At the outbreak of the war, David Jones was a Major and Assistant Adjutant General in the Provisional Confederate States Army
These dispatches were compiled with primary source materials from The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Chapter 1)
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CONTENTS
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(CS BG) Richard Dunovant
- At the outbreak of the war, Richard Dunovant was a Brigadier General in the Provisional Confederate States Army
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From Jones:
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| April 21, 1861 - Brigadier General R.G.M. Dunovant to Asst. Adj. Gen. David Jones
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 Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Report of Brigadier General R.G.M. Dunovant, South Carolina Army, of operations against Fort Sumter
HEADQUARTERS, SOUTH CAROLINA ARMY,
Sullivan's Island,
April 21, 1861.
MAJOR: I have the honor to report that on Tuesday morning, April 9, in obedience to orders from your headquarters, I came down to Sullivan's Island attended by the following members of my staff: Major N.G. Evans, S.C.A., adjutant-general; First Lieutenant Warren Adams, S.C.A., and Second Lieutenant Robert Pringle, S.C.A., aides-de-camp; Major W.D. De Saussure and Captain J.D. Bruns, special aides-de-camp.
Information having been received which led us to expect a determined effort on the part of the United States Government to re-enforce Fort Sumter, I at once made all the necessary preparations to prevent if possible, the success of this attempt. The batteries in process of erection at the eastern extremity of the island were rapidly pushed to completion. Colonel Pettigrew had already taken precautions against a surprise by establishing a picket-guard on Long Island and by doubling the sentries on Sullivan's Island.
On the morning of the 11th I received the entire forces under my command, Colonel Pettigrew's regiment of rifles occupying and defending the eastern third of the island with the assistance of the Charleston Light Dragoons, and the General Flying Artillery in charge of a field battery attached to his command, and Colonel Anderson's regiment of the First Infantry being held in readiness to act as reserve or to be thrown on any point where their services were required.
It affords me sincere gratification to record that, although happily Colonel Pettigrew's regiment was not called into action, and had little share in the perils and honors of the recent engagement, their patient endurance of every privation, and their prompt and cheerful response to every call of duty during a long continued service, entitle them to unqualified commendation. I may add that as soon as they heard the sound of our guns, twenty-four members of the regiment of rifles went down under fire to the floating battery, their boat narrowly escaping being sunk.
Colonel Anderson's regiment of regulars also deserve special notice for the good order, spirit, and energy which have universally characterized the command. Three companies of his regiment, Captain Martin's, Captain Butler's, and Lieutenant Valentine's, were detached for duty as artillerists under Lieutenant-Colonel Ripley, and for their share in the bombardment I would respectfully refer you to the report of the lieutenant-colonel commanding the batteries.
The defenses of Fort Moultrie and the preparation of the gun and mortar batteries above and below this post seemed to me to be complete and satisfactory. For this no small measure of praise is due to the sagacity, experience, and unflagging zeal of Lieutenant Colonel R. S. Ripley, commanding First Battalion Artillery, who was assigned to duty under my command on the 2nd day of January last, when Fort Moultrie was generally considered untenable. The suggestions made by this officer in his reports respecting the defenses of the fort have in almost every instance been carried out, and their value has been triumphantly illustrated by the severe test to which they were subjected in the recent engagement. The guns which were used against Fort Sumter were the same which Major Anderson spiked and burned when he abandoned Fort Moultrie.
On the night of the 11th, as hostilities were shortly expected to commence, I made the following disposition of my staff: Major Pagan, Lieutenant Adams, and Lieutenant Pringle to be stationed between Fort Moultrie and Captain Butler's battery, to carry orders to and from these posts and to the brigade of infantry; Major De Saussure to attend me personally, and Captain Bruns to be on detached service at Captain Hallonquist's mortar battery, where he rendered efficient aid during the whole bombardment. Major Evans, who had been confined to his bed by sickness for some days, joined me soon after the battle commenced, and then, as always, exhibited the highest qualifications for the duties of his arduous and responsible post. I am gratified to record that my entire staff acquitted themselves well, and their services to me during the campaign have been invaluable. Although most of them had but little military experience, they have spared no pains to acquaint themselves with the duties of their office, and have, without exception, performed them intelligently, cheerfully, and with dispatch.
During the bombardment, I observed specially the behavior of the troops at Fort Moultrie, and at Captains Butler's and Hallonquist's mortar batteries. At all these posts the energy and spirit displayed alike by officers and men could not be surpassed, I believe, by any troops in the world. The enfilade, Dahlgren, and floating batteries had also a prominent place in the picture, but I must again refer to the reports of the officers commanding these batteries.
I am pleased to mention that Ex-Governor J.L. Manning, Honorable W.P. Miles, and Captain Samuel Ferguson, S.C.A., aides-de-camp to Brigadier-General Beauregard, brought orders to me from the brigadier-general commanding during the hottest of the fire. Major De Saussure of my staff, carried information for the Ordnance Department in regard to the short supply of Dahlgren shells under a brisk fire.
As soon as the white flag was displayed from Fort Sumter on the 13th I sent Captain Hartstene, C.S.N., Captain Calhoun, S.C.A., and Surgeon Lynch, C.S.N., to ascertain whether Major Anderson had surrendered. These officers reported on their return that they had been preceded by some members of your staff.
For the details of this action, which has terminated so happily for the glory of our arms and for the honor to safety of South Carolina, I would respectfully refer you to the report of Lieutenant-Colonel Ripley, and to the reports of the officers under his immediate command.
R.G.M. DUNOVANT,
Brigadier-General, Commanding South Carolina Army.
Major D.R. JONES,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
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(CS LtC) Roswell Ripley
- At the outbreak of the war, Roswell Ripley was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Provisional Confederate States Army
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From Jones:
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| April 16, 1861 - Lieutenant Colonel Roswell Ripley to Asst. Adj. Gen. David Jones
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 Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Report of Lieutenant Colonel R.S. Ripley, South Carolina Army, commanding Artillery
HEADQUARTERS ARTILLERY,
Sullivan's Island, Fort Moultrie,
April 16, 1861.
MAJOR: I have the honor to report that on the evening of the 11th instant, at 9 1/2 o'clock, the batteries under my command were supplied and manned, the furnace heated, and all was ready for action either against a fleet or Fort Sumter. They were the following:
The five-gun battery, east of Curlew ground, under Captain Tupper, of the Vigilant Rifles.
The Maffitt channel battery, two guns, and mortar-battery Numbers 2, two 10-inch mortars, under Captain Butler, of the Infantry.
Fort Moultrie, which was my headquarters, thirty guns, under Captain W. R. Calhoun, of the Artillery, assistant commandant of batteries; First Lieuts. Thomas Wagner and Alfred Rhett, Artillery, commanding Channel and Sumter batteries.
Mortar-battery Numbers 1, two 10-inch mortars.
The enfilade battery, four guns, under Captain J. H . Hallonquist, Artillery, assistant commandant of batteries, and Lieutenants Flemming Artillery, and Valentine Infantry.
The Point battery, one 9-inch Dahlgren gun, and the floating battery, four guns, under Captain J. R. Hamilton and First Lieutenant Yates, of the artillery, and the Mount Pleasant battery, two 10-inch mortars, under Captain Robert Martin, of the infantry.
Of these three 8-inch columbiads, two 32-pounders, and six 24-pounders in Fort Moultrie; two 24-pounders and two 32-pounders in the enfilade battery; one 9-inch Dahlgren gun, two 32-pounders, two 42-pounders at the Point and on board the floating battery, and the six 10-inch mortars bore upon Fort Sumter.
A strict watch was kept all night, but no attempt to send re-enforcements into Fort Sumter was observed. At 4 1/2 o'clock on the morning of the 12th a shell was seen from the batteries of Fort Johnson, and in accordance with orders the signal for general action was made at once. The command went quickly to their posts, and very soon every battery bearing upon the fort had commenced. As it was still dark the firing was very slow, but after dawn the direct fire was quickened, until every gun which bore upon Sumter was in quick operation, and this was continued at the regular intervals presented throughout the day. The enemy at first only replied to the Cummings Point batteries, but in a short time opened a brisk fire on the Point and floating batteries of this command with great precision. Shortly afterward he commenced firing on the enfilade batteries, but did not open upon Fort Moultrie.
