- At the outbreak of the war, Samuel Cooper was a Colonel and the Adjutant General of the United States Army
- On March 7, 1861, Cooper resigned from the U.S. Army and traveled to Montgomery, Alabama to join the C.S. Army
- Cooper was commissioned as a Brigadier General on March 16, 1861
- He served as both Adjutant General and Inspector General of the C.S. 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)
|
CONTENTS
This feature is not yet available. Check back soon for updates!
(US Maj) Robert Anderson
- At the outbreak of the war, Robert Anderson was a Major in the United States Army
| To Cooper:
|
From Cooper:
|
| December 26, 1860 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant General Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of Maj. Robert Anderson, U.S. Army, of the evacuation of Fort Moultrie, S.C.
No. 11.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C.,
December 26, 1860
8 p.m.
(Received A.G.O., December 29.)
COLONEL: I have the honor to report that I have just completed, by the blessing of God, the removal to this fort of all of my garrison, except the surgeon, four non-commissioned officers, and seven men. We have one year's supply of hospital stores and about four months' supply of provisions for my command. I left orders to have all the guns at Fort Moultrie spiked, and the carriages of the 32-pounders, which are old, destroyed. I have sent orders to Captain Foster, who remains at Fort Moultrie, to destroy all the ammunition which he cannot send over. The step which I have taken was, in my opinion, necessary to prevent the effusion of blood.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
to Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| December 27, 1860 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant General Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Reports of Maj. Robert Anderson, U.S. Army, of the evacuation of Fort Moultrie, S.C.
No. 12.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C.,
December 27, 1860.
(Received A.G.O., December 31.)
COLONEL: I had the honor to reply this afternoon to the telegram of the honorable Secretary of War in reference to the abandonment of Fort Moultrie. In addition to the reasons given in my telegram and in my letter of last night, I will add as my opinion that many things convinced me that the authorities of the State designed to proceed to a hostile act. Under this impression I could not hesitate that it was my solemn duty to move my command from a fort which we could not probably have held longer than forty-eight or sixty hours, to this one, where my power of resistance is increased to a very great degree. The governor of this State sent down one of his aides to-day and demanded, "courteously, but peremptorily," that I should return my command to Fort Moultrie. I replied that I could not and would not do so. He stated that when the governor came into office he found that there was an understanding between his predecessor and the President that no re-enforcements were to be sent to any of these forts, and particularly to this one, and that I had violated this agreement by having re-enforced this fort. I remarked that I had not re-enforced this command, but that I had merely transferred my garrison from one fort to another, and that, as the commander of this harbor, I had a right to move my men into any fort I deemed proper. I told him that the removal was made on my own responsibility, and that I did it because we were in a position that we could not defend, and also under the firm belief that it was the best means of preventing bloodshed. This afternoon an armed steamer, one of two which have been watching these two forts, between which they have been passing to and fro or anchored for the last ten nights, took possession by escalate of Castle Pinckney. Lieutenant Meade made no resistance. He is with us to-night. They also took possession to-night of Fort Moultrie, from which I withdrew the remainder of my men this afternoon, leaving the fort in charge of the overseer of the men employed by the Engineer Department. We have left about one month's and a half of provisions in that fort; also some wood and coal and a small quantity of ammunition. We are engaged here to-day in mounting guns and in closing up some of the openings for the embrasures-temporarily closed by light boards, but which would offer but slight resistance no persons seeking entrance. If the workmen return to their work, which I doubt, we shall be enabled in three or four days to have a sufficient number of our guns mounted, and be ready for anything that may occur.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
to Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
|
|
|
|
|
| November 12, 1860 - Adj. Gen. Samuel Cooper to Major Robert Anderson
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Washington, D.C.,
November 12, 1860.
Major ROBERT ANDERSON,
First Artillery, Care of A.A.G., Hdqrs. Army, New York:
SIR: The Secretary of War desires to see you, and directs that you proceed to this city and report to him without unnecessary delay.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
| November 23, 1860 - Major Robert Anderson to Adj. Gen. Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 1.]
FORT MOULTRIE, S.C.,
November 23, 1860.
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General, U.S. Army:
COLONEL: In compliance with verbal instructions from the honorable Secretary of War, I have the honor to report that I have inspected the forts of this harbor. As Major Porter has recently made a report in relation to them, I shall confine my remarks mainly to other matters, of great importance, if the Government intends holding them. At Fort Moultrie the Engineer, Captain Foster, is working very energetically on the outer defenses, which will, should nothing unforeseen occur to prevent, be finished and the guns mounted in two weeks. There are several sand hillocks within four hundred yards of our eastern wall, which offer admirable cover to approaching parties, and would be formidable points for sharpshooters. Two of them command our work. These I shall be compelled to level, at least sufficiently to render our position less insecure than it now is. When the outworks are completed, this fort, with its appropriate was garrison, will be capable of making a very handsome defense. It is so small that we shall have little space for storing our provisions, wood, &c. The garrison now in it is so weak as to invite an attack, which is openly and publicly threatened. We are about sixty, and have a line of rampart of 1,500 feet in length to defend. If beleaguered, as every man of the command must be either engaged or held on the alders, they will be exhausted and worn down in a few days and nights of such service as they would then have to undergo.
At Fort Sumter the guns of the lower tier of casemates will be mounted, the Engineer estimates, in about seventeen days. That fort is now ready for the comfortable accommodation of one company, and, indeed, for the temporary reception of its proper garrison.
Captain Foster states that the magazines (4) are done, and in excellent condition; that they now contain 40,000 pounds of cannon powder and a fully supply of ammunition for one tier of guns. This work is the key to the entrance of this harbor; its guns command this work, and could soon drive out its occupants. It should be garrisoned at once. Castle Pinckney, a small caseated work, perfectly commanding the city of Charleston, is in excellent condition, with the exception of a few repairs, which will require the expenditure of about $500. they are-1st, replacing three water cask and the old banquette on the gorge; 2nd, repairing one of the cisterns and the old palisading, which, though much rotten, may at a trifling expense be made to answer for the present; 3rd, making six shutters for the embrasures and doing some slight work to the main gates. Two mortars and a few other articles belonging to this work were taken to the United States Arsenal in Charleston some months since for repair. They are still there. I shall ask the officer in charge to return them s soon as he can. The magazine is not a very good one; it contains some rifle and musket powder, said to be good, and also some cannon powder reported damaged. The powder belongs to the arsenal. It is, in my opinion, essentially important that this castle should be immediately occupied by a garrison, say, of two officers and thirty men. The safety of our little garrison would be rendered more certain, and our fort would be more secure from an attack by such a holding of Castle Pinckney then it would be from quadrupling our force. The Charlestonians would not venture to attack this place when they knew that their city was at the mercy of the commander of Castle Pinckney. So important do I consider the holding of Castle Pinckney by the Government that I recommend, if the troops asked for cannot be sent at once, that I be authorized to place an Engineer detachment, consisting, say, of one officer, two masons, two carpenters, and twenty-six laborers, to make the rapiers needed there. They might be sent without any opposition or suspicion, and would in a short time be sufficiently instructed in the use of the guns in the cattle to enable their commander to hold the castle against any force that could be sent against it. If my force was not so very small I would not hesitate to send a detachment at once to garrisoned immediately if the Government determines to keep command of this harbor.
I need not say how anxious I am-indeed, determined, so far as honor will permit-to avoid collision with the citizens of South Carolina. Nothing, however, will be better calculated at prevent bloodshed than our being found in such an attitude that it would be madness and folly to attack us. There is not so much of feverish excitement as there was last week, but that there is settled determination to leave the Union, and to obtain possession of this work, is apparent to all. Castle Pinckney, being so near the city, and having no one in it bull an ordnance sergeant, they regard as already in their possession. The clouds are threatening, and the storm may break upon us at any moment. I do, the, most earnestly entreat that a re-enforcement be immediately sent to this garrison, and that at least two companies be sent at the same time to Fourth Sumter and Castle Pinckney-half a company, under a judicious commander, sufficing, I think, for the latter work. I feel the full responsibility of making the above suggestions, because I firmly believe that as soon as the people of South Carolina learn that I have demanded re-enforcement, and that they have been ordered, they will occupy Castle Pinckney and attack this fort. It is therefore of vital importance that the troops embarked (say in war steamers) shall be designated for other duty. As we have no men who know anything about preparing ammunition, and our officers will be too much occupied to instruct them, I respectfully request that about half a dozen ordnance men, accustomed to the work of preparing fixed ammunition, be sent here, to be distributed at these forts.
Two of my best officers, Captain Seymour and Lieutenant Talbot, are delicate, and will, I fear, not be able to undergo much fatigue.
With these three works garrisoned as requested, and with a supply of ordnance stores, for which I shall send requisitions in a few days, I shall feel that, by the blessing of God, there may be a hope that no blood will be shed, and that South Carolina will not attempt to take these forts by force, but will resort to diplomacy to secure them. If we neglect, however, to strengthen ourselves, she will, unless these works are surrender on their first demand, most assuredly immediately attack us. I will thank the Department to give me special instructions, as my position here is rather a politico-military than a military one.
I presume, also, that the President ought to take some action in reference to my being a member of the Military Academy Commission, which is to reconvene in the city of Washington in a few days.
Unless otherwise specially directed, I shall make future communications through the ordinary channels.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click
|
|
|
|
|
| November 24, 1860 - Adj. Gen. Samuel Cooper to Major Robert Anderson
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Washington,
November 24, 1860.
Major ROBERT ANDERSON,
First Regiment Artillery, U.S.A.,
Commanding Fort Moultrie, Charleston, S.C.:
MAJOR: The Secretary of War desires that you will communicate, with the least delay practicable, the present state o your command, and everything which may relate to the condition of the work under your charge and its capabilities of defense, together with such views as you may have to suggest in respect to the same. He desires to be informed whether, in view of maintaining the troops ready for efficient action and defense, it might not be advisable to employ reliable persons, not connected with the military service, for purposes of fatigue and police.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
|
| November 28, 1860 - Adj. Gen. Samuel Cooper to Major Robert Anderson
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
November 28, 1860.
Major ROBERT ANDERSON,
U.S. Army, &c., Fort Moultrie:
MAJOR: Your letter of the 24th instant has been received and submitted to the Secretary of War. It is now under consideration, the result of which will be duly communicated to you. In the mean time authority has been given by the Engineer Bureau to Captain Foster to send to Castle Pinckney the Engineer workmen, as suggested by you, for purposes of repairs, &c.
The Secretary desires that any communications you may have to make of the information of the Department be addressed to this office, or to the Secretary himself.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
| November 28, 1860 - Major Robert Anderson to Adj. Gen. Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 2.]
FORT MOULTRIE, S.C.,
November 28, 1860.
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General U.S.A.:
COLONEL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 24th instant. I presume that my letter of the 23rd has been received,and that the Department is now in possession of my views in reference to the measures I deem advisable and necessary for keeping this work and this harbor. Your letter confines my answer to what refers to the work under my charge. I cannot but remark that I think its security from attack would be more greatly increased by throwing garrisons int o Castle Pinckney and Fort Sumter than by anything that can be done in strengthening the defenses of this work. There are several intelligent and efficient men in this community, who, by intimate intercourse with our Army officers, have become perfectly well acquainted with his fort, its weak points, and the best means of attack. There appears to be a romantic desire urging the South Carolinians to have possession of this work, which was so nobly defended by their ancestors in 1776; and the State, if she determines to act on the aggressive, will exert herself to take this work. The accompanying report exhibits the present state of my command. I think I can rely upon their doing their duty, but you will see how sadly deficient we are in numbers, whether to repel a coup de main or to maintain a siege. We finished mounting our guns this morning, and I shall soon commence drilling and exercising my men in firing with muskets and cannon. I find that in consequence of sickness, &c., very little military duty has been attended to here to for a long time; we shall try, and I hope to succeed in regaining the lost ground. This work, when Captain Foster finishes the ditch, counterscarp, and bastionettes on which he is now at work, and executes the addition of a half battery at the northwest angle of the fort, which I have urged him to commence immediately, will be in good condition. I would have preferred having a ditch (wet), but the quicksand. i will send a requisition in a few days (I am very constantly occupied now) for certain ordnance stores. Among them I shall embrace a couple of Coehorns, say four mountain howitzers and twenty of the heaviest revolvers, with a supply of ammunition. I believe that we have no muskets for firing several charges. I would have been pleased to get four of them for the half bastion, but if there are none I will replace them by something else. I would like to get these articles as soon as possible, as I wish to practice our men with the different arms I may have to use. God forbid, though, that I should do so. Colonel Huger has just left me; he came down stating that there was the greatest excitement in the city on account of a rumor that the Adger was bringing out four companies. Some of the gentlemen were in favor of taking steamers and going out to intercept the Adger. he has just returned. I told him that I had no intelligence of anything of the kind.
In reply to the suggestion of the honorable Secretary about the expediency of employing reliable persons not connected with he military service, for purposes of fatigue and police, I must say that I doubt whether such could be obtained here. They would certainly be of great assistance to us. The excitement here is too great. Captain Foster informs me that an adjutant of a South Carolina regiment applied to him for his rolls, stating that the wished to enroll the men for military duty. The captain told him that they had not right ot do it, as the men were in the pay of the United States Government. I presume that every able-bodied man in this part of the State, not in the service of the General Government, is now being or has been enrolled.
