal, and each officer and man to execute and file an agreement to cease from acts of war, and to abide the action of both State and Federal authorities. The number of arms and munitions of war to be reported to the chief of ordnance at Wash- ington city, subject to the future action of the Congress of the United States, and in the meantime to be used solely to maintain peace and order within the borders of the states respectively. " III. The recognition by the executive of the United States of the several state governments, on their officers and legislatures taking the oath prescribed by the constitution of the United States ; and where conflicting state governments have resulted from the war, the legiti- macy of all shall be submitted to the supreme court of the United States. " IV. The reestablishment of all Federal courts in the several states, with powers as defined by the constitution and laws of congress. " V. The people and inhabitants of all states to be guarantied, so far as the executive can, their political rights and franchise, as well as their rights of person and property, as defined by the constitution of the United States and of the states respectively. "VI. The executive authority or government of the United States not to disturb any of the people' by reason of the late war, so long as they live in peace and quiet, and abstain from acts of armed hostility, and obey the laws in existence at the place of their residence. " VI. In general terms it is announced that the war is to cease ; a general amnesty, so far as the executive of the United States can com- mand; on condition of the disbandment of the Confederate armies, the distribution of arms, and the resumption of peaceful pursuits by officers and men hitherto composing said armies. Not being fully empowered by our respective principals to fulfill these terms, we individually and officially pledge ourselves to promptly obtain authority, and will endeavor to carry out the above programme." 28 218 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF Terms of a military convention held this twenty-sixth (26th) day of April, 1865, at Bennett's house near Durham's station, N. C, between Gen. Joseph E. Johnston commanding the Confederate army, and Major Gen. W. T. Sherman commanding the United States army in North Carolina. All acts of war on the part of the troops under Gen. John- ston's command to cease from this date. All arms and public property to be deposited at Greensboro, to be delivered to an ordnance officer of the United States army. Rolls of all the officers and men to be made in duplicate — one copy to be retained by the commander of the troops, and the other to be given to an officer to be designated by General Sherman. Each officer and man to give his individual obligation in writing not to take up arms against the government of the United States until properly released from this obligation. The side arms of officers, and their private horses and bag- gage to be retained by them. This being done, all the officers and men will be permitted to return to their homes, not to be disturbed by the United States authority so long as they observe their obligation and the laws in force where they may reside. W. T. Sherman, Major Gen. commanding U. S. forces in North Carolina. J. E. Johnston, Gen. commanding C. S. forces in North Carolina. Approved. U. S. Grant, Lieut. Gen. Maleigh, Worth Carolina, April, 26, 1865. The next day, the stipulations and fact of this surrender were communicated by the respective com- manding generals to their armies, in the following orders : THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 219 Head Quarters, Army of Tennessee, Mar Greensboro, Worth Carolina, April 27, 1865. GENERAL ORDERS, No. 18. By the terms of a military convention made on the 26th inst. by Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman U. S. army, and Gen. J. E. Johnston, C. S. army, the officers and men of this army are to bind themselves not to take up arms against the United States until properly relieved from this obligation, and shall receive guaranties from the United States officers against molestation by the United States authorities so long as they observe that obligation, and the laws in force where they reside. For these objects, duplicate muster rolls will be made imme- diately, and, after the distribution of the necessary papers, the troops will march under their officers to their respective states and there be disbanded, all retaining personal property. The object of this convention is pacification to the extent of the commanders who made it. Events in Virginia which broke every hope of success by war, imposed on its generals the duty of sparing the blood of this gallant army, and saving our country from further devastation, and our people from ruin. J. E. Johnston, General. Head Quarters, Military Division of the Mississippi. In the Eield, Baleigh, JV. O., April 37, 1865. SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, No. 65. The general commanding announces a further suspension of hostilities, and a final agreement with Gen. J. E. Johnston, which terminates the war as to the armies unde,r his command, and the country east of the Chattahoochee. Copies of the terms of convention will be furnished Maj. Generals Schofield, Gillmore and Wilson, who are specially charged with the execution of the details in the department of 220 HISTORICAL SKETCH OP North Carolina, the department of the south, and at Macon, and in Western Georgia. Capt. Jasper Myers, Ord. Officer U. S. A., is hereby designated to receive the arms, etc., at Greensboro, and any commanding officer of a post may receive the arms of a detachment, and see that they are properly stored' and ac- counted for. General Fchofield will procure at once the necessary blanks and supply the other army commanders, that uniformity may prevail ; and great care must be taken that all the stipulations on our part be fulfilled with the most scrupulous fidelity, whilst those imposed on our hitherto enemies be