At about 8 o'clock I visited the batteries to the west of this fort, and noticed the admirable conduct of the officers and men. Lieutenant Blanding and Flemming, of the Artillery, at mortar battery Numbers 1, and Lieutenants Valentine and Burnet, of the Infantry, at the enfilade battery, were promptly and energetically performing their duties. Captain Hallonquist was directing his fire to enfilade and drive the enemy from his parapet. At the Point battery Captain J. R. Hamilton was firing with great precision and skill, and from his battery I noticed First Lieutenants Yates and Harleston on board the floating battery working their guns with all the rapidity which the order of firing permitted. I next visited Captain Butler's mortar battery, which he was working energetically.
Fort Sumter opened upon Fort Moultrie about 8.30 o'clock in the morning, and from that time a steady and continuous fire was kept up on us from his casemate 32-pounders and 42-pounders throughout the day. This was replied to by the nine guns of the Sumter battery of this fort, under Lieutenants Rhett and Mitchell, and two guns of the oblique battery, under lieutenant Parker, until 9 a.m., when Lieutenant Rhett's command was relieved by the detachment of Company A, under Lieutenants Wagner, Preston, and Sitgreaves.
Captain Calhoun arranged the reliefs, and the officers and men of Companies A, G, and D worked the Sumter battery of this fort alternately until evening. During this time Captain Calhoun kept his channel guns manned and ready for action against the fleet, which was confidently expected to attempt an entrance. At different times during the afternoon five hot were fired upon the quarters at Fort Sumter. I have learned that they were thrice set on fire. Meantime the enemy's shot had told with great effect upon the quarters of Fort Moultrie, continually perforating and breaking them up; but our defenses were strong, the merlons and traverses heavy and well secured, and no material damage was done to our defenses, although the principal fire of the enemy was directed on this fort during the whole of the afternoon. The direct fire ceased with the light, but the mortars kept up the bombardment at the prescribed intervals.
The night set in dark and rainy, and it was feared that the enemy would certainly attempt to re-enforce. All the batteries on the island were visited, and especial vigilance enjoined. The channel batteries were kept manned, the various enfilading guns were all in readiness to sweep the faces ad landings at Fort Sumter, and the mortar batteries to redouble their fire upon an alarm. The night passed away with one alert, during which the mortar practice was increased in rapidity for a short time, and a few shots were fired from the different batteries; but it becoming apparent that the alarm was groundless the vertical fire was resumed, according to orders, and kept up until the day dawned.
Believing that it was impossible that the fleet outside would permit the cannonade to proceed without an attempt to re-enforce during the day, and the men of my command having been exposed to a pelting rain during the night, and feeling confident that we had perfect command of the enemy's parapet, it had been determined to fire but two or three guns from the Sumter battery of Fort Moultrie, and, while keeping up a brisk mortar practice and fire from the enfilade battery, to save the ammunition of the Point and floating batteries to repel an attempt to re-enforce. Orders were given to such effect, and the two guns were opened from the Sumter battery of this fort, the other batteries firing in order. Fort Sumter opened early and spitefully, and paid especial attention to Fort Moultrie-almost every shot grazing the crest of the parapet, and crashing through the quarters. Our defenses were still uninjured and our losses trifling.
Finding that I could spare men and still keep the channel battery manned, the fire was somewhat increased, until about 9 o'clock on the morning of the 13th smoke was seen to issue from the roof of the quarters of Fort Sumter, and it was evident that a conflagration had commenced. The entire Sumter battery of Fort Moultrie was manned at once, and worked with the utmost rapidity, officers and men viewing in their energy. Captain Calhoun, First Lieutenants Wagner, Rhett, and Preston, Second, Lieutenants Sitgreaves, Mitchell, and Parker, of the Artillery, and Mr. F. D. Blake, acting engineer, all superintended the working of the guns, which were manned by detachments from Company B, relieved at times by detachments from Company A, with a skill, and precision rarely excelled. Indeed, I doubt whether an artillery fire at such a distance with ordinary guns has ever equaled it in precision. The shot, both hot and cold, crashed into the quarters of Fort Sumter and along the parapet, rendering the extinction of the flames difficult, and lighting up new places to windward. It became evident soon that the enemy was worsted, but to insure the result orders were passed to each of the batteries to redouble their fire.
Captain Hamilton, Captain Hallonquist, and Lieutenant Yates, and Valentine had anticipated the order, and Captain Butler soon increased the rapidity of his mortar practice; nevertheless from his casemates the enemy still poured shot thick and fast upon Fort Moultrie until about 12.45 p.m., when his flagstaff was cut away, and it slackened. The thick and stifling smoke arising from the ruins of his buildings told plainly that the time for surrender had nearly come. Nevertheless he hoisted a new flag over the crest of his parapet, and our fire, which had been ordered to cease when his flagstaff fell, was reopened with all the vigor we could command. The smoke still poured out of the ruins, and the fire from Fort Sumter having slackened again the order was again given to cease, but upon his recommencing we reopened.
While the enemy's flag was still flying and he was still firing upon us, a boat was observed to leave Cummings Point and pull towards Fort Sumter. By my order a shot was sent ahead of it, but it continued on and landed.
At 1.15 p.m., a white flag having been hoisted alongside the United States ensign, the firing ceased. Brigadier-General Dunovant, who was present in Fort Moultrie, immediately sent Captain Hartstene, C.S.N., Captain Calhoun, and Surgeon Lynch, C. S. N., to ascertain whether the surrender was made, and to tender assistance. Upon their arrival they found that the staff of the commanding general had just preceded them.
It is hard to say whether any distinction can be made in the conduct of the officers and men under my command. From the senior captain to the prisoner turned out of the guard-house just before the action all did their duty. The conduct of several came under my special notice, and I mention them accordingly. Captains Calhoun and Hallonquist assistants to commandant of batteries; Captain J. R. Hamilton, First Lieutenants Wagner, Rhett, and Yates, and Second Lieutenant Flemming, of the Artillery, and Captain Butler and Lieutenant Valentine, of the Infantry, were all in command of batteries, and deserve especial mention. In addition to the officers whose names appear in the report above I take pleasure in mentioning the conduct of the engineer and assistants, First Lieutenant Earle, and Messrs. F. D. Blake and J. E. Nash, volunteers, acting.
No repairs being needed for the defenses, these gentlemen acted as staff and lookout officers and were very efficient. Lieutenant T. S. Fayssoux, of the Cavalry, assistant commissary of subsistence, acted well in the same capacity. Captain C. F. Middleton, an old resident of Sullivan's Island, remained with his family during the cannonade, and was especially useful. All of these gentlemen were active and prompt in communicating orders and doing whatever duty devolved upon them.
Surg. Arthur Lynch, C. S. N., and Assist. Surg. Walter Taylor, South Carolina Volunteers, the permanent surgeons of the post, had made every preparation for the discharge of their duties, and would have been assisted by Drs. Raoul, Barnwell, and Porcher, who volunteered, but fortunately our casualties were so few that their services as surgeons were needless. They acted as staff officers. The Rev. Mr. Aldrich was present during the cannonade. Dr. Maddow acted as surgeon at mortar battery Numbers 1, and Drs. Daviga and Logan at the Point and on board the floating battery. Mr. John Wells, of South Carolina, acted as an ordnance officer at the Point battery under Captain Hamilton.
Our escape with only four slight casualties, I conceive to be in a great measure due to the strength of our defenses the material of which had been furnished under the direction of Major Walter Gwynn, chief engineer, in large quantities since the 1st of January last. Major Gwynn had also given his personal supervision to the construction of several of the works. The batteries exterior to the fort and many of the works adjacent were built under the superintendence of Captain Trapier, whose accomplishment as an engineer are well known, and certainly are appreciated by those who garrison works constructed by him.