I will thank the Governor to give me special instructions reference to a question which may arise in these cases:
What shall I do if the State authorities demand from Captain Foster men who they may aver have been enrolled into the State service? Captain Foster will probably send such cases to me; what shall I do with them?
I hope that my command will very soon be strengthened, so far at the least as filling up these companies to the legal standard. This would enable me, at all events, to have our proper garrison military duties properly attended to.
I am inclined to think that if I had been here before the commencement of expenditures on this work, and supposed that this garrison would not be increased, I should have advised is withdrawal, with the exception of a small guard, and its removal to Fort Sumter, which so perfectly commands the harbor and this fort.
I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Regiment Artillery, Commanding.
| Field report of command at Fort Moultrie, present this day.
|
| Present for duty.
|
Officers
|
Men
|
|
| Commissioned officers.
|
7*
|
...
|
66
|
| Band.
|
...
|
8
|
| Non-commissioned staff.
|
...
|
2
|
| Non-commissioned officers.
|
...
|
17
|
| Privates.
|
...
|
39
|
| Sick Privates
|
...
|
2
|
9
|
| Confined privates.
|
...
|
7
|
|
|
|
|
75
|
* Inclusive commanding officers, special service.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
|
|
|
| November 30, 1860 - Major Robert Anderson to Adj. Gen. Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 3.]
FORT MOULTRIE, S.C.,
December 1, 1860.
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th ultimo, and regret that I have to report that hinds look more gloomy than the day at the date of my last communication. Captain Seymour, just returned from the city, reports that the excitement there is very great. Colonel E. B. White and other gentlemen, with whom he conversed, stated that the people of Charleston would not allow another man or any kind of stores to be landed at or for these forts. They say that anything which indicates a determination on the part of the General Government to act with an unusual degree of vigor in putting these works in a better state of defense will be regarded as an act of aggression, and will, as well as either of the other acts mention above, cause an attack to be made on this fort.
Two Charlestonians who were down here to-day remarked to me that as soon as the State seceded she would be taken; but that this would not be done sooner uncles some action on the part of the Government proved that it was preparing to hold possession of them.
The agent of the boat which brought the 24-pounder howitzer and ammunition is severely censured for having brought them, and the agent of the steamer james Adger was told that any vessel bringing troops here would not be safe in his harbor. Since writing the above I have seen Assistant Surgeon Crawford, who has also been in the city. He says that never until to-day did he believe that our position was critical. One of his friends told him that we would have trouble in less than fifteen days. He thinks that they will first attempt to take Fort Sumger, which they (justly) say will control this work. Castle Pinckney they regard as theirs already. Mr. King, the intentioned of this island, told the doctor that as soon as the act of secession was passed a demand would be made on me to surrender this fort. All these remarks lead to the same conclusion-a fixed purpose to have these works. The question for the Government to decide-and the sooner it is done the better-is, whether, when South Carolina secedes, these forts are to be surrendered or not. If the former, I must be informed of it, and instructed what course I am to pursue. If the latter be the determination, no time is to be lost in either sending troops, as already suggested, or vessels of war to this harbor. Either of these courses may cause some of the doubting State to join South Carolina.
I shall go steadily on, preparing for the worst, trusting hopefully in the God of Battle to guard and guide me in my course. I think it probable that in the present highly excited state of these people, the sending of the detachment of Engineer laborers to Castle Pinckney may bring on that collision which we are so anxious to avoid. I shall consult with Captain Foster on his return to the island, and if convinced that it will lead to that result, will assume the responsibility of suspending the execution of that plan for the present. This fort, in consequence of the unfinished state of our repairs, &c., is not in a condition for inviting an attack. Captain Seymour says that he is satisfied they intend erecting a battery on the upper end of this island, to command the inner channel. I do not know what course to advise. They are making every preparation (drilling nightly, &c.) for the fight which they say must take place, and insist on our not doing anything. We are now certainly too weak to fight. Were we to guard against a surprise, our men, if surrounded by only an undisciplined mob, would soon be worn out by fatigue.
I learn from Captain Ord that attempts have been made, by offers of heavy sums, to induce men at Old Point to join a Southern army. O have not heard that any attempts have been made to tamper with our men, who thus far cheerfully perform the arduous and ceaseless duties imposed upon them in consequence of the smallness of the command.
I ought, perhaps, to mention, as in indication of the expectation of the citizens of Charleston, that three fiends of the ladies of our officers have within a day or two been pressed most urgently to go to the city to stay with them there.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
|
|
|
|
|
| December 1, 1860 - Adj. Gen. Samuel Cooper to Major Robert Anderson
|
Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
December 1, 1860.
Major R. ANDERSON:
SIR: Your letter of November 28 has been received. The Secretary of War has directed Brevet Colonel Huger to repair to this city, as soon as he can safely leave his post, to return there in a short time. He desires you to see Colonel Huger, and confer with him prior to his departure on the matters which have been confided to each of you.
It is believe, from information thought to be reliable, that an attack will not be made on your command, and the Secretary has only to revere to his conversation with you, and to caution you that, should his convictions unhappily prove untrue, your actions must be such as to be free from the charge of initiating a collision. If attacked, you are, of course, expected to defend the trust committed to you to the best of your ability.
The increase of the force under your command, however much to be desired, would, the Secretary thinks, judging from the recent excitement produce on account of an anticipated increase,as mention din your letter, but and to that excitement, and might lead to serious results.
S. COOPER.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
|
|
| December 2, 1860 - Adj. Gen. Samuel Cooper to Major Robert Anderson
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 4.]
FORT MOULTRIE, S.C.,
December 2, 1860.
(Received A.G.O., December 5.)
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: I have the honor o report that I have seen Captain Foster, and that he says that he told several gentlemen in Charleston yesterday that he intended commencing at once certain reapers at Castle Pinckney. He is satisfied, from the manner in which his remark was received, that no offense will be taken at his putting his workmen in the Castle. I shall, consequently, not interpose any objection to his doing so. He has applied to me for an officer to take charge temporarily of his workmen until and Engineer officer can be sent on, and although I cannot very well spare one, i shall, in consideration of my regarding that detachment as really acting the part of an advance guard for my command, take the responsibility of assigning Lieutenant Davis to that duty.
Captain Foster thinks that he will finish the small projection at the northwest salient of this work to-morrow, and he will then reappoint the walls of this fort (a work very essential) and commence digging a shallow wet ditch at or near the foot of the wall. The presence of quicksand prevents his digging a regular ditch, but he can dig one that will afford such an obstruction as will, with ordinary precaution, prevent our works being carried by a rush.
When he has finished these works I shall feel that, by the blessing of God, even my little command will be enabled to make such a resistance that the authorities of South Carolina will, though they may surround, hardly venture to attack us. We except a full supply of provisions about the 10th of this month. I trust that such arrangements will be made as will secure their delivery, as well as that taft the supply of ordnance and ordnance recently required.
Then, with men merely enough to enable us to keep up a respectable guard without wearing our men out, I would, in humble reliance on Providence, feel ready for any emergency that could reasonably occur.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| December 3, 1860 - Major Robert Anderson to Adj. Gen. Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 5.]
FORT MOULTRIE, S.C.,
December 3, 1860.
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General, U.S.A.:
COLONEL: Captains Doubleday and Seymour said to-day that when they gave me their opinions a few days ago on the feasibility of securing reliable men here to perform police and fatigue duty they did not think of some discharged soldiers, who they now say could be hired for that purpose. My opinion, as expressed, that I doubted whether any reliable men could be hired here, was based upon their opinions and upon my knowledge of the deep interest and excitement of the populace here.
I shell be placed, the, to receive authority and instructions to employ eight or ten men for the purposes suggested. This will give one relief for my guard, garrison, and battery, or interior.
Captain Foster has just reported that he left Lieutenant Davis and twenty of the detachment of laborers, designed to make repairs in Castle Pinckney, in that work, with one month's supply of provision.
Fourteen men will be added to that party to-morrow. The captain spoke of his having placed Lieutenant Davis and the party in the Castle whilst in the city, and he said that there was not the least appearance of excitement about it.
Lieutenant Davis has been cautioned to act with the greatest discretion and caution.
Hoping that everything may go on smoothly here for some time longer at least, and assuring you that I shall do everything in my power to add to the strength of my defenses,
I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major of U.S. Army.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| December 6, 1860 - Major Robert Anderson to Adj. Gen. Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 6.]
FORT MOULTRIE, S.C.,
December 6, 1860.
(Received A.G.O., December 10.)
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General U.S. Army:
COLONEL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, on the 4th, of your communication of the 1st instant. In compliance therewith I went yesterday to the city of Charleston to confer with Colonel Huger, and I called with him upon the mayor of the city, and upon several other prominent citizens.
All seemed determined, as far as their influence or power extends, to prevent an attack by a mob on our fort; but all are equally decided in the opinion that the forts must be theirs after secession.
I shall, nevertheless, knowing how excitable this community is, continue to keep on the qui vive, as far as in my power, steadily prepare my command to the uttermost to resist any attack that may be made. As the State will probably declare itself out of the Union in less than two weeks, it seems to me that it would be well to discontinue all engineering work on this fort except such as is necessary to increase its strength. I have not pretended to exercise any control over that department, and have found Captain Foster generally disposed to accede to the suggestions I have ventured to make; and the suggestions I now make are not made in any unkind spirit towards him, as he is compelled to carry out the instructions of his department, but such as I feel it my duty to make, as being held responsible for the defense of this work. One of the bastionettes is nearly completed, now awaiting the arrival of the pintle blocks, without which the embrasure cannot be made. The foundation has only been laid for the other. I certainly think that it is now too late to begin the construction of the second one, and that it would be better to subsisted some other flanking arrangement, which can be finished in a few days.
Captain Foster is now sodding the exterior slope of the ditch, and putting muck on the glaces. It seems to me that that work had better be discontinued, and the planking, &c., removed, as it might be sued by an investing or attacking force.
In other words, I would now apply our science to devising and placing in front of an on our walls every available means of embarrassing and preventing an enemy scaling our low walls. Anything that will obstruct has advance will be of great advantage our weak garrison.
Our time is short enough for what we have to do. Should the ordnance stores I have called for or re-enforcements not arrive, in the event of our being attacked I fear that we shall not distinguish ourselves by holding out many days.
I have not yet commenced leavening off the sand hills which, within one hundred and sixty yards to the east, command this fort. Would my doing this be construed into initiating a collision? I would thank you also to inform me under what circumstances I would be justified in setting fire to or destroying the houses which afford dangerous shelter to an enemy, and whether I would be justified in firing upon an armed body which may be seen approaching our works.
Captain Foster told me yesterday that he found that the men of his Fort Sumter force, who he thought were perfectly reliable, will not fight if an armed force approaches that work; and I fear that the same may be anticipated from the Castle Pinckney force.
I learn that in consequence of the decayed condition of the carriages at Fort Sumter, the guns have not been mounted there as I reported they were to have been. If that work is not to be garrisoned, the guns certainly ought not to be mounted, as they may be turned upon us.
The remark has, I hear, been repeatedly made in the city that if they need heavy guns, they can get them in forty-eight hours. This, I suppose, refers to their being able to bring them from Fort Pulaski, mouth of the Savannah River.
Colonel Huger designs, I think, leaving Charleston for Washington to-morrow night. He is more hopeful of a settlement of impending difficulties without bloodshed than I am. Hoping in God that he may be right in his opinion.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
|
|
|
|
|
| December 6, 1860 - Adj. Gen. Samuel Cooper to Major Robert Anderson
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
December 6, 1860.
Major R. ANDERSON,
U.S. Army, Fort Moultrie, Charleston, S.C.:
MAJOR: Your letter of the 3rd instant, in relation to police, has been received; is approved by the Secretary of War to the extent you desire.
I am, &c.,
S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
| December 6, 1860 - Major Robert Anderson to Adj. Gen. Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 7.]
FORT MOULTRIE, S.C.,
December 9, 1860.
(Received A.G.O., December 12.)
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General:
[SIR:] I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th instant, and to state that I have directed the A.A.Q.M. to hire men to perform police and fatigue duty at this post, and to send on a special estimate for funds to pay them.
I hear that the attention of the South Carolinians appears to be turned more toward Fort Sumter than it was, and it is deemed probable that their first act will be to take possession of that work.
The idea of attempting to take this place by a coup de main appears not to be so favorably regarded as it was, and they will perhaps determine to besiege us. To enable them to do this they must procured heavy guns, which they can get (if not from Fort Sumter and Castle Pinckney) from Pulaski or some other southern fort. Anything that can be done which will cause delay in their attack will give time for deliberation and renegotiation, and may, by God's blessing, save the shedding of blood. I would therefore respectfully suggest whether it might not be advisable and prudent to cause the ammunition, except what may be needed for the defense of this fort and the armament of Fort Sumter and Castle Pinckney, to be destroyed or rendered unserviceable before they are permitted to fall into their hands. The same may be advisable at those forts from whence supplies might be brought to Charleston. Fort Sumter is a tempting prize, the value of which is well known to the Charlestonians, and once in their possession, with its ammunition and armament and walls uninjured and garrisoned properly, it would set our Navy at defiance, compel me to abandon this work, and give them the perfect command of this harbor.
Captain Foster having received the pintle stones of his bastionette guns, will now finish the one he has been at work on. Our supply of provisions has not arrived. I hope that it will soon be in. If we do not hear of it in a few days, I shall have to direct the A.A. commissary to make some purchases in Charleston.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
|
|
| December 14, 1860 - Adj. Gen. Samuel Cooper to Major Robert Anderson
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Washington, December 14, 1860.