received in a spirit becoming a brave and generous army. Army commanders may at once loan to the inhabitants such of the captured mules and horses, wagons and vehicles as can be spared, to relieve present wants and encourage the inhabitants to renew their peaceful pursuits, and to restore the relations of friendship among our fellow citizens and countrymen. Foraging will forthwith cease, and when necessity or long marches compel the taking of forage, or provisions, or any kind of private property, compensation will be made on the spot ; or, when the disbursing officers are not provided with funds, vouch- ers will be given in proper form payable at the nearest military depot. By command of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman. On the 1st of May, 1865 — its seventy-ninth anni- versary — the company was paroled. Its guns, and horses and equipments were turned in on the 2d. The guns were parked at Greensboro with 'the rest of the Confederate light artillery, and were not formally received by any Federal officer. The Battery sur- rendered consisted of four twelve-pounder Napoleon guns. Two of them had been manufactured at the Confederate arsenal at Macon, Georgia, and the other THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 221 two were Federal guns which had been captured at the battle of Olustee and turned over to the company by the general commanding in token of his apprecia- tion of the distinguished services and gallant conduct of the Battery during that memorable engagement. It was with feelings of peculiar regret that the com- pany parted with these guns which their valor had won. At the time of the surrender, there were with the Battery about one hundred men present for duty. The battery animals were generally unfit for service, having suffered severely during late marches from fatigue and lack of forage. The sergeants were all dismounted, and some of the caissons were drawn by only four horses. The troops were not paid off, but the men received each, one dollar in silver, in payment of no specified services and for no designated period, but receipted for upon rolls specially prepared and intended simply as vouchers for the quarter masters. The following final order of General Johnston was received with profound emotion by the army ; and the farewell words of this great chieftain sank like lead into the hearts of brave men, who saw in the sur- render of Generals Lee and Johnston the downfall of that beloved Confederacy for whose existence they had so long and so sternly struggled in tears, and agony, and privations and blood : Head Quarters, Army of Tennessee, Mar Greensboro, 2f. 0., May, 2, 1865. GENERAL ORDERS, No. 22. Comrades: In terminating our official relations, I earnestly exhort you to observe faithfully the terms of pacification agreed upon, and to discharge the obligations of good and peaceful citizens at your homes, as well as you have performed the duties 222 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF of thorough soldiers in the field. By such a course you will best secure the comfort of your families and kindred, and restore tranquillity to our country. You will return to your homes with the. admiration- of our people, won by the courage and noble devotion you have dis- played in this long war. I shall always remember with pride the loyal support and generous confidence you have given me. I now part with you with deep regret, and bid you farewell with feelings of cordial friendship, and with earnest wishes that you may hereafter have all the prosperity and happiness to be found in the world. J. B. Johnston, General. The following is the form of the parole given : Gkeensbobo, North Ca/rolina, May 1st, 1865. In accordance with the terms of the military convention entered into on the 26th day of April, 1865, between Gen. Joseph E. Johnston commanding the Confederate army, and • Major Gen. W. T. Sherman commanding the United States army in North Carolina, of Wheaton's Light Battery has given his solemn obligation not to take up arms against the government of the United States until properly released from this obligation ; and is permitted to return to his home, not to be disturbed by the United States authorities so long as he observes this obligation, and obeys the laws in force »where he may reside. John F. Wheaton, Captain C. S. A., Commanding Battery. Hobart Ford, Captain and A D C., U. S. A., Special Commissioner. On the 3d of May, 1865, having discharged the last sad duties devolved upon it by virtue of the terms of the surrender, the members of the Chatham THE CHATHAM artillery. 223 Artillery with, heavy hearts entered upon their home- ward march, in company with Loring's division and the men of Parker's Light Battery. After crossing the Yadkin these two artillery companies parted com- pany with the infantry, and continued the march together until the 8th, when they separated — the Chatham Artillery taking the direct road for Augusta. The Catawha river was crossed on a pontoon bridge. Marched through Chesterville, crossed the Broad river in a flat, passed through Newberry, crossed the Saluda river in a flat, and reached Hamburg opposite Augusta on the 14th. There the men rested during the 15th, and on the 16th of May, 1865, were formally disbanded to their respective homes in compliance with the specific orders of Gen. Johnston and the express terms of the surrender. During the entire march — while in other commands straggling and disorganization obtained to a fearful extent — the organization of the Chatham Artillery was carefully preserved. Guard duty was regularly performed to the last moment, and good order maintained. None left the company except such as were too weak to endure the fatigues of the march. These were placed upon the cars at Greensboro and at Salisbury. On the morning that the company was finally disbanded, ninety men answered to their names at roll call. Of the thousands returning from Greensboro — so far as it can be stated with certainty — the Chatham Artil- lery was the only