At the outbreak of the war, Frederick C. Humphreys was a Captain and Ordinance Storekeeper in Charleston, South Carolina
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)
|
CONTENTS
This feature is not yet available. Check back soon for updates!
(US Capt) William Maynadier
- At the outbreak of the war, William Maynadier was a Captain in charge of the United States Ordinance Bureau in Washington, D.C.
| To Humphreys:
|
From Humphreys:
|
|
|
| December 28, 1860 - Captain Frederick Humphreys to Captain William Maynadier
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of and correspondence with Ordnance Storekeeper F.C. Humphreys, U.S. Army, in reference to seizure of Charleston Arsenal.
CHARLESTON,
December 28, 1860.
Captain WM. MAYNADIER,
Ordnance Bureau:
A body of South Carolina military now surround the arsenal, outside, however, of the inclosure, but denying ingress or egress without countersign. The officer in command disclaims any intention of occupancy, and the United States flag is undisturbed. I await instructions.
F.C. HUMPHREYS.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
|
|
|
|
| December 29, 1860 - Captain Frederick Humphreys to Captain William Maynadier
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of and correspondence with Ordnance Storekeeper F.C. Humphreys, U.S. Army, in reference to seizure of Charleston Arsenal.
CHARLESTON ARSENAL, S.C.,
December 29, 1860.
Captain WM. MAYNADIER,
In charge of Ordnance Bureau, Washington, D.C.:
SIR: I reported by telegraph on the 28th instant that this arsenal was surrounded by a body of South Carolina militia, and that myself and the command are not allowed to pass in or out without a countersign. Those in authority disclaim any intention of occupying the post, nor do they molest the flag. I asked for instructions, but have received none.
I protest (the disclaimer notwithstanding) that this post is to all intents and purposes in the possession of the South Carolina troops, and also against the indignity offered me as an officer of the United States Army, to say nothing of the announce the entire command is subjected to by this measure.
I shall, therefore, unless otherwise instructed from the War Department, make a formal protest against the posting of sentinels around this arsenal, and request that they be removed, which, if denied, I shall consider an occupancy of it by the State, and shall haul down my flag and surrender.
I respectfully submit that such a course is proper, and due to myself and the position I occupy as commanding officer.
Very respectfully, I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
F.C. HUMPHREYS,
Military Storekeeper Ordnance, Commanding.
[Indorsement.]
ORDNANCE OFFICE
January 1, 1861
Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War.
WM. MAYNADIER
Captain of Ordnance.
[Inclosure.]
| December 30, 1861 - Abstract from muster-roll of Frederick Humphreys
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of and correspondence with Ordnance Storekeeper F.C. Humphreys, U.S. Army, in reference to seizure of Charleston Arsenal.
Abstract from muster-roll of F.C. Humphreys, military storekeeper of ordnance, dated to include the 30th day of December, 1860.
Present: Brevet Colonel Benjamin Huger, who assumed command November 20, by order of the Secretary of War, and who was absent under orders from the Adjutant-General's Office, dated December 1, 1860, and assumed his former duty at Pikesville Arsenal, by instructions of the Secretary of War, dated December 15, 1860.
F.C. Humphreys, military storekeeper, who resumed command of post December 7, 1860. Fourteen enlisted men.
F.C. HUMPHREYS,
Military Storekeeper, U.S. ARMY.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE
|
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE
|
|
|
|
| December 30, 1860 - Captain Frederick Humphreys to Captain William Maynadier
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of and correspondence with Ordnance Storekeeper F.C. Humphreys, U.S. Army, in reference to seizure of Charleston Arsenal.
CHARLESTON, S.C.,
December 30, 1860.
SIR: This arsenal has to-day been taken by force of arms. What disposition am I to make of my command?
F.C. HUMPHREYS.
to Captain MAYNADIER,
In charge of Ordnance Bureau.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE
|
|
|
|
| December 31, 1861 - Captain Frederick Humphreys to Captain William Maynadier
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of and correspondence with Ordnance Storekeeper F.C. Humphreys, U.S. Army, in reference to seizure of Charleston Arsenal.