Several times during the action I had the pleasure of meeting the brigadier-general commanding, and of receiving valuable assistance from Captain Bruns and other officers of the staff. I wish to draw particular and special attention to the valuable services of Messrs. John Henery and Charles Scanlan, acting military storekeepers, who have been on duty with my command since January last. These gentlemen have given every attention to their duty, and to them is due, in a great measure, the high state of efficiency of our guns and ordnance. They were indispensable during the action.
The Ordnance Department deserves and has my thanks for the material furnished under so many adverse circumstances since the 1st of January last.
Among other volunteers, Major John Dunovant, of the Infantry, came to Fort Moultrie early on the morning of the 13th, and was present during the action, doing all that lay in his power.
I was deprived of the services of the commissioned battalion staff during the cannonade. First Lieutenant James Hamilton, adjutant, was absent sick on the 11th instant, but hearing of the probability of an engagement, left his bed and came to report for duty. He remained until some time after the action, when it was evident that his strength was gone. Lieutenant Yates, battalion quartermaster, preferred the command of the floating battery, and I excused him from staff duty.
Lieutenant Colonel Hatch, quartermaster-general, had made preparations for the extinguishment of fires. Mr. Prioleau Ravenel was present with the engines and a body of men to put them out should they occur. We were fortunate, and he did what duty he was called on to perform.
I have the honor to inclose a return of the few wounded, a statement of shot fired, and such reports from commanding officers as I have received. To them I beg to refer for the names of meritorious individuals not mentioned above.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R.S. RIPLEY,
Lieutenant-Colonel of Artillery, Commanding.
Return of shot and shell fired from the batteries of Fort Moultrie, Sullivan's Island, and Mount Pleasant, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel R.S. Ripley, Artillery, South Carolina Army, during the cannonade and bombardment of Fort Sumter, April 12 and 13, 1861.
| Return of Shot and Shell
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Shell.
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Shot.
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Hot shot.
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| 10-inch.
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9-inch.
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8-inch.
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64 pounds.
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42 pounds.
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32 pounds.
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24 pounds
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32 pounds.
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| Fort Moultrie
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...
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...
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6
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248
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...
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305
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105
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...
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...
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41
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| Enfilade Battery
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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300
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300
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...
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...
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...
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| Point Battery
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...
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61
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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| Floating Battery
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...
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...
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...
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...
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247
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223
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...
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...
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...
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...
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| Mortar battery No. 1
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185
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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| Mortar battery No. 2
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88
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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| Mount Pleasant mortar battery
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81
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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| Total
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354
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61
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6
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248
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247
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828
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405
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...
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...
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41
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(CS Maj) Peter Stevens
- At the outbreak of the war, Peter Stevens was a Major in the Provisional Confederate States Army
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| April 18, 1861 - Major Peter Stevens to Adjutant General David Jones
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 Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of Major P.F. Stevens, commanding Point and Iron batteries
SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE, CITADEL ACADEMY,
April 18, 1861.
MAJOR: Upon my return to this post I found the accompanying letter, which had been written to me by Captain G.B. Cuthbert during my temporary absence from Morris Island.*
Sergeant Bissell did not exactly "cripple the gun of the left casemate," as a subsequent examination has proven, but Lieutenant Colonel De Saussure stated to me that Captain Seymour had informed him that our fire was so severe against the casemates bearing on my batteries that the men were driven out; and this fact is confirmed by my own observation-that the fire from said casemates ceased about 2 o'clock on Friday, and was never renewed, although on Saturday my glass showed me some men in one of the casemates about to fire, as I thought. Immediately I ordered the two 42-pounders and Bissell's 64-pounder to fire at the casemate, and the men within disappeared from sight.
Added to the names of Phillips and Campbell as working in the magazine, I must mention McLane and Macbeth, working in the shell magazine. To my knowledge McLane never left his magazine from the firing of the first shell to the surrender of the fort. The captain is a little in error in attributing the accident to the shutter of the middle gun in the Iron battery to the recoil of the gun. In my report to Lieutenant-Colonel De Saussure you will find it correctly attributed to a shot from Fort Sumter. I most cheerfully agree with the captain in his praise of the gallant conduct of the men who came for the tools and materials to repair the broken lever, but I would not detract from their praise in mentioning that the heavy weights of the shutter and its counterbalance again deranged the lever-bar, so that during Saturday's engagements it was necessary to prop up the shutter, and fire with it thus open the whole day.
The incident alluded to in reference to Mr. Lining, the judge-advocate of the Seventeenth Regiment, was as follows: Mr. Lining was erecting the flag of the Palmetto Guard on the traverse in rear of the Iron battery when the first shot from Fort Sumter passed within a few feet of him. The captain, thinking the position too exposed for the flag, directed it to be transferred to the traverse on the right (at least that is my impression). Certainly Mr. Lining removed the flag, amid the rush and hiss of several balls flying near him, planted it securely on the traverse to the right, and descended amid the plaudits of his comrades. In all respects, save what I have here mentioned, I fully indorse Captain Cuthbert's communication, and am obliged to him for the facts recalled to my memory.
There is one somewhat remarkable incident which I beg leave here to record. On Thursday evening our camp was thrown into considerable excitement by the report that the demand was to be made for the surrender of the fort, and when it was reported that a white flag had been sent to Sumter our batteries were all manned, and the men in eager expectation were watching the fort. I was standing on the traverse closing the left flank of the Iron battery. A number of men were around me. Suddenly the United States flag on Fort Sumter was seen to split in two distinct parts, dividing from the front edge to the back just along the lower extremity of the "Union." I remarked to the men around me, "I wonder if that is emblematical?" Several remarked that it appeared ominous. For several moments the flag flew in this condition, when it was hauled down and another flag raised in its stead.
Very respectfully,
P.F. STEVENS,
Major and Superintendent, Citadel Academy.
Major D.R. JONES,
Adjutant-General.
* Not found.
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(CS AdC) A.R. Chisholm
- At the outbreak of the war, A. Chisholm was a Lieutenant Colonel and Aide-de-Camp in the Provisional Confederate States Army
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From Jones:
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| April 11, 1861 - James Chesnut (Jr.) et al to Major D.R. Jones
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 Click for full-sized scanned image Joint reports of James Chestnut (Jr.), Lieutenant Colonel A.R. Chisolm, Captain S.D. Lee, and Messrs. John L. Manning, William Porcher Miles, and Roger A. Pryor, aides-de-camp
HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, C.S.A.,
Charleston, S.C.,
April 11, 1861.
SIR: In obedience to the orders of Brigadier-General Beauregard, we left headquarters at 2.20 p. m., charged with a communication from him to Major Anderson, at Fort Sumter, in which we were authorized to demand the evacuation of the fort. We arrived there at 3.45 p. m., under a white flag. Lieutenant Davis, the officer of the day, received us very politely, and on being informed that we had a message in writing for Major Anderson which we desired to deliver in person to the officer in command of the fort, conducted us into the presence of Major Anderson. We were welcomed by the major with great courtesy, who, after receiving and reading our communication, left us to consult with his officers. About 4.30 he again joined us, bringing his reply, the contents of which he stated to us, after which, and but a short time before departing, we held a short conversation with him, in the course of which he made the following remarks: "Gentlemen, if you do not batter the fort to pieces about us, we shall be starved out in a few days." These words, under the circumstances, seemed to have much significance, and to be of sufficient importance to induce us to report them particularly. We took leave of Major Anderson and the fort at 4.40 p. m., and reached the city at 5.10 p. m. We verbally reported immediately at headquarters the substance of what is written above.
All of which is respectfully submitted for the information of the brigadier-general commanding.
JAMES CHESTNUT, JR.,
Aide-de-Camp.
STEPHEN D. LEE,
Captain C.S. Army, Aide-de-Camp.
A.R. CHISOLM,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Aide-de-Camp.
to Major D.R. JONES,
Adjutant-General of the Provisional Forces, C.S.A., Charleston, S.C.
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| April 12, 1861 - James Chesnut (Jr.) et al to Major D.R. Jones
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 Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Joint reports of James Chestnut (Jr.), Lieutenant Colonel A.R. Chisolm, Captain S.D. Lee, and Messrs. John L. Manning, William Porcher Miles, and Roger A. Pryor, aides-de-camp
HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES,
Charleston, S.C.,
April 13, 1861.