military organization which reached the city of Augusta intact. Bay by day on the home- ward march, companies and whole regiments melted away. Thus, to the latest moment of its military existence, did this company maintain inviolate that obedience to, and love of order, which always charac- • terized it in such a remarkable degree. During this 224 HISTORICAL SKETCH OP homeward march the company had transportation for baggage and rations, and at Augusta transportation home by rail road and steam boat was furnished the men, as far as practicable, by the Federal quarter masters. THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 225 CHAPTER X. Concluding observations. Thus ended the connection of the Chatham Artillery with the military service of the Confederate states. Commencing on the 3d of January, 1861, with the occupation of Fort Pulaski under orders from the governor of Georgia, it continued until the last gun of the war had been fired, until, by the surrender of the Confederate forces under Generals Lee and John- ston, the last hope of achieving the independence of the southern Confederacy had been extinguished in the gloom of despair. Although the military history of this Battery is less bloody, and in the record of its services may be enu- merated fewer scenes of carnage, imminent dangers and hair breadth escapes than occur in the history of many other organizations in the Confederate army, of the members of no company can it be more truthfully said, they did their whole duty cheerfully, intelli- gently, efficiently and patriotically at all times and under all circumstances. The appreciation of this fact, even amid these dark days of disappointment and of poverty, is a source of pride and of honor priceless in the consolations which it brings. Although the rich goal of national independence was not attained, the happy consciousness remains of self- respect preserved, of honor vindicated, of manhood declared, and of every honest effort expended in the brave defense of principle and property. Overcome, 226 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF but not conquered — defeated, but not humiliated — impoverished, but not degraded — oppressed, and yet proud in spirit — such to-day is the condition of the south. Federal armies — attracting to themselves un- der the stimulus of extraordinary exertions, and by virtue of most prodigal bounties, multitudes of recruits from the new and mercenaries from the old world — in obedience to the commands of a military dictator, and at the expense of blood, and treasure, and right, com- passed a physical solution of the question of compara- tive strength in favor of superior numbers and greater resources. They did not determine the validity or impropriety of the moral propositions involved in this gigantic struggle. The sword never does, it never has, and it never can submit any other than a physical arbitrament in matters of conscience, of abstract principle and of inalienable right. The dismember- ment of Poland was accomplished by warlike measures which commended themselves to the entire approba- tion of the arbitrary, grasping monarchs by whom they were inaugurated and sustained ; and yet the life blood of that nation has ever been held sacred, and its death agonies perpetuated in honor, in story and in song, and the action of the invading armies which blotted out from the sisterhood of nations a brave people struggling for liberty and national existence, condemned by every lover of freedom, by the voice of civilization, and the verdict of impartial history. To- day the causes which brought about the Confederate revolution are morally as unaffected by the issues of the contest as they were at the moment of its incep- tion. The Roman motto, exitus acta probat, is as falla- cious as it is antiquated. The subsequent acts of radical rule justify each day more and more emphati- cally the necessity which was laid upon the south to THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 227 maintain her honor, and manhood and self-respect, even at the expense of wounds, and desolations and death. Clouds of fanaticism cannot forever darken the sunlight of truth and justice. The error of the present will he corrected hy the calm verdict of the future, and the day will come when the moral record of the struggle of the Confederate states for life, and right, and liberty and property shall stand forth jus- tified, and honored, and admired in the hearts of all men who possess the knowledge to discern, the honesty to appreciate, and the candor to confess. 1 " However sore her calamities, all is not yet lost to our bleeding and beloved South. She still retains that which to every true man is infinitely dearer than property or 'Any doubts heretofore existing or expressed with reference to the right of, and the obligations resting upon the southern states, just when they did, to make one bold, decided, manly, vigorous effort in behalf of liberty and right, and honor and property, have been entirely removed from the mind of every candid observer by the recent acts of Federal legislation, the expressed policy of the United States, and the avowed wishes and purposes of the masses of the North. The necessity for, and the justice of the Confederate struggle for independ- ence find amplest vindication in the conduct and aims, and dealings of those who were and are most violent in the denunciation of its inspiration and its ends. In all wars guided by chivalric principles, said the knight of Brit- tany, true soldiers never injure the "tillers of the ground." The stern Du Guesclin when on his deathbed, desired his old com- panions in arms to remember that " neither the clergy, nor women, nor children, nor poor people were their enemies," and the charge came with peculiar propriety from him, for his past life could furnish no instance of needless severity. After the splendid victory of Poictiers, the young Edward in the midst of that elevation produced by as extraordinary and unexpected success as had ever crowned the