CHARLESTON ARSENAL, S.C.,
December 31, 1860.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the correspondence relative to the surrender of this post yesterday to the authorities of this State. Trusting that my course may meet the approval of the Department.
I am, sir, very respectfully,
F.C. HUMPHREYS,
Military Storekeeper Ordnance, U.S.A.
to Capt. WM. MAYNADIER,
In charge of Ordnance Bureau, Washington, D.C.
[Inclosures.]
| December 29, 1860 - Governor Francis Pickens to Colonel John Cunningham
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of and correspondence with Ordnance Storekeeper F.C. Humphreys, U.S. Army, in reference to seizure of Charleston Arsenal.
HEADQUARTERS,
CHARLESTON, S.C.,
December 29, 1860.
SIR: In the morning, after reporting yourself to Major-General Schneirle, and informing him of this order, you are directed to get from him a detachment of select men, and in the most discrete and forbearing manner you will proceed to the U.S. Arsenal in Charleston, and there demand in my name, its entire possession, and state distinctly that you do this with a view to prevent any destruction of public property that may occur in the present excited state of the public mind, and also as due to the public safety. You will then proceed to take, in the most systematic manner, a correct inventory of everything in said arsenal, and the exact state of all arms, &c.
You will read this order to Captain Humphreys, who is the United States officer at the arsenal.
I do not apprehend any difficulty in giving up the same, but if refused, then you are to take it, using no more force than may be absolutely necessary, and with the greatest discretion and liberality to Captain Humphreys, who is at perfect liberty to remain in his present quarters as long as it may be agreeable for himself, and he is requested to do so. Report as soon as possible to me.
F.W. PICKENS.
to Colonel JOHN CUNNINGHAM.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE
|
| December 30, 1860 - Captain Frederick Humphreys to Colonel John Cunningham
|
Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of and correspondence with Ordnance Storekeeper F.C. Humphreys, U.S. Army, in reference to seizure of Charleston Arsenal.
CHARLESTON ARSENAL, S.C.,
December 30, 1860.
SIR: I am constrained to comply with your demand for the surrender of this arsenal, from the fact that I have no force for its defense. I do so, however, solemnly protesting against the illegality of this measure in the name of my Government.
I also demand, as a right, that I be allowed to salute my flag, before lowering it, with one gun for each State now in the Union (32), and that my command be allowed to occupy the quarters assigned them until instructions can be obtained from the War Department.
Very respectfully,
F.C. HUMPHREYS,
Military Storekeeper Ordnance, U.S. Army.
to Colonel JOHN CUNNINGHAM,
Seventeenth Regiment Inf., S.C.M.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2
|
| January 1, 1861 - Captain Frederick Humphreys to Captain William Maynadier
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of and correspondence with Ordnance Storekeeper F.C. Humphreys, U.S. Army, in reference to seizure of Charleston Arsenal.
CHARLESTON, S.C.,
January 1, 1861.
What disposition shall I make of the detachment under my command? We are very unpleasantly situated here.
F.C. HUMPHREYS,
U.S. Army.
to Captain WM. MAYNADIER,
Charge of Ordnance Bureau.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE
|
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE
|
|
|
|
| January 1, 1861 - Captain Frederick Humphreys to Captain William Maynadier
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of and correspondence with Ordnance Storekeeper F.C. Humphreys, U.S. Army, in reference to seizure of Charleston Arsenal.
CHARLESTON, S.C.,
January 1, 1861.
What disposition shall I make of the detachment under my command? We are very unpleasantly situated here.
F.C. HUMPHREYS,
U.S. Army.
to Captain WM. MAYNADIER,
Charge of Ordnance Bureau.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE
|
|
| January 2, 1861 - Captain William Maynadier to Captain Frederick Humphreys
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of and correspondence with Ordnance Storekeeper F.C. Humphreys, U.S. Army, in reference to seizure of Charleston Arsenal.
ORDNANCE OFFICE,
January 2, 1861.
F.C. HUMPHREYS,
U.S. Arsenal, Charleston, S.C.:
I want a report in detail of what has occurred; of the present position and condition of your command and property; as regards quarters and other accommodations, freedom of movement, and any statements or views in the matter that you may deem proper for a full understanding.