Major ANDERSON,
First Artillery, Commanding Fort Moultrie, Charleston, S.C.:
SIR: The Secretary of War directs me to give the following answers to certain questions contained in your letters:
If the State authorities demand any of Captain Foster's workmen on the ground of their being enrolled into the service of the State, and the subject is referred to you, you will, after fully satisfying yourself that the men are subject to enrollment, and have been properly enrolled under the laws of the United States, and of the State of South Carolina, cause them to be delivered up or suffer them to depart.
If deemed essential to the more perfect defense of the work, the leveling of the sand hills which command the fort would not, under ordinary circumstances, be considered as initiating a collision. but the delicate question of its bearing on the popular mind, in its present excited state, demands the coolest and wisest judgment. The fact of the sand hills being private property, and, as is understood, having private residences built upon them, decides the question in the negative. The houses which might afford dangerous shelter to an enemy, being chiefly frame, could be destroyed by the heavy guns of the fort at any movement, while the fact of their being leveled in anticipation of an attack might betray distrust, and prematurely bring on a collision. Their destruction at the moment of being used as a cover for an enemy would be more fatal to the attacking force than if swept away before their approach.
An armed body, approaching for hostile purposes, would, in all probability, either attempt a surprise or send a summons to surrender. In the former case, there can be no doubt as to the course to be pursued.
In the latter case, after refusal to surrender and a warning to keep off, a further advance by the armed body would be initiating a collision on their part.
If no summons be made by them, their purpose should be demanded at the some time that they are warned to keep off, and their failure to answer and further advance would throw the responsibility upon them.
I am, &c.,
S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
|
|
| December 14, 1860 - Major Robert Anderson to Adj. Gen. Samuel Cooper
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
FORT MOULTRIE, S.C.,
Friday, December 14, 1860.
Colonel S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U.S. Army:
DEAR COLONEL: I inclose herewith a slip from the Charleston Mercury of 13th instant, mentioning from Washington correspondent Major Bell's [Buell's] mission to this place.
I told the major that it was likely they would get an inkling of it. I merely send this to show you the almost impossibility of keeping anything secret. Nothing here worthy of an "official"-a calm before the storm. Many think no attack will be made on me until after they are in position in Fort Sumter, and that they will drive me out with her guns. It is all conjecture. I shall, of course, prepare here for the worst.
All well and in fine spirits.
Yours, truly,
ROBERT ANDERSON.
[Inclosure.]
| December 10, 1860 - Article clipping from the Mercury Sun Newspaper
|
Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
FROM WASHINGTON.
WASHINGTON, December 10.
Mr. EDITOR: A caucus was held here a few nights since of Senators and Representatives from the cotton States. It numbered about twenty-six, and represented the States of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina, and upon the question of the necessity of the immediate secession of South Carolina there was not a dissenting voice.
Major Bell [Buell] and several other officers of the Army have been sent to Fort Moultrie to look after the forts and keep a sharp lookout upon them. They were sent for no good to us. See that they made no change in the distribution of soldiers, so as to put them all in Fort Sumter. That would be dangerous to us.
Yours,
CHARLES.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
|
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| December 18, 1860 - Major Robert Anderson to Adj. Gen Samuel Cooper
|
Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 8.]
FORT MOULTRIE, S.C., December 18, 1860.
(Received A.G.O., December 21.)
Colonel S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 14th instant, giving answers to questions contained in my letters.
In reference to the instruction given me in reply to my question about Captain Foster's men, it would appear that I had not stated the matter with sufficient distinctness.
As I understood it, the South Carolina authorities sought to enroll as a part of their army intended to act against the force of the United States, men who are employed by and in the pay of the Government, and could not, as I conceived, be enrolled by South Carolina "under the laws of the United States and of the State of South Carolina.:
The sand hills referred to are private property, but no houses are built upon them; they are in front of or between houses. I, of course, shall not remove them until convinced that an attack will be made, nor shall I resort to the extreme measure of burning or destroying houses except on the same assurance, and then only such as mask positions where batteries may be erected, or such, as in my opinion, cannot be permitted to remain without endangering my command, which is so small that I cannot afford to spare a man.
The sand hills and the houses surrounding the fort will afford safe shelter for sharpshooters, who may, with ordinary good luck, pick off the major part of my little band, if we stand to our guns, in a few hours.
We are busily at work erecting traverses, defoliating our work, increasing the height of our walls, and securing protection for our men and guns by means of barrels filled with sand.
As Captain Foster tells me that he reports all his operations to the Engineer Department, I presume that the War Department is fully informed on these matters.
As the subject may be referred to by the letter writers and by the Charleston press, it may be proper that I should state that captain Foster mentioned to me this morning that he had obtained yesterday from the Charleston Arsenal forty muskets for Fort Sumter and Castle Pinckney, and that they had been brought down without causing any excitement. He said that they were derived in compliance with an order issued, I think, before my arrival. This evening he sawed me a letter from the military storekeeper, which stated that the fact of his having sent off those muskets had produced great excitement in the city, and that he had felt obliged to pledge his word that they should be returned by to-morrow night. He states that Colonel Huger had directed him not to let any arms be removed from the arsenal.
I told Captain Foster that my instructions were hat I was not to do anything calculated to produce excitement, and that as he had asked my advice I would certainly advise him to return them. He left time stating that he would do so.
I have not heard whether the ordnance stores asked for are to be sent. I can only say that they are absolutely necessary to enable me to make a respectable attempt at a defense.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.'
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
|
|
|
| December 19, 1860 - Major Robert Anderson to Adj. Gen. Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 9.] FORT MOULTRIE, S.C., December 20, 1860.
(Received A.G.O., December 24.)
Colonel S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: I had the honor to receive and to answer, at half past 1 o'clock this morning, a telegram from the honorable Secretary of War, dated the 19th instant. Captain Foster has, I presume, reported to the Department his compliance with his order.
The ordinance of secession passed the South Carolina Convention to-day.
We are making good progress in our defensive works on the ramparts. Captain Foster finished to-day mounting the guns in the caponiere (or bastionettes), and [will] commence the other caponiere to-morrow. In my letter (No. 6.) of December 6, I had the honor of stating my objections to commencing that work, and suggested that I thought it ought to be replaced by some work which could be built in a shorter time. No reply has been made to that suggestion, and Captain Foster says that as the project was approved by the Engineer Department and by the Secretary of War he does not feel authorized to make a change of the plan.
I regret this very much, for if an attack is made whilst that work is going on, our fort can be very easily carried. As I have stated before, I do not feel authorized to interfere with the operations of the Engineer Department.
Captain Foster informs me that Lieutenant Snyder is mounting guns at Fort Sumter as rapidly as possible. I have already given my reasons why I thought that ought not to be done, and have seen no reason for changing that opinion.
Hoping that events may take such a turn as soon to relieve me from the dangerous position my little command is now in,
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| December 22, 1860 - Major Robert Anderson to Adj. Gen. Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 10.]
FORT MOULTRIE, S.C., December 22, 1860.
(Received A.G.O., December 26.)
Colonel S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: Captain Foster is apprehensive that the remarks in my letter of the 20th instant may be considered as reflecting upon him and I told him that I would cheerfully state distinctly that I do not intend to pass any criticism upon his proceedings.
I stated in my last letter fully all the reasons I intended to give against commending the second caponiere. The captain has put a very large force of masons on it, and they are running up the walls very rapidly. He says, as he has all the material on hand, the men having just completed the first one, will be enabled to construct the second caponiere as soon as they could finish any temporary work in its stead. He says that he will have the "work defensible in five more working days, and have it finished in nine more working days." God knows whether the South Carolinians will defer their attempt to take this work so long as that. I must confess that I think where an officer is placed in as delicate a position as the one I occupy that he should have the entire control over all persons connected in any way with the work intrusted to him. Responsibility and power to control ought to go together.
I have heard from several sources that last night and the night before a steamer was stationed between this island and Fort Sumter. That the authorities of South Carolina are determined to prevent, if possible, any troops from being placed in that fort, and that they will seize upon that most important work as soon as they think there is reasonable ground for a doubt whether it will be turned over to the State, I do not doubt. I think that I could, however, were I to receive instructions so to do, throw my garrison into that work, but I should have to sacrifice the greater of my stores as it is now too late to attempt their removal. Once in that work with my garrison I could keep the entrance of their harbor open until they construct works outside of me, which might, I presume, prevent vessels from coming into the outer harbor.
We have used nearly all the empty barrels which Captain Foster had wisely saved for embrasures, traverses, &c, and Captain Foster is now making use of our gun-pent houses for the same purpose, filling them with sand.
No one call tell what will be done. They may defer action until their commissioners return from Washington; or if apprised by the nature of the debates in Congress that their demands will not probably be acceded, to they may act without waiting for them.
I do not think that we can rely upon any assurances, and wish to God I only had men enough here to man fully my guns. Our men are perfectly conscious of the dangerous position they are placed in, but are in as fine spirits as if they were certain, of victory.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
P.S. - I have just heard that several of them at work in Fort Sumter wear the blue cockade. If they are bold enough to do that the sooner that force is disbanded the better. The public property would be safer there under Lieutenant Snyder and a few men that it now is.
R.A.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
|
|
|
| December 28, 1860 - Major Robert Anderson to Adj. Gen. Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 13.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., December 28, 1860.
(Received A.G.O., January 1, 1861.)
Colonel S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: I have the honor to send herewith a copy of a memorandum received to-day from the governor of South Carolina, in reply to a message from me, which shows that for the present we are treated as enemies. I sent my post adjutant this morning with a message to the commanding officer of Fort Moultrie asking by what authority he held possession of that work, and desiring to know whether he would make any opposition to my sending for some property, public and private, left there. He replied to my first question that he held that post by authority of the sovereign State of South Carolina, and in obedience to the orders of the governor. To the second, that his orders were not to permit public property of any kind to be removed on any pretext whatever; that he was directed to take an inventory of the same, and to send it to the governor; that he would with pleasure assist in recovering and restoring all private property that was left. This decision about the public property shows that South Carolina is acting in this matter also toward us as if we were her enemy. The amount of public property thus left is not great, as I merely retained enough to prevent my movement from being suspected Lieutenant Hall to say that at a general meeting of the officers, the military move I made was unanimously pronounced to have been one of consummate wisdom; that it was the best one that could have been made, and that if I had not effected it things would have been very different. Speaking of his own position, he remarked that the guns of Fort Sumter looked into his guns, and said that he ought not to have been ordered to fire upon me, because if I returned his fire he would be compelled to retire to the sand hills. There were yesterday two regiments to guard the island. The remark about his orders looks like an intention to attack me here. I must confess that I feel highly complimented by the expression of such an opinion (from those most deeply affected by it) of the change of position I felt bound to take to save my command and to prevent the shedding of blood. In a few days I hope, God willing, that I shall be so strong here that they will hardly be foolish enough to attack me. I must confess that we have yet something to do before, with my small force, I shall feel quite independent, as this work is not impregnable, as I have heard it spoken of.
Trusting that something may occur which will lead to a peaceful solution of the questions between the General Government and South Carolina.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
P.S. - I do not feel authorized to reply to the memorandum of the governor, but shall regret very deeply his persistence in the course he has taken. He knows not how entirely the city of Charleston is in my power. I can cut his communication off from the sea, and thereby prevent the reception of supplies, and close the harbor, even at night, by destroying the light-houses. These things, of course, I would never do, unless compelled to do so in self-defense.
[Inclosure. - Copy of memorandum from Governor Pickens.]
| December 28, 1860 - Memorandum from Governor Pickens
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
HEADQUARTERS, December 28, 1860.
In reply to Major Anderson's request, made this morning verbally through First Lieutenant Snyder, from Fort Sumter, I hereby order and direct that free permission shall be given to him to send the ladies and camp women from Fort Sumter, with their private effects, to any portion of Sullivan's Island, and that entire protection shall be extended to them. It is also agreed that the mails may be sent over to the officers at Fort Sumter by their boats, and that all the ladies of Captain Foster's family shall be allowed to pass, with their effects and the effects of any kind belonging to Captain Foster, from the Mills House to Fort Sumter, and the kindest regard shall be paid to them. Of course, Lieutenant Meade's private effects can be taken possession of; but for the present there shall be no communication of any other kind allowed from the city to the fort, or any transportation of arms or ammunition, or any supplies, to the fort; and this is done with a view to prevent irregular collisions, and to spare the unnecessary effusion of blood.
F.W. PICKENS.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
|
|
|
| December 30, 1860 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant General Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 14.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., December 30, 1860.
(Received A.G.O., January 2, 1861.)
Colonel S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the South Carolinians have established a post at Fort Johnson. It is said that one company and a half was sent to that place yesterday. I saw that there was a small party yesterday on Morris Island. They probably intend establishing batteries at Fort Johnson and on the island, and throwing shot and shells at us from those places and Fort Moultrie, where they are very busily engaged repairing their battery. The governor was called upon by a friend of mine in reference to his decision, by which all communication between us and the city (except the sending for our mails) was cut off, and he refuses, to modify or recall his order. We are pushing forward our work here very vigorously, and if we have a week longer, shall by the blessing of God, be fully prepared for any attack they may make. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| December 31, 1860 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant General Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 15.] FORT SUMTER, S.C., December 31, 1860.
(Received, A.G.O., January 5, 1861.)