arms of any commander, came forth to meet the captive king with all the marks of regard and sympathy that could be suggested by the most high toned magnanimity, administered comfort to him amidst his misfortunes, paid the tribute 228 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF life. She retains her moral wealth. — the glory of her Jacksons, her Johnsons, her Lees and her Davises, and of all who have nobly died or suffered in her cause. These are her imperishable jewels ; and since little else is left to her, these shall be cherished with the greater love, with the more enthusiastic and undying devotion." From its most northern limit to its southern verge, from the western hills to its sea washed eastern shore, the consecrated soil of the Confederacy has been of praise due to Ms valor, ordered a repast to be prepared in Ms tent for the royal prisoner, and Mmself served at the captive's table as if lie had been one of Ms retinue. To John in captivity were extended the honors of a Mng. WMle riding through London to the Savoy, the French captive monarch was mounted on a wMte and superbly eqMpped war horse, while the prince, Ms conqueror, rode by Ms side on a little black palfrey — a further illustration of that Mnd consider- ation which one true knight always showed to Ms brother in arms. The lessons of a high toned past find but small observance at the hands of this retrograded present. Magnanimity to a brave, unfortu- nate, and overcome people, who have in good faith accepted the issue of the struggle, however distasteful and ruinous, seems to be utterly ignored. Those high born impulses of true generosity and manhood wMch should characterize the conqueror, are neither remembered nor observed. A liberal and dignified consideration for the feelings, neces- sities and welfare of the vanquished and impoverished, apparently belongs to a, contemned period of Roman virtue, the dead cMvalry of a heroic age, now numbered with a neglected past, and the despised teacMngs of the New Testament dispensation. Vce metis is the one malignant cry of the conqueror, whose every act but adds v fresh indignities and injuries to the fanaticism and oppressions of the past. For the outpouring of these vials of wrath, accepted theories are overturned, lawless passions invoked, pledges violated, wholesome regulations discarded; and government itself despoiled of its legiti- mate functions. Even funeral honors to a noble Confederate, whose record like that . of Bayard and Sidney is without reproach, are publicly and ruthlessly forbidden. Petty hate usurps the province of common humanity and customary courtesy. Strange that malignity, wMch, not content with oppressing the living and attempting the degradation of the unfortu- THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 229 baptized by tbe reddest blood of tbe noblest of tbe land. Along tbe bill sides, by tbe swiftly rolling rivers, in tbe silent valleys and witbin tbe dark sha- dows of our woods, tbey lie — the brave, tbe honored dead. Hallowed by this crimson tide, precious for all time must be the memories of these ensanguined fields. On the entablature of an ancient gate-way leading towards a resting place for the dead, is an inscription' in which the soul is sublimely celebrated as supersies nate, denies the tears of sorrow and the homage of devotion at the grave of the pure patriot, the true hero. " They err who count it glorious to subdue By conquest far and wide, to overrun Large countries, and in field great battles win, Great cities by assault ; what do these worthies But rob and spoil, bum, slaughter and enslave Peaceable nations neighboring or remote, Made captive, yet deserving freedom more Than those their conquerors, who leave behind Nothing but ruins, wheresoe'er they rove, And all the flourishing works of peace destroy ; Then swell in pride, and must be titled gods, Till conqueror Death discovers them scarce men, Boiling in brutish vices and deformed, Violent or shameful death their due reward." It were well for these fanatical leaders to pause for one moment, in the midst of their unbridled career of oppression and lawless legisla- tion, and ponder these words of warning and of truth which Lord Macaulay puts in the mouth of Milton : " When will rulers learn that 'where liberty is not, security and order can never be. We talk of absolute power, but all power hath limits, which, if not fixed by the moderation of the governors, will be fixed by the force of the governed. Sovereigns may send their opposers to dungeons; they may clear out a senate house with soldiers ; they may enlist armies of spies ; they may hang scores of the disaffected in chains at every cross road ; but what power shall stand in that frightful time when rebellion hath become a less evil than endurance ? Who shall dissolve that terrible tribunal, which, in the hearts of the oppressed, denounces against the oppressor the doom of its wild justice ? Who shall repeal the law of self defense? What arms or discipline shall resist the strength of famine and despair?" 230 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF corpori cadueo — surviving the frail body. The inscrip- tion is old — its letters are fast fading from the stone, but it transfers itself to the mind of every beholder with all the freshness and vigor which characterized it when 'first traced by the graver's chisel centuries ago. Those occasional head boards — with their brief inscriptions fast yielding to the obliterating influences of time — placed by the kind hands of surviving com- rades to mark the spot where fell the brave in arms, will soon perish under the disintegrating action of the winds and storms of the changing seasons. Even the general mound which covers the accumulated dead of the battle field will lose its outlines, but the noble spirit , which animated that sleeping dust, the soul of pa- triotism which led them to give to their country their loves and their lives, will ever remain superstes corpori cadueo. In those voiceless songs which in quiet