WM. MAYNADIER,
Captain of Ordnance.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE
|
|
|
|
|
| January 3, 1861 - Captain Frederick Humphreys to Captain William Maynadier
|
Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of and correspondence with Ordnance Storekeeper F.C. Humphreys, U.S. Army, in reference to seizure of Charleston Arsenal.
CHARLESTON ARSENAL, S.C.,
January 3, 1861.
SIR: I received your dispatch last night and sent a reply by telegraph. I will now proceed to make a detailed report of the facts relative to the surrender of this arsenal, which I should have gone before but that my time has been fully occupied in getting proper vouchers for the property recently in my charge.
On Sunday morning last Colonel Cunningham marched a strong detachment of armed men into this arsenal (having several days before entirely surrounded it outside of the inclosure) and demanded the surrender in the name of South Carolina and by order of Governor Pickens. Having no force to make a defense, I surrendered under a protest, and demanded the privilege of saluting my flag before lowering it and of taking it with me, and that the command should occupy the quarters until instructions could be received from the War Department, which was granted.
Soon after, the arsenal and magazine were both opened, and the property has been constantly issued since-arms, ammunition, accouterments, &c.
Myself and men and our families are very unpleasantly situated. There are some 200 men here constantly, and we are in actual danger from accident when so many inexperienced persons are at every turn with loaded arms. Our movements are watched and restricted, and I would earnestly request that we may be moved elsewhere. The times are so unsettled that I have not issued to my command this month either subsistence or fuel-in fact, we have no conveniences for anything, and all is confusion and turmoil.
I understand that all communication with Fort Sumter is cut, off, and that a barge with its men from that post has been captured at the city wharf and are held in durance.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
F.C. HUMPHREYS,
Military Storekeeper Ordnance, U.S. Army.
Captain WM. MAYNADIER,
In charge of Ordnance Bureau, Washington, D.C.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2
|
|
(US Capt) John Foster
- At the outbreak of the war, John Foster was a Captain of Engineers in the United States Corps of Engineers
| To Humphreys:
|
From Humphreys:
|
|
|
| December 18, 1860 - Captain F.C. Humphreys to Captain John Foster
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
CHARLESTON ARSENAL, S.C.,
December 18, 1860.
Captain J.G. FOSTER,
U.S. Engineer Corps, Sullivan's Island, S.C.:
DEAR CAPTAIN: The shipmen of the forty muskets, &c., has caused intense excitement. General Schnierle called upon me this morning, and assures me that some violent demonstration is certain unless the excitement can be allayed, and says that Colonel Huger assured the governor that no arms should be removed from this arsenal. As the order under which I made the issue to you was dated prior to Colonel Huger's visit here, I am placed in rather a delicate position. I have pledged my word that they (the forty muskets and accouterments) shall be returned by to-morrow night, and I beg that you will return them to me. I informed General Schnierle that you only desired two muskets, but that I could not issue them without the proper order, but that I had an old order covering the issue of the forty. In views of my pledge that the muskets shall be returned, and the position which Colonel Huger is placed by the issue, I feel satisfied that you will comply with my request. In haste.
Very truly, yours,
F.C. HUMPHREYS,
Military Storekeeper Ordnance, U.S. Army.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
| December 18, 1860 - Captain John Foster to Captain F.C. Humphreys
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
FORT MOULTRIE, December 18, 1860.
F.C. HUMPHREYS, Esq.,
Military Storekeeper, Charleston Arsenal:
DEAR SIR: I have received your note of this date, begging me to return to the arsenal the forty musket which I obtained yesterday (in accordance with an order from the Ordnance Department, issued some time since), because of a threatened violent demonstration on the part of some persons of Charleston. you state that Colonel Huger, of the Ordnance (as General Schnierle asserts to you), assured the governor that no arms should be removed form the arsenal, and that as the above assurance of Colonel Huger was made subsequent to the receipt of the order for the issue of these muskets to me, you have pledge you word that they shall be returned to the arsenal to-morrow. If Colonel Huger made this pledge to the governor of this State, I presume he must have acted by the authority of the Government; but of this I have no direct knowledge. All I know is that an order was given to issue forty muskets to me, that I actually required them to protect the property of the Government against a mob, and that I have them in my possession. To give them back now, without proper authority, would subject me to blame if any loss should occur which might be prevented by keeping them. I am willing to refer the matter to Washington. I am sorry to be obliged to disappoint you and will call to assure you so to-morrow at 12 o'clock, a which time I shall be happy to meet General Schnierle, if he is disposed to see me.