Colonel S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the South Carolinians show great activity in the harbor to-day. Several steamers have been running to and for, and this afternoon about 80 soldiers, with wheel-barrows, barrels, &c., and some draught horses, were landed on Morris Island. They are evidently constructing a battery or batteries there. The lights in the harbor were put out last night, and ours is the only light-house of this harbor which exhibits a light to-night. I am not a loss what this means, unless it be that some armed vessel is expected here. The more I reflect upon the matter the stronger are my convictions that I was right in coming here. Whilst we were at Fort Moultrie our safety depended on their forbearance. A false telegram might, any night, have been seized upon as an excuse for taking this place, and then we would have ben in their power. And even if there had been an understanding between the two Governments that I was not to be interfered with until the termination of the mission to Washington, the fact of the governor's having ordered armed steamers to keep watch over me would have absolved our Government from the obligation to remain quiescent. It is certain, too, that the moment a telegram was received announcing the failure of the mission, an attack would have been made and my command sacrificed, for there can be no surrender with these men,if attacked, without a serious fight. Thank God, we are now where the Government may send us additional troops at its leisure. To be sure, the uncivil and uncourteous action of the governor in preventing us from purchasing anything in the city will annoy and inconvenience us somewhat; still, we are safe. I find that in consequence, of a failure (accidental) to comply with my instructions, there is only a small supply of soap and candles, and also of coal. Still, we can cheerfully put up with the inconvenience of doing without them, for the satisfaction we feel in the knowledge that we can command this harbor as long as our Government wishes to keep it.
I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| January 6, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
FORT SUMTER, S.C., January 6, 1861
Colonel S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: Through the courtesy of Governor Pickens I am enabled to make this communication, which will be taken to Washington by my brother, Larz Anderson, esq. I have the honor to report my command in excellent health and in fine spirits. We are daily adding to the strength of our position by closing up embrasures which we shall not use, mounting guns, &c. The South Carolinians are also very active in erecting batteries and preparing for a conflict, which I pray God may not occur. Batteries have been constructed bearing upon and, I presume, commanding the entrance to the harbor. They are also to-day busily at work on a battery at Fort Johnson, intended to fire against me. My position will, should there be no treachery among the workmen, whom we are compelled to retain for the present enable me to hold this fort against any force which can be brought against me, and it would enable me in the event of a war, to annoy the South Carolinians by preventing them from throwing supplies into their new posts except by the out-of-the-way passage through Stone River. AT present, it would be dangerous and difficult for a vessel from without to enter the harbor, in consequence of the batteries which are already erected and being erected. I shall not ask for any increase of my command, because I do not know what the ulterior views of the Government are. We are now, or soon will be, cut off from all communication, unless by means of a powerful fleet, which shall have the ability to carry the batteries at the mouth of this harbor.
Trusting in God that nothing will occur to array a greater number of States than have already taken ground against the General Government,
I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| January 9, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 17.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., January 9, 1861.
(Received A.G.O., January 12.)
Colonel S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: I have the honor to send herewith the correspondence which took place to-day between the governor of South Carolina and myself in relation to the firing by his batteries on a vessel bearing our flag. Lieutenant Talbot, whose health is very much impaired, will be the bearer of these dispatches, and he will be enabled to give you full information in reference to this and to all other matters.
I am, colonel, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
[Inclosures.]
| January 9, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Governor Francis Pickens
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
FORT SUMTER, S.C., January 9, 1861
To his Excellency the GOVERNOR OF SOUTH CAROLINA:
SIR: Two of your batteries fired this morning upon an unarmed vessel bearing the flag of my Government. As I have not been notified that war has been declared by South Carolina against the Government of the United States, I cannot but think that this hostile act was committed without your sanction or authority. Under that hope, and that alone, did I refrain from opening fire upon your batteries. I have the honor, therefore, respectfully to ask whether the above mentioned act-one, I believe, without a parallel in the history of our country or of any other civilized government-was committed in obedience to your instructions, and to notify you, if it be not disclaimed, that I must regard it as na act of war, and that I shall not, after a reasonable time for the return of my messenger, permit any vessels to pass within range of the guns of my fort. In order to save, as far as in my power, the shedding of blood, I beg that you will have due notification of this my decision given to all concerned. Hoping, however, that your answer may be such as will justify a further continuance of forbearance upon my part,
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
| January 9, 1861 - Governor Francis Pickens to Major Robert Anderson
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
Headquarters, Charleston, January 9, 1861.
Major ROBERT ANDERSON,
Commanding Fort Sumter:
SIR: Your letter has been received. In it you make certain statements which very plainly show that you have not been fully informed by your Government of the precise relations which now exist between it and the State of South Carolina. Official information has been communicated to the Government of the United States that the political connection heretofore existing between the State of South Carolina and the States which were known as the United States had ceased, and that the State of South Carolina had resumed all the power it had delegated to the United States under the compact known as the Constitution of the United States. The right which the State of South Carolina possessed to change the political relations which it held with other States under the Constitution of the United States has been solemnly asserted by the people of this State in convention, and now does not admit of discussion. In anticipation of the ordinance of secession, of which the President of the United States has received official notification, it was understood by him that sending any re-enforcement of the troops of the United States in the harbor of Charleston would be regarded by the constituted authorities of the State of South Carolina as an act of hostility, and at the same time it was understood by him that any change in the occupation of the forts in the harbor of Charleston would in like manner be regarded as an act of hostility. Either or both of these events, occurring during the period in which the State of South Carolina constituted a part of the United States, was then distinctly notified to the President of the United States as an act or acts of hostility; because either or both would be regarded, and could only be intended, to dispute the right of the State of South Carolina to that political independence which she has always asserted and will always retain. Whatever would have been, during the continuance of this State as a member of the United States, an act of hostility, became much more so when the State of South Carolina had dissolved the connection with the Government of the United States. After the secession of the State of South Carolina, Fort Sumter continued in the possession of the troops of the United States. How that fort is at this time in the possession of the troops of the United States it is not now necessary to discuss. It will suffice to say that the occupancy of that fort has been regarded by the State of South Carolina as the first act of positive hostility committed by the troops of the United States within the limits of this State, and was in this light regarded as so unequivocal that it occasioned the termination of the negotiations then pending at Washington between the Commissioners of the State of South Carolina and the President of the United States. The attempt to re-enforce the troops now at Fort Sumter, or to retake and resume possession of the forts within the waters of this State, which you abandoned, after spiking the guns placed there, and doing otherwise much damage, cannot be regarded by the authorities of the State as indicative of any other purpose than the coercion of the State by the armed force of the Government. To repel such an attempt is too plainly its duty to allow it to be discussed. But while defending its waters, the authorities of the State have been careful so to conduct the affairs of the State that no act, however necessary for its defense, should lead to an useless waste of life. Special agents, therefore, have been off the bar to warn all approaching vessels, if armed or unarmed, and having troops to re-enforce the forts on board, not to enter the harbor of Charleston, and special orders have been given to the commanders of all forts and batteries not to fire at such vessels until a shot fired across their bows would warn them of the prohibition or the State. Under these circumstances, the Star of the West, it is understood this morning attempted to enter this harbor, with troops on board, and having been notified that she could not enter, was fired into. The act is perfectly justified by me. In regard to your threat in regard to vessels in the harbor, it is only necessary to say that you must judge of your own responsibilities. Your position in this harbor has been tolerated by the authorities of the State, and while the act of which you complain is in perfect consistency with the rights and duties of the State, it is not perceived how far the conduct which you propose to adopt can find a parallel in the history of any country, or be reconciled with any other purpose of your Government than that of imposing upon this State the condition of a conquered province.
F. W. PICKENS.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
|
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| January 25, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 20.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., January 22, 1861.
(Received A.G. O., January 25.)
Colonel S. COOPER.
Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: I have the honor to report that with the exception of continued activity shown yesterday in extending the battery at Cummings Point (Morris Island), everything seemed to be quiet around us. Lieutenant Hall may bring on a copy of the private Navy Signal Book with the signals, and also the designation of the key (or number) agreed upon in concert with the Navy Department. This may be of service. Be pleased to ask Mr. Hall to bring me a supply of best thin ruled note paper, with envelopes. Being cut off from the city I cannot procure this indispensable articles.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
P.S. - No reply as yet to my letter to the Honorable D.F. Jamison.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| January 23, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 21.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., January 23, 1861.
(Received A.G.O., January 27.)
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: I have the honor to send herewith a copy of the reply of the Hon. D. F. Jamison to my letter to him about supplies for this garrison and the removal of our women and children, and also a copy of my acknowledgment of the same. I am highly gratified at the courtesy and proper tone of this reply.
The storm which was raging yesterday has continued with unabated severity up to the present moment, and has put a stop to all outdoor work, both with the South Carolinians and ourselves. It is now raining and blowing so heavily and the bay is so rough that I shall not venture to send our boat to Fort Johnson for the mail. Should the storm abate so that I can send our letters off in time for the evening mail I shall send them over. I see by the Coast Survey map that Maffitt's and the Swash Channel are not the same. I was led into that Mistake by an old pilot, who told me that Maffitt's Channel was formerly called the Swash. I will thank you to be pleased, therefore, to erase the words "Swash or" in my letter to the honorable Secretary of War dated the 21 instant, and also to change the word "enfilade" into "defilade," where in the same letter I am describing the work which has been recently executed at Fort Moultrie.[1]
I am, colonel, very respectfully, &c.,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
[Inclosure No. 1.]
| January 21, 1861 - President David Jamison to Major Robert Anderson
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, DEPARTMENT OF WAR,
Charleston, January 21, 1861.
Major ROBERT ANDERSON:
SIR: In offering to permit you to purchase in this city, through the instrumentality of an officer of the State, such fresh supplies of provisions as you might need, his excellency the governor was influenced solely by considerations of courtesy; and if he had no other motive for refusing to any of your garrison free access to the city to procure such supplies, he would have been moved by prudential reasons for the safety of your people, in preventing a collision between them and our own citizens. As to the manner of procuring your supplies, his excellency is indifferent whether it is done by the officer referred to, or whether your market supplies are delivered to you at Fort Johnson by the butcher whom you say you have before employed. It is only insisted on that the supplies, if sent, shall be carried over in a boat under an officer of the State who takes to Fort Johnson your daily mails. His excellency desires me to say that he willingly accedes to your request as to the women and children in Fort Sumter, and that he will afford every facility in his power to enable you to remove them from the fort at any time and in any manner that will be most agreeable to them.
I am, sir, respectfully, yours,
D.F. JAMISON.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
[Inclosure No. 2.]
| January 22, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to President David Jamison
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
FORT SUMTER, S.C., January 22, 1861.
Hon. D.F. JAMISON,,
Executive Office, Department of War, Charleston:
SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 21st instant, and to express my gratification at its tenor. I shall direct my staff officer to write to the contractor in reference to his supplying us with beef, and will communicate with you as soon as the necessary preliminaries are arranged, in order that you may then, if you please, give the requisite instructions for carrying them into effect. Be pleased to express to his excellency the governor my thanks for the kind and prompt manner in which he gave his consent to the proposed transfer of the women and children of this garrison. As there are on Sullivan's Island the families of two of our non-commissioned officers, with their furniture, &c., and also a quantity of private property [including some musical instruments-not public property] belonging to this command, which the first commander of Fort Moultrie, Colonel De Saussure, sent me word he had collected and placed under lock and key, it will be necessary to permit the two non-commissioned officers to go to the island to assist in moving their families, &c. The lighter, it occurs to me, which will be needed to take the families to the steamer, had better go to the island for the property there before coming for the women and children here. As we are all very desirous of guarding against causing any unnecessary excitement, it will afford me great pleasure to have everything done in the most quiet way possible. I shall, consequently, cheerfully govern myself, as far as possible, by the views and wishes of his excellency in reference to this matter, and will be pleased to hear from you what they are. It is my wish, if the weather prove favorable, to ship the families in the Saturday steamer, or the first one after that day.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
- ↑ These corrections made in the text.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
|
|
| January 24, 1861 - Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper to Major Robert Anderson
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, January 24, 1861.
Major ROBERT ANDERSON,
First Artillery, Commanding Fort Sumter, Charleston, S.C.:
MAJOR: Your letter [No. 19] of the 21st instant, with inclosures, has been received. The Secretary will reply to it in a few days. Meantime the Secretary desires you to inform him what is the nature of the postal arrangements with your post, and whether they are satisfactory to you. Can you send messengers to Charleston for your mails, and is there danger of your men deserting if they are thus employed?
It is observed that you seal your letters with wax-a good precaution, without which there is no certainty that they have not been opened by unauthorized hands.
Please state whether the men sent up to attend a murder trial in Charleston made an attempt to desert, as reported in the papers.
I am, &c.,
S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
|
| January 24, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 22.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., January 24, 1861.
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: The storm continued until about daylight this morning. It is still cloudy, but the wind has abated sufficiently to enable our boat to take our mail over to Fort Johnson. I have written to our beef contractor in reference to furnishing us with beef, and also such vegetables as the doctor may deem suitable. The purchase of the latter will, I hope, under existing circumstances, be allowed. A letter has also been written to the agent of the New York line of steamboats about transporting our women and children to New York, where, I hope, the quartermaster will see that they are made comfortable. They will probably leave early next week.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
|
| January 25, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 23.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., January 25, 1861.