hours we sing in our own thoughts, this mental refrain will remind ever of present and future honor for this im- mortal dust, of hope for the oppressed nation whose sons evinced such devotion to her cause. The waves of the ocean as they break along our shore will sing an anthem of praise in honor of the illustrious dead. The everlasting hills will remain the living witnesses of their triumphs. The silent valleys will become vocal with their historic memories, and every river, and flood, and mountain, and plain will proclaim their deeds of valor. Long will the verdant grass perpetuate, and the over-arching trees cover with their protecting shadows those ramparts which their labor constructed, and their courage defended. Fair hands will, each year, with vernal flowers fresh, and spotless, and redolent of sweetest perfumes, garland the graves of the Confederate dead. Young and old will venerate the heroic memories THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 231 of the Confederate struggle for independence, and children's children learn with their earliest breath to lisp the names of the great chieftains of the south, and with their youngest emotions, to admire and emulate their illustrious examples. Responsively will each heart heat to the passing wind as in low murmurs it breathes ever a requiem for these departed heroes; while the listening ear will obedient catch the warning voice of the Muse of history keeping her vestal vigils near each grass grown mound, as she repeats to the pilgrim at these national shrines of liberty, of honor, of patriotism, and of pure devotion, siste viator, her or em calcas. Although * * « Sepulchral columns wrestle but in vain With all subduing time ; her cankering hand With calm deliberate malice wasted them ; Worn on the edge of days the brass consumes, The busto moulders, and the deep cut marble Unsteady to the steel gives up its charge," nothing can impair the fair and enduring proportions of that monument which the gratitude of a good and patriotic people should erect in the heart of the south to the memory of the illustrious dead of the Confede- rate revolution — a monument unseen by mortal eye, yet far more imposing than the mausoleum of the Egyptian king — lifting its pure summit far above the region of commingled lights and shadows, and resting ever in that eternal sunlight where the clouds of envy, the vapors of detraction, and the shadows of fanati- cism never rise — a monument more beautiful and bright than Parian marble — more lasting than brass, and more vocal in the undying memories which cluster about it than the fabled statue of Memnon. 232 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF The moral wealth, of high resolves, fearless pur- poses, noble exertions and generous sacrifices in the cause of truth, justice, liberty, property and honor — the appreciation of duty performed and manhood vindicated — the consolations which flow from a con- sciousness of rectitude in the high endeavor, the record of brave deeds, the memories of a heroic past, and the rich legacy of the valor and the devotion of fathers, and brothers, and sons, are all that remain to cheer the hearts of those who knew best, "and loved, and upheld the once puissant Confederacy in the days of her grand armies and eventful struggles. All else seems lost, and as memory dwells upon the proud hopes which have been extinguished in the gloom of despair, as we reckon the grievous disap- pointments and losses which have fallen upon the land, as we experience the miseries of the present, and mark no cheering bow of promise amid the dark clouds which hang upon the brow of the future, as we embalm in the sacred recesses of our own bosoms the recollections of a hallowed struggle, and in sorrow recognize the fact that the eye will never more brighten at sight of the loved emblem of a young nation battling for its primal existence, full high advanced in the pure light of heaven, and appreciate the reasons why these things are so, with what pecu- liar pathos do the following mournful strains sink into the heart ! " Furl that Banner ! for 'tis weary ; Round its staff 'tis drooping dreary ; Furl it, fold it, it is best, For there's not a man to wave it, And there's not one left to lave it In the blood which heroes gave it ; THE CHATHAM ARTILLERY. 233 Aad its foes now scorn and brave it : Furl it, Hide it, let it rest. Take that Banner down ! 'tis tattered, Broken is its staff and shattered, , And the valiant hosts are scattered O'er whom it floated high. Oh ! 'tis hard for us to fold it ; Hard to think there's none to hold it ; Hard that those who once unrolled it Now must furl it with a sigh. Furl that Banner ! furl it sadly ; Once ten thousands hailed it gladly, And ten thousands wildly, madly Swore it would forever wave. Swore that foemen's sword could never Hearts like their's entwined dissever, 'Till that flag should float forever O'er their freedom or their grave. Furl it ! for the hands that grasped it, And the hearts that fondly clasped it Cold and dead are lying low ; And that Banner, it is trailing, While around it sounds the wailing Of its people in their woe ; For though conquered, they adore it ; Love the cold dead hands that bore it; Weep for those who fell before it ! ***** And oh ! wildly they deplore it Now to furl and fold it so. 30 234 HISTORICAL SKETCH. Furl that Banner ! true 'tis gory ; Yet 'tis wreathed around with glory, And 'twill live in song and story, Though its folds are in the dust ; For its fame on brightest pages Penned by poets and by sages Shall go sounding down through ages ; Furl its folds though now we must. Furl that Banner ! softly, slowly ! Treat it gently, it is holy, For it droops above the dead. Touch it not — unfold it never, Let it droop there furled forever, For its people's hopes are dead. INDEX, Affair of the 3d Jnly, 1864, 197. Agostina, 160. Almeyda, Edward de, 89. Anderson, Capt. E. C, Jr., 102. Lient. Geo. W., 115 ; Capt. commanding Fort McAllister, 119, 133. Major, report of capture of Fort