Very truly, yours,
J.G. FOSTER,
Captain of Engineers.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
|
|
| December 20, 1860 - Captain F.C. Humphreys to Captain John Foster
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
CHARLESTON, S.C., December 20, 1860.
Captain J.G. FOSTER,
U.S. Engineer Corps:
DEAR SIR: During an interview with Governor Pickens this morning he asked me whether or not I could state authoritatively that there had not been twenty enlisted men sent from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter. I told him that my conviction was that such was not the case, and that I heard you make the statement yesterday to General Schnierle that you had but one enlisted men at Fort Sumter.
The governor requested as a favor that such assurance should be given him over the signature of an officer of the Army, and knowing that you requested General Schnierle to write you should any rumor obtain concerning you, I make known Governor Pickens' desire to you, and respectfully suggest that you send him immediately (as he said it was important that he had a [denial] of the rumor by night) such communication as you may deem best in the premises.
I regret exceedingly that you deemed it necessary to refer the matter of the issue of the forty muskets, &c., to Washington, for I know that such representations have gone on to the Department as will cause unnecessary excitement, and insure a censure of my course in the matter from the Ordnance Department.
Very respectfully, yours,
F.C. HUMPHREYS,
Military Storekeeper Ordnance, U.S. Army.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
| December 20, 1860 - Captain John Foster to Captain F.C. Humphreys
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
FORT MOULTRIE, S.C., December 20, 1860.
Captain F.C. HUMPHREYS,
Military Storekeeper, U.S. Ordnance Corps:
DEAR SIR: I have received your letter of this date. I regret that I cannot accede to your request to write to the governor-elect of South Carolina and assure him that twenty enlisted men had not, as he had heard, been sent from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter. As the governor of a State that has by an ordinance to-day decided to secede from the Union, I cannot, I conceive, properly communicate with him in matters of this kind, except through the Government at Washington.
I regret exceedingly that an unfounded rumor of this kind should have obtained the serious attention of the governor of South Carolina. I, as the officer in charge of Fort Sumter, can assure you that no enlisted men have been transferred from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter.
With respect to the issue of the muskets, I consider that you only performed your duty in obedience to existing orders. I certainly think that I did mine. As to my after action in referring the matter to Washington, I am of course, the only one responsible. You cannot, therefore, be censured without cause.
Truly yours, in haste,
J.G. FOSTER,
Captain, Engineers
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
(SC Col) John Cunningham
- At the outbreak of the war, John Cunningham was a Colonel of the 17th South Carolina Militia Infantry
| To Humphreys:
|
From Humphreys:
|
| December 30, 1860 - Colonel John Cunningham to Captain Frederick Humphreys
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of and correspondence with Ordnance Storekeeper F.C. Humphreys, U.S. Army, in reference to seizure of Charleston Arsenal.
CHARLESTON,
December 30, 1860-10 1/2 o'clock a.m.
SIR: I herewith demand an immediate surrender of the U.S. Arsenal at this place and under your charge, and a delivery to me of the keys and contents of the arsenals, magazines, &c.
I am already proceeding to occupy it with a strong armed detachment of troops.
I make the demand in the name of the State of South Carolina, and by virtue of an order from its governor, a copy of which is inclosed.
Very respectfully,
JOHN CUNNINGHAM,
Colonel Seventeenth Reg. Inf., S.C.M.
to Captain F.C. HUMPHREYS,
Military Storekeeper Ordnance.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE
|
|
|
|
|
| December 30, 1860 - Captain Frederick Humphreys to Colonel John Cunningham
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of and correspondence with Ordnance Storekeeper F.C. Humphreys, U.S. Army, in reference to seizure of Charleston Arsenal.