SIR: In obedience to orders from the commanding general, Beauregard,w e left the wharf at 11.15, and proceeded in an open boat to deliver communication to Brigadier-General Simons, commanding on Morris Island, and passing under the batteries of Fort Johnson landed in the rear of Major Stevens' battery. Our orders were specifically to ask information as to the condition of the batteries on the island, and any other facts necessary to be communicated from Brigadier-General Simons to the commanding general, and also to establish military communications by land from Morris Island to the city of Charleston. We were moreover instructed to learn the condition of Fort Sumter as far as practicable without unnecessary exposure, and if the bombardment and conflagration within had forced an evacuation by Major Anderson and his command.
At the period of passing Fort Sumter about 12 m. the firing from it had ceased, except occasional shots opposite Fort Moultrie, but was kept up with great precision and regularity but he batteries from Fort Johnson, Sullivan's Island, and Morris Island. The conflagration of the officers' quarters in the fortress appeared to be on the increase, and although the United States flag was still flying when we landed, there appeared no other evidence of the continuation of the contest.
After communicating with General Simons and establishing a land communication with the city, it was deemed advisable to send a flag to Fort Sumter and demand its evacuation, as at 1.10 p. m. precisely the United States flag had suddenly disappeared from its walls. While a white flag and the boat which bore us over was being made ready to take us, Colonel Wigfall, who had been detailed for special duties on Morris Island, thinking that tn time was to be lost lest the garrison be destroyed, and accompanied by Private Young, of the Palmetto Guard, and two oarsmen, hastily entered a small skiff and pulled towards the fort with a white flag in his hand. Its size was too small to be distinctly seen by our batteries, and in consequence the discharge of neither shot or shell was discontinued by them, except those on Morris Island. His approach, therefore, to Sumteer was one of imminent danger. We saw him after landing disappear into the fort through an embrasure. After the lapse of a short period of time he reappeared upon the pavement at the base of the fortification and re-embarked, directing his course to where we stood, at Major Stevens's battery. Meantime the flag that had been erected after the flag-staff was cut away was taken down and a white flag run up in its stead. Before reaching the shore on his return Colonel Wifgall gave evidence that Major Anderson had consented to evacuate, which was soon after confirmed. he was received upon the beach by the troops, who for a moment rushed out ot meet him, with strong evidences of admiration. We then took Colonel Wigfall with us in our boat, and returned to the city to report to the general commanding.
Brigadier-General Simons had no specific intelligence to communicate to the general commanding beyond the events narrated; but we take pride and pleasure in reporting the spirit, promptness, and energy which characterized the portion of his command inspected by us.
All of which is respectfully submitted for the information of the general commanding.
JAMES CHESTNUT, JR.,
Aide-de-Camp.
A.R. CHISOLM,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Aide-de-Camp.
JOHN L. MANNING,
Aide-de-Camp.
to Major D.R. JONES,
Adjutant-General Provisional Forces.
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| April 15, 1861 - James Chesnut (Jr.) et al to Major D.R. Jones
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 Click for full-sized scanned image Joint reports of James Chestnut (Jr.), Lieutenant Colonel A.R. Chisolm, Captain S.D. Lee, and Messrs. John L. Manning, William Porcher Miles, and Roger A. Pryor, aides-de-camp
HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, C. S. ARMY,
Charleston, S.C.,
April 15, 1861.
SIR: We have the honor to submit the following report of our visit to Fort Sumter on the 13th instant for the information of the brigadier-general commanding:
After reporting to the general the execution of the orders with which we were charged for Morris Island, and in company with Colonel Wigfall reporting the surrender of Fort Sumter, and also its dangerous condition from the fire occasioned by the hot shot from Fort Moultrie, we proceeded, by order of the brigadier-general commanding, immediately to Southern Warf, where we embarked on board the steamer Osiris for Fort Sumter, accompanied by the chief of the city fire department, Mr. Nathan, with a fire engine and its company. On our arrival at Fort Sumter we were met by Dr. Crawford, surgeon of the fort, who directed us to avoid the wharf, as it was in danger of blowing up at any moment from its mines. The doctor conducted us into the presence of Major Anderson, on the opposite side of the fort from the wharf, we entering the fort through an embrasure. We found the barracks totally destroyed by fire, occasioned by our shells and hot shot. We stated to Major Anderson that we had been sent to Fort Sumter by General Beauregard with a fire engine, to offer assistance to extinguish his fire and to render any other assistance he might require, and also Surgeon-General Gibbes, of South Carolina, and assistants were present to administer to any wounded he might have. The major replied that he thanked the general for his kindness, but hat this fire was almost burned out, and that he had but one man wounded, and he not seriously. We asked him if the magazine was safe. He replied he thought the lower magazine safe, though it was amid the burning ruins, and that he had thrown about one hundred barrels of powder into the water from the upper magazine during the action, for the safety of his command. We again asked him if he did not think it best to use the engine which accompanied us on he steamer, which lay out in the stream. He replied no-that he thought everything had been consumed that would burn.
Major Anderson expressed great satisfaction when we told him that we had no casualties on our side, and again asked us to thank General Beauregard for his kindness; and, on leaving, the major accompanied us himself as far as our small boat. We returned to the city and reported the result of our visit to General Beauregard 7 p.m.
All of which is submitted for the information of the brigadier-general commanding.
JAMES CHESTNUT, JR.,
JOHN L. MANNING,
Aides-de-Camp.
A.R. CHISOLM,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Aide-de-Camp.
to Major D.R. JONES,
Assistant Adjutant-General Provisional Forces, C.S.A.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
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(CS AdC) Stephen Lee
- At the outbreak of the war, Stephen Lee was a Captain and Aide-de-Camp in the Provisional South Carolina Army
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From Jones:
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| April 11, 1861 - James Chesnut (Jr.) et al to Major D.R. Jones
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Click for full-sized scanned image Joint reports of James Chestnut (Jr.), Lieutenant Colonel A.R. Chisolm, Captain S.D. Lee, and Messrs. John L. Manning, William Porcher Miles, and Roger A. Pryor, aides-de-camp
HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, C.S.A.,
Charleston, S.C.,
April 11, 1861.
SIR: In obedience to the orders of Brigadier-General Beauregard, we left headquarters at 2.20 p. m., charged with a communication from him to Major Anderson, at Fort Sumter, in which we were authorized to demand the evacuation of the fort. We arrived there at 3.45 p. m., under a white flag. Lieutenant Davis, the officer of the day, received us very politely, and on being informed that we had a message in writing for Major Anderson which we desired to deliver in person to the officer in command of the fort, conducted us into the presence of Major Anderson. We were welcomed by the major with great courtesy, who, after receiving and reading our communication, left us to consult with his officers. About 4.30 he again joined us, bringing his reply, the contents of which he stated to us, after which, and but a short time before departing, we held a short conversation with him, in the course of which he made the following remarks: "Gentlemen, if you do not batter the fort to pieces about us, we shall be starved out in a few days." These words, under the circumstances, seemed to have much significance, and to be of sufficient importance to induce us to report them particularly. We took leave of Major Anderson and the fort at 4.40 p. m., and reached the city at 5.10 p. m. We verbally reported immediately at headquarters the substance of what is written above.
All of which is respectfully submitted for the information of the brigadier-general commanding.
JAMES CHESTNUT, JR.,
Aide-de-Camp.
STEPHEN D. LEE,
Captain C.S. Army, Aide-de-Camp.
A.R. CHISOLM,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Aide-de-Camp.
to Major D.R. JONES,
Adjutant-General of the Provisional Forces, C.S.A., Charleston, S.C.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
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| April 12, 1861 - James Chesnut (Jr.) et al to Major D.R. Jones
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Click for full-sized scanned image Joint reports of James Chestnut (Jr.), Lieutenant Colonel A.R. Chisolm, Captain S.D. Lee, and Messrs. John L. Manning, William Porcher Miles, and Roger A. Pryor, aides-de-camp
HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES,
Charleston, S.C.,
April 12, 1861.