McAl- lister, 140. Capt. John W., 84, 102. Col. Robert, 118. Armory Hall, 27, 28. Ashby, Camp, 108, 146. Askew, Sergt. Thomas A., 14 ; elected lieu- tenant, 94 ; ordered to James island with a section of the Battery, 95, 103 ; promoted to senior first lieutenant, 110 ; ordered to Kings Bridge with a section of the Battery, 112, 124 ; com- mands detachment in Battery Wag- ner, 162, 163 ; in immediate command of the Battery, 201, 203. Atlanta, iron-elad, her armament, 57 ; en- gagement with the Weehawken and Nahant in Warsaw sound, 57; cap- ture, 57. Bailey, Col. D. J., 102. Baker, Corporal, 113. Banks, Capt. W. H., 102. Banning, Maj., 184. Barrow, Lieut. Col., 180. Bartow, Capt. F. S., 13. Artillery, 61. Fort, 103. Basinger, Maj., 158. Battalion of Light Artillery, first parade of, in Georgia, 111. Battery Means, 203. Beauregard, Gen. G. T., 29, 123, 126, 147, 166, 209. Beauregard Battery, 54. Benham, Gen., 156. Bentonville, battle of, 212. Bermuda, steam ship, 40. Bertody, Capt., 61. Bird, Col. Edward, 102. Blake, Capt., 153. Blake's Battery, 195, 196 ; capture of one section of, at River's causeway, 197, 199. Bomar, Capt., 102. Bonaud, Capt. A., 102, 115. Boston, John, collector, etc., 16. Brailsford, Capt. W., 102. Brooks, Capt. John W., 146. Brown, Gov. Joseph E., 9, 16, 19, 30, 36. Butler, Gen., 212. Byrd, Maj., 181. Capers, Lieut. Col., 158. Capitulation of Gen. Johnston's army, 216, 220. Cartridge bags, by whom supplied, 28. Chapel hill, hospitality of the ladies of, 214. Charleston, its fall, 209; orders for the evacuation of, 209 - 211f heroic memo- ries of, 209. Charleston and Savannah rail road, 202. Chatham Artillery, detachment from, occu- pies Fort Pulaski, 13, 14; Battery of, 14, 18; quarters of, in Fort Pulaski, 24, 25; duties of, 25, 26: cuisine, 25; members at work in gun room of Armory Hall, 27 ; cheerful labors at Fort Pulaski, 26 ; celebration of 75th anniversary, 31; mustered into Con- federate service, 33 ; ordered to Fort Pulaski, 34 ; original term of service, 35; acting as heavy artillery, 35; equipment as a light battery, 36, 37 ; voluntary extension of original term of enlistment, 37, 38 ; removal to Isle of Hope, 39 ; text-book, 40 ; uniform, 41, 42; side arms, 42; appointments of Camp Claghorn, 43; messes, 45; 236 INDEX. Chatham Artillery — (Continued). police regulations, 46 ; drills, 46 ; drivers enlisted as such, 47 ; selection of membership, 47 ; routine of duty, 48 ; target practice, 48 ; esprit de corps, 49 ; character of membership, 49 ; ap- plication to accompany Lawton's bri- gade to Virginia, 50 ; flrst hostile guns, 50 ; picket at lYTontmolrin's point, 55 ; guards approaches, 55 ; marched to Skidaway island, 56 ; bivouac, 58 ; removal from Camp Claghorn to Camp Hardee, 92 ; first battery animal died, 94 ; 76th anniversary, 94 ; reorganiza- tion under the conscript act, 94 ; sec- tion ordered . to James island, 95 ; present at battle of Secessionville, 98, 102 ; removal to Camp Stonewall Jackson, 103; roll of the company, June, 1862, 103-105; members dis- charged under conscript act, 106 ; con- scripts from Camp Randolph, 107 ; unhealthy character of Camp Jackson, 108 ; removal to Camp Ashby, 108 ; company at Coffee bluff, 110; bat- talion parade, 111 ; two sections on the Great Ogeechee river, 112, 113 ; re- turn to Camp Ashby, 146 ; formed into a temporary battalion, 146 ; furnished with a section of twelve-pounder Napoleon guns, 146 ; ordered to James island, 149; affair of the 16th July, 1863, with the Pawnee, 150 ; exposures on James island advanced lines, 154 ; duties oi^James island, 154, 155"; de- tachments from the Battery on duly in Battery Wagner, 162, 163 ; Camps Simonton and Wheaton, 171 ; severe picket duty, 172 ; reduced from a six to a four-gun battery, 172 ; a four-gun Napoleon battery, 172 ; fires salute in honor of President Davis, 173; or- dered to Florida, 174 ; reaches Olnstee station, 175 ; services in the battle of Olustee or Ocean Pond, 181 ; Capt. Wheaton' s account of the part sus- tained by the Battery in this engage- ment, 184-188; section of captured guns assigned to the company, 190 ; conduct of the Battery during the battle, 190 ; moves with the army in the direction of Jacksonville, 192; engaged in the attack upon the Fede- ral advanced guards, 192, 193 ; parked Chatham Artillery— (Continued). with the artillery under command of Lieut.Col. Jones at Camp Milton, 194 ; return to James island, 195; asso- ciated into a temporary battalion, 195; severe duties on James island, 195, 196 ; Capt. Wheaton's letter, 195; affair of the 2d of July, 1864, 197 - 200 ; one section guarding Federal prison- ers at the Charleston race course, 201 ; Battery ordered to Combahee river ferry, 201 ; pleasant change, 201 ; left section ordered to Old Pocotaligo, 203 ; roll of detachments and infantry support, 204, 205; diary during the campaign in the Carolinas, 212, 234 ; at Granbys, shelled Federal camp, 212; losses sustained, 213 ; nearly cut off at Columbia, 213 ; at Charlotte, N. C., 214; at Chapel hill, 214; atEa- leigh, 214 ; at Hillsboro, 215 ; want of supplies, 215 ; retreat with Loring'B division, 216 ; near Greensboro, 216 ; good conduct of, 216 ; Battery sur- rendered at Greedsboro, 220 ; condi- tion at time of surrender, 221 ; home- ward march, 223; good conduct on s the march, 223 ; finally disbanded, 223, 224 ; review and,£oncluding remarks, 225 - 232. Chestatee Artillery, 102. City Light Guard, 61, 34. Claghorn, Camp, appointments of, 43 ; recol-. lections and beauties of, 43, 44, 46 ; removal from, 92. Claghorn, Capt. Joseph S:, charged with ordnance duties, 10 ; occupies Fort Pulaski with detachment of the Chat-" ham Artillery, 13, 15 ; great credit due to, 27, 33, 37 ; receives Confede- rate flag presented to his company, 31, 39 ; his liberality, 43 ; reelected Capt. 94, 102,103; resignation, 109; accepts position of Lieut.Col., 109; especial praise due to, 109. Clinch, Col., 180. Capt. N. B., 143. Coast Eifles, 61. Colquitt, Brigadier General, 175, 176, 179, 185 ; the true hero of Ocean Pond, 191, 192. Columbus Artillery, 102. Conquered Banner, 233, 234. Cockspur island, 22. INDEX. 