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: There is nothing worthy of mention, as far as I know, this morning, except the fact of the New York steamer Columbia having grounded in attempting to go out. She is in the Maffitt's Channel, nearly in front of the Moultrie House; and as she went on when the tide was well up, there is a chance of her remaining where she is for some time. If the authorities here are in earnest about being willing to grant me marketing facilities, it seems to me they will not object to the Government sending us provisions, groceries, and coal from New York. We can get along pretty well with what we have, but some additions to our supplies would add greatly to our comfort. By burning the old buildings, and, if very hard pushed, the spare gun carriages, &c., we can keep up our necessary fires for three months.
I am, colonel, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
|
| January 27, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 24.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., January 27, 1861.
(Received A.G.O., January 30.)
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: I have the honor to state, in reply to your letter of the 24th instant, that our letters, &c., are sent by boat, daily, at 12 m., to Fort Johnson in a sealed package, addressed to the postmaster in Charleston, and that the return boat brings our mail in a package bearing the post-office seal. I am satisfied with the existing arrangement. The governor told Lieutenant Talbot, when he saw him on his return from Washington, that I might, if I chose, send up to the city for my mails, but that he thought it would not be judicious for me to do so. I do not apprehend that there would be the slightest danger of any of my men deserting if thus employed, but think they might be insulted or maltreated. The report to which your refer, about the attempt of the men who were sent to the city to attend a murder trial to desert, is absolutely and entirely false. Lieutenant Davis [who refused to take them, though offered arms by several persons and urged to accept them] says that the men conducted themselves with the greatest propriety, and that, although handsomely entertained, they returned perfectly sober. I have not deemed it advisable to notice in any way the false reports which have originated in Charleston and elsewhere about us. I send herewith a slip containing two such reports. Lieutenant Meade states, and I have no doubt with entire truthfulness, that he made no statement whilst absent to any person about my preferences or my opinions, either military or political, and that the inferences given in the article in the Petersburg paper were not deducible from any facts stated by him. The other article, in the Baltimore paper, stating that a boat containing three of my men was fired into from Sullivan's Island, is also entirely untrue. I cannot see the object to be attained by the circulation of such untruths. The object of one, which has been repeated more than once, that we are getting fresh provisions from the Charleston market, is apparent enough, viz, to show they are treating us courteously. But even that is not a fact. I send herewith a copy of a letter written to our former beef contractor about furnishing us with meat, &c., to which no reply has yet been received-why, I am unable to ascertain; so that, up to this moment, we have not derived the least advantage from the to this moment, we have not derived the least advantage from the Charleston markets; and I can confidently say that none of my command desire to receive anything from the city for which we are not to pay. Under the daily expectation of the return of Lieutenant Hall, I have deferred sending in a memorandum of the commissary stores on hand. There are now here 38 barrels pork, 37 barrels flour, 13 barrels hard bread, 2 barrels beans, 1 barrel coffee, 1/2 barrel sugar, 3 barrels vinegar, 10 pounds candles, 40 pounds soap, and 3/4 barrel salt. You will see from this that for my present command [especially after the departure of our women and children] we shall have an ample supply of pork and bread. It is a pity that my instructions had not been complied with, which would have given us the small stores which are now deficient, and which we shall not object to receiving as soon as the safety of our country will admit of our getting them. Nothing of importance to report. The Columbia is still aground in the Maffitt's Channel.
I am, colonel, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
[Inclosure No. 1.]
| January 24, 1861 - Captain Truman Seymour to Daniel McSweeney
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
FORT SUMTER, January 24, 1861.
Mr. DANIEL McSWEENEY:
SIR: I am directed by Major Anderson, commanding this post, to ascertain whether you will furnish such fresh beef and vegetables as may be required here; the beef upon the terms of the contract under which you supplied Fort Moultrie; the vegetables to be purchased by you for us at fair market prices; the whole to be delivered as hitherto, four times in ten days, at some wharf in Charleston, for transportation to Fort Johnson, where it will be received by this garrison. This arrangement, which has been approved by the governor of South Carolina, it is desired shall go into effect immediately, and if you consent to it, you can send 184 pounds of fresh beef at a time, at such hour and wherever Quartermaster-General Hatch [120 Meeting street] may advise you. Of the vegetables you will be further directed. Please acknowledge the receipt of this as soon as possible, in order, if necessary, that other arrangements may be made.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. SEYMOUR,
Captain, U.S. Army.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
[Inclosure No. 2.]
| January 23-24, 1861 - Newspaper Extracts
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
Copy of extracts from Baltimore Sun and Petersburg Daily Express.
[By telegraph for the Baltimore Sun.]
THE LATEST FROM THE SOUTH.
FROM SOUTH CAROLINA - A BOAT FROM FORT SUMTER FIRED AT BY THE SOUTH CAROLINIANS - HON. JEFF. DAVIS SPOKEN OF FOR PRESIDENT OF THE SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY.
CHARLESTON, JANUARY 23.-The battery on the beach at Sullivan's Island fired into a boat from Fort Sumter on Monday. There were three men in it, who approached the beach with muffled oars. The sentry at the battery hailed them and warned them off. Failing to obey the summons, the sentry fired musketry into the boat, when it turned round and went away. Soon after those at the battery heard a noise like the hauling up of a boat at Fort Sumter. One of the men in the boat is said to have been wounded badly. Their object is supposed to have been desertion, but some day it was a desperate effort to run the gauntlet of the sentries and spike the guns of the battery.
[The Daily Express, Petersburg, Va., Tuesday morning, January 22, 1861.]
COMING TO THE POINT - A PRACTICAL MOVEMENT.
THE POSITION OF MAJOR ANDERSON. - Lieutenant R. K. Meade, of the Engineer Corps, at Fort Sumter, has been in our city, on a visit home, for several days past, Several gentlemen with whom he has conversed inform us that he speaks in the highest terms of Major Anderson, not only as a brave and fearless soldier, but as a strong and true Southern man, his position in the present state of affairs, however, rendering it impossible for him to take any other position before the people of the South and of the Union. He does not feel in the slightest complimented by the fanatical cannon firing in his honor at the North, and it is with pain, not fear nor even embarrassment, that he realizes the present attitude of the South towards him. That he loves the South, that he prefers it, every social tie gives ample testimony. He is bound by the holy ties of wedlock to one of the fairest of the fair of Georgia, a daughter of General Clinch. He has four devoted brothers, every one of whom, it is said, is a strong secessionist. Add to this that he is a Southerner by birth, and a descendant of Revolutionary sires, we need hardly more to give us assurance that he not only loves his native South, but will at the proper time, and in an honorable manner, draw the sword in her defense. These are simple inferences from facts as known. Not a syllable has fallen from the lips of Lieutenant Meade to lead to the remotest deduction that Major Anderson will not perform his whole duty to the Government of the United States. But that he will be hand in hand with the South as soon as he may be, with honor, relieved from his position, we have little to doubt.
MAJOR ANDERSON. - "A Comrade" writes to the Columbus (Ga.) Enquirer concerning the late removal of Major Anderson to Fort Sumter, and in defense of his action and character. The conclusion is: "Major Anderson is a Southern man-born and raised in the noble old 'Dark and Bloody Ground.' He will be found on the side of the South when this government is dismembered, and, when his critical position has been properly understood, his name will be fully exonerated from the grave charges which have been made against it by those who have been deplorably misinformed upon all the points of military honor which have governed this truly gallant and meritorious officer."
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
|
|
| January 29, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Colonel Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
FORT SUMTER, S.C., January 29, 1861.
(Received A.G.O., February 1.)
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General U.S. Army:
COLONEL: The South Carolinians are at work in large force on Cummingsf Point, apparently framing heavy timbers, for what purpose I am unable yet to state. They succeeded this morning, favored by a very high tide, in getting the Columbia off. I send herewith two slips cut from yesterday's Mercury, which show unmistakably the animus of these people. They are determined to bring on a collision with the General Government. Everything around us shows this to be their determination and their aim. I had a contract made yesterday for the transportation of the women attached to this command. The number is much greater than the legal allowance, but under the present excited state of feeling toward our command it would not do to send to the city or to Sullivan's Island any of the relatives of our soldiers' wives who have been living with them. The number who will be sent [twenty] embraces those attached to the companies and the wives of the members of the band, and also the wives of the non-commissioned staff. Inclosed you will also receive the muster and pay rolls of this command, which have been signed by the husbands of the women. I will thank you to have them sent by the Pay Department to the paymaster in New York, with instructions to hand the pay to the women. I will thank you also to have the necessary instructions sent to New York for the rations, &c., for these women and children.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
[Inclosure No. 1.]
| ? - Obituary for Thaddeus S. Strawinski
|
Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
OBITUARY. - Died, on Saturday night, at the Marine Hospital, Thaddeus S. Strawinski, aged 18 years and 7 days, from an accidental wound from a revolver. This promising young man was on duty in the Columbia Artillery at Fort Moultrie when the sad accident occurred. He was a noble fellow, and, just a week after entering the freshman class of the South Carolina College, with his spirited father joined the ranks at the call of the State. While on the litter being carried to the hospital he said to those who were conveying him: "Friends, O, how sorry I am you are to attack Fort Sumter without me!" During his sufferings he mourned that he could not be at the taking of the fort. He was calm and resigned, and met his end prayerfully, with the Lord's Prayer on his lips. A mother's gentle influence soothed his dying hour, and a soldier's spirit nerved a father's heart to resign his son to his Creator. The sympathy of the whole community is with them in their bereavement.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
|
[Inclosure No. 2.]
| ? - Resolution
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
Mr. Yeadon, from the committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two houses on that clause of the appropriation bill which appropriates $30,000 for dredging Maffitt's Channel, submitted a report recommending the adoption of the following: "For deepening or otherwise improving Maffitt's Channel, $30,000, to be drawn by and expended under the direction of a commission, as follows: Messrs. George A. Trenholm, Henry Gourdin, George N. Reynolds, W. G. De Saussure, F. I. Poroher, Hugh E. Vincent, and the mayor of Charleston ex officio: Provided, The work shall not be resumed until Fort Sumter passes into the possession of the authorities of the State, and all the troops of the United States shall be removed from the harbor of Charleston."
The report was agreed to.
Mr. Buist offered the following resolution:
"Resolved, That it is the opinion of the general assembly that no sessions of the courts of law or equity in this State should be holden so long as the Government at Washington has control of the fortress known as Fort Sumter."
Ten members objecting, the resolution was ordered for consideration on Monday.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| January 30, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 27.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., January 30, 1861.
(Received A.G.O., February 4.)
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: They are still busily engaged at work on Cummings Point. I am not yet certain what they are going to put there. There was very great activity and stir in the harbor last night. The lookout ship outside the bar displayed a light about half past 11, which was answered by rockets by the guard-boats, of which we noticed four on duty, and soon after two guns were fired from the battery on Morris Island, and at half past 1 o'clock this morning two guns were fired from Fort Moultrie. We could not see any vessels in the offing, but they might have been visible to those on the guard-boats [steamers]. I do hope that no attempt will be made by our friends to throw supplies in; their doing so would do more harm than good. The steamboat company did not send down for our women and children yesterday as they promised; why, I do not know.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| January 31, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 28.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., January 31, 1861.
(Received A.G.O., February 4.)]
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: The South Carolinians are still busily engaged at work at two places on Cummings Point. They are using heavy timbers, which they square and frame. Last night they worked at least half the night. The agent of the New York steamers informed us yesterday that he could not get a lighter to come down for the women and children, but that he will send one for them to-morrow, so as to take them in the Saturday steamer. No reply, as yet, from the Charleston butcher, our beef contractor. I presume that he dare not send us any provisions, for fear that he will be regarded as a traitor to South Carolina for furnishing comfort and aid to her enemies.
God save our country.
I am, colonel, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
|
|
|
| January 31, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 29.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., January 31, 1861.
[Received A.G.O., February 4.]
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: I hasten to write this letter, to be taken to the city by my friend, the Hon. Robert N. Gourdin, to say that the butcher has sent down a supply of fresh beef, with a note from him stating that he had not received my note, and that he did not, therefore, know of my order to him to continue my supplies as when I was in Fort Moultrie. He states that he sends the beef to-day in compliance with instructions from Mr. Gourdin, who has received a letter from me, in which I had alluded to my having written to him about it. He concluded by saying that he will cheerfully send what I require. Mr. Gourdin says that his excellency the governor is very desirous that we shall receive our supplies regularly, and thinks that there can be no difficulty in reference to groceries also. Hoping in God that there can be no further difficulty of any sort in this harbor,
I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
|
|
| February 1, 1861 - Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper to Major Robert Anderson
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, Washington, D.C., February 1, 1861.'
Major ROBERT ANDERSON,
Commanding Fort Sumter, S.C.:
MAJOR: The President deeming it unnecessary longer to detain Lieutenant Hall, he will start this afternoon for his post. By him I send this letter to inform you of the receipt of your several letters, up to No. 26, inclusive.
The matters pertaining to Colonel Hayne's mission not being yet fully determined, I am unable to say more from the Secretary of War than that your course in relation to the tender of provisions from the governor of South Carolina, and in all other matters which have come to the knowledge of the Department, is approved to the fullest extent.
I am, &c.,
S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
| February 1, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 30.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., February 1, 1861.
Colonel S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: Nothing unusual has occurred, as far as I know, around us. They are still engaged working on Cummings Point. The lighter is now here, loading with women, children, and baggage. They are to leave the city in the steamer for New York to-morrow.
I am, colonel, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| February 2, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 31.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., February 2, 1861.
(Received A. G. O., February 6.)