SIR: We have the honor to submit the following report of our movements and action:
After leaving the brigadier-general commanding last night, at 11 o'clock p. m., in obedience to orders we repaired with the second communication to Major Anderson, at Fort Sumter. This communication was based on the telegram from Honorable L. P. Walker, expressing a desire not to injure the fort unnecessarily, and wishing to make another effort to avoid any useless effusion of blood. We reached fort Sumter at 12.45 a. m., delivered the communication, and received Major Anderson's reply at 3.15 a. m. He expressed his willingness to evacuate the fort on the 15th instant at noon, if provided with the necessary means of transportation, if he should not receive prior to that time contradictory instructions from his Government or additional supplies, and that he would not in the mean time open his fire upon our forces unless compelled to do so by some hostile act against his fort or the flag of his Government by the forces under General Beauregard's command,d or by any portion of them,or by the perpetration of some act showing a hostile intention on our part against this fort or the flag it bears. His reply. which was shown to us, plainly indicated that if instructions should be received contrary to his purpose to evacuate, or if he should received supplies, or if the Confederate troops should fire on hostile troops of the United States, or upon transports covered by his flag, although containing men, munitions, and supplies intended for him, and designing hostile operations against us, he would still feel himself bound to fire upon us, and at liberty not to evacuate Fort Sumter.
These terms being manifestly futile of ar as we were concerned, placing us rather at a great disadvantage, and not within the cope of the instructions verbally given us, we promptly refused them and declined to enter into any such arrangements. Under these circumstances, pursuing our instructions, we notified him at once in writing that our batteries would open fire upon him within an hour from that time, which would be at 4.20. We then proceeded at once to Fort Johnson, which we reached at 4 a. m., and to Captain George S. James, commanding at that post, gave the order to open fire at the time indicated. His first shell was field at 4.30 a. m., the other batteries generally opening at 4.45 a. m. We were delayed at Fort Sumter longer than we expected, and we think longer than was necessary to decide upon the communication we received, and so indicated to Major Anderson; but this delay we could not avoid. Immediately upon leaving Fort Johnson we reported to General Beauregard, at his office, about daylight.
All of which is respectfully submitted for the information of the brigadier-general commanding.
JAS. CHESTNUT, JR.,
Aide-de-Camp.
STEPHEN D. LEE,
Captain, C.S. Army, Aide-de-Camp.
to Major D. R. JONES,
Adjutant-General of Provisional Forces, Charleston, S.C.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
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| April 15, 1861 - Stephen D. Lee et al to Major D.R. Jones
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 Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Joint reports of James Chestnut (Jr.), Lieutenant Colonel A.R. Chisolm, Captain S.D. Lee, and Messrs. John L. Manning, William Porcher Miles, and Roger A. Pryor, aides-de-camp
HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, C.S.A.,
Charleston,
April 15, 1861.
SIR: We have the honor to submit the following report of our visit to Fort Sumter on the 13th instant:
Informed about 1 o'clock that no flag was waving over Fort Sumter, General Beauregard detached us immediately to proceeded to the fort and say to Major Anderson that his flag going down and his quarters in flames we were sent to inquire if he needed any assistance. When about half-way from the city to Fort Sumter we observed that the United States flag had been raised again. At once we determined to go back to the city, but had not proceeded far in return when, discovering a white flag floating form the ramparts of Sumter, we again directed our course to the fort. On landing we were conducted to the presence of Major Anderson, whom we informed that in consequence of the conflagration in the fort we had been sent by General Beauregard to inquire if he needed assistance. Major Anderson replied: "Present my compliments to General Beauregard, and salt o him I thank him for his kindness, but need no assistance." Continuing, the major said: "Gentlemen, do I understand you have come direct from General Beauregard?" We replied int he affirmative. "Why," returned Major Anderson, "Colonel Wigfall has just been here as an aide to and by authority of General Beauregard, and proposed the same terms of evacuation offered on the 11th instant." We informed him we had just left General Beauregard in the city, and had come in obedience to his orders, charged with the message just delivered. The major expressed regret for the misunderstanding,and repeated that he had understood Colonel Wigfall to say he was direct from General Beauregard, and as one his aides was authorized to propose terms of evacuation. We then inquired if he would reduce to writing the terms proposed by Colonel Wigfall. To which the major replied, certainly he would. Major Anderson then declared than he would immediately run up his flag; that he regretted it had ever been taken down, and that i would not have been lowered if he had not understood Colonel Wigfall to come directly from General Beauregard to treat. We requested that, under the peculiar circumstances, he would not raise his flag until we could communicate to General Beauregard the terms of evacuation with which he had furnished us; he assented to the proposition, and we left the fort.
STEPHEN D. LEE,
Captain, C.S. Army.
ROGER A. PRYOR,
WM. PORCHER MILES,
Aides-de-Camp.
to Major D.R. JONES,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Provisional Forces, C.S.A.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
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(CS AdC) James Chesnut
- At the outbreak of the war, James Chesnut was Colonel and Aide-de-Camp in the Provisional Confederate States Army
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From Jones:
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| April 11, 1861 - James Chesnut (Jr.) et al to Major D.R. Jones
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Click for full-sized scanned image Joint reports of James Chestnut (Jr.), Lieutenant Colonel A.R. Chisolm, Captain S.D. Lee, and Messrs. John L. Manning, William Porcher Miles, and Roger A. Pryor, aides-de-camp
HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, C.S.A.,
Charleston, S.C.,
April 11, 1861.
SIR: In obedience to the orders of Brigadier-General Beauregard, we left headquarters at 2.20 p. m., charged with a communication from him to Major Anderson, at Fort Sumter, in which we were authorized to demand the evacuation of the fort. We arrived there at 3.45 p. m., under a white flag. Lieutenant Davis, the officer of the day, received us very politely, and on being informed that we had a message in writing for Major Anderson which we desired to deliver in person to the officer in command of the fort, conducted us into the presence of Major Anderson. We were welcomed by the major with great courtesy, who, after receiving and reading our communication, left us to consult with his officers. About 4.30 he again joined us, bringing his reply, the contents of which he stated to us, after which, and but a short time before departing, we held a short conversation with him, in the course of which he made the following remarks: "Gentlemen, if you do not batter the fort to pieces about us, we shall be starved out in a few days." These words, under the circumstances, seemed to have much significance, and to be of sufficient importance to induce us to report them particularly. We took leave of Major Anderson and the fort at 4.40 p. m., and reached the city at 5.10 p. m. We verbally reported immediately at headquarters the substance of what is written above.
All of which is respectfully submitted for the information of the brigadier-general commanding.
JAMES CHESTNUT, JR.,
Aide-de-Camp.
STEPHEN D. LEE,
Captain C.S. Army, Aide-de-Camp.
A.R. CHISOLM,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Aide-de-Camp.
to Major D.R. JONES,
Adjutant-General of the Provisional Forces, C.S.A., Charleston, S.C.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
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| April 12, 1861 - James Chesnut (Jr.) et al to Major D.R. Jones
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Click for full-sized scanned image Joint reports of James Chestnut (Jr.), Lieutenant Colonel A.R. Chisolm, Captain S.D. Lee, and Messrs. John L. Manning, William Porcher Miles, and Roger A. Pryor, aides-de-camp
HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES,
Charleston, S.C.,
April 12, 1861.
SIR: We have the honor to submit the following report of our movements and action:
After leaving the brigadier-general commanding last night, at 11 o'clock p. m., in obedience to orders we repaired with the second communication to Major Anderson, at Fort Sumter. This communication was based on the telegram from Honorable L. P. Walker, expressing a desire not to injure the fort unnecessarily, and wishing to make another effort to avoid any useless effusion of blood. We reached fort Sumter at 12.45 a. m., delivered the communication, and received Major Anderson's reply at 3.15 a. m. He expressed his willingness to evacuate the fort on the 15th instant at noon, if provided with the necessary means of transportation, if he should not receive prior to that time contradictory instructions from his Government or additional supplies, and that he would not in the mean time open his fire upon our forces unless compelled to do so by some hostile act against his fort or the flag of his Government by the forces under General Beauregard's command,d or by any portion of them,or by the perpetration of some act showing a hostile intention on our part against this fort or the flag it bears. His reply. which was shown to us, plainly indicated that if instructions should be received contrary to his purpose to evacuate, or if he should received supplies, or if the Confederate troops should fire on hostile troops of the United States, or upon transports covered by his flag, although containing men, munitions, and supplies intended for him, and designing hostile operations against us, he would still feel himself bound to fire upon us, and at liberty not to evacuate Fort Sumter.