237 Conscript act, 107, Conscripts, 106. Coffee bluff, 110. Confederacy, its enfeebled condition, 209 ; moral wealth, 238, 232. Confederate dead, 229, 230 ; memory of, 231 ; monument to, 231. lines, contraction of, 62, 92 ; on James island, 96 ;■ forces in the military district of Georgia, 101, 102; about Augusta and in South Carolina, Feb- ruary 2d, 1865, 207, 298. Convention of Georgia, ordinance of seces- sion, 21 ; approves occupation of Fort Pulaski, 21 ; removal to Savannah, 29 ; visits Fort Pulaski, 29 ; resolutions laudatory of the' garrison of Fort Pulaski, 30; ordinance transferring military operations, troops, etc., to the Confederacy, 30. Croft, Capt. J. S., 102. Cunningham, John, appointed military purveyor, 10, 11. Davis, President, 29, 173. Davenport, Capt. A. C, 102. Davidson, Lieut. Wm. M., 14, 33, 95. Dawson, Maj. B. G., 146. DeKalb riflemen, 114. DeLorme, Lieut., 197, 198. D'Eughien, Duke, 144. Detachments ordered to James island, 95. Dispatches relating to bombardment of Fort McAllister, 118. Dixon, Lieut., 134. Doe, Corporal, J". F., 14. Doherty, Capt. J. M., 102. Dobbin, J. C, cutter, 16, 17. Du Guesclin, 227. Dupont, Bear Admiral, 155. Elarbee, Lieut., 129, 131. Bmmett Rifles, 115. Evans, Gen. C. A., 100. Col., 179, 180. Federal flag captured on Skidaway island, 64. fleet attacking Fort McAllister, March 3, 125. Fifteen-inch gun first used, 116. Finegan, Brig. Gen., 175, 179, 181, 191. Fingal, steamer, 56. First Georgia Kegulars, .84, 102. Flag of Georgia raised above Fort Pulaski, 20. Confederate, presented to Chatham Ar- tillery, 31 ; shot away at Fort Pulaski, 89, Florida, Federal invasion of, 175 ; Confede- rate forces in, 176. Foley, Maj. John, 83. Ford, Capt. M. J., 102. Fourth Louisiana Battalion, 98. Forest City Eangers, 84. Fuentes, Count de, 144. Fuzes, manufacture of, 27, 48. Gallie, Maj. John B., 116 ; killed, 119, 121 ; tribute to, 122. Gamble's Battery, 180, 185. Gardner, Brig. Gen., 192. Gaudry, J. B., 14. Georgia, her conception of the right of secession, 20 ; original line for the defense of the sea coast of, 51 ; early abandonment of, 51. German Volunteers, 83. Gignilliat, Lieut., 182. Gillmore, Gen. Q. A., 82, 164. Gordon, Capt. Geo. A., 85 ; Major, 102. Gen. John B., 100. Graham, Col., 157. Grahamville, 202. Gratton, Maj. Geo. G., 178 ; his account of the battle of Ocean Pond, 178, 184. Great Ogeechee river, 112, 113. Gregg Battery, 156, 160, 161 ; evacuated, 170, 171. Green island, 55 ; batteries on, 61 ; arma- ment, garrison, and evacuation, 62. . Green's Cut station, Confederate conference at, 206, 208. Gucrard's Battery, 182. Hampton, Gen., 210, 212, Hanleiter, Capt. C. B., 102. Hardee, camp, 92, 93, 103. Lt. Gen. Wm. J., 154, 204, 206. Hardrada, Harald, 90. Harrison, Col., 179, 192, 199. Hartridge, Lieut. Julian, presentation of flag by, 31, 33 ; member of Confede- rate congress, 95. Capt. A. L., 114. Hazcn, Maj. Gen., 137, 140. Hendry, Geo. N., elected lieutenant, 110,; on duty in Battery Wagner, 163, 201. 238 INDEX. Hetteriek, 45. Hood, Gen. J. B., 306. Hopkins, Lieut., 75, 83. Capt. O. C, 102. Horatius, 160. Hughes, Capt. W., 103. Hunter, Maj. Gen., 76. Hussey, Lieut. C, 75 ; gallant conduct of, Irish Volunteers, 84. Jackson, Lt. Gen. T. J., 103 ; his death an- nounced, 147. Camp Stonewall, 103. Jacksonville, 193. James island, 150, 156, 160, 161, 195, 196, 200. Jasper, Sergt., 90. Jekyl island, batteries on abandoned, 51. Johnson, Fort, 196. Jo. Thompson Artillery, 102. Johnston, Gen. Joseph E., 206, 217, 218, 219. Jones, Lieut. C. C, Jr., 31, 33, 36, 94, 103, 107; promoted to Lieut. Colonelcy, 109, 110, 146 ; account of the evacua- tion of Wagner as viewed from James island, 167, 194. Keokuk, sunk, 155. King's bridge, 112. Lama, Capt. John, 102. Lamar, Col. J. G., 97. Battery, 97 ; Federals repulsed in attack upon, 97, 98.' Latham, Private John, 89. Lawtou, Col. A. K., 9, 13, 15 ; Brigadier Ge- neral, 34, 36, 37, 40, 99, 101. Capt. E. P., 100. Lawton's Brigade, 99, 100. Lee, Gen. Kobert E., 46, 75, 98, 306. Leonidas, 160. Levy, Capt. S. Y., 61, 84, 102. Light House Inlet Batteries, 156, 157 ; attack of the 9th of July, 157. Macaulay, Lord, 229. Maitland, Lieut. Col., 72. Martin, Capt. Eobert, 134, 135. Map of Fort Pulaski, 71 ; of Olustee, 191 ; of iron-clad attack upon Fort Sumter, 155. McAllister, Fort ; 112, its position, 113 ; first attack upon t 114 ; second attack, McAllister, Fort— (ContimecC). 115 ; third attack, 115 ; attack of the 27th January 1863, 116; fifteen-inch gun first used against, 116 ; attack of February 1, 117, 119, death of Major Gallie, 121; congratulatory order of Gen. Beauregard, 123 ; steamer Nash- ville destroyed, 134 ; seventh attack, 125 ; account from the Savannah Eepublican, 128; congratulatory or- ders of Gen. Mercer, 135 ; congratula- tory orders of Gen. Beauregard, 136 ; no more naval attacks, 137 ; assault by Major Gen. Hazen's division, 137, 140 ; armament at time of capture , 138 ; never surrendered, 137 ; provi- sioned, 139 ; Major Anderson's report, 140 ; garrison ahd casualties at the time of capture, 144 ; gallant conduct of Capt. Clinch, etc., 143 ; Federal loss 145. Capt. J. L., 102, 133, 136. McAlpin, Capt. Jas. W., 136. McCrady, Capt. John, 134, 136. McEnnery, Lieut. Col., 98. McFarland, Surgeon J. T., 83. Megistias, 160. McGirt's creek, 192. McMahon, Capt. John, 83. McMulIen, Capt. M. J., 83. Mercer, Col. H. W.,_S4 ; Brigadier General, 99, 101, 111, 118, 135. Capt. George A., 77, 136. Messes at Camp Claghorn, 45. Milton, 339. Camp, 192, 193. Montgomery Guards, 83. Montmollin's point, 55. Morris island, Confederate batteries upon, 156, 171 ; evacuation of, 167. Nashville, steamer, 124. Neal, Col., 180, 184. New Iron sides, 165. Nicoll, Capt., 133. Ocean Pond, 176, 177; Confederate and Federal forces engaged in the battle of, 177, 178 ; account of the battle of, 178 - 188 ; artillery engaged, 189 ; Con- federate losses, 189; Federal loBses, 189; trophies of the conflict, 190; result of the conflict, 190 ; map of the ■ battle of, 191. INDEX. 