Colonel S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: I received a letter yesterday from Mr. Gourdin, in which he says: "I saw his excellency this evening, and he makes no objection to your groceries being sent you." The South Carolinians were, we thought, occupied nearly all last night on the works at Cummings Point. One of them is now probably twelve or fifteen feet high, and appears to be bomb-proof, and may be intended to defilade a battery pointing on the channel from our fire. From the energy with which their operations are carried on it is evident that they regard them as very necessary, and that they consider that they are also important, and that they shall be pushed as rapidly as possible. The women and children are on board the steamer, but the wind is blowing so heavily that it is doubtful whether they will attempt to cross the bar with this tied.
I am, colonel, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| February 3, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 32.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., February 3, 1861.
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: Yesterday and last night, in consequence of the continuance of a storm of wind and rain, very little work was done, as far as we could observe, around us. The rain is still [11 a.m.] continuing. The steamer has not yet left the harbor with the women and children.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| February 3, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 33.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., February 4, 1861.
(Received A.G.O., February 6.)
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: The South Carolinians continued to do as much work yesterday [Sunday] at Cummings Point as the storm permitted. The work nearest to us now presents the appearance of a battery, having an inclined guard in front to glance our balls off. They are using large quantities of railroad bars in their constructions on that point. The New York steamer sailed yesterday with our women and children.
I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
|
|
|
| February 3, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 34.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., February 5, 1861.
(Received A.G.O., February 8.)
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: The character of the work on the end of Cummings Point nearest to us is, I think, now pretty well established. It seems to be a bomb-proof, with embrasures for the guns, the embrasures cut in a sloped wall, formed of heavy timbers, which is now being covered with railroad bars. This battery, though too far off for doing much damage to our walls, unless they have or get heavy rifled guns, will be pretty safe from the effect of our horizontal fires. They appear to be at work to-day connecting this battery with one between it and the battery which fired on the Star of the West, by means of a covered way. Their engineering appears to be well devised and well executed, and their works, even in their present condition, will make it impossible for any hostile force, other than a large and well-appointed one, to enter this harbor, and the chances are that it will then be at a great sacrifice of life. Our 10-inch columbiads are now in position. One points towards the city, one towards Fort Moultrie, and the third can be directed either towards Fort Moultrie or Morris Island. They are at an angle of from 30 to 35. I tried a shell, a few evenings ago, and we calculated that from a charge of two pounds we got a range of about two thousand yards. I have also four 8-inch sea-coast howitzers planted in the area at an angle of 39. These bear upon Morris Island. I am now removing the pieces of flagging from the area of our work, as I want it clear, hoping that should any shells fall in it they will probably sink so deep that they will not do much, if any, damage. Captain Foster is engaged in experimenting with one of the iron shutters, trying to see whether we can use them in the lower embrasures. It is very desirable that these embrasures shall be made as secure as possible.
I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
P.S. - Of course, in speaking of forcing an entrance, I do not refer to the little stratagem of a small party slipping in.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
|
|
|
| February 6, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 35.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., February 6, 1861.
(Received A.G.O., February 9.)
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: Nothing new. Still at work on Cummings Point, putting up iron shutters yesterday in the embrasures. They are, I suspect, pretty nearly ready over there. God grant that these people may not make the attack which they have so long threatened.
I am, colonel, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| February 7, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 37.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., February 7, 1861.
(Received A.G.O., February 11.)
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: The guard-boats were rather more on the alert last night than they have been for three or four nights previous. Last night we heard them, the South Carolinians, either at work on or moving pieces of iron. This morning they are at work, apparently either extending the bomb-proof on the seaward side or commencing to form a parapet for guns or a blind on that flank. I observe in the Last English papers that a shipment of three rifled cannon has been made from England to Charleston. Such an addition to their battery would make our position much less secure that I have considered it; and if we are to have a collision, which God forbid, would render it necessary to send on re-enforcements in a few days after the commencement of hostilities.
I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| February 9, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 39.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., February 9, 1861.
(Received A.G.O., February 12.)
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the South Carolina troops continued their work yesterday, and they are also at work to-day on Cummings Point. The bomb-proof battery appears nearly finished, and there are now three guns [apparently heavy ones] mounted, bearing upon us, in a barbette battery about three hundred yards eastward of the bomb-proof battery, with which it appears to be connected by a covered way. They are also making some additions to, or making some alterations in, the mortar battery at Fort Johnson.
I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| February 10, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Colonel Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 40.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., February 10, 1861.
(Received A.G.O., February 13.)
Colonel S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: I have the honor to report everything quiet last night. This morning [Sunday] I see a few men at work, apparently finishing the upper iron work on the lope of the bomb-proof battery. Three large cannon are visible this morning in the huge embrasures of the battery referred to yesterday, near the bomb-proof battery. We are preparing a few mines in front of and to the right and left of the entrance of our work. I would thank the honorable Secretary to give me instructions in reference to vessels bearing the flags of foreign governments in the event of the commencement of hostilities. I presume that no vessel should pass the fort.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| February 11, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Colonel Samuel Cooper
|
Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 42.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., February 12, 1861.
Colonel S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U.S. Army:
COLONEL: I have the honor to say that everything around us appears quiet. They are now relieving the companies on Morris Island-the troops leaving would, we think, muster about 175. A steamboat is now landing ammunition and other stores at Cummings Point.
I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
|
|
|
| February 13, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Colonel Samuel Cooper
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 43.] FORT SUMTER, S.C., February 13, 1861.
(Received A.G.O., February 16.)
Colonel S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U.S. Army:
COLONEL: I have the honor to report that nothing unusual has occurred, excepting that one of the South Carolina guard-boats came too near to our walls last night, as noticed in my letter to the Hond. D. F. Jamison, a copy of which is herewith inclosed. Knowing that the Department would be interested in them, I shall send herewith three sketches, drawn by Captain Seymour, of this command, of Fort Johnson, Morris Island, and Fort Moultrie.[1] These sketches represent very prettily and accurately the batteries within our view, and other prominent objects in their vicinity, as seen through a spy-glass from our fort.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
[Inclosure.]
| February 13, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Governor Francis Pickens
|
Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
HEADQUARTERS, FORT SUMTER, S.C.,
February 13, 1861.
His Excellency F.W. PICKENS,
Governor of South Carolina:
SIR: Knowing that your desire to prevent, and your determination, as far as in your power, to guard against the recurrence of anything calculated to add to the excitement which already unfortunately exists, I deem it my duty to report that the guard-boats, and occasionally small row-boats from Morris Island, have recently violated your orders by coming too near our walls. Yesterday morning one of the steamers- the General Clinch, I think-passed very near, and last night the guard-boats came nearer than was proper, twice-once about midnight, and again at 3.30 a.m.-when a steamer, although warned off by the sentinel, continued to approach, head on, until he fired his musket over her, when she altered her course. The gun-battery guard, I am happy to say, did not deem it necessary to fire.
Assuring you that every exertion will be made by me to guard against any wrong act on the part of my command, and hoping that these boats will henceforth be more particular in obeying your instructions,
I am, sir, with sentiments of the highest regard, &c.,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, U.S. Army, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
|
- ↑ Here omitted. To appear in Atlas.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| February 13, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Governor Francis Pickens
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
HEADQUARTERS, FORT SUMTER, S.C.,
February 13, 1861.
His Excellency F.W. PICKENS,
Governor of South Carolina:
SIR: Knowing that your desire to prevent, and your determination, as far as in your power, to guard against the recurrence of anything calculated to add to the excitement which already unfortunately exists, I deem it my duty to report that the guard-boats, and occasionally small row-boats from Morris Island, have recently violated your orders by coming too near our walls. Yesterday morning one of the steamers- the General Clinch, I think-passed very near, and last night the guard-boats came nearer than was proper, twice-once about midnight, and again at 3.30 a.m.-when a steamer, although warned off by the sentinel, continued to approach, head on, until he fired his musket over her, when she altered her course. The gun-battery guard, I am happy to say, did not deem it necessary to fire.
Assuring you that every exertion will be made by me to guard against any wrong act on the part of my command, and hoping that these boats will henceforth be more particular in obeying your instructions,
I am, sir, with sentiments of the highest regard, &c.,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, U.S. Army, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
|
|
|
| February 15, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 45.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., February 15, 1861.
Colonel S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: I find that the adjutant made a mistake yesterday in not sending the sketch mentioned in my letter. He thinks that there was something in the envelope when he put the letter in which he supposed was the sketch. I have add another sketch to-day exhibiting the direction of and giving the distances from the walls of our work to the surrounding batteries, &c. I send also a copy of the reply of the Hon. D. F. Jamison to my communication in reference to the guard-boats. Like every other letter I have had from him, it is courteous and straightforward. I have the honor to report that for the last twenty-four hours nothing unusual has been noticed as having occurred around us. Yesterday afternoon there was loud and long-continued cheering at Cummings Point, but on what account we know not.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
[Inclosures.]
| Distances of Batteries to Fort Sumter
|
|
| February 14, 1861 - President David Jamison to Major Robert Anderson
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, DEPARTMENT OF WAR,
Charleston, S.C., February 14, 1861.
Major ROBERT ANDERSON:
SIR: Renewed instructions have been given to the officers commanding the night boats to keep at a proper distance from Fort Sumter, so as to prevent any collision between our people and your troops, and I hope you will have no further cause of complaint on the subject. I have instructed Lieutenant-Colonel Hatch, quartermaster-general, to send over to Fort Sumter the bundle and package mentioned in the note of Dr. Crawford.
I am, sir, respectfully yours,
D.F. JAMISON.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| February 14, 1861 - President David Jamison to Major Robert Anderson
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, DEPARTMENT OF WAR,
Charleston, S.C., February 14, 1861.
Major ROBERT ANDERSON:
SIR: Renewed instructions have been given to the officers commanding the night boats to keep at a proper distance from Fort Sumter, so as to prevent any collision between our people and your troops, and I hope you will have no further cause of complaint on the subject. I have instructed Lieutenant-Colonel Hatch, quartermaster-general, to send over to Fort Sumter the bundle and package mentioned in the note of Dr. Crawford.
I am, sir, respectfully yours,
D.F. JAMISON.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| February 17, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 47.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., February 17, 1861.
(Received A.G.O., February 21.)
Colonel S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: I have the honor to send herewith No. 44 [14th instant], which was accidentally omitted when the mail was made up on the 14th instant. I shall hereafter give my personal attention to the mailing of my letters for your office.
We could not see any work prosecuted yesterday except that by small gangs of negroes, who were shoveling sand at the western end of the bomb-proof battery on Cummings Point.
I saw in the Charleston papers of yesterday a call by the chief engineer for laborers to be engaged at work on the harbor defenses.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| February 17, 1861 - Captain John Foster to General Joseph Totten
|
Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
FORT SUMTER, S.C., February 17, 1861.
General JOS. G. TOTTEN,
Chief Engineer U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.:
GENERAL: Everything is quiet, and there are no evidences of the presence of many troops around us, nor of military preparation. the assumption of all questions relating to forts, arsenals, &c., by the Congress of the Southern Confederacy appears to have placed a sudden check upon the military enterprise of the South Carolinians. The only operation performed yesterday was the firing of three shots from the iron bomb-proof battery on Cummings Point, apparently for the purpose of trying the embrasure shutters. These shutters appear to be of iron, and are arranged like a trap-door, with a hinge at the upper edge, so that two men can open it-having, probably, a counterpoise in the interior.
I think these batteries can be destroyed by our fire by concentrating it upon one embrasure at a time, and aiming at the embrasure itself.
I cannot yet determine what is being done at Fort Moultrie. In addition to the sand bags, which raises the sole of the exterior about two feet, the whole embrasure is filled with a large bag of wool or cotton.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J.G. FOSTER,
Captain of Engineers.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
|
|
|
| February 19, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant General Samuel Cooper
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 49.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., February 19, 1861.
Colonel S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the South Carolinians are still at work near the bomb-proof battery on Cummings Point. I am not certain as to their intentions. The accompanying sketch, just taken by Captain Seymour, shows the appearance of their work as we see it from our walls.[1]
We are daily adding to our defensive arrangements. I have had the parapet cut down in front of one of the 24-pounders on the gorge, which, by a slight alteration of the carriage, &c., enables me to get a depression of 18 1/2, thus commanding, with a charge of canister, the greater portion of the wharf and the right basin. I am also having some of the flagging removed at the base of the wall in various places, thus obstructing their movements in the event of their effecting a landing at the base of our work.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
P.S. - Since the above letter was written, the inclosed copy was handed me of the proceedings of the council of administration on the application of the Rev. Mr. Meues, of Bath, Me., for the chaplaincy of this post. Although very desirous of having the privilege of having a chaplain here, I cannot but think that in the present condition of affairs, and this, too, not having been designated as a chaplaincy post, it would not be expedient to have one now sent us. I appreciate very highly the motives which appear to have governed the reverend gentleman in making his application, and regret that it has not been deemed proper to ask that his request should be granted.
Respectfully,
R.A.
- ↑ Here omitted. To appear in Atlas.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| February 20, 1861 - Lieutenant General Winfield Scott to Lieutenant Colonel Henry Scott
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
Washington, D.C., February 20, 1861.
Lieutenant Colonel HENRY L. SCOTT, A.D.C., &c., New York:
See Captain Ward, commanding the North Carolina, receiving ship, and ask him to get his squadron ready as soon as he can, and let you know how many recruits he will want in addition to his marines; learn, also, what subsistence stores he will want, including a good quantity of desiccated vegetables; also coals, &c. See that he is supplied with everything for Anderson. I shall write to-morrow. No time now. Afraid of the wires.