CHARLESTON ARSENAL, S.C.,
December 30, 1860.
SIR: I am constrained to comply with your demand for the surrender of this arsenal, from the fact that I have no force for its defense. I do so, however, solemnly protesting against the illegality of this measure in the name of my Government.
I also demand, as a right, that I be allowed to salute my flag, before lowering it, with one gun for each State now in the Union (32), and that my command be allowed to occupy the quarters assigned them until instructions can be obtained from the War Department.
Very respectfully,
F.C. HUMPHREYS,
Military Storekeeper Ordnance, U.S. Army.
to Colonel JOHN CUNNINGHAM,
Seventeenth Regiment Inf., S.C.M.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2
|
|
(CS Col) Henry Craig
- At the outbreak of the war, Henry Craig was a Colonel of Ordnance in the United States Army
| To Humphreys:
|
From Humphreys:
|
|
|
| November 10, 1860 - Colonel H.K. Craig to Captain F.C. Humphreys
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
CHARLESTON ARSENAL, S.C.,
November 10, 1860.
Colonel H.K. CRAIG,
Chief of Ordnance, U.S.A., Washington, D.C.:
SIR: On the 7th instant I received an order from Colonel Gardner, commanding troops in the harbor, to issue to him all of the fixed ammunition for shall-arms (percussion caps, primers, &c.) at this arsenal, such a step being advisable, in his estimation, for the better protection of the property in view of the excitement now existing in this city and State. Being allowed no discretion in the matter, his order being preemptory, I proceeded to obey it on the afternoon of the 8th. Captain Seymour having come up from Fort Moultrie, with a detachment of men and a schooner, for the purpose of removing the stores, the shipment of them was interfered with by the owner of the wharf until the city authorities could be notified, and there were but three or four cart-loads on board. I considered it best that they should be reconveyed to the magazine until something definite should be reconveyed to the magazine until something definite should be determined upon, which was done. Not having heard anything further from Colonel Gardner relative to this matter, I conceive it my duty to report the facts in the case, which I respectfully submit.
Very respectfully, I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
F.C. HUMPHREYS,
Military Storekeeper Ordnance, Commanding.
[Indorsements.]
ORDNANCE OFFICE,
November 8, 1860.
Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War, with the remark that as the issue of forty muskets, approved by him 31st ultimo, was contingent on the approval of Colonel Gardner, it is probably that he issue has not and will not be made without further orders.
H.K. CRAIG,
Colonel of Ordnance.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
|
| November 12, 1860 - Captain F.C. Humphreys to Colonel H.K. Craig
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
CHARLESTON ARSENAL, S.C.,
November 12, 1860.
Colonel H.K. CRAIG,
Chief of Ordnance, U.S.A., Washington, D.C.:
SIR: In view of the excitement now existing in this city and State, and the possibility of an insurrectionary movement on the part of the servile population, the governor hastened, through General Schnierle, of South Carolina Militia, a guard, of a detachment of a lieutenant and twenty men for this post, which has been accepted.
Trusting that this course may meet the approval of the Department, I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
F.C. HUMPHREYS,
Military Storekeeper Ordnance, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
MISC.
- Miscellaneous correspondence to or from Frederick Humphreys
| Description:
|
Dispatch:
|
|
|
| December 30, 1861 - Abstract from muster-roll of Frederick Humphreys
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of and correspondence with Ordnance Storekeeper F.C. Humphreys, U.S. Army, in reference to seizure of Charleston Arsenal.
Abstract from muster-roll of F.C. Humphreys, military storekeeper of ordnance, dated to include the 30th day of December, 1860.
Present: Brevet Colonel Benjamin Huger, who assumed command November 20, by order of the Secretary of War, and who was absent under orders from the Adjutant-General's Office, dated December 1, 1860, and assumed his former duty at Pikesville Arsenal, by instructions of the Secretary of War, dated December 15, 1860.
F.C. Humphreys, military storekeeper, who resumed command of post December 7, 1860. Fourteen enlisted men.
F.C. HUMPHREYS,
Military Storekeeper, U.S. ARMY.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE
|
|
|