These terms being manifestly futile of ar as we were concerned, placing us rather at a great disadvantage, and not within the cope of the instructions verbally given us, we promptly refused them and declined to enter into any such arrangements. Under these circumstances, pursuing our instructions, we notified him at once in writing that our batteries would open fire upon him within an hour from that time, which would be at 4.20. We then proceeded at once to Fort Johnson, which we reached at 4 a. m., and to Captain George S. James, commanding at that post, gave the order to open fire at the time indicated. His first shell was field at 4.30 a. m., the other batteries generally opening at 4.45 a. m. We were delayed at Fort Sumter longer than we expected, and we think longer than was necessary to decide upon the communication we received, and so indicated to Major Anderson; but this delay we could not avoid. Immediately upon leaving Fort Johnson we reported to General Beauregard, at his office, about daylight.
All of which is respectfully submitted for the information of the brigadier-general commanding.
JAS. CHESTNUT, JR.,
Aide-de-Camp.
STEPHEN D. LEE,
Captain, C.S. Army, Aide-de-Camp.
to Major D. R. JONES,
Adjutant-General of Provisional Forces, Charleston, S.C.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
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| April 12, 1861 - James Chesnut (Jr.) et al to Major D.R. Jones
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Click for full-sized scanned image Click for full-sized scanned image Joint reports of James Chestnut (Jr.), Lieutenant Colonel A.R. Chisolm, Captain S.D. Lee, and Messrs. John L. Manning, William Porcher Miles, and Roger A. Pryor, aides-de-camp
HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES,
Charleston, S.C.,
April 13, 1861.
SIR: In obedience to orders from the commanding general, Beauregard,w e left the wharf at 11.15, and proceeded in an open boat to deliver communication to Brigadier-General Simons, commanding on Morris Island, and passing under the batteries of Fort Johnson landed in the rear of Major Stevens' battery. Our orders were specifically to ask information as to the condition of the batteries on the island, and any other facts necessary to be communicated from Brigadier-General Simons to the commanding general, and also to establish military communications by land from Morris Island to the city of Charleston. We were moreover instructed to learn the condition of Fort Sumter as far as practicable without unnecessary exposure, and if the bombardment and conflagration within had forced an evacuation by Major Anderson and his command.
At the period of passing Fort Sumter about 12 m. the firing from it had ceased, except occasional shots opposite Fort Moultrie, but was kept up with great precision and regularity but he batteries from Fort Johnson, Sullivan's Island, and Morris Island. The conflagration of the officers' quarters in the fortress appeared to be on the increase, and although the United States flag was still flying when we landed, there appeared no other evidence of the continuation of the contest.
After communicating with General Simons and establishing a land communication with the city, it was deemed advisable to send a flag to Fort Sumter and demand its evacuation, as at 1.10 p. m. precisely the United States flag had suddenly disappeared from its walls. While a white flag and the boat which bore us over was being made ready to take us, Colonel Wigfall, who had been detailed for special duties on Morris Island, thinking that tn time was to be lost lest the garrison be destroyed, and accompanied by Private Young, of the Palmetto Guard, and two oarsmen, hastily entered a small skiff and pulled towards the fort with a white flag in his hand. Its size was too small to be distinctly seen by our batteries, and in consequence the discharge of neither shot or shell was discontinued by them, except those on Morris Island. His approach, therefore, to Sumteer was one of imminent danger. We saw him after landing disappear into the fort through an embrasure. After the lapse of a short period of time he reappeared upon the pavement at the base of the fortification and re-embarked, directing his course to where we stood, at Major Stevens's battery. Meantime the flag that had been erected after the flag-staff was cut away was taken down and a white flag run up in its stead. Before reaching the shore on his return Colonel Wifgall gave evidence that Major Anderson had consented to evacuate, which was soon after confirmed. he was received upon the beach by the troops, who for a moment rushed out ot meet him, with strong evidences of admiration. We then took Colonel Wigfall with us in our boat, and returned to the city to report to the general commanding.
Brigadier-General Simons had no specific intelligence to communicate to the general commanding beyond the events narrated; but we take pride and pleasure in reporting the spirit, promptness, and energy which characterized the portion of his command inspected by us.
All of which is respectfully submitted for the information of the general commanding.
JAMES CHESTNUT, JR.,
Aide-de-Camp.
A.R. CHISOLM,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Aide-de-Camp.
JOHN L. MANNING,
Aide-de-Camp.
to Major D.R. JONES,
Adjutant-General Provisional Forces.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
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| April 15, 1861 - James Chesnut (Jr.) et al to Major D.R. Jones
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Click for full-sized scanned image Joint reports of James Chestnut (Jr.), Lieutenant Colonel A.R. Chisolm, Captain S.D. Lee, and Messrs. John L. Manning, William Porcher Miles, and Roger A. Pryor, aides-de-camp
HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, C. S. ARMY,
Charleston, S.C.,
April 15, 1861.
SIR: We have the honor to submit the following report of our visit to Fort Sumter on the 13th instant for the information of the brigadier-general commanding:
After reporting to the general the execution of the orders with which we were charged for Morris Island, and in company with Colonel Wigfall reporting the surrender of Fort Sumter, and also its dangerous condition from the fire occasioned by the hot shot from Fort Moultrie, we proceeded, by order of the brigadier-general commanding, immediately to Southern Warf, where we embarked on board the steamer Osiris for Fort Sumter, accompanied by the chief of the city fire department, Mr. Nathan, with a fire engine and its company. On our arrival at Fort Sumter we were met by Dr. Crawford, surgeon of the fort, who directed us to avoid the wharf, as it was in danger of blowing up at any moment from its mines. The doctor conducted us into the presence of Major Anderson, on the opposite side of the fort from the wharf, we entering the fort through an embrasure. We found the barracks totally destroyed by fire, occasioned by our shells and hot shot. We stated to Major Anderson that we had been sent to Fort Sumter by General Beauregard with a fire engine, to offer assistance to extinguish his fire and to render any other assistance he might require, and also Surgeon-General Gibbes, of South Carolina, and assistants were present to administer to any wounded he might have. The major replied that he thanked the general for his kindness, but hat this fire was almost burned out, and that he had but one man wounded, and he not seriously. We asked him if the magazine was safe. He replied he thought the lower magazine safe, though it was amid the burning ruins, and that he had thrown about one hundred barrels of powder into the water from the upper magazine during the action, for the safety of his command. We again asked him if he did not think it best to use the engine which accompanied us on he steamer, which lay out in the stream. He replied no-that he thought everything had been consumed that would burn.
Major Anderson expressed great satisfaction when we told him that we had no casualties on our side, and again asked us to thank General Beauregard for his kindness; and, on leaving, the major accompanied us himself as far as our small boat. We returned to the city and reported the result of our visit to General Beauregard 7 p.m.
All of which is submitted for the information of the brigadier-general commanding.
JAMES CHESTNUT, JR.,
JOHN L. MANNING,
Aides-de-Camp.
A.R. CHISOLM,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Aide-de-Camp.
to Major D.R. JONES,
Assistant Adjutant-General Provisional Forces, C.S.A.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
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(CS AdC) William Miles
- At the outbreak of the war, William Miles was an Aide-de-Camp in the Provisional Confederate States Army
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From Jones:
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| April 15, 1861 - William Porcher Miles et al to Major D.R. Jones
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Click for full-sized scanned image Click for full-sized scanned image Joint reports of James Chestnut (Jr.), Lieutenant Colonel A.R. Chisolm, Captain S.D. Lee, and Messrs. John L. Manning, William Porcher Miles, and Roger A. Pryor, aides-de-camp
HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL, C.S.A.,
Charleston, S.C.,
April 15, 1861.