WINFIELD SCOTT.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| February 20, 1861 - Captain John Foster to General Joseph Totten
|
Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
FORT SUMTER, S.C., February 20, 1861.
General JOS. G. TOTTEN,
Chief Engineer U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.:
GENERAL: Not having yet been able to obtain my papers from the office in the city, although I have made arrangements by which I shall soon get them, I thought it best to send off at once the monthly papers, and then to make out and send the cash statements and quarterly returns as soon as I obtain my vouchers from town. I therefore inclose to-day the following, viz:
Report of operations for Fort Sumter for December, 1860.
Report of operations for preservation of site of Fort Moultrie for December, 1860.
Report of operations for Castle Pinckney for December, 1860.
* * * * *
The operations of the South Carolinians around us are principally confined to their line of works on Cummings Point, westward towards the extreme point of the land. The negroes that were brought down day before yesterday are still at work upon the embankment of the parapet of this extension. It is probably their intention to form either a mortar battery or another breaching battery. The work, however, does not advance very rapidly. This is partly due to the weather, which, with the exception of some few pleasant days, has been excessively unfavorable to field operations, almost from the very day we came from Fort Moultrie. In addition, it strikes me that there is no great vigor exhibited in hurrying forward the work at present.
The arrangement that I spoke of above for getting my vouchers and the records of the office is this: General Jamison, Secretary of War of South Carolina, in reply to a request from me either to allow my former clerk to collect and send down my papers, &c., or to permit my present clerk to go town for this purpose, has informed me that he has directed my former clerk [now Lieutenant Jos. J. Legare, South Carolina Engineer Corps] to collect and send to me all the property in my office in town, belonging to me or the Government of the United States, that I might want. I have accordingly written to send all the vouchers, papers, records, and maps.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J.G. FOSTER,
Captain of Engineers.
[Inclosures.]
| January 1, 1861 - Extract from Report of Operations
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
JANUARY 1, 1861.
Extract from report of operations at Fort Sumter, S.C., for the month of December, 1860.
* * * * *
The operations of the month were steadily increased from the 1st to the 26th. The casemate arches were completed; the bluestone flagging of the first tier inside of the outer traverse circles was laid on the two faces and a part of the right flank; all of the traverse stones of the first tier were reset; the granite flagging of the second tier on the right face was laid; the construction of the embrasures of the second tier was commenced, and the finishing of the east barrack was also commenced.
On the night of the 26th Major Anderson transferred his command from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter, and assumed command of the fort. The Engineer force broke up on the morning of the 28th, and the majority of the men left the fort. The regular work was then stopped, and all the remaining force was at once put at work mounting guns, under charge of Lieutenant Snyder, and otherwise preparing to meet and repulse any attack that the forces of the State might make upon us.
The few remaining days of the month were thus employed. A considerable quantity of material remaining on hand was of great value in making the preparations, and everything was freely used for this purpose.
J.G. FOSTER,
Captain, Engineers.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
| January 1, 1861 - Extract from Report of Operations
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
FORT SUMTER, S.C., January 1, 1861.
Extract from report of operations at preservation of the site of Fort Moultrie, for the month of December, 1860.
* * * * *
The operations of the month were brought to a sudden close by the evacuation of the fort by Major Anderson's command, on the night of the 26th of December, and its occupation by the troops of South Carolina on the following evening. My letters previous to that time gave so full an account of the work being done that it is unnecessary to repeat it here, especially as the report is delayed much beyond the usual time.
Respectfully submitted.
J.G. FOSTER,
Captain of Engineers.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
|
|
|
| February 21, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 51.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., February 21, 1861.
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: I have the honor to report that they are still busily occupied extending the work at Cummings Point, and also the glaces at Fort Moultrie. We are placing the heavy pieces of wrought iron, intended for the second tier of embrasures, in the outer recesses of the windows of the second-story gorge front. They will act as good fenders there.
I am, colonel, very respectfully your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| February 22, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 52.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., February 22, 1861.
Colonel S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: I have the honor to report that they are forming three embrasures in the work near the bomb-proof battery. We are, as I write [12 m.], firing a national salute from our battery in honor of the day.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| February 23, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 53.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., February 23, 1861.
(Received A.G.O., February 26.)
Colonel S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: I have the honor to end herewith some slips from the Charleston Mercury of yesterday. That paper publishes everything that is calculated to bring on a collision. I do not consider the rumor worthy of the least attention, but it accounts for the increased vigor exhibited last night, and continued to-day, in pushing forward their works on Cummings Point and at Fort Moultrie. They were working at the former place until midnight last night, and a large force is busy there now on the parapet [in which openings are formed apparently for four embrasures], and in hauling up timbers from a raft. A large shed has been put up, which may be intended for a bomb-proof storehouse or a magazine. At Fort Moultrie the glaces is being rapidly extended, and it is high enough to cover their wall, as if they expected me to attempt breaching it. They are also at work this morning on the gun battery at Fort Johnson.
I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
[Inclosure.]
FEDERAL RE-ENFORCEMENTS AT HAND.
The special dispatches of the Mercury announcing that a stealthy re-enforcement of Fort Sumter had been determined on, and that Federal troops, in boats, night be expected at any moment that circumstances should happen to favor their attempt to reach the fort, were confirmed about 9 o'clock last night by telegrams received by the governor. Shortly afterwards dispatches came up from Fort Moultrie, stating that the lieutenant in charge of the harbor watch had reported that he was informed by a pilot that the steamship Daniel Webster had been seen by him off Cape Romain at noon. Notice as immediately given to the different posts. General Dunovant and Captain Hamilton proceeded immediately to Fort Moultrie; Major Stevens repaired to the Morris Island batteries. Everything was got in readiness for the expected visitors.
Up to the hour at which we go to press [half past 4 o'clock] there has been nothing seen either of the Daniel Webster or her boats. We are very sure that the gallant troops on Morris and Sullivan's Islands will keep a bright lookout for both.
SECOND DISPATCH.
WASHINGTON, February 21-6 p.m.
There is the best of reason for believing that Holt designs re-enforcing secretly, by boats, at night. The re-enforcements have already been sent. You may look out for them at any moment. The programme is also to surround Fort Pickens with ships of war. That post is considered impregnable to the Southern forces. The whole anxiety of Scott and the coercionists centers now in Fort Sumter. There the Cabinet has determined that Lincoln shall find everything ready to his hand.
FORT SUMTER. - The Washington correspondents of Northern papers are continually disposing of this formidable post in divers ways. The last bulletin which we notice "settles the fact" in this summary style:
"I have just read a private letter from a citizen of South Carolina, formerly in Congress from that State, which states that Fort Sumter will be taken, at whatever cost of life, on or before the 4th of March next. The writer is himself to take part in the enterprise, and as he is also perfectly well informed in regard to the intentions of the State authoritities, it may be considered that this information settles the fact, if there is any doubt of it, that the fort is to be taken, and without reference to what the Montgomery government may advise or order on the subject."
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
|
|
|
| February 24, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 54.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., February 24, 1861.
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: I have the honor to report that operations mentioned in No. 53 were continued through the day. Early this morning a few negroes were seen shoveling sand at the new battery on Cummings Point, but, perhaps, in respect for the day, the work appearers to be now suspended.
I feel that I have omitted too long placing officially on record the expression of my acknowledgments and thanks for the kindness shown by Asst. Surg. S. W. Crawford, Medical Department, and Lieutenants Snyder and Meade, U. S. Engineer Corps, in volunteering to relieve the company officers of this post by taking their turns as officers of the day.
Dr. Crawford commenced taking his tour as officer of the day regularly soon after we came over here, and Lieutenants Snyder and Meade offered their services as soon as they felt themselves at liberty to do so. I am under many obligations to these gentlemen for their having thus come forward to the relief of their brother officers, on whom the duties of the post were pressing very heavily.
I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| February 24, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 55.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., February 25, 1861.
(Received A.G.O., February 25.)
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General U.S. Army:
COLONEL: I have the honor to report that yesterday, after midday, large parties were at work at Cummings Point on a new battery and on the covered way leading from the bomb-proof battery to the first battery to the eastward of it, and also on the gun battery at Fort Johnson. They are placing muck on the mortar battery at Fort Johnson. This morning a large force is engaged on the covered way on Cummings Point, and smaller parties on the new battery this side of the bomb-proof battery, and extending the glaces at Fort Moultrie. I am having some of my guns moved from the right to the left face of this fort, where they will be equally effective for the purpose I wish them, and will be safe from the fire of the Morris Island battery constructed to take them in the flank.
I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| February 26, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 56.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., February 26, 1861.
Colonel S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U.S. Army:
COLONEL: I have the honor to report that they appear to be strengthening the covered way on Cummings Point, and that they are this morning fitting in the timber frame for the third embrasure of the battery at the end of the point nearest to us. They are still at work on the glaces at Fort Moultrie, and appear to have extended wings back from the mortar battery near Fort Johnson.
I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, U.S. Army, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
|
|
| February 28, 1861 - Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper to Major Robert Anderson
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Washington, February 28, 1861.
Major R. ANDERSON,
First Artillery, Commanding Fort Sumter, Charleston, S.C.:
SIR: I acknowledge the receipt of your several communications, including No. 55, of the 25th instant. The Secretary of War directs me to send you the inclosed slip, and to say that the Peace Convention yesterday agreed upon the basis of a settlement of our political difficulties, which was reported to Congress. The Secretary entertains the hope that nothing will occur now of a hostile character.
I am, sir, &c.,
S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General.
[Inclosure.]
The Commissioners from the Southern Confederacy are expected to arrive here before the close of this week. They are accredited to the incoming administration, and pending the efforts to negotiate, nothing will be done calculated to disturb the public peace.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
| March 1, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 59.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., March 1, 1861.
Colonel S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U.S. Army:
COLONEL: I have the honor to report that nothing unusual occurred to-day, except the arrival from the city of a steamboat, fully loaded with troops, at Sullivan's Island. The works around us are being carried on with the same activity as heretofore. Yesterday some guns were fired from a battery on Sullivan's Island to the eastward of the Moultrie House.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| March 5, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 63.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., March 5, 1861.
Colonel S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: I have the honor to report that parties are working to-day on the mortar battery at Fort Johnson, which they are making higher and stronger, and on the Morris Island batteries, numbered on Captain Seymour's sketch Nos.1,9, and 10. They are filling the embrasures in this last battery, in which we see that one gun has been placed. They are also at work on the covered way connecting Nos.9 and 7.[1]
I presume, from the movements around us yesterday, that Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard assumed command and made an inspection of the forts, &c., in this harbor, which are garrisoned by the South Carolina troops.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
- ↑ Here omitted. To appear in Atlas.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| March 6, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 64.] FORT SUMTER, March 6, 1861.
(Received A.G.O., March 9.)
Colonel S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U.S. Army:
COLONEL: I have the honor to report that a very large re-enforcement was landed last night at Cummings Point and bivouacs near No. 10. This morning it was marched out of sight, around the points of the island. Yesterday the three other guns were mounted in No. 10, thus completing its armament of four heavy pieces. They continued working yesterday at the places mentioned in my report, and are still so occupied to-day. A partly has also been at work this morning on the Fort Moultrie glaces. Everything indicates activity and determination.
I had the honor to present in No. 58[1] my opinion of the strength of the army which will be necessary to force an entrance into the harbor. The presence here, as commander, of General Beauregard, recently of the U. S. Engineers, insures, I think, in a great measure the exercise of skill and sound judgment in all operations of the South Carolinians in this harbor. God grant that our country may be saved from the horrors of a fratricidal war!
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
- ↑ No. 58, and several other of Anderson's letters, not found.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| March 9, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 67.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., March 9, 1861.
(Received A.G.O., March 12.)
Colonel S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U.S. Army:
COLONEL: I have the honor to report that we can see the South Carolinians engaged this morning strengthening and extending considerably what we supposed to have been intended for a mortar battery at Fort Johnson. Small parties are also working at Nos.9 and 10, and a very heavy force at the bend of the island, this side of No. 1. Whether they are constructing another battery there, or strengthening one that is already there, I cannot tell. One of my officers reports that he has counted nine 24-pounders which have been landed at Cummings Point within a week. Yesterday he saw several shot or shells, which appeared to be about eight inches in diameter. They are certainly busy strengthening the batteries already constructed, and probably adding others.
It appears to me that vessels will even now, from the time they cross the bar, be under fire from the batteries on Morris Island until they get under the walls of this work. I do not speak of the batteries which have been constructed on Sullivan's Island, as I am not certain of their positions. Fort Moultrie will, of course, be a very formidable enemy.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| March 10, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 68.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., March 10, 1861.
Colonel S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U.S. Army:
COLONEL: I have the honor to report that we see only two parties, both quite large ones, at work to-day-one at the new battery, mentioned yesterday, near Fort Johnson, and the other on Morris Island, at the bend of the island, near No. 1. My command. thank God, is quite well, and in fine spirits.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| March 11, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 69.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., March 11, 1861.
Colonel S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U.S. Army:
COLONEL: I have the honor to report that, perhaps in consequence of the prevalence of a high and cold wind, very little work appears to be going on around us. A few persons have been at work at the new battery near Fort Johnson, at Fort Moultrie, and also at the battery which fired on the Star of the West.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| March 12, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 70.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., March 12, 1861.