239 O'Connor, Capt. D., 102. Oglethorpe Light Infantry, 13, 83. Siege Artillery, 102. "< Oliver, Capt. J. L., 102. Olmstead, Col. C. H., 77, 78, 82, 83, 158. Orders, 123, 135, 136, 146, 147, 191, 203, 209, 219, 220, 221. Olustee station, 175 ; concentration of Con- federate forces at, 176 ; position se- lected hy Gen. Finegan to check Gen. Seymour's advance, 176, 177; Con- federate and Federal forces engaged in the hattle of, 177, 178 ; Major Grat- tan's account of the hattle of, 178-184. Palmer, Lieut. S. B., 9*, 103, 110 ; commands detachment in Battery Wagner, 163 ; in command of a section at the Charleston race course, 201. Parole, form of, 222. Pawnee, U. S. gun-boat, 151. Pelot, Lieut., 197. Pemberton, Maj. Gen., 62. Fort, 96. Phoenix Eifles, 84. Poictiers, victory of, 227. Port Royal Batteries, attack upon, 53 ; sad reverse, 54; military Wessons taught, 54. Pompeii, sentinel at gate of, 144. Pritchard, Capt., 61. Pulaski, Fort, orders for occupation of, 9 - 12 ; occupation of, by State forces, 13, 14, 19 ; flag of Georgia raised above, 20 ; occupation of, approved by reso- lution of the convention, 21 ; effect of the occupation of, 22; location, 22 ; description of, 22, 23 ; armament and condition, January 3, 1861, 23 ; garrison how relieved, 25; negroes employed in cleaning moat, etc., 27 ; increase of armament, 35 ; isolation, bombardment, and surrender, ch. iii, p. 66 ; view of bombardment from Camp Claghorn and SMdaway batteries, 67 ; attachment of Chatham Artillery to, 68 ; armament at time of surrender, 69 ; guns bearing upon Tybee island batteries, 69, 70; Federal batteries opposed to, 70, 71 ; contrast, 71 ; provisioned by Commodore Tattnall, 73 ; investment of, 74 ; Gen. Hunter demands surrender of, 76 ; response of Col. 'Olmstead, 77 ; bombardment Pulaski, Fort— (Continued). of, 78 ; report of Col. Olmstead, 78 ; terms of capitulation, 82 ; garrison surrendered, 83 ; defense considered, 86, 87 ; military lessons taught, 88 ; heroic incident during bombardment, 89. Pulaski House, conference at, 19. Quarter master G., 44, 45. Quinn, Lieut., 134. Bead, Capt. J. B., 84. Capt. Jacob, 102. Reorganization of the Chatham Artillery, 94. Regulars, two regiments of Georgia, 31. Report of Col. Olmstead, 77. of Maj. Anderson, 140. Republican Blues, 50, 84, 115. River's .causeway, capture of Lieut. De- Lorme's guns at, 197, 198. Rockwell, Lieut., 134. Roll of detachment at Fort Pulaski, 13. of the Battery in June, 1862, 103. of detachment ordered to James island, 95. of detachments and infantry support, 204, 205. Rylander, Maj. J. B., 102. St. John, order or, 160. St. Elmo, 160. Sanchez, Lieut. B. S., 33. Savannah, the fair daughters of, 28 ; volun- teer companies of, 13 ; patriotism of her sons, 13 ; lines for the defense of, 62; enveloped by Gen. Sherman's army, 138 ; evacuation of, 145. Volunteer Guards, 13, 62, 85. Schaff, Maj., 131. Screven, Capt. John, 13; Maj., 62, 85, 102. Secessionville, 96 ; battle of, 97, 98. Secession, right of, 20 ; ordinance of, 21. Seymour, Brig. Gen., 175. Sherman, Maj. Gen., 138, 206, 217, 218, 219. Sims, Capt. F. W., 82, 83. Simonton, Col. C. H., 149. Camp, 171. Skidaway long bridge, 54. island, 52, 66, 65, 67. batteries, description and armament of, 60; abandoned, 61; fired by the enemy, 63. 240 INDEX. Smith, Maj. Gen.-G. W., 203. Maj. S. J., 37. Brig. Gen. Wm. D., 84, 99. Col., 179. • St. Simon's island, batteries abandoned, 51. Stables of the Chatham Artillery, 44. Stable Sergeant D., 44, Strong, Brig. Gen., captures Light-house inlef?"batterie*;:157. assaults Battery Wagner, 157. Sumter, Port, attacked by Admiral Dupont, 155 ; gallant memories of, 160 : its elimination from the Federal conflict with- Wagner, 161 ; guns transferred from, to .Tames island batteries, 161 ; bombardment of the 17th of August, 163. Surrender of the army of Gen. Johnston, original terms of, 216,' 217 ; final ba- sis of, 218. Taliaferro, Brig. Gen., 159. Tattnall, Commodore Josiah, 56, 73. gun, 40. Tedium of camp life, 50. Telfair, Irish Grays, 84. Text book, 40. Troops, Confederate, list of, in the mili- tary district of Georgia, 103. Turner, Captain Screven, 103. Tybee island, Federal batteries upon, 70, 71; enemy erecting investing batte- ries, 74; Confederate battery esta- blished on, 84 ; occupation of, by Confederate troops, 84; evacuation of, 85. Virginia, 36. Volunteer companies of Savannah, 13, 13. Wagner, Battery, 156 ; assaulted July 11th by Brig. Gen. Strong, 157 ; bombard- ment, of the 18th, 158, 159; gallant memories of, 160; description of, 160, 161 ; isolated position of, 161 ; exhausting labors of its garrison, 162 ; Wagner, Battery— (Continued). how provisioned, 161 ; Federal ap- proaches against, 164 ; terrific bom- bardment of the 5th of September, 165, - 166 ; its evacuation, 166 ; Col; Jones's description, 166 - 170 ; gar- rison, how retired, 171. Walker, Battery, 54. Commissary Eobert D., 83. WaU's cut, 72, 73. Walthour, Capt. W. L., 102. Warsaw, Battery, 50 ; abandoned, 51. Washington guns, 17. Volunteers,- 83. Water Witch, capture of, 197. Way, Col: C. H., 84, *03. " Wayne, Adjt. Gen. H. C, 12. Webb, Capt., 57. Whelan, Rev. Peter, 83. Wheeler, Gen., 312. Wheaton, Camp, 171. Corporal John F., 14; elected first Lieut., 94, 103 ; promoted to cap- taincy of Chatham Artillery,. 110, 150, 179,- 184; his account' of the battle 61 Ocean Pond, 184-188, 195 ; his account of the duties of the Battery on James island, 195-197; description of the affair of the 3d July, 1864, 197 - 300 ; in command of a battalion, 201, 205, 213. Whitehead, Geo. A., private, 14 ; sergeant, 95 : sergeant major, 103 ; elected second lieutenant, 110 : on detached duty as adjutant, etc., 110 ; ordered with section of the Battery to the Great Ogeechee river, 112, 113, 134. Willis, Lieut., 134. Williams, Col. C. J., 84. Wilson, Col. C. C, 84, 102. Wise Guards, .83. Women of the Confederate revolution, 38, Young, Col. W. J., 103. Zachry, Col., 183, 184, 193. Zaragoza, seige of,160.