MAJOR: On Friday, April 12, we received orders from General Beauregard to carry dispatches to General Dunovant, commanding on Sullivan's Island. We were directed to communicate the purport of the dispatches, which were open, to Captain Martin, in command of the floating battery and the Dahlgren-bun battery; to Captain Hallonquist, in command of the enfilade battery and a masked mortar battery near the same spot; and to Colonel Ripley, in command of fort Moultrie-all of them posts on Sullivan's Island. We set out on our mission at 9 o'clock a. m. and proceeded in a boat to Mount Pleasant. After communicating with Captain Martin we reweld over to and landed on the floating Iron battery. We found Lieutenant yates actively engaged in returning the fire from Fort Sumter, which was then specially directed against his battery. The latter had been repeatedly hit, but had successfully resisted all the shot (32-pounders) which had struck it, with the exception of one, which had passed through the narrow, angular slope just below the roof.
After spending some time in this battery we proceed to the Dahlgren-gun battery, where Captain Hamilton was commanding in person. Both the floating battery and the Dahlgren gun were directing their special attention to the dismounting of such of the guns en barbette upon Fort Sumter as the batteries could be brought to bear upon. The fire from both batteries was effective and well sustained. We next visited Captain Hallonquist's enfilanding battery, which was doing some admirable shooting. After remaining here a short time we proceeded to Captain Hallonquist's mortar battery, and from thence to Fort Moultrie. Here we found an active, regular, well-sustained, and well-directed firing going on, which was being most vigorously returned by Fort Sumter. The quarters were pretty well ridden, and the finance for hot shot twice struck, but not materially inured.
After carefully watching the firing for some time we visited Captain Butler's mortar battery, where we found General Dunovant and delivered our dispatches. We then returned to Fort Moultrie, and after spending about na hour there proceeded back to the convey, where our boat was awaiting us, and touching at the floating battery for a communication for headquarters we rowed over once more to Mount Pleasant, for the purpose of delivering a message from Lieutenant-Colonel Ripley (by request) to Captain Martin. We then returned to the city, which we reached about half-past 4 p. m. and immediately reported verbally at headquarters to the brigadier-general commanding.
We cannot conclude our report without expressing the extreme pleasure and gratification which we felt at the coolness, spirit, skill, and alacrity which we witnessed at all points among the officers and men.
Very respectfully,
WM. PORCHER MILES,
JOHN L. MANNING,
Aides to Brigadier-General Beauregard.
Major D.R. JONES,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Provisional Forces, C.S.A.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
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(CS AdC) John Manning
- At the outbreak of the war, John Manning was an Aide-de-Camp in the Provisional Confederate States Army
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From Jones:
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| April 15, 1861 - William Porcher Miles et al to Major D.R. Jones
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Click for full-sized scanned image Click for full-sized scanned image Joint reports of James Chestnut (Jr.), Lieutenant Colonel A.R. Chisolm, Captain S.D. Lee, and Messrs. John L. Manning, William Porcher Miles, and Roger A. Pryor, aides-de-camp
HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL, C.S.A.,
Charleston, S.C.,
April 15, 1861.
MAJOR: On Friday, April 12, we received orders from General Beauregard to carry dispatches to General Dunovant, commanding on Sullivan's Island. We were directed to communicate the purport of the dispatches, which were open, to Captain Martin, in command of the floating battery and the Dahlgren-bun battery; to Captain Hallonquist, in command of the enfilade battery and a masked mortar battery near the same spot; and to Colonel Ripley, in command of fort Moultrie-all of them posts on Sullivan's Island. We set out on our mission at 9 o'clock a. m. and proceeded in a boat to Mount Pleasant. After communicating with Captain Martin we reweld over to and landed on the floating Iron battery. We found Lieutenant yates actively engaged in returning the fire from Fort Sumter, which was then specially directed against his battery. The latter had been repeatedly hit, but had successfully resisted all the shot (32-pounders) which had struck it, with the exception of one, which had passed through the narrow, angular slope just below the roof.
After spending some time in this battery we proceed to the Dahlgren-gun battery, where Captain Hamilton was commanding in person. Both the floating battery and the Dahlgren gun were directing their special attention to the dismounting of such of the guns en barbette upon Fort Sumter as the batteries could be brought to bear upon. The fire from both batteries was effective and well sustained. We next visited Captain Hallonquist's enfilanding battery, which was doing some admirable shooting. After remaining here a short time we proceeded to Captain Hallonquist's mortar battery, and from thence to Fort Moultrie. Here we found an active, regular, well-sustained, and well-directed firing going on, which was being most vigorously returned by Fort Sumter. The quarters were pretty well ridden, and the finance for hot shot twice struck, but not materially inured.
After carefully watching the firing for some time we visited Captain Butler's mortar battery, where we found General Dunovant and delivered our dispatches. We then returned to Fort Moultrie, and after spending about na hour there proceeded back to the convey, where our boat was awaiting us, and touching at the floating battery for a communication for headquarters we rowed over once more to Mount Pleasant, for the purpose of delivering a message from Lieutenant-Colonel Ripley (by request) to Captain Martin. We then returned to the city, which we reached about half-past 4 p. m. and immediately reported verbally at headquarters to the brigadier-general commanding.
We cannot conclude our report without expressing the extreme pleasure and gratification which we felt at the coolness, spirit, skill, and alacrity which we witnessed at all points among the officers and men.
Very respectfully,
WM. PORCHER MILES,
JOHN L. MANNING,
Aides to Brigadier-General Beauregard.
Major D.R. JONES,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Provisional Forces, C.S.A.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
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(CS AdC) Roger Pryor
- At the outbreak of the war, Roger Pryor was an Aide-de-Camp in the Provisional Confederate States Army
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From Jones:
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| April 15, 1861 - Stephen D. Lee et al to Major D.R. Jones
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Click for full-sized scanned image Click for full-sized scanned image Joint reports of James Chestnut (Jr.), Lieutenant Colonel A.R. Chisolm, Captain S.D. Lee, and Messrs. John L. Manning, William Porcher Miles, and Roger A. Pryor, aides-de-camp
HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, C.S.A.,
Charleston,
April 15, 1861.
SIR: We have the honor to submit the following report of our visit to Fort Sumter on the 13th instant:
Informed about 1 o'clock that no flag was waving over Fort Sumter, General Beauregard detached us immediately to proceeded to the fort and say to Major Anderson that his flag going down and his quarters in flames we were sent to inquire if he needed any assistance. When about half-way from the city to Fort Sumter we observed that the United States flag had been raised again. At once we determined to go back to the city, but had not proceeded far in return when, discovering a white flag floating form the ramparts of Sumter, we again directed our course to the fort. On landing we were conducted to the presence of Major Anderson, whom we informed that in consequence of the conflagration in the fort we had been sent by General Beauregard to inquire if he needed assistance. Major Anderson replied: "Present my compliments to General Beauregard, and salt o him I thank him for his kindness, but need no assistance." Continuing, the major said: "Gentlemen, do I understand you have come direct from General Beauregard?" We replied int he affirmative. "Why," returned Major Anderson, "Colonel Wigfall has just been here as an aide to and by authority of General Beauregard, and proposed the same terms of evacuation offered on the 11th instant." We informed him we had just left General Beauregard in the city, and had come in obedience to his orders, charged with the message just delivered. The major expressed regret for the misunderstanding,and repeated that he had understood Colonel Wigfall to say he was direct from General Beauregard, and as one his aides was authorized to propose terms of evacuation. We then inquired if he would reduce to writing the terms proposed by Colonel Wigfall. To which the major replied, certainly he would. Major Anderson then declared than he would immediately run up his flag; that he regretted it had ever been taken down, and that i would not have been lowered if he had not understood Colonel Wigfall to come directly from General Beauregard to treat. We requested that, under the peculiar circumstances, he would not raise his flag until we could communicate to General Beauregard the terms of evacuation with which he had furnished us; he assented to the proposition, and we left the fort.
STEPHEN D. LEE,
Captain, C.S. Army.
ROGER A. PRYOR,
WM. PORCHER MILES,
Aides-de-Camp.
to Major D.R. JONES,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Provisional Forces, C.S.A.