Colonel S. COOPER, Adjutant-General U.S. Army:
COLONEL: I have the pleasure of reporting that Lieutenant Snyder has succeeded in raising another 10-inch columbiad, which I shall place in barbette on the left flank, upon the 8-inch columbiad platform nearest to the gorge. We do not see that they are at work this morning, except a small party, which is getting up some heavy timbers at the Cummings Point wharf.
The weather is delightful now, but a few of the men are suffering from colds.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| March 13, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
No. 71.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C., March 13, 1861.
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General U.S. Army:
COLONEL: I have the honor to report that we see only a small party engaged this morning raising the parapet of the work usually alluded to as the mortar battery, near Fort Johnson. Yesterday afternoon about a hundred blank cartridges were fired from Fort Moultrie, on what occasion we know not. This firing showed us that all the guns are in position on that work. Our sick-list is slightly on the increase; five are reported sick this morning.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| March 17, 1861 - Captain John Foster to General Joseph Totten
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
FORT SUMTER, S.C., March 17, 1861.
General JOS. G. TOTTEN,
Chief Engineer, U.S. Army, Washington, D C.:
GENERAL: The unusual activity observed and reported yesterday morning in the surrounding batteries was due to preparations for receiving some distinguished person who visited them in the afternoon.
It is opposed that this was Vice-President Stephens, of the so-called Southern Confederacy. Three rounds were fired from all the batteries on Morris Island, except Numbers 1, apparently as much for practice as for saluting, for most of the guns not pointed in this direction were shotted. This firing enabled me to detect the positions and approximate calibers of the guns in these batteries.
The marginal sketch represents this roughly:
No. 1. Battery of sand and palmetto logs, four 24-pounders.
No. 2. Iron-clad battery, three guns, 42-pounders or 8-inch columbiads.
No. 3. Battery of sand and palmetto logs, three guns, 24-pounders or 32-pounders.
No. 4. Battery of sand and palmetto logs, with one 8-inch columbiad or 8-inch sea-coast howitzer.
No. 5. Star of the West Battery, five guns, 24-pounders or 32- pounders.
a is a large magazine; b, c, d, are defenses of the character of redoubts on top of three sand hills.
There were two guns at each round fired from the light-house battery.
Three or four more guns were landed yesterday with barbette carriages, and most of them (in fact, all that are removed from the landing which is in front of battery Numbers 1, where there is deep water close in shore) were carried around upon the channel side. One, at least, was placed in battery Numbers 4, making four guns in that battery at present.
These guns with barbette carriages came from Castle Pinckney, nearly the whole of the upper tier of which is being removed for this purpose. None of the guns from Fort Moultrie bearing upon this fort or the channel have been removed. No work is being done ont eh batteries looking towards us. All preparations are directed to strengthening the channel batteries very much, and to covering the present batteries in the rear, which was before open.
No work of any magnitude is being done on Cummings Point to-day (Sunday). On James Island the work on the covered way connecting the flank of the line of entrenchments and the mortar battery is being continued.
The weather is pleasant, although there are indications of a storm brewing.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J.G. FOSTER,
Captain of Engineers.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
|
|
|
| March 18, 1861 - Captain John Foster to General Joseph Totten
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
FORT SUMTER, S.C., March 18, 1861.
General J.G. TOTTEN,
Chief Engineer U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.:
GENERAL: Being Monday morning, the working parties have not at this time been brought down from town, consequently very little appears to be doing on Morris Island. During yesterday and last night some more guns and barbette carriages were landed on Cummings Point, the exact number of which I could not ascertain. Seven barbette-top carriages are now lying on the beach. These, as I have reported, have been removed from Castle Pinckney, and the city papers state that twenty had been ordered to be thus removed by General Beauregard.
A small party of laborers is still at work on the covered way connecting the mortar battery on James Island with the left flank of the line of entrenchments in rear of Fort Johnson.
The weather is misty, with indications of a storm.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J.G. FOSTER,
Captain, Engineers.
P.S. - The channel buoy, about half a mile east of this fort (shown on Cost Survey map), was removed last night.
J.G. FOSTER,
Captain, Engineers.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
| Template:AOR(1)Ch1No29/213
|
|
(US 2Lt) Norman Hall
| To Cooper:
|
From Cooper:
|
| January 12, 1861 - 2nd Lieutenant Norman Hall to Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
CHARLESTON, S.C., January 12, 1861.
Colonel S. COOPER, U.S. Army:
Colonel Hayne, of South Carolina, is bearer of dispatches from the governor of his State. I accompany him from Major Anderson. We start on the two o'clock train this afternoon.
NORMAN J. HALL.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
|
(SC Capt) William Butler
- At the outbreak of the war, William Butler was a Captain in the Provisional South Carolina Army
| To Cooper:
|
From Cooper:
|
| April 16, 1861 - Captain William Butler to Brigadier General Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Report of Captain William Butler, commanding mortar battery No. 2, Sullivan's Island
MORTAR BATTERY, No. 2,
SULLIVAN'S ISLAND,
April 16, 1861.
SIR: I have the honor to submit my report upon the service of the mortars under my charge during the bombardment of Fort Sumter on the 12th and 13th instant.
On the night of the 11th the gunners were detailed and at their posts, the mortar pointed, and the battery prepared for immediate action. The following morning the signal for hostilities to commence being announced both from Forts Johnson and Moultrie, we opened fire from this battery upon Fort Sumter. The prescribed intervals for firing were observed, until varied by verbal orders from the lieutenant-colonel commanding, directing me to shorten them, when an increased rate of firing was commenced and continued until dark.
During the night the rate of firing was reduced to one shell in two to three hours, but was again renewed the next morning at the increased rate of the day before, and continued until about noon, when the signal for surrender was observed and the firing ceased.
The channel battery, though not called into use, was kept manned and ready for action. The fire of the enemy, which was not at any time concentrated in this direction, was apparently pointed for the channel, battery, and did no damage except to some of the adjacent houses, the shot generally passing over us.
The officers under my command, Lieutenants Huguenin, Mowry, Blocker, Billings, and Rice, rendered efficient assistance, performing the duties assigned them with zeal and coolness. The men manned the batteries both night and an with alacrity and cheerfulness. I inclose a summary of the firing.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. BUTLER,
Captain, South Carolina Infantry.
ADJUTANT,
Fort Moultrie.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
|
|
|
(US Maj) Theophilus Holmes
- At the outbreak of the war, Theophilus Holmes was a Major in the 8th United States Regular Infantry
| To Cooper:
|
From Cooper:
|
|
|
| February 1, 1861 - Adjutant-General Samuel Cooper to Major Theophilus Holmes
|
Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Washington, D.C., February 1, 1861.
Major T.H. HOLMES,
Eighth Infantry, Commanding Fort Columbus,
Governor's Island, N.Y.:
SIR: About twenty women and children from Major Anderson's command at Fort Sumter are on their way to New York, and application will probably be made to receive them at Fort Columbus. Should this be the case you will please make them as comfortable as circumstances will permit, and give rations to such as are properly laundresses of companies. If better quarters can be thus secured to them they can be sent to Fort Wood.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE)
|
|
(US AAG) Fitz John Porter
- At the outbreak of the war, Fitz John Porter was an Assistant Adjutant General of the United States Army
| To Cooper:
|
From Cooper:
|
| November 11, 1860 - Asst. Adj. Gen. Fitz John Porter to Adj. Gen. Samuel Cooper
|
 Click for full-sized scanned image  Click for full-sized scanned image Click for full-sized scanned image Union Correspondence, etc.
WASHINGTON, D.C.,
November 11, 1860.
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General, Washington City:
SIR: In compliance with instructions from the Secretary of War of the 6th instant, I inspected the fortifications and troops in Charleston Harbor, and have now the honor to report as follows:
FORT MOULTRIE.
This post is garrisoned by Companies E and H, First Artillery, and the regimental band is quartered there.
State of the command.
Field and staff.-Bvt. Colonel John L. Gardner, lieutenant-colonel First Artillery, commanding; Asst. Surg. Samuel W. Crawford, medical department.
Company officers.-Captain Miner Knowlon, Company H, absent sick since August 1, 1850; Captain Abner Doubleday, commanding Company E; Bvt. Captain Truman Seymour, first lieutenant, commanding Company H; First Lieutenant Otis H. Tillinghast, regimental quartermaster, and acting adjutant at regimental headquarters, absent since May 29, 1860; First Lieutenant Theodore Talbot, Company H; First Lieutenant Jefferson C. Davis, Company E; Second Lieutenant Samuel Breck, Company E, on duty at the Military Academy since September 13, 1860; Second Lieutenant Norman J. Hall, Company H, acting assistant quartermaster and acting assistant commissary of subsistence since September 1, 1860, and post adjutant.
Enlisted men.-Band and staff, 9 musicians, 1 hospital steward, 1 ordnance sergeant absent.
Companies E and H, for duty, 36; on extra or daily duty, 12; sick, 4; in arrest or confinement, 11; absent in confinement, 2. Total, 64. Present at inspection, 30; artillery drill, 21; infantry drill, 23; comprising all who, in the opinion of the commanding officer, could with propriety and safety be taken from other duties.
The officers-Lieutenant Talbot in delicate health excepted-are in good health, and capable of enduring the fatigues incident to any duty that may be demanded of them. They are sober, intelligent, and active, and appear acquainted with their general duties, perform them with some exceptions punctually and promptly, and all are anxious to give the commanding officer the aid to which he is entitled.
The non-commissioned officers and privates appear intelligent and obedient, but not move with an alacrity and spirit indicating the existence of a strict discipline.
* * * *
A portion of the work, interior and exterior, is necessarily encumbered by material being used in repairing parapets, beds for guns, and arranging for the defense of the fort. In other respects the police of the post is good.
* * * *
The hospital storehouses are outside the forts. All are old frame buildings, highly inflammable, and not secured by the presence or watchful eye of a sentinel from the acts of evil-disposed persons. An incendiary could in a few minutes destroy all the supplies and workshops of the command.
Lieutenant hall states that he has some difficulty in procuring suitable four and pork in Charleston, sometimes having to return the former, while the latter cannot at times be purchased. He has about two months' supply of provisions for the present command.
* * * *
The ungraded state of the fort invites attack, if such design exists, and much discretion and prudence are required on the part of the commander to restore the proper security without exciting a community prompt to misconstrue actions of authority. I think this can be effected by a proper commander, without checking in the slightest the progress of the engineers in completing the works of defense. Any interference with that labor would probably rouse suspicions and crate excitement. All could have been easily arranged several weeks since, when the danger was foreseen by the present commander. Now much delicacy must be practiced. The garrison is weak, and I recommend that a favorable opportunity be taken to fill up the companies with the best-drilled recruits available.
* * * *
The following events, which transpired the day I arrived at Fort Moultrie, I deem proper to report here, as I have orally heretofore, as they relate to an act of unusual importance, tending to indicate the inflammable and impulsive state of the public mind in Charleston-to a great extend characteristic of the feeling manifested throughout the State-and necessity for prudence and judgment on the part of the commanding officer in all transactions which may bear upon the relations of the Federal Government to the State of South Carolina, and of the Army to our citizens. I regard it especially important to refer to them, as Colonel Gardner informed me he should make no report.
The military storekeeper has at the arsenal in the city a large number of arms and quantity of ammunition, which, fearing it might fall into improper hands, he desired to secure to the United States, and under counsel from Colonel Gardner he packed them up and held in readiness to be shipped to Fort Moultrie whenever Colonel Gardner should send for them. Availing himself of an approved requisition for paints, lacquers, 7c., needed at the post, he sent Captain Saymour to the city for the supply and other articles that the military storekeeper might wish to have stored at the post, and thus secured in case of negro insurrections. The owner of the wharf refused permission to ship them. A crowd collected, and suspecting an attempt on the part of the Government ot smuggle (it being late in the evening, or after dark) arms, ammunition, &c., from the city, to be used against it, or to prevent their use by citizens in case of disturbances, would not permit the property to be carried away.
FORT SUMTER.
Fort Sumter is not completed, and is now occupied by the Engineers, under the direction of Lieutenant Snyder (Captain Foster being absent), who has employed upon it some hundred and ten men. A portion of the armament is mounted, but for its defense a few regular soldiers, to overawe the workmen and to control them, only would be necessary at present. The lower embrasures are closed, and if the main gate be secured a storming-party would require ladders twenty feet in length to gain admission. No arms are here, and I doubt if they would be serviceable in the hands of workmen, who would take the side of the stronger force present. Unless it should become necessary I think it advisable not to occupy this work so long as the mass of engineer workmen are engaged in it. The completion of those parts essential for the accommodation of a company might be hastened. The magazine contains thirty-nine thousand four hundred pounds of powder. The number of guns on hand is seventy-eight, consisting of 8 and 10 inch columbiads, 8-inch sea-coast howitzers, 42-pounder guns, and 32 and 24-pounders, with carriages, shot, shell, implements, &c.
CASTLE PINCKNEY.
Castle Pinckney commands Charleston, and its armament is complete. Here the powder belonging to the arsenal in the city is stored. A company can be accommodated here, while a small force under an officer would secure it against surprise or even a bold attack of such enemies likely to undertake it. It is under the charge of an ordnance sergeant, who keeps everything in as good order as possible. The quarters and magazine require repairs. Under present circumstances I would not recommend its occupation.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F.J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click
|
|
|
(CS BG) G.T. Beauregard
- At the outbreak of the war, G.T. Beauregard was a Brigadier General commanding the Provisional Confederate States Army
|