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(CS BG) G.T. Beauregard
- At the outbreak of the war, G.T. Beauregard was a Brigadier General commanding the Provisional Confederate States Army
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| April 15, 1861 - Major D.R. Jones et al to Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard
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Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Joint reports of Major D.R. Jones, Assistant Adjutant-General, C. S. Army; and Colonel Charles Allston, jr., Commander H.T. Hartstene (C.S. Navy), and Messrs. William Porcher Miles and Roger A. Pryor, aides-de-camp
CHARLESTON,
April 15, 1861.
SIR: We, the undersigned, beg leave to submit the following report of our visit to Fort Sumter, and of our interview with Major Anderson, on Saturday, the 13th instant, in obedience to your orders.
We arrived at the fort about a quarter to 3 o'clock p. m.; were met at the what by Captain Seymour, and were at once conducted to the presence of Major Anderson. We informed his that we came from you to say that, on learning the fort was in flames, and his flag down, you had sent Colonels Miles and Pryor and Captain Lee, members of your staff, to offer any assistance in your power, and that as soon as hid flag of truce was hoisted you sent us to received any propositions he might wish to make. Major Anderson said and exceedingly disagreeable and embarrassing mistake had occurred; that his flagstaff had bee shot down, but that as soon as it could be done his flag was again heisted.
Just at this time it was reported to him that General Wigfall was outside the fort demanding to see the commanding officer. major Anderson said that he went out and met General Wighfall, who told him that he came from General Beauregard to demand the surrender of the fort, and urged Major Anderson to haul down his flag and run up a flag of truce; that General Beauregard would give him the same terms offered before the conflict began. Major Anderson then stated that he wa much surprised to learn from Colonels Miles and Pryor and Captain Lee, who had arrived at the fort soon after he had lowered his flag, that although General Wigfall wa on the staff of General Beauregard, he had been two days away from him, and was acting on the staff of some general on Morris Island; that as soon as he (Major Anderson) learned this, he told Captain Lee that he would immediately run up his flag and recommence his firing.
Major Anderson then read to us a note which he had sent to you by the hand of Captain lee, in which he said that he would surrender the fort on the same terms offered by you in your letter to him on the 11th instant. On learning this we told him that we were authorized to offer him those terms, excepting only the clause relating to the salute to the flag, to which Major Anderson replied it would be exceedingly gratifying to him, as well as to his command, to be permitted os lute their flag, having so gallantly defended the fort under such trying circumstances, and hoped that General Beauregard would not refuse it, as such a privilege was not unusual. We told him we were not authorized to grant that privilege, and asked him what his answer would be if not permitted to salute his flag. he said he would not urge the point, but would prefer to refer the matter again to you, and requested us to see you again and get your reply.
Major Anderson requested us to say to Governor Pickens and yourself that, as an evidence of his desire to save the public property as much as possible, he had three times on Friday and twice on Saturday sent his men up to extinguish the fire under the heavy fire of our batteries, and when the magazines were in imminent danger of being blown up.
We then returned to the city and reported to you substantially as above.
We have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servants,
D.R. JONES,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
CHAS. ALLSTON, JR.,
Colonel and A.D.C.
Brigadier General G.T. BEAUREGARD,
Commanding Provisional Army.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
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| April 14, 1861 - Major D.R. Jones et al to Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard
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Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Joint reports of Major D.R. Jones, Assistant Adjutant-General, C. S. Army; and Colonel Charles Allston, jr., Commander H.T. Hartstene (C.S. Navy), and Messrs. William Porcher Miles and Roger A. Pryor, aides-de-camp
CHARLESTON, S.C.,
April 14, 1861.
GENERAL: In accordance with your order we have the honor to make the following report:
On Saturday, April 13, at about 7 o'clock p. m., we proceeded to Fort Sumter by your order to arrange finally the conditions of the evacuation. We presented your communication to Major Anderson, who, after perusing it, read it aloud to his officers, all of who, we believe, were present. The major expressed himself much gratified with the tenor of the communication and the generous terms agreed to by you. We inquired of Major Anderson when he desired to leave. He said as soon as possible, and suggested 9 o'clock the next morning. It was arranged that the Catawba or some other steamer should convey the major and his command either directly to New York or put them on board the United States fleet then lying outside the bar, according as one or the other plan might be agreed upon after a conference with the commander of the fleet. Major Anderson requested us to take Lieutenant Snyder down to the fleet for the purpose of arranging the matter. This Captain Hartstene undertook to do.
We have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servants,
D.R. JONES,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
WM PORCHER MILES,
R.A. PRYOR,
H.J. HARTSTENE, C.S.N.,
Aides-de-Camp.
Brigadier-General BEAUREGARD,
Commanding Provisional Army, C.S.A.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
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(SC SG) Robert Gibbes
- At the outbreak of the war, Robert Gibbes was a Surgeon General in the Provisional Confederate States Army
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| April 16, 1861 - Surgeon General Robert W. Gibbes to Major D.R. Jones
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Click for full-sized scanned image Medical report of Surg. General R.W. Gibbes, South Carolina Army
HEADQUARTERS SURGEON-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT,
Charleston, April 16, 1861.
SIR: From the returns received from the various posts I have the unexampled and happy privilege of stating that no serious casualty has occurred during the vigorous action of thirty-three hours, in reducing Fort Sumter. Four trifling contusions are reported at Fort Moultrie, but none at other posts, and it is a subject of equal gratification that even in the management of heavy ordnance by new recruits and unpracticed volunteers no accident to life or limb has occurred.
Immediately upon the flag of Fort Sumter being struck I proceeded to that fortress to tender my assistance and hospital at Mount Pleasant to Major Anderson, and received from his the pleasing intelligence that only four cases of slight injuries had resulted to his men. On Sunday a sad casualty occurred in saluting hi flag, when the explosion of some loose cartridges beneath a gun struck down seven men. One was instantly killed, and another so seriously wounded that he died soon after reaching my hospital in Charleston; one remaining in the hospital, doing well under the care of Prof. G. G. Chisolm, of the medical college of the State, and four were removed with the garrison. The precipitation suddenly of several regiments upon me during the past few days, totally without any preparation of their surgeons, has required a large supply of medicines, instruments, hospital stores, &c., but I am happy to say they have received promptly all their requisitions.
Respectfully,
R.W. GIBBES, M.D.,
Surgeon-General South Carolina Army.
Adjutant-General JONES.
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(SC Com) Henry Hartsene
- At the outbreak of the war, Henry Hartsene was a Commander in the Provisional Confederate States Navy
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| April 16, 1861 - Commander Henry J. Hartsene to Brigadier Major David Jones
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Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Report of Commander H.J. Hartstene, C.S. Navy, concerning the transportation of Major Anderson and his command from Fort Sumter to the U.S. fleet off Charleston Bar
HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, C.S.A.,
Charleston, S.C.,
April 16, 1861.
MAJOR: On the afternoon of the 13th instant, shortly after the surrender of Fort Sumter, I was placed on board the steamer Catawba to convey to the fort, in connection with Major Jones, Captains Miles and Pryor (aides to Brigadier-General Beauregard), to arrange with Major Anderson the means most acceptable to him for his evacuation the following day.
The major, agreeable to our offer, sent on board of us Lieutenant Snyder to confer with the commander of the fleet off the bar in regard to transportation. I accompanied him out on the morning of the 14th instant, and after a short conference he returned to the fort, where it was arranged that the steamers and all necessary facilities for the removal of the command should be ready at 11 o'clock, and that they should be conveyed to the fleet, and have the option either of taking passage in one of their vessels or of going on the one furnished by the Confederacy.
At 11 o'clock all facilities were at the disposal of Major Anderson, but the work of removal was delayed inc consequence of the accidental explosion which killed and wounded five of his command. They were not embarked until sundown, when it was too late to cross the bar. This, however, was effected early the following morning, and command shortly afterwards was transferred to the steamer Baltic, one of the transportation of the United States.
All of which is respectfully submitted for the information of the brigadier-general commanding.
Respectfully, &c.,
H.J. HARSTENE.
Major D.R. JONES,
Asst. Adjt. General of Provisional Forces, C.S.A., Charleston, S.C.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
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